Chapter 58

All of the bags were packed.  All of the homework was turned in.  All of the tickets were purchased and seats decided.  It took a little finagling but Jake was able to get Jax a ticket with a seat next to Miri.  He was struggling with the thought, but he was trying to get out of the way and let his princess fall in love with this young man.

As they flew, Jake smiled as he watched Miri and Jax,  They were three rows in front of him and on the other side of the aisle.  His parents were sitting across from him and his wife in the same parcel.  “That’s took cute”, he chuckled to himself.

“What’s too cute?” his father asked, looking up from the book he was reading.

“Miri and Jax.  They’re cute.  It kinda scares me, thought Dad.”

“Why?”

“Because Miri’s my princess, like Maddie was yours.  It’s just a little difficult to let her go.”

David nodded.  “Oh, I understand that.  Been there, wrote the book as a matter of fact.  It doesn’t change the fact that you have to let go of her and let her fly the nest.”

“I know.  It’s just hard, you know?”

“Better than you ever will.  I walked three down the aisle, Jacob.  Meagan never married and Jordan’s a lesbian.  I loved every trip, but they all tore my heart out for one reason or another.”

“Really?”

“Yeah.  Maddie was my little princess.  Makayla was my little teddy bear.  Jessi was my baby.  Literally.  She was the baby.  And she wanted everything as close to traditional as she could get it.  Nearly killed me.”

Jake chuckled.  “I vaguely remember that.  She was so dead set on it and I heard you protesting over and over.  When and Mom were home from Israel to plan the wedding, you would take regular trips out onto the back patio where you would rant to no one in Hebrew for no particular reason.  It would take Mom a few minutes to head out after you.”

“I wanted him to just get  it out before I went out after him”, she said, her eyes not leaving the puzzle she was working on her tablet.  “I know how your father gets when he wants to fight against something.”

“We all know what Dad’s like when he wants to fight against something Mom.”  He chuckled.  “Anyway.  She would go out after you and get you settled down then you’d go back to planning the wedding.”

“Until I got pissed off again”, he said with a shrug.

“Do you think I’ll be such a pain when my girls get married?”

“I’m positive that you will be, Jake.  All of you boys are going to be raging asses when your daughters get married.  Have you not been paying attention to Malachai the closer that Miranda’s wedding has gotten?”

“Touché, Dad.  You got me there.”  He sighed.  “I hope Miri doesn’t plan on getting married in the next year.  I don’t think I could handle it.”

“Get used to the idea, Dad, because it’s bound to happen eventually.”

“I know.  And I’m dreading it.”

---------------

The drive had been a long one with countless stops for the pregnant one to go to the bathroom, but finally Malachai and his family made it to the hotel they would all be staying in while they were there for the wedding. Miranda couldn't have been more relieved. She'd been cooped up in her father's vehicle with the triplets. Eli and B had decided to fly out with the rest of the family.

Checking into the hotel was a relief. They were all ready to get out of the car.  Even Malachai- who had driven the entire way- was tired of listening to the bickering.  The triplets had always been good at that, especially Kelsi and Shawn.  They seemed to love to fight and tried regularly to drag Jennifer into it.  It was very rare that the trips didn’t fight and Malachai had reached his breaking point.  He looked at them as they waited to check in.  “If you guys don’t have the common decency not to have this little spat in the lobby of the hotel, then those involved will be grounded until I get tired of looking at you once we get home”, he said.  That effectively ended the entire conversation.

Once they’d checked in and got up to their rooms, everyone scattered for a few hours.  The kids all settled into their rooms and chilled out for the night.  Eli and B went down to the room where his parents were staying.  “How was the trip?” Eli asked when they were let into the room and had greeted his parents.

“A hassle”, his father said.  “Shawn and Kelsi wouldn’t stop arguing the entire for a better part of the trip.  I thank my lucky stars that Jen is so much like you because if she wasn’t and had joined in that little verbal scuffle, I would have flipped my lid.”

“How bad was it?”

“Bad enough that about ten minutes into the first leg of the trip, Miranda put in her ear buds and put a movie or something on her iPad so that she didn’t have to listen to it.  That on top of all of the bathroom breaks we had to make- which I didn’t mind making, I understand Miranda’s pregnant- and I’m ready to strangle the triplets.  You’re mother’s the one that’s convinced me that would be a really bad idea.”

“I have to agree there, Dad”, Eli laughed.  “Killing the trips would be bad.”

"I know, I know." He sighed. "How was your flight out?"

"Not bad", B said. "It was really nice of Jake to cover my ticket. It seems my parents have frozen my bank account."

Malachai's eyes went wide. "What?"

"Yeah", Eli said. "We went to buy our tickets and his card was declined. He called the bank to see why and his parents froze his account because of me. 'If you want to be with a less sophisticated life form that is totally up to you', they said. 'We refuse to pay for it.' After he hung up with them he put in a call to his grandparents. They said one way or another; the issue would be resolved by the time we got back to Colorado. They also sent Miranda and Callan a wedding gift as well as a baby gift. They arrived right before we all left to catch our flight."

"Are they at the house?"

"Yeah." Eli looked around the room. "Where is Miranda?"

"In her room, probably calling her future husband."

Eli and B laughed. "Not shocked. I'm sure they miss each other", B said.

"I know I'd miss you we were separated the way they've been the last few months", Eli said with a laugh.

"Case and point."

Malachai chuckled. "If you two say so. I've got phone calls to make for the rehearsal tomorrow. Hopefully Callan and his folks will be here soon. We're all supposed together for dinner tonight. His family will finally get to meet us rather than just go off of the impressions they had from what Miranda's told them and the media's impressions."

"What time so that we can be dressed?" Eli asked.

"I'll get back to you on that. It all depends on what I hear from Miranda and Cal."

"Ok let us know something. We're gonna go take a bath or something."

"A bath? Wine when do you take baths?"

"Since he's been with me. It's an intimacy thing."

"I know, Brandon. I have been married for 30 years. Eli's mother and I do the same thing."

---------------

Miranda was in her room on the phone like her father predicted.  She was talking to Callan while he had a little free time on base.  “The good news is that I’m off from now until you’re cleared to travel after the baby is born.  My CO says that I deserve the short vacation”, Callan said with a laugh.

“So are you looking forward to one last night in the single’s barracks?” she asked with a laugh.

“What are you talking about?” he joked.  “I’m staying with my family.”

“Ah.  I see.  Where is your family staying?”

“My folks are picking me up from the base here soon, so I’ll find out.  Oh, speaking of parents, where does 

your Dad want everyone to meet for dinner and when?”

"Hold on. Let me go ask what his plans are. I think he has reservations at some German restaurant out here that he enjoys. Your folks aren't opposed to German, are they?"

"No. My Dad's of the opinion that it's edible if it doesn't eat him first."

She laughed. "Your Dad cracks me up."

"Maybe he'll crack your Dad up as well. What are Gramma Brie and Grampa David up to tonight?"

"They're taking Matt and Connie to dinner, as is tradition every year for their birthday grandbabies."

"Ah. And because we chose Grampa's birthday to get married, they're moving tradition up a couple days."

