The Family Next Door

by Heather D'Agostino

  “Visit?” Patrick cocked his head to the side as he moved to sit beside Katie on the couch.

  “Yeah…your girlfriend came to see me after you left to go be with Sean,” Katie knotted her hands together.

  Patrick’s face began to redden, but Katie quickly diffused the situation, “Hannah took care of it. Don’t worry. I don’t think we’ll be seeing her again.”

  “We better not,” he muttered under his breath.

  “I just want to move on,” Katie glanced in his direction. “We’ve got so much ahead of us. A new baby and a new clinic to open…” she grimaced as she looked up at him. “You still want to work together, right?”

  “More than anything,” Patrick smiled at her enthusiasm. “I’ve already asked your dad to draw up the plans. We can open sometime in the spring.”

  “I can’t wait,” Katie beamed.

  “How did I get so lucky?” Patrick reached up and trailed a finger down the side of her face, tucking a loose hair behind her ear.

  “We’re both lucky,” she whispered as she leaned in, fusing her mouth to his.

  Right when the kiss began to deepen, a small cry filled the room as it rang through the baby monitor that was placed on a nearby table.

  Patrick sighed as he broke away, “I’ll get him.” He rose from where he was sitting, and made his way toward the stairs as he mumbled, “Let’s make the best of tonight, here comes the rest of our lives.”

  Epilogue

  10 Years Later…

  “You need to relax,” Patrick sighed as he watched his wife buzz around the kitchen. “Everyone knows we’ve been really busy the last few months.”

  “I can’t,” Katie darted her eyes up at him before she leaned back down to glance in the oven. This is the first time we’ve all been together since before Mom and Dad moved.”

  “Your mom doesn’t expect all this…you know that, right?” he moved to stand behind her, and wrap his arms around her waist.

  Katie nodded, “I know…but Thanksgiving was always her thing. Now I kinda want it to be our thing.”

  Patrick chuckled, “Our thing?”

  “You know,” Katie turned in his arms, “the holiday that we host? The one thing that everyone expects each year?”

  “I know what you mean…but don’t you think you’re asking a bit much of yourself? I mean…we’ve got a lot going on right now with the practice, and the kids and us…” he trailed off.

  Before Katie could answer, the doorbell rang. Patrick dropped his forehead to her shoulder, “I’ll get it.” He turned and shuffled out of the kitchen as his wife giggled.

  ooooooooo

  “I got it!” came a squeal from the stairs.

  “No! I’m going to get it,” came another.

  “You got it last time.”

  “No, I didn’t!”

  “Enough!” Patrick crossed his arms over his chest as he narrowed his eyes at his six year old twins, Evan and Jeremy.

  “I’ll get it,” Sean rolled his eyes as he pushed his younger brothers out of the way.

  “Not fair!” they pouted and then backed off as their father glared at them.

  When Sean opened the door, Melanie and Austin stood there with Joey and Cora a few steps behind them. “I hope we’re not interrupting anything,” Melanie smiled as she looked down at her three grandsons.

  “Not at all,” Patrick held the door open to let his in-laws in just as the twins barreled forward.

  “Grandma!” they both shouted as they launched themselves into Melanie’s arms. “We missed you.”

  “We missed you too, but you know you can come visit us when the baby comes,” Melanie grinned as she ruffled their hair. “I’m sure your mom and dad would like the break.”

  “Dad would love the break,” Patrick teased. “With the new house, you guys have the room now, too.”

  “Always wanted to get out of the city,” Austin chimed from behind them.

  “Yeah…” Cora grumbled sarcastically. “It’s great living out in the middle of nowhere.”

  “Ignore her,” Melanie glanced at Patrick. “Being fourteen and having to live in the suburbs is killing her.

  “Hey,” Patrick nudged Joey to get his attention,” You going to put the phone down, and join the party?

  Joey’s head snapped up. “Sorry,” he muttered. “I’ve got plans later.”

  “You do, huh?” Patrick snickered as Cora teased in the background, “He’s going over to his girlfriend’s house.”

  “Shut up!” Joey narrowed his eyes at her.

  “Well, you are,” Cora tossed her hand in the air.

  “You’re just jealous,” Joey growled.

  “Max said he would be here, maybe he can give you some pointers,” Patrick nudged him. “He’s been seeing Beth for about six months.”

  “Sure,” Joey sighed as he made his way over to the couch and flopped down, all the while continuing to stare at his cell as his fingers texted vigorously.

  “Patrick!” Katie yelled from the kitchen. “I need some help in here!”

  “I got it,” Melanie placed her hand on Patrick’s arm, halting him. “You visit with the guys.”

  “Thanks,” Patrick nodded as another knock sounded at the door.

  When he opened the door, Charlie stood almost filling the doorway, “Hey Uncle Patrick.”

  “Charlie,” Patrick grinned up at him and then peered out the door, “Where’s your mom and dad?”

  “Coming,” Hannah puffed out a breath as she waddled up the steps. You know…it takes a while for me?”

  “Glad you guys could make it,” Patrick grinned as he shook Matt’s hand. “You’re welcome to hide out with me today if you need a break from the pregnancy hormones.”

  “I heard that,” Hannah smacked her brother-in-law in the belly as she pushed herself into the room.

