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The Edwards Family Explores New Beginnings and Bonding Over Love In our last chapter Kathryn gave birth at the same time as Misty, actually, Misty delivered Marshall Junior or MJ ten minutes before Kathryn delivered Amanda. As we shared our first breakfast together with the newborns, Misty’s father had finally come to accept Misty and Marshall’s marriage. To say he was a little surprised at finding out about his daughter’s wealth would definitely be an understatement. Misty’s parents had struggled all their lives. Carl did not want to see the two go through the same trials as he and Sarah had done. I can understand that, no parent would like to see their child struggling to put food on the table, and barely managing to keep a roof over their head. The Ten of Them Chapter 28 Shortly after breakfast, Mom finally managed to make it up to our room. The first thing she did was take Amanda into her arms. I see the love and joy that shined from her face as she held her granddaughter, it was easy to recognize because she had that same love and joy when she held Sam and Crystal for the first time. I noticed Sam and Crystal watching and I pulled them into my lap. Whispering into their ears I say, “See how your Grandma Maggie loves Amanda. She looked at you the very same way the first time she held you.” Sam and Crystal’s faces turn to look into mine. I can already see the tears of joy beginning to flow. I shake my head confirming what I have told them. The two girls throw their arms around each other and me as we hug with their faces against my chest. Kathryn giggles, comes and sits beside us she says, “Can I get a little of that too my beautiful little princesses.” Giggling the girls move so they too can hold Kathryn in a hug that brings joyful laughter to my family. Across the room, Misty is hugging her father as he holds MJ for the first time. Sarah is hugging Marshall, as Uncle George followed by Alyssa and Johnny, finally makes it to the room as well. …and then things took a turn
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The Edwards Family Explores New Beginnings and Bonding Over Love
In our last chapter Kathryn gave birth at the same time as Misty, actually, Misty delivered Marshall Junior or MJ ten minutes before Kathryn delivered Amanda. As we shared our first breakfast together with the newborns, Misty’s father had finally come to accept Misty and Marshall’s marriage. To say he was a little surprised at finding out about his daughter’s wealth would definitely be an understatement.
Misty’s parents had struggled all their lives. Carl did not want to see the two go through the same trials as he and Sarah had done. I can understand that, no parent would like to see their child struggling to put food on the table, and barely managing to keep a roof over their head.
The Ten of Them Chapter 28
Shortly after breakfast, Mom finally managed to make it up to our room. The first thing she did was take Amanda into her arms. I see the love and joy that shined from her face as she held her granddaughter, it was easy to recognize because she had that same love and joy when she held Sam and Crystal for the first time.
I noticed Sam and Crystal watching and I pulled them into my lap. Whispering into their ears I say, “See how your Grandma Maggie loves Amanda. She looked at you the very same way the first time she held you.”
Sam and Crystal’s faces turn to look into mine. I can already see the tears of joy beginning to flow. I shake my head confirming what I have told them. The two girls throw their arms around each other and me as we hug with their faces against my chest.
Kathryn giggles, comes and sits beside us she says, “Can I get a little of that too my beautiful little princesses.”
Giggling the girls move so they too can hold Kathryn in a hug that brings joyful laughter to my family. Across the room, Misty is hugging her father as he holds MJ for the first time. Sarah is hugging Marshall, as Uncle George followed by Alyssa and Johnny, finally makes it to the room as well. The rest of the family that had been helping in the kitchen quickly follows them.
Kara coming over to us rubs Kathryn shoulder and ask as she looks at her mother who now holds Amanda, “You think it is going to be like this for me?”
Kathryn giggles as she stands to hug her sister, looking into Kara’s face she says, “No.” Kara’s face shows her shock at her sister statement. Kathryn quickly says, “You are having twins, both Mom and Dad will have their hands full.” That begins the two sisters laughing as they hug each other.
Karen sliding into the hug with her sisters after rubbing Kara’s belly says, “I am going to have so much fun spoiling my nieces, and possibly a nephew or two.”
Kara giggles, “I guess I better behave myself when it comes to Amanda. Kathryn, I will probably need your help after all you will have a little more experience dealing with the baby.”
