Family Life Part 91
\nLove
\nBy Patt<\/p>\n
Word Count: 2,193
\nSummary: It\u2019s Valentines Day for everyone.
\nNotes: Thank you to Bee for suggesting that I do holiday stories from time to time. This is for her. <\/p>\n
Jim and Blair:<\/p>\n
Jim whispered upstairs to Blair in case the boys were still awake. It sounded like their heartbeats were settled down, but he couldn\u2019t always be sure. \u201cSo what are we going to do for the kids for Valentines Day? I think instead of focusing on us, we should focus on them. I know that Max has Misty and he\u2019ll need to shop for something appropriate, but what about the other two. Drew still isn\u2019t dating anyone and Sam, well she\u2019s five. What do we do for them?\u201d<\/p>\n
Blair turned and looked at his lover and loved him all the more for thinking of the kids first. \u201cSo you\u2019re saying, forget about us?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cJust this year, Blair. I think that they could all use some Valentine gifts from us. Face it, we\u2019re good at Valentines gifts,\u201d Jim answered. <\/p>\n
\u201cOn one condition,\u201d Blair said quietly. <\/p>\n
\u201cWhat?\u201d Jim asked, knowing this might be good. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe get to celebrate, just the two of us later on. Like the weekend after Valentines Day, you\u2019re going to take me to a Hotel and we\u2019re having a weekend away from the kids. We need it. We could ask your dad to watch them, couldn\u2019t we?\u201d Blair wondered. <\/p>\n
\u201cI think we could ask Rafe and Simon to watch them. They would love to. The last time we needed someone, they got their feelings hurt because we didn\u2019t ask them.\u201d<\/p>\n
Blair smiled. \u201cOkay, Simon and Rafe it is.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDo you want me to plan our Valentine\u2019s Day and you plan the kids\u2019?\u201d Jim asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cYes, that sounds like a fair deal. I have some things already for the kids,\u201d Blair admitted. <\/p>\n
\u201cWhat do you have already?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI have picture frames that I\u2019m going to put our family picture in, I have wonderful boxes of chocolates and I have an ice cream cake ordered in that new flavor, called Red Velvet Cake,\u201d Blair said. <\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve never tried that, it sounds good. I love Red Velvet Cake,\u201d Jim replied. <\/p>\n
\u201cWhat else do you think I should do for them?\u201d Blair wondered. <\/p>\n
\u201cI think that\u2019s enough. We\u2019ll take them to Claim Jumper for dinner and then dessert at the house from \u201831 Flavors\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOkay, then that just leaves you to plan our weekend, do you think you can handle that?\u201d Blair asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cI think I can handle that just fine. It\u2019s going to be great. You just wait and see,\u201d Jim assured him. <\/p>\n
Blair curled into Jim\u2019s body and started to fall asleep, but Jim was thinking about his plans for the two of them. It was going to be fantastic. Jim loved Cascade Towers and so did Blair. He would get one of the rooms with the Jacuzzi in it and room service would already be planned. Yes, Jim knew that he was going to show Blair a good time that weekend. And he also knew that the kids were going to have a good Valentines Day because Jim and Blair would make it so. Jim did know that he needed to see if Max needed any extra money for Valentines Day with Misty. Now that he was thinking about it, Max probably wouldn\u2019t be with them for dinner at all. Max was 16 and was past the stage of celebrating occasions with family instead of girlfriend. It would still be a great night with Drew and Samantha. Jim smiled as he pulled Blair closer to his body and started to fall asleep himself. <\/p>\n
Happy Valentines Day, Jim and Blair. <\/p>\n
@@@@@<\/p>\n
Simon and Rafe: <\/p>\n
Simon knew that he was taking Rafe out to dinner on Valentines Day, but he had no idea what to get him for the occasion. Simon wasn\u2019t great at putting a lot of thought into presents. He was going to have to ask Blair for some tips. He always seemed to know the right things to do for any occasion. Simon made a note on his desk to talk to Blair as soon as possible. There was only a week left. <\/p>\n
Simon had thought about getting Rafe a ring. A simple band, but didn\u2019t know if that was too much. He really didn\u2019t know what he was doing most of the time and could sure use some Sandburg help. Sighing, he got up and got ready to go home. He thought about Rafe waiting at home for him and smiled. He was so in love with Rafe it was unreal. Damn it, Simon thought, I am going to get him the ring. Anyone that brings such a smile to my face after the hell day we had is worth a ring in my book. Simon felt better that he had made a decision without having to ask Jim or Blair for help. Simon realized he was doing just fine. <\/p>\n
Rafe sat at home, putting all of the things he had bought for Simon in a box. He had to keep them hidden until Valentines Day. He had bought a beautiful frame for his picture of Daryl. Then he bought a gorgeous frame for the picture he had photo-shopped of the two of them. It turned out really nicely. Rafe could hardly wait to give him that. Then of course he got him a new coffee maker for his office and a case of fancy coffee. So Rafe felt secure in his gift choices for Simon. He hoped that Simon would give him something to let him know how serious they were. Rafe didn\u2019t like to make any judgments on his own. He felt like they were going to be together forever, but Simon never said that, so he was hoping. Rafe put the box away before Simon came home from work. He wondered what was taking him so long to get home. He had called about two hours before that. Maybe traffic was just that clogged up. He had no idea that Simon was picking a ring out and having it engraved at the moment. <\/p>\n
Happy Valentines Day, Rafe and Simon. <\/p>\n
@@@@@<\/p>\n
Mason and Megan:<\/p>\n
Mason was still out shopping for Megan\u2019s Valentines gift. He knew that she had gotten something for him and Jade already, but he hadn\u2019t gotten anything for either of them as yet. He walked into the jewelry store that night and told the man he wanted a heart necklace for both his wife and his baby daughter. The jeweler talked Mason into buying a pair of heart earrings for the baby and matching earrings and necklace for Megan. Once he was done picking everything out, then he had the necklace engraved. He was told he could pick it up the next day. Mason was thrilled. Megan wasn\u2019t going to outdo him this time. She always bought the best presents and for a change, he wanted to surprise her. On his way home, he saw the 31 flavors shop advertising the Valentines Day Ice Cream Cake. So he stopped in there, picked out her favorite flavor, ordered one and was told when he could pick it up on the 14th. Mason felt good about this. He had spent more then he expected to, but they were both worth it. They were his life and he wanted them both to know it. <\/p>\n
Megan was wrapping a present for Jade as she sang a little love song. She always thought of love songs because of Mason. He was such a romantic. And he always included their daughter, somehow. Megan got a babysitter for the 14th and couldn\u2019t wait to take Mason out for his dinner. He loved Sullivan\u2019s Steak House and that\u2019s where they were going. Megan glanced at the box that was in her purse and smiled. He was getting a new watch. Megan wanted to get a fancy one for him and have it engraved. She had saved for a long while to do it for this special day. He was going to be surprised, because she had bought him an Ironman watch for Christmas. So she knew he wouldn\u2019t be expecting another one so soon, especially one this nice. She heard him come in the front door and walked out of Jades room to greet him. <\/p>\n
Both of them were beaming with joy, not knowing what the other one had planned. It was going to be great. <\/p>\n
Happy Valentine\u2019s Day, Mason and Megan. <\/p>\n
@@@@@<\/p>\n
Max and Misty: <\/p>\n
Max had been shopping for two hours before he found the perfect necklace for Misty. Thankfully, his dad had given him some extra money or he would have been short. The necklace was lovely. It was nothing flashy, just intertwined hearts. He knew she would love it. Then he planned on taking her to Claim Jumper for dinner. He had already made the reservation and now he just needed to find the perfect card. He found one that wasn\u2019t too mushy, because he wasn\u2019t a mushy kind of guy. But he knew it would make her happy. <\/p>\n
Misty was shopping for something, anything that would make Max happy for Valentine\u2019s Day. She wanted to give herself to him for that special day, but she knew she would chicken out but Max never pressured her in any way. She was very thankful for that. She sometimes wondered if guys felt pressured about sex too. She continued looking at things for Valentines Day and found a really nice key chain with Max on it and she had \u2018I love you\u2019 engraved on the back of it. She decided that this was the most appropriate gift. They were only 16 years old. They had a long time to plan out their sex lives. She then chose a card that wasn\u2019t too mushy, because he wasn\u2019t a mushy guy. Once she was done, she felt better about the holiday. She was looking forward to seeing what Max got for her. <\/p>\n
Happy Valentine\u2019s Day, Max and Misty.<\/p>\n
@@@@@<\/p>\n
William and Sarah: <\/p>\n
Sarah had been saving for six months for this gift she had picked out for William. He had a terrible allergy to penicillin and needed to wear a bracelet. He hated the darn thing, so Sarah got him a dog tag necklace instead. And on the back of it, she put, \u2018I love you\u2026 Sarah\u2019. It was gold plated and really, really nice. She got it from a company called American Medical ID. They did the engraving and everything. It was quite expensive, but it was worth it, to her to make him happier about the damn bracelet that he wore. She also got him an expensive box of chocolates, just to be naughty. She was going to feed them to him that night. She had a room reserved at Cascade Towers and the boys were going to stay at home and watch Mary all night long. She would ask Jim and Blair to be backups, but she felt confident with the boys taking care of Mary. Sarah was very excited about the 14th. She knew that William was getting each of the kids something for Valentine\u2019s Day, so she didn\u2019t have to. It was relaxing to only have to worry about one person. <\/p>\n
William was at the jewelry store making sure that everything had gone as planned. He got her an engagement ring and hoped he wasn\u2019t moving things too fast for her or the kids. It was quite stunning, but very tasteful at the same time. She was quite easy going when it came to jewelry, so he asked a jeweler to help him pick one out. He was quite happy with it and thought she would indeed love it. They hadn\u2019t talked about marriage in ages and she probably thought he had forgotten all about it, but he was just saving for the right holiday to spring it on her. William then stopped at a card shop and got a perfect card for the occasion and then shopped for a card for each of the kids, too. <\/p>\n
William bought each of the boys a dog tag necklace with their names on it, with \u2018love, mom and William\u2019 on the back. He got Mary a necklace that was both lovely and exciting at the same time. It was hearts and diamonds. William ended up spending quite a bit on the jewelry for the kids, but they were worth it. This was a special occasion and he wanted it to be right for all of them. He had already told the kids what he planned on asking their mom for Valentine\u2019s Day and they were pleased. William was so happy. These kids were the best in the world. Their father all but deserted them and yet they still had love in their hearts for William. This was going to be the best Valentine\u2019s Day any of them ever had. <\/p>\n
Happy Valentine\u2019s Day, William and Sarah.<\/p>\n
@@@@@<\/p>\n
[fl91a.jpg]<\/p>\n
Happy Valentine\u2019s Day to everyone. I know I\u2019m a little early, but that couldn\u2019t be helped. I was afraid I wouldn\u2019t have time next month. <\/p>\n
PattRose1@aol.com<\/p>\n
Family Life Part 92
\nLove, Actually
\nBy Patt<\/p>\n
Word Count: 3870
\nSummary: What actually happens on Valentine\u2019s Day?
