Date: Mon, 3 Nov 2008 11:31:26 -0500
From: lila_is@live.ca
Subject: Steppin' Out -/highschool/Book 3/Chapters 13-15

This is a series of works of gay erotic fiction. If you are offended by
such material or if you are not allowed access to it under the laws where
you live, please exit now.

This work is copyrighted by the author and LBL Services Canada. 1990-2008

and may not be copied or distributed in any form without the written
permission of the author, who may be contacted at: lila_is@live.ca

Any and all celebrities mentioned in this story have no affiliation to this
piece of writing and I make no claim to their person as my own. All
Mentioned places and people are factious and any bearing resemblance to
anyone person or place is purley coincidental

***********************************

INTRODUCTION:

Steppin' Out (Book 3) On the straight and Narrow - Copyright 1997-2008
By Lila Mosher Full series already E-published on line, if you wish
to read it all in it's entiriety please Mail Lila and ask for the link thanks.

A love lost, a love gained, two families
become closer as a third is added
to the extended family tree Aikrii and Mani
have created for themselves. Even through
the sorrow each love thrives to florish
to the best it can be. A tear jerker so
be sure to have lots of tissues!


***********************************

I would LOVE feed back... anyone care
to throw in a word or two?
Did this book leave you wondeing?
confused? happy? Let me know :D

Lila


Chapter 13 -- Perfect Holiday
*************************

Becky was shocked at all the stuff Mani and Charlene ended up getting
her. She ended up with a lot of new clothing stuff she would 'grow' into as
Charlene told her since she would get bigger. Charlene told her she could
talk to Mardi to another lady she knew who was going to have a baby in
February.  Marie asked Charlene if Becky would be staying at Kevin's house
with them and she said yes but because of the planned party and such she
would be with them at Aikrii's and Mani's as well.

Marie was happy to hear this news as it would give her a chance to find out
a few things. Being as intuitive as she was she learned more than most of
the staff at Kevin's place, her momma always said she'd make a good
investigator or cop one day. She chuckled to herself when she thought about
the term 'cleaning house' for a police officer and here she was a maid,
"Oi!" she muttered to herself shaking her head as she helped Mani and
Charlene pack up the car.

"We'll go back to Kevin's first ok Becky and drop off your stuff, if you
want to change you can.  Then we'll take you to Aikrii and I's place so you
can meet some of the crew there ok."

She nodded her head she was getting excited but could tell Marie wanted to
speak to her as well about something so the need to go back to Kevin's
place was fine with her. About thirty minutes later they did show back at
Kevin's and Becky was introduced to Kevin as Charlene's guest not
Marie's. Charlene also made the point to tell Kevin that Becky was
expecting and was a tad under the whether due to morning sickness that
didn't seem to let up, and wondered if he could spare Marie so Charlene
could have help while Becky was in her care. Kevin had no issues with it
and neither did Sadonie.  Charlene thanked Kevin and looked over at Duncan
who noticed as well that Kevin was off and then questioned Sadonie on what
was up with her brother.

"I think it has to do with Marco." She said sighing. "Every year it's the
same thing. Every year, since he was seventeen he gets like this around
this time of the year. Marco gets 'quiet' as well."

She looked at Duncan and Charlene and then noted that Becky and Marie were
still in their presents.

"Oh!" She covered her mouth, "Umm I forgot we had company."

"Miss Sadonie, beg my humble forgiveness if I speak out of turn but I'm
very observant and am well aware of your brothers concerns when it comes to
Mr Daily, I think Marco is a fine person, and I'm also aware that Marco is
fond of your brother as well. If your wondering whats going on I am sure I
can find out soon enough if you really wish to know. It won't take me
long. Sadonie was surprised at the young lady's openness at the whole
situation and the willingness to help out. She giggled and then thought
what could it hurt.

"Marie if you're willing to 'pry' I'm not going to stop you from snooping,
I've been wondering what's been going on and be damed if this year we can't
make it all better. So by all means. Poke around if he gets pissy he can
take it out on me. Just try not to get caught ok."

Sadonie giggled when Marie nodded and then looked at Becky and said "Give
me a bit ok I have to go ask a few questions to a few free flowing lips."
She hugged her friend and disappeared through the staff door.

"How long do you think it will take her to find out what you want to know?"
He asked Sadonie while Charlene sat and brushed Becky's hair and put it
into two French braids. Charlene smiled when Sadonie answered "I have no
idea but I have a funny feeling that little one there is going to be a
challenge for Kevin to keep in line while she's working here."

"Why is that?" Duncan said as he sipped his coffee.

"From what I can see, she's inquisitive, smart as a whip and I think she's
not only pig headed she's probably a leader in maid's clothing." Sadonie
smiled she liked the girl. "She will definitely give Kevin and Marco a run
for their money."

Charlene encouraged Becky to find something to wear and get changed and
then offered her something to eat.  By the time Becky finished Marie was
back and full of info and let what she learned to Sadonie out in detailed
form, who she got the info from and in what she would consider
chronological order. Sadonie was none the less surprised as was Duncan and
he even said

"Damn girl you'd make a good investigator"

She giggled "Yeah momma says that to, I guess I would bring a whole new
meaning to 'cleaning house' now wouldn't I?"

Now it was Duncan's to laugh about that he looked at Charlene and Sadonie
and said, "Damn I like this kid, smart and funny!" This made Marie blush
"Thanks Duncan" She said to him.

Sadonie pondered the info, "So it seems that my brother's feelings for
Marco have grown over the years and from the looks of it this time around
it's gotten worse with Marco's proud stubborn ways to keep Kevin's
reputation in check, So you're sure he turned down Kevin when he was asked
to move in?"

"Yes, Momma said he's been all weird most of the day, when she asked he
told her, he always confides in momma, they are best friends after all."

"How did you get your mom to spill to you, I think she's the most tight
lipped here."  Sadonie was surprised to hear that it was Anita who said
anything.

"I told momma you were worried, if you want she will talk to you." Marie
smiled. "I think all she wants is to see Marco and your brother happy. I
think Marco is too damn proud and he thinks he's too old to."  Marie was
quite perceptive for one who was so young. "Now if we're done here can I
take a moment of Becky's time?  I would like to speak to her about a few
girlie matters and well, I find it embarrassing to do it with everyone
watching. She turned red as she waited for an answer.

"Sure you two can use the sun room for a bit if you wish." Sadonie pointed
to Becky who had no idea where the room she spoke of was located. Marie
took her hand and walked with her to the room in question.  While they went
that way Sadonie went to see Anita, Today would see Marco either with Kevin
or without a job and be damed if Sadonie was going to sit back and watch
her brother hurt over all of this for another holiday.

She sat down and looked in awe at the beautiful glass windows in the sun
room all a melded swirled beautiful mess of yellows greens and blues.

"Pretty isn't it?" Marie asked her friend.

"It's amazing. Don't you find it weird to live and work in such a big home
thats not yours?" She asked Marie

"No, I do it because I respect my mama and because it will pay for my
college courses in two years time."  Marie already had a action plan for
school and being a maid wasn't one of them. She looked over at her friend.

"I took you in here because I have to let you know a few things." Marie
sounded very serious and looked at her friend determined to make sure she
listened.

"I'm not going to piss around either, so I want you to listen Becky,
remember I'm older and I can help you a lot so can my friends ok and to let
you know now I'm not trying to be a bully I'm just looking out for a friend
ok so I want you to listen before getting mad at me ok." She waited for her
friend to say yes or no.

"Umm ok, but you sound pissed off...are you mad at me?" Becky was worried.

"No I'm concerned. For you and for your future, momma always says a girl
ain't nothing if she don't use her brains, unfortunately people will look
at you as brainless for being pregnant so young."  She knew what she was
talking about she watched another friend get treated like shit by her
boyfriend so Marie was going to be sure Becky didn't end up the same way.

Becky's face screwed up like she was going to cry and Marie went to her and
pulled her onto her lap.

"I don't want to hurt your feelings Becky, I'm just trying to tell you the
truth ok, I don't think your stupid, I would only think that you're being
selfish if you had an abortion or if you thought you could raise this baby
by yourself. You can't you're too young. Do you understand me?"

Marie could feel her friend nod her head against her chest. Becky sat up
and looked at Marie

"I can't take care of a baby Marie so I won't be selfish, someone else can
do better for him or her then they can if they look for me when I'm older I
will tell them I was too young. Everyone makes mistakes I just hope when
I'm older I get a second chance." She wiped the tears from her eyes and
looked at Marie.

"Think if I did a letter for my baby the new parents would give it to my
baby when they were old enough?"  The idea had been running through her
head for hours since she made up her mind to make sure her child got a good
home, she knew in her hearts heart it was for the best.

"I can't see why not and I know the perfect people to approach about it"
Marie learned a LOT since moving in and helping her mom out so her sources
were tight since it was within the Trask and Oratii families.

"Who?" Becky asked.

"Well I think you need to see first ok, but lest just say the new place
you're going to visit today, The man you met at the hospital. He wants a
baby, him and his boyfriend. I over hear crap all the time and I can put
two and two together. Remember what the lady said at the center about Mani
not being able to take you so Charlene had to." She watched her friends
eyes show the acknowledgment of 'OH!'

"So he's looking for a baby, is that why he bought me all that stuff?"
Becky thought wouldn't that be a bribe...

"No Mani isn't like that, he helps people because they need it. Here let me
fill you in on some things I know from my momma, what I hear from when Josh
and Kevin chat and when Selina and Nye are over here as well. There's TONS
you don't understand, but let me tell you once I fill you in on details
you'll be sure that if you let Mani and Aikrii take your baby they would
have the best home in the world and you would have a chance at a good life
and still get to know your baby. Sound good?" Marie squeezed her friends
hand and watched her friend smile. When she she got her full attention
Marie rambled off ALL she learned, her skills would come in handy when she
went to police academy. Duncan only strengthened her wanting to go and this
new challenge of 'negation' with her friend to do the right thing helped
her as well. When she was done Becky was impressed and asked if Duncan
would confirm things later on once she got a chance to get a feel of Mani
and Aikrii's place. Marie nodded her confirmation and they hugged, Marie
felt better she was sure things were on the right track with her friend
now. They walked out of the sun room to quite the commotion, Sadonie was
ragging out on Marco and he was actually yelling back.  Marie stepped in
between them and whistled a high pitched whistle that would shatter glass.

