Of course, the boys didn't go right to bed after they headed upstairs. Charles wanted to learn more about his two new 'brothers' and the twins wanted to know more about Robert, Charles, Chief and, of course, Mr. Ken.
They congregated in the twin's new bedroom and sat on the beds – the twins on one double bed and Robert and Charles on the other. When they realized the way they were all sitting, they all burst out laughing.
"Robert, how long have you lived with Mr. Ken?" asked Kyle.
"I've been with him since right after the Holidays, so … I guess it's been a little over eight months," replied teen.
"And, you Charles?" asked Kevin.
"I got here at the day before the 4th of July, so I've only been here two months," answered Charles.
"This is a pretty big house for just one man; don't you think?" stated Kevin.
"Yeah, I guess so," began Robert, "but he built it thinking … well, it is probably better if he explains why he built this big house. But you know what? I'm glad he had the money to build it this big. I've been at three other foster homes and they were all small and I had to share a bedroom with younger kids or I was made to go to church three times a week and I could only read the Bible. You don't want to know what else I had to deal with."
"Yeah, I was at two of the same foster houses Robert was at and believe me it was no picnic," added Charles.
"So, we could have been placed at one of those other homes instead of here?" asked an incredulous Kyle.
"Yeah, but Ms. Judy knew you would be better off here," stated Robert. "I bet she wanted to keep you two together, but the other foster homes didn't have space for two more, or the foster parents didn't want to deal with twins."
Kyle looked at Kevin who looked back and with nothing said between them they hugged one another and began to cry. Robert and Charles looked on as the two blood brothers hugged and cried hard. Chief also saw what was happening and decided on her own to get Mr. Ken. As Chief padded out the bedroom door, Charles nudged Robert to show him that Chief was leaving the room. The two 'brothers' knew their 'dad' would soon be there.
The owner of The Cove had retired to his en-suite and was getting ready to settle down and read some before retiring for the night. It was just as he sat down to enjoy a book he'd been reading that Chief came rushing into the bedroom barking up a storm. Mr. Ken knew that something had to be up otherwise Chief wouldn't have arrived in such a hurry. The man put on his sleeping shorts and quickly headed up the stairs. When he arrived at the twin's bedroom he could hear some crying. He decided to do the Three-Knock Rule, so as not to startle his two new charges. After the first knock, Charles told him to come in.
"Boys … is there something I can help you with?" asked Mr. Ken, as he directed his question to the twins. Not taking time to answer, the two eleven-year-old twins jumped into the man's arms. Lucky for Mr. Ken his other foster sons saw it coming and they quickly moved out of the way as the twin attack unbalanced the man and he fell down on the bed they just vacated.
All Mr. Ken could do right then was to hold each lad in his arms and let them cry out their troubles. The young boys cried for about another three minutes when first Kevin and then Kyle pushed up and looked into their foster dad's eye and simultaneously said, "Thank you!"
Mr. Ken sat up on the bed, still holding onto the twin brothers, and said, "Thank you too, you two." The man then smiled at his two newest foster boys who then hugged the man one more time.
"Okay … can someone tell me what this was all about?" asked Mr. Ken, to no one in particular.
Charles started to speak but Robert put his hand on his arm to let him know he would explain. Robert then proceeded to tell his 'dad' what brought the crying on. The teenager then clarified how the twin brothers just realized that they could have been split up if they hadn't been brought to The Cove.
"Kevin, Kyle … I want you to know I am very happy you are now a part of The Cove," started Mr. Ken. "I don't believe there is any other better place for you than here. You have two 'brothers' who are close to you in age and as you meet other students in your class you'll be allowed to invite them over here to play. The skateboard ramps might get a bit crowded at times but I know you four will all make it work. Now … tomorrow … it will be a very full day. You're going to meet all of Robert's and Charles' friends and their parents and any other brothers and/or sisters they may have."
"And you'll get to meet Sam and Terran, they're Chuck's and Trevor's younger brothers, who are eleven as well, so you'll at least have two kids your age to hang and play with," added Charles.
"Yes, you'll have those two but Wyatt and Dominic will also be here. So, you see you'll have a few kids your age to get to know before you start school on Tuesday," added Mr. Ken.
