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“Rob,” Paula passed him the mashed potatoes as they all visited during dinner, “I was thinking…Terry’s birthday is in a couple of weeks.”

 

“And?” He already guessed where she was heading with this.

 

“Well,” she suggested, “Since it falls on a Saturday this year, why don’t we do something for him?”

“You mean like work his cattle?” He proposed, knowing full well that wasn’t what she had in mind.

 

“No,” she scoffed, “I mean a party. It’s a perfect time of year to do a campfire. We could roast wieners and marshmallows and I could make up a pot of chili. I’ll buy some cider and make hot spiced cider. What do you think? Maybe your folks could come down? We’ll invite Mitch…”

 

“Yeah, Dad,” Kevin piped in, “That sounds fun, don’t you think? You could hook up the flatbed to the tractor and we could do a hayride!”

 

“Actually,” he conceded, “It is a pretty good idea. I’ll call Mom and see what she thinks.”

 

“Well,” Paula added, “I think if they come, we should let that part be a surprise, don’t you? We’ll tell him about the party, of course, but it’ll be a nice surprise for him to find your folks here.”

 

“Sounds good,” Rob nodded, “You work on the details and I’ll talk to my folks. You probably should invite Terry. I’ll tell Mitch, though.”

 

~*~

 

It was a pleasant October day, the leaves scattering on the ground in an array of festive fall colors. Rob and the boys were working on wood for the campfire and Paula was busy in the kitchen preparing salads and side dishes for the evening meal. The house smelled of chili, one of Paula’s specialties.

 

She glanced out the window when she heard Sam start barking. A maroon Buick drove up and Rob’s parents got out. The boys all ran to greet them and Rob walked over to hug his mother. Bill slapped him on the back, laughing at something he found amusing.

 

Paula wiped her hands on her apron and headed to the front door. Sally was coming up the steps, carrying a box full of homemade cookies.

 

“Hi, Sally,” Paula set the cookies down and gave her a hug, “I’m so glad you all could come down.”

 

“Me too!” Sally grinned. “Now, I know you made a cake, Dear, but I just couldn’t come empty handed. I know with all these boys and men around, cookies won’t go to waste.”

 

“I’m sure they won’t,” Paula agreed, “I haven’t thrown a cookie away since I married Rob.”

 

“Now,” Sally grabbed an apron, “What can I do to help?”

~*~

 

“Hey Grandma!” Mitch called as he came through the front door.

 

Sally lit up at those words and ran to hug him, “Hi, Sweetie! Did you just get here?”

“A few minutes ago,” he nodded, “Grandpa commandeered me into helping with tables when I first drove up.”

 

“Let me guess,” Sally remarked, “You did the carrying and he did the supervising.”

 

“Something like that,” he grinned, “Hi, Paula. I didn’t mean to ignore you.”

 

“Hi, Mitch,” she smiled from the kitchen. She was stirring cinnamon candy into the hot apple cider, “It’s OK. You see me all the time.”

 

“Dad wanted me to ask where the stuff is to cover the tables?” Mitch relayed. “I guess you understand what he means by that?”

 

“Yes, I do,” Paula laughed, “Tell him the roll of vinyl table covering is in the garage on the shelf next to the door.”

 

“OK,” he nodded and headed back out, “Thanks.”

 

“He just fits in so well, doesn’t he?” Sally observed, “Like he grew up in the family.”

 

“Yes,” Paula agreed, “I’m glad, too. It would be really rough if he didn't. But, he’s so much like Rob, it’s not surprising.”

 

“Look at them all out there in their flannel shirts,” Sally watched through the window. “They look like a bunch of lumber jacks or something.”

 

“I think we’re ready with everything in here, don’t you?” Paula took inventory. “As soon as they’re ready, we can start hauling stuff out.”

 

“When’s Terry supposed to be here?” Sally asked.

 

“Anytime now.”

 

~*~

 

Paula and Sally were looking over the tables, set up in the garage, making sure all the food was ready. They heard the rumble and rattle coming down the lane that meant Terry was driving up in his old red Suburban.

 

“He’s here,” Paula announced and everyone headed out to greet him.