"FOR SHAME!! You two are grown adults, there are children present!" She
glared at Marco, "Sir, you may be over me but even YOU know better, so even
I will suggest you move your ass to staff quarters before Master Trask
halves and quarters you." Marco was stunned but huffed away.  Sadonie was
stunned to and looked at the girl appalled. "You may wish to fire me Madam
Trask, but it won't make you feel better and it won't solve the problem at
hand."  She waited with her hands behind her back waiting for the ax to
fall, it never did.

"You were right Marie, thanks." Sadonie walked away as well. Becky was
stunned to say the least and Charlene and Duncan were flabbergasted.

"I'm sorry you two had to see Mr. Daily in such a unprofessional state,
usually he's more reserved and well mannered. I shall see to his side and
deal with the task at hand. I will show at the Oratii residents as soon as
I able, matters here seem to be more pressing. Excuse me." She hugged Marie
and whispered "Remember what I said ok." and then she was gone.

Charlene looked at Duncan, I think Sadonie was right about her being a
leader, we definitely haven't seen the last of her yet. With that they got
ready to go and headed off to Aikrii and Mani's place for the first night
of fun the house would be hopping soon and Charlene wanted to go spend some
time with Selina before her and Nye got too caught up in friends and family
showing.  *****************************************


"You had NO right yelling at Miss Sadonie and you know I'm right!" She had
her arms down at her side in fists as Marco tried to brush her off like an
insolent child.

"She was interfering where it concerns her not." He said in his pompous
manner. Now Marie knew why she heard Kevin tell him to stop with the
pompous manner.

"Marco, fuck off with the shit you pull with Kevin, I'm not him
ok... Unlike Kevin you can't make me go away so easily I live here
remember." She huffed when he glared at her.

"You my child should learn your place and get there while the going is
good." He stood with his eyebrows raised looking down his nose at her.

"Oh like you have?" She shot back. "You're a huge hypocrite Marco, a bloody
British hypocrite in a damn suit."

Marco was dumbfounded, a child telling him who he was, one who had no clue
about him at all.  Boy was he wrong. She flew into him in an instant.

"You tell me to find my place! You don't even know your place is at Master
Trask's side, you think as his butler is going to satisfy him forever?
You're fucking foolish if you do, he loves you!  Can't you get that through
your thick skull or is your damned pride so important to you that you'll
kill someone who loves you with rejection?" She shot daggers at him and he
felt if he so much as opened his mouth she'd tear him a new ass as
well. "Wizen up Marco, I'm younger than you and have only been here two
fucking weeks and I apparently know more than you do. Sheesh!" She stomped
from the room more pissed now that ever, why the hell do people have to be
so stupid when it came to doing the right thing. She shook her head as she
took the stairs to the main floor. She got her jacket walked to the kitchen
and spoke to her mother letting her know she was heading over to Aikrii's
place to help Charlene and Duncan with Marie. Her mother looked at her and
winked and smiled and hugged her to whispering "Looks like you got your
mamma's temper and her heart baby girl."  She nudged her and pointed
discreetly. Marco was exiting the staff door. He wasn't in his uniform and
he was going upstairs.

"I think your the first of us to actually get something to sink in" She
gave her a hug and told her to go ask Master Trask if the limo could run
her over since she didn't want her to ride her bike in the snow.

Marie took the stairs two at a time and lightly knocked on Kevin's study
door.

"Enter" His voice called out.

She pushed open the door to see Master Trask standing with his back to her,
he was looking out the window and Marco was standing with a paper in his
hand to the left of the room. He wasn't dressed in his normal uniform as
her mom had pointed out.

"Sir, I'm sorry to disturb you and Mr. Daily but Mama wanted to know if you
could allow me to get a lift with the limo to the Oratii home so I do not
have to bike in the snow." She waited for his answer her hands behind her
back.

"I can't see an issue, Marco can take you when we go to the Airport. You're
excused, please have a good day at Aikrii's and Mani's I'll see you
tonight. " She walked out of the room and waited at the front door. Marco
was down not long after and Kevin was beside him as well. He still had a
frown, but he wasn't sullen. Marco was different to but Marie couldn't
quite figure out what had happened upstairs in the study.

She was dropped off at Aikrii's and was greeted with open arms by Becky who
was beside herself and loved the home she didn't stop talking, "Oh my god
Marie this place is amazing! Aikrii and Mani are the sweetest people I ever
met! They have most of their family or friends living here!"

"That's their nature Becky, they care so they do what they can to help."
Marie placed an arm over her friends shoulder and they helped around the
house decorating with Selina, Nye, Sefron and Mardi along with a little
fella Marie learned was named Matt and it looked like he was a tad smitten
with Becky and more so when he learned she was going to have a baby. Aikrii
was watching the whole ordeal with open eyes.

"If you have a boy whatcha gonna call him?" Matt asked her. He looked up
with eager eyes as he unraveled garland.

"If I was old enough to keep him, I'd name him Zachery, but I'm too young
so I guess his new parents would name him don't ya think?"

Matt frowned, "Why don't you want your baby?" Becky frowned and Aikrii
stepped in "Matt it's not that she doesn't want her baby it's just
sometimes when your too little to do something you need to ask for help."
Aikrii sat on the floor beside him and helped with the garland. "Look at
you, you're almost fourteen and still small and people pick on you right?"

Matt nodded he hated being picked on. Aikrii continued. "So in order not to
be picked on you ask for help right?"

Matt nodded his head yes. "So what do you think would happen if you never
asked for help and people still picked on you?"

"I'd probably be getting hurt a mighty lot." He said with a frown.

"Now don't you think if you had to look after a baby all by yourself you'd
be sacred. Do you think you could keep a small baby from getting hurt all
the time?" Aikrii waited for him to think about the question and watched
his expression go from wonder to acknowledgment.

"I think you be right there Aikrii, I think I'd be too scared to be lookin'
after a little on, my mama has her plates filled up with me, I can see
where Becky would be needin' some help." He grinned

"You can always ask Aikrii and Mani to take your little one, they's be
mighty good papa's they's nice people ya know." He grinned and looked over
at Aikrii who blushed yet ruffled Matt's head.

"Out of the mouth of babes" He said chuckling he looked at Becky and could
see her thinking as she absently pulled garland off of a cardboard spool.

"So who wants hot chocolate?" Aikrii asked as he stood up, dispersing the
humdrum that seem to fall over them.

"I DO!" Matt yelled jumping up and racing towards the kitchen Selina
laughing as she watched him shoot off like a rocket. Becky watched him
go. "Is he always like that?" she asked Selina

"Yup pretty much, I think the only time I saw him slow down was when he
hurt himself and my friend Kolten had to carry him." Becky watched the
young fella dance around in the kitchen by Aikrii as he got the wanted
drink ready for the boy. She wasn't so much as watching Matt as she was
watching how Aikrii interacted with him. She wished her family had been
like Aikrii was being with Matt.  Attentive, caring, someone who apparently
wanted to please. She smiled and ran her hand across her belly. This little
one would have that and then some she was sure of it.

****************************************************

They pulled up to the airport and got out of the limo. He looked and felt
out of place here in jeans and a shirt, but Kevin insisted on him being
dressed appropriately while in public with him. They had their conversation
when in the study, some before Marie showed up and more after and the rest
while they drove to the airport. The first words he was told when Marco
called up to the study to see if he wanted to go to the airport with him to
pick up Sam and Xavier and Michelle was told.

"If you don't want to be judged as a butler or hired help then I suggest
you dress appropriately."  He did so before going up to see Kevin. His
means of exiting was sitting in his back pocket, should he need it. They
had a few words and Kevin gave him a choice, he could resign or Kevin would
fire him, either way he was no longer being held to his contractual duties
that Kevin's father had hired him for fifteen years ago.

"If you resign I shall give you a permanent place of residence here as I
would not like to see a friend on the streets, but should you choose the
latter and I have to fire you, you'll be asked to clear your belongings and
I shall give you full severance even for the five years your still
considered contractually bound to do and agreed to complete and you will
get your full pension as if you did so, but you will have to find your own
place to reside." Kevin had turned his back on Marco then for the first
time in years but it was because he was crying. Marie had knocked then and
she has asked for a drive. She was excused and Marco was already holding
out his resignation by then he had already thought of leaving he even had
his bags packed down stairs. He never thought Kevin would offer him what he
had. Kevin had turned around then tears were still running down his face as
he took the paper Marco had. He looked at it.

"So your willing to resign." He said the air of finality like that of a
squashed bug.

"I have no choice Kevin, I can't be hired help if I'm here in any other
capacity, I just cant' do it."  Marco stood waiting to see what Kevin would
say.

"So your giving up the gig? Will you stay?" Kevin waited the dance making
him tired from all the spinning.

"If your still want me I will gladly stay." Marco said his words light,
endearing and full of hope.

Kevin nearly knocked the older man over in a bear hug, his tears were
flowing hard and he sobbed on to Marco's shirt.

"I think I would have died if I had to fire you! You scared the shit out of
me, I didn't know what to do, I thought for sure this year you would move
out."

Marco hugged him back and smiled down at the brown head nestled against his
chest.

"I would have left if you had asked me to but even I know it would have
been very hard for me to do, I do care Kevin, and I'm sorry my pride got in
the way, but lets just say it took one small little lady with more balls
than I had to set me straight, or in this case..." He cut himself off as
the pun fell as it may making Kevin giggle like crazy in his arms. Marco
stroked Kevin's head he so loved hearing him laugh.

"I think we need to talk more lets go drop her off ok, and grab my cell
would you I have to go talk to sis quick, I'll meet you at the front door
ok."

Kevin stood on his tip toes kissed Marco and smiled when they broke
apart. "You know what you look fucking hot in jeans." with that he headed
out of the study and to his sister's room where he was certain he had heard
her go to earlier.