\nNotes: I got questions about what happened on Valentines Day, so I wanted to finish it up. Have fun. <\/p>\n
Simon and Rafe: <\/p>\n
Simon drove to the jewelry store to pick up the band for Rafe on the way home. He had it engraved. It said, \u2018Mine Forever, Simon\u2019. That\u2019s about all he could come up with. He was sure that Brian would love it, so he didn\u2019t know why it worried him. He had reservations at Saccony\u2019s for dinner and Simon knew how that was going to end. Brian always loved Italian food and there was something about it that made him hornier then hell. All the more reason for Simon to choose that place. He drove home with a smile on his face and a good feeling in his heart. <\/p>\n
Brian was waiting for Simon to arrive home. Simon was taking him to Saccony\u2019s and Brian couldn\u2019t wait. He loved Italian food. For some reason it made him horny. Maybe it was just the company. He wasn\u2019t sure. He had all of Simon\u2019s gifts wrapped and ready for him to come walking through the door. He was worse then a child waiting to open presents on Christmas morning. This ran a very close second. <\/p>\n
Simon came walking through the front door and looked at the huge box on the table and said, \u201cWow!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBelieve me, it\u2019s not that exciting, Simon.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDo we get to open presents up before we go out?\u201d Simon asked. <\/p>\n
Rafe smiled at his lover. \u201cWe sure do.\u201d<\/p>\n
Simon went over and kissed Brian and said, \u201cHappy Valentines Day, Brian. It\u2019s been a very good year, hasn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n
Brian kissed him back with much need and love and replied, \u201cThis has been the best eight months of my life.\u201d<\/p>\n
Somehow, Simon knew he had chosen the right thing. He pulled out his card and gave that to Rafe first. Then he pulled the ring box out and opened it and gave it to Brian. Brian couldn\u2019t believe it. This is what he had wanted forever and now he finally had someone to love him totally. <\/p>\n
Rafe looked at the inscription and then slid the ring on his finger. It fit like a glove. He was so moved, he was fairly close to tears. He then kissed Simon again and again. <\/p>\n
\u201cHey, knock it off, babe or we\u2019ll never get to dinner. Besides, I want to open my presents,\u201d Simon stated. <\/p>\n
\u201cNow don\u2019t hold your breath or anything, because mine isn\u2019t too romantic, it\u2019s more something you need, then something you want,\u201d Rafe said softly as Simon started to unwrap the frame with Daryl inside of it. <\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a gorgeous, frame. You knew I wanted a picture of him up in the house didn\u2019t you?\u201d Simon asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cYes, I got the hint,\u201d Rafe teased. <\/p>\n
Simon kissed Brian and said, \u201cThank you.\u201d<\/p>\n
Then Simon opened up the next frame and saw the picture that Brian had photo-shopped of the two of them. It looked almost like they were kissing. Simon loved it. It was very large and would look perfect in their bedroom. \u201cThank you, babe.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou are most welcome. I loved the frame and I thought it would look nice in the bedroom, don\u2019t you?\u201d Brian asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cI was just thinking that,\u201d Simon answered. <\/p>\n
Simon opened up the third box and saw a fancy coffee maker and laughed for a moment and then smiled and said, \u201cHave I been complaining about my old one not working right?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou might have mentioned it once or twice,\u201d Rafe joked. <\/p>\n
Then Simon opened the last gift and saw the case of fancy coffee and said, \u201cThis is worth the wait. I love this. I loved all of it. You really know me well and for that, I thank you. I love you, Brian.\u201d Then Simon kissed Brian passionately and didn\u2019t come up for air for quite some time. <\/p>\n
\u201cAre we ready to go to dinner? I love Italian and then I\u2019ll give you your last present tonight when we\u2019re in bed,\u201d Brian said coyly and then winked. <\/p>\n
\u201cThat is if we make it through dinner,\u201d Simon said as he pulled the love of his life back into his arms again. \u201cDo you really love the ring?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSimon, you have no idea how much I love the ring. It tells me exactly how you feel about me and where I belong in your life,\u201d Rafe explained. <\/p>\n
\u201cYou belong with me. By my side and together, forever,\u201d Simon said softly. <\/p>\n
\u201cGod, I love you, Simon.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCome on, let\u2019s get to dinner before they close,\u201d Simon stated as they walked towards the front door. <\/p>\n
Both men looked happier then they ever had and they both knew what was in store later that night. <\/p>\n
Simon was never so happy for Valentines Day in his life. <\/p>\n
@@@@@<\/p>\n
Mason and Megan: <\/p>\n
Mason stopped at the jewelry store on his way home and picked up the earrings and necklace. The one heart was engraved. It said, \u2018Forever Yours, Mason\u2019. The earrings he had chosen for Jade were precious. They were itty bitty hearts that had a diamond in the middle of each heart. He knew that she was going to look darling in them as well as he knew that Megan would love them too. The earrings he got for Megan matched her necklace, so it was a really nice set. Mason had spent a little more then he had planned, but they were worth it, damn it. He then stopped by the \u201831 Flavors\u2019 and picked up the ice cream cake he had ordered. He knew that both Megan and Jade would love it. He whistled all the way home in his SUV. This was going to be his first Valentines Day with someone he really loved. Before Megan, he had never felt real love. Then they had Jade and he was in love with her too. Mason knew that this was going to be a great night. <\/p>\n
Megan had romantic music playing on the CD player and was feeling Valentines Day in full force. She was so in love with Mason, that sometimes it almost scared her. The babysitter was going to be there soon, so she hoped that Mason arrived before that. She wanted to give him her gift from his girls. She was so excited about the watch. He was going to be very surprised. She had \u2018I love you, Megan\u2019 put on the back of the watch. She could hardly wait to go out to eat. They didn\u2019t get out enough and have Mason and Megan time, so tonight, it was going to be nice. They were going to Sullivan\u2019s Steak House and she knew that Mason would be thrilled. This was his favorite place to go in the world. Other then to bed with her. She smiled at the thought of sex and realized they didn\u2019t make enough time for that either. She was going to have to work on that and so was Mason. It was important to make time for the other one in your life. <\/p>\n
When Mason walked through the door, Megan flew into his arms.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d Mason asked nervously. <\/p>\n
\u201cI missed you today and I just couldn\u2019t wait for you to get home,\u201d Megan explained. <\/p>\n
\u201cYou always know the perfect thing to say to me to make me feel like a million bucks. I love you, Megan.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI love you, Mason. Now sit down so I can give you your present,\u201d Megan said as she pushed him into the dining room chair. <\/p>\n
She grabbed the wrapped box and handed it to him and he smiled. \u201cIt almost looks like a watch box, but I know it\u2019s not that.\u201d He unwrapped the present, opened the box and saw the watch that was his dream watch for the last four years. He had mentioned it in passing to her once, she must have remembered it. He took off his Ironman watch and put his new one on his wrist. Then he pulled Megan into his lap and said, \u201cThank you. I can\u2019t believe you got me this for Valentines Day. You\u2019re the best wife I could ever hope for. Most people wouldn\u2019t have even remembered that I wanted this watch. Thank you, baby. I love it, to say the least.\u201d<\/p>\n
He then pulled out the jewelry box for Megan and gave it to her. She opened it and immediately teared up. She didn\u2019t like losing control, but this was gorgeous and it proved that he loved her as much as she thought he did. She turned the heart around and saw what he had put on it and buried her face into his neck and sniffled a few times. <\/p>\n
\u201cThere are matching earrings. Here they are,\u201d Mason said smiling. <\/p>\n
She took the earrings she had in her ears out, and put these in right away. \u201cI love them, baby. You did an excellent job picking them out.\u201d<\/p>\n
They then gave each other the cards they had chosen and there was more sniffling and kissing and hugging. <\/p>\n
Mason showed Megan what he had gotten for Jade and Megan kissed him again. \u201cShe\u2019s going to look beautiful in them, Mason. Thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThank you for giving her to me. She\u2019s the best thing in my life, other than you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou are going to get so lucky tonight when we get home from dinner,\u201d Megan said smiling. <\/p>\n
\u201cHappy day to both of us then.\u201d Mason ran upstairs to change his clothing really fast and wait for the sitter. He saw that Megan had already put his clothes out on the bed for him to wear that night. He was so lucky to have such a caring wife. A lot of the guys at work were married to hags. He lucked out the day he met Megan. <\/p>\n
When he walked down, Megan had Jade in her arms and she was wearing her new earrings. She did indeed look darling. Just as both of them had imagined. This was one Valentines Day they would never forget. <\/p>\n
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Sarah and William: <\/p>\n
Sarah was so excited to give William his present that she could hardly see straight. The saving had been worth it, she received the dog tag necklace for William, with the Penicillin allergy listed on it. It was beautiful and she knew he was going to love it. He hated the bracelet that he wore. And on the back, she had engraved, \u2018I love you, Sarah\u2019. She knew that would make William happy. She made a homemade card on her photo program. She put pictures of the two of them all over the front of the card. It was a very romantic card by the time she was done with it. She wrapped the chocolates and knew that he would share with everyone, but also knew that he would hate doing that. He had one weakness and that was his love of chocolate. They were going to Cascade Towers and the boys were going to take care of Mary. This night couldn\u2019t have happened at a better time. She had noticed that William seemed a little antsy lately and thought maybe he needed some alone time with her. Well, he was getting it that night, that was for sure. <\/p>\n
