Anna doesn't show up until after the third round of gift giving. And when she does, she's got a boyfriend on her arm. Or should I say Man-friend? The four year age difference didn't sound significant to me when Bob was grumbling early, and really, who am I to talk, but now that I see this . . . person, I can tell what the fuss is about.
He towers over her. And he's big. Like bodybuilder big. She's hanging on his arm looking at him like he makes the world turn. I don't like him. Not at all.
But Lulu and Kate are just happy to see Anna. They run to her and fling themselves at her. She bends down to scoop them into her arms, hugging and tickling. So much like our Anna that it seems like this will all work out after all.
She pulls him over to the front of the couch to introduce him.
"Brian, this is my Aunt Donna and Uncle Josh. Lulu and Jonah are their kids." She adds, pointing to Jonah who is being bounced on Jim's knee and Lulu who is still hugging Anna's leg.
"And this is my Uncle Finn and Aunt Julie. Marco and Kate are theirs."
"It's nice to meet you." Brian says smoothly. Then he bobs his head at Adian who vacates a chair for him. Brian sits down on it, pulling Anna onto his lap. She giggles softly.
I want to deck him. Donna grabs my hand and runs her fingers across the top of it. When I look at her she raises her eyebrows a bit and smiles at me, but her mouth is tight too. I don't think she's that impressed with this guy either, but she's right. We don't need to make it obvious.
For a while it seems like Anna or Brian get every other gift. The family had enough warning that he's been included even though they've only been dating a few months. I guess Donna even suspected that he'd be around because there's a small bottle of cologne from us.
The gift exchange takes the better part of the day. And it's almost five o'clock when Becky announces that it's the last gift. Marco's eyes are bright as he offers his grandparents a poorly wrapped box.
Jim and Lottie ooh and ahh appropriately as they pull out a wooden birdhouse on a chain.
"I made it myself!" Marco boasts.
"You did a great job, buddy!" Jim assures him.
"I can't wait to hang this on that shepherd's crook in the garden." Lottie exclaims.
Suddenly, Brian stands up, transferring Anna to the seat. "That wasn't really the last gift." He announces, pulling a small box out of his pocket and offering it to her.
There's an audible gasp from Bella. Bob's eyes narrow, and I realize that mine have as well. Then my brain registers that it's a long flat box, not a small cube. Thank god.
Anna tears the wrapping off and pulls out an envelope, which she quickly opens.
"A Ski Trip!" She screeches. "Ohmygod! Thank you! Thank you!" She jumps up and launches herself into his arms, wrapping her legs around him.
Everyone just kind of sits there in shock for a moment. Then Bob stands up.
"Can I see that, please?" He pulls the paper from Anna's hand and looks it over silently before handing it over to Bella.
"Are your parents going on this trip?" Bob asks Brian.
"Of course not!" Brain blurts out, as if the question was crazy.
"Don't you think it would have been a good idea to check with us first?" Bob responds. "I don't know how I feel about her flying away with you for a long weekend."
"She's an adult." Brian answers.
"She's 18. And she still lives under my roof." Bob counters, while Sean and Jim nod in agreement.
"Bob . . ." Bella starts, but he cuts her off with just a look.
I'm impressed. He usually lets Bella do the talking. But this is his baby girl.
"Oh my god, Dad! You've got to be kidding me." Anna wails. "Carly spends the night with Peter all the time and no one in this family bats an eye!"
"Carly isn't my daughter." Bob stresses.
"And they are supervised!" Sean pipes in.
"Come on kids, let's go get some cookies. Carly, can you help me please?" Julie suggests, gathering the littles up and herding them towards the dining room.
"You guys too." Donna announces pointing to Conor, Liam and Adian, who have been throwing looks at each other and obviously enjoying the show.
The three of them reluctantly stand and start to shuffle out. I'm torn on whether I should stay. I want to lend my solidarity to the Dads in the room, but it looks like Anna is about to cry, and I really don't want to stay for that.
When Finn follows the boys, I make my escape as well.
"Wow. Anna is in soooo much trouble!" Liam crows to Aidan. "Did you know your sister was–
"LIAM!" Julie interrupts harshly. "There are little ears!"
"Here, take these," Donna hands Conor a platter of treats, "downstairs. Go play video games or something. We'll let you know when dinner's ready."
The boys troop off, but Carly stands by the table with a forlorn look. I know she's always admired Anna. She's got to feel like she was just thrown under the bus. And she's probably a little worried that her Dad won't let her come home with us now. I know Peter will be devastated if that happens.
"It'll be okay." Donna reassures her, sensing the same thing as I am. "Why don't you grab some cookies and take the little ones into Grandpa's den and find a movie to watch?"
"I don't know what kind they want." Carly answers softly.
"Just take some. It doesn't really matter what kind."
"Here you go." Julie hands Carly a plate. "Marco, Kate, Lulu, go with Carly. She's going to help you find a movie to watch until dinner."
"Yay!" Marco yells running down the hall, with Kate and Lulu on his heels. Carly snaps into babysitter mode and follows them. She's a good kid.
"No more than 2 cookies each!" Donna yells after them.
A/N- Message me if you need a refresher course on Donna's family.