So sure enough when we decided to join his family on our very first family reunion, I was surprised how many cousins he had. His siblings brought their children and it was almost like the ranch exploded into a kaleidoscope of people of all ages.

Naturally everyone was asking when we wanted to add to the Brady bunch. I was too overwhelmed to even answer. Mike had to say, “Maybe later tonight” and they all laughed.

Staying at the family’s estate seems like the worst kind of vacation for a city girl like me. But the colors and the smells made me feel like this was probably made them live so boisterously. Everything was fresh and a delight to the senses. I wanted this place to be where we could conceive.

The family trip lasted for a three days. Everyone worked together to make the meals and take care of each others needs. There were belated birthday gifts and Christmas presents that they had wanted to give in person. I thought it was a very quaint family tradition. It made me love Mike’s family more and more.

Before we drove back everyone said “See you later” and not goodbyes, after all we would all be back here next year.

I had to get everyone to agree not to greet him on his birthday. The only ones allowed was his mom. She couldn’t imagine not greeting her baby on his birthday.

Then there was the venue. There was this bar that his friend owns that I had wanted to rent. But as his birthday gift to Mike, he gave me the night free with an open bar. He had also conveniently told Mike that he had to close that night because his bar was being repainted.

I told Mike that we were having dinner with some of his family and friends later. He sighed and told me that he thought people had forgotten. I had mentioned his favorite restaurant and he looked relieved.

We passed by the bar and our cab conveniently broke down. That was his friend’s cue to come out of the bar. He had said that we could call another cab while waiting inside. The contractors turned out to be a day late, he said.

Once we were inside there was an eruption of greetings and cheers. Mike was very happy to see his friends and family members all gathered in his favorite watering hole. They gave him his gift and urged them to open it. They had asked him what was the best one and he said while holding me by the waist, “This one right here.”