"Yeah something like that", she said with a grunt as she gained her feet carefully. She was so ready to have the baby already.  She felt like a blimp.  She waddled into the main part of the suite when she was finally on her feet.  “Daddy, I have Callan on the phone.  He wants to know what the reservation time is.”

“I told the restaurant between 6 and 7:30 was when we would all arrive.  Is that ok?” Malachai answered as he tinkered around with some things on his iPad.

Miranda relayed the message.  “That should be good”, Callan said with a chuckle.  “Tell him thanks from me and mine.”  She did and went back to her room.  “I can’t wait to see you, baby.  I bet you’re so beautiful.”

She laughed.  “That’s debatable.  I think I’m a hippo.”

“No way in hell, Miranda.  The last time I saw you, you were stunning.  You amaze me every time I see you.  I’m sure you’re just as beautiful now as you were when I took you home after New Year.”

She laughed.  “If you say so, Cal.  I’m not going to argue.”

He chuckled.  “I don’t suggest it.  I know that you’re usually right, but this is one of those moments in which I will not be swayed.”

“You’re so goofy.  I look a hot mess right now.  And the trips were trying to drive me crazy the entire drive out here.  I wanted to fly, but being pregnant I couldn’t.”

“I’m sorry, baby.  You’ll be able to fly soon enough though, love.  And from there, we’ll take little Gracie to Japan and take tons of pictures so that we have something to show the family when we get to come home on leave again.”

“Gracie needs to get here first.”

“How far along are you?”

“Thirty- seven weeks.  I could pop at any time.”

“Let’s just hope that it’s not until after the wedding in two days.”

“No kidding.  Well, baby, I need to get ready soon.  I’m going to try to do something with my hair and not look so damn fat so at dinner.”

“How many of your weird cravings have you given into the last few months?”

“All of them.  I can’t help it.  When I want fried pickles and mint chocolate chip ice cream, I want it them.  Not the following day.”

“I know.  And just think, you’re going to have me there the last month to send out to play fetch when you need your fried pickles.”

“I know.  I can’t wait.”

---------------

“Ok you two”, David said with a deep breath in, “where are we going for dinner?”

“Is it the usual rule that we have to agree on the place?” Connie asked her grandfather.  She was excited that she got to spend her birthday with her grandparents.  She always loved going to dinner with Gramma Brie and Grampa David.  This time around, her Abuelo was coming along too.  She didn’t get to spend a lot of time with either set of grandparents so for all three of them to be going to dinner with her was a real treat.

“Yes Consuela.  The usual rule applies”, her Gramma Brie said.  “You and Matt must agree on where we go.”

Matt and Connie stepped aside and discussed the options.  JJ couldn’t help but laugh.  “Is this the way you do things every year?”

"Yep", Brie said. "We take her and Matt out every year on the 13th of March and Miri and Ezekiel out every year on the 22nd of June."

"Ok. I know that March 13 is David's birthday. But what is June 22?"

"My birthday."

"Ah. Now it makes sense. You take your birthday babies out every year for a special dinner. That's sweet."

"We started with Miri and Matt", David said. "It's become tradition. We still do it with Miri even though she's an adult now. It's the least we can do."

"Why is that?"

"Because from what we understand, Miri is seeing a nice young man who seems to have impressed Jake. That may be something more soon and it's doubtful that she'll want to hang out with Gramma and Grampa anymore. Plus, like we told you when we stayed with Marc, we don't know how much longer we have. We just want to enjoy the time we have left with all of them", Brie explained.

"That makes sense."

Connie and Matt turned around from their huddle. "We've made a decision", Matt said.

"Where?"

"We want Mexican."

"Sounds good", Brie said. "Any place in particular?"

"There's a really good place in Old Town that Dad takes us to when we're in town", Connie said. "It's really good."

David looked to JJ. "Are you familiar with the place, Juan?"

"Yeah. It's pretty good. I'll drag Marc , Mercedes, and the kids down here every few months so that Marc and I can do business."

"What business do you have in San Diego?" Brie asked.

"I'm usually scouting actors and Marc's checking out new equipment and software for editing. The most recent trip, we were both looking for actors- mainly to play the two of you as adults."

"Oh joy. Did you find a bald guy to play me?" David chuckled as he started ushering the two children out the door toward the elevator.

"Yeah. His name is Michael Davis. He's got you nailed, brother. And he can mimic your speaking voice near perfectly."

"What about the noise?"

"He's pretty good at that too. He can sing, he can do the noise. He's actually supposed to be studying your mannerisms when your on stage so that he can mimic that when we shoot certain concert scenes."

"Nice. I know can't wait to see it. It's going to be a bit surreal seeing someone playing me in a movie."

"I bet. It would be strange for me too. But, the entire family is cast up until you retired. Anything that's happened since your retirement will be mentioned in and after note. Marc really wants to put a portrait of the entire family in at the end, along with a photo slide show of his siblings' favorite memories."

"That will be good", Brie said. "Do you think he'll object to Mom and Dad helping out with that?"

"I'm sure that he'll welcome any input from the two of you. You are, after all, his parents. He respects your opinions more than anyone else's."

Chapter 57

James’s Lamborghini pulled into the drive at homestead and stopped to let out two passengers.  “Tell your Dad that I’ll be back here shortly.  I’ve got to go get the rest of mine and your Aunts car”, James told one of the people he was dropping off.

“I will”, the green eyes woman said.  “We’ll see you soon, Uncle Jay.”  James winked at the girl and took off once they were both clear.  She looked at her companion.  “Are you ready to meet the family?”

“I was born ready, love”, the man with her said with a thick Australian accent.  “Let’s get in there so that I can get the third degree from your Dad.”

She smiled and took his hand.  “Let’s go get this done.”  She started them toward the house and went in without announcing herself.  It wasn’t like she didn’t live there most of the time.  “Knock, knock.  I’m home!!” she called.

Her younger sister looked up from where she was sitting on the couch.  “MIRI!” she shouted.  “You’re home!”

“Hey Sammi!” she said with a smile.  “Yeah I’m finally home.  We’re getting ready to go to California to see Miranda get married.  It’s time to come home and get ready for that.  Hell, I’m in the wedding party.  Thankfully Miranda has been very up front with me about what she expected from the bridesmaid’s dresses that I think I managed to nail down the vision with all of the trips back and forth to the bridal shop.”

“Do you know who’s escorting you?”

“One of Callan’s Marine buddies.  I’m sure that I’ll meet him at the rehearsal.”

They hugged.  “I’m so happy you’re finally home.  I have someone to gossip with other than Jazz.”  She looked over her sister’s shoulder.  “Hi there”, she said to the person accompanying her older sister.  “Who are you?”

“You must be Samantha.  I’m Jax.”

Samantha looked at her sister.  “Jax the Aussie?”

“Yeah.  He’s a great guy and I know about the drama that went down when Aunt Maddie brought home a guy unannounced.  I know that he’s going to get hell, but he can take it.  Now where is Dad and where are our grandparents?”

