Just before Mr. Ken went back inside, Robert called him over.
"'Dad' … who cut the grass in the open field?" asked the teenager.
"Hmmm, you got me, 'son'. I'll have to ask Mr. Chris if he hired someone to cut it. They must have done it yesterday while we were all gone. Hey … might you and Eric be interested in cutting that field and then doing the trimming and such; for pay, of course? You told me you wanted to earn some money, didn't you? It will take you guys away from your friends since you could only do that when you are off school, like on a Saturday or Sunday or maybe even on a Holiday. So, what do you say?" asked 'dad' Ken.
"'Dad', let me talk to Eric and see what he says. What would we use if we decide to take on the job?" replied Robert.
"Well, Danny and Todd used to use the 54-inch zero-turn mower that's in the Storage Garage. Then they trimmed things up using the edger/trimmer that's in there, too. Haven't you ever looked inside the garage?" asked 'dad' Ken.
"Well, there isn't a real need for me to look in there. The last time I saw what was inside there was after we put the leftover wood and materials away from the 'build'," replied Robert.
"Ok, go get Eric. Let's walk over there and take a look," offered Mr. Ken, as he began to walk over to the metal Storage Garage.
Robert went over to Eric and told him what he and his 'dad' were talking about. The two teens then walked over to catch up with 'dad' Ken. The teenagers' friends saw the two Covers walking towards the garage and they began to follow.
"Hey, Charles, why are the older guys walking over to that building?" asked Hunter.
"I don't know. I've never been in there. Let's go look," replied Charles.
That said the twelve-year-old friends of Charles began walking over to the small garage. Before long the twins and their friends followed.
"'Dad' what are you and Robert and Eric talking about over here? I've seen this building but I've never been inside it," said Charles, as he walked over with his friends.
"Stand back and listen and learn," was all 'dad' Ken said to the pre-teen.
Mr. Ken opened the Storage Garage entrance door and walked in while Robert and Eric looked on. He had told the teens to wait outside the roll-up garage door and soon the owner of The Cove opened that door. There in the middle of the garage floor stood the 54-inch zero-turn mower.
"'Dad', we'd get to ride that?" honestly asked Robert.
"This is what Danny and Todd used to mow the grass out in the field. It is not a play toy, 'son'. If you and Eric decide you want the job you would be responsible for cutting and trimming the field from the main drive, along the wall, over to the lake and back along the parking corral and wherever it needs to be trimmed. All of it to be done by you two. The string trimmer, as you can see, is hanging up there on the side wall," explained 'dad' Ken. "There are also hearing defenders and protective glasses for you to use when you do use the mower and trimmer."
"Can you show us how to use it?" asked Robert.
By now all the kids had converged on the Storage Garage and they were listening and watching. Mr. Ken started up the mower and drove it out into the parking corral and the kids scattered from in front of it. The man stopped the mower, but did not turn it off.
"Robert, Eric, come over here and let me explain how to operate this," called out Mr. Ken.
The man then showed the teens how the handlebars moved the mower right or left and that the foot controls regulated the speed and the brake. He then got on the machine and drove it some in the parking corral to show the lads. Mr. Ken got off the mower and had Robert get on but before he allowed the teen to drive it anywhere, he had all the boys back up a quite a bit just in case it got away from the teenager.
Robert slowly increased his speed while he pushed the handlebars forward or reverse. He saw how easy it was to drive, but he was only going about a tenth of the speed it could go. Then Eric got on and tried on the mower for size. He did what his Best Friend had done and he liked the feel of the mower and the feeling of power it transferred to his body.
When Eric turned the mower off, Charles quickly asked his 'dad' if he could try it. Mr. Ken told the young lad that the mower was not a play toy and his older 'brothers' were trying it out to see if they wanted the job of cutting the field every other week and trimming and edging all around the field. Charles was disappointed he didn't get the chance to ride it, but none of the other lads did either, so he understood that Robert and Eric were checking it out to see if they wanted the job.
"Boys, I only showed you how to sort of drive the mower. There is also the mower blade that needs to be engaged and because of the noise, it makes you'll have to wear headphones and eye protection in case any debris is thrown up towards your face. Keep in mind you'll have to do this job about every other week and it will take a good part of the day that you won't be able to hang with by your friends. Also, keep in mind that none of your friends can ride this mower or be around when you are out doing your job.
Just then Todd came over to the group.
