Three Finger Cove: Matthew ~ Book Five

At breakfast the next morning, Mr. Ken reminded Kevin he'd be signed out by Mr. Wayne at the usual time. He told Matthew to remind Greg and Aaron about bringing their skateboards, swimsuits, and towels.

"Boys, three weeks from today is Christmas day. Two weeks from tonight, we have our first Holiday Party. That doesn't give us much time to make sure we are all ready for these two important dates," advised 'dad' Ken.

Robert changed the subject by asking when they could start buying Christmas presents, and when would they get their money to do that. Mr. Ken told the boys they could begin tonight after dinner and continue Saturday and Sunday night, as well.

"Will someone hold my money for me?" asked Matthew. "Sure I'll be eleven, but ... well, I've never had more than ten dollars in my pockets at one time. And having, you know, one-hundred and seventy-five dollars is a lot of money, especially for an eleven-year-old to have to carry around with him."

The twins spoke up and said they never had any money to spend by themselves. They told everyone that their mom and dad were always with them when money was spent and they rarely handled it. Kyle said they could use it to buy some candy or a soda, but they never bought a big item like clothes, shoes, or toys.

Mr. Ken thought about that for a few moments, then he told the boys he and Mr. Wayne would be going with them, so he'll ask him how he thinks the money issue can be handled.

Matthew asked Mr. Ken what they could get Mr. Chris. He said he doesn't really know him, so how can he figure out what kind of present he can get him. The twins chimed in saying they don't really know him either, as they never sat down and talked with him.

'Dad' Ken thought for a few minutes, and then he told the boys, "You know what ... Mr. Chris could use a nice monogrammed leather briefcase. You five could all chip in and if there is any money left over you can get him a nice pen set."

"Then what do we get Mr. Wayne?" asked Kyle.

"Hmmmm, I think for a gag gift, since he is your Estate Master you can get him a whistle and lanyard. And maybe a red or yellow flag like the ones they use in football games. You tell him that when he sees you doing something he doesn't like he can blow his whistle and throw a flag."

The boys thought that was funny and said they would do that, but they wanted to know what sort of big gift they could get him. Charles asked if Mr. Wayne could use a good briefcase, too. Mr. Ken told the boys that a nice leather briefcase would be appropriate, or maybe they could get him a set of suitcases since we are traveling the day after Christmas and he might need some.

Robert looked at the time and told his 'brothers to hurry up and wash their faces and hands. He told them to wear a hat and that he'd meet them at the Foyer Door in three minutes. Mr. Ken smiled at the way Robert took charge and the boys didn't balk at his directions.

At school, Matthew quickly found Greg and Aaron who had big smiles on their faces. Matthew's other three friends came over and now there was a group of six hanging out together.

Greg and Aaron couldn't thank Matthew enough for inviting them over to The Cove. Greg said his parents weren't sure they wanted him to go over, but his mom said she'd call and make sure the invitation was legit.

Aaron told the group that Greg's mom called his mom after talking to Mr. Ken. He said the two mom's talked for about ten minutes before his mom called the phone number Robert had given him.

Matthew told his two new friends that he and his 'brothers' were in Mr. Ken's study when their mom's called. He told them he heard Mr. Ken's side of the conversation, but could guess what their mom's asked from what his 'dad' answered. The three boys then talked about the conversation they each heard from their own standpoint. The other boys just listened in.

Matthew did tell Aaron that his 'dad' did need chaperones for the Six Flags Trip and it sounded like his mom and maybe Greg's mom might be interested. Aaron said his mom started to talk to his dad and then they sent him to his room. All the boys laughed knowing they sent their son away so he couldn't hear what they were talking about.

Just then first bell rang and all six boys joined the rest of their schoolmates as they filed into the school and to their homerooms. The boys stopped at their lockers to hang up their coats and hats before entering their homeroom.

Mr. Ken and Mr. Wayne talked about how to handle the money situation for the boys. Mr. Ken told Wayne how Matthew and the twins reacted to having so much money on them at one time, and they wanted to know who was going to handle it for them.