Taking Marco's hand he pulled him along to gate eight where Dante said his
mom Michelle, Sam and Xavier would be showing. It was the flaming red hair
that Kevin saw first, but he recognized Sam immediately except for the
piercings Dante and he were identical. Kevin called out to him and he waved
back.  Michelle smiled as she moseyed towards them. Kevin greeted Sam like
he was family.

"Hey, Sam! We're taking everyone over to my place ok since there's room I
hope you don't mind but Aikrii doesn't have his guest house done yet and he
couldn't rent a mini home in time for the over flow there's going to be
nearly sixty people coming between them and Josh and if you include my
friends and family it's well over one hundred and twenty people. Michelle
was the first to show her shock and amazement. "Wow, such a big deal for
the holidays!"

"We have a lot of friends and with my mom's ties to the hotel industry we
tend to be the toast of the town, the great thing is we have a huge home."
Kevin smiled as Michelle thanked him for his hospitality.

"Well I suppose I should help you grab your bags, We brought the small limo
seeing as there wasn't a ton of people to pick up so I hope your all
comfortable"

"Oh, Kevin we can get our luggage." Xavier said "No need to put yourself
out."

"Oh it's no problem, I don't mind." Kevin smiled he also noticed not once
did any of them ask Marco to help, guess jeans did look good on him after
all. He mentally chuckled to himself.

He scooped up Michelle's bag and then grabbed Xavier's rolling bag. Sam
took his own carry on and Marco offered to take the other two bags. They
were on their way to the limo, that was when Xavier asked Kevin who Marco
was.

"Oh I'm sorry, how rude of me." Kevin smiled as he looked over at
Marco. "This tall brute with the beautiful accent" he said winking, "is my
boyfriend Marco. Marco, this is Sam Ericson, Xavier York and Michelle is
Dante and Sam's mom."  He smiled as everyone nodded and grinned. Marco took
Kevin's hand when his became free of the bags and he gave him a squeeze. "A
pleasure, he said to Michelle as he took her hand next and laid a kiss upon
her fingers" She giggled like a school girl at his accent. "Oh how dashing
Kevin! He's a keeper!"  She chuckled more when he winked at her. Kevin got
a kick out of it as well Marco was a real charmer when he let himself
relax. "Don't I know it." He answered as they finished putting the rest of
the bags in the trunk.

"Ok off to our place. Then I'll take you after you get refreshed to see
Josh and Dante, they should be at Aikrii's by then."

The drive was swift and Michelle, Xavier and Sam chatted in the back while
Kevin sat up front and just held onto Marco's hand. Things had been sorted
when they drove here and hopefully once the holidays were over things would
relax more and they would get to spend some quality time together.

"Oh my this house is absolutely beautiful!" Michelle exclaimed as she
walked through the doors of Kevin Trask's home.

"Thanks, I think Marco and I take pride in how well we mange to keep things
going so smoothly."  Marco chuckled as Anita showed and her eyes bugged out
when she seen him holding Kevin's hand where everyone could see.

"Ma'am, take you jacket?" Anita asked Michelle as she held out her hands to
receive the garment.

"Where's Sarah and Sophia?" Kevin asked Anita

"I do believe they are readying the last of the rooms sir shall I ring
them?" She bowed and then stood again hands behind her back.

"Oh no thats quite ok, you do what you must, but please make sure Francis
has what he needs for the up coming meals and he's to come to me direct if
he needs more help I'll gladly pitch in myself if I am needed ok." Kevin
smiled as Marco chuckled about helping in the kitchen he knew Kevin could
cook. It was when Anita giggled at the concept that everyone else chuckled
to.

"I'm sure Francis would be thrilled if you did that sir." Anita said
laughing as she went off for her own duties.

"So you cook like your cousin then I take it." Michelle said remembering
how well Josh could cook when he was living with them.

"I can hold my own thou I'm sure Francis would kick me out for putting
pepper on macaroni."  Marco busted a gut at that one and then rolled his
eyes.

"Gee Kevin, you make the poor bloke sound like he's got a stick up his
ass." Marco made the off hand comment and everyone else giggled.

"Not quite but he's very edgy about who's in his kitchen. I'm sure I
wouldn't last five minutes in there with him, he's a damn good chef thou."

Michelle was looking forward to meeting this Francis fella, she'd love to
see what she could learn from him. Kevin showed them their rooms as he knew
the rest of his staff was getting ready to attend to other matters for the
three day festivities.

"We'll be back by in about an hour or so to let you know we're heading over
to Aikrii's ok."  He looked at his watch it was nearing two in the
afternoon, Supper was in three hours, he was already ravenous but food
could wait he had other things to attend to. Kevin got confirmation from
Xavier that he and Sam would be ready and Michelle also said she'd be ready
as well.  Kevin headed off. Marco was waiting down stairs. Kevin took his
hand whispered something to him and then went off to talk to his sister. He
was gone all of ten minutes and then left them to their own accord as he
vacated the house. He had a last minute gift to go get.
**********************************************


They were curled up on the couch watching Becky and Matt chat, Selina and
Nye could keep up with youngsters normally but today had been a long day of
decorating, chatting and non stop going, and supper was just around the
corner, the kitchen had been set up so the living room was pushed back and
there was a horseshoe shaped dinner table set up for all the guests.  There
were people in Aikrii's kitchen with Mani cooking a storm. Mani Flopped
beside Nye and gave him a noogie.

"AGG! Bro! You smell like summer savory!" He laughed pushing his brother
off of his head.

"Whats so bad about that, least I'm fresh!" He said a bit too cocky.

"I'd agree with that, can't keep your hands to yourself" Aikrii piped up as
he sipped his tea.

"Hey! Not fair!" Mani said pouting then giggling.

"Why not it's true." Nye said off handed. Everyone laughed they always got
a kick out of Aikrii and Mani's playful banter.

Aikrii hugged Mani when he stood again and kissed his cheek, "It's ok baby
I don't mind you being fresh or smelling like savory either, makes my world
more entertaining when you're doing something different keeps me on my
toes" He chuckled as Mani kissed the top of his nose loudly and then
swatted his butt as he headed back to the kitchen to help cook more.

"How long have you two been married?" Becky asked out of the blue.

"Well, we got married on the nineteenth, so five months and three days" He
said being precise and he grinned.

Becky was happy with the answer and went back to wrapping gifts now. She
was helping Selina or at the moment she was wrapping while Selina
watched. Mardi and Sefron joined them and then not long after that the bell
rang with Josh and Dante showing to join the fray.

"Did mom say when they'd be here?" Josh asked Aikrii as he gave his
'adopted' brother a crushing hug as he asked about his mom in law.

"Not an exact time but they'll be here Kevin said he'd drop them off when
he wasn't so swamped trying to get his crew coordinated he's providing a
few extras for supper here tonight and we have a crew here cooking to for
everyone for Christmas eve dinner."

"Oh, well there's one thing that might explain the delay." Josh said
chuckling

"Whats that?" Aikrii was curious

"Oh come on now...Dante's mom! Christmas and not cooking, it's unheard of."
Josh grinned "She's as bad as me, I'm finding it hard to not tackle
something." He chuckled then took a deep breath smelling the wondrous
scents from the kitchen.

"You're welcomed to go join Mani if you want I'm sure they could use and
extra hand."

Josh looked at Dante "Do you mind sweetie?" he took his hand and gave it a
squeeze and his famous puppy eyes. "Oh go ahead silly." Dante said as Josh
grinned and kissed his cheek.  He then scurried off yelling his hi's to
everyone. Mani was very happy to have the added chef in the kitchen and had
him working within minutes. Everyone was enjoying themselves and guests
started trickling in slowly.
*************************************************


"We're going to be late you know." Kolten looked at his watch, yes they
were, it was nearing supper time and they had planned to be home
earlier. "How do you think everyone is going to take the news?"  his
companion asked him.

"I have no idea and frankly I don't care, I don't want to hid anymore."
Kolten had made up his mind and tonight people would know that yes he was
dating now and yes he was the younger of the party.

He reached over taking the hand of the one he was hooked on, the one he
rescued when they met back in England. The one he came all the way back to
Kearney for. Blue eyes met green and they sparkled, He would go to the moon
and back for a smile. Jeff was happy to be the one sitting next to him and
he was sure that Kolten was in his glory just from the smile he had.

"I'll be here thou when you tell them ok, so no worries ok hun." Jeff was
adamant in being around to help if Kolten felt he needed it.

"No worries no regrets, I don't regret meeting you so I refuse to hold
regrets in telling people about us."  Jeff was happy to hear this from
Kolten and it made him split a shit eating grin.

"Come on babe, petal to the metal I want to get my happy ass there." Kolten
shimmied closer to Jeff as they took the highway towards shore road.
********************************************************

MAMA! Dante nearly knocked his mom and his brother Sam over when he seen
them walk into the door.  Josh was as excited to see them to and tackled
everyone as well with just as much enthusiasm.  Nearly everyone was there
now. Aikrii's home was hopping and people were mingling. Sam and Dante were
stuck to each others side with their partners on either end and Michelle
had gone to the kitchen with Mani to lend a hand since Josh was now hog
tied to Dante again. Becky and Matt seemed to hook up and stick to each
others side. Two more guest showed via a limo drop off and Xavier was
thrilled when he got to see his dad Heathcliff and his sister Catherine.
Charlene and Duncan were chatting when the door rang again and Selina
walked up to answer it.  She spotted Kolten at the door and Smiled and
reached for him hugging him before he even got in the door, Nye perturbed
he was even invited.

"Oh hold on Selina my date is just getting parked" He called to whom ever
it was and Nye just grumbled, He didn't like this guy when it came to
Selina and him hanging out. He watched Selina's eyes bug out of her head as
he spotted Kevin walking into the foyer his hand tugging another's as they
walked through the door Nye's jaw dropped. His date was Jeff Wonder's the
fella who had built his room. Selina Nye noticed was as shocked as he
was. Mani on the other hand wasn't and went to greet them.

Selina went to Nye, "Oh my god! I never had a clue!"

"Me either and here I was jealous of him." Nye admitted out loud.

"HAHAHA!" Selina roared she was tickled at the notion and then kissed Nye,
"You goose, no need to go getting jealous, I'm not going anywhere."