  “Hey honey,” Austin called from his place on the couch. “How ya feeling?”

  “Fat and tired, but otherwise good,” Hannah sighed as she grinned at her father.

  “Not too much longer,” Austin nodded.

  Hannah tapped her foot as she fisted her hands on her hips, “If one more man tells me that, I’m not going to be responsible for my actions.”

  Matt shook his head as Austin and Patrick chuckled.

  “I’m going to find my sister,” Hannah grumbled as she made her way into the kitchen.

  ooooooooo

  “It smells really good in here,” Hannah moaned as she stepped into the kitchen.

  “Almost ready,” Katie smiled at her sister as she leaned up against the counter.

  “I’m starving,” Hannah grumbled.

  “Pregnancy will do that to you,” Katie giggled as she caressed her belly. “I should know…I’ve been through it twice already.”

  “Not comforting,” Hannah sighed as she moved to sit in a chair at the kitchen table.

  “You two have no idea,” Melanie laughed. “I had two teenagers along with the little ones. Nothing about being a parent is easy…except maybe the loving them part.”

  “Thanks Mom,” Katie rolled her eyes. “I think I have a pretty good idea though having twins and all.”

  “Yeah…guess you got me there,” Melanie giggled as she moved to sit beside Hannah.

  “So…are you glad this one’s a girl?” Hannah turned her gaze toward her sister.

  “Yeah…after three boys, I’m glad I’m getting a girl. Although…I feel bad for her when she’s a teenager. Trying to date…with three older brothers,” Katie grimaced.

  “She can form an alliance with this one,” Hannah glanced down at her belly as she mumbled, “right?”

  “True,” Katie grinned. “They can be partners in crime…just like we are.”

  “Not too much longer,” Melanie smiled at her daughters.

  “I swear…if one more person tells me that…” Hannah trailed off as she placed her head in her hands.

  “It’s ready!” Katie chirped as she pulled the turkey from t
he oven, interrupting whatever her sister was about to say.

  “Finally!” Hannah groaned. As she stood and headed for the dining room, she called out, “If you guys want to eat…you better get in here. You’re competing with two pregnant women.”

  ooooooooo

  As the family all gathered around the table, Patrick’s eyes darted to each person. A slight sadness had settled over him at the possibility that his brother might not make it home. His parents had taken a cruise for the holidays, and Patrick had tried valiantly to get a message to Max to come home and join. Max had said he’d be there, but as the hours ticked by, Patrick had gotten more discouraged.

  “He’ll be here,” Katie whispered as she leaned up and kissed her husband on the cheek. “Have faith.”

  Patrick only nodded as everyone began taking their seats around the giant table. As they all joined hands and Patrick began saying Grace, soft footsteps encroached on the room. As they lifted their heads, a voice from behind startled them.

  “Got room for one more?” Max asked as he stood there in his green army fatigues grinning at his brother.

  “Always,” Patrick jumped up from his seat as he enveloped his little brother in a bone crushing hug. “What took you so long?”

  “They wouldn’t let me off the base right away,” he sighed. “But I’m here now. Let’s eat!”

  “Sounds good to me,” Hannah groaned as she shoveled a helping of mashed potatoes on her plate. “We’ve got a lot to be thankful for this year.”

  “That we do,” Austin nodded as he glanced around the room at his family. “That we do.”

  The End

  Acknowledgements

  First of all, I’d like to thank my husband. He put up with many nights of playing the single parent so I could sit and write. His support on my journey as an author has been immeasurable. When I’ve been zoned in on my laptop, he’s been the one entertaining the kids, cooking dinner, and cleaning the house. I would not be able to do it without you, babe.

  Second, to my sweet children who are beginning to understand that when Mommy’s at the computer, she’s busy. You make me smile and laugh on a daily basis. Most days you are exactly what I need to encourage me to take a break.

  To my parents, your continued support of my journey to grow as an author can’t be described in words. You encourage me to do my best and never give up. My heart truly feels like it might burst sometimes with the love you show me.

  To my beta, Linda. I truly don’t know how to thank you. Without your keen eye for details, and patience for my craziness, I would not be where I am today. You are my cheerleader, confidante, and most recently a good friend. I don’t know what I would do without you.

  To Michelle Warren of IndieBookCovers for the beautiful cover. You continue to amaze me with your talent.

  To Jessi from Jess Time To Read for your wonderful review. Thank you for taking the time to read this series and put so much thought into your reviews. Spreading the word about their characters is one of the best compliments an author can get.

  To Tiffany from 556 Book Chicks for your wonderful reviews and becoming one of my biggest fans. Your support for this series is beyond flattering.

  And last but not least…A Big THANK YOU to the readers. All of you have shown so much love and support to me. Its dedicated readers like yourselves that keep us Indie Authors writing.

  They say “It takes a village to raise a child.” Well, I feel like these books are my babies. All of you have helped me “raise” them. They wouldn’t be successful without you. So, THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart.

  About the Author

  H.D’Agostino currently resides in Syracuse, NY with her husband, two children, two dogs, and three cats. Originally from Harrisburg, NC, she attended UNC Charlotte and received a BA in Elementary Education with a concentration in Math. H.D’Agostino loves hearing from her fans. You may follow her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/H.DAgostino.Author