“No Matt, you should be the one to take her out,” Mel said

“No Matt, you should be the one to take her out,” Mel said. “That way I have time to cook, get ready, and do other stuff.”

“But Uncle John needs to spend time with her too,” Matt argued.

“Matthew Wilkson, I am an emotional forty-two year old pregnant woman. Don’t argue with me.”

Cringing, Matt backed up a couple of steps.

“I do want to spend time with her, but honestly you two make the better pair,” winked John.

Matt could not argue with that. “Fine then. I’ll go wake her up.”

The only thing visible in Kate’s bed was her midnight black hair spread out like a carefully arranged fan on the white sheets. Somehow her pillows made it to the floor, but her stuffed toys stayed in place. Matt tip-toed over to her bed and gently shook what he thought to be her shoulders.

“Oh my gosh!” squealed Kate as she bolted into a sitting position and placed a hand over her racing heart. “That was my stomach . . . oh, hey Matt.”

Matt smiled and sat down in her bed. “Sorry, I thought that was your shoulder. Hello to you too.”

Kate stretched and yawned. “What sup?”

“You. Happy birthday!”

“Is today really the twenty-third?”

“Of July, yes, ma’am and it’s also 11:05 a.m. on a Saturday morning.”

Laughing, Kate gave him a hug. “Thanks. You know I actually forgot it was my birthday today?”

“Only nineteen and already becoming forgetful. Tisk, tisk, tisk.”

“Hey, I just woke up. Give me some slack.”

Matt placed a quick kiss on her lips. “I can’t do that. What if one day you just wake up and forget we were getting married?”

“Then I’d be in big trouble.”

“And then we’d have to get married in Vegas, all alone . . . .”

“With an unlicensed pastor.”

“And one stranger for a witness.”

The couple chuckled at the image they conjured together. They both realized that getting married in Vegas sound pretty pitiful.

“Yeah, that would be pretty pathetic,” smiled Matt. “So, you got any plans for today?”

“No. I usually don’t.”

“Well, what if you, me, and Jess all hung out for a while?”

“But I don’t want her to feel like a third wheel,” muttered Kate. “What if Brad came along?”

“Brad?”

“My uncle?”

“What?”

“The one in Mel’s restaurant that you were showing off in front of?”

“I was not showing off!” objected Matt as he pictured Brad’s face in his mind. Mr. Perfect . . . .

“‘Uh yeah, I help my dad win cases all the time. He lets me handle the minor cases.’ Even though in real life I work at Home Depot.”

“I wasn’t showing off, just, lying—which I repented for by the way.”

“Uh huh. Face it; you felt cornered because of how successful he was, so you lied to make yourself feel just as important as him.”

“”Kate I didn’t-”

“Matt . . . .”

“Seriously! I was just-”

“Matthew . . . .”

“Fine. I was showing off. I admit it. Okay? Happy?”

“Question is, are you?” Kate shot back. “It doesn’t matter if your admitting that you were showing off makes me happy because I love you anyways.”

“And I love you too, so you’re right. It doesn’t matter.”

“Every couple has their petty arguments, right?”

“Sure.”

“So, what do you think?”

“About what?”

“Urgh. You know what? I’m just going to invite him.” Kate reached over to her nightstand and grabbed her cell.

“We didn’t even discuss-”

“Hey Brad? . . . Hey, it’s Kate . . . Thanks. Um, I was wondering if you would like to hang out with me, Matt, and Jess . . . at random places; it’s basically a day out on the town . . . Oh. Okay. Well see you later . . . Bye.”

“So . . . .”

“Well you get your wish . . . he’s coming.”

Matt stared at Kate with a blank expression on his face. A slight resentment towards Brad started to form in his heart and he did not even see the man yet. Matt forced it back down, and tried to force himself to relax and deal with the mere though of Brad.

“Oh, Matt, it’s not that bad. He’s my uncle, so you have no fear of competition, and even if he wasn’t my uncle, you’re already a winner.”

“That’s not the po-”

“I got to get dress and so do you. It’s my birthday, so please try to get along with him.”

“Fine. I’ll try, but only because it’s your birthday . . . and God would want me to at least try to get along.”

Kate gave him a quick Kiss. “Thanks.”

