Chapter 32

It was a very emotional Christmas morning between Adam and Allison as both began to come together as twins. The family looked on noticing that bright smile that Adam always showed from time to time. Karen and Lindsey on the other hand were inseparable. Both clung to each other just as sisters would. The boys smiled seeing their sister was happy also as they were to having another sister around. Karen even shared her new Barbies she had got for the holiday. Lindsey looked up to me at that moment from the floor with a concerned look.

“Daddy you said I had some gifts. Where are they daddy?” Lindsey asked me before my five ladies giggle over hearing their new daughter speak

“I think she has you there baby.” Jasmine says while her and Diamond get off my lap

“Ok baby girl I’ll go get them, but stay here I don’t think your other mommies will want a wrapping paper trail down the hallway.” I say making my way to the stairs and up to the second floor

I was followed by all five of my loves in which made me concerned. Once in the bedroom I made my way to the closet that contain Allison and Lindsey’s gifts. I didn’t want either one left out even if this was their first year with their new family. While I was getting the gifts out I heard someone clear their throat. I turned to see Diamond holding up a long slim wrapped box in her right hand.

“Don’t forget this for the moms my love.” She tells me with a smirk getting the other’s to giggle

“Oh yeah I almost forgot.” I say taken the box from her hand

Jessie Lee helps me taken the gifts that are stacked in our arms down to the two new family members. We were both led out of the room and down the hall since we could not see over the top gifts. Once back down in the living room Jessie and I placed the gifts in my chair. I turned to see Lindsey’s eyes were wide as saucers.

“Are those all mine daddy?” Lindsey asks in a excited tone

“Half of them are honey. The other half are your mom’s.” I explain seeing her get up to only move pass me to look through them all

She takes one gift and reads the name to only take it to Allison.

“Here you go mommy this one has your name on it.” Lindsey says handing it to Allison

It was a slim box wrapped in red. I stood to wait for my new sister to open it. Once she finally did her eyes started to show tears. She pulled the gift out by it’s chain. There on the necklace was a heart shaped locket. I smiled as she opened it to see one picture it contained.

“What is it sis?” Adam asked in which she looked at him

“It’s you and Michelle. I now have a picture of you to wear around my neck. Please put it on me.” Allison states with tears handing the necklace to Adam

I smile feeling that warm touch to my heart. I then hear Lindsey gasp while turning to see her holding her necklace. She goes to her mother asking her to open it. Allison does to only show more tears.

“What is it mommy?” Lindsey asks as Allison shows her

“It’s Karen and the boys. Heath wanted you to have one of your new siblings I think.” Allison says as both look over at me

“Your right I did since they are her siblings.” I state seeing Lindsey start to cry

She runs to me hugging my left leg.

“Thank you daddy I love you so much.” Lindsey says getting a few awes from everyone

“I love you to Lindsey. Now have your Uncle Adam put it on you while I send Dakota and Lil Greg on a little mission.” I say as she lets my leg go

I step over to my sons squatting down in front of them. I hand Dakota the box I took from Diamond looking into his and Lil Greg’s eyes.

“Ok here is your mission you two. Take that in the kitchen to your grammies. If you deny this mission there will be no pumpkin pie for you.” I say getting wide eyes

Both look at each other and then down to the gift that is in Dakota’s hand. It’s at that moment both get up running to the kitchen passing through the godfather’s and Nick. They look at me only to get a smirk plus a shrug. I stand back up to look over to see Allison and Lindsey opening gifts like it’s a new hobby for them. It was just 10 seconds later we all hear a scream come from the kitchen then heavy footsteps coming into the living room. I look over to see the godmoms and moms plow through the guys to get to us. My mother was in front making her way to Diamond. Faye went to Jasmine, Jacqueline to Hannah, Tessa to Tiffany along with Verna, Ellie, and Kiko. They all lifted my four pregnant loves long shirts to see their bellies.

“What the hell are you 7 excited about.” Papa Mike says loudly as I chuckle

“THEIR PREGNANT!” All seven moms yell catching everyone’s attention

I look over to see my godfather’s mouths wide open before they shake their heads looking at me. I see Travis, Chris, Adam, and Jacman giving me ‘Oh Shit’ looks.