Michelle giggles, “You mean you do not remember us diapering her ass.”
Maria has been away at college and just managed to return, she is paused outside the doorway listening for a moment. Maria giggles coming up to her sisters says, “Michelle that was mostly me and you. You have to remember Kara was only three years old at the time.”
Michelle turns to hug Maria, the other three sisters quickly followed. The four surround Maria until they all back off from her. Michelle is the first to complain, “Damn, Maria you are cold.”
Maria looks Michelle in the face and replies, “You walk from the airport and see if you are not half frozen.”
Her sisters quickly strip her coat off and hug her again, as Maria still shivers. Joan quickly returns with a cup of hot coffee for Maria. Joan says, “This should help warm you up, it is black but we could get sugar and cream for it.”
Maria takes the cup, taking a long sip before she thinks Joan, “Joan thank you. It is perfect because it is hot.”
Helen comes to her daughter who is just arrived from college wrapping her in her arms she says, “Maria, I love you. I am glad you managed to make it in, now I can stop worrying about you. You could have stayed at college perfectly safe.”
Maria looks at the baby and her father’s arms and says, “What and let you and Dad be the only ones spoiling my baby niece, speaking of which where is my nieces?”
Sam excitedly says, “I am here Aunt Maria.”
Crystal becoming excited as well says, “Me too, Aunt Maria.”
Maria hands her mother the coffee as she extends her arms to her nieces. Both girls jump from my lap into their aunt’s arms. Maria pulls the two close kisses each on their cheek and says, “I missed you two something awful.”
The two girls hold tight to her and reply, “We missed you too.”
Cindy, Sam and Crystal had become close to Maria over the Christmas break and her them. I think she identified with Crystal the most being the second daughter. It was very hard for Maria to return to school. Maria would often Skype the girls. They would chat for quite a while.
Cindy breaks away from Daniel and moves to Maria as well, Maria letting go of Sam and Crystal, takes Cindy into her arms. “How is my oldest niece doing?”
Cindy giggles before she replies, “I am doing great aunt Maria. I started homeschooling like Sam and Crystal. It is a lot of fun hanging out with them, but I do miss some friends from school. I do not miss the bullies. I just started the third grade. Sam and Crystal are helping me catch up.”
Maria turns to Sam and Crystal still holding Cindy, “I am proud of you for helping each other.”
The three girls smile and say simultaneously, “We are family.”
Maria smiles saying, “Yes we are.”
Coach has given Amanda to Alyssa who has definitely fallen in love with my third daughter exactly as she had with my older two. Coach comes and pulls Maria into his arms saying, “I missed you something crazy.”
Maria giggles in her father’s embrace looking into his face she says, “Me too Daddy.”
As Kathryn’s hand slipped into mine, I could not help but think what a lucky man I am. The Edwards came into my life and showed me what family is about, the ten of them living and loving each other. In that same moment of realization I realized my father had saved ten lives when giving up his. According to our premonition, Kathryn would become pregnant ten times. Now I knew why I always considered ten to be my lucky number. Another connection to ten, so far we had helped seven of our close friends become millionaires, three more were soon to join us making the total ten.
I disbelieve we would stop with the first ten that we help, but possibly ten times ten over our lifetime or more likely the next ten years. Those that we have helped, continue doing the same so in a matter of decades who knows how many will come to have a better life.
Our friends Bobby and Mary along with others, now that I think of it eight more, would be in financial ruin if it were not for Kathryn and me. Moreover, so many more with my family’s help have come to have a better life, their businesses now more profitable. Not claiming that we did anything extraordinary, we simply helped where we could. What was the odd thing, we helped others to stand, only to find ourselves standing higher. Our small town has turned around in the few months since we began to help. I know now that some of the people we assisted are helping others either directly or indirectly.
Later that morning Kathryn released with a doctor’s appointment in a week. The roads cleared, salted, and life again takes on normalcy. Schools are still out today they will begin on their schedule times after the weekend.
Although my life is anything but normal for the next few days, Amanda seems to get hungry every four hours of the day or night. I would awake Kathryn by rubbing on her breast, as her nipple hardened and begin to leak the first few times Kathryn would complain, “You know we cannot do anything just yet.”