William was at the Jewelry store picking up everyone\u2019s gifts. He looked over the ring for Sarah and was quite pleased with the outcome. Then he picked up the boys\u2019 dog tag necklaces with their names on it, engraved, \u2018love, mom and William\u2019. Mary\u2019s necklace was lovely and he knew she was going to be thrilled with it. William couldn\u2019t wait to ask Sarah to marry him. He was so excited, it was like the first time. Everything with Sarah was like the first time. He loved her so much and he adored and loved her children too. He had hoped that they would call him dad someday. But he wasn\u2019t going to push it. After all, they had a dad, not a good one, but they still already had one. He walked into the condo and smiled as he saw everyone sitting around the table doing homework. William walked up and gave each of the children their gift in the boxes and waited for their reactions. He didn\u2019t have to wait long. The boys jumped up and gave William a hug very quickly. William could tell they really liked them. The woman at the store had promised that at their age, this would be a perfect gift. He guessed that the woman knew her business. Then he waited for Mary to open her gift and she squealed with delight. She loved it. She hugged on William for a good long time. Then William got down on one knee in front of Sarah and pulled out the ring box. He said, \u201cSarah would you do me the honor of marrying me and making me even happier then I already am?\u201d<\/p>\n
She opened up the box and saw a gorgeous ring in it. She couldn\u2019t believe her luck. She started to cry and William got up and took her in his arms. \u201cTell me this is a good cry.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a very good cry. I would love to marry you, William. Thank you for making our lives wonderful. Group hug, kids,\u201d Sarah said as everyone hugged on William at the same time. <\/p>\n
Mike said, \u201cI want to ask our dad to give up his rights to us, so you could adopt us. Would that be alright with you, William?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat would be just terrific, but he might not do it. People don\u2019t like to give their children up. Either way, you\u2019re the two boys I would have chosen to bring up this late in life. Is this all right with you too, Mark?\u201d William asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt sure is and I know that Mary could care less about dad. He\u2019s not seen us in eight months. He doesn\u2019t care about us. Mom we could tell him that he has to pay child support if he doesn\u2019t give you the papers,\u201d Mike suggested. <\/p>\n
\u201cGood idea, honey. But don\u2019t get your hopes up,\u201d Sarah said. <\/p>\n
Sarah then handed William\u2019s gift over to him and he was so thrilled with it, he just kept smiling and smiling as he put it around his neck and took the damn bracelet one off. \u201cI never even knew you could get them like this.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI take it you like it?\u201d Sarah asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cI love it, Sarah, almost as much as I love you and the kids.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sarah kissed him and then pulled back for air. <\/p>\n
\u201cWhy are you so dressed up, Sarah?\u201d William wondered. <\/p>\n
\u201cI wanted to take you out for dinner. Just the two of us,\u201d Sarah explained. <\/p>\n
\u201cSounds good to me, just let me change my clothes. Are the boys babysitting?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, and we\u2019re staying at Cascade Towers. We\u2019re having a night to ourselves. This couldn\u2019t be a more perfect night, William,\u201d Sarah admitted. <\/p>\n
William changed his clothing and saw the bag packed for him and Sarah and smiled. This was a perfect night. He loved this family and that included his first two sons too. <\/p>\n
@@@@@<\/p>\n
Max and Misty: <\/p>\n
Max had made reservations at Claim Jumper and knew that he and Misty would have an excellent evening. He had picked up the necklace and it was gorgeous, so he was on the road to being a very happy young man. He had the card and the necklace in the car, for when he went to pick her up. He was going to dress nicely for a change and wear his suit and tie. He knew that his dad and pop would tease him about it, but Misty loved when he dressed up and after all this night was for her. <\/p>\n
Misty was waiting at her house for Max to pick her up when Max called. \u201cI just wanted to be sure that things were still on for tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n
She laughed at the idea of them not going out. \u201cOf course everything is still on for tonight. I can\u2019t wait to see you. Hurry up and get here.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI wanted to warn you that my dad, pop, Drew and Sam will probably be at Claim Jumper too, but hopefully nowhere near us,\u201d Max said. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt wouldn\u2019t matter, Max. This evening is going to be perfect, so don\u2019t worry about a thing,\u201d Misty said happily. <\/p>\n
Max hung up and left for her house. <\/p>\n
Misty wrapped the keychain and got the card all ready and waited patiently for Max to show up. Her family of course had to tease her because she was all dressed up. She didn\u2019t care if they teased her. She wanted this night to be like something from a movie and it was. <\/p>\n
Max arrived and picked up Misty and they drove to Claim Jumper. \u201cAre you sure you don\u2019t mind going to the same place as my dads?\u201d Max asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cI happen to love your dad\u2019s, so stop worrying.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDoes your family think they\u2019re weird because they\u2019re gay?\u201d Max asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt took them awhile to come around, but they did. That\u2019s what\u2019s important. They like Jim and Blair too.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGood, I\u2019m glad,\u201d Max said. <\/p>\n
\u201cCan we give each other our gifts before we go into the restaurant?\u201d Misty wondered. <\/p>\n
\u201cSure, we\u2019ll exchange them in the car, it\u2019s well lit in the parking lot, so not a problem,\u201d Max answered. <\/p>\n
When they arrived, Misty pulled the gift and card out of her purse and set it between the two of them. Max parked and pulled the wrapped box out of his jacket pocket and pulled her card out too. Then he flipped on the overhead lights in the car so they could read their cards. He waited while Misty read hers and she of course, teared up and kissed him happily. \u201cI love you so much, Max.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m glad, I love you, too,\u201d Max replied just as happily. <\/p>\n
She then opened the box and made all of the right noises of being thrilled with it. He put it around her neck and she took off her other necklace. She really did love it. It was perfect, just like they were. <\/p>\n
Max opened his card and read it slowly and kept smiling at Misty the entire time. When he was done, he pulled her into another kiss and said, \u201cThank you, I love you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOpen your gift,\u201d Misty ordered teasingly. <\/p>\n
He opened it up and said, \u201cOh man, this is the coolest key chain I have ever seen. I love it. I love you. This is perfect.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI was just thinking that about us. We\u2019re perfect together. It\u2019s no wonder we\u2019re so in love, Max. This is a wonderful night. Thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCome on, let\u2019s go and have some food,\u201d Max said as he got out and opened her door and helped her out of the passenger side. <\/p>\n
They walked joyfully into the restaurant and knew that it was indeed a perfect night. <\/p>\n
@@@@@<\/p>\n
Jim, Blair, Drew and Samantha:<\/p>\n
Jim walked upstairs to see if Blair was ready for their dinner arrangements and smiled and then burst out laughing. Blair was standing there wearing nothing but a tee-shirt that said, \u2018I love being gay\u2019. Jim pulled him into his arms and said, \u201cYou\u2019re a little underdressed aren\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n
[fl92a.jpg]<\/p>\n
\u201cDoes Claim Jumper have a dress code?\u201d Blair joked. <\/p>\n
\u201cNot that I mind the view, but I don\u2019t want anyone else having that same view, so I\u2019d say get some pants on. Are you wearing the shirt?\u201d Jim kidded. <\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m wearing it as my undershirt. It\u2019s chilly tonight and I thought you could think of it all night long while we\u2019re there. Then you can take it off me when we get home. How does that sound?\u201d Blair asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cI have things all set up for this weekend, Blair. So that\u2019s our gift to each other, right?\u201d Jim asked hopefully. <\/p>\n
\u201cAre Rafe and Simon watching the kids?\u201d Blair asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cYes, they both jumped at the chance. I told you they wanted to do it from time to time. You didn\u2019t answer me about that being our gift to each other, right?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, Jim. I didn\u2019t buy you a present other then I\u2019m going to give you non-stop sex all weekend. It\u2019s going to be fantastic. I can\u2019t wait.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBlair, do you have the gifts ready for the kids?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSure do. I\u2019m no slacker,\u201d he joked. <\/p>\n
They got downstairs and both Sam and Drew were dressed nicely for an evening out. Jim and Blair were taking them to Claim Jumper and hopefully wouldn\u2019t run into Misty and Max. <\/p>\n
Blair handed a gift bag to each of the kids and said, \u201cHappy Valentines Day from me and your dad.\u201d<\/p>\n
They both saw the picture frames with family pictures in them and Sam was very happy with it. \u201cIs this for my room, poppy?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is for your room. Do you think it\u2019s pretty?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh yes, poppy, I do. Drew, let me see your frame?\u201d Sam squealed with delight. <\/p>\n
Drew showed her and she said, \u201cIt\u2019s not as pretty mine, Drew, but it\u2019s still pretty nice.\u201d<\/p>\n
They each got a really good box of chocolates to share with the dads. And finally Blair got them each a gift card for something. Drew\u2019s was for Starbucks and he had no idea that it was for $50.00 or he would have hugged them even more. Drew loved his coffee in the morning at Starbucks. Samantha\u2019s gift card was for McDonalds, because that\u2019s where she liked to go the most. So hers was a $50.00 gift certificate for there. Both kids hugged Jim and Blair and told them how much they loved everything. <\/p>\n
