Page 101 of Scoring Chance

The six of us are seated around a table erupting in chaos. Lena is watching something annoying on her phone. Lulu keeps wanting to show me what she’s colored on the kids menu. Dean and Davy are flicking paper footballs across the table.

It’s madness, but it’s my madness. And in truth, it’s not so bad. I used to look at families like these and pity the parents. The loud noises, the stress. But I’ve learned that you get used to it. You can start to predict their needs and their tantrums. I know that Davy and Dean will calm down once their food comes, and Lulu just wants to show off her artwork.

Maybe there is a method to this parenting madness.

Tanner and I lock eyes across the table. He has that tired but proud look. He is so hot in dad mode.

I nudge Davy with my elbow. “Hey bud, how about we get back on the ice and practice this weekend?”

After not making the team, Davy said he was quitting hockey. I didn’t believe it for a second. The game is in his blood.

He doesn't offer an answer.

“I’ll make a deal with you. We do one practice this weekend, and if you absolutely hate it—like, hate it more than going to the dentist—then you can quit for good. But I really need to see with my own eyes how much you hate hockey first. Deal?” I hold out my hand to shake.

It takes him a few seconds, but he eventually shakes. That competitive spirit in him can’t be held down.

Tanner shoots me a wink from across the table. He wraps his glass with a knife. “Everyone, raise your glass. We’re here to toast Uncle Des.”

We haven’t decided yet what the kids should call me now that I’m their permanent stepdad. Lena and Davy are probably too old to switch to calling me dad. I think dad is a label that will be earned in time. I’m happy to be Uncle Des for the time being; I’m just glad that I’m a part of this family.

“Daddy, I ordered strawberry lemonade. This is lemonade!” Lulu cries out.

“Can I get chocolate milk?” Dean asks.

“Negatory!” I shoot back. “You’ll get full on chocolate milk and won’t eat your dinner.”

“We’ll get you a strawberry lemonade, sweetheart. But let’s cheers to Uncle Des first,” Tanner says in a gentler tone than I could muster.

“Okay,” she says plainly.

We all raise our glasses.

“To Uncle Des, the new Creative Director of the Petty/Marsh Agency!” Tanner says. “Congratulations on Silq Cosmetics and the promotion. We’re so proud of our stepdad.”

“Woot woot!” Davy yells through his fist.

“Des for president!” Dean says. “I knew you could do it. I never stopped believing in you.”

“You’re still not getting that chocolate milk,” I say.

We clink glasses in the center of the table. I get some combination of water and Diet Coke on my sleeve. All in a day’s work.

“We love you,” Tanner says, raising his glass to me one more time.

I never realized being in a family meant having your own built-in cheer squad. I’ll take it. I keep my glass hoisted.

“We have some other good news to celebrate,” I say, pointing my glass at my husband. “Daddy got a great new job. He’s going to be a senior project manager!”

“What does a senior project manager do?” Lena asks.

“That’s a good question.” Tanner laughs, but he has the appearance of a deflated balloon sagging on the floor.

“We’re proud of you.” I wink at him. He pulls on a smile that has fake news written all over it and clinks glasses with each of his kids.

“It’s nice to be employed again. It’s a great company.” He raises his hand to get the waiter’s attention and immediately sets about putting this moment behind him to order Lulu a strawberry lemonade.

A little bit later, while we’re chowing down on our dinners, a familiar face strolls up to our table.