Amanda would soon stir in her crib and Kathryn wondered how I knew exactly when our daughter was getting hungry. By the second time, Kathryn had figured it out. She only wondered why she lacks the connection to Amanda that I have.
The truth was she had the same connection I had, although her mind so busy she did not hear the soft voice that is Amanda’s feelings. Kathryn asks, “JJ, how can you tell when Amanda is hungry and I cannot?”
I knew Amanda was getting hungry at that moment, and Kathryn’s mind was abuzz with many thoughts and worries. Perhaps because of my meditation, I kept my mind quiet, which is how I could sense Amanda’s needs. I smile before I tell Kathryn, “Love, you can to if you would just listen. Allow your mind to go quiet do not worry about anything and just listen.”
Kathryn looked at me a minute skeptically as I knew she was trying to quiet her mind. Her eyes widened suddenly as she realize that Amanda was hungry. The look of wonder on her face as her mind touched our daughters. She knew Sam and Crystal were both getting hungry as well.
Kathryn giggles then says, “I will take care of Amanda, you feed Crystal and Sam.”
I chuckle and say, “I will make lunch for us. It should be ready by the time you finish feeding Amanda.”
For the girls lunch I made grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup, it was still little cool and the girls have been riding their bikes with their Uncle Marshall and Johnny. Misty’s parents were watching Marshall Junior and enjoying her new home.
Misty was painting one of her new masterpieces. I simply loved her art. Now that her father come back into her life Misty felt inspired, and was enjoying painting for the first time since leaving her father. Marshall volunteered to take the girls out riding to get Misty some time alone.
I was checking on our investments, something I rarely did, Kathryn has taken that over. What I found shocked me, Kathryn and our group was doing far better than I imagined. The Samsons only started three months ago have outpaced what Marshall and Misty had done during their first three months. I smile thinking that they should soon be in a place where, they can retire and even if a major crash in the stock market occurred they would still have enough to easily see them through it.
Even now Kathryn was diversifying, she had put a large amount of money into solid assets, silver, gold, platinum, even some diamonds and other precious gems. The rest of the family had followed suit.
The joint trust purchased a large piece of land out in the countryside of the upper Midwest. I see where they are paying Daniel to design a large home capable of housing the entire family including my adoptive members. Actually, it looks like Daniel is designing a small community, complete with underground connecting passageways to each of the homes with storerooms and safe rooms. From the blue prints on the computer, it appears as half of the living space is underground, with a large central complex housing a theater, kitchen and several large community rooms.
I wonder if we going to spend the winter there sometime. I know Coach Edwards talks about retiring, and Kathryn will not admit it, but she does not want to be anywhere her Dad and Mom is not nearby. I know the kids will probably love the snow, and from the weather reports, the area gets quite a lot. Perhaps that is the reason for all the underground facilities, because they would allow us to be together in bad weather.
I look at a satellite overview of the land, is quite isolated a small two-lane road only goes to the edge of the property, a large lake borders one side of the property and it does not look like anyone is developing the area around it. The area that Daniel is developing on the land resides fairly near the road and overlooks the lake. I noticed Daniel’s plans using solar and wind generators to power the facilities. Perhaps that is why the land is undeveloped; there is no power lines near it.
When I bought our property, I was not particularly looking for privacy, but now that I am a multibillionaire, I can see where that could be nice. If we develop the land without anyone knowing whom or why, it could be a safe refuge for the family.
Locally I am well known and liked, I hope. That could be an issue. When someone told Lester that, a billionaire was getting married at his home he decided to come and see if he could rob the place. His downfall happened when he decided to make some extra money by prostituting out Nicole.
Given Nicole’s behavior, I am sure we still could have adopted Sam if Nicole had lived. I mean I would never allow Lester to control Sam for a moment if I could. However, rewriting time is not something I am capable of no matter how much money I have. Therefore, I could never change the circumstances that brought Sam into our lives. Sam coming into our life was in soon enough to prevent Lester’s abuse. That is what I would really change if the opportunity were presented.