The party got off to a great start and the evening petered off
slowly. Everyone enjoyed the meal and the company. Tomorrow was the same
but over at Kevin's with a dance at the end of the evening.  This year the
holidays were the best for everyone. The perfect holiday

Chapter 14 – A gift from an angel *******************************

She looked around at everyone having fun. She noticed Selina and Nye were
still a buzzed over something that happened only moments before when the
new man walked in the door with his friend.  Mani seemed very happy to see
them both and Aikrii was also enjoying the new guests arrivals.  Duncan and
Charlene were beside Selina and Nye and were also talking about everything
as well.  She watched the room intently Becky and Matt were beside the
Christmas tree and they were shaking gifts and trying to guess what was in
each one. She chuckled as she also noticed Marco and Kevin off in one
corner paying close attention to each other, she was hoping they had
resolved things, she wish she knew just what had happened in the study
before they had dropped her off here.  She spotted Sadonie who approached
her with a smile.

"Enjoying the party?" Sadonie asked Marie whom she had noticed wasn't
mingling but observing.

"Very much actually. I see Marco and Kevin have sorted things" She smiled
as she noticed Marco slid and arm around Kevin's waist. He was smiling at
something Kevin had said to one of his friends he was speaking to, Bain she
thought his name was.

"I think you had something to do with that." Sadonie said she was still
impressed at the young girls willingness to stick her neck out to make
things right even if it meant risking her head.

"I only told him how it was, stupid man for one so smart some days I wonder
where he put his ego."  She sipped on her cider and waited to see who else
would pass her wandering eyes.

Sadonie just chuckled at the girls comment. "You know he no longer works at
the house now right?"

Marie nearly choked on her drink when she heard this. "Oh shit! I didn't
mean for him to quit!"

"Wouldn't have mattered either way Marie, he would either be fired or have
to resign, Kevin made sure he'd have provisions thou either way. So now
he's part of the family instead of a staff member and here's hoping his
damn pride, ego or what ever the hell he calls it keeps to itself, I do not
want to have to kick my future brother in laws ass."

Marie's jaw was still stuck on wide when Sadonie finished speaking. "So
he's officially Kevin's boyfriend? He caved?"

Sadonie nodded her head, "And I have you to thank for that, so I will tell
you now no matter what, you will always have a place in our home, you did
some amazing things with Marco, what it was I have no clue but at least it
sunk in."

Marie was shocked still but she thanked Sadonie and told her that even thou
it was nice of Sadonie to offer she wouldn't be in their home in two years
time. "I plan on going to the police academy as soon as I'm able, I want to
be one of the best investigative officers there is, like Duncan."

"Then I'll make sure you have what you need to go to what ever college you
choose to go to."  Sadonie smiled again as the girls gratitude shone
through.  ***********************************************

He snuggled her in against him in the lounging chair. Her dark hair
smelling like jasmine and lilacs, her tiny body fit just right. He rubbed
her belly, she was in heaven and was chuckling as she watched everyone
around them chat about when she was due.

"I'm looking forward to when this little angel is born we're getting the
crib sometime in January."  She looked up at her mom who had been thrilled
way back when they got the news that they didn't have to wait a few years
before Sefron and her were to be married. Animikia had to break the news to
the family Mardi had been promised to that there would be no wedding which
ended up being a blessing in disguise since the fella had fallen for
someone else anyway.

"Have you picked names yet?" Her mother wanted to know since picking a name
was a big deal.

"Yes mom we picked a name already." She smiled "and NO I'm not telling you
it cause it gives away the gender, so stop pestering!" She chuckled as her
mom gave her a look of innocents at the claim for a fished gender.

"We have to arrange for family photos to be done as soon as we can to cause
we know everyone will want to see what this angel looks like." Sefron
looked down at her belly and rubbed getting kicked the whole time.  "Looks
like someone is awake." he said as he watched her belly do aerobics she
chuckled as a little foot slid by her belly button. Lee her dad was in awe
as he watched his daughters tummy wobble like a possessed bowl of jell-o.

Sefron chuckled as Lee traced his fingers along her belly following his
grand child's movements through his daughters belly, making her chuckle,
"Oh daddy! That tickles!" She giggled squirming only to make poor Sefron
respond under her. She turned and looked at him her eyes wide and gave a
knowing look then giggled more.  He was red but he couldn't help it she was
so damn beautiful, even pregnant she glowed and that turned him on more. He
kissed her cheek and growled in her ear softly.

"Later baby." She said knowing he was worked up now. She loved that he
still lavished attention on her even when she felt as big as a whale. He
kept telling her she wasn't a whale, that she was beautiful and he loved
how soft her skin was. Her favorite thing now days was having him soak in
the tub with her. It made it much easier to get out when he was there with
her.

She looked around so happy to have all her family and friends with
her. Looking back she realized that this is the best accident she ever had
happen in her life and if she could ever find the guy who tired to mug her
she'd thank him for bringing these people into her life. She hugged Sefron
and got to her feet with a bit of help and headed to the kitchen she could
smell food and those smells were making her tummy growl a growling tummy
made for one squirmy baby and she needed to fill her belly with food and
now. She made her way to the kitchen and asked Mani if there was anything
she could try since her little one was saying 'FOOD NOW!'

He chuckled and toped off a small plate with a few samples of everything
the cooking team, Josh and Josh's mom Michelle and Kevin to had been
working, she was in heaven while sampling the delights.

"When is supper?" She asked

"When I'm sure everyone is here and last I checked we were still missing a
few guests, but soon."  he said with a smile.

******************************************

Heathcliff and Catherine were overwhelmed with all the people in the home
they had entered.  When they had arrived from the airport they had gone to
a home which was called the Trask residence and then they were ushered here
after being shown their room which was apparently next to Xavier's and
Sam's so they were told. He was very happy to see his son in good spirits
and Catherine commented on the handsome man her brother was dating. As much
as many would look at Heathcliff and assume that his British background
would make him out to be an arrogant ass he was actually one of the open
ones and enjoyed the shocked looks he'd get when he'd mention that his son
was gay, he rather found it amusing really.

"I do say my boy, your family is quite large." He said to Xavier who only
laughed and hugged his dad.

"Father they aren't full fledged family till I marry Sam, but yes I agree
on the massive amounts there seems to be and I hear more and more are being
found daily." He chuckled on that note remembering on the details Josh had
given him on how Selina and he were actually related and the family ties
there was coming about. Sam loved it and Xavier thought that the loving
nature of everyone around him was amazing.

"Well I suggest you hurry up and marry the bloke before someone steals him"
Catherine said to her brother as she hugged him and pecked his cheeks. "You
look dashing as well I might add."

Xavier blushed "Thanks I blame Sam and his brother in law, Jump Street
clothing is the only place I'm permitted to shop at now and they apparently
have two here in Kearney now or well at least one is in operation and a new
one to open in April in Trenton."

He was still amazed at the vastness of Josh's business and he learned first
hand how wonderful it was to operate his own business and with him and Sam
running Roomoorz it was a great experience.

"So how goes business?" His father asked him Xavier knew it would come up
and he answered "Smashing, we can't keep people from booking appointments I
think we're booked till April right now."  He grinned as his dad's eyes
widened.

"Wow, maybe I should think of investing in you then?" He chuckled as his
son laughed at the concept, but he also knew if his dad made a comment like
this it was bound to happen since his father was after all a businessman.

Sam joined Xavier and hugged his dad and squished his sister and they all
got a good chuckle out of how tall Sam was compared to Xavier.

"Xavier may be tiny but his fiery hair matches his personality when you
poke the right buttons."  Sam said and then proceeded to poke Xavier in the
side teasing him lovingly, which got a mocked dirty look. Heathcliff
chuckled at his son's antics with his partner. He was pleased to see the
look of admiration on his son's face towards Sam and knew these two were
going to be ok. The trip out here would prove to be a wise one for
Catherine as well since her eye was caught by something that intrigued her.

She walked over to the wall and looked at the painting. It was a water
color, two young men hand in hand at a lake facing a sunset. Very well done
to. She'd have to ask the home owner where he got such a beautiful piece
and if he knew the artist. She turned to a young girl who smiled.

"Like it?" She said gesturing with her head towards the painting.

"Very much so" She replied to the young girl, who had a young man Catherine
recalled as being named Nye slip up behind her and put his arms around her
waist.

"It's a nice piece, I'd love to meet the artist. They did a bang up job,
and the colors are so vivid."  She smiled and Nye chuckled.

"You're talking to the artist now Miss York, Selina here did that painting
last year for Aikrii and Mani for Christmas." Nye was proud to say that and
he beamed as he did.

"You?" She asked the girl amazed that one so young had such an amazing
talent.

"Yes, I did that and a few others. My dad's have one I did for their
wedding called 'Spiritual blessing' and I just did one recently for Nye for
his birthday called 'Wish upon a star and smile' I do them off an on but I
don't paint regularly.

"You should paint a lot you're very talented." Catherine was still in awe.

"Mani says the same thing but I have to have a feeling before I can paint
and if there's no feeling it shows in my work so I only paint when the mood
strikes me. I've shown him how to use water colors as he's more use to
acrylics and oils and drawing."

"Are any of his pieces here?" She asked.

"Actually I think Aikrii brought home 'The Sleeping Prince' since he didn't
want it in the studio all Christmas season. He's quite fond of his partners
work" Selina took her to the top of the stairs landing and pointed up to
the wall and sure enough there was 'The Sleeping Prince' painting on it's
special nail for when it came home.

Catherine gasped, "Oh my god thats beautiful!" she walked up the stairs
further seeing if she couldn't get a better look "How much is he looking
for this one?" She asked

"Oh he won't sell it, last I heard someone who had visited his shop when it
was there, offered him well over two hundred and fifty thousand for it and
he turned it down." Selina was happy to know he'd never sell something as
beautiful as that particular painting, it had love in it's strokes and well
it would be a shame to let it leave the family. Catherine looked at the
picture and studied it.

"Thats Aikrii isn't it?" She asked, she wasn't sure if it was or not but it
did look like him just younger and with longer hair.

