Mr. Ken had the front desk call the Presidential Suites at 8 a.m. that Saturday morning. He wanted the boys to be up, showered, dressed, and downstairs for breakfast well before the Grand Opening Ceremony stage and reception area was set up.
Mr. Wayne was aware of the morning phone call, and when it came, he let the phone ring until one of the teenagers answered it. Charles was the one who answered the incoming call and was mad it was the wake-up call from the computer lady.
The new teenager went to his 'brothers', woke them, and told them what the phone call was all about. It was then Mr. Wayne came into the bedroom to tell them their 'dad' wanted them showered, dressed, and down for breakfast by 9 a.m. The boys moaned at hearing that.
"There's my bright-eyed and bushy-tailed brood," said a laughing 'dad' Ken, as the three older Cover boys walked into the restaurant.
"Dad, why'd you wake us up so early?" moaned Robert.
"Because, I could," laughed the teen's dad.
"Daaaad," said Robert and Charles, at the same time.
"Boys ... you knew the ceremony was at ten. And, I knew you'd want to eat breakfast, so I made an executive decision to get you all up. Now, look at the menu and order what you want to eat, and make sure you are finished by 9:40. I want us all ready and at the podium about ten minutes before the ceremony is to start. Does anyone have any questions?" finished 'dad' Ken.
All of the Cover boys heard the tone of voice their 'dad' used towards Robert and Charles and they all knew their 'dad' was stressed from what was going to happen at ten o'clock. They also wondered if he was still miffed about what happened at dinner the evening before.
The table of ten had two waitresses that morning. The women took their order and when they walked away the banter at the table rose to levels that Mr. Ken had to tone down. Then, it got too quiet.
"Boys, you are in a restaurant that is a bit more elegant than Four Corners, so you need to control your voices. I know you aren't used to sitting at a table this large, but you still need to keep from talking loudly across the table. Try talking to your neighbor instead of across the table," calmly advised the boys' 'dad'.
When the boys' breakfast arrived the chit chat almost ceased. The boys were so interested in eating they hardly said a word. The three adults commented about the level of noise and laughed as they too ate their morning meal.
"You know what, 'dad'?" asked Matthew, as the group walked out of the restaurant.
"What, sport?" replied 'dad' Ken.
"That was pretty good for not being a Momma Maria breakfast," offered Matthew. "It was better than what we get at IHOP, or Denny's and Four Corners, that's for sure."
A few of the other boys chimed in and agreed with what their younger Cover 'brother' said. They added it was nice having a tablecloth, real napkins, and the waitresses were always there with refills on the orange juice like Momma Maria.
"Bill, what is your take on this morning's breakfast?" asked Mr. Wayne.
"What? I ... I, ahhh ... I hardly ever ate out until I came to live with Mr. Ken. Every meal I eat out I think is great. But, this restaurant, it was definitely much better than the ones Matthew mentioned. The one thing that is interesting, though, is ... I don't care where I eat," laughed Billy. "I just love going out, since I didn't do it much growing up," added the smiling teen.
The boys heard what the oldest Cover 'brother' had to say and they laughed right along with him. Mr. Wayne chuckled, and so did Ms. Judy.
The Covers came to the area where the ceremony was to be held. Mr. Ken excused himself and walked over to the other people who were involved with the ceremony. As the dignitaries made small talk, two scantily clad models rolled out a very large red ribbon as an equally clad model held three very large pairs of scissors.
When it was time, Mr. Ken approached the podium and began to speak.
"Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to the Grand Opening ... of this beautiful ... Lakeside Hotel. It is the first of what I hope will be many more beautiful structures that will be built along this area of the lake. For those of you who do not know me, I am Ken Thomas, the owner of this new and wonderful hotel.
"I purposefully bought this land, and built this hotel, and the office building going up next door, because I saw the potential for growth of our fantastic county and this was an underdeveloped area that was sorely overlooked.
"Down the road, is the beautiful Lakeside Water Park and the Lake Water Safety and Rescue Team Headquarters that bring people from all over, to this area for recreation. As more and more people pass by here, they will hopefully see the potential for the expansion of their own companies and in time, the end result will be an explosion of growth out this way," finished Ken Thomas.
Judge Joseph Barnneby, also known as a County Commissioner, was introduced by Mr. Ken as the next speaker. The Judge made some similar remarks and then applauded Mr. Ken for his foresight in being the first builder to undertake the challenge of building in an area that hadn't been seen for its potential. The Judge then introduced the next speaker, DA George Morris.