“Gramma and Grampa are resting upstairs after taking a soak in the hot tub.  And I have a story to tell you all about that too.  Mom and Dad are in town getting something for dinner and Ira has pretty much been keeping himself locked in his room unless it’s meal time because he’s trying to get all of the necessary work to get his Associate’s out of the way this semester and then go back to Loyola for the next to.  I think getting his PhD is still up in the air thought.”  She shrugged.  “I don’t know.”

“So, what is Seth up to?” Miri asked, sitting on the couch next to her sister.

“Seth is in so much trouble right now he’ll be lucky if he sees daylight again anytime soon.”

Miri looked over at Jax.  “Have a seat, hon.  The suspense is going to have to hold on for a little while longer.”  Once he was sitting, she looked back to her sister.  “Ok.  So what did Seth do that has him in such hot water that he won’t be seeing the light of day for a while?”

“This morning he and Matt went to pick up Gramma and Grampa from the cottage and Seth decided to drive like a moron.  Took off too hard and jarred Gramma’s back.  Got his ass chewed my Grampa and spit out by Dad, then guilt tripped by Gramma.  I’m just waiting to see for Mom to tear into him to make it all even and shit.”

“WHAT?!  Mom hasn’t gotten him yet?”

Sammi shook her head.  “Nope.”

“What did Dad give him to do as punishment?”

“He had to empty and scrub the pool and hot tub; he’s got to do yard work and whatever else Dad can think of and he has to get it all done before we all leave for the wedding.  Dad was pissed when he came in behind Seth this morning.  Then Uncle ‘Miah had to carry Gramma in.  Grampa came in behind them and he was livid.  After that, no one saw him for hours.  Food was taken up to them and Dad was up and down keeping Gramma knocked out.”

“Ooh.  Not good.”

“No.  Seth fucked up.”

“Sure did.  Did Matt get in trouble too?”

“Nope.  Not that I know of.  But, you know Matt wouldn’t get behind something like that.”

“True.”  She looked at Seth who had just come on from shed.  “You ok baby bro?”

“I’ll be fine, Miri.  I earned this.  This is only fair, ya know?”

---------------

As Miri and Samantha sat and got caught up in the living room Jake and Delilah came in through the garage after coming in from town. "Jake, I'm telling you that what I picked up at the store will help ease Mom's pain", Delilah said as they walked in.

"You're sure?"

"Jacob, how long have I been doing what I do?"

He chuckled. "I know. I just worry about Mom."

"You need to relax."

"I know. I'm trying. I wonder, do you think I'll relax once our children start having children of their own?"

"Only time will tell Jake."

"True. I think I'm going to retire early. I mean, we have plenty saved up that we could both retire a few times over. Not to mention every all of the money I have left from school. I think Dad set the money anticipating that I would spend 8 years in med school rather than 5."

"Sounds like something Dad would do." They paused their conversation and listened. "Miri's home and it sounds like she brought company", she said.

Jake chuckled with a sigh. "I guess I need to have a talk with our daughter about surprise visitors." In the same breath, he called his oldest child. "Miriam!"

It was a few moments she was in the kitchen. "Hey Daddy", she said with smile, hugging her father for the first time since December when she had come home for Hanukkah. "What's up?"

"Who did you bring home with you and why?" Jake asked his daughter as she greeted her mother.

"He's my boyfriend Dad. His name is Jax. I asked him to be my plus one for the wedding."

"Does he know that you're in the wedding party?"

“Yes.”

“Did you plan on letting us know that you were bringing a guy home with you?  You know how I feel about surprises of this magnitude.”

“Yes Daddy, I know and I’m sorry.  It was kinda spur of the moment.  We were out on a date when I told him that I was about to leave Chicago for about a week so that I could go to my cousin’s wedding.  We talked about how much he would miss me then I remembered that Miranda put on the invitations that I could bring an extra person.”

“So you asked him to a family event on a whim and he said yes?  Does he know the clout your last name carries?”

“Yes.  He’s actually researched us all rather thoroughly.  He knows about you, Mom, all of my aunts and uncles, and Gramma and Grampa.”

“Is he intimidated?”

“Not in the least.  He thinks it’s awesome that I come from such historic notables.  Those are his words by the way.”

“You realize he’s going to meet your grandparents while he’s here, right?”

“I wouldn’t have it any other way.  I want him to meet Gramma and Grampa before they die.”

Jake nodded.  “Has he ever raised a hand to you?”

“Please Dad.  Do you really think I would have brought him home with me if I thought he was violent like that?  Anyway, he told me that it his Dad ever heard of something like that going down, and I quote, ‘he’d kick my ass right and proper’.  He’s never hurt me”, she replied.  In the back of her mind she added, unless I asked him too.

“Ok.  Let Mom and me get dinner on and then we’ll come out and meet him.  While we talk to him, go greet your grandparents.”

She laughed.  “Ok Dad.  I’ll be sure to tell Gramma and Grampa hi and let them know about Jax while I’m at it.”

“Good.  We’re glad you’re home baby.”

“I’m glad I’m home too.  I heard about what Seth did.  He must have a death wish.”

“He does”, her mother said.  “But that’s being taken care of.”

“Ok.  Oh, Uncle Jay asked me to tell you that he’ll be back.  He had to go pick up the rest of his clan and change vehicles.  The car was a little cramped on the way back from Denver.”

“Really?  Why?”

“Hunter brought home a girl that he met at Harvard.  Sweet girl named Candace.”

“Fun.  So James’s little portion of the Draiman family will be full and joining us tonight as well.  I’ll let Gramma and Grampa know.  Now, go spend a little time with your man and we’ll be right out.”

---------------

Jake finally emerged from the kitchen to greet his guest.  “Hello.  It’s nice to meet you”, he said cordially.  “I’m Miri’s father, Jacob Draiman.”  He extended his hand toward the young man sitting next to his daughter.

The young man stood and took the extended hand.  “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Doctor”, he said in a thick Australian accent.  “The name’s Jax; Jax Tompkins.”

“Jax?  Is that short for something?”

“Yes sir.  Short for Jackson.  My folks had a sense of humor, I swear it.”

Jake laughed.  “Nice.  Mine didn’t.”

“Well I would imagine not.  Your Dad’s creativity went into making music.  I tell ya, my parents were Australia’s biggest Disturbed fans.  Then Reckless Disregard started touring down there and we were at all of those shows too.  My father nearly cried when Disturbed retired.  He actually did cry when Dan, Mike, and John each passed.  He’s probably going to make an ass of himself when your Dad passes away.”

Jake chuckled.  “My Dad’s too damn stubborn to die”, he said with a laugh.

“I believe it.  I wouldn’t have the opportunity to meet him on this trip, would I?  I’d love to meet him so that I can rub that in my Dad’s face.”

“He and my mother should be down soon.  As a matter of fact”, he said and looked at Miri, “Miriam, go check on your grandparents for me would you?”

“You got it, Daddy.”  She stood and headed for the stairs.

While Miri was gone, Jake kept the conversation going.  “So Jax, tell me about your family.  Where are you from?”

“Well, obviously I’m an Aussie.  My Dad’s Australian and my mum’s an American.  She’s actually from New York.  I spent a lot of time back and forth, but most of my time was in Australia.”