"Oh, hi there Mr. Ken," offered the older teen.
Then seeing the riding mower was out of the Storage Garage Todd got scared he'd done something wrong, so he asked, "Mr. Ken … did I … did I do something wrong … with the riding mower?".
"No, Todd, Robert and Eric are considering accepting the job of taking care of the field," laughed Mr.
"Oh, I thought I did something wrong with the mower when I put it away yesterday, Mr. Ken," offered a much relieved Todd.
"Oh, so it was you who cut the grass, then!" sort of asked Mr. Ken.
"Yes, sir … the field hadn't been cut since before we went back to school, so when I came to check the beach, the dock and the shoreline I figured I'd cut the grass first and come back today and do my regular Beach Masters job of cleaning the beach and the shoreline and then work around the docks to see what the Commander and Wave Runners might need," explained the older teenager.
"Thank you, Todd, for doing that, but your main job here is being my Beach Master," chuckled Mr. Ken. "But I am happy to see you took the initiative when you saw something needed to be done and you knew how to do it. Mr. Chris and I had talked about finding someone to take over what you and Danny used to do, but I guess with everything going on we both forgot. I need to make sure Mr. Chris adds something to your paycheck seeing you did what needed to be done."
"That won't be necessary, Mr. Ken. I did it because …" was all Todd got out before being cut off by his boss, Mr. Ken.
"Nonsense Todd, you did a job you used to get paid for, and you'll get paid for it this time, too. I knew I needed to find someone to cut the field, but I, well, it was my mistake for not hiring someone to do it," sort of apologized Mr. Ken.
"Well, if you want me to, I can continue to still do it, but it does take a large amount of time when one person does it," explained Todd.
"Todd, let me ask you, how long did it take you to do the entire field yesterday?" directly asked Mr. Ken.
"Well, from the time I got the mower out and checked it to make sure it had enough gas and oil, until I finished trimming and edging all around and then cleaning the mower and putting everything away it took meeeee … I'd have to say … 4 hours minimum; maybe a bit longer. But you have to remember I've been doing that for about 2 years and I know the ins and outs and the best ways to make it go, you know, smoother, faster.
"I'd have to say the first time I cut the grass with Danny it took us together … a good 3 to 3 and a half hours. Then we cleaned the mower. So, a good 4 hours the first few times we both did it. It used to take Danny a good 6 hours plus by himself, but he cut it down to 5 hours plus, if I remember right. That was because the field was so much smoother after we leveled it" fully explained Todd, on how long it took him and Danny to cut the field.
"There you are, boys. You heard it from the man who did the job for a good two years. I'm not trying to talk you out of doing the job, on the contrary. Eric, Robert came to me when I offered the Beach Master job to Todd and asked if I had a job for you and him you can do so you both could earn some money. Here is your chance.
"You both heard how much time it will take you away from your friends and they can't be out there helping you, either. Mowing the field is an important job; a very responsible job; and it is also a serious job. You have to make sure the mower is gassed up and has oil when you first start out. After you are done, you'll have to clean the mower to make it look as good as you see it is now.
"Todd … do you have a few extra minutes that you can take the boys out to the field and show them the ropes. You know to show them how to start the mower, the blades, and raise and lower the deck and at what level you usually set the mower deck. Let them drive it for a few minutes to get the feel of the machine. Then show them how to use the trimmer, etcetera?" asked Mr. Ken of his Beach Master.
"Yes, sir, I have the time. I only came over today to check the beach and shoreline and then make sure the Commander has gas as well as the WaveRunners," replied Todd.
"Thanks, Todd, and the boys will be happy to help you clean the beach for taking your time to show them all about the mower. Won't you boys?" laughed Mr. Ken, looking at Robert and Eric.
Todd asked the rest of the lads to go back to the ramps while he talked to Robert and Eric. He told them Robert and Eric didn't need an audience, or to be distracted while they learned about a very serious machine. The lads did as they were asked, although Charles wanted to see what his older 'brothers' were learning just in case he wanted to do that job when he got older.
The twins were just as much interested in how the machine worked and if they could ride it. That was something they didn't have at home and it looked like it could be fun, too. Unfortunately for Charles and the twins, Todd asked them to go over to the ramps and join their friends. The three younger Covers walked away a bit unhappy but they knew Todd was right.
"Charles," started Kevin, "Why would 'Dad Ken' want Robert and Eric to know how to use that machine?"