Over the past months, it has become evident that the only reason Lester and Nicole wanted Sam was from the combined life insurance her parents and grandmother left to Sam. We had recovered ninety percent of that money for Sam. We added it to her trust, and when she turns eighteen, she will gain control of her trust. In the meantime, I will probably get anything Sam desires after all I do love spoiling my girls.
Speaking of spoiling my girls, I am making them lunch with tomato soup and grilled cheese, and cooked apples for dessert. The grilled cheese sandwiches has two different types of cheese that melt well together, they give a rich flavor that the girls love. Unfortunately, Misty did not make the tomato soup. I had to substitute canned soup. After a quick phone call to Daniel asking if, he and Kara could join us for lunch as well. Daniel had requested the apples, which I did not have any problem adding to lunch, especially since he volunteered to bring the ice cream. The apples I will serve hot with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on top.
I expect more for lunch than just Kathryn, Sam, and Crystal. Mom rubs me on the shoulder seeing the stack of grilled cheese sandwiches I am making. She giggles and says, “By the look of that stack of grilled cheese sandwiches you are expecting the entire family for lunch?
I chuckle as I reply, “Well the biggest part of the family. Can you stay, please?”
Mom gets my chin a caress and says, “Wild horses could not pull me away.”
I smile because I knew she was going to stay. I am starting the apples, six sticks of butter with about twelve pounds of apples cored and sliced, nutmeg and cinnamon with a dash of salt. You can add brown sugar when using tart apples, but I am using sweet apples so I leave it out. When the butter melts, I add the apples and spices stir to coat with the butter then cover with a lid. Cooked apples are simple as pie, will you can use them for pie filling too. If there would be any leftover, I might consider that. Once their warm soft and slightly sticky you simply dish them out to a small bowl and then top with the ice cream. The dish is Apple pie à la mode without the crust, which is easier than pie.
Sam comes in running and I turned to catch her just in time. I give Sam a squeeze after I have her in my arms. She calls over her shoulder after catching her breath, “Told you Uncle Marshall. Daddy has lunch ready.”
Marshall chuckles then says, “You are right Sam, JJ did make lunch for us.”
Johnny says, “I am glad Sam was right, Marshall was grumbling all the way back.”
Crystal smiles and says, “I knew Daddy was going to have lunch ready too.”
I give Sam a peck on the cheek then set her down to take Crystal into my arms and give her a hug as well. I give Crystal a peck on the cheek then set her down to continue cooking. Misty shows up with MJ, Carl and Sarah. Carl has MJ in his arms and from the look on Sarah’s face; I doubt she has gotten to hold MJ yet.
Sam and Crystal has gone to the bathroom wash their hands and return. They begin setting the table. I hear Cindy’s voice ask, “Sam do you need any help?”
Sam suggests, “Can you put some napkins out?”
The three girls work together as Kara gives me a hug. She says, “Daniel will be here in a couple minutes.”
I return her hug and then say, “I am glad I made enough.”
Kara giggles and says, “You think you did, remember I am eating for three.”
Kathryn giggles as she steals her sister, pulls her to the table to sit beside her. Kathryn caresses Kara’s belly and asks, “Have you found out yet what the babies’ sex are?”
Kara as she places her hand on top of her sisters she says, “Mom and Dad are coming over, soon Maria and Michelle will be here too. When everybody is here that can get here today I will tell everyone.”
Does not take long for the family to arrive and I was correct everyone is there except for Uncle George. Alyssa will take lunch to him, after she learns the news Kara has.
I bring a couple large platters of sandwiches, Mom starts dishing out the soup, the girls had put crackers out, along with a couple of the items the family like adding to the soup. Alyssa begins helping Mom before long the table is set and lunch is ready. I give apples a final stir and remove them from the heat. I will leave them in the kettle to retain their heat while we eat lunch.
Taking my place beside Kathryn I can feel her impatience waiting for the news Kara promised to share, Daniel finally makes his way to the table and sits down beside his wife. From the expression on his face, he also wants to know what Kara has to say.
Kara taking a sandwich dips it into her soup and begins eating before she looks up and sees the entire table waiting for her news. She is surprised and stops chewing for a moment. She quickly eats the bite she has in her mouth. Feeling a little uncomfortable at all the stairs from the family, Kathryn comes to her sister’s rescue by saying, “Let the poor pregnant woman have her lunch. The boys need all the food they can get.”