Mr. Wayne suggested the boys needed to learn how to handle money and they shouldn't need all that money at the same time. He suggested they talk to the boys to see whom they were going to buy gifts for and only let them have that amount and maybe a little more. That way they can learn to keep track of what they have and to budget their monies.

Mr. Ken asked his Estate Master what he thought about letting the boys have Debit Cards. Mr. Wayne said the boys would learn how to budget their money, but they won't get the opportunity to handle it, count it, nor be responsible for it. Mr. Wayne stood by his original idea and told his boss that he firmly believed the boys needed to learn responsibility and not be afraid of handling monies.

After their discussion about how to handle the boys and their money, Mr. Ken told Mr. Wayne how much he was going to allot them. The two men talked about what the boys could get Mr. Chris. Mr. Ken told Wayne he suggested to them a nice monogrammed soft leather briefcase. The Cove's owner suggested the boys could commingle their monies in order to purchase it. Mr. Wayne agreed that would be a great idea.

The Cover men then talked about how they could coordinate taking the boys out to buy gifts. Mr. Ken said the boys need some time away from one another in order to buy their gag gifts for one another. Mr. Ken then had to explain what he told the boys about buying a gag gift for ten dollars or less. Mr. Wayne liked that idea otherwise Mr. Ken would need to add a zero to the amount he promised all of his 'son's'. The men had a good laugh over that.

At lunchtime at the school, word got around that Greg and Aaron were invited to The Cove by Matthew. Some of their classmates congratulated them and told them they wanted to know everything they did when they returned to school on Monday. Greg and Aaron felt like 'rock stars' with all the other boys and girls in their class talking to them.

Matthew felt bad for the rest of his classmates that he hadn't invited them, too. But, he remembered Mr. Ken telling him not to make friends with all of his classmates before they go to Six Flags. Matthew, though, had already told himself he wasn't going to have more good friends than any of his 'brothers' did.

Since Matthew didn't have a cell phone, and probably wouldn't for some time to come, Brant, and Noah made sure they had Greg's and Aaron's cell and home phone numbers. The two friends told Matthew that if he ever has to get in touch with them they could do it for him.

Brant then explained to the other five how Robert calls his friends who call the others and the word gets out. Matthew then remembered last week when his 'brothers' called all their friends and they told him his friends would be told by their older brothers.

Dan Fischer stopped by The Cove around lunchtime. He told his friend Ken that he'd been remiss in visiting and, since he had the day off, figured he'd come over and get a free meal. The Sheriff's Lieutenant joined Mr. Ken and Mr. Wayne in the Study.

"I'm glad you stopped by Dan," began Ken Thomas. "Wayne here has an interesting tale to tell you that may have something to do with Matthew."

Wayne Mitchell took his time and retold the story he told his employer the previous day. When he was finished, Mr. Ken passed over to Dan the license plate number of the vehicle Mr. Wayne thought was following them. Dan took the piece of paper and told the other two men that he'd hold onto it.

Dan told them that if that particular vehicle shows up again to let him know and he'd run it through their computers. The lieutenant qualified that by saying he didn't want to involve an innocent person, because Ken was getting a little paranoid over Grace Turnsten's desire to talk to her son. Mr. Ken smiled as he agreed to that.

Momma Maria came back to the Study to tell her boss that Lunch was ready. She was surprised that Mr. Dan was there and upon seeing him she made sure he was staying for lunch. Dan got up and thanked her for the invitation, but then told her that was why he showed up when he did.

The woman had a good laugh over that. Momma told the men she made hot tomato soup and toasted cheese sandwiches some with tomato slices and some without. Then, as she left the Study, she told the men to wash their face and hands, up to their elbows, and come to the Kitchen Nook. She laughed all the way back to her domain.

Mr. Chris joined the men in the Kitchen Nook for lunch. When asked by his boss if he had washed his face and hands, up to his elbows, he said he hadn't. Mr. Ken sent him packing to do just that. Hearing that put another big smile on Momma Maria's face.