"I think it must be that 'dad' is looking for someone to cut the field, and he is asking Robert and Eric if they wanted the job first. By what Todd just said he and another kid must have been responsible to do it," answered Charnels.
"But why isn't Todd still doing it, you know, cutting the field?" asked Kevin.
"Didn't you hear 'dad' say that Todd's job now is to be his Beach Master?" replied Charles.
"But what is that job?" asked Kevin.
"Kevin, Todd takes care of the boats and makes sure they are ready to go and are clean. He is also responsible for the entire shoreline to include raking the beach. Haven't you ever seen the rake lines in the sand?" asked Charles.
"Oh, OK, now I know what you are saying," replied Kevin.
"Yeah, I wondered who did that. He makes the beach look kinda neat the way he makes those designs in the sand," piped up Kyle.
The rest of the lads heard what Charles and the twins were talking about and it was Brad who said, "Hey, what if we could help Todd out by walking the shoreline and picking up any trash and junk while he is showing Robert and Eric all about the mower. That way he won't have to spend a lot of time doing it. Then, maybe, he could maybe swim with us, then?"
"Yeah, I'll bet there aren't many days left we'll be able to swim in the lagoon. The water will begin to cool off pretty soon, and then it won't be any fun swimming in the lagoon or even getting thrown into the colder waters, "offered Cooper.
So, that's what the boys did. As Todd was showing the two Cover teens how to use and drive the zero-turn mower, the large group of friends all headed down to the shoreline and began to walk it. Some started at the culvert where Charles was held by Smokey, but they hadn't been told that yet, while the others began at the other property line. Both groups headed towards each other while they picked up any trash they found.
Mr. Ken had gone inside after he asked Todd to show Robert and Eric the ropes on the mower. It wasn't long after he sat down at his desk that he decided to go to the Kitchen Nook to get a fresh cup of coffee. As he looked out the Kitchen Nook window, he saw the other lads come around the garage side of the house and split off into two groups. He wondered what that was all about, so he watched.
What he saw amazed him. The group of lads had split into two groups and each had gone to a different end of the property and began picking up any junk that had floated to the shoreline over the past week. They didn't have trash bags, so he watched as they gathered the flotsam and put into a pile.
The owner of The Cove was not only amazed, but he was thrilled that the lads had taken the initiative to do that. He told himself that the boys must have heard what he asked Todd to do, and since it was taking time into his job as Beach Master, the boys decided to pitch-in and take care of that part for him.
About a half-hour later, Charles and the twins came into the Study to ask their 'dad' a question.
"'Dad', what's the combination to the locker on the dock? We want to get the rake out and see if we can make those neat designers in the sand like Todd does," asked and explained the pre-teen.
"Yeah, 'Dad Ken' we want to see if we can do as good as Todd does," added Kevin.
Mr. Ken smiled at the boys for what they wanted to do. He was even prouder on his insides because yet again, his boys, no, all the boys wanted to help without being asked. Mr. Ken got up from behind his desk and walked with his three lads down to the Storage Locker on the dock.
While Charles and the twins went inside to talk to Mr. Ken, Jacob and Hunter were talking.
"Can you believe we did what we just did?" asked Hunter of his friend Jacob.
"Yeah, it was kinda fun doing that," replied Jacob. "I'd never have done something like this at home because, well, we have people do that sort of stuff. But you know what … ever since we've been coming over here none of the other boys … none of them ever complain they have to do any of the things they do here, like cooking on the grill, or getting the stuff out for the barbeque."
"Yeah, I know, like when it is time to cook. All the kids jump right in and help. Even we do, now," laughed Hunter. "My parent's would have a cow if I did that at home," added Hunter.
It was David who overheard the two friends talking and he jumped into the conversation.
"Guys, my parents would have acted the same as yours, I bet. It wasn't until that time I went to SeaWorld with Charles and Mr. Dan and the others that my parents began to let me try things around the house. I can use the grill now. When we have something simple like burgers, they let me get the grill ready and they allow me to cook them.
"They even let me cook some steaks one night, but I didn't do too well. I burned them some. Then my dad explained how to cook them and make them perfect. We still ate the steaks. But, my mom and dad told me how it was a learning experience as we sat there and ate. They hugged me when we were finished. They then showed me how to load the dishwasher," laughed David.