Now giggling Kara shakes her head no to let her sister know her guess was incorrect. Now over her shyness Kara looks at Daniel and says, “I know you want a son...”
Daniel quickly says, “I do not care as long as the babies and you are healthy.”
Kara giggles again before she says, “The doctor says we are doing fine.”
Daniel puts his hand on Kara’s belly and looks into her face with a smile he says, “I am glad my daughters are healthy.”
When Kara shakes her head no Daniel’s eyes almost water, his emotions are running so strong. Kara quickly comes to his relief. Kara says, “Kathryn and you are only half right. I am having a boy and a girl.”
Daniel quickly throws his wife in a hug gently pulling her out of her chair and into his lap. The two kiss passionately to laughter from the family. Kathryn simply slides Kara’s plate closer to Daniel, after the kiss he still holds her on his lap, he feeds her to the occasional giggle from Cindy, Sam and Crystal.
At THE END
Misty’s parents had struggled all their lives. Carl did not want to see the two go through the same trials as he and Sarah had done. I can understand that, no parent would like to see their child struggling to put food on the table, and barely managing to keep a roof over their head.
The Ten of Them Chapter 28
Shortly after breakfast, Mom finally managed to make it up to our room. The first thing she did was take Amanda into her arms. I see the love and joy that shined from her face as she held her granddaughter, it was easy to recognize because she had that same love and joy when she held Sam and Crystal for the first time.
I noticed Sam and Crystal watching and I pulled them into my lap. Whispering into their ears I say, “See how your Grandma Maggie loves Amanda. She looked at you the very same way the first time she held you.”
Sam and Crystal’s faces turn to look into mine. I can already see the tears of joy beginning to flow. I shake my head confirming what I have told them. The two girls throw their arms around each other and me as we hug with their faces against my chest.
Kathryn giggles, comes and sits beside us she says, “Can I get a little of that too my beautiful little princesses.”
Giggling the girls move so they too can hold Kathryn in a hug that brings joyful laughter to my family. Across the room, Misty is hugging her father as he holds MJ for the first time. Sarah is hugging Marshall, as Uncle George followed by Alyssa and Johnny, finally makes it to the room as well. The rest of the family that had been helping in the kitchen quickly follows them.
Kara coming over to us rubs Kathryn shoulder and ask as she looks at her mother who now holds Amanda, “You think it is going to be like this for me?”
Kathryn giggles as she stands to hug her sister, looking into Kara’s face she says, “No.” Kara’s face shows her shock at her sister statement. Kathryn quickly says, “You are having twins, both Mom and Dad will have their hands full.” That begins the two sisters laughing as they hug each other.
Karen sliding into the hug with her sisters after rubbing Kara’s belly says, “I am going to have so much fun spoiling my nieces, and possibly a nephew or two.”
Kara giggles, “I guess I better behave myself when it comes to Amanda. Kathryn, I will probably need your help after all you will have a little more experience dealing with the baby.”
Michelle giggles, “You mean you do not remember us diapering her ass.”
Maria has been away at college and just managed to return, she is paused outside the doorway listening for a moment. Maria giggles coming up to her sisters says, “Michelle that was mostly me and you. You have to remember Kara was only three years old at the time.”
Michelle turns to hug Maria, the other three sisters quickly followed. The four surround Maria until they all back off from her. Michelle is the first to complain, “Damn, Maria you are cold.”
Maria looks Michelle in the face and replies, “You walk from the airport and see if you are not half frozen.”
Her sisters quickly strip her coat off and hug her again, as Maria still shivers. Joan quickly returns with a cup of hot coffee for Maria. Joan says, “This should help warm you up, it is black but we could get sugar and cream for it.”
Maria takes the cup, taking a long sip before she thinks Joan, “Joan thank you. It is perfect because it is hot.”
Helen comes to her daughter who is just arrived from college wrapping her in her arms she says, “Maria, I love you. I am glad you managed to make it in, now I can stop worrying about you. You could have stayed at college perfectly safe.”