 

Terry, unlike Rob, had aged considerably over the years. His dark brown hair was showing a lot of gray at the temples and had several streaks through the thickest part on top. He had permanent crow’s feet at the corners of his dark brown eyes and his laugh lines were deepening from all the time in the sun. He still had a pearly white smile, though, and his flannel shirt fit right in with his lumberjack physique.

 

“Mom!” He cried, surprised to see her, “Dad! I didn’t know you were going to be here!”

 

“It was a surprise, Sweetie,” Sally hugged her eldest son, “Happy Birthday!”

 

“Hey, Son,” Bill slapped him on the back and pointed to his vehicle, “I see you’re still driving this old piece of junk. Can’t believe it’s still running.”

 

“It works,” Terry told him, “And I don’t see any reason to buy something new just to tear up on the farm.”

 

“The rust’s all that’s holding it together,” Bill went on.

“Hey, Bro,” Rob patted him on the shoulder, “Happy Birthday, old man!”

 

“Your day’s coming,” Terry reminded, following the group into the garage, “Hey Mitch! Boys…Paula.”

“Paula said you have one more year before she drags out the black balloons!” Mitch teased.

 

Terry looked over at Paula, who was shaking her head. He could tell by her expression she’d said no such thing, “I think Paula’s saving the black balloons for Rob.”

 

“I think somebody needs to say a prayer over the food,” Paula suggested, “so we can start roasting hot dogs and eat.”

 

“I will,” Jason volunteered.

 

~*~

 

Paula was putting things away in the kitchen when she turned to find Terry standing there. He had a stack of unused paper plates and napkins in his hands.

 

“Where do these go?” He asked.

 

“Just set them on the table, Terry,” she pointed, “You didn’t have to do that. You’re the guest of honor tonight.”

 

“I don’t mind,” he set them down, then came over and leaned against the counter, “Thanks for going to all this trouble for me. It means a lot to me.”

 

“You’re welcome,” she smiled, “It was fun and really no trouble. It’s always nice to have an excuse to get everyone together.”

 

“Everyone…yes,” his face clouded and he looked down.

 

“Are you OK, Ter?” Paula could tell he wanted to talk.

 

“What has Rob told you, Paula?” Terry looked her in the eye.

 

“Told me about what?” Paula wondered. “You’re going to have to narrow it down some.”

 

“About me,” he specified, “About before I moved down here.”

 

Paula sighed, “Well, he told me about Karen, if that’s what you mean.”

 

“Did he tell you about Chelsea?” He asked.

 

“Yes,” she confirmed.

 

“What did he say?” Terry was obviously building up to something.

 

“That Karen got sole custody and took her to California,” Paula summarized, “That you lost visitation rights. That the courts ruled you a danger to your own daughter, but that it wasn’t true.”

 

“He said that?” Terry asked.

 

Paula nodded, “He didn’t say it in so many words, but he made it clear that he thought you were the one that should have had sole custody instead.”

 

“Really?” He seemed surprised.

 

“Yes, really,” Paula told him, “Why, Terry? Why are you asking me about this?”

 

“Mitch seems to fit in pretty well now,” Terry changed the subject.

 

“Yes,” Paula folded her arms, studying him as she talked, “He’s part of our family now. Terry, what’s going on?”

 

“I owe you an apology, Paula,” he told her, “I was wrong about my brother. I should never have told you those things about him way back when.”

 

“Is that what this is about?” Paula waved her hand to dismiss it, “You don’t owe me an apology, Terry. You were just looking out for me back then. You were right about him.”

 

“No, I was wrong,” Terry shook his head, “He’s the one that turned out to be a good husband and dad. I’m the one who couldn’t get it right.”

 

“You had no way of knowing that Rob would change so much,” she reminded, “And from what he tells me, you did try with Karen. It was her that screwed up.”

 

“He really told you that?” Terry asked.

 

“Yes, Terry,” she nodded, “Why are you surprised by that?”

 

“I figured he was glad I was a failure,” he shrugged.

 

“Terry,” Paula corrected, “No one, especially Rob, thinks you’re a failure. He has always looked up to you. Don’t you know that?”

