Just the ten of us

I've been fairly lucky for my entire adult life - and most of my childhood - to have a great relationship with my siblings and parents. We've had a blast on family vacations, created bizarre Christmas traditions, and savored the few times a year we all get together. We're fiercely protective of each other, but we're also brutally honest: I think nothing of telling one of my sisters when they make me mad or inform my mom when something is none of her business. We don't let things fester and we've got no hidden agendas. Life as one of the six Tolleys has been awfully darn good.

But everybody knew we weren't going to live with mom and dad forever. (Sorry mom. Sorry dad.) Eventually we'd go to college, move away, and have our own families. Presuming we'd all get married, I've wondered for a long time who the four people would be who'd enter our family and how they'd change the ways we interact and get along.

Though we all got married in different years, Chad, Paul and Nick all came along as significant others within about four months of each other. They each adjusted to our crazy dynamic in their own way and I imagine when the original Tolleys made them nuts they were able to complain to each other.

With the girls out of the way, I've had a few extra years to wonder about my brother. Who would he pick? What would she be like? What would she think about a guy with three sisters? Would we endlessly irritate her to the point that she didn't want to hang out with us - and he didn't either? (Yes I'm paranoid, but I think of these things.)

Two years ago, we got our answer. From the first time we met Mallory, we knew she was awesome. And last weekend - finally! - Dan asked her to marry him.

Do we like Mallory? (Not that it matters, but I'll answer anyway.) Yes, she's amazing. I like her despite the fact that she's tall, gorgeous, makes thoughtful homemade Christmas gifts that people really want, prefers getting her hands dirty to shopping and tells hilarious stories. (In other words, she makes RT, Janice and me look bad.) You can't pick your sisters but if you could, she'd be in the running.

On August 20, Mallory will officially join our crazy family and the Tolley circle will be complete. While this marriage is not about me in the least, I feel a gratifying sense of closure. The last puzzle piece has been found. And she fits perfectly.