Maria looks at the baby and her father’s arms and says, “What and let you and Dad be the only ones spoiling my baby niece, speaking of which where is my nieces?”
Sam excitedly says, “I am here Aunt Maria.”
Crystal becoming excited as well says, “Me too, Aunt Maria.”
Maria hands her mother the coffee as she extends her arms to her nieces. Both girls jump from my lap into their aunt’s arms. Maria pulls the two close kisses each on their cheek and says, “I missed you two something awful.”
The two girls hold tight to her and reply, “We missed you too.”
Cindy, Sam and Crystal had become close to Maria over the Christmas break and her them. I think she identified with Crystal the most being the second daughter. It was very hard for Maria to return to school. Maria would often Skype the girls. They would chat for quite a while.
Cindy breaks away from Daniel and moves to Maria as well, Maria letting go of Sam and Crystal, takes Cindy into her arms. “How is my oldest niece doing?”
Cindy giggles before she replies, “I am doing great aunt Maria. I started homeschooling like Sam and Crystal. It is a lot of fun hanging out with them, but I do miss some friends from school. I do not miss the bullies. I just started the third grade. Sam and Crystal are helping me catch up.”
Maria turns to Sam and Crystal still holding Cindy, “I am proud of you for helping each other.”
The three girls smile and say simultaneously, “We are family.”
Maria smiles saying, “Yes we are.”
Coach has given Amanda to Alyssa who has definitely fallen in love with my third daughter exactly as she had with my older two. Coach comes and pulls Maria into his arms saying, “I missed you something crazy.”
Maria giggles in her father’s embrace looking into his face she says, “Me too Daddy.”
As Kathryn’s hand slipped into mine, I could not help but think what a lucky man I am. The Edwards came into my life and showed me what family is about, the ten of them living and loving each other. In that same moment of realization I realized my father had saved ten lives when giving up his. According to our premonition, Kathryn would become pregnant ten times. Now I knew why I always considered ten to be my lucky number. Another connection to ten, so far we had helped seven of our close friends become millionaires, three more were soon to join us making the total ten.
I disbelieve we would stop with the first ten that we help, but possibly ten times ten over our lifetime or more likely the next ten years. Those that we have helped, continue doing the same so in a matter of decades who knows how many will come to have a better life.
Our friends Bobby and Mary along with others, now that I think of it eight more, would be in financial ruin if it were not for Kathryn and me. Moreover, so many more with my family’s help have come to have a better life, their businesses now more profitable. Not claiming that we did anything extraordinary, we simply helped where we could. What was the odd thing, we helped others to stand, only to find ourselves standing higher. Our small town has turned around in the few months since we began to help. I know now that some of the people we assisted are helping others either directly or indirectly.
Later that morning Kathryn released with a doctor’s appointment in a week. The roads cleared, salted, and life again takes on normalcy. Schools are still out today they will begin on their schedule times after the weekend.
Although my life is anything but normal for the next few days, Amanda seems to get hungry every four hours of the day or night. I would awake Kathryn by rubbing on her breast, as her nipple hardened and begin to leak the first few times Kathryn would complain, “You know we cannot do anything just yet.”
Amanda would soon stir in her crib and Kathryn wondered how I knew exactly when our daughter was getting hungry. By the second time, Kathryn had figured it out. She only wondered why she lacks the connection to Amanda that I have.
The truth was she had the same connection I had, although her mind so busy she did not hear the soft voice that is Amanda’s feelings. Kathryn asks, “JJ, how can you tell when Amanda is hungry and I cannot?”
I knew Amanda was getting hungry at that moment, and Kathryn’s mind was abuzz with many thoughts and worries. Perhaps because of my meditation, I kept my mind quiet, which is how I could sense Amanda’s needs. I smile before I tell Kathryn, “Love, you can to if you would just listen. Allow your mind to go quiet do not worry about anything and just listen.”
Kathryn looked at me a minute skeptically as I knew she was trying to quiet her mind. Her eyes widened suddenly as she realize that Amanda was hungry. The look of wonder on her face as her mind touched our daughters. She knew Sam and Crystal were both getting hungry as well.