 

He just shook his head, “I think I am…but maybe I have a chance to fix it.”

 

“How’s that?” She sensed he was finally reaching his point.

 

“I got a phone call today,” he informed, “Chelsea called to wish me a happy birthday.”

 

Paula gasped, “Terry! That’s great! Is that the first time you’ve heard from her?”

 

“Yep,” he nodded, “But the law doesn’t prevent us from talking now…And she’s living on her own, so neither does her mother.”

 

“She’s got to be a grown woman now,” Paula concluded.

 

“She’s 24,” he specified, “She’s graduated from UCLA with a degree in chemical engineering.”

 

“You must have been shocked,” Paula said, “Did she seem glad to talk to you?”

 

“Yes,” Terry smiled, “And she told me she wants to get to know me…Seems to be a theme for our family this year.”

 

“Well,” Paula chuckled, “At least you knew she existed. So what did you tell her?”

 

“I told her I was glad she called,” he reported, “and that I was sorry I hadn’t been able to watch her grow up. That I wanted to know her too.”

 

“So, what now?” Paula asked.

 

“Well,” he informed, “she’s in San Diego now. She asked me to fly out and visit.”

 

“And you said you would, right?” Paula was happy for him.

 

“I said I’d see what kind of arrangements I could make,” he nodded, “I’m supposed to call her when I get plans made.”

 

“Oh, Terry,” Paula hugged him, “That’s wonderful. I’m so happy for you. I’m sure you couldn’t have asked for a better birthday present!”

She was hugging him when Rob walked in. He gave her a questioning

glance, not accustomed to the sight, and she winked at him reassuringly.

 

“Now,” she let go of Terry, “Here’s Rob. You must tell him everything. Don’t you worry about your place or livestock…We’ll take care of it for you. We’ll even buy your ticket if you need us to.”

 

“I can handle that,” Terry looked at his brother.

 

“Rob,” Paula crossed to her husband and squeezed his arm, “You’re brother has wonderful news. I told him we’ll do anything he needs to help out. Now, I’ll leave you two alone to talk about this.”

 

~*~

 

“Did you get the boys into bed finally?” Rob asked Paula as she came into the bedroom.

 

“Yes,” she started getting herself ready, “Did you get your folks settled into the guest room OK?”

 

“I think so,” he slipped into bed and lay there watching her undress, “I sure hope so, anyway.”

 

“I think everyone had a good time, don’t you?” She put her clothes in the hamper and started to pull on her nightgown.

 

“You know,” he gave her a sly grin, “you might as well leave that off.”

 

She looked at him and sighed, “Aren’t you tired?”

 

“Probably not as tired as you are,” he patted the bed, “Come here, Sweetheart, and rest. How about if I give you a back rub and massage your feet?”

 

“That I’ll take you up on,” she lay down on her stomach and he sat up to start rubbing her shoulders and back. “So, what did you think of Terry’s big news?”

 

“Pretty wild, huh?” He commented.

 

“Mmm,” she closed her eyes, enjoying his strong hands gently working their way down her back, “I hope he doesn’t drag his feet on this. I think he needs to seize the opportunity.”

 

Rob chuckled, “That’s what I told him. Almost those exact words. Is that better? Do you want me to do your feet?”

 

She turned over on her back and put a foot in his lap, “Terry turned 49 today, right?”

 

“Um-hmm,” Rob was very good at foot massage, “Why?”

“Doesn’t that mean next year will be your mom and dad’s 50^th anniversary?”

“Yeah,” he pondered, “I guess it does. We probably should do something for them, huh?”

“We ought to at least offer,” Paula thought out loud, “When is it?”

 

“Sometime in March,” he recalled, “Sorry, I don’t remember the exact day.”

 

“Mmm,” Paula let it sink in, trading feet, “Wait a minute…Are you sure it’s in March?”

 

“Yes,” he nodded, “Because it’s close to St. Pat’s Day. I do remember that part. It’s like the 19^th or 20^th, or somewhere in there.”

 

Paula sat up, “Rob, March?! Come on…you’re a mathematician. Do the math here…that doesn’t add up right.”

