by Sheila Kell
He and Elizabeth had been here long enough that it felt like a second home. Since a room was theirs year-round, he and his wife had a vacation every day. Some people he knew went to Florida to escape the snow. He’d never understood that because the temps were too high. Blake preferred the snow. The cold. The feel of the soft flakes floating to his head and body.
With the noise from his family emanating from the stairway, he turned and wanted to laugh as Jesse tried to hold several conversations at once. His desire for Kate was obvious in how he kept her close to him, touching her in some way. Remaining the older brother who’d manage everything weighed on him. Blake knew his sons made their decisions when alone, but when with Jesse, they deferred to him like they did at HIS when he led the group.
Somehow, Jesse had corralled Reagan from when she’d been exploring earlier with Amber. They’d soon become double trouble. His sons, daughter, and daughters-in-law would feel the pain he’d had raising the kids close together. They’d get into anything and everything.
“Poppy!” Reagan rushed to his side and took his hand. “Dad says we have to do this, but I wanted to explore until dinner time. Can I go?”
He grinned at her boldness. “Good try. Your dad’s word stands.”
She huffed like a spoiled child being told she couldn’t have the puppy she’d fallen in love with. “What am I gonna do while, like, the old people talk?”
He didn’t take the name to heart. At her age, most adults were considered old people. “You can also visit with me or any of your aunts and uncles. The lodge has games, plus I brought some.”
With a weary gaze, she searched, and her eyes lit up when she saw the area that he and Ronald—the daytime clerk—had done a bit of reorganizing to make a larger kids area. Along the walls where the adults could chat, Ronald had placed portable cribs or playpens, whichever people preferred, in the area and in guest rooms that required them.
“Is there anything for my age?” Jason asked, looking disappointed.
“I thought”— Blake watched his expression close —“that you’d join the men.” Jason’s eyes lit up, and he seemed to stand ten feet tall. Just to mess with him, he added, “Or the women.” They didn’t segregate the groups, but they tended to gravitate to the split. Later, they’d come together as couples. He knew the men kept up with each other at HIS, but also knew they wanted their wives to have time together catching up. Pride suffused him. His boys had learned how to treat their women.
“I’d like to sit with the men.” Jason’s hesitancy to say yes would stop once they continued to include him in this group.
“Well, then”—he slapped his grandson on the back—“let’s grab the best seats before everyone else comes down. Why don’t you sit by me? You’ll hear just about everything.” Turning, he winked at his oldest son and nodded for him to join them.
Kate glided off to the area closest to the babies. Not that she had one of her own, but because the other women were there.
Before they got comfortable, AJ and his family stepped down the bottom stair, searching for something or someone. AJ had a baffled look on his face when his wife told him to keep Ace with him.
Blake waved to him. “Bring my grandson over.”
AJ’s relief flushed over his face. “Thanks.” After surveying the seats, he guided his son, trying to pull his hand from his father’s grip, to the two most isolated chairs and spoke quietly with him. His choices sometimes amazed him. It was hard to see his baby boy as a grown man even though he demonstrated it every day.
“What’s the challenge today?” Blake hated he’d missed so much with them after promising he’d be there with them a great deal of the time. If he didn’t watch it, the grandkids would be in college before he knew it.
“From over a year ago when we removed his bed rails since he climbed them, he’s still leaving his bed and crawling in between me and Megan. We’re more upset about him being up and around without us. We’re probably going to install a motion sensor or something to alert us when he does that in case he doesn’t climb in our bed.”
Blake chuckled. “Like father, like son. You were the toughest to keep in a toddler bed, but I think it’s because you wanted to follow your brothers so badly.”
Jesse laughed. “At two and a half, Reagan would get out of her toddler bed. She’d escape at night to sleep on a pallet; then she’d get back in her bed in the morning. Whoever invented nanny-cams has my sincere thanks.” Putting all his effort into raising his daughter, Jesse had allowed his desire for a wife to wait until he’d met Kate.