Kevin and Kyle smiled at learning there would be at least four boys their age at the Labor Day Picnic. They both yawned at the same time, so Ken Thomas told the boys they all needed to drain their dragon's and get to bed. Hearing the 'dragon' reference the twins giggled and then jumped off their foster dad's lap. The four 'brothers' all headed to the porcelain god and they had to wait until one was available for their use.
Mr. Ken waited out in the hallway until the four lads had finished and as they passed him by he hugged each one in turn. The hug was eagerly received by the twins before heading to their shared bedroom. As the twin boys entered their new bedroom, Mr. Ken got his answer as to where Chief would spend the night.
The twins slept calm and peaceful that night. They both knew they would be well taken care of and have lots of friends. They also knew the huge house they were brought to would be a great place to live while their parents recovered from their burns and broken bones.
The Cove's owner was up at 8:15 as usual. He started the coffee pot before going outside to retrieve his newspaper. Once he returned inside, he went over to the freezer and pulled out three breakfast tacos. He unwrapped them, placed them in the microwave, and waited for them to finish heating.
It was about 9 AM when Charles came into the Kitchen Nook to ask his 'dad' where the twins newly cleaned clothes were so they could get dressed after their shower. Learning the newly washed shorts and shirts were hanging up down in the laundry room, Charles immediately ran out of the Nook and as he headed down the stairs to retrieve them, he heard a faint, "And NO running!"
Charles arrived at Kevin and Kyle's bedroom with their newly cleaned clothes and hung them up in their closet. He then rushed to the bathroom to join his 'brothers' in the shower.
"I hope you aren't embarrassed to shower with us," announced Robert. "We're used to getting cleaned up around our other foster brothers at the other foster homes, so it isn't anything new to us. Also, all of our friends will change in the locker room and they aren't embarrassed to be seen naked."
"Well, that isn't entirely true. They may be brave enough to get naked, now, but at first, they were hesitant to take their clothes off in front of so many kids even if they were about the same age," further added Charles, who sort of chuckled at what he said.
Kevin smiled at Kyle who then told their new 'brothers' they often showered with their dad so it wasn't anything new for them to be naked in the shower. The twins then laughed at that revelation.
"Weren't you afraid you'd get a …" started Charles?
"A boner?" laughed Kyle.
"Yeah, a boner," agreed Charles.
"Well, we've been taking showers with our dad ever since we can remember," clarified, Kevin. "When our wieners stood up our dad talked to us about why they did that and what it would be used for when we got married. We've even seen his boner," now chuckled Kevin.
"Yeah, you should see how big that thing is," laughed Kyle.
"Well, one thing you both need to know is that Mr. Ken does not like to see us with a boner. He understands we get them, especially at our age, but he says other people don't want to see them. If he sees you with one he'll sit down with you and make it clear that you'll need to be aware of where you are and you should hide them the best you can until it goes down. He won't get mad at you, or anything, but he will want you to abide by his request that you don't parade around with a boner," explained Robert.
"Did Mr. Ken ever catch you with a boner?" simply asked Kyle.
Charles laughed at the question and Robert blushed but the teen did tell the twins about the time on the cruise ship and how that all that happened. Robert failed to mention the time he and Eric were caught naked sleeping in his bed, but he figured they didn't need to know that, at least yet. The twins laughed at the telling of the tale and when Robert finished telling it the four lads were squeaky clean.
The lads headed to their respective bedrooms to get dressed for the day. When they were all clothed they four headed towards the front stairs.
"Hey … what's the stairway at the other end of the hall for?" asked Kevin.
"Let's take a look," responded Robert, with a knowing smile.
The four lads walked to the back stairway and headed down. When they exited it they found themselves at the garage end of the Kitchen Nook. When the four lads entered the Nook from that end it definitely took Mr. Dan by surprise. Mr. Ken heard the four lads and one dog coming down the stairs so he didn't even look up from his newspaper.
"Good morning 'dad'" called out Robert.
"Good morning 'dad' and Good morning to you to Mr. Dan," said Charles.
"Good morning Mr. Ken, Mr. Dan," said the twins.
Chief got her 'Good Mornings' in, too, by first jumping up on Mr. Ken and getting a hug and some ear scratches and then going to Mr. Dan for the same. She also gave the two men a few doggie kisses in exchange.