"Yes before he got his hair cut, I think Mani started sketching the image
for that picture about a month after they met. I'm not sure how long it
took for him to paint it thou. I never asked."

"Well as you can tell I'm one to fall for a beautiful piece of art work. I
think I will be looking into more of yours and Mani's stuff if your willing
to show me some." She smiled she knew she could make Selina a very famous
young lady in England here's hoping Selina would be willing to display her
work.  ***********************************************


Matt couldn't believe it, she walked in with Marie that day and he could
barely breath when he set eyes on her. He was finding it nice to spend time
with the pretty girl by his side and he also realized he wasn't all over
the place, he wanted to be here. A few people had noticed how taken Matt
had become in the new young lady in Charlene's care. Even Nye pointed out
how 'calm' Matt was and Dante was stunned to not see Matt all over the
place like a bi-plane on over drive.

"Here." He passed her another piece of popcorn as she poked it with the
needle and strung it on the thread, they were on their fifth strand already
and the tree was nearly done to their satisfaction.

"You're quiet now Matt, you ok or just tired?" Becky was looking at him
with a bit of concern, when she first met him he was a ball of energy and
seeing him so calm now was kind of weird for her since Selina had pretty
much confirmed he was always 'ON'. She waited to see if he was going to
answer as she took another piece of popcorn from his fingers.

"I'm ok I'm just enjoying the quiet time here." he smiled at her.

"It's far from quiet Matt" She said laughing.

"Ok time here with you..." he blushed then "you know doing this, it's fun I
don't do stuff like this home."  he tried to recover his fumble he didn't
want to look like an idiot.

"I'm enjoying this to thanks for helping." She smiled again and took
another piece of popcorn from his fingers he let them linger longer than
normal and he blushed when she looked up at him. She could feel his tension
and she also could tell he liked her but she also had to be careful,
someone who use to like her before had used her and thats why she ended up
with a baby she'd be giving to another family to raise.  Her head screamed
for her to be careful, her heart told her he would be ok. She needed to
talk to Selina when she had time right now she would be his friend he
seemed to need one and if she was able to get him to sit still then that
was a good thing. She looked up when the door bell rang again she saw
Selina open it and hug the fella who had shown and then she watched him
bring in another guy he was holding his hand and that was when Matt got up
yelling "Uncle Jeff!" and he took off flying to the man who had entered the
door tackling him in a bear hug, Jeff seemed to be pleased to see Matt and
picked him up and spun him around. She watched as Matt spoke to his uncle
and then his uncle's friend. She'd only been here a few hours but noticed
there was more love in this house in one night then she'd ever been
privileged to see in her own home in the last ten years. This thought was
depressing, she knew if she went back home she'd be going back to a
loveless home, a shell. Looking around her she felt happy and safe. She got
up and walked over to Mani and tugged on his arm.

"Can I talk to you in private?" She asked him

"Sure, what's up?" He asked smiling down at the beautiful child that stood
before him he reached out his hand and took her up stairs to the landing so
she could still see everything going on around them yet no one could hear
them.

"I was thinking and I see so much in this house that makes me smile. I like
it here."  She looked at him and sighed "If I went back home I'd go back to
nothing, there's no love there like there is here." She felt the tears
prick the back of her eyes and breathed deep trying to hold them back.

"I don't want to go back to what I had. I want what you have here, people
who love me for who I am flaws and all."  She looked at Mani who showed
compassion on his face, she could see it loud and clear and it sang to her.
She felt his concern for who she was. He didn't judge her either, He made
her feel good about herself.

Mani knew kids like her, hungry for love, hungry for attention, hungry for
a connection. He reached to her and let her come to him, she did so hugging
him so tight he thought she'd break his ribs. He could feel her sobbing
quietly, he let her do so till she was done not saying a word there wasn't
any need to.  When she was done she pulled back and asked him what he knew
she was going to ask sooner or later and he was prepared to offer her the
support she would most likely ask for.

"Marie says your looking for a baby." She looked at him as he showed in his
face that he was surprised that someone knew other than his family. It
dawned on him that Marie had been in the office, it had totally slipped his
mind when they were over at the 'Young Moms 4 Life' center.

Mani wouldn't lie to her.

"Yes, Aikrii and I are looking for a baby to adopt." He waited to see what
she was going to say.  He wouldn't pressure her to do anything, she had to
offer or ask on her own.

"If I say I want to let you take my baby would you? I know you'd take good
care of it and Marie says you'd let me keep in contact." She looked with
hope in her eyes, eager to get an answer.

"I would be honored to say yes but you have to make sure this is something
you really want to do."  Mani choose his words carefully he didn't want to
sound too eager and yet he didn't want to get his own hopes up either.

"Mani I'm not going to ask for my baby back, if that's what you're worried
about, I'm too young to take care of a baby, I see love here, I wish I had
it in my own home, so even if I can't at least my baby would so please say
yes that you'll take them and treat them like I see you treat everyone else
here, with respect. I want that for my baby and I know you and Aikrii can
give it." She was practically begging him now the need in her eyes to know
that her child would be in good hands.

"If your sure you have two choices. Go through the 'Young Moms 4 Life'
Center which will do what they can or you can go through a private adoption
agency which will mean Aikrii and I would adopt you as well as your
child. We'd provide for you till you were old enough to look after
yourself.  The choice is yours and yours alone I won't pressure you to make
a choice in either favor.  Do you understand?" He waited again but he
didn't need to wait long the child nearly knocked him clean off his feet,
for one so tiny she sure was strong.

"Thank you! Thank you!" She jumped up and down while hugging him "I'll be
really good to, I'll get good grades and I can cook and I know how to do
all kinds of stuff and this will be so nice and I know my baby will be
safe!" She was so excited now and others were peeking up the stairs to see
the commotion. Aikrii soon joined them and looked over at the little one
who was beaming like a Christmas bulb.

"Why are you so happy did Mani give you an early present?" Aikrii chuckled.

"Kind of" She said giggling "I am giving you two one as well but it will be
late." She chuckled as she rubbed her belly. Looking at Aikrii who was a
tad confused but could see the joy and excitement in Mani's eyes she
announced to him "You're going to be a daddy!"

Mani nodded his head at Aikrii who started to cry, they had been looking
for so long and now this beautiful little angel offered her unborn baby to
them so unselfishly. Aikrii got on his knees and hugged the child to his
chest and thanked her.

"No thank you" She said squishing him back "I know my baby will be safe and
I know I have a home where I won't be ignored." She smiled against the side
of his head. Aikrii picked her up and gave her a spin and let out a huge
"WOOHOO!" Mani was beaming and she was giggling. He put her on the floor
and took her hand. Walked her to the spare room and pointed to it and then
asked, "All girls need their own room, what color do you want?" She was
shocked he offered so quickly and she giggled.

"You pick the colors if you want but I don't mind it as it is now." She
looked at the quaint room and went to the big bed in the middle of the room
and climbed up on it.

"Man this thing is huge" she flopped over and giggled. "How long does it
take to adopt someone anyway?"  She asked out of the blue.

"About six months if it's a new record but since Mani and I are on the
registry I don't think it will take long why?"  Aikrii was curious on why
she was asking.

"So if I told you to call who ever it is needed for that private adoption
thingy that Mani said about you could do it faster than the center?" She
watched as she sat back against the beds pile of pillows rubbing her belly
she was hungry.

"We could have you adopted withing ninety days if you really want this, but
I want you to do the psychological assessment to ok. I don't want anyone
saying we pressured you to do this ok."  Aikrii waited to see what she was
going to say and Mani was standing by him anxious to see where this was
going.

"Oh I want this, and I'll do what ever it takes to make sure my baby has
the best daddies in the world."  She smiled at them then out of the blue
slid off the bed and walked past them grabbing their hands as she went
along. "Come on I'm starved." She hauled them down the stairs as the meal
was announced.

People started to file into the temporarily remade living room that was
serving as the dining room for the evening, it was done up very nicely. She
beamed as she watched everyone take their places, Aikrii and Mani adding
her spot next to them since she was now on her way to becoming a permanent
part to their family.  He was very excited and Aikrii knew she would be
spoiled by Mani, he was just the giving type of person.  He chuckled as he
watched their guests all settle.

"I am pleased to see everyone here, all our family and loved ones from near
and far. I am grateful for the holidays which has blessed us all in being
able to all be here together in our time of joy" Aikrii had stood to make
his holiday cheer toast. Mani by his side.

"This year is especially special as we have Mardi and Sefron who will be
welcoming in our home soon a new bundle of joy, We have Selina who has
joined our family as well since she's now dating Nye. We are also blessed
to be here with Josh and Dante who will be married a year in a few more
days Congratulations to them both." Aikrii was on a roll and Mani was
loving the chatter and the head nodding from their guests.

"This year however sees us with a special blessing. I would like to
introduce you all to our future foster daughter Rebeca who is also
expecting a bundle of joy herself, we will be adopting both as our own
children as soon as we can."  He smiled as a few gasped and then the rest
clapped he heard a few congratulations and a few whistled. Becky giggled at
his side she was so happy. Mani then took his turn to say his holiday
announcements.

"I was stunned when this little angel came to me asking me to help her make
sure her baby had lots of love. I'm still stunned but very grateful for her
and I can't wait to become a dad. This is turning out to be a pretty
amazing holiday."  Alice and Danny who were sitting beside them were
beaming, Mani encouraged Becky to meet them and let others who wanted to do
their announcements to go ahead, it went around the table slowly.

Kevin and Marco announced their partnership and everyone cheered very
loudly for them and Marie shouted "It's about damn time you two!" those who
knew them roared with laughter. Marco countered with "It only took a spunky
brat to make this old fool pull his head from his ass." that caused an even
bigger round of laughter. "Hey what can I say, I gotta be me." She grinned
as they all joked around.

When it came to Kolten and Jeff the room got very quiet. He looked around
scared out of his mind, it was easy to explain things to Selina and Nye but
now to everyone it felt weird. Jeff reached over and gave his hand a
squeeze and didn't let go.

"Well I guess you're all wondering why I'm sitting here with Mr. Fix it
from the Working Wonders construction company."  He was a bit giddy as well
as nervous.