“What?” I ask sounding like I did something wrong

“Bro when were you going to tell us?” Travis asks sounding a bit hurt

“Hey I found out in October so don’t look at me like that, and besides I wanted it to be another gift to you all.” I state before seeing my mother and the others start rubbing bellies

“Don’t worry honey Grammie Maggie is here for when your born I can spoil you like my own.” My mother states getting laughs

“I think were going to get pampered girls.” Diamond says getting giggles

“Hey what about Sierra and I? We are pregnant too and feel like whales.” Mandy exclaims as her mom and Savannah go to their daughters

“Well take care of you baby girls also.” Savannah says moving Jack out of the way

“Hey I pamper them just fine.” Jack says in a hurt voice

“We know baby, but you can’t give manicures or pedicures all that well.” Sierra says with a smile

“Fine.” He replies with a smile after

After everyone got settled down I made my way over to the closet that faced the living room. I picked up the box that held what I had bought a few weeks ago. Even though two family members won’t get them until later. I still had to keep what I started going. I stepped over to the coffee table placing the box down. I looked up at my family all either sitting or standing. I just shook my head thinking I needed to get more furniture for this room.

“Heath why are you standing there for?” My beautiful mother asked me getting everyone’s attention

“Mom the reason why I am standing here is because of a tradition I started years ago.” I answer looking from her to those that knew of this

“Maggie just watch and listen baby.” Momma Faye says my mother getting a nod

“I know all of you have seen the urn behind me that holds a locket upon it.” I say getting nods from them all

“That is great grammie May right daddy?” Karen asks while I nodded

“Yes it is baby girl. After I came out east 6 years ago May took me in as a friend, but after a month she felt like a grandmother as I felt like a grandson to her. When my birthday came that year I gave her that locket that has been home on her urn. Ever since then on Christmas I keep that going. Except this Christmas has brought so many in or back as family. July my family from the west coast came out. Next Sierra and Mandy joined not long after. Then Jacqueline became one of us. Then after that was Jamie having my brother’s and my back.”

“Which you needed bro if I remember.” Jamie says standing behind Renee holding her with a smile

“Yeah, yeah short stuff.” Justin says getting laughs

“You know E.P. and Jax both want a rematch.” Nick says with a grin

“Tell them to bring it on Uncle Nick.” Jamie says with a smile

“Ok continue on son.” Papa Ricky tells me getting the guys to hush

“As I was saying since this year is our first as a big family I want to keep this tradition going. So in this box contains necklaces that show my love for you all. Except those that couldn’t be here will have to get theirs later meaning Caleb, Simon, Shelby, Lisa, E.P., Jax, Sasha, Lucy, William, and Debra. So this is my final gifts to you for the year.” I say leaning over to open the box

I pulled out little jewelry boxes having the kids help me hand them out. Each took a few boxes handing them out to the rightful owners. Once all the boxes were handed out I looked around to see smiles and tears of happiness.

“Oh Heath they are beautiful hun.” My mom tells me getting agreeing nods

“Heath bro I don’t normally where necklaces, but what this heart contains means a lot coming from my new little brother.” Nick says putting Savannah’s on before Megan’s

“Heath what about Uncle Ron, Aunt Gina, and Aunt Tracey? They have considered you family all these years?” Jamie asks me while I think

“Well I have to say your right. I guess I have been leaving out the three that were here for me after May’s death besides Abs and Jacman.” I say getting my phone out

“Already ahead of you bro.” Jamie says with a smile handing Renee her phone back to her

At that moment there came a knock on the door. I turn making my way to answer the person on the other side. Opening the door I get a surprise of my life. There is Ron, Gina, Tracey, William, Debra, and Serena the little girl Tracey had. I welcomed them in getting hugs and kisses before Karen yelled for Serena. They played when Serena was outside as she was a mother girl staying close to Tracey and Gina. Once inside I took Gina’s hand to look in her eyes in front of everyone.