"Good morning Kevin. I hope you slept well last night," replied Mr. Ken.
"I'm not Kyle, I'm Kevin," blurted out the oldest twin, who then realized what he just said.
"I know you're Kevin, that's why I called your name," teased Mr. Ken, as he grabbed for the lad and gave him a quick tickle attack.
"Hey … how did you know I was Kevin?" quickly asked the twin.
"Well, when I watched you two together at the hospital, I noticed something that struck me as being a bit different between the two of you, so I figured that's how I'll tell the two of you apart," replied Mr. Ken.
"That's NOT fair," cried out Kyle. "If you can tell us apart we can't fool you. Rats!"
Hearing what Kyle had to say made the rest of the people in the Kitchen Nook laugh. Then when the laughter died down, Mr. Ken asked the twins what they would like for breakfast. It was Charles who pouted and complained his 'dad' never asked him what he wanted for breakfast. That brought on some more laughter.
"Charles, I did ask you what you wanted for breakfast on your first morning here. After that, you were on your own. That will be the same for Kevin and Kyle. Now, boys, what would you like as long as it's breakfast tacos," now laughed The Cove's owner.
Robert then took over and showed the twins where Momma Maria keeps the breakfast tacos for them to heat up in the mornings when she isn't here. The teenager also explained there were three different types of cereal and he showed the twins where the milk was kept. The twins chose breakfast tacos and so Robert took the time to explain how to get them ready. Then, while the tacos were being reheated, Robert asked his new 'brothers' if they wanted milk or orange juice.
It was then Kyle looked out the Nook's large window and mentioned that someone was walking along the shoreline. Hearing that, Mr. Ken stood up to see who it was and recognizing it was Todd he told the twins who the teenager was and why he was down there.
"You're making Todd work before the picnic, 'dad'?" asked Robert.
"Why, yes, I am. That is what he gets paid to do and seeing he was at school all week he hadn't straightened up the shore, the beach or the docks. He knew when he took the position he would have to work weekends during the school year. Now, he gets to know what the job is all about," smiled Mr. Ken.
Robert only stood there open mouthed that his 'dad' would make the teenager work the day of that special Labor Day Picnic. But it was Charles who nudged his 'brother' to get over it as that if he had that job he would be the one out there cleaning up the shore, dock, and beach instead. That thought brought Robert out of his incredulousness realizing he had wanted his 'dad' to give him and Eric that job. Now, he was very happy he didn't have that job.
Mr. Dan just sat there taking it all in. He didn't want to disturb his host's focus on his newest foster sons, so he just ate his breakfast and drank his coffee.
It was after the four 'brothers' finished eating that Mr. Ken asked them to stay in the Kitchen Nook as he wanted to talk to them all about the upcoming day.
"First off, I want to tell the two new lads how good you both look in your new clothes. I hope they fit as well as they look on you. I also want you, two new members of The Cove, to know that you represent Three Finger Cove now and everything thing you do can reflect on not only on me but on your 'brothers' and The Cove overall. You looking good, as you do now, is just a small request I have for you as you live here. Even if you are out playing you should wear clean presentable clothes and if you rip or tear something let me know so I can have it repaired for you." offered Mr. Ken.
"Now, as for today," began Mr. Ken. With that beginning, The Cove's owner explained to the four boys and Mr. Dan that the Police Explorer's would begin to show up at around 11 AM and would be responsible for getting the cars parked in an orderly manner. He also told the lads there would be four lifeguards there today since he expected a lot more swimmers. He also mentioned to the boys that although he wasn't restricting play on the ramps he wanted them to try to keep the number of riders to a minimum.
The Cove's owner explained to the lads and Mr. Dan that with the Picnic starting at twelve noon they would be serving the meal at about 1 PM. Mr. Ken said he wanted the people to enjoy all the great foods he had ordered and he wanted them to enjoy them all day if need be. Their foster dad then directed the next part to them, the twins. He told them he would introduce them to the masses at one time, so he wouldn't have to do it 40 or 50 times, or more. The twins looked at one another and, with an unheard agreement between the twins, Kevin said they understood why he needed to do that and they would be OK with it.