"They told me that if I want to learn how to do things I also needed to know how to clean up afterwards, too. Then they helped me. It was fun. It was actually fun that I and my parents did something together that before I started coming over here it would have never happened," finished the pre-teen.
Asher and Mason chimed in and told the three how they have been able to do more and more around their own houses. A few other lads heard the conversation and after listening in they had to agree that if they hadn't been coming over there their parent would never have learned they helped with the setup, cooking, and cleaning up after their barbeques. By then the rest of the lads added their own anecdotes of how life has changed at home for them as well.
Mr. Ken came outside and down to the dock and opened the Storage Locker. Charles grabbed the rake and ran over to the beach and began to rake in a design. Kevin took the other one and started on the opposite side. Logan saw the trash bags and told the guys to get a few and start putting the trash into them. He then said they could let Todd deal with that. The group all had a good laugh. Even Mr. Ken had to laugh at what Logan said as it was funny the way he said it.
As all the boys were helping Todd, Todd was showing Robert and Eric all about the mower. He showed them the way Danny showed him because that was the only way he knew. After he had each teen start and stop the mower, he had them drive it. He told them to go slow at first and make simple turns right and then left. After they both had tried that, Todd had them go in reverse so they knew they could do that if they ever got stuck.
Then Todd showed them how to lower and raise the mower deck. He had them each do that and then he sent them off re-cutting some of the fields he'd done yesterday. He told them to go slow to again get the feel of the mower and to try to go straight, turn and then come back on a different line. Todd could hear the laughter as each teenager took the controls and drove the zero-turn mower around on the field.
Down on the beach, after all the trash had been placed into the trash bags, all the boys wanted a chance to try making different designs into the beach sand. With only two rakes, they had to share and there wasn't too much squabbling while Mr. Ken watched. The owner of the Cove then asked the boys, after they all had a turn, to let Todd do his thing since that was what he was paid to do.
The boys were having a good time doing something they never had the opportunity to do before, but they knew Mr. Ken wanted Todd to finish working the beach, so after a few minutes, they all headed back to the ramps.
After an hour and Mr. Ken hadn't seen Todd, Robert or Eric, he went out to see what was going in the field. When he got there he saw Eric out on the mower going back and forth in a pretty good line and smiling big. He walked over to Robert and Todd to get an update on the mower experience.
"How's it going?" asked the owner of The Cove.
Robert looked at his 'dad' and smiled and said, "That is fun, 'dad'. It isn't all that hard to operate, either."
"Todd, did you show them how to use the trimmer yet?" asked Mr. Ken.
"Oh, sorry, I forgot. They are really good students," replied Todd. "I'll go get the trimmer and show Robert while Eric is out there riding the mower.
The older teen came back with the trimmer, some ear defenders and safety glasses for them both and the special fuel the trimmer uses. Todd first had Robert put on the ear defenders and safety glasses and then he showed Robert how to fill the trimmer up with the special gas they used. He then showed the younger teen how to start it and how to hold it once he got it going. Todd then showed the younger teen how to use it to trim the tall grass and weeds away from the side curb facing out from the parking corral.
While Robert used the trimmer, Mr. Ken asked Todd how he got over there the last two days. Todd smiled big and told the man he just turned 16 on the 13th and now had his driver's license. Mr. Ken congratulated the teen and asked him if he called Mr. Dan to tell him the good news.
"No, sir, I haven't. Mr. Ken, I owe Mr. Dan a lot for taking me out driving and explaining some things about being a good driver. He gave me a lot more pointers I hadn't been told by my high school driving instructor, or my mom, and he even took the time to take me out driving while you were away back in August. To be honest, with school and homework and coming over here this weekend, I feel bad now that I haven't called him. Do you think he is home, so I can call him?" explained Todd.
"Todd, he is working the day shift. He is either at his desk or out driving a County Police car. Why don't you give him a call and see if he picks up," suggested Mr. Ken?
Todd walked a few feet away and pressed Dan's number on his cell phone. When the call was picked up Todd got a real big smile on his face.
Mr. Ken had the teens bring the mower back in. He told them to think about taking the job and to let him know later in the week, or by Friday at the latest. But, before he let them lock up the Storage Garage, he made them clean the mower like it was when they started. He then walked back into the house.
The rest of the day went by fast for the boys. They did go back to skating but eventually, they decided to swim. Logan went over to Todd and asked him to swim with them now that he had some time since they picked up the trash off the shoreline. Todd was a bit reluctant because he was three, four and in some case five years older than the lads. It was when he saw Mr. Ken come out dressed in his swimsuit that he decided to swim, too.