He stopped working on her feet and sat back on the bed, “Paula, I don’t have to do the math. I know what you’re saying. Look, you know how all families have those little things they just don’t talk about? Well, that’s just something our family doesn’t talk about.”

 

“Why didn’t you ever mention it?” Paula prodded.

 

“I just told you,” he explained, sounding a bit perturbed, “We don’t talk about it.”

 

“I thought there wasn’t anything you and I didn’t talk about,” she sounded hurt.

 

“There isn’t, Honey,” his voice softened and he pulled her over to him, “I didn’t mean it that way. I’m sorry.”

 

“It’s OK,” she pulled away and slid under the covers, “Thanks for the massage. I feel better now. So, your folks may not want us to make a big deal out of their anniversary, huh?”

 

“I don’t really know,” he mused, reaching for the light, “I don’t think it’s something they’re real concerned about. I mean, literally, we just never talked about it.”

 

“You mean they never even acknowledged it?” Paula curled up next to him when he crawled into bed.

 

“No,” he told her, “Terry and I talked about it, back when we were kids and we did the math for the first time. But by then, we were old enough to figure we shouldn’t bring it up to them. I never did, and I don’t think he did either.”

 

“So what was your conclusion back then?” She wondered.

 

“Well,” he replied, “It seems pretty obvious that they ‘had’ to get married. I imagine they were planning on it anyway. Maybe they just had to do it a little sooner than they intended. Does it really matter?”

 

Paula lay silent for a few moments, contemplating. Pieces were starting to fit together for her and she wasn’t sure if she should share them just yet. She snuggled closer and he held her tightly.

 

“What are you thinking, Sweetheart?” Rob knew her mind wasn’t idle.

 

“I’m not sure if I should say it,” she confessed.

 

“What was it you just told me?” He reminded, “There isn’t anything we can’t talk about.”

 

“OK,” she took the plunge, “Perhaps that explains why Terry doesn’t match.”

 

“What do you mean by that?” He asked.

 

“Rob,” Paula pointed out, “Every male in your family, from your grandfather on down to our twins, matches. You all look just alike. All of you except Terry. He’s got brown eyes. Both of your parents have blue eyes. He’s got brown hair. Both your parents were blond.”

 

“None of our boys have blue eyes,” he reminded, “And the twins and Mitch have brown hair.”

 

“Because of their mothers,” Paula explained, “Mitch got his dark hair from Mary, but his eyes are blue because hers are, just like yours. I have brown eyes and hair, that’s why our boys don’t have blue eyes.”

 

It was his turn to be silent. He was very still for several minutes, and Paula let him mull it over. Then he started caressing her arm and she knew he was about to speak on the matter.

 

“Paula,” he told her, “You may be onto something. However, my mom and dad have a good marriage. Whatever happened, it was 50 years ago and it’s their business, not ours…”

 

“Oh, I know, Honey,” she was one of the few people who could get away with interrupting him, “I don’t mean we should ask them about it.”

 

“Good,” he concluded, “I wouldn’t want to open up old wounds or anything. Some skeletons are best left hanging in the closet, you know? I think this may be one of them.”

 

“I’m sure you’re right, Dear,” she raised up and look into his eyes, “I just thought maybe you knew more. I should’ve known better.”

 

“Afraid I don’t,” he kissed her, “Now, you’re tired, remember? Let’s get some sleep.”

 

~*~

 

“Want some help?” Rob came up behind Paula and wrapped his arms around her, kissing the nape of her neck.

 

“Always,” Paula leaned back into him. She was loading the dinner dishes into the dishwasher and her hands had spaghetti sauce on them. “You want some of this on you?”

“No, no, no, no,” he stepped back, laughing, “I’ll behave, I promise.”

 

Paula rinsed her hands off and started handing him the dirty dishes to load, “Speaking of helping, how would you like to take on a school project with the boys?”

“Sure,” he was quick to answer, “What is it?”

 

“Well,” she explained, “You know, we’ve been talking about actually using our stables someday, taking on some boarders and such…And you mentioned one time that if we did that, we really should have a hot walker for the horses…”

 

“Yes,” he nodded, reaching for the soap to pour in.

