42

I was awake early on Tuesday morning working on Spanish homework. Pebbles was snoring on my bed, and the smell of frying bacon snuck its way up the stairs.

My phone vibrated with a string of texts from the family group chat.

Dad: Morning girls

Dad: I'm starting breakfast

Dad: Let Tyeshia and Tyler know

Dad: Come down when you four are ready

Sierra: Why are you up so early?

Sierra: Also what are you making?

Me: You're also up early, Sierra

Dad: Don't start

Dad: Bacon and eggs

Dad: If you aren't down here by the time I'm done, you have to fend for yourself

Me: Be down after I shower

After a quick shower, I ran into Tyler in the hallway.

"Good morning, darling," he said, pulling me into a hug and giving me a deep kiss.

"Morning," I said, resting my head against his chest. "My dad is going to make bacon and eggs if you want some."

He pressed a kiss to my forehead. "You go ahead. I'm going to shower and then I'll meet you downstairs."

I pulled away from him and pulled an NFSU hoodie over my head to fight the morning chill.

"I love…bacon and eggs," he said, smiling at me.

"I do, too." I knew what he meant. I knew what he felt. But, I wanted him to say it first. "I'll see you downstairs."

***

Tyeshia sat on the couch eating bacon. Sierra stood on the couch behind Tyeshia separating her hair, getting ready to box braid it.

"No boyfriend?" Sierra teased as I walked past her to get to the table.

"Sierra," Dad warned.

I rolled my eyes and started putting bacon and eggs on my plate.

After I made a cup of coffee, I stood next to my dad at the island eating, watching Sierra and Tyeshia. It always amazed me how perfect they were together. As if they were made for each other.

Tyler walked down the stairs and asked if he could help Sierra.

"Do you know how to braid?" She asked him.

"Yes. I have a sister."

"So? Lexi does, too, and you don't see her helping."

Tyler looked over to me, and I smiled at him. "It's different when it's your own sister. But, yes, Sierra, I do know how to braid."

He started helping, and my dad nudged me in the shoulder. "He fits right in with the girls."

"I know. I love him, Dad."

"I know you do. Does he?"

I shook my head. My dad didn't say anything but slightly turned to face me. I picked up a piece of bacon and began to slowly chew it.

"Lexi, you should tell him."

"What if he doesn't love me back?"

"Oh, my sweet girl. If he didn't love you, do you think he would…" He gestured toward Tyler, Sierra, and Tyeshia laughing together.

"I guess not," I admitted. Tyler caught my eye and winked at me.

"Go," Dad said. "Someone needs to get involved before they drive Tyler crazy and he tries to leave."

We both laughed. My dad headed upstairs, and I went to sit on the couch. I picked up I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings and started reading, just enjoying the sounds of three of the people I loved the most, keeping me company.