As the four men ate and talked, Mr. Ken explained to Chris what he and Wayne told Dan earlier in the Study about Matthew. Mr. Chris immediately asked if he needed to increase the number of guards, and that he could do it that afternoon. Mr. Ken thought about that for a little while as they ate, but then told the men he didn't see a need, just then, as nothing happened to warrant it right now.

Mr. Chris said, with his employer's permission, he'd call Mr. Diamond, as a precaution, and mention it to him, so he is aware he may be asked to provide another guard or two at a moment's notice. Mr. Ken said that sounded like a good thing to do.

After the men finished eating, they retired back to The Study. It was there Mr. Wayne asked his employer if he was going to get the boys Christmas money, so they could start Christmas shopping tonight or over the weekend.

Hearing that piqued Dan's interest, so he asked what that was all about. Ken told him how he agreed to give the boys money, so they could buy presents for their 'brothers'. Dan Fischer asked if he could tag along. The man said since he didn't have kids he missed doing Christmas shopping and said it sounded like fun. Only Mr. Chris told the man he was 'nuts', but applauded him for wanting the experience. The Estate Manager then laughed aloud.

Mr. Wayne had to excuse himself when it was time for him to go to the school. He explained to Dan that he would sign Kevin out to take the twin to his doctor's appointment with Doctor Doug. Mr. Wayne retrieved his hat and coat and headed out to his car and drove it out the Main Gate to go over to the school.

Wayne Mitchell said 'Hi' to Ms. Andrews as he entered the administration office. What he got in exchange was a, "Oh, it's you! Which boy do you want this time?" Mr. Wayne reminded the secretary that the boys are all foster boys and had many appointments. He told her that since Robert had been adopted by Mr. Ken he only had one appointment a month.

Mr. Wayne tried to placate the women by explaining to her that Charles, having been with Mr. Ken since early July, only needed two appointments a month. The Estate Master continued and told Ms. Andrews that this was one of those weeks where all five boys needed to go to their appointments during the same week.

Ms. Andrews didn't say anything in response to what Wayne Mitchell told her. She called to Kevin's homeroom for him to come to the admin office and to bring his books and hat and coat. When the twin arrived, the secretary signed the boy out of the school. What was unusual was as the two Cover's left the office, Ms. Andrews said, "Have a good weekend."

The Cover's talked as they proceeded to Doctor Doug's office. Mr. Wayne asked Kevin what he was thinking, which gag gift he would buy his 'brothers'. Kevin smiled and said he had no idea, but hoped as they shopped he would see something that would fit each of his 'brothers'.

Kevin then asked the man if he could help them buy Christmas presents for Mr. Ken. The twin said they had twenty-five dollars each to buy gifts for him, but they could go together to buy something bigger if they needed to. Mr. Wayne said he'd try to help him out as Charles had asked him that same question earlier in the week.

When the two Covers arrived where Doctor Doug's office was, Mr. Wayne sent Kevin up to the doctor's office. The man told the twin he'd catch up with him in a few minutes. The reason he did that was he thought he saw that same vehicle that may have been following him yesterday. He walked outside and searched for it, but he didn't see it. He felt relieved.

When Kevin returned to The Cove from his appointment, he headed to the Study.

"Boy, I'm sure glad this week's over," offered the older twin.

"Why is that?" asked a curious 'Dad Ken'.

"It is one day closer to Christmas and the weekend is here," smiled Kevin, as he answered the question.

"Boy, those decorations look awesome, 'dad'. I've been watching every day when we come home to see what they've gotten done. And what is that wood platform in the middle of the Great Room?" finished Kevin.

"I'm glad you like the decorations. They sure do make the house look festive, don't they? And that platform ... it is for the tree to stand on to make it look bigger than it already is," chuckled Mr. Ken.

"'Dad' what are those men doing out in the back yard?" asked Kevin.

"Hmmm ... I'm not sure what you mean. Let's go look and see," replied Mr. Ken.