Not too happy, Matt trudged out of Kate’s room so she could get dressed. She sifted through her closet until she found a pair of her denim American Eagle jeans, a light green tube top, and a matching half-jacket. The shower she took awoke every part of her being as she watched the water and soap bubbles run down her skin. She washed her hair then climbed out of the shower. Somehow, she pinned her hair atop her head and managed to get dressed without the water from her hair falling onto her clothes. Her makeup kit stood by the sink silently calling her name, so she took out her liquid eye-liner and paused just before the brush touched her skin. What am I trying to hide? Kate asked herself. I don’t have any bruises or scars to hide; they’re all gone . . . except the ones on my heart. She put down the eye-liner brush, stuck it back in the bottle, and put it back in her makeup kit. I’ve gotta start somewhere. Proud of herself, Kate walked out of the bathroom with only lip gloss on.

“What’s the smile for?” Matt asked.

“I’m letting go.”

Not wanting to have a long discussion at the top of the stairway, Matt said, “I’ll meet you downstairs.”

Kate grabbed her purse out of her room, slipped on her sandals, and met Matt, who just finished talking on his cell, downstairs in the foyer.

“Jess is staying at the Marriot Inn—the only one in this itty bitty town,” said Matt.

“Prospect is small, eh?”

“I can’t even find it on a map.”

“Point taken.”

The couple took Kate’s rental car, seeing as it was the only one left inside the garage, and drove to the hotel Jess was staying in. They walked to the receptionist desk to find out what room Jess was in, and then they took the elevator to find her room. When Matt and Kate knocked on the door, Jess opened it immediately and gave Kate a hug.

“Happy Birthday, Kate,” grinned Jess as she let go of Kate. “Come on in.”

“Thanks.”

In the suite, the room looked as if no one was seriously staying there. Dust was practically no where in sight, and the bed was made just so. Three red suitcases stood by the door as if Jess was getting ready to leave.

“Packing up early cuz?” Matt asked Jess.

“Yeah,” Jess sighed. “Flight leaves at three a.m.”

“Why so early?” asked Kate.

“I booked the first flight I could, remember?” Jess smiled. “It was totally worth it too.”

Feeling kind of awkward, Kate smiled and shuffled her feet.

“You want to hang out with us today?” asked Matt as he leant against the door.

“That sounds a whole lot funner than what I would be doing,” answered Jess. “Could I put my bags in the back of your trunk?”

“Sure, no problem,” Kate replied.

Matt, Kate, and Jess each carried one of the suitcases to the lobby so Jess could sign out, then they put the bags in the trunk of Kate’s convertible. Jess hopped in the back seat while Matt and Kate sat in the front.

“Where to now?” Jess asked as she moved the hair out of her face.

“Brad’s house,” Kate said as she turned up the volume on the radio so they can hear it over the wind.

“Brad?”

“Don’t ask,” groaned Matt.

“Oh shush,” winked Kate. “Brad’s my uncle. He’s a-”

“Complete show off,” finished Matt.

“No he’s not. Brad’s a-” started Kate.

“Snob,” Matt finished.

“Matt!”

Jess laughed. “Boy you two would make an awesome couple.”

Kate and Matt smiled at each other for a brief moment then looked away. The trio spent the rest of the car ride to Brad’s house singing along to the radio and ignoring Matt’s side remarks about Kate’s uncle.

Brad owned a meek little house on Sherman Avenue. The awnings, the border around the windows and the shutters were all red, but the rest of the house was white. A bright green lawn was being watered by a fan-like sprinkler and was protected by a white picket fence.

“This is where the president of the Bank of America stays?” scoffed Matt. “Seems a little humble doesn’t it?”

“Nice house,” whistled Jess as Matt glared at her. “What? It is a nice house you know.”

Smiling, Kate walked up to the front door, rang the doorbell, and waited for Brad to answer. In a few moments, the door swung open and Kate was swept into a tight embrace.

“Happy birthday, Kate,” Brad said as he let her go. “What are you now, nineteen?”

“No, I’m only fourteen,” Kate replied dryly as he laughed.

“Happy birthday all the same, however old you are,” Brad told her as he locked the door and followed Kate to her car.

“Brad, I’m sure you remember Matt, right?” Kate reintroduced.

“Hey, buddy,” Brad shook hands with Matt.

Cringing slightly, Matt forced himself to be polite and offered a weak head nod and smile in his direction.

“And who’s this?” Brad said, eyebrows raised.

“I’m Jessica,” Jess smiled as she extended her hand. “But people call me Jess.”

Instead of shaking her hand, Brad kissed it gently. “Hello, Jess. I’m Brad Williams.”

Matt noticed how badly Kate wanted to squeal—her face barely contained her smile—and he rolled his eyes in discontent. That’s my cousin. Kate returned to her spot behind the wheel, and Brad took a seat beside Jess who kept sneaking glances in his direction.