"Robert, Charles, I want you to take Kevin and Kyle and show them where things are in the house so they don't get too disoriented. I also want you to check the locker rooms to make sure they are presentable. If need be pick up any trash and swimsuits and towels. The weather is cooperating with us, so I suspect many adults will use them to change. If any of your friends feel they will be embarrassed to change while an adult is in the locker room then have them use your bedrooms,' directed 'dad' Ken.
"It is past 10 AM and I'd say time is not on our side, so do what you can but don't get all grungy doing it. The four of you look nice and presentable so please … stay that way until we've met all our guests. Robert knows what I mean, so I'll let him explain it to you. Do any of you lads have any questions for me?" finished up 'dad' Ken.
None of the lads had any questions, so Robert led his 'brothers' out of the Kitchen Nook and headed down to the locker room first. Along the way, the teen pointed out important areas of the house the twins should be aware of. After taking care of the pool deck and the locker room, Robert suggested they go out and meet Todd. He wanted Kevin and Kyle to know who Todd was as they would see him around the house quite a bit.
"Hey, Todd," called out Robert, as the four Covers and Chief walked down to where he was working.
"Hi, guys. So, people are arriving already. I better work a bit faster," said the older teen.
"No, Todd … I wanted you to meet our newest 'brothers'," spoke up Robert.
"What? Mr. Ken has two more foster kids? Who would have thought? So, are you going to introduce them to me," now smiled Todd?
"Todd, this is Kevin," said Robert, as he placed his hand on the lad's shoulder.
"And this is Kyle," announced Charles.
"Hey, he's Kyle, I'm …" began Kevin, who was then rudely interrupted by Robert saying "Can it, Kevin. Remember, up in the Kitchen Nook, 'dad' identified you and I remember what you were wearing and you haven't changed since then."
"Todd, these two will try to confuse you by claiming they aren't who you call them, so be aware of that," spoke up Charles.
The twins' just laughed at what Charles said about them.
"So, when did you boys get here?" asked Todd.
"Last night," answered Kevin.
"Dang," offered Todd, not knowing what else to say.
"Todd, do you remember that accident earlier in the week? The one that tied up traffic for a long time? The one where some people were trapped in their vehicle and got burned?" asked Robert.
"Yeah," replied Todd.
"These are their boys. When we met them last night, the doctor told us their parents had already been sent to the burn unit down in San Antonio. He also told us it would probably take until the end of the school year for their burns to heal and their broken bones to mend. So, it looks like we'll have two new 'brothers' until May or June," giggled Robert, as he filled Todd in on the twins' situation.
"Glad to meet you," offered Todd, and he extended his hand to shake each of the twins hand. Then, Todd said, "Hey, I better get a move on, so the beach looks good for the picnic. My mom is bringing me clean clothes to change into after I take a shower. I'll talk to you guys later, then."
It was then the caterer arrived and began to set up for the picnic. They parked down at the end of the driveway which made it easier for them to haul the tents, tables, and chairs to where they would set it all up. After all of the tent pavilions were set up, the caterer began to set up the serving tables with white tablecloths, warming tray buffet servers for the hot and cold foods, as well as the plates and utensils. It took quite some time for the caterer to get set up for the picnic.
The four lads watched as the caterer workers went about setting up the canvass tents. None of the lads had ever seen such large shelters going up and they were amazed at how the few men could set up, not just one but three tents and stabilize them for the picnic. Robert knew 'dad' Ken hadn't used them for the 'School's Out' or the '13th Birthday Party' picnics and wondered why he did it for that one. He made a mental note to ask his 'dad' later.
When the lads saw the tents were all up and since they were down at the shoreline, Robert decided to tell the twins about the large boat called the Commander, the small Sunfish day-sailor sailboat, and the three PWCs and whose they were. The boys then went back to the house and the twins were shown the lower part of the house. After the mini-tour, the older boys took their new 'brothers' out to the skateboard ramps, so they knew what their 'dad' was talking about in the Kitchen Nook earlier.
Kyle wanted to try the ramps out but older brother Kevin nixed that idea. He reminded his younger brother that Mr. Ken wanted them to stay presentable until after all the guests got there and met them.