“Were you born there, seeing as you continent hopped a lot?”

“Actually no.  I was born at Loyola Medical.  My Mom was there with family for a little while and that was the end.”

“Born in my Dad’s hometown.  Kudos to you on that one.”

“Thank ya.”

“How did you and Miri meet?”

“Medical Terminology class.  She was taking it because it’s required for veterinary school and I was taking it because it’s required for medical school.”

“Med School?  You’re studying to be a doctor?”

“Yes sir.  Loyola is one of the best medical schools in the country.”

“That it is.  I attended Johns- Hopkins for my Neurology board, but I received my obstetrics and my emergency medical boards through Loyola Med.”

“So you know what I’m talking about.”

“I most certainly do.”  He sighed.  “I’m sorry it’s taking my wife so long to join us.  She’s trying to cook dinner for 41 with only my brother Jeremiah’s wife to help her for the moment.”

“I understand.  It’s not like you didn’t have a total surprise with my popping up on you like this.  And Hunter brought a girl home.  I’m almost afraid to think of what it’s like to have holiday meals around here.  Your family, I’m sure is huge.  Miri says she has 23 cousins and a second cousin on the way.”

“Yep.  I’m the second boy in a family of ten; most of us are multiples.”

“Your parents must have been barking mad when they had you lot.  Ten kids?  Please tell me that if Miri and I get married that we’re not expected to meet those expectations.”

Jake laughed.  He couldn’t help it.  “No.  If you only want to have one that is perfectly fine by me.  As long as it’s healthy and you love that child and my daughter with every bit of what you are then I’m perfectly fine with one.”

“Good.  I mean, I love kids and I would love to have a few, but ten is far too many for me.  I’m the oldest of six myself.  Ten is just too many.”

“I totally understand.  I have four myself.  My brother Jeremiah has two, my sister Maddie has two, my sister Meagan has 1 and my sister Jessi has one.  None of us had ten.  How many would your ideal number be?”

“Four.  I would LOVE to have two of each.”

“Two little girls to over protect and two boys to teach the way of the world?”

“Something like that.”

“I understand that.  I certainly do.”

---------------

Jax was introduced to David and Brie once they made their way down the stairs for supper that night.  They were shocked to see that Miri had brought someone home with her but they were happy for her all at the same time. 

When the rest of Miri’s cousins that were in the area arrived, everyone made their ways downstairs to the game room to leave the living room free for their parents and grandparents.  Anyway, Miri’s brothers had some things that they wanted to talk to Jax about in private- like the repercussions of laying a hand on their sister in anger.  He politely explained that he’d take the ass kicking because he’d have to get one from his father at the same time.  That put Ira and Seth’s minds both to ease.

At dinner, Hunter introduced everyone to his girlfriend Candace.  Everyone called her Candy.  She was as sweet as her name and then some.  David even joked that he had a toothache from how sweet she was.  She smiled at her boyfriend’s grandfather and thanked him politely.

Finally the herd thinned out and everyone went home to finish getting ready for the wedding.  They would all be flying out two days later.  As everyone trickled off to bed, Jake was sitting in quiet turmoil.  The only person that could look at him and know what he was thinking other than his parents was his wife.  As they prepared for bed that night, she asked him what was going on.  “I’m torn to be honest, love.  I honestly don’t know what to think or say.  I like the guy, I really do, but she’s my princess.  Do I really have to let her fall in love with this guy and marry him?” he called from the bathroom as he shaved before bed.  He hated shaving during the day. 

Delilah laughed softly as she laid in their bed and watched him.  “Jakey, come on.  I know she’s you’re Princess and all that, but are you really going to give her the same problems that your Dad gave Maddie when she got married?”

“Yes by God!” he laughed as he knocked the hair out of this razor blades.  “I don’t know why it’s such a big deal, Lilah baby, but it is.”

“I’ll tell you why it’s such a big deal, Jake, but you won’t like it.”

“I already don’t.  Go on ahead.”

“It’s such a big deal for you because you still see that little baby in the incubator that you fell asleep holding in the NICU.  You still see that curly haired green eyed girl that would pester you in the mornings with animal facts that no matter how much they drove you nuts, you couldn’t tell her that you didn’t want to hear them anymore because she was your little girl.  You still see the little science whiz that was bringing home blue ribbons and gold medals for her science experiments.  You still look at her and see the 10 year old girl that brought you a wooden box that contained human ashes sitting with the police telling them everything that had happened that day and seeing her heartbreak when you told her that they weren’t going to school the next morning.  You watched her grow up and blossom into a beautiful young woman.  You’ve intimidated every boy that’s come here thinking that they were going to take your baby anywhere without a good talking to first and threatening them that if they hurt her their bodies would never be found.   You even did that to her prom dates.  Now she’s young and starting to fall in love and though you’re happy to see her happy, you’re terrified that if you let her get married to this strange young Aussie, you’ll lose your little girl.  Am I close?”

As she spoke, he kept shaving and listened to everything she said.  “As much as I hate to admit it, you’ve pretty much built a damn birdhouse with as many nails as you’ve hit on the head.”

“Because I know you, Jake.  You’re my sweet, intelligent, OCD Jakey.  We’ve been married for over 20 years now.  I think I know you better than you know yourself by now.  Don’t you?”

He chuckled as he cleaned the remainder of the shaving cream off of his face and applied the aftershave lotion to his face.  “It’s scary how well you know me.  You know me as well as my mother knows my father.”

“You’re parents have been married for over 40 years.  I would think that your parents know each other inside out by now.  If not they’ve been living a lie for as long as they’ve been together.  I swear, they breathe each other.”

“Same with us”, he said, climbing into bed next to her.  “Being with you is like breathing.  I live and breathe you.”  He smiled the same crooked smile that she’d fallen for all those years before.

She kissed him softly.  “Exactly.  And I have a feeling that Miri may possibly have found her version of what we have, and what your parents have.  You can’t deny her that opportunity, Jacob.  You can’t deny her being with her true love.  If you don’t let that boy propose to her when he asks for permission, they’ll run off and get married.  Do you really want to be denied the chance to walk your princess down the aisle when she gets married because you wanted to be an ass and she decides that they’re going to run off to Vegas or something?”

He sighed.  “I suppose not.  I would like to be able to walk both of my daughters down the aisle when they get married.  Hell, I’ll be disappointed if I don’t get that chance.”

“And if you deny Miri this when Jax comes to you and asks for permission to marry her, that’s exactly what will happen.  You know it and I know it.  You know how stubborn your daughter is, Jacob.”

“Yeah, as stubborn as her parents combined.”

“Exactly.”  She sighed as she got comfortable.  “I love you, Jake.  I just don’t want you to make a decision that you might end up regretting.”

“That’s one of the things you do, baby.  You keep me from making the stupid decisions that I’ll end up regretting and I never have to wonder, ‘What if?’.”

Chapter 56

Malachai and his family all came over later that afternoon and he noticed the absence of their parents on the couch. "Where are Mom and Dad", he asked Jake.

"Upstairs because Seth decided to be a little jack ass and drive the golf cart like a bat out of hell."