They all got ready and left the loft for the restaurant. Everyone was happy and they knew that this was a good night. <\/p>\n
@@@@@<\/p>\n
Jim and Blair: <\/p>\n
The following weekend, Jim and Blair left the kids in Simon and Rafe\u2019s capable hands and drove to Cascade Towers. Blair was so excited, he felt like he was going to come in his pants with no help at all. <\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re buzzing over there, lover, better slow down,\u201d Jim teased. <\/p>\n
\u201cI know, I\u2019m ready to come from your voice alone,\u201d Blair said. <\/p>\n
\u201cWell, don\u2019t do that. I paid for a fantastic weekend and I want to be able to use it wisely. We have a Suite with a Jacuzzi in it and we\u2019re going to have room service as many times as we need it. Get ready to see no daylight, my love,\u201d Jim stated. <\/p>\n
\u201cOh my God, you are such a romantic. This is going to be the time of our life. It\u2019s been awhile since it\u2019s just been the two of us. Are we sure we remember what to do?\u201d Blair joked. <\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t know about you, but I\u2019m ready for action and I remember just fine,\u201d Jim said coyly. <\/p>\n
\u201cI love you, Jim.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI love you, Blair.\u201d<\/p>\n
They both knew that they were in for the time of their lives and they were happy with that time alone. <\/p>\n
The end<\/p>\n
Happy Valentines Day, everyone. <\/p>\n
PattRose1@aol.com<\/p>\n
Family Life Part 93
\nI Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do
\nBy Patt<\/p>\n
Word Count: 3242<\/p>\n
Summary: William and Sarah decide they don\u2019t want a big wedding and this is what they do. <\/p>\n
Notes: Does anyone have any simple story lines for me to work stories around? I could use the help. I have some from Bee, but a lot of them are complex and I want easy, breezy and quick. LOL Thanks ahead of time. <\/p>\n
William pulled Sarah into his body and said, \u201cSo do we need to start planning the wedding soon? Everyone keeps asking us when the big day is and I feel like we\u2019re dragging our feet on it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sarah cuddled closer into William\u2019s body and kissed his neck and chest. \u201cI hope you won\u2019t get angry, but I\u2019ve sort of decided that I don\u2019t want a big wedding. I don\u2019t even want a small one. I already had a big one and it was a disaster, as you well know. I would like to get married by the Justice of the Peace instead. We don\u2019t even need to bring witnesses, they have them there. What do you think of my idea?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAre you sure you won\u2019t look back in a year or two and regret not having a big wedding? And as far as I\u2019m concerned, I agree with you about the big wedding. I also had a large one and it too was a disaster. I think your idea is a solid one, but I don\u2019t want you to regret it later on in life,\u201d William said. <\/p>\n
Sarah smiled and said, \u201cLet\u2019s get married today, after the kids leave for school. What do you say? Then we can send out very simple announcements and tell everyone the news but ask for no gifts. I don\u2019t want anyone giving us anything. We have enough, William and I feel like we shouldn\u2019t mess with the balance of life.\u201d<\/p>\n
William smiled and said, \u201cGet the kids ready to go, and we\u2019ll get ready to go to the court house. Oh wait, we need to have three days to do the blood tests. Let\u2019s go to the doctor today and get that done and then Friday will be our big day. How is that?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWilliam, I already called the court house and they told me, no blood test is needed for this state. So we\u2019re set to go. We just need a marriage license and we\u2019re ready.\u201d<\/p>\n
William got up, put his robe on and walked down the stairs with Sarah to help get the kids on their way. Today was going to be their wedding day. February 22nd seemed like a good day to get married, William thought. <\/p>\n
The two of them got the kids up, fed and off to school in no time and went upstairs to get ready for the big day. They showered together and Sarah kept giggling when William kept kissing and snuggling with her while trying to take a shower. <\/p>\n
\u201cThis is the happiest day of my life, other than giving birth to my children, William. I\u2019m so happy, I want to sing. It would be nice if I could sing, but I can\u2019t. So we\u2019ll have to settle for talking ourselves silly,\u201d Sarah said. <\/p>\n
They both chose something fantastic to wear to the court house. William found out where you got the license and they drove off happily looking forward to being Mr. and Mrs. William Ellison. Sarah was so excited. William was thrilled that she was as happy as she seemed. He had another surprise for her when they were going to actually be getting married. He had a song, and he was going to sing to her before they said the vows. He didn\u2019t care how dorky it was, he was going to make this day special for her. Jim wasn\u2019t the only one that could sing in the family, but no one knew that. Today he would let the secret out. <\/p>\n
They picked up their license and went to the court house to sign in for weddings and asked if they could have witnesses. They told them they had people that would stand as their witnesses and it wasn\u2019t a problem. They asked for the license, William handed it to them and they were led into a room where there were four other couples waiting. <\/p>\n
William was actually relieved that they would be last, so he wouldn\u2019t embarrass Sarah with his singing. Even if he did it well, he wasn\u2019t sure she would appreciate it as much as he thought she might. <\/p>\n
They sat down and waited. They watched each couple get married and said their congratulations to each pair as they were leaving the room after signing the paperwork needed to make it legal. Then four more couples came in and William sighed. He didn\u2019t know if he had enough nerve to go through with this or not. <\/p>\n
Sarah smiled at William at that moment and said, \u201cWe\u2019re next William. I\u2019m going to belong to you and you to me. I\u2019m so excited. I love you more then anyone could ever love you. You\u2019re the best thing in my life. Thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n
They called them up and William asked the judge if he could sing something short to Sarah for their special day. <\/p>\n
The judge smiled and said, \u201cGo for it, William.\u201d<\/p>\n
William smiled back and then turned to Sarah and started to sing,<\/p>\n
\u201cLove me or leave me, make your choice but believe me
\nI love you
\nI do, I do, I do, I do, I do
\nI can’t conceal it, don’t you see, can’t you feel it
\nDon’t you too
\nI do, I do, I do, I do, I do <\/p>\n
Oh, I’ve been dreaming through my lonely past
\nNow I just made it, I found you at last <\/p>\n
So come on, now let’s try it, I love you, can’t deny it
\n‘Cos it’s true
\nI do, I do, I do, I do, I do <\/p>\n
Oh, no hard feelings between you and me
\nIf we can’t make it, but just wait and see <\/p>\n
So come on now, let’s try it, I love you, can’t deny it
\n‘Cos it’s true
\nI do, I do, I do, I do, I do
\nSo love me or leave me, make your choice but believe me
\nI love you
\nI do, I do, I do, I do, I do
\nI can’t conceal it, don’t you see, can’t you feel it
\nDon’t you too
\nI do, I do, I do, I do, I do\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
The people that were going after them clapped and patted William on the back. He then knew that it wasn\u2019t so dumb. <\/p>\n
Sarah wiped tears from her eyes and kissed him. The judge smiled and said, \u201cThat part comes later.\u201d<\/p>\n
Both William and Sarah laughed. They liked this man. They were glad they chose this day. The 22nd of February was forever going to be a special day.<\/p>\n
The judge and the witnesses all did their job just perfectly and before long, William and Sarah were walking out of the courthouse holding hands. They kept kissing the entire way down the stairs. <\/p>\n
Sarah kept looking at the wedding band that went with her engagement ring and couldn\u2019t get over how lovely it was as the set. It was truly beautiful. She was so proud to be William\u2019s wife. <\/p>\n
They weren\u2019t paying attention to anyone else and almost ran into Jim and Blair on the stairs. <\/p>\n
\u201cDad, what are you guys doing here, getting married or something?\u201d Jim teased. <\/p>\n
William blushed and Jim said, \u201cOh my God, you did get married. Why didn\u2019t you tell us?\u201d<\/p>\n
Blair was already into the hugging mode, first Sarah and then William. Then Jim did the same. <\/p>\n
\u201cCongratulations, William and Sarah,\u201d Blair said bouncing with happiness. He loved them as a couple and was so pleased for them. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe have court, dad, so we can\u2019t talk. Call me tonight. Tell me what\u2019s going on,\u201d Jim suggested. <\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll call you later on tonight, Jimmy. We just wanted it to be quiet for a change. Please understand,\u201d William said. <\/p>\n
\u201cOh, we don\u2019t care if there was a wedding, we just care that you\u2019re married. I now have a stepmom. Wow, I never thought that would happen, dad.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGet to court, you two,\u201d William ordered. <\/p>\n
They practically ran up the stairs, because they didn\u2019t want to be late for this hearing. <\/p>\n
\u201cThat went pretty well, don\u2019t you think?\u201d William asked Sarah. <\/p>\n
\u201cWilliam, I think everyone is going to be happy for us. The only one that might have wanted us to have a wedding would have been Megan. She\u2019s been talking about it for ages. But I really didn\u2019t want one. Not like that, anyway. I hope she understands. I\u2019ll call everyone and tell them tonight. Okay?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat sounds good to me. I love you so much, Sarah. This is the happiest day of my life other then having two sons born to me. Now we\u2019ve got to see about adopting the kids.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWilliam, my ex-husband will make problems. I already know it, so I think we should just keep things the way they are. He\u2019ll be hateful to me and the kids and I really don\u2019t want to put them through it.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSarah, if I can\u2019t talk Mitch Benson into giving up his children, I\u2019ll leave well enough alone, but I do have to try. I promised the boys I would.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhatever you think is best. I\u2019ll stand behind you, but just know that he\u2019s ugly and hateful towards me for making a good life, when his has gone to shit,\u201d Sarah remarked. <\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t worry about it, darling. I\u2019ll take care of things. Now you are in charge of calling every single person we know and telling them we\u2019re married. Oh, and call the newspaper too,\u201d William suggested. <\/p>\n