 

“Well,” she informed, “I’ve been checking them online. Those things cost thousands of dollars, did you know that?”

 

“Um-hmm,” he grinned, “but I could make one.”

 

“That’s what I thought you’d say,” she kissed him, “That’s the project. It’s got both math and science involved. It’s a perfect project for school and then we can use it when you’re done.”

 

“We’ll start designing it this week,” he agreed, “What do you want—four or six horse?”

 

“Oh, I think six, don’t you?” She flipped on the dishwasher.

 

“OK,” he washed his hands off and grabbed her, “Listen, I need to talk to you about something.”

 

“What is it, Honey?” She put her arms around his neck.

 

“This idea of taking on some boarders,” he pondered. “It’ll mean more work for you and the boys. Are you sure you’re up to that?”

 

“They’re big enough to really help now,” Paula assured, “And we can just kind of ease into it. A few horses at a time, to see how it goes. Lots of homeschool families have some sort of in-home business to use as part of school. It helps kids see how what they’re learning gets applied in the real world.”

 

“OK,” he kissed her, “I think it might be a good idea, anyway. There are some rumors at the office…It might be good to have some options available.”

 

“Rumors?” Paula grew concerned, “You don’t think they’d let you go, do you? Surely not after all these years.”

 

“I’m really not sure what’s going to happen,” he told her, “But don’t worry, we’ll be fine. You know I’ll do whatever I have to. I’ll always see to it you and the boys are taken care of. I don’t want you worrying about it.”

 

“I won’t,” she kissed him, “I know as long as we have each other, we’ll be OK.”

 

~*~

 

“Hey, Guys!” Rob walked in to the usual greeting by his sons, but this time Mitch was among them, as well.

 

“Hi, Dad!” They all echoed, then followed him to the kitchen.

 

“Hi, Baby,” he greeted Paula, who was working at the stove.

 

“Hi, Sweetheart,” she stepped back to hug and kiss him, “We’re just waiting for Terry to show up. I’m keeping stuff warm on the stove.”

 

“You made it early,” Rob looked at Mitch.

 

“Last appointment cancelled,” Mitch explained, “So Lucy let me sneak out.”

 

“I hear him!” Jason cried and the boys stampeded to the front porch to wait for their uncle.

 

He had returned from California the previous day, so Paula had invited him to dinner to hear the whole story about his trip.

 

“Mitch,” Paula requested, “Do you mind helping me put the food out while they clamor all over him?”

 

“Not at all,” he came to help and she almost heard him call her mom.

 

~*~

 

“So,” Rob started passing the food after the blessing, “Tell us all about it, Bro. I bet she’s beautiful.”

 

Terry looked younger now, “She’s pretty as a picture. And so smart. I told you she’s a chemical engineer, right? Got a good job there in San Diego. Lives in a nice apartment by herself.”

 

“Boyfriend?” Paula asked.

 

“No,” Terry shook his head, “Although I can’t imagine why. She’s nothing like her mother. Very sweet, but outgoing. She seemed genuinely glad for me to visit.”

 

“Did she understand about why you weren’t around when she was growing up?” Rob wondered, “Had Karen told her the truth?”

“Sort of,” Terry told them, “I think when I explained it all to her, she believed me. I get the feeling she and Karen are not on the best of terms. Some sort of conflict that I couldn’t quite pin down.”

 

“She probably won’t let Karen control her,” Paula supposed.

 

“You may be right,” Terry nodded, “Anyway, we had a really nice time together. I guess I’ve been out here in the sticks too long, though. San Diego seemed like a foreign country to me.”

 

“It just about is,” Rob chuckled, “So I take it you didn’t see Karen at all.”

 

“No,” Terry confirmed, “I’m not sure Chelsea even told her I was coming. She said a long time ago, when I was still sending child support, she saw a check from me. She wrote down the address and phone number and kept it all these years. She said she just finally decided to call and see if I still lived there.”

 

“Well, she knew it was your birthday,” Paula reminded.

 

He nodded, “I guess Karen told her little bits and pieces over the years. She must have remembered every little thing she found out. I was able to fill in a lot of blanks for her.”

 

“Sounds pretty positive to me,” Rob reflected.