Ken Thomas and Kevin Parchsons walked out of the Study to walk outside to see what was happening out in the backyard. Mr. Wayne, who was walking back to the Study with a hot cup of coffee, asked if he could tag along. The three Coves walked down the winding stairs and headed out onto the back patio.

"There, Mr. Ken ... what are they doing with all that wire?" asked Kevin.

"Kevin ... those men are putting out the wires needed to power the free-standing moving displays. There are supposed to be new ones for this year and even I'm looking forward to seeing them," replied the owner of The Cove.

"What will they look like, 'dad'" harmlessly asked Kevin.

"That's why they are new. Even I haven't seen them," answered Mr. Ken.

"But, why, 'dad'? You're paying for them. Why didn't you pick the ones you wanted?" innocently asked Kevin.

Mr. Ken and Mr. Wayne laughed at the naiveté of the inquisitive twin. 'Dad Ken' then explained to Kevin that the man who decorates The Cove for Christmas has always done a top-notch job and this year he wanted to showcase his unique decorations and is using The Cove to do that. What the man didn't explain was he made a deal to have the man take photos of the decorations and use them in next year's brochure.

The three Covers were still outside when the remaining Covers returned home. The Cover school boys saw their 'dad', Mr. Wayne and Kevin outside, so they went out to ask what they were doing out three.

"'Dad', why are you out here in the cold without a coat on?" asked Matthew.

"I didn't intend to be out here this long, Matthew. Kevin kept asking me questions and time got away from us. And speaking of cold, I'm going inside and getting me a cup of hot coffee. And shouldn't you be in the Kitchen Nook eating your after school snack?" asked 'dad' Ken.

The seven Covers all walked inside and headed to the Kitchen Nook at the same time. The Cove's owner got himself a fresh cup of hot coffee while Mr. Wayne and the boys sat around the Nook's table.

"Dad, stay and have a snack with us," encouraged Robert.

"Yea, 'dad', sit with us and have a snack," chimed in the other four boys.

Mr. Ken sat down with the boys as Momma Maria brought over her Santa Hat Cupcakes. These wonderful concoctions were chocolate and vanilla cupcakes topped with hats made out of green or red icing with pure white icing trimming around the bottom of the hat with one dollop of white icing on the top.

"Momma ... you surpass yourself every Christmas," exclaimed Mr. Ken. "These are awesome! I love the look. I sure am glad you never opened your own restaurant or bakery."

"Yea, Momma Maria, every day you treat us to different awesome snacks. Our mom only ever got us store bought cookies. That is if she ever remembered to do that," lamented Kyle.

It was then Mr. Chris came into the Kitchen Nook looking for his boss. He wanted to tell him he'd received their first bid on his special project, but seeing all five boys there he knew not to say anything.

"Mr. Chris ... stop and have a Santa cupcake with us," called out Matthew.

The other boys called out to him as well, but Mr. Chris said he was on his way home. Momma then said for him to wait a few seconds while she boxed up some for him and his family to have tonight after diner.

As Mr. Chris walked out of the Nook, Mr. Ken walked him out to his car. Along the way the owner of The Cove learned that they received their first of hopefully three bids on his construction project. Mr. Chris told him the submission contained construction for his main project as well as the added items he asked about at their meeting earlier in the week. Mr. Ken learned the bid came from the company that initially recommended the add-ons.

When Mr. Ken returned to his Study, Mr. Wayne was waiting for him. The man didn't stand up this time. Mr. Ken inwardly smiled and sat down behind his desk. When the man sat down he asked his employee what he had for him.

Mr. Wayne explained he sent Kevin up to Doctor Doug's office and then he went out looking for the vehicle he thought was following them. He said he checked the parking lot to see if the car had indeed parked there, but that he didn't see it. Mr. Wayne added he thought he saw the same vehicle as yesterday, but he couldn't be absolutely sure.

It was then the Cover boys entered the Study and they talked about the things they usually did. Mr. Ken did remind them that Kevin, Kyle, and Matthew would see Doctor Doug next week and he'd let them know on Sunday.