\u201cThey told me at the court house that it\u2019s already going to be in the newspaper. So we don\u2019t have to announce it there, it\u2019ll be there tomorrow,\u201d she assured him. <\/p>\n
\u201cGood. I want everyone I used to be friends with to know that my life has just gotten better and better,\u201d William said happily. <\/p>\n
They got into the car and started for home. It was nice that they owned their own company and could take off as much time as they pleased. They loved having their own business. Sarah loved making artwork for publishing companies. William helped her, but it was mostly her baby. She loved doing her thing at the house and getting paid really well to do it, too. <\/p>\n
@@@@@<\/p>\n
At home when the kids got home, they saw William and Sarah just standing there waiting for them and knew something was up. <\/p>\n
\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d Mike asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe got married today. William is now officially your step-dad.\u201d<\/p>\n
They all jumped around making noises and hugged both of them over and over again. William was so happy that they took it well. <\/p>\n
Mark said, \u201cAre you going to have some type of reception here at the condo?\u201d<\/p>\n
William thought and said, \u201cYou know, we could do that and put the boys to work.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sarah smiled and said, \u201cBoys, we really don\u2019t want anything. We have enough in our life as it is. We want nothing but each other and you kids. That\u2019s what will make us the happiest.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhatever makes you happy mom, God knows you deserve it after being with our dad for as long as you had to put up with him,\u201d Mike said. <\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t bad mouth your dad. It\u2019s not polite, Mike,\u201d Sarah snapped. <\/p>\n
\u201cHow would you guys like to be in charge of making dinner tonight? No, on second thought, let\u2019s go out to eat tonight and we\u2019ll make it a wonderful night for all of us. This has been the best day in the world for the two of us and we\u2019d like to share that feeling with the three of you,\u201d William said. <\/p>\n
\u201cOh\u2026 I would love to go out to eat with all of you,\u201d Mary said happily, \u201ccan I call you daddy now?\u201d<\/p>\n
William looked at Sarah and didn\u2019t know what to answer. <\/p>\n
\u201cYes, if you want to call William daddy, that would be fine,\u201d Sarah decided. <\/p>\n
\u201cThen we\u2019d like to call you dad, dad,\u201d Mark said teasingly. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt would make me most proud. Thank you, kids for being so good to us. Now let\u2019s get ready for dinner,\u201d William replied. <\/p>\n
They got ready to go and all went out to Claim Jumper for a family meal and a celebration. <\/p>\n
@@@@@<\/p>\n
That night in bed, William asked, \u201cDid you get everyone called?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, William, I did. Everyone was so happy for us. They weren\u2019t that surprised. They said they had never seen you this happy before, so they knew it was coming. That makes me feel like a million bucks.\u201d<\/p>\n
William made sweet love to his new wife and was thrilled that he still didn\u2019t have trouble getting it up. He couldn\u2019t do it as much as he would like to, but he did it just fine that night and that\u2019s all that mattered. <\/p>\n
@@@@@<\/p>\n
Sarah was in her office working hard the next day and didn\u2019t have a clue as to what William was up to. <\/p>\n
William was in his office calling Mitchell Benson. He knew it had to be done. He knew that he had lost his job, so he would probably be at home, so he called there. <\/p>\n
\u201cHello?\u201d Mitch answered. <\/p>\n
\u201cHello, Mitch, this is William Ellison, your wife\u2019s new husband. I wanted to talk to you about some things and get some things settled between us.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat the fuck could you possible have to discuss with me? What are you wondering when I\u2019ll pay the back child-support? You\u2019re a fucking greedy bastard, is what you are. Does Sarah know you\u2019re calling about support?\u201d Mitch shouted. <\/p>\n
\u201cFirst of all, it\u2019s not about child support. Would you like to hear me out or not?\u201d William said as calmly as he could. <\/p>\n
\u201cSo what is it about?\u201d Mitch asked, sounding somewhat calmer for a change. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe children would like for me to adopt them, since you have no contact with them and therefore you wouldn\u2019t have to pay back child support at all,\u201d William threw it out there and waited for his answer. <\/p>\n
\u201cHow much is it worth to you, Ellison?\u201d Mitch spat out. <\/p>\n
\u201cHow much do you owe on your condo?\u201d William asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m about to lose it. I still owe $60,000.00 on it. What? You\u2019re going to offer me a measly 60 grand for the life of my children? Get a grip old man. I won\u2019t let you have them for less then 100 grand,\u201d the awful man said. <\/p>\n
\u201cDone. I\u2019ll have the paperwork drawn up and we\u2019ll have it signed in front of a judge. You won\u2019t be able to see the children ever again, so I suggest you think about it for a day or two,\u201d William said. <\/p>\n
Mitch said, \u201cI don\u2019t need to think about it. I was never even sure they were mine. She\u2019s a fucking whore and you\u2019ll find that out as time goes on. You\u2019re going to have your hands full with the three kids and her. I think that I just got the better end of the deal. When will the papers be ready and where do I sign them?\u201d<\/p>\n
William couldn\u2019t believe this man was going to let his children go that fast. \u201cI\u2019ll have the papers drawn up and get the appointment with the judge in the next two days. I\u2019ll call you then.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSo when do I get the money? And you know what? Maybe I settled for too little. Maybe I want more. Maybe I want 200 thousand for them. What do you have to say to that?\u201d<\/p>\n
William tried to hold him temper but it wasn\u2019t working. \u201cYou have no right to sell your children. You\u2019re an animal. It\u2019s 100 or nothing. Make up your mind now. I\u2019m going to hang up soon.\u201d William realized that he was almost as bad, for buying them. <\/p>\n
Mitch thought about it for a second and said, \u201cOkay, draw the papers up and we\u2019ll take care of this as soon as possible.\u201d<\/p>\n
William slammed down the phone and took deep breaths to try and calm down. He couldn\u2019t believe he had to talk to that slime bucket. He wasn\u2019t worth spit and even the kids knew it. Soon, they would be rid of him, but William found small comfort in that. He called his lawyer and got the check set up for Mitch and then asked his lawyer if he could get an appointment with Judge Harrison in the next day or two. The lawyer knew everything would be all right, but he hated seeing that man get 100,000 bucks just because. It didn\u2019t seem right. Everything was set up and William walked into Sarah\u2019s office about two hours after that. It took him that long to just calm down. <\/p>\n
\u201cHow are you doing, sweetheart?\u201d Sarah asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m doing fine. We\u2019re getting the kids. I just talked to Mitch and he came to an agreement in exchange for a monetary amount. He\u2019ll be happy and the kids will be happy. The only ones that will be pissed off are me and you,\u201d William pulled her out of her chair and kissed her soundly. <\/p>\n
\u201cHe asked for money?\u201d Sarah said sounding so sad. <\/p>\n
\u201cMore or less, Sarah. It\u2019s time to forget him, not think about it. As of tomorrow, the kids will be mine. Well, not legally yet. That will take about another week or two to draw up all of the papers for that. But he\u2019ll have his name off of everything from then on. He\u2019ll be out of their lives. He\u2019ll be out of our life. This is going to be perfect,\u201d William said smiling. <\/p>\n
\u201cWilliam, you are the best man, I ever could have found. I love you, the kids love you and I love your sons, like they were my own. I know that sounds stupid because of the age difference, but I feel like I could be their mother. I\u2019m so happy William. Thank you very much.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou are very welcome, Sarah.\u201d <\/p>\n
\u201cDo you love me as much as I love you?\u201d Sarah asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cLove me or leave me, make your choice but believe me
\nI love you
\nI do, I do, I do, I do, I do
\nI can’t conceal it, don’t you see, can’t you feel it
\nDon’t you too
\nI do, I do, I do, I do, I do <\/p>\n
Oh, I’ve been dreaming through my lonely past
\nNow I just made it, I found you at last <\/p>\n
So come on, now let’s try it, I love you, can’t deny it
\n‘Cos it’s true
\nI do, I do, I do, I do, I do <\/p>\n
Oh, no hard feelings between you and me
\nIf we can’t make it, but just wait and see <\/p>\n
So come on now, let’s try it, I love you, can’t deny it
\n‘Cos it’s true
\nI do, I do, I do, I do, I do
\nSo love me or leave me, make your choice but believe me
\nI love you
\nI do, I do, I do, I do, I do
\nI can’t conceal it, don’t you see, can’t you feel it
\nDon’t you too
\nI do, I do, I do, I do, I do\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
The end<\/p>\n
Family Life Part 94
\nMy Turn
\nBy Patt<\/p>\n
Word Count: 2407<\/p>\n
Summary: Steven is coming back into town and he\u2019s not alone. <\/p>\n
William called Jim one Sunday morning because he was worried and needed Jim to tell him that there was no reason to worry. <\/p>\n
\u201cEllison.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cJimmy, I wanted to ask you if you\u2019ve heard anything from your brother in the last six months. We haven\u2019t and we even sent him an announcement about our wedding and still no word. I wonder when it\u2019s time to worry about not hearing from him,\u201d William said. <\/p>\n
\u201cAs a matter of fact, I ran a couple of traces on him a week ago to make sure he was still alive and well. I talked to him in Japan and he said that he would be calling us one of these days. He sounded good, dad and very busy. So hopefully, one of these days he\u2019ll be back in Cascade and we won\u2019t have to worry about him so much,\u201d Jim assured his father. <\/p>\n