Blake remembered most of the kids’ firsts and the special things that made them who they were. Jesse had walked the earliest and fastest, which probably has something to do with leadership, quick thinking, and the need to take care of his family. Devon had started taking computers apart at an extremely early age and sneaking onto websites he shouldn’t have. Maybe that’s why the CIA came looking for him to work for them. Jake came to him mostly grown, but he’d witnessed his first date, prom, and those other little things important to a father and son.
The twins were still his greatest challenge. Their differences astounded him. The softer-spoken Matt did things from his heart. That’d been why his son had said he’d joined the Navy and later went through hell to become a SEAL. Brad, however, almost flunked out of college because he’d found partying and women more fun. AJ, his baby boy, his brothers picked on him and mostly left him to his own devices. It hadn’t been long before the world had become his youngest son’s playground.
And Emily, his sweet baby girl, even without a steady female influence—his kids had kept running off nannies—she’d become a lady. A lady in love with his foster son. They’d both had trials, but, with his return, they’d come together.
Lost in thought, it’d taken him a moment to return to the conversation with AJ poking fun or frustration—he couldn’t tell—at his brother. “Yeah, yeah. Reagan’s the best little girl ever. You just wait, Ace will show her up in all the firsts of growing.” Sitting in a chair, AJ had a grasp on his son, which probably was a good idea, because he’d already spied the table decorations.
“Except walking,” Jason interjected. His eyes widened after that, and he looked about to apologize to AJ. Blake wouldn’t have him feel like he couldn’t joke with him. He’d learn what was out of bounds.
Issuing a challenge, AJ said, “Really? Watch.” Turning Ace so he could see his mom, AJ gave him a little push and told him, “Go see Mama. I bet she has something for you.” Excitedly, the kid raced off at an amazing speed to Megan. Turning back to Jason, he said, “There.”
Jason shook his head. “You know what I meant. Besides, he’s three and a half and has been walking for ages.”
AJ grinned. “I know.” He looked over their shoulders at his wife. “What? He wanted his momma.”
There weren’t enough pretend coughs that would cover the men’s laughter. Slapping Jason on the shoulder with a light chuckle, Blake said, “You’ll fit right in with the ‘old men’ as Reagan dubbed it earlier.”
Jesse groaned. “Reagan informed me I was old, but I didn’t think she’d think it okay to tell others.”
“At least my niece is honest,” Devon added, joining them after he and Rylee settled their kids to play and nap. Dropping into a seat, Devon sighed loudly. “Even though Mitch has grown to a toddler bed, we’re glad one of those portable things”— Devon pointed to the baby station—“is in our room for him.”
AJ nodded. “In the room, we’ve one for the baby and a larger one for Ace. This place is really helping us out. I wondered with so many kids coming at once.”
Jason leaned toward him and spoke in a whisper. “Are babies the only thing they talk about? Because if so, I’d rather play with the kids.”
Stifling a chuckle that fought for release, he answered in the same whisper, “No. Just from the start so they can try to one-up each other in the baby field.”
AJ’s sly grin spread across his face an
d Blake had an idea what was about to happen. He should give his attention to Jason first, but it was humorous watching these grown men argue over their baby’s feats. “Dev”—his voice gave away his intent to create a ruckus—“how old exactly was Mitch when he took his first steps?”
Jesse’s eyes narrowed at AJ. Then he waited for Devon’s response.
“On his own, without falling every few steps, eleven months. But he’d taken his first steps at ten months.” His chance to deal with the terrible twos was upon him. That’s one year that Grandpa doesn’t keep the grandkids for long visits.
Jesse had started when he hit ten months, and he’d been told how it’d been early. He hadn’t wanted his kids to grow up with the same timeline. Devon seemed to catch on because he turned to Jesse and cocked his head.
AJ’s voice reminded him of a police investigator on those fake police shows. “Jesse, when did Reagan start walking?”