Kathryn giggles then says, “I will take care of Amanda, you feed Crystal and Sam.”
I chuckle and say, “I will make lunch for us. It should be ready by the time you finish feeding Amanda.”
For the girls lunch I made grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup, it was still little cool and the girls have been riding their bikes with their Uncle Marshall and Johnny. Misty’s parents were watching Marshall Junior and enjoying her new home.
Misty was painting one of her new masterpieces. I simply loved her art. Now that her father come back into her life Misty felt inspired, and was enjoying painting for the first time since leaving her father. Marshall volunteered to take the girls out riding to get Misty some time alone.
I was checking on our investments, something I rarely did, Kathryn has taken that over. What I found shocked me, Kathryn and our group was doing far better than I imagined. The Samsons only started three months ago have outpaced what Marshall and Misty had done during their first three months. I smile thinking that they should soon be in a place where, they can retire and even if a major crash in the stock market occurred they would still have enough to easily see them through it.
Even now Kathryn was diversifying, she had put a large amount of money into solid assets, silver, gold, platinum, even some diamonds and other precious gems. The rest of the family had followed suit.
The joint trust purchased a large piece of land out in the countryside of the upper Midwest. I see where they are paying Daniel to design a large home capable of housing the entire family including my adoptive members. Actually, it looks like Daniel is designing a small community, complete with underground connecting passageways to each of the homes with storerooms and safe rooms. From the blue prints on the computer, it appears as half of the living space is underground, with a large central complex housing a theater, kitchen and several large community rooms.
I wonder if we going to spend the winter there sometime. I know Coach Edwards talks about retiring, and Kathryn will not admit it, but she does not want to be anywhere her Dad and Mom is not nearby. I know the kids will probably love the snow, and from the weather reports, the area gets quite a lot. Perhaps that is the reason for all the underground facilities, because they would allow us to be together in bad weather.
I look at a satellite overview of the land, is quite isolated a small two-lane road only goes to the edge of the property, a large lake borders one side of the property and it does not look like anyone is developing the area around it. The area that Daniel is developing on the land resides fairly near the road and overlooks the lake. I noticed Daniel’s plans using solar and wind generators to power the facilities. Perhaps that is why the land is undeveloped; there is no power lines near it.
When I bought our property, I was not particularly looking for privacy, but now that I am a multibillionaire, I can see where that could be nice. If we develop the land without anyone knowing whom or why, it could be a safe refuge for the family.
Locally I am well known and liked, I hope. That could be an issue. When someone told Lester that, a billionaire was getting married at his home he decided to come and see if he could rob the place. His downfall happened when he decided to make some extra money by prostituting out Nicole.
Given Nicole’s behavior, I am sure we still could have adopted Sam if Nicole had lived. I mean I would never allow Lester to control Sam for a moment if I could. However, rewriting time is not something I am capable of no matter how much money I have. Therefore, I could never change the circumstances that brought Sam into our lives. Sam coming into our life was in soon enough to prevent Lester’s abuse. That is what I would really change if the opportunity were presented.
Over the past months, it has become evident that the only reason Lester and Nicole wanted Sam was from the combined life insurance her parents and grandmother left to Sam. We had recovered ninety percent of that money for Sam. We added it to her trust, and when she turns eighteen, she will gain control of her trust. In the meantime, I will probably get anything Sam desires after all I do love spoiling my girls.
Speaking of spoiling my girls, I am making them lunch with tomato soup and grilled cheese, and cooked apples for dessert. The grilled cheese sandwiches has two different types of cheese that melt well together, they give a rich flavor that the girls love. Unfortunately, Misty did not make the tomato soup. I had to substitute canned soup. After a quick phone call to Daniel asking if, he and Kara could join us for lunch as well. Daniel had requested the apples, which I did not have any problem adding to lunch, especially since he volunteered to bring the ice cream. The apples I will serve hot with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on top.
I expect more for lunch than just Kathryn, Sam, and Crystal. Mom rubs me on the shoulder seeing the stack of grilled cheese sandwiches I am making. She giggles and says, “By the look of that stack of grilled cheese sandwiches you are expecting the entire family for lunch?
I chuckle as I reply, “Well the biggest part of the family. Can you stay, please?”