Robert asked if they were going out Christmas shopping that night, but Mr. Ken said they would go try on their suits first and if there was time, they could window shop. The Cove's owner then had to explain what 'window shopping' meant to Matthew and the twins. Mr. Ken then sent the boys up to get started on their homework.

After another great dinner served by Momma Maria, the Covers headed out to try on their new suits. Mr. Wayne didn't accompany them that night to the chagrin of Matthew.

All the suits fit fine. Mr. Ken had the boys carry them out to the van and after they stored them there, Mr. Ken made sure the van was locked and the alarm set. They all headed back into The Mall to window shop.

Mr. Ken steered them towards the leather shop. When they arrived, he explained to all the boys that he recommended they buy Mr. Chris a nice monogrammed leather briefcase. He told them they could all chip in and that would take care of Mr. Chris.

As the boys looked at all the different styles, Mr. Ken talked to the boys and told them Mr. Wayne could probably use the same thing. But, Robert spoke up and said he wanted to look at suitcases for Mr. Wayne. The other boys said that sounded like a good idea, so they both got different presents.

After the boys paid for their purchase, they went looking for suitcases. After stopping at several stores in The Mall, and seeing the prices, they were a bit disappointed they wouldn't be able to buy Mr. Wayne what they wanted to. But still, they wanted to buy something like that.

Charles asked his 'dad' if there was a store that sold suitcases out at the Outlet Mall. Mr. Ken said there probably was and no sooner than he said that, Matthew asked, "What are we waiting for?" Everyone laughed at what the youngest Cover just said.

Mr. Ken looked at his watch and seeing they might have enough time, he had the whole group quickly load into the van. They went directly to a store that sold discounted suitcases and as soon as Mr. Ken stopped the vehicle the five boys ran into the store.

The boys looked all around the store at the different models, styles, and colors. Mr. Ken caught up with his five and asked them what they thought. Kyle said the prices were a bit higher than what they had to spend. Kevin added there were too many colors to choose from. It was Charles who recommended they choose from the dark colors which is what he'd want being a guy. The other boys laughed at their 'brother'.

A salesperson came by and talked to the adult of the group. Mr. Ken told the man that the boys were buying a Christmas present and he should talk to them. Robert asked them if they had something similar to the three-piece set they were looking at, but at a cheaper price.

The salesperson laughed and said the prices were already the lowest they could offer, and maybe they should consider buying two pieces instead of three. Mr. Ken didn't like the man's attitude, but held back what he was thinking. He wanted the boys to try to work things out by themselves.

It was Matthew who walked up to the man and said, "Mister ... we're trying to buy a Christmas present for a man who does a lot of things for us foster kids. We don't have lots of money but ... well, are you sure you can't give us a better price?"

It was then another man walked up to the large group. He was going to talk to the adult, but he heard what Matthew had to say. The man figured the adult with the boys was trying to teach them how to shop and was letting them take the lead and would intervene if need be.

"Young man ... I am the manager here, so could you tell me what you are trying to buy?" said the manager.

Matthew told the manager they were there to buy the man who watches over them a nice set of suitcases. He added that it was a bit more than what they had to spend. The manager asked the younger boy how much they had to spend and Matthew told them they only had one-hundred and twenty-five dollars between them.

"Young man, it appears you are the spokesman for your group, so let me show you what you can get for your money. This is still top quality merchandised and should give your man many years of use," said the man, as he led Matthew over to another display.

"Sir ... we looked at these first because of the price. But ...the material feels so thin, you know, as compared to the one we'd really like to buy. There's only a twenty-dollar difference and to us ... well, this is a Christmas present for Mr. Wayne. When Mr. Ken can't take us places or be with us because of his businesses, he takes care of us," replied Matthew for the group.

The manager immediately recognized the name 'Mr. Ken'. He knew right away he had to work this out for the boys. He knew he'd only break even with selling that set the boys wanted, but he felt he'd earn more in good will than a few dollars in selling that set

"Boys, it is Christmas and ... and seeing you are trying to honor your Mr. Wayne with a worthwhile Christmas present ... I'll tell you what I am going to do for you. I'm going to sell you that set of suitcases for the exact amount of money you have.

