Page 320 of Incompatible

They start singing, and it takes my breath away, because their voices blend perfectly, two deep, beautiful tones.

And then something incredible happens.

Jordan really outdid himself and gathered all the equipment we needed. My other sons start bringing their old instruments onto the stage, the ones that were still lying around in their rooms, the little ones they used to practice on, and one by one they jump up onto the platform.

River joins them too, carrying his old violin that had been waiting for him all those years in his room.

He starts to play, and every eye turns to him, because no one plays like River.

His sensitivity and passion shine through his music.

Other instruments quiet down when he plays, and his red hair falls around him like a cascade. His biggest fan, Archer, stands in front of the stage, staring at him like he’s looking at a rising star.

River’s talent burns bright, but not for long, a moment later Skye joins him with his own violin, smiling as they play a short duet. Then Rain steps up with his banjo, and Winter with his bass guitar. Sun joins Snow and Bay, singing in his pure baritone.

Only Storm shakes his head and raises his hands in surrender, even though Jordan brought him his old plastic keyboard. He’s the only one who managed to resist our family’s musical tradition. Instead he claps along, keeping the rhythm, and Damien stands beside him. They hold hands, swaying to the music. Damien looks like he’s about to give birth any second now, his belly so enormous.

Eventually Aiden and I join in too, adding our voices to the chorus. All of us sing together and the atmosphere is just magical, a full-on family jam session.

At the end, Nathaniel, who had also been playing guitar, sets his instrument aside, grabs his camera, and says, "Guys, this is too good to miss. A family photo, what do you say? We can fit everyone!"

Everyone enthusiastically agrees. Right away the place turns chaotic, but we start arranging ourselves in front of the stage covered in colorful flowers.

I get pulled straight into the center. My sons’ arms wrap around me and tug me between them. River presses close and kisses me hard on the cheek.

Finally everyone finds their spot for the picture.

But this won’t do. I wave Nathaniel over.

"Hey, get over here. Without you this family isn’t complete," I say.

Jordan steps out from behind the tables and says, "I’ll take the picture. Go, Nate, get in there with them."

My adopted son joins the group, and it turns into the perfect arrangement. All my kids, finally gathered together. Despite all the chaos, the photo comes out amazing. We’re all in it, and the thing that makes me happiest is that every single face is… smiling wide! It’s a memory I know I’ll carry in my heart for years.

Behind me, I hear the quiet whisper of my True Mate in my ear.

"We’ve made it, Lake."

"Yes, we did!"

THE END