\u201cDid he say he might be coming?\u201d William wondered. <\/p>\n
\u201cNo, he just said he would be calling one of these days. Do you want me to call him and try getting a hold of him again?\u201d Jim asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cYes, and tell him we want to see him.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDad, if we really wanted to see him, the road goes both ways to see him too,\u201d Jim said. <\/p>\n
\u201cCan you imagine what it would cost to fly the family to Japan first class? I guess I could go alone, if Sarah wouldn\u2019t mind me leaving her alone,\u201d William thought. <\/p>\n
\u201cDad, I\u2019ll call him and ask him if he plans a trip back anytime soon and call you right back, okay?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThank you, Jimmy. I worry about him. He\u2019s all alone and you know he\u2019s not as grounded as you are. Life has always been harder for him.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cTry not to worry, I\u2019ll call him and as soon as he calls me back, I\u2019ll let you know. Talk to you soon,\u201d Jim said as he hung up the phone. <\/p>\n
\u201cWas that your dad?\u201d Blair asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cYes, he\u2019s worried about Steven and hasn\u2019t heard from him in six months and wants him to come home for a visit. I told him I\u2019d try and call him. You know even the kids have asked about him. He should really try and visit more then once a year,\u201d Jim said. <\/p>\n
\u201cWell, maybe he thinks that you should go visit him there. Why don\u2019t you? There is no reason you couldn\u2019t go for a visit. You could see his office in Japan and meet his friends and stuff like that. We could only afford to send one of us, so that would be you,\u201d Blair suggested. <\/p>\n
\u201cLet me call him first,\u201d Jim said as he picked up the address book with Steven\u2019s Japanese number in it. He dialed the number and prepared himself to leave a nice message when he heard, \u201cHello?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSteven? I wasn\u2019t expecting you to answer. How are you?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHi, Jim, I\u2019m fine. I\u2019m doing really well. I finished my work here and will be returning to Cascade in a week. It was a surprise but since you took the time to call, I figured I could tell you ahead of time.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSteven, that\u2019s fantastic. The boys have been asking about you all the time and they miss you. Maybe you\u2019ll find some time for them when you get back. And then there is always Miss Samantha. She\u2019s growing by leaps and bounds. I can\u2019t tell you how happy I am to hear you\u2019re coming back. Everything was successful?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh yeah, everything went well. It was a long year, but thankfully I stayed very, very busy. I even have a new partner in my business and she\u2019ll be moving back to Cascade too. She was running the company here, but she decided not to stay. You\u2019ll like her, she\u2019s really nice,\u201d Steven said. <\/p>\n
\u201cDid you get dad\u2019s wedding announcement?\u201d Jim asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cHe got married? To Sarah? Wow, that\u2019s wonderful. I really like her and the kids seem to be really nice too. I bet dad had a very nice wedding,\u201d Steven guessed. <\/p>\n
\u201cNope, they got married at the courthouse and no reception or anything. They wanted to start out quietly and end with a bang,\u201d Jim teased. <\/p>\n
\u201cThis is great news, Jim.\u201d <\/p>\n
\u201cHow do you feel about having step-brothers and sister?\u201d Jim asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll have to wait and see on that one. How do you feel about it?\u201d Steven inquired. <\/p>\n
\u201cI get along really well with the kids, so what\u2019s not to like? Dad is happier then I\u2019ve ever seen him, until I call and tell him you\u2019re coming home. He\u2019s been so worried about you and missed you a lot. We all did. We can\u2019t let another year go by like that again. I should have come out and visited you while you were there. I\u2019m sorry, Steven.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t worry about it. If you would have come, I would have been too busy to spend any time with you, so this works out better anyway. I can\u2019t wait to see my niece and nephews. I bet they\u2019re growing like weeds.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHave you been getting the pictures that Blair sends to you every month?\u201d Jim asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cYup, Blair is a life saver. I would feel homesick and I would get a letter from him with pictures of everyone and a news report about the family to boot. You\u2019re married to one of a kind,\u201d Steven said. <\/p>\n
\u201cI couldn\u2019t agree with you more. He\u2019s not only my best friend, but he\u2019s my other half. I know that sounds corny, but I mean it.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, let\u2019s get off of here and I\u2019ll see you in a weeks time,\u201d Steven said. <\/p>\n
\u201cGoodbye, Steven. Can\u2019t wait to see you,\u201d Jim said before he hung up the phone. <\/p>\n
He turned to Blair and said, \u201cSteven is coming home in a week. He didn\u2019t say much about it. It was like he was hiding something. But I don\u2019t care; at least he\u2019ll be back in the states again. Let me call my dad and let him know.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jim dialed the number and William answered, \u201cYou couldn\u2019t get a hold of him, right?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh yee of so little faith. I talked to him and he\u2019s coming home for good in a week\u2019s time. So you won\u2019t have to worry about him in Japan any longer. He said his work is done there and he\u2019s back to stay. He sounded good and said he was anxious to see everyone. He didn\u2019t know about you and Sarah, so I filled him in on that. So you can relax now,\u201d Jim said. <\/p>\n
\u201cThank you, Jimmy. That takes a lot off of my mind. I was really worried about him.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ll talk to you later, dad. Relax and enjoy your family,\u201d Jim ordered. <\/p>\n
\u201cYes, sir,\u201d William teased and said his goodbyes. <\/p>\n
Jim got off the phone and smiled at Blair. \u201cI didn\u2019t realize how much I missed my brother until this very moment. And he sounded odd, so I\u2019m wondering what\u2019s going on with him.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHe might just be excited about getting home, babe. Don\u2019t go worrying when you don\u2019t have to. The important thing is, he\u2019s coming home. I can\u2019t wait to tell the kids,\u201d Blair commented. <\/p>\n
\u201cTell us what?\u201d Max asked as all three kids walked down the stairs from the boys\u2019 room. <\/p>\n
\u201cUncle Steven is coming back into town in a week,\u201d Jim said. <\/p>\n
\u201cOh, that\u2019s great. Is he staying more then a week?\u201d Drew wondered. <\/p>\n
Sam had a confused look on her face and said, \u201cI don\u2019t remember Uncle Steven.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s dad\u2019s brother, you wouldn\u2019t remember him. He left right after you came to live with us,\u201d Max said. <\/p>\n
\u201cAre you happy, daddy?\u201d Sam asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m very happy. I love my brother just like you love your brothers. It\u2019s been a long year. Well, not actually a year, because it was right around your birthday that he left. So he\u2019ll be here for your next one. He\u2019s moving back from Japan and will be staying in Cascade again,\u201d Jim said. <\/p>\n
\u201cPoppy, do you like Uncle Steven?\u201d Sam questioned. <\/p>\n
\u201cOh yeah. Very much. He\u2019s a really nice man and once you get to know him again, you\u2019ll remember him. Now who wants to help me with dinner?\u201d Blair asked as he headed into the kitchen. <\/p>\n
Drew said, \u201cI\u2019ll help. I have a new recipe I thought I would ask you if we could try.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh goody, something new. It\u2019s never boring around here, that\u2019s for sure,\u201d Blair said. <\/p>\n
They all went off and did their Sunday things and before long it was bedtime. <\/p>\n
@@@@@<\/p>\n
One week later: <\/p>\n
Everyone had just finished eating dinner and cleaning up when there was a knock on the door. Jim went to go answer it with Samantha not far behind. He opened it and there stood Steven and a gorgeous woman. <\/p>\n
Jim pulled Steven into a hug and said, \u201cYou are a sight for sore eyes. Samantha, this is Uncle Steven. Now you won\u2019t have to wonder about him any more.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHi Uncle Steven. Who is this pretty lady. She\u2019s prettier then anyone I\u2019ve ever seen before,\u201d Sam said sweetly. <\/p>\n
The woman laughed softly and said, \u201cSamantha, that was very kind of you to say. Thank you. My name is Paige.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI like that name very much,\u201d Sam said as she hugged Paige\u2019s legs. <\/p>\n
Steven said, \u201cWhere is Blair. I wanted to do the introductions with him here too.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBlair, Steven wants you by my side,\u201d Jim bellowed and made Paige smile. <\/p>\n
Blair and the boys came out. Max and Drew hugged Uncle Steven and stood there waiting to be introduced to the woman. <\/p>\n
\u201cI would like you all to meet the new Mrs. Steven Ellison. Well, that\u2019s not exactly true. She kept her last name, which is Donovan, so she\u2019s my wife but has a different last name. We got married six months ago. I was saving it as a surprise for everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n
Blair and Jim were hugging them both like crazy and Drew and Max did too. Samantha said, \u201cSo are you my Auntie Paige now?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy yes, I guess I would be. I like the sounds of that. Jim or Blair, do you think I could have a glass of water?\u201d Paige asked sweetly. <\/p>\n
\u201cCome on in, sit down and I\u2019ll get some refreshments. You must be exhausted, hungry and thirsty. Would you like something to eat?\u201d Blair asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cNo, we stopped and had dinner before we came. Thank you, some water would be nice,\u201d Steven stated. <\/p>\n
They all sat down while Drew and Max got the glasses of water. <\/p>\n
\u201cSo tell us how you like working with your husband,\u201d Blair said. <\/p>\n
\u201cI love working with him. You must know that sometimes people can live together and work together and get along just fine. We have an off day now and then, but the making up is fun,\u201d Paige said. <\/p>\n