“Aunt Gina sorry I have not been such a good adoptive nephew. I guess worrying about this family kept me busy.” I say getting laughs from everyone

“What do you expect from those five that talk all macho.” Adam says meaning our brothers Chris, Travis, Jack, Nicky, and Justin

“Hey there is nothing wrong trying to compare guns.” Justin says getting giggles

“Hey is that what they call them now. In my time they were called...” Papa Nate says but gets cut off

“Children present my husband.” Momma Kiko says getting him to hush

“Heath I understand, but we have never forgotten who you are. William and Debra have filled us in on a few things. We are worried honey for all of you, and the babies that will be here in a few months.” Gina states getting my attention

“How did you know?” I ask seeing her point over to Renee

“Sorry Heath, but I thought Auntie Gina needed to know just in case.” Renee says while I nod grinning

“Heath no matter where you are close or far you will always be family to us. May was my best friend and took us in as family also. The day she left this world I took it upon myself to watch over you sweetie. We are just glad you found what May had always wanted for her and you ... love and a big family.” Gina tells me with a few tears

“I know Aunt Gina as her house was the point in which gathered us all.” I stated giving her a hug

“I think this calls for a toast.” Adam says picking up his glass before standing getting everyone that sat to do the same before he spoke continuing “ To one brave woman that ever walked this earth. To someone that took in three college kids as grandsons to show them what family was. With a heart full of love she gave us a place to come together as that family she so very much wanted. To you Grandma May, let those that stand in this living room that you so very much sat in thank you from the bottom of their hearts.”

“TO MAY, SHALL YOU ALWAYS FEEL OUR LOVE AND THANKS FOR SAVING OUR HEATH!” They all yelled in unison before I felt myself drop to one knee

“HEATH!” I heard my Latina woman yell before I felt hands on me

“DADDY! DADDY!” Lindsey yelled running over to me placing her hands on my face before she continued “ Are you ok daddy?”

“He is ok honey give him a little room to breath.” I hear Diamond say as I sit on my butt

“What ... what is wrong with my daddy?” Lindsey asks again before sitting in front of me on the floor

“Um honey he has a condition that he can’t get overly upset or emotional. When that happens it’s best to let him rest to recover.” Adam answers telling his niece

“Please Uncle Adam help my daddy I can’t lose him now.” Lindsey states with tears moving up into my lap

“You won’t lose daddy sissy. Just let him relax and love him. The man at Disney told me if I believe in love as the strongest magic daddy will always be ok. Do you believe love is the strongest magic?” Karen asks her sister with a smile

“It is but...” Lindsey tries to say

“No but’s sissy just believe in daddy’s love for you and all of us. Just hold him like I always do with my brothers.” Karen says getting in my lap also

Both wrap their arms around me while everyone else settles down letting me rest on the floor. The boys come over as does Lil Heath and Serena.

“Uncle Heath you ok?” Lil Heath asks with concern

“Yeah I will be just sit on the floor by me.” I say as Serena takes a seat in front of me just staring at me before I continue “ I take it she still hasn’t spoke yet?”

“No not yet Heath. She has seen some of the best, but even they are confused by it as her vocal cords are strong she still hasn’t talked.” Tracey tells me as I look back at Serena

Jamie and Renee get Gina and them something to eat as they find places to sit. My five loves return to where they sat before just to keep a eye on me every so often. The kids start talking as I see Serena only nod to what is said. As conversations travel amongst those that are my family. I just relax upon the floor facing them all. The godfathers, Nick, Ron, and my brothers make there way outside to get some air. The moms, godmoms, my loves, Gina, and Tracey start talking about the babies that will be here in April along with Sierra’s and Mandy’s in May. They all also talk about the wedding in which Gina and Tracey can’t wait for. Gina tells Momma Verna that she knows a few churches that might be willing to provide cover in case it’s cold on the beach. While all this was going on Serena stared at me before standing up coming to me. She was not much younger then the twins Dakota and Lil Greg. Before Lindsey and Karen could move she hugged my neck saying one word that made Gina and Tracey gasp.

“Love.” Serena says as I wrapped my arms around her

“Oh my she ... she spoke.” Gina says coming over to squat beside me to only continue “ Serena what is it baby girl?”