"Really?" Mandy asked. "What happened from that to cause Mom and Dad to be upstairs?"

"Seth punched the throttle on the golf cart. Caused what you're going to hear in five, four, three, two, one", he said and pointed toward the second level of the house. The sound of their mother's muffled sobs sounded. "He jarred Mom's back. Was told three times by Dad to slow down and ignored him. I'm just waiting on Dad to call me up there to sedate Mom again. Three, two", and they all heard Jake's name called. "Well, that me." He stood and headed up the stairs. "Good thing I put in that IV in." After disappearing for a few moments he came back down the stairs. "Lilah!" he called.

She came out of the kitchen. "Yes dear?"

"What is Seth's progress on the hot tub?"

"He's barely a quarter of the way through. He's taking his dear sweet time it seems."

"Oh hell no." Jake went through the kitchen. "Seth, get the lead out and get that hot tub cleaned. Gramma needs to soak for a little while. You had better stop lollygagging and get it done faster or I'm adding another month to your sentence."

Malachai chuckled. "Damn."

Delilah nodded. "Seth fucked up. I know he wasn't even dreamed of when Mom had her back surgery, but that's no excuse. He knows Gramma's back is bad and he knows better than to be foolish."

"I thought we were all supposed to be accepting that Mom and Dad don't have much time left?" Malachai said.

"We are", Jake said when he came back into the room. "But Seth's behavior could have affected more than just Mom and Dad. Matt was in the cart with them as well. He could have rolled the golf cart and really hurt if not killed Mom and Dad, and hurt Matt and himself in the process. The was reckless endangerment and he's going to be punished. He knows what grounding entails. He gets no TV, no games, no music, no new apps for his stuff- just him and the silence of his bedroom."

"What about Matt?" Mandy asked.

"Matt tried to keep him for doing the stupid shit therefore, that we know of he's not in trouble."

"Makes sense. What else does he have to get done as punishment today aside from the hot tub?"

"Oh all kinds of fun stuff", Delilah responded. "And it's all got to be done before we leave for San Diego." She looked at the her very pregnant niece. "How are you feeling, Miranda?"

"Huge. I'm ready to have this baby already, ya know?"

Delilah laughed. "Oh I'm sure any woman in the family that's had children can relate."

"And that would be pretty much every woman in the family that's older than you except Aunt Meagan", Mandy added. "Just wait until you go into labor. That is an experience like no other."

---------------

Matt had been worried all day that he was going to be in trouble along with Seth for what was going on with Gramma Brie. He did not want to be into trouble. He rather enjoyed his freedom. Being grounded usually meant doing lines after homework or having to help his mother with all of her herbal concoctions. When he saw that his father was available, he pulled aside with a quick tap on the shoulder. Seeing as he was quite nearly his father's height, it wasn't a stretch. "Dad, can we talk?"

Jeremiah looked at his son with a question on his face. "Sure Matt. What's up?"

"That whole crazy thing that went down with Gramma Brie and Grampa David earlier; I'm not going to get into trouble for that too am I?"

Jeremiah chuckled. "If you were going to get in trouble for what happened this morning wouldn't you be out there with him scrubbing the hot tub, son?"

Matt shrugged. "Maybe. Usually it depends on your mood."

"Touché my son." He sighed. "Look Matt. You tried to stop it. You tried to keep him from being stupid and when the time came to tell the truth that's what you did- disregarding the fact that Seth would be pissed at you for snitching on him. You did what was right. He fucked up and like you told him earlier, he has to suffer the repercussions of that."

"I know that. I just wanted to be sure that I wasn't in hot water because I was there and I wasn't more... forceful about it. If I had been more insistent then Gramma Brie wouldn't be in the guest room sedated with Grampa David at her bedside and Seth wouldn't be in the trouble he's in."

"Who are you trying to convince, Matthew? Me or you?"

"I don't know. But, I feel like I should have done more."

"Son, a man named Peter McWilliams once said, 'Guilt is anger directed at ourselves- at what we did or did not do. Resentment is anger directed at others- at what they did or did not do'. Right now you're feeling a lot of guilt because you think you didn't insist enough. Seth is probably a little resentful of you because 1) you told on him, and 2) you're not out there cleaning the pool with him. You have nothing to feel guilty for. If he didn't want to use common sense and listen to you. That's on him. Anyway, Mom and I don't believe in guilt by association, and neither do Uncle Jake and Aunt Lilah."

Matt smiled. "Thanks Dad. I kinda needed the pep talk."

"That's what Dads are for, Matthew. We crack the whip when we need to and we give those pep talks that are needed when they're needed."

"I still feel like I should apologize to Gramma and Grampa though."

"If that's what you feel you need to do, do it. More than likely, Grampa will tell you what I just told you."

"I know. Still, it would make me feel better."

---------------

David came carefully down the stairs and was greeted by his pregnant granddaughter. "Hey Grampa. We heard what Seth did. Are you ok?"

"I'm fine Miranda. It's Gramma that's messed up."

"We heard", Eli said. "How is she?"

"Sleeping for the moment", he said. "Your Uncle Jacob has kept her sedated for a better part of the day."

"Is she going to be able to join us at any point?"

"That's actually what I'm down here to check on. I've come down to see if the hot tub was clean and treated so that Gramma and I can soak for a little while so that Gramma enjoy a little time amongst the rest of the family rather than passed out on pain killers."

"You look like you need to sit down, Grampa”, Kelsi said.

“No Kelsi dear.  I’m fine.  I need to talk to Uncle Jake.”  He looked to Malachai.  “Where is your brother?”

“Kitchen Dad”, Malachai said, pointing to the door that lead to the room where everyone ate.

David nodded and carefully made his way toward the door, calling to the family doctor.  “Jacob!”

“Yeah Dad?” he asked, coming to the door.

“How’s the progress on the hot tub?”

“It’s filling up and I’m about to go take care of the pH and all of the treatment stuff.  After that, I’m going to come check on Mom.  If she’s feeling up to it, I’ll have Samantha and Matt go out to the cottage to get your swim clothes so that you can both soak in the hot tub because I know she’s not the only one in pain.  Now Dad, I know that you want your freedom but you also need to soak in that hot tub.  I’m not asking you as your son, I’m telling you as your doctor that you’re both going to soak in that hot tub for a little while.  I dare you to argue with me.”

David looked at his son in shock.  “What did you just say to me?”

“I said that I’m pulling rank and telling you that you’re getting in that hot tub with Mom, like it or not.  Doctor’s orders.”

“Wow.  You’re pulling rank on me?  I am your father, not the other way around.”

“And?  Do you have a medical degree, Dad?  No.  You don’t.  I do.  I said you’re getting in the hot tub.”

David chuckled.  “I had planned on it.  Your mother never soaks in a hot tub without me, not even after we had the one at the house in Israel put in.  But, you pulling rank is odd.  Not used to this and I certainly not sure that I like it.”

“Well Dad, I hate to say it but you have no argument here.  I’m the medical doctor in the house- not to mention the family.  As far as this goes, you are outranked.  Now, I’ve got to go get said hot tub ready for you and Mom.  Please Dad, go back to the room with Mom and relax for a little while longer.  Put your feet up and get that bolster back under your knees.”