\u201cJim starts fights on purpose so that we can make-up,\u201d Blair joked. Everyone laughed but Sam. She just kept staring at Paige. <\/p>\n
\u201cDid anyone ever tell you how pretty you are?\u201d Sam asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cWhy Samantha, that is so sweet. No one has ever said it like that. You have made my night,\u201d Paige said smiling. <\/p>\n
\u201cSo where are you going to live?\u201d Max asked as he brought the refreshments out with Drew. <\/p>\n
\u201cI kept my Condo, so we\u2019ll stay there until we decide where we want to live. I guess we should go see dad soon. He\u2019s probably wondering where I am,\u201d Steven said. <\/p>\n
\u201cJust relax, I can call Dad and the family over to meet Paige here, if you want me to,\u201d Jim suggested. <\/p>\n
\u201cNo, I think we should go over to his house, but I need the address. I forgot to write it down before we left,\u201d Steven said with a chuckle. <\/p>\n
Blair got up and got the address for Steven and handed it to him. <\/p>\n
\u201cSo how long did you two know each other before you got married?\u201d Blair asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cAbout four months, I think, don\u2019t you agree, Steven?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, about four months. I figured it was time I settled down. I was the only family member that didn\u2019t have anyone and I figured that it was my turn. And then Paige came into my life. It\u2019s been heaven ever since,\u201d Steven admitted. <\/p>\n
They all said, \u201cAwww.\u201d<\/p>\n
They talked some more and then they left for the evening so they could see William and Sarah. Jim hated to see them go. He hadn\u2019t realized how much he had missed his brother. He was so happy to have him back home again. <\/p>\n
Once they were gone, Blair said, \u201cWow, she\u2019s a beautiful girl, don\u2019t you all think so?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI think she\u2019s the prettiest girl I\u2019ve ever seen in my life,\u201d Drew confessed. <\/p>\n
\u201cShe seemed really nice too,\u201d Max said. <\/p>\n
\u201cHopefully we\u2019ll see more of them now that they are back in the city. But Steven has never been as much for family as we all are. But maybe that\u2019s changing with him taking a wife,\u201d Jim said. <\/p>\n
\u201cTaking her where?\u201d Sam asked. <\/p>\n
They all laughed and talked more about Steven and Paige until it was bedtime for the kids. <\/p>\n
@@@@@<\/p>\n
At 11:00, Jim and Blair were kissing in bed; just getting started with something more and the phone rang. Jim answered, \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cJimmy, am I bothering you?\u201d William asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cSorry dad. I was almost asleep and the phone startled me,\u201d Jim answered and Blair whispered, \u201cLiar.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSteven looks wonderful and his new wife is so nice, we really liked her. Do you think she\u2019s all right?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDad, she seemed just fine. Stop worrying. He\u2019s back in Cascade, he now has a wife and maybe a family some day. Let\u2019s count our blessings and not worry about anything.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re right, Jimmy. You go and sleep well. Tell Blair I said hello and to call me for lunch next week,\u201d William ordered. <\/p>\n
\u201cWhat am I? Chopped liver?\u201d Jim kidded. <\/p>\n
\u201cI meant both of you. Goodnight, Jimmy,\u201d William said. <\/p>\n
\u201cGoodnight dad,\u201d Jim said before he hung up the phone. <\/p>\n
\u201cWas he happy?\u201d Blair asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cHe was already worried about if she was a nice girl or not. Dad always worries, he\u2019s going to give himself a heart attack,\u201d Jim said. <\/p>\n
\u201cNow, how about we go back to what we were doing before,\u201d Blair suggested. <\/p>\n
And they did just that. <\/p>\n
The end. <\/p>\n
PattRose1@aol.com<\/p>\n
Family Life Part 95
\nJoy
\nBy Patt<\/p>\n
Word Count: 2725<\/p>\n
Summary: Jim and Blair hear from Rucker and Andy and they have good news to share. <\/p>\n
Notes: Thank you so much Kittycat for the idea for this story. I hope you like it. Only five more stories to go before the series ends. So anyone with ideas now would be a perfect time. \uf04a <\/p>\n
Blair was cleaning the kitchen while Jim was cleaning the bathroom. Blair knew he had gotten the better end of the deal on that. Blair was humming as he polished the refrigerator and the phone rang and surprised him. He jumped and sprayed the shine all over the counter. Laughing he went to pick up the phone. <\/p>\n
He saw it was Rucker\u2019s number and smiled as he picked it up. \u201cHello?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh Blair I have such wonderful news,\u201d Andy began. <\/p>\n
\u201cSo tell me,\u201d Blair replied. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve been on a waiting list for adoption of older children, but we wanted a family, hopefully. We\u2019re getting a family of three. Two girls and a boy. Hope is 12, Cassidy is 8 and Ryan is 6. Their parents are both in prison for life and there is no other family. We went and met them and they agreed to come and see our island. They know that they\u2019ll have to go to school by boat every day and that seemed all right with them. They checked out our new house, did I tell you that we had a new house built? Anyway, they loved the house, loved that they would each have their own room and we still have the guest house out back for company, hint, hint, hint.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is fantastic news, Andy. I can\u2019t believe how fast this has all went. When in the world did you have time to have a house built?\u201d Blair wondered. <\/p>\n
\u201cTwo months ago. It\u2019s just finished. I mean, brand spanking new.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is so cool. What does Rucker think?\u201d Blair asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cRucker wants me to be happy, so he would go along with anything, but these kids are really nice. They have lived apart for six months and were so sad being separated. They are thrilled at the idea of being together again. They like Rucker and they seem to like me too,\u201d Andy said happily. <\/p>\n
\u201cSo when do they move in?\u201d Blair inquired. <\/p>\n
\u201cThey moved in a week ago. I just haven\u2019t had time to call, because we had a lot to get done. I had to register them at school, shop for school supplies, shop for groceries that they like and then we went and bought all new clothes and shoes. It\u2019s been quite a week. We\u2019re all exhausted. Rucker takes them every day to school and I pick them up. They seem to like living with us so far. At least they seem to like it. And in case your wondering, we\u2019re going to be able to adopt them, their parents signed away their rights when they went into prison. So when can you come for a visit? We have a two bedroom guest house and a sleeper sofa. Rucker is so excited to show off his new family. Do you think you can come?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll talk to Jim about it, but I think we can take some time off work next week and make it a long weekend. That way the kids won\u2019t have to miss much school. We\u2019ll be waiting on the other side for our ride to Casa de Ellison,\u201d Blair teased. <\/p>\n
\u201cYou just tell us when you\u2019ll be there and Rucker will be there. He couldn\u2019t wait for me to call and tell you about this. He tries not to act all excited, but he is. He really likes these kids and the girls have him wrapped around their fingers already. I\u2019ve got to go and make lunch for the troops. See you soon,\u201d Andy said before she hung up. <\/p>\n
Jim came walking out of the bathroom and said, \u201cSo they have a new family?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt amazes me even now, how much you can hear. You were in a closed bathroom, with running water and you still heard the conversation. That must rock,\u201d Blair said in awe. <\/p>\n
\u201cSometimes and sometimes it\u2019s a pain in the butt. So, just remember the times I complain about it too. That\u2019s wonderful news about Andy and Rucker. They deserve happiness. She sounded like she was filled with joy. I liked hearing her so happy,\u201d Jim admitted. <\/p>\n
\u201cMe too, so do you think we could take off on Thursday and stay until Sunday?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cChief, we have the time coming, so what\u2019s to worry about? Just call and ask Simon right now. That way we can plan for it. I hate to take the kids out of school for two days, but we\u2019ll tell them we want their work ahead of time and that way they won\u2019t be behind.\u201d<\/p>\n
Blair walked over and looked at the calendar and said, \u201cOkay, now I\u2019m happy. Next week and the week after, they are out for their break. So they won\u2019t have to miss school. We could leave whenever we wanted to. Let me call Simon and see how long we can take off?\u201d<\/p>\n
Blair called Simon and figured out what day they could leave and wrote it all down on the calendar. Jim went and got the kids and had them come downstairs to hear the news. <\/p>\n
When Blair got off the phone, the kids were all sitting there waiting to hear some good news. Blair filled them in on the story and they were thrilled for them. Samantha said, \u201cNow we have more cousins?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, Sam, now you have more cousins. Ryan is almost your age,\u201d Blair pointed out. <\/p>\n
\u201cOh goody, I can\u2019t wait to meet them. When are they coming?\u201d Sam asked jumping up and down. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re going to see them on Tuesday and staying until Sunday. Won\u2019t that be nice?\u201d Blair asked. <\/p>\n
Max said, \u201cCan we bring our Wii, just in case they don\u2019t have one?\u201d<\/p>\n
Jim laughed and said, \u201cI think you all are hooked on the Wii. Yes, you can bring it, but chances are they already have a system. Why don\u2019t you call and ask Rucker?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCould I call right now?\u201d Max asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cYes, call him now and then let me talk to him,\u201d Jim said. <\/p>\n
Max got out the address book and found Rucker\u2019s name and phone number and dialed it quickly. \u201cHello?\u201d <\/p>\n
\u201cHi Andy, this is Max. I wanted to know if the kids already have a Wii system? Because if they don\u2019t, we thought we\u2019d bring ours.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThey don\u2019t have a Wii, they have an Xbox 360. Why don\u2019t you bring yours, so you can play both systems?\u201d Andy suggested. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe will. Here is my dad, he wants to talk to you,\u201d Max said as he handed the phone over to Jim. <\/p>\n