“So, any ideas anyone?” asked Kate as she backed out of the driveway.

“Well I’m kind of hungry . . . .” hinted Brad.

“A picnic! We can have one by the lake,” Jess suggested. “I’ve got a swimsuit in back.”

Brad raised his eyebrows as Jess blushed slightly. Kate smiled as she watched the small interchange through her rearview mirror, and Matt rolled his eyes.

“And what would we wear?” asked Matt.

“They have a gift shop on the beach,” replied Brad. “We can buy our trunks from there. They’re fairly cheap, I think.”

Thanks a lot, Mr. I Got All the Answers, Matt thought. “Oh.”

“And food? Who’s buying?” asked Kate.

“I will,” Matt and Brad said in unison.

“Well, I’m thinking sandwiches,” Kate sighed. “And Hershey’s chocolate pie.”

“Keep talking; keep talking,” Jess said.

“Let’s go to Pick ‘N Save to pick up the stuff,” Matt suggested.

“We should split up when we get there,” added Brad. “That way, we’ll get done faster.

“I got dibs on Jess,’ Kate smirked at Matt.

Matt glared at Kate through his shades knowing full well that she was enjoying this. First she invites him along and then she makes them shopping buddies. Matt guessed that all is fair in love and war, only problem is he did not know which this was—he was quickly falling in love with Kate and into war with Brad.

They arrived at the store and each pair grabbed a basket. They decided on who was going to get what and set off to go grab the items on their list. Kate and Jess headed to the meat isle and Brad and Matt headed to the bread isle.

Italian, whole wheat, sour dough, and various other breads lined the top shelf and even more kinds of mayo covered the middle shelf. Matt and Brad stared at the choices until they decided to grab a pack.

“Kate loves Italian bread,” Matt stated as he watched Brad pull the whole wheat loaf off the shelf.

“True, but whole wheat is healthier,” Brad said as he started to walk away.

Matt snatched the Italian bread off the shelf and put it in the basket with the whole wheat.

“We don’t need two loaves, Matt,” Brad sighed. “One will suffice.”

Stay cool, Matt; stay cool. “Well Italian is Kate’s favorite, and since it’s her birthday, I say we put the whole wheat back.”

Brad stared at the whole wheat loaf for a moment, and then he reluctantly put it back on the shelf without saying a word. He started to reach for the regular mayo but Matt stopped him.

“The light mayo is healthier,” Matt stated. “It has less calories and fat than the regular kind.”

Brad put the regular mayo back on the shelf and put the light kind in the basket as Matt just stood there and smiled.

“Your uncle is gorgeous!” Jess squealed as Kate put the honey ham and smoked turkey breast in the basket. “I mean did you see his smile? His teeth are so straight and so white and so perfect!”

“Don’t tell me the first thing you notice about a man is his mouth,” Kate said as she tossed the provolone, Colby, and American cheese in the basket.

“Not his mouth; his teeth,” Jess corrected as Kate rolled her eyes. “Anyways, he has like all these muscles—kinda like Matt—but they look better on Brad.”

“Maybe that’s because Matt’s your cousin,” suggested Kate. “I like Matt’s muscles.”

“Whatever. Then he has these big brown eyes hiding under these long dark eyelashes.”

“No, really?” Kate asked sarcastically.

“Shut up,” Jess commanded causing Kate to smile. “And his hair matches his eyes perfectly, and it’s not in those boyish curls or those greasy locks, it’s so . . . so . . . .”

“Brad?” Kate put the salami and pepperoni slices into the basket.

“Exactly!”

Kate wanted to laugh so hard as she watched Jess practically waltz down the isle and run into a cart.

“I want a poster,” Jess said, “so I can put it on my wall—no on my ceiling over my bed.”

“Well he used to be somewhat of a local model. Maybe you can get him to pull out one of his older posters and autograph it for you.”

“Exactly!”

Kate shook her head and smiled as she finished getting the rest of the items they needed.

The wind blew softly as the foursome each put their grocery bags down on Jess’s blanket and sat on one of the corners. They choose a shaded grassy area a few feet away from the beach, and, once they were all done making the sandwiches, they all ran to go get dressed in their beach wear. Kate was wearing her white bikini that she kept in her car and Jess was wearing a baby blue one; Brad was wearing green trunks and Matt was wearing black trunks.

“You ladies look nice,” complimented Brad as Kate tied a white sheer skirt about her waist.

“Thanks,” Jess smiled as she sat down.

“Ready to eat anyone?” Kate asked as she uncovered a sandwich.

Everyone picked out a sandwich, said grace, and started to eat. Kate scooted over towards Matt and laid her head on his shoulder.