"Mr. Ken, are you going to swim with the boys?" directly asked Todd.
"Actually, Todd, I'm going to take the twins out on the Jet Ski. They've never been on it and I figured before the cold weather gets here I'd give them one last chance. Hey, why don't you come along and follow me on the WaveRunner? I'm not going to go very far. I also want to take their friends out on it too," explained Mr. Ken.
"Yeah, that sounds good. Let me go change and then I'll get them checked out and open the life preserver locker," replied Todd.
Robert saw Todd checking out the Jet Ski and a WaveRunner and he quickly ran over to find out what was going on. When he heard Mr. Ken was taking the twins out on the Jet Ski, he ran over to his 'dad' and asked him if he could take the other one out. 'Dad' Ken told him it would be best if he stayed with his friends, and the other boys, and held down the fort as he was 'in charge'. Robert wasn't happy, but he knew he'd better not argue because the twins had never been out on the personal watercraft and this would be a treat for them.
Mr. Ken told the twins what he planned to do and they both got big smiles on their faces. He had them each put on a life preserver and then the three got on the Jet Ski. Todd followed him out the lagoon on another PWC, the WaveRunner. They went out on the lake and Mr. Ken went fairly fast but not full out. They were gone about ten minutes when the man came back and asked which of the twin's friends was next. Eight hands went up.
Todd followed along each and every time Mr. Ken took another pair of eleven-year-olds out on the lake. As he rode along, the older teen could see the wide smiles on each lad's face as they rode out on the back of that fast machine with Mr. Ken. It took over an hour to ride all ten lads and by that time Mr. Ken was beat from the pounding he took from the lake's small waves.
When Mr. Ken and Todd tied up the watercraft, Robert asked if he and two others, who had the Coast Guard training, could take them out for a little time. Mr. Ken said they could, but only for about ten minutes. Of course, Robert and Eric were two of the first ones to take the PWC's out. Brad took the third PWC. When they returned, Gordon, Chuck and Trevor went out.
Mr. Ken and Todd did swim with the lads, but they didn't play 'King of the Raft' with them. Mr. Ken did throw a few of the smaller lads off the top, but overall it was just a fun swim for all the boys.
The time passed by so quickly for the busy lads that they totally forgot about cooking burgers and dogs. Then, when they did think about it they decided their parents would be there soon, so it would be best not to cook that day. Since it was Sunday, and the boys had school the next day, the parents came to The Cove at about 5 PM to pick their son or sons up. Some stayed to talk to Mr. Ken, but most were fixing dinner and wanted to get home. The reporters had all left by then.
Mr. Ken told his 'sons' to get cleaned up and they'd go out to the Four Corners Diner to eat and then they'd try out the Go-Karts. The boys quickly ran up the stairs to get cleaned up. Mr. Ken then paid the lifeguards and told them to plan next weekend, too. The man then went to get himself cleaned up. It was going on 5:40 when the Cover's went out to dinner.
At the Diner, the Covers talked about the weekend as they ate. The twins talked some more about their parents and the possibility of them getting out sooner than expected. Robert talked to his 'dad about the job cutting the field. Charles, well, he just sat back and listened to what his 'brothers' had to say.
Then, when the conversation began to falter, Charles asked his 'dad' about the SeaWorld Howl-O-Scream and if they would be going. That brought about another round of discussions with Mr. Ken telling the boys he had to get with Mr. Chris on Monday to get the particulars. After they ate, they walked over to the Go-Kart track and got in line.
"'Dad Ken', are we old enough to drive those cars?" asked Kevin.
"Kevin, it isn't really about your age, but if you are tall enough. Looking at you two, I think both you and your brother are tall enough to drive the Go-Karts. So, what do you say? You want to try them?" replied Mr. Ken.
Hearing Kevin's question started Robert and Charles telling the twins how to drive and when to try to pass and it was just getting the twins confused. Seeing this was their very first time ever driving a go-kart Mr. Ken then talked to Kevin and Kyle. He told them to just take their time driving and have fun. He told them to drive as fast as they felt safe and to let the others pass them. Mr. Ken told them not to worry about being the first across the Finish Line but to get around the course and enjoy the ride.