“And if I refuse?”

“Mom needs you with her right now.  Are you really going to fight me on this?”

---------------

The hot tub was finally ready and David and Brie were finally sitting in it hot tub, the heat soaking into their tired muscles.  “I can finally feel my legs again”, she said softly.

“Good.  I’m very glad.  Do you think that you can walk into the house when we finally climb out of this thing or do you think Jeremiah will have to carry you back in?” he whispered.

“I can walk it.  It was nice to have our children carrying my while I’m conscious.  I wish was you, but I understand that you can’t do it anymore.”

He sighed.  “Nope.  I wish I could.  I miss it.”

“Me too.”

They sighed in content, just glad that they could finally feel their extremities again.  As they relaxed, they heard a throat clear.  “Gramma Brie, Grampa David- can I talk to you two for a moment?” Matt asked.

“What’s the matter, Matthew?” David asked.

“I feel bad about what happened earlier.”

“Why?” Brie asked.

“I feel like I should have protested more and you guys wouldn’t be in the pain you’re in.”

They both chuckled.  “Matthew Ryan, you did nothing wrong.  You did everything in your power to stop Seth from being stupid”, David said.  “You let me know that he was planning on doing it after we got here.  You have nothing to feel guilty for.  Seth, however, is getting off light if you ask me.”

“Why?”

“He should be grounded until graduation.”

“Grampa.  That’s mean.”

“No.  I would have done it to your Dad and any of your Aunts or Uncles.”

Matt laughed.  “If you say so Grampa David.  I’m going to go inside.  Do you need anything?”

“Water”, they said in unison.  “And tell your cousin to come out here”, Brie added.  “I have something I want to say to him.”

“You’re not going to scream at him, are you Gramma Brie?”

“No dear.  Screaming and yelling isn’t really my style unless I have to.  Just send Seth out here and let him know that I want to speak to him.”

“Yes ma’am.” 

Matthew walked away and they sighed.  “So you’re NOT going to rip into Seth like I did?”

“No.  I’m going to put on the worst guilt trip he’s ever felt though.”

When Seth came out, he looked at his grandparents.  “Yes Gramma and Grampa?”

“Seth, sit down at the edge of the tub there.  I have something I want to say to you about this morning”, Brie said.  Once he was sitting, she spoke again.  “You will maintain eye contact the entire time I’m speaking to you, understand me?”

“Yes ma’am.”

“I know that you’re too young to know a lot about this but not long after your older sister was born, I had to have back surgery.  I have to have two of the vertebrae in my back separated.  Since then, I’ve had problems with my lower back.  Now, do you understand why you were yelled at like you were this morning by your grandfather?”

“Now I do.  I didn’t think it would hurt you Gramma.  I really didn’t.”

“Seth, we are in our 80’s.  It wouldn’t have mattered if I had back problems or not.  The fact of the matter is that you acted recklessly this morning.  If that golf cart had flipped and Grampa and I had gotten seriously hurt- or worse had died- what how would you have felt?”

“Bad.  Really, really, bad.”

“And if you’d killed yourself in the process?  And your cousin Matt?  How do you think that would have gone over?  How would your parents have felt?  How would Uncle ‘Miah and Aunt Jona have felt having lost their oldest son?  Hell, their only son.”

“They would have all been upset.”

“You have to think about other people besides yourself, Seth Aaron.  You could have seriously hurt someone this morning.  You understand that?”

“Yes Gramma.”

“Will you ever be so reckless and thoughtless again?”

“No ma’am.”

“Good.  Now, you need to get back to those chores you were assigned.”

“Do you think you could talk to Dad about my sentence?”

“No.  You deserve everything you’re getting and then some, Seth Aaron Draiman.  As far as Grampa and I are concerned, your father’s taking it easy on you.  But, if you’re asked to slow down the next time you’re allowed to drive the golf cart you’re going to do so from now on, aren’t you?”

“Yes ma’am.  I’m really sorry, to both of you.  I love you both.”

“We love you too.  Now, get back to what you were doing and give us a little quiet.”

Chapter 55

Getting to know the real story behind Eli's grandparents' relationship had fascinated B. he'd always wondered which of the stories about how they came to be was true. Now he knew. Who'd would have thought that the very spa that his family went to in Denver had once been owned by the sweet elderly woman he'd started to call Gramma. It was an interesting fact that he'd learned. Eventually, he'd have to ask if he could rub that in his family's face.

That wasn't the focus at the moment. It was time to start packing for the wedding. The trip to San Diego was coming soon. No one could believe how quickly time had passed. B could hardly believe that it had been two weeks since he and Eli spent the evening with his grandparents in their cottage. He sat on the couch at Eli's parents' house and watched as the final fitting for Eli's suit went down. "Damn it," Eli cursed. "If this guy doesn't stop poking me, I swear to God I'm going to lose it."

"It wouldn't be so bad, Elijah Michael, if you would just be still", his father said.

"Well, father dear, I wouldn't be moving so much if this guy would stop poking me with the pins. I thought we already measured for me hem anyway. Isn't it Isaiah that needs to be measured?"

"He's having his stuff taken care of in New York", Miranda replied.

"Well if I had known that was an option I would have stayed in Chicago and had this done by the same tailor shop that did Gramma and Grampa's vow renewal in 2019. From what I understand, they don't poke you."

"Getting poked is a risk you take, dear", B said from his seat. "I get fitted for monkey suits all the time."

Malachai laughed. "No wonder my father likes you, B."

"What do you mean?"

"Dad hates suits too. He's protested having to wear a suit at every wedding since he and Mom renewed their vows."

"Even Aunt Maddie's wedding?" Miranda asked. "I don't remember him complaining then."

"He complained, Miranda. He's even asked me to apologize to you ahead of time because he's not wearing a tie."

"Really? What did he say?"

"Tell Miranda that I'm sorry, but there is no way I'm wearing a damn tie. I am 85 years old and I refuse to wear what amounts to a noose."

Miranda laughed. "Oh that's great. I can't wait to tell Callan that tonight when he calls." She sighed. "I cannot wait to have this baby", she groaned. "I can't take much more of this."

Eli laughed. "You're going to pop soon, sis. I already know it. I don't think you'll make it out the month."

She laughed. "You too, huh?"

"What do you mean?"

"Your brother in law doesn't think I'll let it through the month either. Aunt Kenna isn't optimistic that I'll make it through the move. There are a LOT of people that don't think I'm going to make it to my due date."

“Well think of how big you’ve gotten, Miranda”, Mandy said.  “You’ve put ion quite a bit of weight.”

“I’m willing to put money on that baby girl being a good 7lbs”, B commented with a chuckle.

Eli stepped off of the box he’d been standing on while the tailor had been hemming his slacks for the wedding.  “Do you want to get into the baby pool, B?”

“We can if you want.  I don’t care either way.”

“Would you really take a bunch of Marines for their paychecks?” Miranda laughed.

Eli laughed.  “I wouldn’t take their money.  If I won, I’d let them keep their checks.  I’d just want what I put in back from them.”