Mom gets my chin a caress and says, “Wild horses could not pull me away.”
I smile because I knew she was going to stay. I am starting the apples, six sticks of butter with about twelve pounds of apples cored and sliced, nutmeg and cinnamon with a dash of salt. You can add brown sugar when using tart apples, but I am using sweet apples so I leave it out. When the butter melts, I add the apples and spices stir to coat with the butter then cover with a lid. Cooked apples are simple as pie, will you can use them for pie filling too. If there would be any leftover, I might consider that. Once their warm soft and slightly sticky you simply dish them out to a small bowl and then top with the ice cream. The dish is Apple pie à la mode without the crust, which is easier than pie.
Sam comes in running and I turned to catch her just in time. I give Sam a squeeze after I have her in my arms. She calls over her shoulder after catching her breath, “Told you Uncle Marshall. Daddy has lunch ready.”
Marshall chuckles then says, “You are right Sam, JJ did make lunch for us.”
Johnny says, “I am glad Sam was right, Marshall was grumbling all the way back.”
Crystal smiles and says, “I knew Daddy was going to have lunch ready too.”
I give Sam a peck on the cheek then set her down to take Crystal into my arms and give her a hug as well. I give Crystal a peck on the cheek then set her down to continue cooking. Misty shows up with MJ, Carl and Sarah. Carl has MJ in his arms and from the look on Sarah’s face; I doubt she has gotten to hold MJ yet.
Sam and Crystal has gone to the bathroom wash their hands and return. They begin setting the table. I hear Cindy’s voice ask, “Sam do you need any help?”
Sam suggests, “Can you put some napkins out?”
The three girls work together as Kara gives me a hug. She says, “Daniel will be here in a couple minutes.”
I return her hug and then say, “I am glad I made enough.”
Kara giggles and says, “You think you did, remember I am eating for three.”
Kathryn giggles as she steals her sister, pulls her to the table to sit beside her. Kathryn caresses Kara’s belly and asks, “Have you found out yet what the babies’ sex are?”
Kara as she places her hand on top of her sisters she says, “Mom and Dad are coming over, soon Maria and Michelle will be here too. When everybody is here that can get here today I will tell everyone.”
Does not take long for the family to arrive and I was correct everyone is there except for Uncle George. Alyssa will take lunch to him, after she learns the news Kara has.
I bring a couple large platters of sandwiches, Mom starts dishing out the soup, the girls had put crackers out, along with a couple of the items the family like adding to the soup. Alyssa begins helping Mom before long the table is set and lunch is ready. I give apples a final stir and remove them from the heat. I will leave them in the kettle to retain their heat while we eat lunch.
Taking my place beside Kathryn I can feel her impatience waiting for the news Kara promised to share, Daniel finally makes his way to the table and sits down beside his wife. From the expression on his face, he also wants to know what Kara has to say.
Kara taking a sandwich dips it into her soup and begins eating before she looks up and sees the entire table waiting for her news. She is surprised and stops chewing for a moment. She quickly eats the bite she has in her mouth. Feeling a little uncomfortable at all the stairs from the family, Kathryn comes to her sister’s rescue by saying, “Let the poor pregnant woman have her lunch. The boys need all the food they can get.”
Now giggling Kara shakes her head no to let her sister know her guess was incorrect. Now over her shyness Kara looks at Daniel and says, “I know you want a son...”
Daniel quickly says, “I do not care as long as the babies and you are healthy.”
Kara giggles again before she says, “The doctor says we are doing fine.”
Daniel puts his hand on Kara’s belly and looks into her face with a smile he says, “I am glad my daughters are healthy.”
When Kara shakes her head no Daniel’s eyes almost water, his emotions are running so strong. Kara quickly comes to his relief. Kara says, “Kathryn and you are only half right. I am having a boy and a girl.”
Daniel quickly throws his wife in a hug gently pulling her out of her chair and into his lap. The two kiss passionately to laughter from the family. Kathryn simply slides Kara’s plate closer to Daniel, after the kiss he still holds her on his lap, he feeds her to the occasional giggle from Cindy, Sam and Crystal.
At THE END
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