When it came time for them to load into the karts, Mr. Ken told the operator he and the twins would start in the last three karts. Mr. Ken showed them the gas and brake pedals and told them to just go out and have fun. Then, he got in his kart and waited for the green light.
When the race started, those out in front quickly got up to speed and jumped well ahead of Mr. Ken and the twins. Mr. Ken kept pace with the younger lads and encouraged them to go a bit faster as they drove the course. The twins weren't more than halfway around the course when they were passed by their big 'brothers'. Being passed made Kyle want to go faster and he did.
Kevin saw Kylee jump out and go much faster than they were going, so he pressed his gas pedal down more as he tried to catch up with his twin. Mr. Ken stayed behind Kevin to act as a block to those who might cause the twins to panic and spin out or otherwise cause a block on the course. When the other seven go-kart drivers came around to pass the twins they had to contend with Mr. Ken sort of blocking them.
After their third time around, the twins had picked up their speed so that when Mr. Ken passed them they were smiling and laughing at the same time. He told them to hurry up as he went by them as fast as he could. By the end of the race, if you want to call what the twins did, Kevin and Kyle were excited as though it was Christmas morning.
"'Dad Ken', that was the best time I can ever remember," called out Kevin.
"That was fun!" exclaimed Kyle. "Can we do that again?"
Robert and Charles had already planned to ask their 'dad' if they could ride again and they were very happy the twins asked first. Mr. Ken looked at his watch to see what time it was and seeing it wasn't all that late he decided to get them all back in line.
While waiting to go again, Kevin and Kyle hogged the conversation about how they drove this way and did that to go around the turns but also how fast they'd gone. Their older 'brother's smiled at their younger 'brothers' enthusiasm and Mr. Ken could only inwardly simile at the fun the twins just experienced. The line went faster their second time around due to there being school the next day and many kids were already going home.
On their second ride around the Go-Kart track, Kevin and Kyle did much, much better. 'Dad Ken' stayed with them at first, but as the lads got to going faster and faster he let them have their way and moved out to try to challenge Robert and Charles. The twins got passed on their second try, as well, but they sure were having a good time, so they didn't care.
When that race was over, the four Cover lads all wanted to do it again, but this time Mr. Ken said they had to get home in order to get settled before bed. They did stop at DQ for a quick ice cream cone, that night, before heading home. Mr. Ken did get a dish of ice cream to take home for Chief.
"Thank you for taking all of us to the Go-Kart track, 'Dad Ken'. That was so much fun to do, that I hope we can do it again, and soon," offered Kevin, who then went and hugged Mr. Ken.
"I have to agree with my brother, "'Dad Ken'. I can't ever remember having such a good day and then finishing it off with some more fun," piped up Kyle, who then hugged Mr. Ken as his older twin had.
"Yeah, thanks 'dad'," said Charles. "I love it when we do things together like we are a family. I never did stuff like this until I came here and I don't want to ever leave!"
Charles statement caught the twins by surprise. They forgot how Charles had come to The Cove and they never really knew what kind of home life he had before. They looked at one another and doing what twins can do best, they talked to each other without saying a word. When they were finished talking, they went over to Charles and hugged him.
Mr. Ken and Robert watched what went on between the three younger Covers and smiled to one another at what they saw. When the small group's hug was over 'dad' Ken and teen Robert joined in with their own hugs.
Since they all had ice cream at DQ before coming home, Mr. Ken nixed the idea of a late night snack. Instead, he asked the lads to go up to their rooms and make sure all their homework was done and they had their books ready for school the next day.
As the boys went up the stairs, Mr. Ken went to his Study to check for any calls while they were gone. He saw one was from Ms. Judy and seeing it was almost 9 PM he decided to call her in the morning. He also saw there was one from Dan and again seeing it was late and Dan didn't say how important it was to return his call, the owner of The Cove decided to return his call the next day, too.
Each of the lads came down to the Study to say goodnight to Mr. Ken before going to bed. Mr. Ken knew they would talk amongst themselves some, so he told Robert to make sure they were all in bed and lights were off by10. Robert smiled at his 'dad' and hugged him one more time and went back up to his room.
The boys did talk some in Robert's room but even before it was 10 PM he told his 'brothers' "to go pee and get in bed as they had a real busy day with swimming and riding the go-karts and the alarm clocks will wake them sooner than they thought."
The boys all slept soundly that night. Even Kevin slept through the night without ever thinking of what his dad told him about Julian taking him and his twin to live with him.
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