Chapter 16-1

“Ok boys everything's ready, what are we missing? Pa said as he looked at table. “Food is done, fire, flowers. He checked each item off with his fingers. “Oh boys look at the clock we need to change,” he said.

“Pa what are you talking about, change into to what?” The boys replied.

“Oh didn't I tell you, your suits are in the bedrooms complete with bow ties.”

“Pa you got to be kidding?” Robert replied.

“Son, trust me. You want to see your sisters faint on the floor and quake at the knees, hurry bathroom, bathe quickly. All take care of EJ; I think I have something that just might work for him.” Picking him up as they rush down the hall, water running fast as the boys quickly spot polished themselves. Pa dressed EJ in one of his shirts being careful with his bandages. Oh how they looked smart and dashing. Will, Robert, EJ and Pa right down to bow tie. He slicks their hair and smarts the bow tie. Lights the fireplace to all a soft glow, turns down lights as the car pulled into the driveway seating EJ on the couch. “Wait boys. Let them come in on their own. He walked down the bedroom grabbed a rose for each of the girls then waits for Grandma to bring them in the house.

 

“That's strange?” Martha said sing the lights turned off in the house as they pulled back into the driveway. Everything was to quite as she wondered where husband and boys were, hoping nothing is wrong.

“What's strange Martha?” Grandma asked acting like was no big deal not letting the cat out of the bag.

“Wayne usually comes out to greet us,” she replied.

“Maybe they didn't hear us pull in?”

They get out of the car and headed towards the house, Danny and Sam started to run towards the house. Grandma was too late to catch them and shrugged her shoulders; Sam opens the door with Danny right behind him. Pa grabbed Sam and Danny. Then quickly pass them to Robert sets them on the couch next to EJ.  “Shush” their eyes open wide “OH!” as they looked around the room.

 

Ma the girls walked into the house seeing Pa, Will, Robert and EJ all decked out. Then looked around the room, Pa bows to Ma with a rose. “Dinner is served,” he said.

Robert stepped forward and bows handing a rose to Julie. “Dinner is served this way madam,” taking her hand. Will, copied Robert taking Anna’s hand.

Grandma went into the house seeing EJ. “Grandma I would bow, but I can't, but I have rose for you to and Pa will have to help me too the table,” he said.

With a tear in her eye, it did not matter she walked over and kissed his cheek. “I’d be so honored young man.”  Ma and the girls were blushing red as could be, as they looked around room again and quaked at the knees and looked at Pa and the boys with new wonder. They were speechless, shaking like a leaf, with tears in their eyes as they looked at kitchen table. “Wayne, we can not eat like this, please let us girls freshen up a bit.” Martha said nearly falling on the floor.

“If you ask your boys first, after all they are ones that prepared the meal.” Pa replies with a smile.

 

Their sisters were speechless. That finished them off right there and then. The brothers they had won that day and had even the score. They nodded their heads as girls left the room to freshen up.

 

Grandma went out to the car grabbed some of the packages with nice dresses for each of the girls so they could look their best too after all. She was not going too give in to them a win that easily, but still she gave Wayne and the boys a kiss and a hug. Then whispered in Wayne's ear; “you have been a very naughty boy I see, teaching these boys. I am so proud.” With her hand, she brushed his cheek to make him blush just a little and smiles, and then walked on down the hall with the clothes.

 

While they waited for the ladies to change; Will and Robert helped with clothes for Sam and Danny and got them ready for dinner and sat them at the table. Pa and Robert put EJ in his spot at the table. As the ladies entered the room the boys all stand and pulled out chairs for them and slide them in behind them. Ma and their sister are all amazed and dazzled, watching. Will, Robert and Pa severing them as if they were all at fancy place with waiters with linen napkins. “Pa, where on earth did you?” Ma replies stunned as she looked at her new tableware china.

 

“Oh that?” Pa said as he just smiled then bends down close to her ear. “Theirs a full-moon out tonight dear, and I bought the stars too for later.” And hums in her ear then watched her drop her knife on the plate. Then went back and sat down in his chair and winked at Grandma, while the boys served themselves and Pa cleared his throat.

