“Alright, here’s the rest of the next round,” I say with a laugh as I slide various glasses of beverages, all alcoholic except for your pregnant cousin’s mocktail, onto the long table we reserved in the back corner of the pub. “Better slow down before they cut you off, huh?” I say jokingly to your older brother, watching as the rest of your family loudly laugh at my remark.

I chuckle to myself as I make my way back over to my seat right next to you, smiling and placing a quick peck to your temple as I sit down.

Tonight is Christmas Eve, and your family invited us out with them to a smaller pub. We’ve been dating for about two years now, so I’ve learned by now that your family is quite…chaotic. Funny! But definitely chaotic. I’m only 25, but I feel like I have to bring out my 20 year old persona when we’re around them.

But it makes you happy. And I’m happy when you’re happy.