After staring at them for a moment, Jess asked, “So why didn’t one of you tell me?”

“Tell you what?” Matt asked.

“That you two are an item,” replied Jess.

Brad choked. “A what?”

“Item. Couple. Together,” Jess answered as she intertwined her fingers.

“Because you interrupted our breakfast,” Kate smiled.

“Nice one,” laughed Brad.

“But I didn’t know!” Jess argued. “How long have you guys been going out?”

“Day three.”

Jess squealed. “Finally!”

“And who do you go out with?” Brad asked Jess.

“No one, at the moment,” winked Jess as she looked into his eyes.

To keep himself from throwing up, Matt fed Kate a chip and she gave him a bite of her sandwich.

“So Matt,” Brad started, “how do you like Prospect?”

He shrugged. “It’s super small compared to Austin, but it’s all right I guess.”

“Prospect’s fun. Everyone knows everyone, and the people are so friendly,” Jess added. “I kinda wish I live here.”

“That could be arranged,” winked Brad as he covered Jess’s hand with his own.

Jess blushed a deep pink color and looked shyly away as Matt felt his stomach churn.

Noticing his discomfort, Kate looked at her stomach. “I think I need a tan. Want to tag along?”

“Yes please,” sighed Matt as he took Kate’s outstretched hand.

“You’re cousin’s an interesting fellow,” Brad shook his head as he watched Kate and Matt walk away.

“Why do you say that?”

“Because he’s in love with my niece.”

Jess laughed. “And that makes him weird? I wonder what that says about me.”

“Absolutely nothing. You two are nothing alike.”

“Is that a good or a bad thing?”

“Hmm. I’d have to say that’s good for me,” replied Brad, after he thought about it for a little bit.

“Why?”

“Because you wouldn’t want to kill me if I said ‘hi’ or even looked at Kate,” Brad answered. “Plus, I don’t think you’ll be too mad if I did this.”

“Did what?”

Brad leaned towards Jess until he could feel her breath on his skin, lifted her chin up slightly, and planted a soft kiss on her lips. “I’ve been waiting to do that all day.”

Jess bit her lip and squealed. “I need a poster!”

Since Brad and Jess would not stop talking, Matt had a splitting headache by the time they dropped Brad off, and, since Jess would not stop commenting on how amazingly wonderful Brad is, he had a migraine by the time they made it back to his aunt and uncle’s place. He practically ran to his room when he got inside, closed his blinds, and shut his door. A few minutes later he heard a knock on the door.

“I don’t want to hear it, Jess,” Matt said as he buried his head under the pillow. The door opened anyway.

“Hey, I just thought you might want some aspirin for your headache,” Kate said as she sat a glass of water and three little white pills on his night stand.

“Don’t go, Kate,” Matt mumbled as he grabbed her hand when she started to leave. “Please.”

Kate knelt beside him, removed the pillow from over his head, and started to hum Amazing Grace as she stroked his hair.

“That feels good,” murmured Matt.

“My sister used to do that for me when I was feeling sick,” Kate smiled as she continued to stroke his hair.

“I never knew you had a sister,” Matt said as he opened one eye. “Am I going to meet her?”

“Someday,” sighed Kate.

The far away look in Kate’s eyes told Matt not to press her for more information, so he closed his eyes and started to relax again.

“Why don’t you like Brad?” Kate asked.

“I dunno.”

After some time Kate whispered, “Is it because he reminds you of Eric?”

Matt lifted his head up and stared into Kate’s green eyes. For the moment, all he could see was curiosity and a hint of pain her eyes. He hoped she did not see the same reflected in his blue eyes. Once he was certain of what he saw, he laid his head back down to let Kate start stroking it again.

“Yeah, I think so.”

“You have nothing to worry about. I love Brad as a niece should love her uncle, and Eric . . . I couldn’t love, love him; not like I love you,” Kate whispered. “I love you, Matthew.”

“I love you too.”

Matt sat up on the bed and made room for Kate. Once she settled in beside him, he leaned over and kissed her gently. That one kiss soon turned feverish, as they felt themselves longing for the other. His hands ran through her hair and she clutched Matt as if she was holding onto dear life. Before things became really passionate, Kate reluctantly pulled away slightly and laid her head on his chest. Matt took the suggestion and forced himself to calm down and think godly thoughts. So, in the quietness of his room, Kate listened to the steady beat of his heart and drifted off to sleep in his arms.

“I love you Kate, I really do,” Matt whispered before he drifted off to sleep.