"Well to fill in on a few details I had gone back home over the summer to
visit my mom and banged into Jeff at one of the local pubs."

He watched Jeff shake his head yet chuckle at the memory of getting his ass
kicked.

"Needless to say Jeff was left in a bad state when we met for the second
time within a few hours and I had to lend a hand and did so. Much to my
surprise I found myself drawn to him. We hit a bump and he came back home."
He looked down at Jeff and grinned then continued

"I found I was lost without him so I returned to Kearney to find him and
we've been together ever since. I know he's a lot older than I am but
that's not an issue for us so I hope everyone is happy for us both since
this has been a hell of a tough thing for me to do." Jeff beamed at him and
gave his hand another squeeze. He waited as he looked over the crowd of
people he knew and was shocked to hear the wolf whistles and the screams of
congrats. Selina walked over to him and hugged him again for like the
thirty time she told him she was happy for him. Nye was even more cordial
towards him as well.

The food was brought out after all the holiday greetings and announcements
were done and everyone got down to stuffing their faces, with game hens,
rabbit, roasted pig and so many other tantalizing food choices. Dante was
in heaven, meat any meat was a favorite of his. Becky stuffed herself to
max, it was the best she had eaten in two weeks. All the guests enjoyed
themselves and tomorrow evening at Kevin's would be a treat as well since
his house was so large. There was a planned dance as well. There were a few
guests there that weren't invited, Kevin made sure everyone got an
invitation.  He smiled as he relaxed against Marco's chest as they sat on
the sofa in Nye's place who had opened his apartment for those who just
wanted some quiet time away from the fray. Marco nuzzled against Kevin's
neck and breathed in his scent.

"This I think has been one of my best holiday events I've been to" he said
smiling against Kevin's neck.

"Probably because you're not the one working it." Kevin said leaning back
against his lips that were playing out on his sensitive neck area. Marco
chuckled.

"You know what you're right, I think I worked every holiday event you ever
held." He pondered this and sighed.

"I guess it was time I retired, can't be a stuffed shirt forever now can
I." He grinned as Kevin turned in his lap and smiled at him.

"No, no you can't and I know a few ways to loosen you up." Kevin went in
for the temptation he'd been trying his damnedest to avoid most of the
evening but just couldn't now, Marco looked too good to not devour. He
kissed him firmly, he could feel Marco's light stubble against his lips and
he was turned on more by the rough texture. He took his face in his hands
and took in all he could, both of them panting and groaning in need for the
other.

"Oh god Kevin!" Marco rasped out, his hands up the back of Kevin's shirt as
Kevin nibbled on his neck and ears.  He was hurting and wanting and excited
all at the same time and for once he was himself, calling out Kevin's name
in need.

"I think it's time we headed home." Kevin said half gulping and
panting. "Come on." He got up and pulled Marco with him. He thanked Aikrii
and excused himself and told him to send Marie home with Charlene and
Duncan.

"We'll see you tomorrow. Be sure to bring some music ok or ask Sefron to
bring his guitar ok." With that Kevin and Marco were gone. Slowly but surly
the house vacated it's guests bit by bit till only Aikrii,
 Mani, Becky, Matt, Sefron, Mardi, Selina and Nye were left.

"Come on Becky we'll get you situated in the spare room" Aikrii lead her
there while Selina and Nye took Matt home.  Sefron and Mardi retired for
the evening. Mani took care of the remaining staff who had been cooking and
helped them clean up and seen them all off. The last one left just as
Selina and Nye returned to the house. Mani locked up, hugged his brother
good night set the alarm and retired as well.

She hugged him good night and thanked Aikrii again for the stuff and then
she hugged Mani as well she crawled into bed and waited till her future
dad's turned off the light and closed the door to her room. In the dark of
the night looking towards the window and speaking to the heavens she
thanked god for the two who would be caring for her baby.  She drifted off
pretty quickly after that. It had been a long glorious day.

They both crawled under the sheets and curled up against each other Mani
was holding Aikrii spooned up against him.  He kissed his husbands neck and
smiled before he spoke. "I think god gave us his blessings with her Aikrii,
I think this is the one." Aikrii could feel it to, a good calm warm
feeling, it spread through the whole house, similar to the smell of
chocolate chip cookies baking, it reached ever nook of the home and
everyone basked in the feeling. Aikrii turned over and spoke.

"If it's a boy, we have it name him Zachery ok, it's what I heard her say
she wanted to name it if it was a boy."

"Did you happen to find out what she wanted for a girl?" Mani asked.

"No but we will ask in the morning and to let her know she can name him or
her, it's only fair." Mani agreed.  They snuggled down for the evening
knowing tomorrow would also be a very busy bustling day and got some shut
eye.  ********************************


"I can't believe it, he's going to be a father!" Nye was still psyched over
the whole announcement that was made earlier today.

"They are both going to be dad's silly" Selina said pulling Nye to the
bed. She pulled back the sheet and crawled in and waited for him to join
her.

"Yeah well you know what I meant." He chuckled. "Oh cool I just realized
something."

"Whats that?" she asked

"I'm going to be an uncle!" He beamed

Selina chuckled. "Come on silly get into bed."

They two curled up and enjoyed each others company. This holiday was
turning out to be a fantastic one.  Once again Fate sits outside of the
home thats nestled back off the main road smiling on it's occupants, it was
nearing it's completion for a dream here, when it was time it would move on
but there were still a few good years left yet. Fate smiled and rested for
another day. Tomorrow would be a good one to make people smile. Eyes closed
upon the night in twilight slumber, the dreams of those around it reaching
through the dark making fate smile in its own sleep.


Chapter 15 – Christmas Wishes ***************************

Fate awoke on the eve of Christmas morning looking upon the Oratii-Taskii
family, it smiled and danced across the newly fallen snow and peeked in on
the residents dwelling in slumber, floating along with a wish and a dream
he touched the souls of each one. Selina blessed with her gift he moved on
Nye would get his wish he was sure of this. Continuing on he drifted upon
Mardi and Sefron who were both spooned together Sefron's arm wrapped
protectively around Mardi's belly, He smiled at the tiny woman who was
naming her baby after him. He reached for her tummy and touched the soul of
the child she carried and left her with the mark of beauty and the free
soul to do anything she wished. He smiled as he continued on to the next
angel.  He peeked at her and frowned out of all here only her future was
the most strained but he would make sure her child would be safe. Again
Fate reached for an unborn soul and blessed it, courage for this little
one, strength and above all talent like those his future parents had. He
moved on to Aikrii and Mani's room and smiled upon them, Aikrii had brought
Fate to this wonderful place when he was still young and new to him,
bringing much to those around him. Fate thanked Aikrii by blessing him with
Mani and a large loving home and by returning his father to him. Fate only
had one thing left for Aikrii and he did so by placing strength in his
heart. He finished up his basic rounds and blessed Mani as well and flitted
through the roof like a wish upon a dream to go bless the rest of Aikrii
and Mani's friends and family, he had a big job to do in the next few weeks
and in the next few years a lot of follow ups to do to make sure things
went smoothly. Fate smiled brightly as the sun peeked over the horizon to
bring renewed birth to another day, the golden color pushing across the sky
making hues of red purple and indigo push across the vast space like
spilled colored water. Fate moved on destine for many more great feats of
happiness.  ********************************************

She awoke eager to greet the day, she got up and padded bare foot to the
bathroom and used the facilities.  She washed her hand and then looked out
the window. It was so beautiful here. She walked along the hall and knocked
on the door to Aikrii and Mani's room.

"Come in." They both called out. She pushed open the door and attentively
looked in. Mani was sitting back against the head board. He had a t-shirt
on and boxers and Aikrii was leaning against his lap.  Both were dressed so
she didn't feel so bad for disturbing them. Little did she know that only
moments before they had both decided that since there would be children in
the house that they should keep at least bottoms on even in their
room. Aikrii had made a comment about scaring the children for life as not
one of the top things on his agenda to do. When he saw Becky at the door he
patted the king sized bed and encouraged her to climb up. She did so,
clamoring towards them both giggling like crazy and happy as a clam.

"Morning " She said as she wiggled between them. Mani chuckled as he gave
her a hug

"How did you sleep?" he asked her.

"Good, I woke up feeling really good, best in weeks actually and I didn't
throw up." Aikrii smiled at her to.

"Great to know what a good meal and lots of loving family around does for
ones mind and body."  Aikrii said as he rolled forward touching his feet
while he looked over at the young girl.

"I had a lot of fun last night, and I enjoyed Matt's company. He's very
nice, I think he likes me."  She giggled as Mani raised his left eyebrow
and went "Really eh? Why do you say that?"

"He sat still for more than thirty seconds." She said with a giggle as Mani
gave her a fun poke in the arm.

"Well there will be more fun for all of us tonight, do you know how to
dance?" He asked her.

"A little, before mom and dad got so tied up with life. My nanna taught me
a few things and I haven't forgotten them." She looked at him

"That's fantastic then, now I won't worry about my foster daughter stomping
on my toes" He laughed as she gave him the famous hairy eyeball his own mom
was famous for, he swore to god all women knew how to do this.

She giggled then stopped as quickly as she had started. "Umm do we have to
dress up? I don't have anything dressy" She frowned. Aikrii looked her over
and then kissed the side of her head and ruffled her hair.

"Be right back" he smiled and walked out of their room whistling a merry
Christmas tune.

Becky looked back at Mani with a confused look on her face, he just
shrugged his shoulders just as confused as she was. It didn't take long for
the reasoning behind his disappearance became evident. He walked back in
with Mardi who was beaming like a newly polished ornament.  She walked over
to Becky she had a fabric measuring tape in her hand and put it around
Becky's waist.

"Twenty-three inches" She said Aikrii wrote this down and she again
continued on taking measurements and rambling them off. Aikrii picked up
the extension to the phone and dialed out.

"Hey, sorry for the early buzz." There was a pause and then he
continued. "Can we stop over to the shop I have a last minute item we need
to get for Becky and just realized she needed it."

"Yeah" He turned and walked out of the room rambling along to whom ever it
was and didn't return for a good ten minutes

Becky was befuddled to say the least. She looked at Mardi who giggled,
"He's probably talking to Josh" She replied to the questioning eyes of the
child who was looking at her.

