“ So I know all about a family coming together to heal.” I state seeing him nod
“ I guess both our families have been through a lot. So have you heard anything from your uncle?” Heath asked me getting a shook head
“ Nope last I knew he was behind bars serving time for a number of crimes against him, but if he ever got out he won’t have a day of peace.” I state seeing my new brother’s face
“ What do you mean Nick?” He asks me with a evil smile
“ Let’s just say he still has some debt to pay in my family.” I say seeing him nod
The rest of the afternoon went by with Heath and I talking of the coming holidays.
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The days before Thanksgiving came and gone. This would be the first Thanksgiving with my family in a long time. The godmoms and moms made a very delicious dinner with all the trimmings. I forgot how good my moms ham was as well my godmoms turkey tasted. It was a very enjoyable day for all of us. I was so thankful that I had forgiven those that had hurt me, but knew they were hurt also. The kids shocked us grown ups by pigging out on what was put on their little plates asking for seconds as the boys ask for thirds. I looked over at Chris seeing a smirk remembering my ‘ Bottomless pit’ remark I made months ago. Shaking my head I chuckle quietly seeing his nod. The rest of Thanksgiving was filled with laughter between the adults while the kids watched movies like Transformers 4, Snow White, and Star Wars. Their moms made sure each of them had a movie they liked. My loves although had plans for me by taking me to our bedroom to spend some time alone around 4 o’clock in the afternoon that day. I didn’t protest as again I was just thankful for them being in my life. Those next few hours nothing else mattered as my five beautiful ladies each made love to me.
The day after Thanksgiving was Black Friday. Now I knew why stores all over the United States were open selling what all they could with nice products, but getting up way early in the morning was the pits. Most of my family went to the nearest retailers to get another jump for Christmas. At 5 a.m. that Friday morning we all got in cars and the Ranger I still had. The kids wanted to come with me so Jasmine sat in the passenger side while our daughter and sons sat behind our seats. The godparents and moms went one way while the rest of us went to Wal Mart. I had a thought come to me, but to keep it from the family I would have to go shopping later by myself, but possibly take Jasmine and Diamond with me at that time.
After that Black Friday all the gifts that were bought had to be hid from prying eyes. So Papa Mike and I rented a big storage unit. We estimated since there was like 30 people in the family now we needed a big place. Nick said that the rest of the family would be up at Christamas along with a few we haven’t met. I asked who getting a smile when he stated his other 4 kids, Dwight, and Yvonne. I heard about them, but have never met them yet. So with plans being made we put the gifts that were wrapped in the storage unit. We counted it would take four vehicles to haul all the gifts the night before, but with my mind racing with thoughts of Allison and Lindsey I knew I wouldn’t be here to haul the gifts Christmas Eve night. Except I would be bringing home two surprises to a brother that needed them both in his life. I had a inner smile thinking this Christmas was going to be wonderful. I just had to make it wonderful for two people that have been alone on the holidays the past years.
The rest of November went by quickly with Nick, Savannah, and Megan leaving again to only promise to come back up for Christmas. We gave them a fond farewell with hugs. Since December was finally here I had to start getting my plans started. I made arrangements for the Sunday before Christmas to fly down to Allison’s. I wanted to have a little time to help her adjust to what I had to tell her. I knew it was not going to be easy for her, but it had to be done. My loves understood supporting me in my mission to bring a sister and brother back together again. As the days in the first week went by I went over my investments while talking to Allison on the phone. She told me her and Lindsey were excited about visiting in a few weeks. I could tell by the sound of her voice. She also exclaimed it was the only thing to help her get through work. I knew Allison was holding back tears when she told me about her job. She stated that the rumors of layoffs was true. I felt bad for her at that moment. I had to think of how to make her and Lindsey’s life better. They had no one around them to help either one of them. I heard Lindsey in the background coughing. My little adopted daughter was sick. I asked Allison if she had anything for Lindsey. Allison said she did and thanks for asking. I told her to give my girl a hug and my love. We talked for a bit longer before she had to go take care of her daughter. I placed my phone on my desk to only look at the screen. I moved my money around to a few accounts I had for bills, food, and luxery. I thought of something in which I smiled opening five accounts one for each of the kids in my life. I wanted them to have a good start of a nice future. So I moved a reasonable amount of money to each account. After what took thirty minutes I turned my laptop off to only make my way to the bed to rest for a few minutes. I looked to see it was around noon on Friday. I looked up at the ceiling closing my eyes for a moment.
The next I knew I was sitting in my normal spot on the beach, but I was not alone. On my right was Grandma May. On my left was my dad both looking at the sunrise. Both turned to look at me with smiles.
“ Hey son how are you?” My dad asked me with a grin
“ I’m good just confused why your both here?” I responded getting laughs
“ We’re here to tell you how proud we are of you. You brought this family together plus some.” Grandma May tells me taking my right hand in her left
“ Yep we are Champ. You have come a long way from that day May found you in this very spot.” My dad exclaimed to me placing his right arm around my shoulders
“ Thanks and I have come a long way.” I say looking out upon the ocean
“ Son it feels like your worried about something?” My dad asks getting a nod
“ I am dad about a few things.” I state looking between the both of them
“ What is it Heath hun?” May asks with concern
“ Well am I doing the right thing with Allison and Adam? Should I just show him the envelope? And will the family take Allison and Lindsey in?” I ask getting two grins
“ Heath that day I caught you on this land did I take you in accepting you as my grandson?” Grandma May asks getting a nod before she continued “ Then the family will take those two precious angels in. Heath don’t think with your mind, but your heart which glows with love.”
“ She’s right Champ feel with your heart. What you are doing is on the right path. Don’t think just follow through like in bowling. Don’t second guess yourself.” He tells me with truth