“So if you put $200 in the kitty, you expect your $200 from each of them and that’s it?”

“No.  I expect $200 collectively.  If there are 20 people in Callan’s company in the pool, that’s $10 apiece.  I understand that a lot of them are family men or women and that enlisted men don’t make a lot.”

She smiled.  “You’re a good guy, Eli.  Thank you for being so understanding.”

“I’m not a total ass unless I’m dealing with my future in laws.”

“But you have a really nice one”, B said with a laugh.

Everyone in Eli’s family groaned.  “AH, COME ON!  SAVE IT FOR WHEN YOU’RE BY YOURSELVES!”

---------------

When Seth and Matt went out to pick up their grandparents, Seth was feeling like a bit of a daredevil.  “Don’t do it Seth.  Messing with Grampa and Gramma is like messing with fire.  It’s dangerous”, Matt said.

“I’m just going to joke around with them.  They encourage being playful”, Seth responded as he drove the golf cart.

“Maybe I should have driven this morning”, Matt said as he shook his head.  “I don’t trust this, Seth.  You mess with Gramma and Grampa and you mess with your Dad and your Dad is going to ground you from now until Doomsday.  Maybe I should drive back.”

“No Matt, I’ve got this.  Just go knock on the door and let them know we’re here.”

Matt shook his head, having had to hold onto the bar on the passenger side of the golf cart as Seth drove out, and climbed out of the cart to knock on the door.  “Gramma, Grampa, are you up and ready to go in?”

“We’ll be right out, Matthew”, his grandmother called.

“Ok Gramma.  I’ll wait at the door.”  He stood at the door and waited just as he said he would.  When the door opened he hugged his grandparents in greeting and they walked out to the cart.  “How are you feeling this morning, Gramma?”

“I’m ok, Matt.  Are you worried about me?” Brie asked with a smile.

“Maybe a little”, he chuckled.  “Do you need help into the cart?”

“Just do what you usually do and hold your arm out for me.  If I need it then I’ll use it.”

He nodded.  “Ok, Gramma.”  He put his arm out for his grandmother as he spoke to his grandfather.  “How are you this morning, Grampa?”

“I’m fine Matt.  How about you?”

“I’m good.  I’ve got a little bit of homework to finish before class Monday.  Gotta pick up my homework before we leave Wednesday for the wedding.”

“Oh yes.  Miranda’s wedding and our birthday”, David chuckled.

“Don’t forget that it’s Connie’s birthday too.”

“How could I?  She calls me daily asking what Gramma and I are going to do with the two of you for our joint birthday and when we’re going to celebrate.”

“Did Uncle Malachai schedule the rehearsal dinner for the night before the wedding?” Seth asked.

“Yes”, Brie said as she scooted over in the seat so that her husband could sit down next to her.

“Well, could we do something the night before the rehearsal dinner?” Matt asked.

“That was the plan.  Gramma and I have been looking at places to go and one of us will let you two know what the plan is.”  David said down next to his wife and wrapped his arm around her like he usually did.  Once Matt was in the cart, David saw the wheels turning in Seth’s head.  “I don’t know what you’re plotting up there, Seth, but you had better drive carefully.”

“I will Grampa”, he said, the sadistic smile evident in his voice.  His passengers had only a few seconds to brace themselves before his foot hit the accelerator and the golf cart started flying down the path between the cottage and the house.

“DAMN IT SETH, SLOW THE HELL DOWN!” David shouted over the wind.

Seth ignored him.  “I thought you’d want to get to the house a little faster this morning, Grampa!”

“IF YOU DON’T SLOW THE HELL DOWN, SETH, I SWEAR TO YOU THAT YOU WILL BE IN MORE TROUBLE THAN YOU EVER THOUGHT POSSIBLE.”  He looked down at Brie, who was nearly in tears because the way the cart took off jarred her back.  “YOU’VE HURT YOUR GRANDMOTHER!  STOP THE DAMN CART SETH AARON!”

“We’re almost there, Grampa!”

When the cart pulled to a stop, David was seething.  He looked at Matt.  “Matthew, go get your Uncle Jake and your father.”  Matt jumped to do what he was told.  “Seth Aaron Draiman, don’t you fucking move.  I have a bone to pick with you.”

---------------

Matt ran into the kitchen as skidded to a stop.  “Dad, Uncle Jake- I told Seth not to do it, but he didn’t listen.  Now he’s in a ton of trouble with Grampa and Gramma’s in tears.  You have to go out and check on her”, he said hurriedly.

“Whoa Matt”, Jeremiah said to his son.  “Repeat that about Gramma and Grampa.”

“Gramma is crying and Grampa told me to come get you.  Seth decided to drive like a maniac from the cottage and when he took off, I heard Gramma cry out in pain and Grampa yelling at Seth to slow down.”

Jake sighed.  “Go tell Grampa I’m grabbing my medical bag and I’ll be right there.”  Matt ran out and Jake headed for the kitchen door.  “‘Miah, go with him please.  Let Mom know that I’ll be right there.  I’m guessing that my son’s take off jarred Mom’s back.”

Jeremiah nodded.  “On it.”  He set his coffee cup down and headed out the back door.  When he got out side he went straight to his parents.  His mother was clinging to his father and sobbing in pain and his father was boiling mad.  “Dad are you ok?” he asked.

“I’m fine, Jeremiah.  I’m just pissed.  It’s your mother that needs medical attention.”

“Well, Jake had to run up to his office and grab his medical bag.”

“Well once Jake gets out here, I’m going to lay into his son.  I want him to hear what I have to say.”

Jeremiah just nodded and gently rubbed his mother’s back to try to ease the pain.  Jake came running out of the house with his bag and jogged over to the golf cart.  “What happened?” he asked.

“Ask Seth, Jake”, David said.

“What did you do, Seth?” he asked as he examined his mother’s back, watching her wince every time he touched her.

“I wanted to have a little fun so I got here faster than normal”, Seth said with a shrug.

Jake’s eyes popped open wide.  “You know, as much as I want to bite your head off right now, young man, I can tell your grandfather wants his piece of your ass first.  So, once your grandparents have both said their piece, I’ll deal with you.”  He went to whispering to his mother as he tried to figure out what she experienced when Seth made the golf cart leap.

David took a deep breath.  “Seth, you had better turn around a look at me, boy”, he said.  When Seth was facing him, he continued.  “What the fuck were you thinking?  Were you trying to give me or Gramma a fucking heart attack?”

“I wanted you to have a little fun, Grampa”, Seth said.

“FUN?!” David said, finally raising his voice.  “YOU WANTED UP TO HAVE FUN?!  WHAT ABOUT JARRING YOUR GRANDMOTHER’S BACK TO THE POINT WHERE SHE IN CRYING IN PAIN IS FUN, SETH AARON?! WHAT ABOUT IGNORING ME WHEN I TOLD YOU TO SLOW DOWN IS FUN?!  WHAT ABOUT DAMN NEAR ROLLING THE FUCKING GOLF CART IS FUN?!”  Seth’s eyes drifted down to stare at his hands.  “YOU HAD BETTER ANSWER ME, YOUNG MAN.”