"OK, yes...in about..." He stopped and looked at the clock in the room. "In
about an hour ok. Yes, thanks Josh. Ok, bye" he hung up the phone.

"We're going to go stop over to Jump Street and see if we can't find you a
dress to wear to Kevin's gathering tonight. Josh is sure there's a fine
little number there you'd like." Becky grinned like mad after he said that
and tackled him in a hug, "This is gonna be so cool!" She was very excited.

An hour after the initial call sure enough they were at Jump Street around
the back at the loading doors, Josh opened the door and disarmed the alarm.

"I kinda wish this had been yesterday Aikrii, I hate calling the system to
let them know whats going on during the holidays they can be such dinks" He
looked a bit perturbed at the thought of having to confirm their visit out
but not too bad. He looked down at Becky, "You're lucky this future uncle
is so easy going" he smiled thorough the 'grumble' he was making and took
them into the shop. He flicked on the floor lights and watched Becky's eyes
bug right out at all the clothing that were strung up and around the five
thousand square foot shop. Aikrii came up behind her and placed a hand on
her shoulder and looked down at the young lady who looked back up as him
smiling.

"You know you're the best right." She said giggling.

"Thanks, but I think I'm just trying my best for now. There will be days
you'll think I'm the worse but for now lets enjoy this." He smiled and took
her hand and walked her over to where the ladies clothing was located and
showed her the upper walls where all the really nice dressy clothing was
hanging.

"Pick something from there ok. I've a feeling I know which one you'd choose
but I think you should be allowed to choose without me interfering. So
unless you want help in which Josh will dress you in what he thinks is the
best suited for you, you're pretty much allowed to pick what ever you
want." He backed up and let her go through the racks. He walked over to
Josh and stood beside him.

"You have an idea what she'll pick?" Josh asked his brother.

"The red satin one with the stars, I'm almost sure of it." He said grinning
"If I am right it would also be one you'd choose for her to since it would
go with her eye coloring and skin tone."

"Hey, don't go taking my job from me now." Josh said laughing bumping
Aikrii's shoulder and they both started laughing over the comments. Aikrii
was bang on when he saw her hurry back to them and grab his hand pointing
to the dress she wanted. Josh fetched it down.

"You know Aikrii thought this would be the one you'd pick." He removed it
from the hook and passed it to her.  She ran her hands along the fabric
breathing deep and her whole face lit up.

"Oh it's so soft!" she whispered in awe.

"Go try it on" Aikrii encouraged pointing to the dressing room doors. She
did just that and it was a perfect fit.  She looked quite beautiful and
Aikrii assumed once Mardi did up her hair and put a bit of makeup on her
she'd be a knock out.

"Wow, ok now I'm going to be a bit over protective now." he chuckled as he
looked at her she twirled laughing.  She felt good.

"I love it!" she hugged him again. This little one loved the physical
connections with those she was around.  He smiled down at the brown head he
had leaning against his chest. He placed his hand on her head and ran his
fingers through her hair and hugged her back smiling.

"Come on lets go." he reached for her hand and she looked up at him, "Don't
you have to pay for this?"

"Done." he said, "It's alright, Josh knows what to do don't worry about it
ok." He gave his brother a hug and saw him off, he then ushered her back to
the car and they headed back home again. He left her to do his own work and
Mani took over in entertaining her. Mani knew he was trying to get a hold
of their lawyer so that the processing of the adoption could go through but
for now he had to get clearance from higher ups till then to keep her in
his care outside of the 'Young Moms 4 life' center.

"So what can we do?" She asked now that things were quiet.

"We will be eating lunch soon and then everyone will start to get ready for
Kevin's Christmas party.  Mardi will do your hair and make up and once
thats all done we can go pick up Matt if you want."  Mani was happy to see
her flitting around the house twirling her dress. He walked over to Nye's
room door and tapped on it.

Nye answered "Yeah?"

"Hey you got your keyboard here?" Mani asked

"It's down in the basement." He said. Almost anything that didn't get used
on a regular basis was put down there and most of the residence in the home
pretty much avoided the basement, it pretty much didn't exist unless
something that was stored there was needed.

"Oh ok, I'll have to go fish it out. I think I need something to keep her
entertained and well," He said looking as her "Music usually works, might
as well let her play with it since you're not using it."  He chuckled and
headed to the little, nearly invisible door that was in the wall by the
front stairs of foyer.

She had followed him and was awe struck that the door was even there. "Oh
wow! It's like it's a whole new world!"  she said as she saw the stairs
that lead into the basement.

"We don't come down here often, not unless something we stored is here." He
walked down after turning on the light and looked around once he got to the
bottom. She looked to and noticed all the treasures that were hidden in
there.

"Holy cow! This place is like the lost treasures of the Nile or something."
The basement was fairly packed a lot of things from Aikrii when his parents
moved out of their old place, things Mani had from his former apartment,
and things Sefron and Nye also had over the years. Mani chuckled.

"I think that once you get settled in here we'll go through things down
here and see if we can't use a few of the items here so that your room
looks nice." He looked around and spotted the item he was seeking and he
noticed a few of the old games and other things he was sure Becky would
like to use. He pulled out the few items passed her a few and they headed
up the stairs.

He plugged in the keyboard and set it on the stand and hit the prerecorded
music button and picked Christmas tunes and it started to play jingle
bells. Becky went to the keyboard and giggled looked at Mani and winked.
He wondered what she was up to and found out pretty quickly when she
started to play over but along with the prerecorded music giving the
festive song a bit of a jazzy swing.

"Wow I didn't know you could play" He said impressed.

"Yeah, I started when I was about four, nanna taught me then when I was in
grade six the school offered classes through band, so I kept it up, been
playing for years thing is I don't think my parents even know I can play."
She sighed she was missing them but she wasn't going to let their neglect
ruin her holiday season.

"Maybe you could play at Kevin's then?" Mani suggested. "He's got a
beautiful baby grand piano you might like to get your fingers on." He
chuckled as Becky's eyes widened and her head was nodding in agreement.

"Then I shall let him know you will want to use it and make sure he's got
it ready ok." He grinned at her as she spun around excited at being able to
play on a big piano.

The afternoon went faster than anyone really expected and then the rush was
on for everyone to get ready for the main event that evening. Aikrii and
Mani helped each other with their tuxes and Mardi got Becky's hair all done
and Sefron was also fussing over his tie, Mardi helped him and they giggled
as he actually had to pick her up so she could reach and so he wouldn't
dirty the knees of his suit.

They all loaded into the limo along with Nye and Selina and Nye's guests
who had shown at the house during the mad dash to get ready. They picked up
Matt on the way who looked absolutely dashing in his dark blue suit.  He
had a small Christmas flower corsage for Becky who was tickled pink over
the attention. Mani smiled he was glad to see they were enjoying
themselves.

They arrived amongst the fray of guests, Kevin and Sadonie's parents home
was a very large home and most never really noticed till they actually
walked though it. It had fifteen bed rooms, a large sitting room which was
immediately off to the right when you walked into the main doors the long
hall lead to the dining room which had the leadings to the sun room and the
huge kitchen. if one looked at the end of the sitting room they would
notice the two double doors that slid on special tracks and folded like
wooden accordion flaps into the walls. This was another room, it was the
studio, one Sadonie used a lot as a child when she danced. Now it was used
to hold guests for parties such as this one. Aikrii was greeted by Kevin
and Marco and pleased to know that Kevin was thrilled with the
recommendation and hiring of Peter for the festivities. He was the chef
from the Four Sails Restaurant that they had all visited back when Josh
found out about his inheritance.

"The food is simply out of this this world, I got to sample some earlier
today and Marco has been working with him along with Francis who was a bit
put off but took to his helping quite quickly, thanks for the
recommendation." He seemed thrilled. Kevin then looked at Becky who was
looking around at everyone, she was thrilled at all the people, Matt was
holding onto her hand for dear life.  She looked up at Aikrii and asked
"Can we go look around?" Kevin was the one who spoke thou.

"Mani told me you played, the piano is in the dance studio, you can go
there and play with it if you wish, I'm sure the guests would love some
Christmas music or what ever suits your fancy." Becky beamed and yanked
poor Matt nearly off his feet heading for the studio. It was only a matter
of minutes before they could hear deck the halls floating through the air.

"Wow!" Kevin said as he watched the young girl go nuts on his piano. "She's
got talent there Aikrii, I hope you plan on making sure she keeps up
practicing."

"Well now that I know I plan on making the effort to keep her talents in
check." He grinned he was pleased to know he was going to be the parent to
this talented child and he had no doubt that her child would be the same
way. Mani joined them and was also beaming "I'm amazed by how lucky we got
with her, I figured we'd have our hands full teaching her a bunch of
things, like etiquette, but she's amazingly polite." Aikrii looked over at
his hubby and chuckled. "You're looking forward to the parenting thing
aren't you?"  he slid his arm around his back along waist and held onto his
side.

"More than you could possibly know," He said leaning his head in against
his hubby "I just never figured we'd end up adopting two instead of one."
He chuckled as he sipped on his drink. Kevin and his boyfriend had gone
over to Becky and both were on either side of her on the piano bench and
all three were plucking out the tune Jingle bells, Kevin the basic, Becky
the jazzy lilt she added to the keyboard earlier and Marco was adding a bit
of a side tune it sounded amazingly nice and people were dancing to
it. When they finished she got applause and she was red but happy. Nye who
had his video camera going had caught it and came back to Aikrii and Mani
and showed him a bit.

"This is going to be nice footage for the Christmas video once I'm done
editing." He said grinning.  He continued on to tape more once the clip he
had was done.

Sam, Xavier were now dancing around to the tunes Becky and Kevin were
plucking out on the piano and everyone around them were enjoying the
festivities, Kevin was impressed at how well the child played. He ruffled
her head as she finished up the song they were playing and he laughed at
the comment she made about wanting to take his piano home.
***********************************************


She snuck away, time with him was scarce and she wanted to give him his
gift early. Nye chuckled when she grabbed him and slunk off to a quiet
spot. She kissed him as soon as she could giggling at his surprise and
enjoyment at the same time.