“Matt and Kate are upstairs, Mrs. Hattches,” Jess said as she helped Mel and John unpack the food they bought from the grocery store.

“Thanks Jess,” Mel said.

“No problem. Thank you guys for letting me stay here,” responded Jess.

“Don’t mention it,” John answered and Mel translated as he shut the door and put the last bag on the table. “What’s next?”

“You guys leaving so I can get busy,” Mel said as she put on her apron and chef’s hat. “All I need is about an hour and a half.”

“Need any help?” Jess asked.

“Dear, she runs a restaurant with a bus boy, a waiter, and herself—the gook,” John chuckled as he ushered Jess out of the kitchen. “She practically works solo.”

“Oh,” Jess said. “Wanna watch some TV?”

Kate opened her eyes and stretched as she tried to remember where she was. She rolled over and came face to face with Matt. He was breathing softly, his chest barely moving. One of his arms was draped around her waist and the other was under his head. Somehow they moved from falling asleep sitting up to sleeping lying down. Kate did an internal check of herself out of habit and knew that she had not committed fornication with the one man she really wanted to have sex with. Thankful that she had obeyed God’s command and stayed pure, she smiled and traced a finger down his lips. Matthew. An alarm clock blared the radio and Matt groaned, rolled over, and shut it off. He groaned again, stretched, groaned, and then smiled.

“Hey.”

“Hey,” Kate replied.

“Now you have a vague idea of what it’s going to be like waking up with me every morning.”

Kate chuckled. “Doesn’t sound too bad.”

He smiled. Seven o’clock. Her parents should be arriving. Matt remembered as the doorbell rang.

“I should go get that,” Kate said, as she sat up.

“Let Jess get it,” Matt said. “She probably changed already.”

Kate looked down at herself and she realized that she was still wearing her bikini top and her jeans. “Oh goodness.”

“Don’t worry, you’re fine,” Matt said. “I didn’t try anything, and neither did you.”

She patted his cheek. “Thanks.”

“Have a good birthday so far?”

“Pretty much.”

“What’s missing? Mel, John, your folks, my parents, and my sisters.”

He whistled. “That’s a lot. Go ahead and get dressed so we can see who’s downstairs.”

Kate got up and started to sift through his closet.

“What are you doing?”

“Remember that blue jacket you always wear? Oh here it is,” Kate swirled around as she zipped it up. “Fits pretty well, don’t you think?”

Matt laughed. It looked pretty baggy, but he did not want to tell her that. “Wear the hat that goes with it and you’ll look like a mini-gangster.”

Kate went back in his closet and took his hat and ran out of his room. Before he could knock on her door, Kate appeared in the doorway wearing a white tank top, his jacket and cap, and her jeans. He was dressed in some jeans and was looking for his shirt.

“How do I look?” asked Kate.

“Like me except you got long black hair and dazzling green eyes.”

Kate chased him back to his room. She stepped in and could not find him anywhere when all of a sudden the door closed and she was pinned against it. She let out a small squeal.

“Gotcha,” he smiled, both his hands were pressed against the door on either side of her. “That was supposed to be a compliment.”

“You said I looked like a guy.”

“Ah, but a very hot guy.”

“Right . . . .”

“What, you don’t think I’m hot?”

“Well with your shirt off and all, you should be starting to cool off a bit don’t you think?”

“No.”

“Then Yes, I think you’re irresistibly hot,” Kate gave her best lopsided grin as she gently pushed him away. “Now get dressed.”

Matt smiled and ran a hand through his blond hair. He stood in front of a mirror and looked at his abs—or rather his six-pack. I do feel hot.

Kate heard squeals, laughter, and the pitter-patter of little feet running around as she stood at the top of the stairs. Matt, who decided to put on a tight blue t-shirt, stood behind her.

“Is that my . . . .” Kate trailed off.

“Let’s go see.”

Running down the stairs, Kate stopped when she saw four girls, whose parents were talking to Jess, playing tag around Mel’s dinner table. Their hair was flying frantically behind them as they giggled and tried to catch each other. Only one of the girls left the game and ran to Kate. Her blond curls were bouncing as she came to a stop and her blue eyes sparkled.

“Hey, I’m Samantha,” she smiled proudly, displaying her teeth even though a few were missing.

“Hey, Samantha. I’m Kate and this is Matt.”

Samantha looked confused as she stared at Kate, then recognition and happiness consumed her features. “Guys! Guys! C’mere! It’s Kate!”