“We would like to welcome back too our humble home, our most loved guest Grandma Stuart and EJ’s little brother Danny. Welcome back too our farm, my you have as much fun and love as possible. Except,” and then looked at EJ. “Well as much or less mischief as possible,” as he chuckles and they all laugh. Knowing trouble is always around the next bend unavoidable. You just deal with it when gets here and hope for the best.

 

Ma looked at her boys all decked out at the table. She was as proud as peacock when she looked at Pa across the way. She was truly happy.  But the question is how he managed to pull this off, how did he? And what did he have in store for her later?

 

The night was not over yet, for Pa and the boys still had Ace's up their sleeves and rabbits under the hat, for there was magic in the air. Pa turned to Will and whispered, “Queen's boys.”

 

Will nudged Robert whispered, “Queens.” Pa stands, the boys stand, Robert went over to the record player and turned on the music. Then Pa walked over to, Ma and bows, “madam, May I have this dance?” And gently pulled out the chair for her so she can step out; Robert went over to Julie and followed suit and Will copied with Anna.

Again their sister faces blushed red and quaked at the knees.

 

Grandma eyes tear up and watched them dance as she thought of her husband and missed him very much. Danny and Sam looked at each other, “what's going on EJ? They have all gone mad.” Pa comes over and gave Grandma a dance while each of with their sister and Ma. Danny and Sam looked at each other again then turn to EJ. “They made them cry, they must be mad at them.”

 

EJ whispered back almost laughing. “No Danny, Sam that's the point they are so happy they can't stand it.”

“Really! You got be kidding?” As they watched them.

 

Pa went over and picked up EJ and sat him on the couch so he could be a little more comfortable sees him sweating helped him off with the jacket and hangs up Ma Dinner vest leaving on his town pants she made him. He was fine as he whispered back. “Thanks Pa I was getting hot.”

 

Grandma went over sat next to him too admire Martha's handy work. EJ whispered, “Ma made them for me so I can have something too wear to go places,” he said and smiled.

“I'm glad EJ,” she said with a tear in her eye noticing how happy he is. EJ told her about Will, Robert and Pa about the craftsmen's belt, how they going teach him how to build things and work on a farm. Grandma could see the happiness in his face when he looked at Will and Robert when they smile back at him. 

The music stopped as next signal is given; “The Kings are coming.” Pa whispered to Robert. Meaning let them down easy boys it's time for desert. Pa brings the chairs into the living room as Robert ushers the ladies by the arm to their seats. Will, Pa brought out the apple cobbler with plates and passed them to the ladies. Will unfolded the napkins in their laps with a quick snap at the side then lying it gently in their lap. Then bowing, “desert for madam.” To each of the ladies then the gents each served themselves then returned for light conversation.

“Oh my Pa, when did you boys have time to do all this and how?” Ma asked as they just smile.
 

Robert nodded. “Pa helped me mostly, but I made the cobbler, EJ peeled the apples.” The girls again tasting were flabbergasted.

“Pa, I didn't even know you could cook?” Julie said.

The boys laughed. “So what did you think I did before I met your mother? Starved to death?” Pa said as he looked at girls and chuckled and boys laughed again.

 

Grandma wiped her mouth with her napkin. “All my boys know how to cook and are quite good in the kitchen. I consider it important skill for them to learn because you never know when it comes in handy,” she said smiling back at Wayne and winks.

 

“Grandma?” Anna asked setting down her fork for a moment

“Yes Anna” she replied taking another bite of this heavenly cobbler knowing she must get the recipe.

“How many boys do you have?” She asked lifted her fork to take another bite as she licked her lips almost moaning as she rolled her eyes because it tasted so good.

Grandma knowing where this was leading answered the question. “Three, Anna why?”

“Oh just curious that's all. Giving Grandma a wink.” Anna whispered to Julie “I think I know who that stranger was.”

“No, she wouldn't?” but inside thought he did resemble her and Danny.”