 

“Want to hear the best part?” Terry challenged.

 

“Sure,” they all said, almost in unison.

 

“She’s coming back here for Thanksgiving,” he announced. “I invited her to come to Mom and Dad’s, so you’ll all get to see her!”

 

“Great!” Rob, who was seated next to Terry, slapped him on the back, “I couldn’t be happier for you.”

 

“Sounds like I need to talk to Doc about getting some time off at Thanksgiving, huh?” Mitch finally spoke.

 

“Definitely,” Paula told him, “He can handle it by himself for a few days. You tell him I said so! You must come to St. Louis with us for Thanksgiving…it’s a family tradition.”

 

“Who’s going to take care of all the animals?” Jason spoke up.

 

“Yeah,” Keith piped in, “Uncle Terry’s always done it before…but if he’s going, someone’s got to take care of his stuff and ours!”

 

“And what about Mitch’s horses?” Kevin added.

 

They all looked at Rob, hoping for an answer. He was always the one that came up with solutions to unsolvable problems.

 

“Well,” Rob thought, “Paula, do you think your dad would come check on things for us? Mitch could bring his horses over here for the weekend. We’ve certainly got plenty of room for them. Your folks live close to Terry, anyway, so maybe he could check on things there too. What do you think?”

“I’m sure he’d do it,” Paula nodded, “I’ll call him tomorrow and ask.”

 

~*~

 

Rob rented a van again, so Mitch could ride up to St. Louis with the rest of the family. This time, though, he also made reservations in a hotel with an indoor pool. Since Terry and Chelsea would be staying with his parents, he seized the opportunity to let the boys swim.

 

“I thought maybe Terry would ride up with us too,” Mitch commented as they got underway that Wednesday after work.

 

“He’s already there,” Rob told him, “He went up yesterday so he could meet Chelsea’s plane today.”

 

“How long’s she staying? Do you know?” Mitch wondered.

 

“She flies back out on Saturday,” Rob answered, “Got a better rate that way, I think.”

 

“Dad says we’re staying at a place with a pool!” Jason reported.

 

“Can you swim, Mitch?” Keith asked.

 

“Of course, he can,” Kevin answered for him, “I bet he’s a good swimmer just like Dad.”

 

“Is Dad a good swimmer?” Mitch asked, grinning at his younger brothers.

 

“He used to be a lifeguard,” Jason bragged.

 

“Well, what do you know!” Mitch pretended to be impressed.

 

“I did that as a summer job for a couple of years,” Rob explained.

 

“So did I,” Mitch informed them, “Imagine that.”

 

“Wow, cool!” Keith cried.

 

“See, I told you,” Kevin punched him in the arm.

 

“OK, Boys,” Paula interjected, “Settle down back there.”

 

“How many rooms did you get?” Mitch wondered.

 

“Two, with two beds in each,” Rob answered, “The twins can stay with us, and you and Jason can share a room. Is that OK with you?”

“Wait!” Kevin complained, “I want to stay with Mitch!”

 

“Me too!” Keith whined.

 

“Boys,” Rob scolded.

 

“It’s OK, Dad,” Mitch offered, “Jason and I can share a bed and the twins can take the other. Then you and M…Paula can have a room to yourself.”

 

“Thank you, Mitch,” Paula smiled. She hadn’t missed him almost calling her mom.

 

“Are you sure about that, Son?” Rob asked.

 

“At least tonight,” he said, “We’ll see how it works, OK?”

 

“OK,” Rob agreed, “And I bet if you want to call her mom, she won’t mind.”

 

“Not at all,” Paula winked at him, “In fact, I’d be honored.”

 

“Thanks, Mom.”

 

~*~

 

Thanksgiving Day was cold, but pleasant. The sun shone, making the frost on the ground look like diamond icing. Rob and Paula were up and getting dressed early, urging the boys to do likewise. The whole family was anxious to meet Chelsea.

 

“You look nice,” Mitch remarked, taking in Paula’s length in her black jeans and soft red sweater. She was just putting on the pearl pendant Rob had given her.

 

“Thank you, Mitch,” she smiled, “You’re lookin’ pretty handsome yourself.”