Everybody stopped and watched as Esther ran over to Samantha and Hannah helped Lydia toddle over to where Kate sat on the steps. Mary and Creg went and stood behind them

“Hi, Kate, I’m Hannah and this is Lydia,” Hannah introduced them as Lydia looked up at Kate with big brown eyes while sucking her thumb.

“I’m Esther,” Esther flicked her red hair over her shoulder and looked at Mary and Creg. “That’s my mom and dad.”

Mary smiled. “Girls, do you remember what I told you today?” The girls shook their heads. “Kate’s your older sister.”

Kate’s smile grew as her sisters smiled back at her. Lydia walked closer to Kate and held her arms up. Kate picked her up as Lydia squeezed her chubby arms around her neck.

“Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday, big sister Kate. Happy birthday to you!” the girls sang together.

A stray tear rolled down her face. “Thanks guys.”

“How old are you?” Creg asked Kate.

“Nineteen.”

“I’m three,” Esther said.

“I’m seven,” Hanna smiled, “and Lydia’s one.”

“And I’m five!” shouted Samantha.

“Wow, you guys are so big,” Kate smiled as they smiled brightly. “Hold on a second. I have to go get my camera. You wanna come with me Lydia?”

Lydia nodded her head on Kate’s shoulder as Kate walked upstairs to get her camera. She grabbed her digital camera off of her dresser and went back downstairs.

“So can I take a picture with each one of you guys?” asked Kate. Everyone nodded enthusiastically as Kate handed her camera to Matt.

“Why don’t we go outside? It’s more scenic out there,” suggested Matt.

They left out of the back door and followed the pre-made path. When they came to a fork in the road, they took the left path and followed it until they came to a circle of trees surrounding a miniature pond. A large tire swing hung off one of the tall fir trees.

“Nice spot,” whistled Creg.

“I used to visit here a lot when I was really little,” Kate said, “actually when I was about your age, Hannah. Well I was like a year older.”

“How about you and Lydia play in the water?” offered Matt. “Tap it with your hands or something.”

Kate and Lydia pretended to splash each other—well Lydia was really splashing Kate—as they looked up at the camera. Matt took a picture with her camera, his camera, and Creg took one with his camera. Next were Kate and Esther on the swing, then her and Sam jogging, and finally Kate and Hannah climbing a tree.

“Can I take a picture with you?” asked Creg.

Matt took a picture of them skipping rocks and of Kate and Mary sitting cross-legged on the grass talking.

“Hey, you have to take one by yourself, for memory’s sake,” Matt said.

“Okay. Where do you want me?”

“How about lying by the pond under the tire swing?” Mary suggested.

Kate ran over to that spot, rolled her jeans up just before her knees, took off Matt’s jacket and hat, and laid sideways with her hand propping up her head. She let her hair fall behind her arm and made her face take on a look of utmost peace. Matt took a lot of pictures of Kate posed like this and when she was sitting on a stump flicking her toes in the water.

“Let’s get a picture of Matt and Kate together,” Mary said. Taking pictures was like her main hobby, and she did not know when she would get the chance to take so many pictures of her lovely daughter, so she decided to make the best of it.

Kate went back to the position she was in by the lake, and Matt went behind her, resting his hand on her stomach curve. Then Mary and Creg took various pictures of the couple in different poses. Kate and Matt also took pictures of Mary and Creg together, and all the girls.

“I can’t wait,” Mary said as they walked behind Matt, Kate, and the girls.

“For what?” Creg asked.

“Until Kate calls me with the sounds of wedding bells chasing after her,” Mary answered as she linked arms with her husband.

“That’ll be interesting.”

All of them arrived back at the Hattches’ house just as Brad and Jake walked in through the door.

“Dad!” shouted Kate as Jake swept her into a strong embrace.

“Happy birthday, Kay,” Jake said.

“Thanks,” Kate glowed.

Brad completely ignored her and went looking for Jess. Kate smiled as Creg walked by.

“Hey Creg,” Kate called.

“Yeah?”

“What did you want me to call you? Dad? Creg? Mr. Dean? Dad?”

Creg laughed. “Well if Jake doesn’t mind, you can call me Dad if you want.”

“Time to eat!” Mel called as everyone scrambled for a seat.

There were no chairs at the ends of the table, only chairs on either side of it so everyone scrambled for a chair. Bowls of ham, chicken, corn, broccoli, salad, peas, scalloped and mashed potatoes, and cheese and meat platters were spread about on the table. Little HAPPY BIRTHDAY signs were sprinkled all over the white table cloth. The chandelier shown especially bright, with the help of a few candles. Kate sat beside Matt, and as she gazed at the faces all around her, she felt joy and peace flood her soul.