Time began to get away from the Cover boys, and they knew it was getting close to the Picnic start time as first the Police Explorer's began to arrive and then the lifeguards. Robert went inside to let his 'dad' know what was happening and then he joined his 'brothers' outside. The four Covers watched as people began to arrive before noon and the Explorer's directing them where to park.
Since the majority of the guests were Robert's and Charles' friends and their families, their friends came over to the Cover boys to meet the twins. And, even though Mr. Ken had planned to introduce Kevin and Kyle to all of their guests at one time, the twins got to meet some of the people as they arrived at The Cove.
After a while, Robert figured they'd better head back to the Patio and meet the people there as that would be what this 'dad' would want them to do. When the four lads were back on the patio, Robert explained how 'dad' Ken showed him how to be a host and meet and greet all the guests and to talk to everyone to find out how they were doing and enjoying the party
Robert told his 'brothers' not to worry about what to do but that they at least did talk to not only the kids but the adults there as well. Robert also told his 'brothers' there would be a few extra adults there that did not have kids of their own, but were still close friends of their 'dad' and thus a part of The Cove and that many worked closely with their 'dad'.
Ken Thomas and Dan Fischer came out onto the patio to check on things just as some of the guests began to arrive. Dan walked over to some of the adults he knew, while Mr. Ken went over to the caterer to talk to her about the foods. He wanted to know if everything would be ready for the one o'clock start time and learning the caterer was going to be on time, The Cove's owner went looking for his 'sons'
"Boys, as you can see people have already begun to arrive. I want you lads to mingle with our guests and talk to them about anything that comes up. Kyle, I would like you to stay with Robert while Kevin and Charles will stay together and meet and greet our guest. Don't worry about what to say as just to be out there showing yourself and welcoming our guests to The Cove. Kevin, Kyle, even if you are introduced to our guests I will still want to formally welcome you to The Cove just before we begin serving. Do any of you have any questions for me?" finished Mr. Ken.
The lads looked back and forth to one another and when none of them said anything, Mr. Ken sent them out to meet and greet and welcome their guests.
Robert immediately took Kyle over to meet his friends while Charles took Kevin to meet his friends. The twins had met many of them when they were out front, but now they would take a few more minutes to get to know them.
It was when Chuck and Trevor and their families arrived that Robert made it a point to have Kevin and Kyle meet Sam and Terran. The teenager wanted his new 'brothers' to get to know at least two lads their age before the picnic got into full swing. Then, when Wyatt and Dominic arrived, he took the twins over to meet them as well. Now the twins had four lads their own age they could hang with and get to know before school started for them that coming Tuesday.
The guests were all there by 12:45. Mr. Ken had spread the word that they would start eating at about one o'clock after a few remarks. While Mr. Ken greeted and welcomed his guests, some of his guests sought out people they met at previous picnics. Dan Chassen, the older Cover lad's school teacher, looked for Wayne Mitchell, a recent college graduate, to find out what the younger twenty-three-year-old was now doing. While Dan was looking for Wayne, the recent graduate was looking for Judy Turner and Mary Taylor. Those were two women whom he met earlier that summer and he wanted to talk to them some more as he enjoyed the company of 'seasoned' adults versus all the young graduates he spent four years with.
As the crowd gathered and the adults talked to other parents, Cooper Henchler, aka Coop, saw Mr. Ken standing in the corner looking over the gathered crowd. The preteen walked over to the man dragging along an older teen.
"Mr. Ken," began Coop, "I want you to meet my older brother, Conner, Conner Henchler. Conner is sixteen and a sophomore."
"Well, welcome, Conner. I never knew which of Charles' friends had brothers and sisters. You are the first one that I've met here today. I hope you'll enjoy yourself here today as I have lots of things for everyone to get involved in. So … you're a sophomore. Do you know Todd, Todd Foster?" asked Mr. Ken.
Conner smiled and said he did and he wanted to know why the man had asked. It was then Mr. Ken told the sixteen-year-old that Todd was there somewhere, in the crowd, so he'd have at least one lad his own age he could hang with if he ever got bored.