"I am so wishing we were home right now." She said she purred and he knew
what was up. "Umm ok you're frisky hun whats gotten into you?"

"Festive spirit." She said "I have a gift for you." She passed him the gift
she'd been hording for weeks.  It took everything in her power not to give
it to him earlier than this. He was shocked to see the small package.

"Open it ok, I've been itching to give it to you." she was all giddy with
glee as he picked at the tape and opened the pack delicately driving her
nuts at how slow he was going. He pulled the box from it's wrappings and
saw it was jewelery as he assumed it would be, he just had the feeling it
was the same item he had seen at the mall only a few weeks prior with
her. He opened the pack and beamed. It was.

There nestled in the box were the two rings he had seen.

"Ok, I know it's suppose to be the guy asking the girl and all but well I'm
not one for a normal life or family so to hell with tradition." She smiled
as she watched his face, she could see he was anticipating what was coming
and she wouldn't disappoint him in fact she was going to give him MORE than
what he was expecting. "I know it's always been a dream of yours to have a
family of your own and to get married and the whole nine yards well now
it's what I want to do for you." She pulled him down on the floor so he
 wouldn't fall. She took his hands and gave them a squeeze and then said
"Nye say you'll be with me, from this day on, as my future husband." She
actually proposed to him and he was dumbstruck, he assumed she'd ask to go
steady not to marry him. The shock was very evident on his face and he
couldn't speak he gasped and fumbled trying to get the words out. He had to
relax first and gave her the one minute sign took a deep breath and then...
******************************************************

They heard the joyous scream from the corner of the front hall, Selina was
on her feet hauling Nye to his and jumping up and down. She hugged him and
he was beaming. No one knew what was going on.

Dante joined them and looked at her. He had known about the ring and her
plans and asked Selina before if she was ready to take that step, he was
the only one whom she spoke to this about and she nodded to him when he
approached. He was pleased for her and smiled it was his cue to announce
the engagement now.

He walked over to the mic that was on the piano and pulled it up and tapped
it getting everyones attention.

"Eh hem! Ladies and gents, I am prodding your attention away from the
fabulous food that Peter and Francis the current chefs of the night have
prepared for us all as I have a special announcement to make on this
festive occasion." He watched as the crowd turned and focused on him. He
started to tell the crowd about Selina and how she had joined their
family. Josh joined him not quite knowing what was going on. Dante took his
hand and once he was done telling his story he then announced "It's my
pleasure to announce tonight that my little girl Selina has asked her
boyfriend Nye to marry her and he's accepted. So I am here now to welcome
Nye into our family." Nye and Selina joined them and Josh was stunned to
say the least he whispered to her.

"How come you didn't tell me?"

"I didn't want to make you cry" She said hugging him and smiling. Nye was
still a bit stunned and his brother was floored to say the least and Nye's
parents were delighted beyond belief. Alice squealed her delight as she
gripped Selina in a hug.

The evening went off without a hitch and after that announcement it seemed
everyone was floating on cloud nine and wishing the newly engaged couple
luck. Selina was a bit giddy with the fact that she actually asked him,
she'd been nervous all week. Dante joined her about an hour after the
initial announcement and gave her a hug. "How ya holding out?" he asked

"I think that asking him was easy it's the after effects, my guts are doing
flip flops."  she said as she blushed. Nye gave her a squeeze on her
shoulder and chuckled. "Overly excited I say is how she's holding there
Dante." Nye was one happy guy right then and there, it was like something
miraculous had happened when he was blessed with her and a bit of something
else but he just couldn't put his fingers on it.

Francis walked out of the kitchen, Peter not far behind both were looking
for Kevin or Aikrii so they could announce that the evening meal was
nearing completion. When they were found and the info was passed on The
announcement was made and people started to make their way to the dining
hall.  Kevin and Marco took the main seats and from there it trickled
downward through his family members to close friends and then friends of
friends. It was quite a display on how this was set up.  Josh felt very
pleased to be on the main family side of the table.

The meal was presented with flare, Francis and Peter both seemingly like
performers in the middle of the floor where they had all the fixing's for
the meal set up. They had waiters and servants all around passing out the
delicacies. When they were done with the meals presentation and the guests
were all eating Francis walked over to Michelle and passed her a piece of
paper and blushed. He then walked off with a smile. Dante looked at Sam who
in turn looked at their mom with a question on his face. She brushed off
their questioning looks with a grin and continued with her meal.

The meal was over within a few hours and 'Santa' made a special visit so
the children who had been attending would get a special surprise, many of
the guests that came from Kevin's side of the family had children. Becky
and Matt had been included with these kids as they were under
sixteen. Becky was tickled when she received a MP3 player, something she'd
been wanting for a long time. She watched as Matt got his gift from Santa
as well. Turned out they both got the same thing, his was blue, hers was
pink.

"We'll have to check in on getting some music now." she chuckled as he put
his on to the radio and started to boogie to the tunes the local station
was playing. She watched the rest of the kids as they ran around some
playing with airplanes and a few little girls who were playing with dolls.
She took to one youngster who was about two and merrily played with him for
about twenty minutes before his mom came back to get him. Aikrii and Mani
both watched her interact with the little one and thought the same thing
thou they didn't voice it. She would be a good mom when she was old enough.

The evening was slowing down, kids were getting tired and nannies and
sitters came to pick up the children who wanted to go home since Santa
would be coming to visit all too soon, excitement was in the air. Mani and
Aikrii watched Becky who yawned yet again and leaned in against Matt who
had his arm over her shoulder. Aikrii looked over at Mani and smiled. This
parent thing was going to be quite entertaining he thought. They both went
to retrieve Matt and Becky and said their holiday wishes to Kevin and Marco
before heading off, taking Nye, Selina, Sefron, Mardi and Aikrii's parents
with them back home. Becky fell asleep in the back seat of the limo on
Matt's lap. Mani thought it was cute and couldn't resist a picture. He had
been snap happy tonight and he was sure his digital camera was holding at
least two hundred images. They showed at the house and Sefron helped carry
Becky who was still out cold to her room. Aikrii and Mani saw to her
comfort and then headed off to bed themselves after laying out the massive
amounts of gifts that they had gotten for everyone. Selina and Nye retired
as well.

"Selina Leeanne Tskii" He murmured the soon to be new name of his future
fiancée She smiled at him as he said her name with his last one in
replacement of her own.  He looked down at her and chuckled.

"I still can't believe you proposed to me." he smiled "I've never felt so
important than when you did that you know."  He kissed her lips
lightly. She smiled under his lips as she kissed him back making him moan
in delight as she pulled his bottom closer to herself, rubbing against his
growing excitement. She knew how to finish this day and hopefully with a
bang. She took over with the entertainment for that evening and her Santa
came three times by the time she was done with him.
***********************************************




Christmas morning saw to a very excited crowd of family members, Becky was
beside herself with all the wonderful things Mani and Aikrii had gotten
her, a new bed set for one along with a canopy bed.  They had splurged on
about 40 new outfits for her and Aikrii informed her he had contacted a
friend to tutor her in her piano lessons and that she could use the key
board till they figured out what to get her in the lines of a regular piano
but neither had to even consider it later on that day as a delivery was at
the door by lunch time for Becky to. A Christmas gift from Kevin, who had
gotten her own baby grand piano and now they had to figure out where to put
it! The note said on it, 'Thanks for the fun while playing it's been a
charm enjoy the melodies you make I want to do that again ok.'  She smiled
she was so happy over it all. Her day only got better thou as Aikrii and
Mani's lawyer showed up and he got them to sign some forms and then they
told her that the adoption process was going on right as they spoke as they
pulled a few strings even over the holidays to make sure she could stay
after the new year started. She jumped with joy over it all, to her life
just couldn't get any better than this.

Mardi and Sefron also enjoyed their Christmas morning for under the tree
was the most beautiful baby crib Mardi had the pleasure to see. It was
light brown stained Oak and it had been done up in whites and mint green
sheer and fabric linens. Aikrii was pleased when she fawned over it, it had
taken Mani and him well over five days to find the perfect one for
them. Mardi hugged him hard, she was so thrilled at the beautiful gift.

"I know it's together and all but it will probably have to be dismantled to
get it upstairs, that is unless He-man there can get it up in one piece."
Aikrii chuckled looking at Sefron who was sizing the crib up for a one fell
swoop, pick and carry. It wasn't going to happen thou, the crib weighed a
ton being solid Oak. Mardi wouldn't hear of it anyway considering it was
brand new and she didn't want to see it broken already. Becky was playing
with her CD player and enjoying herself when Marie squealed in delight as
she opened one of her gifts. There nestled in the box was a deed to her
future restaurant which was not too far from her and Phillip's new
home. She scrambled across the floor and squished her son in a hearty hug.

"Oh baby this is wonderful!" She beamed.

"What are you going to call it?" He asked her.

"Aikriio's" She said smiling

"After me?" He said

"You got it for me, might as well name it after you." She said in a matter
of fact kind of way.  He smiled and hugged her back.

"Mom you can name it what you want, you don't have to name it after me." He
smiled again still thrilled about her enthusiasm over the new place. His
dad piped up thou.

"Actually Aikrii, she's had the name for months now." He smiled to at his
son when she saw the look of sheer shock, amazement and love as well.

"Oh mama! Thanks!" He squished her again and everyone else awed.

Save for a quick breakfast and some running around to see friends after the
piano was dropped off most of the family stuck pretty close to home. This
year Christmas was a special occasion with many surprises and heartfelt
joy. The New year saw to Josh and Dante's one year anniversary and on the
fifth of January instead of seeing the people at the 'Young Mom's 4 Life'
center Becky was talking to a judge and having a social worker officially
place her into Aikrii's and Mani's care until the adoption for her was
finalized. On January seventh she went to see the psychologist and had her
first session with the lady who turned out to be an amazing lady.  All in
all the new year of 2009 was looking up for everyone.


**************************

This series is published on line books 1-3 (4 in the works) if intrested
mail Lila for the direct link to my series main web site so you can read it
all

lila_is@live.ca