“Since it’s your birthday celebration, you should say grace Kate,” John smiled.

“Alright then,” answered Kate. “Heavenly Father, I thank You for my family that is gathered here today and for my loved ones elsewhere. Thank You for Mel and John, who are like parents to me, for providing for and making this meal. Father, I also want to thank you for my other parents, Mary, Jake, and Creg, and for my sisters, uncle, and loved ones. Thank You for letting me experience another year, but I really thank you for expanding and for giving me my family who loves me. That’s the best birthday present I have ever gotten, so thanks a lot. Amen.”

“Eat!” Lydia cheered as everyone chuckled.

Plates were passed around until everybody’s plates were full. Multiple conversations were going on at once and Kate tried to have some kind of conversation with everyone. Her sisters were arguing over who took the best picture with their big sister, Jess and Brad were in deep conversation, and Mel, John, Mary, Jake, and Creg all held a conversation with Matt and her.

“Wait,” Jess said, breaking away from her conversation for a moment, “so did everyone know that Kate and Matt were going out except me?”

Mel and John stared at Matt and Kate with approval on their faces as the whole table grew quiet.

“Sorry,” Jess mumbled as she turned to Brad. “You owe me fifty bucks. I was right.”

“So, you guys are dating?” Mary asked.

Matt exchanged glances with Kate before answering, “Yeah.”

Squeals seemed to be contagious. Mel started it until everyone was squealing and smiling, except Hannah, Samantha, Esther, and Lydia who were feeling very confused. “Congrats”s and “I told you so” s were heard until everyone’s excitement settled down. Kate was afraid of how they would react if they ever told them that they were getting married. An excited shiver slithered down her spine.

Soon, everyone was preparing to leave. Brad took Jess to the airport and the Deans had to go finish packing their suitcases, but they left Kate a present and promised to call and visit her, and she did likewise. Her dad, Jake, was the last to leave and he did so as he gave her a kiss on the cheek and a hug.

“Thanks Mel and John for everything,” Kate said as she helped them clean up. “I don’t know what I would do without you.”

“Don’t even mention it,” John smiled. “We would do anything for our little girl, and besides, we’re so happy you found your family and got a chance to meet them.”

Kate smiled and put up a few of the dried dishes. “You guys are my family too, and nothing will ever change that.”

“Same here,” Mel sighed as she patted her protruding belly. “We both are getting new members in our immediate families, but we too are also a family and when you marry Matt we would be blood related as well as soul bound.”

“Sounds like a plan to me,” Matt said as he closed the door after he threw out the trash.

“Oh stop,” blushed Kate.

“What, you wouldn’t want to marry me?” Matt asked Kate.

“I didn’t say that,” said Kate. Her blush deepened as he left the room.

“I’m happy you two are together,” Mel smiled, “and so is Ethan. He just kicked in agreement.”

Kate smiled. “Thank you guys for everything you two did to get us together. I know you were involved in this somehow.”

“Guilty is written that plainly on our faces?” asked John as he rubbed his forehead.

Laughing, Kate asked Mel, “How far are you?”

“A little over five months,” a happy Mel answered.

“Wow time sure goes by fast.” Kate sighed.

“Must have been confusing having so many parents, eh?” winked John.

“Sorta.”

“You can just call us ‘Mel’ and ‘John’ then so you don’t have as many heads turning when you say ‘mom’ or ‘dad’,” Mel added.

“But I like calling you guys mom and dad,” Kate paused. “I guess I can see your point though, but you guys will always be Mom and Dad in my heart.”

“And you’ll always be Kate Hattches in ours,” John gave Kate a hug.

“You know, there was a time when I thought that I would never know what love was again, or what having a real family felt like, but you guys proved me wrong,” Kate gave Mel a jug. “I owe you guys a bunch, so thanks a lot. I-I love you Mel and John, Mom and Dad; I love you a lot.”

“And we love you,” John said before he and Mel embraced her again. “Happy birthday, Katie.”

“Thanks,” smiled Kate over her shoulder. “G’night you guys.”

“Good night.”

Kate went upstairs with a huge smile on her face. She felt like she was truly apart of something much bigger than herself, and that felt really good.

“Hey Kate,” Matt called from her room.

“Yeah?” she said, entering.

“Happy birthday,” Matt smiled as he handed her a little black box.

Kate opened it and pulled out a white diamond necklace. “Oh Matt, it’s beautiful.”

“But it doesn’t do you justice,” he whispered in her ear. “That’s just one of the many expensive gifts I plan to give you. Just think of it as, well, as long as you have this necklace I think we have a chance of a lifetime together.”