“Love him.” Serena says responding to her other mom

“You love Heath baby girl?” Gina asks getting a nod

“Yes mommy I love him. He needs love for his heart to heal. Papa Greg told me.” Serena says as I lean back from her as it’s a rain man moment as she speaks as if she has never been mute

“You ... you know my father?” I ask her getting a nod

“Yes, he talks to me in my dreams. He said you need love to heal you fully. He says the nightmares are not over yet Papa Heath.” She says as my eyes grow wide

“What does she mean Heath? What does my daughter mean?” Gina asks being very concern

“I don’t know unless.” I say looking up at Serena real quick

“Unless what Heath please tell me honey.” Gina asks getting me to look at her

“I have had this dream that I am on the beach. I am fighting for my life against a dark figure. I can’t see his face, but when it get’s to the end I am flat on my back looking up at him before I feel my life leave me.” I explain getting gasps

“Baby why have you not told us this?” Jasmine asks getting everyone else to listen with concerned ears

“I didn’t want to scare you all. Look I vowed to protect this family regardless of my heart. You all mean more to me then anything that is in this world.” I say answering my Latina flower

They all look at me with sad eyes accepting my words. My five loves get up as I stand to only come to me with arms wrapping around me.

“Heath honey we know. It’s just you can never leave us for no reason at all.” Tessa says to me holding my mother

After that moment I am surrounded by love that warms my heart. The kids want to stay close to me. There is nothing as wonderful then holding my daughters, sons, niece, and nephew in my arms. The day Dakota and Lil Greg was born was one of the best days in my life. Then Karen and Lil Heath followed entering my life. Now Serena the little girl that finally spoke saying what filled my heart more from all that have entered my life with love.

Christmas day went by with a big dinner. Serena protested sitting in either of her mommies lap. She chose to sit in mine saying she promised Papa Greg. I didn’t say no in which no one did either. Everyone ate with great conversation except the younger generation except my loves and I sat in the living room letting our elders sit at the table. Jack fixed Sierra and Mandy’s plate taking them in the kitchen. He grew up a lot, but still was a smartass every chance he got. I just smiled knowing he was being responsible. After dinner us guys washed the dishes and the kitchen while all the others went to relax. The kids played with the toys they had received this morning sharing with Serena. It was around 7:30 that evening when the rest of Nick’s family arrived. My family were introduced to Dwight and Yvonne. Dwight seemed to be concerned about me saying to stay strong in all I have to do. I asked him what he meant in which he said Nick has kept him in touch. Yvonne took to me thanking me for keeping her nieces safe and happy. I told her she was welcome and I was honored to have them as sisters. Nick’s other four kids were not what I expected. They were very nice and started calling me Uncle Heath. I looked at Nick who just smirked telling me to get use to it. I shrugged accepting them all. The kids took to Nicks youngest showing them what all they got. At that moment life was wonderful. We make room for everyone for the night making a place on the floor for the kids to sleep in my kids room. The others sleep in the living room after all the furniture is moved around. I admit to myself I can’t wait until the house in Oklahoma is finally down so my family can have a relaxing place to sleep. That night as I lay in bed Jessie lays on me giving us both pleasure while our loves watch on with such smiles. I smile enjoying the love I feel from them all.

After Christmas the days up to New Years Eve was uneventful. Everyone stayed at the beach house instead of going to a hotel. Dwight said it was like camping out like they use to when going some where on the road. Caleb, Simon, E.P., and Jax agreed saying family stays with family. I had to admit they were right after all. Caleb and Simon said their crews were in Oklahoma getting a big start on the house. I asked about their families in which I was put at ease with them telling me they were with them for the holidays. I smiled knowing this information.

New Years Eve finally comes with a day of games for the kids as the adults separate to talk about this or that. All the women talk of the upcoming wedding in February. Dwight and Yvonne say they will be here as their momma Tessa wasn’t going to get married without them to see it. I understood that for I wanted all our family here for the occasion. Tessa asked her daughters Shelby, Lisa, Sasha, Lucy, Savannah, and Megan to stand with her. Mom asked Kaye and Michelle to stand with her in which made Faye ask Jasmine and Diamond to only have Jacqueline ask Tiffany and Hannah. I shook my head thinking this would be a wedding to remember.

That night there is dancing and talks of the coming year. We let the kids stay up letting them have kool aid while the rest of us had wine or beer. My loves, Sierra, and Mandy don’t drink a sip because of the babies. When the time came close Karen yelled about the ball drop. That made us all get ready to toast in the new year. We counted down to midnight with Times Square on t.v. Once the ball hit we all yelled ‘ Happy New Year’. Everyone hugged those close to them with a kiss or just hugged. The kids got hugs from everyone around the room. After the party whined down, and everyone were turning in for the night. I stood by the mantle with my glass of wine. I looked at the locket I had given Grandma May. I looked at her beautiful face before I spoke.