\u201cHi Andy. We\u2019re going to come for a visit on Tuesday and stay until Sunday, if that\u2019s all right with you guys,\u201d Jim said. <\/p>\n
\u201cOh my God, this is so exciting. Rucker is going to be thrilled. Hope can\u2019t wait to meet her new cousins and Cassidy and Ryan will warm up to you after a day or two. They\u2019re a little shy,\u201d Andy explained. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe can\u2019t wait to meet them, Andy. No one deserves to be happy more then you and Rucker do. I\u2019m so pleased for you. Do you mind if we bring a present for the kids when we come?\u201d Jim asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cYou can do whatever you want. We love spoiling the kids, so it\u2019ll be nice having someone else doing it too. Thank you, Jim. We\u2019ll see you on Tuesday. What time?\u201d Andy asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ll be there at noon on Tuesday, so tell Rucker not to forget us,\u201d Jim joked. <\/p>\n
\u201cAs if,\u201d Andy teased back. <\/p>\n
\u201cTalk to you on Tuesday,\u201d Jim said before hanging up the phone. <\/p>\n
Blair walked over to him and said, \u201cSo what are we getting the kids?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI thought we could get them a Wii system, so they have two systems. It couldn\u2019t hurt. Then I thought we could get them each a really nice iPod Touch. The kids would love that. What do you think?\u201d Jim asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cI think that these kids are going to be just as spoiled as our kids,\u201d Blair joked. <\/p>\n
Drew said, \u201cLet\u2019s go shopping now and that way we can put everything in the suitcases. Or are we just taking backpacks?\u201d <\/p>\n
\u201cNo, one small suitcase for each of us, should be fine. Get your jackets on and we\u2019ll go shopping,\u201d Jim said. <\/p>\n
They all scampered and were giggling and laughing as they retrieved their jackets. <\/p>\n
When they were ready they all went shopping. They found a few more things that the kids would love and got them too. Yes, the cousins were going to be spoiled too. <\/p>\n
@@@@@<\/p>\n
Rucker sat there waiting at the dock and saw Jim and the family drive up. He smiled when he saw them. Then he saw all of the luggage and presents being unloaded and wondered if there was going to be enough room for everyone and everything. <\/p>\n
Rucker walked up to them and hugged all of them. \u201cWhat do you think it is, Christmas?\u201d<\/p>\n
Jim looked down at all of the packages that they had wrapped so nicely and laughed. \u201cNo, it\u2019s called spoiling the new family members.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThank goodness I got the bigger boat last year, so we\u2019ll have enough room to take everything and everybody across. Let\u2019s load everything up,\u201d Rucker ordered. <\/p>\n
Once they were all settled, Jim sat in front with Rucker to talk to him while they sailed across the water. <\/p>\n
\u201cJim, I really appreciate you coming so quickly. It made Andy feel so good.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cRucker, you did the same thing for us. This summer, we\u2019ll see if your kids would like to come for a visit. It\u2019ll be fun having the cousins growing up together. Life has been incredibly good to us, Rucker.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou can say that again.\u201d<\/p>\n
When they arrived, Andy was waiting at the dock with the three kids. Jim could see the kids were nervous. Then he noticed their kids were also a little excited. Jim just smiled at seeing them. <\/p>\n
They got out and carried everything up to the house. Once they put everything in the guest house, Andy said, \u201cNow it\u2019s time for a proper hug.\u201d<\/p>\n
She hugged every one of them and then said, \u201cWe would like you to meet your new cousins, Hope, Cassidy and Ryan. Kids, this is Max, Drew and Samantha.\u201d<\/p>\n
All of the kids shook hands and said nice things to each other, but were very nervous. Jim said, \u201cWe brought presents.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh goody, we love presents, don\u2019t we, kids?\u201d Andy asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cI do,\u201d Hope said smiling for the first time. <\/p>\n
\u201cSo do I,\u201d Cassidy said. <\/p>\n
Ryan said, \u201cI\u2019m almost the same age as you, Samantha. Do you want to go play on my swing set?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh that would be fun, Ryan. I love swing sets,\u201d Sam answered. <\/p>\n
\u201cFirst the presents, then you can go play on the swing sets,\u201d Rucker said. <\/p>\n
They all opened their presents and were very excited with the Wii system and games to go with it and then they opened the iPod Touch and they were thrilled. They all walked over to the main house and walked in. <\/p>\n
\u201cWow, this is some nice house,\u201d Blair said as he looked around the living room and dining room. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe love it here,\u201d Andy said. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt has five bedrooms so I still have a bedroom to use as my office for work. We really like it here. The kids each have their own room,\u201d Rucker stated. <\/p>\n
\u201cWould you like to play some Xbox 360 with us?\u201d Hope asked. <\/p>\n
Max smiled and said, \u201cWe would love to. Lead the way.\u201d <\/p>\n
The kids all disappeared and Rucker said, \u201cThey seem to be getting on just fine. We didn\u2019t know how it would work since your kids are much older then ours. Well, I mean the boys.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThey\u2019re still cousins and that\u2019s exciting to our kids. They didn\u2019t have any family, so this is important to them,\u201d Blair said. <\/p>\n
Jim said, \u201cI just wanted to take a moment to tell you how beautiful those kids are. They are just darling. And Andy, Hope looks a little like you, so it\u2019s sort of funny.\u201d<\/p>\n
Rucker laughed and said, \u201cI agree. I think even Cassidy looks a little like her. Thankfully none of them look like me.\u201d<\/p>\n
Everyone laughed and Blair said, \u201cWe wish sometimes that our kids would look like us, but instead they act like us.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cActually, I think that\u2019s a better thing to have happen in a family,\u201d Andy said. <\/p>\n
\u201cYou all didn\u2019t have to do all of this for the kids. It\u2019s not like they\u2019re going without,\u201d Rucker said smiling. <\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m hungry, how about we help make lunch?\u201d Jim suggested. <\/p>\n
Andy jumped up and said, \u201cI knew I was forgetting something.\u201d<\/p>\n
They fed the kids and they were off and running as soon as they were done. There were no worries about anyone being shy, because they were all getting along beautifully. <\/p>\n
Jim, Blair, Andy and Rucker played cards while they listened to the laughter of the kids coming from the den. It was such a nice sound and Jim was so glad they were all there to hear it. <\/p>\n
@@@@@<\/p>\n
\u201cBut I don\u2019t want to leave. We were having fun,\u201d Sam whined. <\/p>\n
\u201cCouldn\u2019t we just stay for an extra day or two?\u201d Drew asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe have to go back to work, kids. Now let\u2019s pack and get ready. Rucker is taking us to our SUV this morning,\u201d Jim said. <\/p>\n
\u201cCould they come and visit us sometime?\u201d Sam asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m sure they will. We\u2019ll make plans to come out again during the next break, how does that sound?\u201d Blair said. <\/p>\n
\u201cThat sounds good,\u201d Sam answered, making everyone laugh.<\/p>\n
They packed and got ready and took everything to the boat dock and loaded it into the boat. Then they went in to say their goodbyes<\/p>\n
The kids all hugged one another and said that they would miss each one of them. Ryan looked like he was going to cry. Sam said, \u201cRyan, we get to come again during our next break.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh goody. I can\u2019t wait for your next break, then,\u201d Ryan replied. <\/p>\n
Rucker said, \u201cAnd we\u2019ll go visit them in Cascade, too. So it\u2019s not like you won\u2019t see each other a lot.\u201d<\/p>\n
Andy kissed and hugged everyone and looked like \u2018she\u2019 was going to cry. Blair hugged her extra hard and said, \u201cI\u2019ll be sending you the pictures as soon as I print them up on our printer at home.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI can\u2019t wait to start the family photo albums. It\u2019s going to be such fun,\u201d Andy confessed. <\/p>\n
They all said their goodbyes and the Sandburg-Ellison\u2019s all got into the boat for the trip across the water. They were sad to leave, but at the same time, happy that they had gotten to spend such a nice amount of time with everyone. <\/p>\n
When they arrived at the other dock, Rucker helped them unload and put everything into the SUV. Then he hugged all of them and said, \u201cThank you for everything. We\u2019ll see you soon.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOur house next,\u201d Jim said. <\/p>\n
\u201cOkay, I\u2019ll see when the kids are off. They seem to be on the same schedule as yours are, so that makes it nice. We\u2019ll be making plans soon. Drive careful and be safe.\u201d<\/p>\n
They all got into the SUV and they were off. Jim was exhausted and they had just started the drive. <\/p>\n
\u201cWell, did you enjoy your new cousins?\u201d Blair asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cOh yes,\u201d Sam said quickly. <\/p>\n
\u201cI loved all of them,\u201d Max said. <\/p>\n
Drew smiled and said, \u201cThey were all really nice kids. We had a good time with them. Hope can\u2019t wait to come to Cascade to see us next time. We told them about the loft and they thought it sounded cool. It\u2019ll be nice having cousins.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, it will be,\u201d Jim agreed. <\/p>\n
The kids all got their iPod Touch out and started playing games for the drive home. Blair looked over at Jim and smiled. Jim smiled back and knew that Blair had had a good time, also. <\/p>\n
Life was good. <\/p>\n
They were all blessed. <\/p>\n
The end<\/p>\n
PattRose1@aol.com<\/p>\n
I\u2019m supposed to have five more stories, I just haven\u2019t written them yet. Maybe someone could give me ideas. *grin*<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Family Life Part 91 Love By Patt Word Count: 2,193 Summary: It\u2019s Valentines Day for everyone. Notes: Thank you to Bee for suggesting that I do holiday stories from time to time. This is for her. Jim and Blair: Jim … Continue reading