“Wow, it’s kind of like a promise necklace.”

“Exactly.”

“I’ll guard this with my own life,” Kate smiled as she kissed him and he held her tight. “I love you, Matthew Wilkson.”

“And you know I love you, Kate Jenson,” mumbled Matt as he rubbed his face in her hair, “with my whole heart.”

Kate smiled as she stared into his bright blue eyes and ran her hand through his blond hair. “Thanks Matt. It’s the best gift anyone has ever given me.”

“I’m glad I thought of it first,” he joked, enjoying the sound of her laughter. He planted a kiss on her forehead before he walked towards her door. “G’night Kate.”

“G’night, Matt.”

Kate fell backwards on her bed and squealed. Tonight was perfect. She held her hand and stared at the diamond necklace hanging from it. Matt was thinking about making her Mrs. Matthew Wilkson, and she knew that she wanted to become Mrs. Matthew and Kate Wilkson. A promise necklace on her birthday. Just as she started to imagine her wedding day, she heard the sound of pebbles hitting her window pane. She pulled the curtains back and opened her window.

“Dad?”

“Kate oh Kate, come out from thy . . . lair,” rhymed Jake, “or art thou too old to hang out with this man with graying hair?”

Chuckling, Kate put on a jacket and climbed down the fire escape ladder on the side of her window. She almost fell to the ground, but her father caught her in the nick of time.

“See? I’m not too old,” she smiled as he tapped her nose.

“Boy am I glad to hear that,” Jake returned the smile. “Care to join me for a midnight stroll?”

“I would be delighted,” Kate replied as she linked her arm through his.

They walked down the road, past a few houses, until they came to a small log house with a huge front window. You could see Mary, Creg, and the girls packing up in front of a hearty fire.

“John didn’t tell you I lived here, did he?” Jake asked as he watched his daughter’s eyes light up with surprise.

“I-I never asked. I just assumed you lived somewhere close to Mom,” said Kate softly.

“All four of us grew up in Texas, me, Mary, Mel and John. But then all of us except for Mary moved up here. I moved up here first because I got my PhD as an English Professor at the university where I work now. Mel and John moved up here after Mel earned her degree as a master chef.”

Kate’s dad led her down a path towards the little woods behind his house. Tiny lights lit up the path way and the trees almost hid the sky. Crickets chirped softly in the background and little fire flies flickered on and off. The sound of water polishing the rocks was heard in the distance and an occasional bird would coo softly in the distance.

“Did you know Mel’s sister Maya?”

“Not really, they went to different high schools. I only saw her at some gatherings that we had together.”

“Oh,” replied Kate. “It’s beautiful here.”

“And very lonely,” Jake added. “I’ve only got Rover—my black lab—for company and John comes over on Saturdays to visit.”

“I’ll visit when I can,” Kate said. “I promise.”

Jake chuckled. “I would love that.”

“So would I.”

Father and daughter walked a ways, enjoying the sounds of nature and each other’s company. They walked until they came upon a wooden bench that faced the running brook and sat down. A few fish did a few tricks in the air before falling back in the water.

“I can’t believe that we lived in the same town all these years, and I never knew about you . . . about us,” Jake said as he stroked Kate’s hair.

“Well, my guardians did a pretty good job of making sure that no one knew I existed.”

“Your mother told me what they did to you.”

Kate winced and curled up beside her dad, laying her head on his shoulder as his hand rubbed her arm comfortingly.
“If there’s anything I can do . . . .”

“Can you tell me it wasn’t my fault?” Kate asked as she searched his hazel eyes in the moonlight. “Can you please?”

“Kate,” Jake’s eyes glowed with sincerity, “it wasn’t your fault. You didn’t do anything to deserve to be treated like that. Every child deserves to be treated with love and kindness—not like you were.”

“Oh Daddy!” Kate cried as he rubbed her back and kissed her forehead.

Jake sat there and let her cry as he tried to comfort her. Her tears were warm as they soaked through his shirt. He wished that there was something he could do to ease her pain and erase the horrid memories she possessed.

“No one’s going to hurt you anymore; not while I’m here,” promised Jake. “I’ve got you. Daddy’s got you.”

Kate nodded against his chest as her river of tears slowed. “Thanks Dad.”

Smiling in his heart, Jake kissed the top of her head. He felt like a dad. They sat like so for a while and talked of other things until the sun slowly kissed the sky, tickling it with its golden rays. They fell asleep on the bench to the sounds of nature with Kate’s head resting on her father’s broad shoulder and his arm wrapped protectively around her.