 

He was in jeans that were new enough not to be faded, and he wore the typical family attire of a flannel shirt. It was obviously new, with a striking green plaid.

 

“Now would be a good time for you to call her ‘mom’,” Rob suggested, pulling his hair back. He was also in jeans and a flannel shirt; his being red.

 

“Feeling a little threatened, are you, Dad?” Mitch teased, leaning in the doorway that connected the two rooms.

 

“Stop it, you two,” Paula scolded, “You’d better be on your best behavior today. If you carry on like that, Chelsea won’t ever want to come back.”

 

“Anything to make you happy, Sweetheart,” Rob went to her and kissed her cheek, “And he’s right, you look beautiful.”

 

“I bet you’re glad to have Chelsea here,” Mitch observed, “You and Grandma are kind of outnumbered, aren’t you?”

 

“That’s OK,” Paula winked, “I like men.”

 

~*~

 

Bill greeted them at the front door, along with the aroma of turkey and dressing. Sally had been a cook for the school system when her boys were young, and she still enjoyed making big meals for special occasions.

 

“Hey, Dad,” Rob greeted, as they all trailed in.

 

“Hi, Son,” Bill slapped him on the back, then hugged Paula, “There’s my favorite girl.”

 

“Hello, Bill,” Paula smiled.

 

“Hi, Grandpa,” Jason hugged him, as did the twins.

 

“Where is she?” Asked Keith.

 

“Come this way,” Bill led them to the family room.

 

Terry was sitting on the big sectional, looking younger and happier than Paula had ever seen him. Seated next to him was a beautiful young woman, deeply tanned from the California sun. She had brown hair, cut short and in loose curls. Her eyes were a deep brown and she wore just enough makeup to flatter her finely featured face.

 

Terry rose when the whole family came in, “Hey everybody! About time you got here. Come here, meet Chelsea.”

 

The woman stood, tall and elegant, in a light blue floral print dress, with a white cardigan sweater over it. She had a pleasant smile as she took them all in. She nodded as her father went down the list.

 

“Chelsea,” Terry indicated, “This is your Uncle Rob and his wife, Paula. Here are their boys, Jason, Kevin and Keith…they’re twins, can you tell? And this is Mitch Martin.”

 

“Hello, everyone,” Chelsea spoke in a voice as smooth as silk. “I’m very happy to be here with all of you.”

 

“I’m sure you don’t remember me, Honey,” Rob went to hug her, “But I remember you. You were a beautiful little girl, and now I see that you’re a beautiful young woman.”

 

“Thank you,” she said as they hugged, “I’m afraid you’re right. I don’t remember you. I actually did remember Grandma and Grandpa, though.”

 

“I’m very glad to meet you,” Paula stepped up to hug her, “I’ve never seen your father this happy.”

 

“Hi, Chelsea,” Mitch came up and hugged her, as well, “I think you’ll find that by the end of the day, you’ll feel right at home…Like you’ve known them all your life. I know I did.”

 

“Thank you, Mitch,” she seemed to light up even more with his presence, “I hear you and I have a lot in common. Maybe we can share stories later.”

 

“Anytime,” he nodded.

 

~*~

 

“What can I help you with, Sally?” Paula entered the kitchen.

 

“Oh, hello, Dear,” Sally greeted, “I’d hug you, but my hands are a mess! Why don’t you start mashing potatoes.”

 

“Sure,” Paula began the task, “Chelsea’s beautiful, isn’t she?”

 

“She always was pretty as a picture,” Sally nodded, “And did you see the smile on Terry’s face?”

 

“How could I miss it?” Paula laughed, “He looks ten years younger, doesn’t he?”

 

“Yes,” Sally agreed, “It’s been years since I’ve seen him this happy. And she seems genuinely glad to be here, too.”

 

“Well,” Paula informed, “I warned my crew to be on their best behavior, so they wouldn’t scare her off. They can be a bit overwhelming, you know.”

 

“Speaking of your crew,” Sally commented, “I told Chelsea that maybe you all would take her around the town tomorrow. She doesn’t remember St. Louis, so I thought she might like to see the Arch and the river and a few other things.”