“Thank you grandma for giving me a place that brought my family together. This house shall always be our home. I love and miss you so much. Please look over the kids as I know you always have. Happy New Year Grandma and please give dad a hug for me.” I say taking a sip of my wine before placing it by her urn as letting her have a sip

Making my way to the stairs I get half way up them when I hear a soothing voice speak to me.

“I will always watch over my great grandbabies and my family. I love you to my loving grandson.” The voice says as I finish making my way to the bedroom

I smiled finishing my way to the bedroom to join the loves of my life for a well deserved night of sleep.

Days after the 1st of January Nick and his family left going back to Alabama. Again Tessa, Nicky, and Justin stayed. Nick reassured us that they would be back up in February for the wedding. I smiled knowing that just in over a month I would be married to five beautiful women two older then me. I didn’t care because I loved each equally with all my heart. Allison and Lindsey finally got cozy in their new home. Lindsey joined Karen and the boys in their bedroom. While Allison took over what was mom’s room. We told her she could fix it up however she wanted to. Allison thanked me for all I had done for her and Lindsey. I told her they both were very welcome. During that second week of January two things occurred. The first was momma Faye gave Allison a job as her assistant doing weddings to help her provide for Lindsey. The second was Allison and I going to my lawyer to get some paper work started. Since Lindsey called me daddy I thought why not make it official. It was on a Wednesday around 1 o’clock in the afternoon that Allison and I sat in Eric’s office. Allison presented him all the information he would need plus the new information I was sent. He looked it all over before looking up between me and Allison.

“Look I understand you want to make your daughter’s life a bit better, but I must well deny this to happen.” Eric says shocking Allison and I

“But why? I haven’t done anything wrong.” Allison says looking hurt at his words

“I am sure you haven’t, but I am looking after my client’s best interest.” Eric says meaning me

Allison looks between him and I before standing up to only walk out of the office. I let out a sigh only to follow her out of the office hearing Eric try to stop me. I make my way out to see Allison standing at the front door. I walk up to her placing my arms around her.

“Allison I am sure he didn’t mean anything by what he said.” I say trying to calm her

“Heath maybe not, but what he was getting at was I wanted you to adopt Lindsey for money. I don’t want any money from you as you have done so much already. I just want my daughter to have her most important wish in knowing that you are her daddy on paper. She loves you that much Heath.” Allison tells me with tears that make my heart sadden

I let her cry before taking her back into Eric’s office. He looks at the both of us with some concern.

“Heath I am sorry for what I said it’s just.” He tries to finish before I cut him off

“Eric I know you are looking out for me as you did May, but Lindsey looks at me as her daddy. Allison just wants to make that happen for her daughter.” I say seeing him look at Allison intently

“Please sir make my daughter’s wish come true.” Allison asks in a pleading way

“Ok so you willing to take in another munchkin Heath?” He asks with a smile

“Yep I sure am.” I say as he motions us to take our seats while he starts the process

I look over to see Allison smiling knowing Lindsey was about to be happy a second time in the past few weeks. After Eric fills out all the paperwork then has Allison and I sign a few he then has one of his para legals take it to the court house to be signed. He tells us to give it a few weeks, but to him Lindsey was my daughter. Allison thanked Eric with a hug after telling him she wanted Lindsey to know she would always be cared for if anything happened to her. I stood not far shaking my head hoping nothing happened to her. We left that day with a new found relationship between a brother and sister, and that was deep trust as she trusted me with Lindsey in my heart.

Those weeks that lead to the wedding was filled with all the women in the family going to be fitted for dresses. Gina and Tracey showed the mom’s, godmoms, my five fiancees, and sisters to a dress shop. I just shook my head knowing the seamstress would need plenty of help. While the women were getting all fitted for the wedding. My godfathers were in charge of catering for the wedding/commitment ceremony. I found out they were more on the level of volunteered to do it by momma Ellie, Verna, and Kiko saying they wanted to help Faye and Allison out. So started the fight between the three debating on what to have catered. Karen and the kids shouted burgers and hot dogs while my brothers all seven of them chimed in steak. I didn’t join in on the so called argument while holding Lindsey and Serena since we were watching her. Us three watched the kids and adults keep up the childish fighting when Serena got off my lap to stand between them all. She raised her hand getting Papa Nate’s attention.