“Same,” Jesse said shortly. His aggravation at Reagan not being the first bothered him, but not at her. He’d never push her, but it’d be nice to outshine his brothers.
In short order, Jake, Trent, Matt, and Brad arrived. AJ smiled. “We’re talking about when our kids took their first steps.” His sons puffed up like proud papas ready to brag on their offspring.
Settling beside AJ, Jake offered, “I don’t know for Amber. But, Leslie was full force before she was one. Her first steps were at about eleven.”
With a grin from AJ, he prompted the others, and Blake knew AJ would get crushed in a moment.
“My hellions,” Matt started, “took their first steps about ten months, but they didn’t walk until nearly a year. When one would stand, the other would pull him down or knock him down. We had to separate them to help them learn.” Matt wiped a hand down his face. “They’re going to kill me. I thought Brad was supposed to have the evil ones.”
“Hey.” Brad dragged it out just lough enough to be heard above the chuckles.
“You still have plenty of time to find out since yours are only five months.” Matt grinned. “Maybe I’ll bring mine to help yours.”
“Oh fuck no. I don’t want yours corrupting mine.” Outright laughter exploded. “It’d take about a dozen nannies to help keep up with all four of them.”
At one time, having twelve women surrounding Brad had been his fantasy. Now, he couldn’t care less. Madison had changed him—for the good.
“Trent, what about you? Ashley and Roger?” AJ’s voice sounded confident, but this one would break it.
“Let’s see, Ashley was about the same. She took her first steps at ten months and went full force at eleven.”
“And Roger?” AJ couldn’t let it go.
Trent had never been a showoff, but when kids were involved, parents wanted everyone to hear their good news. Obviously figuring out AJ’s motive, he smiled. “Are you sure you want to know?”
AJ’s smiled wavered, but he pulled it back together. “Yeah, we’re family, you can share.”
“Okay, Roger took his first steps at nine months.”
“Holy cow!” Brad exclaimed.
AJ and Trent’s gazes were locked. They’d been best friends and competitive growing up, until Trent left HIS to grasp his destiny. They grinned and shook their heads. He hadn’t expected something explosive, but he knew how AJ could be a sore loser sometimes.
They exchanged small talk while Ace raced back to AJ and plowed into him, eliciting giggles from the boy.
Blake turned his attention to Jason. “What are you planning for college? It’s coming up fast.”
Visible excitement burst from his grandson. His eye grew with a sparkle, his body straightening, and his smile spread larger. “I want to play. I’ve had a couple of scouts watch me, but I’m not waiting for them, because with so much time passing, they obviously don’t want me.”
“I wouldn’t worry about that. You could still earn a football scholarship. We’ll have to figure it out and use all the contacts we have. This is your future, and we’re behind you 100 percent.”
Jason had a great arm and a high accuracy rate. Surely Blake knew someone at a college that would take a look at Jason. They’d definitely be impressed. He didn’t understand why the other colleges hadn’t picked him up or were sitting on their hands.
Some schools had already closed their admissions for the next year. They needed to get one right away before another opportunity closed.
“What will you major in?” Please don’t let him pick a program that caters to college sports players to keep them on the field but with no future off it.
“Law enforcement and public safety.”
Blake barely kept the water he’d been drinking down. He had an inkling what his decision meant. Unlike Reagan, he hadn’t announced he wanted to join HIS. Blake knew he’d followed and quizzed Jesse and the others, but hadn’t heard which way he leaned.
Jason hurried to add, “After that, I’m joining the Marines.”
Thank goodness he hadn’t taken a drink again or he might’ve sprayed the water or choked. The marines had thrown him. Maybe because none of his sons had chosen that branch of the military. To be supportive, he nodded. Truthfully, he had nothing to add. It looked like Jason had made choices that appealed to him, and Blake could see the usefulness of them.
“What college would you like to attend?”
Jason shrugged, and he took this as an opportunity to help his grandson like normal grandfathers did.