 

“We’d be glad to,” Paula consented, “I guess the Arch will be open tomorrow. She might enjoy the museum there, too. I know my boys love it. You have a computer, Sally?”

 

“Bill does,” she was taking the turkey out of the oven, “I don’t touch it myself.”

 

“If you’ve got the Internet,” Paula explained, “We can get online and check to see what’s open tomorrow.”

 

“Why don’t you tell the guys to get the table ready?”

 

~*~

 

Bill sat at the head of the table, Sally and the three younger boys to his left. Terry, Chelsea, Mitch and Paula were to his right. Rob sat at the other end. After offering a blessing and passing the food, Bill gave his annual Thanksgiving speech.

 

“Chelsea, Mitch,” Bill began, “We’re all very glad to have you with us this year. My father, your great grandfather, started a tradition in our family that we have kept all these years. He said that we always have many things to be thankful for in life, but that if we would begin each day just thinking of one of them, it would make us better people. So, on Thanksgiving, we always go around the table and share one thing we are thankful for on this special day.

 

“Today, I am thankful for all of you,” he declared, “I’m so glad to have my whole family here, together, happy and healthy…Grandma, will you share next?”

 

Sally smiled, “Of course. I agree with Grandpa, but I have to say that I’m especially thankful for my two ‘new’ grandchildren. Mitch, you were such a wonderful surprise for all of us. Chelsea, it is such a blessing for you to return to us.”

 

Jason was next to Sally and, being raised with this tradition, picked right up, “I’m thankful for my new big brother…not everybody gets a new big brother.”

 

“Well,” Kevin was next, “Jason stole mine, but I’m going to say it anyway. I’m thankful for Mitch. He’s the coolest big brother anyone could have.”

 

Keith followed, “I’m going to say the same thing, because I thought of it first. I’m thankful for Mitch.”

 

Rob was smiling with pride at his boys, “Thank you, Boys. I’m sure Mitch appreciates what you’ve said, and I think he’s pretty happy to have you for brothers, too. Of course, I’m thankful for all of you and for my ‘new’ son…for my brother’s happiness in having his daughter here…but most of all, each day of my life, I am so very thankful for the most beautiful, kind, understanding and supportive wife in the whole world. I am so thankful for you, Paula.”

 

She reached over and took his hand, “And I am so very thankful for you, Honey. You are so strong and good, confident and honest…You’re my knight in shining armor…my hero…and I thank God for you everyday.”

 

After a few moments of silence, Mitch took his turn, obviously moved by the occasion, “Last Thanksgiving, I sat alone in my apartment, watching football and feeling sorry for myself. My adoptive parents had been killed…I had sold their home…I felt very alone. Now, a year later, I’m surrounded by a new family…a real family…and I am so very thankful that you have all made me a part of it.”

 

Chelsea looked at everyone, then at her father, “I am thankful that I finally had the courage to make that phone call. I started to call you so many times, but I was afraid. Now, I see that I had nothing to be afraid of. I’m thankful to have a father again.”

 

There was a tear escaping from Terry’s eye. He hugged Chelsea, “And I am so thankful to have my little girl back. I love you, Honey.”

 

“OK,” Sally was crying, “Not a dry eye in the place now! Let’s eat before this food gets cold.”

 

~*~

 

The meal was done, dishes and leftovers put away, and everyone was sitting around visiting with their bellies full. Chelsea and Mitch seemed drawn to each other, being close in age and both new to the family. They were sitting together on part of the sectional, engrossed in conversation.

 

The younger boys were in the floor, playing a board game. Bill, Terry and Rob were engaged in a debate about horses on the larger side of the sectional. Sally and Paula had been in a bedroom, looking at a quilt Sally was working on. As they entered the family room, Paula went to Rob’s side and sat down.

 

“I thought I heard a car door,” Sally remarked, as she headed to the living room to check.

 

“Darling,” Paula spoke so softly only Rob could hear, “Do you think you should remind them that they’re cousins?”

 

“I may need to,” Rob looked toward Mitch and Chelsea, “I’ll keep a close eye on them.”

 

“Look who’s here,” Sally came back, wearing a wry smile, with none other than Mary at her side.