“What was the problem?”
“Still not sure. But that plumbing has always been bad. Mom is talking about redoing everything, even though the clients will be pissed. But the problem is only getting worse, and at some point, it’s going to have to happen anyway.”
“Yeah.” He took a drink of his beer and kept watching the TV.
“Where’s the wife?”
“Lizzie had soccer practice. Emerson’s picking up the boys afterward.”
“Good. I want to see those rascals.”
A moment later, the front door flew open. “Dad! Dad, it came! Oh my god, I’m gonna pass out.” Lizzie sprinted to my brother, still in her soccer shorts and t-shirt, her hair in a messy ponytail, with dirt on her face because she must have slipped in the mud on the field.
Derek set down his beer and stood up. “What came, Liz?”
She held up the envelope in his face. “Harvard. It’s freaking Harvard.”
Derek turned off the TV because this was more important than the game. “I already know what it says.”
Lizzie pressed it into her face and tilted her head back. “Oh god, I can’t look at it…”
“Lizzie, a little help.” Emerson emerged in the doorway, holding Little Deacon by the hand while Cam was in her arms. She had a bag over her shoulder with baby supplies, and she did all of this in heels.
I jumped off the couch and got to her before Derek could. “Hey, kid.” I took Cam from her arms and held him against me. “Wow, you’re bigger every time I see you. You’re looking good.”
He made a giggle before he said, “Hi.”
“Hi.” I held him with one arm and saw my brother’s distinct features in his face. “Damn, you’re one cute kid, you know that?”
“Language,” Emerson warned.
“Whoops,” I said quickly. “Sorry. But come on, look at this kid.”
Cam giggled again.
Derek bent down and picked up Little Deacon then lifted him over his head, playing with him and making him giggle.
Now that Emerson had her hands free, she set the baby bag on the table.
“Uh, guys!” Lizzie kept waving the envelope around. “My future is inside this envelope. This is a life-or-death situation.”
“Not life or death.” Derek brought Little Deacon into his arms and turned to her. “It doesn’t matter what that letter says because you’re destined for greatness whether Harvard sees it or not.”
“Exactly.” Emerson came to her side and wrapped her arm around her daughter’s shoulders. “Ready?”
Lizzie glanced at the envelope again before she lifted her gaze and looked at my brother. “I’m scared.”
“There’s nothing to be scared of,” Derek said. “You’ve applied to a lot of great colleges. If this doesn’t work out, there’s another. But I don’t think that envelope contains a rejection, Liz. I have complete confidence in you.”
“If it says no, will you be disappointed in me?” she asked quietly.
His eyes softened. “Never.” He moved to me and handed Little Deacon over.
I took the second kid and held them both. “Now I just need one more so I can juggle you guys.”
Derek went to Lizzie’s side and placed his hand on her shoulder. “Come on, open it.”
“I just…I’ve always wanted to go where you went to school,” she whispered.
“I know.” He gave her a squeeze. “Let’s find out.”
I stood in front of them and watched their special moment. I knew I was family, so I belonged there, but it was so intimate that I almost felt like I was intruding. “Okay, boys. We’re about to watch your sister get into Harvard.”
Lizzie stared at the envelope for another minute, sucking up the courage to rip into it and decide her fate. She finally turned the envelope over and slid her fingers under the flap to get it open. The letter was pulled out, the envelope fell to the ground, and she unfolded the paper to read. Her eyes shifted back and forth as she read the message.
I knew how important this was for Lizzie, so I hoped she got what she wanted. She was the most ambitious person in our family, and she wanted to soar to the same heights as my brother. She was obsessed with getting into Harvard, had been since right about when I’d met her.
When Derek smiled, I knew what it said.
“Oh my god…” Lizzie’s eyes started to water. “We’re happy to inform you that your application has been accepted by Harvard University…”
The look on Derek’s face was priceless. So much pride in his expression, so much joy in his eyes.
Emerson straight up cried.
Lizzie started jumping in place. “I did it! I’m in! I fucking got into Harvard—”
“Whoa,” I said. “My hands are full, and I can’t cover their ears.”
Emerson didn’t care about the f-bomb and wrapped her arms around her daughter for a hug. “Honey, I’m so proud of you.” She squeezed her tight, tears dripping down her cheeks. “I can’t believe my little girl is going to Harvard.”