Pa noticed that Danny and Sam are all tuckered out from shopping and tonight's festivities. “If you ladies will excuse me, I need to put these two young princes to bed. Please talk among yourselves why these other fine gentlemen clean and clear the table and finish the dishes.” Their sister nearly swooned right off their seats onto the floor. As the boys got up and bowed themselves out and began clearing the table.

 

Grandma slapped her knee giving Martha a whisper and nudge, “I wouldn't get too used to it, but enjoy it while it last,” she said.

“Yes Grandma,” Ma giggled. “I am, every minute, my poor daughters looking at them.”

“I know, I think that was the idea.” Grandma replies as Robert came back and gathered the plates and napkins from them.

 

After everything was cleared and put away the adults in the room talked about the events of the day, Pa noticed the boys yawn and girl's eyes starting to drift, eyelids starting too drop. He nudged for the last card for the boys, “The Ace of Hearts.”

 

Will, whispered to Robert, “Aces of Hearts.” Pa and the boy's all stand and bow in the front. “May I take your ladies hand?” Robert too Julie and Will to Anna.

Pa too bows to Ma whispered in her ear. “You dear you get wait right here,” he said.

 

Then Pa bow's again to Grandma. “I have prepared our bedroom for you Grandma so may I take your hand?” He asked.

“You may,” Grandma replied almost giddy as she get up and takes his arm and says goodnight as she walked towards the bedroom.

Robert and Will lead their sisters to their bedrooms doors, opening their door then bow. “Thank you for a pleasant evening and we wish you goodnight,” and closed the door behind them. Walking down the hall to where the boys all share the same room and got ready for bed.

 

When Julie closed the door and sat on her bed she shook her head. “What has gotten into my brothers head? They have all gone mad today.” Then turning round on the bed placed near her pillow, a token was placed; finding a small bottle of perfume and little wooden heart necklace with a note from her brothers.

 

“Dear sister Julie; I just wanted to tell you thank you and how much we all love you, and how much you mean to each one of us.

Signed by Robert, Will, EJ, Sam.”

 

That mere thought was too much for them to bear alone; she had to run into Anna's room find her and sit together on the bed wrapped her arms around each other and cried. They were so happy they could not stand it. Their brothers have given them the most wonderful night of their lives. Then returned to their rooms tired and emotionally exhausted from tonight's advents after placing a warm kiss on each of their brother’s cheeks while they slept.

 

Wayne returned to the living room where he left Martha still in a daze. He crossed the room.” Wayne, what on earth are you up to?” She asked

 

“Did I ever tell you how pretty you look tonight dear?” As he walked across the room humming, then takes her by the hand then quickly twirls her into his arms. He then picked her up in his arms and whispered. “I promised you the moon and the stars dear and I brought them.” All she could do was throw her arms around his neck as they go out the back door. “Madam your carriage waits.” He said and gently sets her up on the wagon with quick guide of the wrist they were off too excluded spot behind the barn.

 

Martha looked around seeing what he had done; shaking her head as it brought tears to her eyes. There was a private room just for them, a honeymoon suite for two. He had built it in his spare time a new four-posted bed draped with flowers. “It’s beautiful Wayne,” as she ran her fingers across the headboard.

“Martha I just wanted to show you how much I love you dear,” he said.

 

Martha speechless for the first time that night, just stood their gazing at him then falls into his arms whispered. “Just hold me close to you,” and cries into his arms. “Wayne I love you so much. Thanks dear for tonight, for the meal, you filled my house. And stuffed my heart and I might need an extra one, I don't know if I'll ever have room for more.”  They retired for a lovers night encounter under the stars behind the barn. (Sorry, the chickens were to busy to give details with Mr. Rooster.)

 

With morning sun pecking over the mountains the rooster again was late for some reason. Grandma and the girls were busy in the kitchen. “Julie?” Grandma asked.

“Yes Grandma,” she replied whipping up the pancake batter while Julie tended sausage as Anne set the table.

“Will you go wake up your brothers and tell them breakfast is almost ready,” she said.

