Page 30 of Believe
“That’s the point, though, isn’t it?” said Gabriel. “Pops knew to give us space that was our own. Our own cottage or cabin, our own front porch, our own kitchens and laundry. We have our own yards and yet no one has put up a fence. Not one of us. What does that say about us?”
“We’re gluttons for punishment,” said Zulu with a smile. They all laughed, nodding. “You’re right. We’re family and this time of year reminds us of it every day. Seeing all those names of folks needing our help this year, it’s humbling. We complain about stupid shit sometimes, the dumbest things ever, and yet these folks are just praying for a warm place to lay their heads at night, a hot meal, or a tree for their kids.”
“We had a lot of Christmas’ that were lean,” said Kane. “We didn’t want to make a big deal about it because we were usually hiding. But we always managed a hot meal together.”
“It wasn’t always a turkey or goose or ham,” smiled Aislinn. “One year we had spaghetti.” The others laughed at that.
“It was delicious,” said Fiona. “Best dinner ever because of the company.”
“I suppose that’s another lesson from Mama and Pops,” said Jean. “It’s not the what. It’s the who. We all got holiday meals when we were serving, when we were away, but there was nothing that could take the place of that kitchen in that big old house filled with people, loud, laughing, crying, yelling. It was the absolute best.”
Nine noticed that Ace and Trak were both quiet but smiling at the group and he felt a gut punch.
“Don’t be sad about me,” said Ace. “After my adoptive father took me in, my life was amazing. There are days I don’t remember anything about that time in my life. And that’s because of all of you. There’s been too much good happen for me to let the bad cloud my days any longer. I’m grateful. More than grateful that Ghost took a chance on me.”
“There was no chance taken, brother. You were the best at what you did and any man that risks his career to save the lives of my team will always win,” said Ghost.
“It took me longer to see what you see, Ace,” said Trak. “The first Christmas with Erin and Lauren. That was what did it for me. Seeing Nine so happy and Lauren making me feel like a new man, it changed my world. All of you have changed my world.”
They all just smiled at one another, nibbling on the cookies and drinking coffee or hot cocoa by the bonfire.
“We’re lucky people. Blessed,” said Gabriel. “Maybe that’s what we needed to be reminded of this holiday season.” Gaspar hugged his brother, ripping him from his wife’s arms with a big laugh.
“Amen, brother. Amen.”
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Esta heard the knock at the door and thought for sure it would be young Beau Couvillion. He’d made it a habit of checking up on her every day either on his way to work or going home from work.
“Well, I wondered…”
Her voice trailed off as she stared at her daughter on her front porch. She was looking around at the old place, her frown not something Esta thought she would ever see again.
“Hello, Mama,” said the woman.
“Sheila. I wasn’t expecting you,” she said calmly.
“Yes. I don’t suppose you were. May I come in?”
“Yes, yes, of course,” said Esta stepping back. “Are the children with you?”
“No. And if you recall, the children are young adults now. They’re no longer babies wanting to tag along with their mother. I was just in New Orleans for some shopping and thought I should check on you.” Esta frowned at her daughter.
“Why? You haven’t been to the house in almost ten years.”
“Eddie said he drove by here a week ago and was shocked at how good the place looks. We just worried that you sold it or something and didn’t tell us.”
“Didn’t tell you? Sheila, I wouldn’t have to tell you if I sold the house. It’s mine.”
“Mama, we would just want our fair share,” she said staring at all the new items. “How did you afford all these repairs?”
“Wait a minute. Stop right there. Your fair share? I paid the mortgage on this house. I paid it working my fingers to the bone so you and your brother would have a safe place to live and grow up. So that you could go to college.”
“And go into debt with student loans when the scholarships didn’t cover everything. You didn’t do us any favors,” she frowned looking around the living room. “It’s not like you paid for everything, Mama. We had to pay for it all.”
Esta felt as though she’d been slapped in the face. All her hard work and this is what she got in return.
“Yes. You had to take student loans but I paid for books. I sent money for meals. I paid your car insurance. I gave you a home to grow up in, food, new clothing when you needed it. Was this such a terrible life?” she asked hurt more than she cared to admit.