It was then Copper spoke up and told The Cove's owner he had hoped his older brother would go swimming with him and his friends and play some 'King of the Raft; with them. Conner didn't have a clue of what his younger preteen brother was talking about, so Mr. Ken took the teen over to the edge of the patio and pointed out the two water rafts floating out in the lagoon. Seeing the two huge rafts put a smile on the teenager's face and then he ruffled his younger brother's hair telling the younger Henchler he was 'on'.
It was then Todd and his mom, Emma, came over to his employer. The woman wanted to thank Mr. Ken for inviting them to that wonderful picnic, but she also wanted to again thank the man for giving her son the Beach Master's job.
Hearing the term 'Beach Master' and learning that Todd worked there at The Cove was an eye opened for Conner. The teenager never knew that Todd worked anywhere let alone The Cove and was intrigued by that fact. Conner asked Todd about what he did, so Todd excused himself and his friend from his mom and Mr. Ken and they walked away. Mr. Ken could hear the pride in Todd's voice as he began to explain what he did there at The Cove to Conner.
"Well, hello, Mr. Ken," offered Joyce Cambelle, as she came up to the man.
"Oh, hello there, Joyce. I hope you're having a good time at the picnic. I know it only just started but there are loads of people here that you probably haven't met yet as Charles makes new friends all the time," replied Ken Thomas.
"Oh, I'm sure I'll be busy enough, that is … I hope you'll be available to escort me around this very large estate," seductively said Joyce.
Ken heard the way she said what she did and he had to think fast. It was then that Dylan Allenbee came over to introduce his family to their host. Mr. Ken excused himself from the obvious intentions of the woman and gave Charles' friend his attention.
"Mr. Ken, I want you to meet my mom and dad, Ellie and Nolan. I'm not sure if you met them at the Main Gate or not. And I also want you to meet my younger brother Noah, he's in the 5th grade, and this is my sister Charlotte. She's in the 4th grade.
"I want to thank you for inviting all of us here to The Cove. I've had a great time here ever since Charles invited me over and my brother and sister have heard me talking to my mom and dad about this place and they wanted to be invited. I hope they have as good a time here as I've always had. Thank you again for inviting my entire family," finished Dylan.
Mr. Ken stopped and talked to Ellie and Nolan for a few minutes, but their younger children wanted to see more of what there was for them to do after they ate. The adults agreed they'd talk more as the afternoon moved along.
Another one of Charles' friends, Tyler, Tyler Bracen, saw his friend Dylan talking to Mr. Ken so he decided to take his family over to meet Mr. Ken.
"Mr. Ken, I'm not sure if you've met my mom and dad, but this is my mom Madelyn and my dad George. I also have a younger sister. Her name is Bailey and she is 10 and in the 5th grade. I've already shown her the skateboard ramps and the water rafts and she can't wait until we can get wet and she gets to climb to the top. Not sure if she'll want to be thrown off the top though," laughed Tyler.
The adults talked about what their son and his friend Charles had been doing these past few weeks, but they told Mr. Ken they saw a big difference in their son's maturity and helpfulness around the house. They told Mr. Ken they attributed it to his allowing Tyler to be a part of The Cove and enjoy all its amenities.
Madelyn and George told Mr. Ken they weren't thrilled at first when they learned that the lads were allowed to use the grill. But they clarified themselves saying that when they heard how all the boys took turns cooking and getting things ready and then putting it all away they knew they needed to give their son more responsibility. They told Mr. Ken they now allow him to do more things alone and with his friends, so he was ready for being a teenager and an eventual adult. Ken Thomas thanked the Bracen's for their honest opinions about what their son was allowed to do and he hoped Tyler would continue to be the wonderful young man he knew him to be.
David Fritzer, Dave, saw that Tyler and Dylan had gone over to Mr. Ken to present their families to the man, so he asked his parents to go with him so he could also introduce them to the man who has made his summer the best ever.
"Mr. Ken, I would like you to meet my mom, Sophie, and my dad, Nolan. I also want to thank you for allowing me to come here every day and have the best summer of my life," announced David.
"Why thank you, David. All of Charles' and Roberts' friends are welcome here as long as they behave themselves. And, from what I know and hear none of Charles' or Robert's friends have ever been asked to leave. I am also very happy you are one of Charles' good friends. He's had to learn what it was like to live in the lap of luxury and then he had his surgery so his summer hasn't been all that exciting as it may have been for his new friends," responded Mr. Ken.