"I'll even pay the taxes on it ... and that will be my Christmas present to you boys. Will that be aright with you young man?" finished the manager.

Matthew had the biggest smile on his face that Mr. Ken had ever seen in the two weeks the boy had lived with him. The boy did a great job of explaining what they wanted to do, and he didn't even try to use puppy dog eyes on the man. Mr. Ken had to laugh at that thought.

"Sir, you got a deal. You don't know how much we appreciate you doing this for us foster kids," replied Matthew. "I know if I ever need suitcases when I get older this will be the first place I will go. Thank you!"

Each boy pulled out a twenty and a five-dollar bill out of their pocket and gave it to Matthew. Matthew followed the man, with Mr. Ken close behind, to the cash register. There the Cover handed over the money and the man rang it up on the register.

The manager had the other man bring out a boxed set of the suitcases the boys bought. When their purchase was handed to Matthew, the boy gave it to Robert, turned to the man and hugged him. "Thank you, mister, for doing this for us. Have a Merry Christmas!"

Matthew received pats on his back, from his 'brothers', as they left the store. Even Robert told his youngest 'brother' he did an awesome job, and that he wouldn't have said it the way he had. That made Matthew's smile a mile wide.

As they were driving towards the exit to the Outlet Mall, Kevin spotted the pretzel store and asked if they could have a soft pretzel. The rest of the boys started to plead with their 'dad' for a soft pretzel and said they'd like that instead of a DQ. Mr. Ken inwardly smiled and drove over to the store.

Each boy ordered a different pretzel this time around. They decided they wanted to taste the different flavors and everyone agreed to give up a piece to everyone else. 'Dad' Ken heard them talking about sharing and knew they each wouldn't get much of a taste. When they arrived at the order window he told them to order two pretzels, so they could each have a better taste.

Even though it was cold, the wind wasn't blowing much. As the boys got their soft pretzels they broke off a bigger piece to share than what they would have otherwise. 'Dad' Ken also had them order two different dipping sauces. That way they could get a taste of them as well. He did not though let them order two drinks. He told them one drink was enough.

When the Cover's returned home, Mr. Wayne was waiting for them.

"If you were here you could have come with us," said Matthew. "We stopped and got Mr. Chris his Christmas gift from all of us. Then, we all got soft pretzels. Actually 'dad' let us buy two each, so we could share better."

"Well, the reason I didn't come with you was because... well, I was out buying someone a gift, as well. Matthew follow me, please," said Wayne Mitchell.

All the Covers followed Mr. Wayne and Matthew to the Study where a brand new bike was set up and waiting. Matthew looked at Mr. Wayne and asked if that was for him. Mr. Wayne told him "Happy Birthday" and that Mr. Ken had him pick it up to be ready for when they returned.

Matthew first hugged Mr. Wayne then turned and ran to 'dad' Ken and hugged him as tight as he could. The young Cover's 'brothers' looked on as they watched him hug their 'dad' and thought they heard Matthew crying.

"Thank you, thank you, 'dad', I... I never had a brand new bike before. This ... this is too much. You ... you could have waited until Christmas to give this to me," cried Matthew, as he sniffed his nose and then wiped it on his sleeve.

All Mr. Ken could do at the time is hug the boy. He could tell this was a very emotional time for Matthew and he just needed to let the boy take his time, so he could calm himself down. The rest of the Covers just stood there quietly as they watched the man and boy.

"I'm sorry for crying 'dad'," offered Matthew, as he sniffed his nose one more time.

"Matthew, you have nothing to be sorry for," said Mr. Ken, as he held the boy at arm's length.

"You are going through a very tumultuous time in your young life right now, and ... well, I am surprised you haven't cried more than you have. ... Come on now ... dry those eyes and let's take this out to the parking corral. I want you to try it out before it gets too late to give it a good go."

Matthew wheeled the new bike to the garage door and his 'brothers' followed right behind him. Mr. Ken hit the garage door opener button and as soon as the door was open far enough for the young Cover to walk under, Matthew pushed the bike out and jumped on it to ride around the parking corral.