Julie walked down the hall and opened the door to the boys room and kindly said.
“Good morning my dear brother's, breakfast will be ready in about 20 minute.” As she enters the room with gentle care with and soft nudge on the shoulder and kiss on the cheek. Her heart was not into teasing them this morning. Not after what they did to them last night. Instead she wanted to wrap them all in her arms and hug them tight, but would do the later when they were all awake. Will, Robert yawned seeing the morning sun already up over the mountain.

“Julie, did you say 20 minutes?” he asked.

“Yes Robert,” she said.

“But we still have our chores to do,” he replied.

“We already did them. Now hurry Grandmas waiting.” Then hurries and closed the door behind her.

 

“Will, did hear that? They must have gone bonkers,” Robert said looking around the room.

“Danny and Sam already up again. “Those sneak sisters of ours when they knew darn well it was our turn to feed the animals.”

“Well EJ looks like we better get down too breakfast. How you are feeling today?  Your legs look lot better,” Robert said noticing the swelling had completely gone and the bruises where beginning to fade.

“Robert?” EJ asked setting up grimacing as his chest hurt and moved slowly as laid on his other side.

“Yes EJ?” Robert said rolling up his sleeping bag and setting it next to Wills in the corner of the room.

“I want to try standing on my own.”  Will and Robert picked him up one on each side and he put his arms around their neck,” ready one two three.”

 

The door opened Grandma walked in. See EJ standing by his self and about to fall. “What do think you are doing child? You are going tare those stitches!”

“But...Grandma I wanted to see if I could do it?” He said.

“Put him down boys, he's not ready yet,” shaking her head. “You silly, silly boy! Wayne just in time,” she said watching them come through the back door and looked at Martha with a warm glow on her face. “This boy here was just trying to stand on his own,” she said.

 

“EJ, what we’re you thinking?” Ma said rushing over to him.

“Ma, I just wanted see if I could that's all. Will, Robert would have supported me,” he said.

Martha ran over to check his legs to makes sure he didn't tare anything then kissed his cheek then rubbed his hair, “I know EJ, just don't be in such hurry, it will take sometime,” she said helping back on to the bed and sits down beside him.

“Yes Ma,” EJ sounding disappointed.

“But your legs do look a lot better. Let’s get down too breakfast,” she said.

Wayne picked up EJ as EJ put his arms around Pa and carried him down to breakfast.

 

“Martha?” Grandma asked standing quietly beside her.

“Yes Grandma?”

“Did you and Wayne have goodtime last night?” She asked letting the curiosity get to her. Martha grinned as she blushed as she tells grandma what Wayne had done by building them a new four pollster bed out behind the barn as they slept in it under the stars. Her faced flushed as she reconstructed the night in his arms as they made hot passionate love under the stars. Her knees quivered as he thought of well muscled body as he took him into his arms. She sighed heavily as she remembered it.

Reviews

[Layla J Omorose]

Very cute chapter. I loved it. I can't say anything else but great chapter. Though there were a lot of mistakes with tense and spelling another once over will fix it. I am so glad EJ is beginning to stand on his own. i was beginning to worry just how long he was going to be carried around. This chapter actually made me tear a little. Good job and on to the next chapter I go.

[Shep]

Thank you for the review. It would help if you show me where those mistakes are. So may correct them without missing them. As I try to make it perfect.

[.quan.011.]

I am terribly sorry that I have review any of your work in the past month. I have very busy editing and thing. I am back and determine to finish this book. Now this was lovely story, but I am still itching for a reunion of EJ's real family. That's where the drama is at. I can't wait to read about it. Otherwise great chapter. I found nothing wrong. great job.

[Shep]

I completely understand. I been busy writing a new book non fiction bio titled My Life And How It Has Changed Me. You'll find it towards the bottom of the stack. It’s mostly the same thing with no fiction and it tells all about my life even though they are similar, but there things in it that aren't in this series. You want drama take a look of you dare. If don’t hate my parents or my sisters enough from reading this one. You will after reading it.

[Daydreamer54]

We would like to welcome back too our - to
water running- water ran
I agree the chapter was cute!

Her knees quivered as he -she
as he took him into his arms.- took her