“Yes honey what is it?” He asks while she looked up over at him

“Why not both for catering.” She says running back to me crawling up to return sitting across from Lindsey

“You know she is right Papa Nate. Why not have both burgers and hot dogs for the kids and steaks for all the adults.” I exclaim seeing my godfathers all nod

“Well go with little Serena’s idea since she acts older then she is.” Papa Ricky says getting groans

So with that decided they all three start making phone calls from the numbers Ron gave them the other day. As I sat in my chair thinking feeling Lindsey and Serena cuddle up to me while Karen and the boys sit down in front of me watching Pacific Rim on t.v. I think life could not get any better.

Finally as January left February took it’s place. The remaining week and a half until Valentines Day was filled with remaining dress fittings and suits for the guys. Momma Verna got help with a big canopy to put on the beach. Benches were lent to us for all the family and few friends to sit upon. Since this was my first marriage and my fiancee’s first we wanted it to be done right. Karen, Lindsey, and Serena were fitted with dresses also being the flower girls. My sons were going to be the ring bearers with Lil Heath being the moms. I was nervous in that final week as to what I would say. I rehearsed my words in my head over and over. Hoping that two loving souls might help me during this coming event.

The day had come to find myself standing just outside the canopy waiting for the music to start. The best men Chris, Adam, Jack, Travis, and Jamie have all ready walked the maid of honors down being Selena, Michelle, Kaye, Sierra, Mandy, and Renee to the alter. Karen, Lindsey, and Serena just walked down spreading red and white rose petals amongst the sand. I turned to my left to look at my beautiful mother.

“You nervous mom?” I ask her seeing sparkling eyes

“Yes honey I am. Are you baby boy?” She answered asking in return

“Yeah, but we will get through this with no worries.” I answer getting a smile

“Well that’s us baby let’s go.” My mother says as the music started

Mom and I made our way down the aisle as everyone turned to see us. She was wearing a off white dress with a shaw to keep her shoulders warm. Once we got to the alter we stood on either side awaiting our loves. At that moment we watched as the flap on the canopy opened and there walking down the same aisle was Papa Mike escorting Jasmine and momma Faye. Behind them was Papa Nate with Diamond and Hannah, then Papa Ricky with Tiffany and Jacqueline. Next was Caleb with Jessie followed by Nick with Tessa. My sons and Lil Heath was already by the alter holding small pillows that the rings laid upon. Once our loves were handed to us we all turned to Momma Verna to see her bright smile light up. The music was turned off as she started to speak.

“Dearly beloved we are here today to witness love come together. Although some would think these ten were crazy they would probably be right.” She pauses getting laughs before continuing “ But seriously these ten found a love that most could never find. I have seen each of them show that love in many ways. As a mother to six of them and a sister to four I hope those here today can feel their love too. So with that said I will let Heath start by making his vows be said.”

I nodded before turning to my five loves. Taking their hands three in my right and two in my left I began with a smile.

“Each of you came into my life when I need love. Jasmine you were there when I was at my lowest thinking I would never find love again. You kept me straight on my path as I saw the world in a new light.” I say looking at Diamond to continue “ Diamond you are that next heart that showed me love also. You are wild and fun to be around. When I was being stupid you set me straight.” I say seeing tears before looking at Hannah “ Hannah you started as a sister, but confessed your love months ago to me. You made it clear you wanted to be a part of what Jasmine and Diamond had. I am glad you did for I loved you just the same.” Again I see tears before looking at Tiffany” Tiffany what can I say you have known me the longest besides Jasmine. You broke my heart long ago, but never stopped loving me. You stayed true to yourself all those years with hope to be with me again, and here we are darlin. You gave us a daughter just as Jasmine and Diamond gave me sons.” I say feeling tears hit my hands looking at Jessie Lee “ Jessie just like Hannah you confessed your love for me and those next to you. You wanted to be a part of me as well with them. I love you all so much, and want everyday to wake up with you in my arms.” I say pausing before looking at each one before I continue ending my vows “ I vow to all five of you I will never leave you. I will protect you all with all I am. I will stay true to my heart and all five of yours. Until my last breath I will be the husband you want, need, and desire until the end of time.”