“Nothing, sir.”

“So again I ask you; what about this ride to the house from the cottage was supposed to be fun?  Where you trying to give me a fucking heart attack?”

“No sir.  None of it was fun and I wasn’t trying to give you or Gramma heart attacks.”

Matt cleared his throat.  “Grampa David may I interject?”

“You have something to add, Matthew?”

“Well, not as far as Seth’s ass chewing is going, but I do have information.”

“Oh?  What?”

“Matt…” Seth said.

“No Seth.  You fucked up.  You have to face the consequences and I’m not going to lie for you.”  He looked at his paternal grandfather.  “I don’t know how long he’s been planning on doing this, but he told me this morning that if Uncle Jake asked us to do pick you up that he was going to do it.  I told him that I should drive and he said, ‘No Matt, I’ve got this’ even as I protested.”

David nodded slowly.  “Is that a fact?”  He looked over a Jake.  “Jacob, as soon as you’re done tending to your mother, you had better get your son out of my sight for a while.  If this was premeditated he had no idea how pissed I’m going to be.”

Jake nodded.  “I’m going to have to give Mom an intravenous pain killer and sedative on order to control the pain.  Jeremiah’s going to have to carry her inside.  Her legs have no feeling.”  He looked at Seth.  “Now that your Grampa is done with you and Gramma is in too much pain to speak, you had better get up to my office.”

“But Dad…” Seth said in protest.

“DID I STUTTER?!” Jake shouted.

“No sir.”

“Then you had better start moving then, hadn’t you?”

“Yes sir”, he said as he got out of the golf cart and headed toward the house.

“And you better beat me there.  Do not pass GO; do NOT collect $200.  Directly to my office and nowhere else.”  Seth started moving faster as he ran into the house and toward the stairs.

Jeremiah carefully maneuvered their mother out of the back of the golf cart.  “Mom, you have to wrap your arms around my neck for me to move you.  I know you’re in pain, but you have to work with me here.”

She wanted desperately to cling to David, but she knew that he couldn’t carry her into the house anymore.  He whispered to her.  “Go with Jeremiah, love.  I’ll be right behind you”, he said, muttering against her hair before he pressed his lips against her curls. 

She nodded and wrapped her arms around Jeremiah’s neck, moaning softly in pain as she moved her body.  She grabbed Jeremiah’s neck.  “Be careful Jeremiah.  I’m in enough pain as it is.”

Jeremiah chuckled softly.  “I’ll be as gentle as I can, Mother.  Just be hold on tight and I’ll get you to the guest room where Jake can sedate you for a couple of hours.”  He looked at David.  “You coming, Dad?”

“I’m right behind you, ‘Miah.”

---------------

“What the fuck were you thinking?” Jacob said to his youngest son.

“Like I sad to Grampa, I just wanted to have a little fun, Dad.  I thought that a little speed would be enjoyable for them.”

“Were you asked not to do it by Matt?”

“Yes sir.”

“Did he offer to drive?”

“Yes sir.”

“And still you did it, even after you were asked to slow down.  How many times did Grampa ask you to slow the fuck down, Seth Aaron?”

“Three”, he said, staring at his feet.

“YOU WERE ASKED THREE TIMES TO SLOW DOWN AND DIDN’T?!”

“No.”

Jake took his glasses off and set them beside him on the desk where he was leaning.  “Go to your room and stay there until I call for you.  I need to call your mother and tell her about this.  This needs to be a joint decision.  And you had better avoid your grandparents until I figure out what I’m going to do with you for punishment.  Now, get lost.”  Seth walked out of the office and Jake grabbed his personal cell and place a call to his wife.

“Hello?” she said.

“Baby, I know you had to go into the clinic for a client, but I have an emergency here at home.  About when do you think you can get home?”

“I just walked in the door, where are you and why do I hear Mom screaming in pain?”

“I’m in my office and I’ll explain it when you get up here.”

“I’ll see you in two minutes.”  She hung up and he chuckled.  It was funny how she always seemed to know when he needed her to be home and she was usually there with bells on.  She just walked in the open office door.  “Alright, what seems to be going on?” she asked, taking a seat in one of the chairs across from the desk.

“Seth decided to be stupid this morning and drove like a maniac with Mom and Dad in the golf cart, thinking that it would be fun.  Took off like a bat out of hell and jarred Mom’s back, sending her into tears.  Dad told him three times to slow down or stop and he ignored Dad.  Dad has already gotten to take his piece out of Seth’s ass; Mom was in too much pain to really speak so that she could chew his ass.  I’m going to have to sedate her so that the pain will subside a little bit.  Matt said that he asked Seth to let him drive and Seth told him no, no matter how much he protested.”

“And we both know that Matt wouldn’t lie about that.”

“Seth didn’t deny it.”

“Is that a fact?”

“Yep.  What are we going to do about this, Lilah?”

“There are plenty of things around here that need to be done before we go to San Diego for the wedding.  The pool and hot tub need to be cleaned, the grass needs to be mowed, my garden needs to be weeded and taken care of, and I’m sure that we can find a million other things for him to do between now and then.”

“I like it.  I was also thinking of grounding him for three months.  One month for every time Dad asked him to slow down.”

“Sounds like justice.”

“Alright.  I sent him to his room to stew.  Do you want to go get him or should I?”

She laughed.  “I’ll go get him.”  She stood up and walked down the hall to Seth’s room and beat on the door.  “SETH AARON, YOUR FATHER’S OFFICE.  NOW!”

The door opened and Seth started down the hall with Delilah behind him.  When he walked into the office, Jake looked at him.  “Sit.”  He pointed to the chair.  “Your mother and I have talked and we have decided that the only fitting punishment is for you to do a shit load of household chores before we leave.  Your mother’s garden needs weeded, the pool and hot tub need to be cleaned, there’s grounds keeping to be done.  And guess what, Seth.  You’re going to do it… ALONE.”

Seth groaned.  “Dad…”

“Oh, I’m not finished yet.  You’re also grounded for three months.  One for each time Grampa told you to slow down.  I’m seriously tempted to tack on another month for the hell you’ve cause your grandmother.  Do you realize what I’m going to have to do to get Gramma up on her feet again?”

“No.”

“I’m going to have to put her to sleep with pain medication for a good portion of the day, Seth Aaron.  Gramma and Grampa may have to sleep in here tonight because you have to be a little peckerwood.  It will never happen again, Seth Aaron.  Do you understand me?”

“Yes sir.”

“And WHEN Gramma decides to bite your head off, you WILL stand there and take the ass chewing like a man.  Am I clear?”

“Yes sir.  Crystal.”

“Good.  Now, take yourself out to the back patio and start the pool and hot tub to draining so that you can scrub them.  And you mean scrub, Seth Aaron.  While they’re draining, you will get your cleaning supplies together.  Go.”

Seth stood and left without a word to go do what he was told.  “Now what?” Delilah asked.

“Now to go put my mother temporarily out of her misery”, he said, grabbing a syringe from his desk drawer.

“Alright.  I’ll go get started on something for lunch.”