"Ahh, Mr. Ken … my husband and I," began Sophie, "… well, we want to also thank you for taking our son to Sea World. We usually do things like that as a family but when your security manager, Lieutenant Fischer, asked that David be allowed to go I was at first a bit hesitant. It was my husband who convinced me that we needed to let David do thighs without us as he was growing up and needed to learn how to act and be on his own.
"Mr. Ken …. I want you to know that was the best thing we ever did for our son. He came home from that visit so enthused about what he did and how he learned to love roller coasters that Nolan and I are going to let David do more and more of these types of excursions with his friends. We know now that we can't coddle our boy all his life and his needs to learn to be on his own even if he is with other adults and friends. Mr. Ken … what you've offered our boy, and his friends, is something we could never have done on our own, so again Thank You for being the man you are."
Mr. Ken began to walk around some more and as he walked he realized that some of the lads had been taught enough manners so as to introduce their family when they were out at a function like the picnic and they didn't know if the host knew everyone in the family, or not.
As the Host walked around the picnic grounds, he was happy that some families were talking and getting to know one another better. He knew bringing that many people together might not be the best thing for communication but he also knew there was no better way for his 'sons' friends and their families to get to know the other families than by getting them all together for a picnic and some fun.
It was while Mr. Ken was walking around and greeting his guests that Brad Sullivan came up to him and introduced his brother Brant to him. Brad apologized for never mentioning the 10-year-old to him before, but in his defense, he said it never came up in conversation and that no one had ever asked him if he had any brothers and sisters. The three had a good laugh over it. It was then Mr. Ken asked Brant about how he and Ryan were getting along.
"Ohh, you heard about what happened at school yesterday. I'm not proud of what I did, now that I know more about Ryan, but I guess I should have never did it in the first place. I am hoping we can be friends and I can't wait until he and his brother and dad get here. Do you know when they'll be here?" asked Brant in the end.
"Brant, I am also looking forward to meeting Frank Longger and his two boys, Richard and Ryan. I've heard a lot about them and now that it looks like Richard is going to be one of Charles' friends I am looking forward to talking to them all. I'll make sure to let Ryan know you are looking for him when I see him," replied Mr. Ken.
The two Sullivan's thanked their Host for talking to them and they both headed off to find some of their other friends.
It was nearing the time Mr. Ken had set aside for the Labor Day Picnic meal to be served so he headed towards a small podium he had set up so he could talk to his guests without straining his voice. As the man walked up to the device he motioned to his 'boys' they should begin moving in that same direction. The twins knew they needed to be there so their foster dad could properly introduce them to everyone. They also knew after they ate they could join in all the fun The Cove had to offer.
Mr. Ken got behind the lectern and asked for everyone's attention. It took him a few minutes to get everyone's attention but before long everyone was watching the man behind the dais.
"Ladies and gentlemen and kids of all ages, Welcome to Three Finger Cove," chuckled Ken Thomas.
"I am thankful you all have agreed to join me and my 'sons' at this Labor Day Picnic, on this beautiful day. And speaking of my 'sons', I want to formally introduce you to my two newest foster lads, Kevin and Kyle Parchsons.
"I'm sure you all heard about the vehicle pile-up that occurred earlier this week when five vehicles were involved. Unfortunately, my two newest foster sons and their mom and dad were in that accident. It is because their mom and dad have such serious injuries that I was again asked to foster some lads who are placed in circumstances beyond their control.
"So, at this time I want to introduce you to Kevin and Kyle. They arrived last night and will probably be a part of The Cove until the end of the school term in early June. So, I ask you all to help me welcome them to The Cove and wish them well as they heal and enjoy living at The Cove."
With at said, the crowd all clapped to welcome Kevin and Kyle to The Cove. The twins smiled and waved their arms to the assembled group in a show of appreciation.
After the applause settled down, Mr. Ken announced that the serving lines would soon be opened and he encouraged his guests to eat hardily and to enjoy any of the foods at any time during the rest of the day. It was as Ken Thomas was about to invite his guests to start through the serving lines that he and his guests heard from out on the lake, "Ahoy, The Cove. … Ahoy, The Cove. Permission to approach and tie up at your dock?"
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