The parking corral was four garage doors wide plus, so the soon to be eleven year old had lots of space to try his new bike out. Knowing the skateboard ramps were out there, the boy just used them as a sort of slalom course and rode all around them.

Seeing what his friend was doing, Kyle yelled out to him not to try riding the ramps because that's how he broke his arm. When Matthew came around again, he smiled at his friends and kept on going. After about five minutes of riding, Matthew let Kyle take it for a ride.

Kyle loved riding the brand new bike. He couldn't remember ever riding a new bike and this was so special that his friend, Matthew, let him try out his. Kyle drove around the parking corral three times and when he stopped he yelled, "Whose turn is it?"

Matthew told all his 'brothers' to try out his new bike. The next one to try out the bike was Kevin. He smiled the entire time he rode the bicycle around the ramps. Charles went next and after he finished his turn, Robert took a ride. Unfortunately, the older teenager has continued to grow some and the 24-inch bicycle was a bit too small for his ever-lengthening legs.

"Matthew you have a great bike here. I'm jealous. But, hopefully, in two years, I'll have my own car," proudly said the Cover teenager.

"More like two and a half years, my son!" laughed the boy's new dad.

Mr. Ken asked Matthew to park his bike for the night inside the garage. After the boy found a spot that wouldn't interfere with any of the vehicles parked inside the garage, The Covers walked back into the Kitchen Nook.

"Matthew ...," said Mr. Wayne, as the group entered the Kitchen Nook, "do you see that big box on the table? Why don't you go over and lift up the top?"

Matthew looked to Mr. Ken if he should do that. Getting a nod, Matthew cautiously stepped over to the table and gingerly opened the box. When he finally got it fully opened he burst out crying. What the young Cover saw was.

Matthew ran to Mr. Ken and openly cried as he hugged the man tight. Mr. Ken waited until the boy calmed down enough that he could ask him why he was crying. Matthew looked up to the man he called 'dad' and, through his tears, he explained that this was the first Birthday cake he can ever remember from the time he was seven.

The remaining Cover boys decided to gather around the man and the boy and join with them in making a 'group hug'. Matthew looked around and saw Mr. Wayne wasn't with them, so he called over to the Estate Master to join them.

After the 'group hug' was over, Mr. Ken told Matthew that tomorrow after they and their friends have burgers and dogs, he and Mr. Wayne will wheel out the cake, along with two huge barrels of ice cream. He told the 'birthday boy', and his 'brothers', he wanted that to be a surprise for the rest of the boys, so for them not to mention it until the cake and ice cream are brought out. He also asked Matthew not to show anyone his new bike, and to wait until after the cake and ice cream were served.

"But, 'dad' ... what if it is too cold to cook?" asked Charles.

"You boys have cooked before when it was cold outside," said Mr. Ken. "Some of you change into dry clothes and get your jackets on and go out to get the grill cleaned and hot. The rest of the boys get the rest of the makings and before long you'll have the burgers and dogs ready.

"Then you'll bring them into the pool deck where some of the boys have set up the folding tables. You may want to decide when you go swimming to set the tables up first and that will save you some time, but that will be up to you.

"And boys ... I want the cake and ice cream to be a surprise for EVERYONE! Do you understand WHAT I mean by that? ... Robert?" smiled the teen's dad.

"Yes, sir. That means I'm not to tell Eric. Right?" replied the teenager.

"You got it son. ... And that goes for the rest of you. If you have a Best Friend as Robert has in Eric do NOT and I stress the not part to tell anyone. Do you all understand?" asked Mr. Ken.

The boys looked around at one another and the nods started. The younger boys looked to Robert who told his dad, "We understand, dad."

Mr. Ken told the boys it was getting late so they should go up to their rooms and relax some before going to bed. He told them he'd be up in a few minutes to say Good night. Mr. Wayne saw Matthew was going to ask him if he was coming up, as well, so he quickly spoke up and told the boys he'd be up with their 'dad'.

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