“What are you thinking? You’re bound to have some ideas. Give me three.”
Two little girl voices interrupted their conversation. “Poppy.”
“Poppy.”
“Can we sit on your lap?” Reagan waited for him to answer, but Amber climbed up and plopped herself on his thigh.
Reagan huffed and told Amber, “You’re not supposed to get in his lap until he says yes.”
Amber ignored her as she scooted closer and put her head on his chest. It warmed him inside. His grandchildren meant the world to him. His sons and daughter too, but the little ones had a special place in his heart.
He held back a chuckle trying to escape him when Reagan grimaced. “She doesn’t listen to what I say, trying to help her be proper, and since I’m oldest, I’m supposed to help her.”
“Come here.” He waved his free arm in an effort to call her over. “It’s okay.”
Reagan’s face brightened, and she almost knocked him and Amber back while she excitedly settled herself on his empty thigh. Both of them—especially Reagan—were getting too heavy for this as his legs went numb in no time. But as long as they wanted to sit on his lap, he’d allow it.
Smiling, Jesse walked over and chuckled. “Are you okay with Pumpkin and Little Bit in your lap?”
His gaze cut between the two girls. “I’m fine for now.”
Jesse scrutinized him and accepted his answer with a nod. “Dad, why is your hair so short? Is this a new trend to look like you’re back in the military?”
The truth lodged in his throat wanting to escape, but he refused to allow that to happen. There’ll be a time for it. “I wasn’t paying attention when the barber started. Once he cut one part short, the rest had to go.”
The skeptical expression on his son’s face told him he needed a better cover story. He’d tell them at dinner. No, after dinner because the kids would be separate, but he already had one surprise that would create a little havoc.
THE DINNER TABLE presentation exceeded his expectation. The festive, yet elegant feel had Blake’s wife’s hand in it. She had a knack for creating masterpieces with few options. The greenery strewn down the center of the main table smelled woodsy fresh with red flowers and small berries dotting it. With three candelabras perfectly spaced down the pristine white tablecloth, she’d kept formal out of it, bringing in home. He hadn’t forgotten the family tablecloth where they could write what they were most thankful for. Since it wasn’t long enough for the adult table, the staff set it up on a nearby table with a welcoming
Poinsettia centerpiece. He wondered if his family would write something different. Last year, they’d all been thankful for family. With the year they’d had, he imagined they’d add health to it.
A kids’ table had been set with small presents for each one so they could play while waiting for the adults. Jason offered to sit with them as he tended to do to look over them, but Blake wouldn’t have it. He’d head off to college soon, which meant seeing him infrequently. They’d enjoy every moment these next few days. He led Jason to the table, and the boy’s mouth dropped when he saw his name.
Having seating cards confused everyone, but he’d done it for a reason. Mostly because it’d keep handing out his gifts easier and quicker.
As the family sat, his pride grew in watching his sons do what he did for Elizabeth. Holding out their wife’s chair and making sure she was settled. The love from the group permeated the air, and it was the sweetest smell he’d ever encountered.
When he didn’t sit, his boys stood in confusion. He’d not been around much to teach them things like this, and while Emily went around telling them what they should be doing, they didn’t listen to her. As the baby of the family, she was mostly treated like one.
He waved his hand for them to sit, and he caught them glancing at the man sitting on the opposite side of Elizabeth, on his left. With the narrowed eyed looked, they probably expected another long-lost son to pop up. He deserved that, but it wasn’t true in this instance. They’d be disappointed if that was their hope. Looking at them, he doubted they hoped. He’d alleviate their curiosity soon.
It took his sons, daughter, nephew, and Jason to notice the long box on their place setting. Jesse’s eyebrows dove into a V-shape as he quickly assessed the table. Knowing his oldest son, he’d cataloged not only who had a box, but if they were all the size, and the interloper had one.
AJ waved the gift-wrapped package. “What’s this?”