George Morris was surprised when he received an invitation to make some remarks at the Grand Opening of The Lakeside Hotel, which was owned by one of the people who was not on his Christmas card list. But George Morris knew an opportunity when he saw one, so he gratefully accepted.
The District Attorney talked about how Mr. Thomas was a shining star, not only in the county, but in the state as well. The man explained how the builder and owner of the new hotel were handpicked by the governor to ramrod the clean up after the 100 Years Strom, a few years ago, and was now a moving force in the county.
The DA went on to tell how Mr. Ken was not only responsible for what Judge Barnaby mentioned, but was also responsible for building the new Four Corners area and the 400-unit apartment complex which was currently going up there.
When the DA was finished talking, the three men gathered together and the scantily clad model with the scissors gave one to each of them. The other scantily clad models then held the large red ribbon across the front of the men and the dignitaries each cut through the ribbon to signify the hotel was officially open for business.
Balloons cascaded down from the ceiling and a band played. Hands were shaken and the people in attendance were invited into one of the ballrooms for light refreshments and talk. The Cove boys picked up the balloons and began to burst them to the chagrin of Mr. Ken. The owner of the hotel just gave the boys a look that told them to stop what they were doing. They immediately dropped any balloons they had and went into the reception area.
The news media covered the Grand Opening and they took the speakers aside to ask the questions in order to make their reports for the six o'clock news. Rene Vaughn pulled Ken Thomas aside and asked him what else he had in store for his community
Mr. Ken was reluctant to discuss the two projects he had just begun working on and he told her so. He did tell her when they were closer to being announced she would be the first one he would call. He then told Rene about his recent Crystal Lake Amusement Park acquisition and how he was building his amusement park empire one park at a time.
As the people gathered around, they talked to the speakers to learn more about them and what they were going to do for the county. DA Morris told them about the trials that were about to begin and that he expected all four kidnappers to get lengthy prison terms.
Mr. Ken was finally able to pull Judge Barnaby aside. He wanted to talk to the Judge about what he wanted to do next in the county and he wanted the Judge's support. When Ken Thomas told Joseph Barnaby about the ice cream store at Four Corners, the Judge laughed and thanked the man for adding another store that would cause him to gain weight.
Mr. Ken then hit the Judge with his second project, a 200-slip marina, with a public launch ramp and day parking. That one got the Judge's full attention. Mr. Ken explained that with the area growing and more, and more people moving in that direction, he wanted to provide a place for them to store and use their boats.
Mr. Ken described his idea of a large bait shop that also sold boat fuel, and would sell and service scuba gear, fishing gear and provide public restrooms. Mr. Ken continued by saying he'd like to expand the marina to 400 or 500 slips, if demand warranted it. Mr. Ken also mentioned he would like to build a nice seafood restaurant to go along with everything else he wanted to build.
Judge Barnaby told Mr. Ken he was impressed with the concept. He did tell the man that the idea had to be fully developed and a zoning request needed to be brought to the Planning and Zoning Commission and he would fully support it.
The judge said it was definitely something missing from that part of the lake, and since Mr. Ken owned that portion of Four Corners it was appropriate that he formulated a plan. The judge asked what the time frame was and was chagrined to learn it could be up to two years before they opened for business.
The Cover boys were getting bored, but they saw their 'dad' talking with the judge and they knew not to bother him unless it was an emergency, and going home to their friends was not an emergency.
The boys thought about talking to Mr. Wayne, but then their 'dad' wouldn't have a ride home. Robert saw Ms. Judy standing all alone and went over to her and asked her if she could drive his dad home if Mr. Wayne drove them back to The Cove.
Mr. Ken laughed at hearing the scam the boys were pulling to get back home and their friends. The owner of The Cove approved of the boys' dodge and hugged them each, as they thanked their 'dad' for letting them get back home, so they could still have some fun.
Billy stood back and watched everything as it unfolded. Yes, he was the new kid on the block, but he knew he'd never have thought about doing what his 'brothers' just did, let alone go through with it. He was glad he was going home, though.
As the Cover boys rode back to The Cove, they each called their friends to meet them there by 1 p.m. Mr. Wayne told the boys to make sure they returned their toiletries to the bathroom, to change into their after-school clothes, and put their dirty clothes in the clothes hampers.
Billy's friends arrived at the same time as his 'brothers' friends did. There was a road jam at the Main Gate, with all the cars dropping off the boys at practically the same time. A few of Billy's friends, Gabe and Jamie, had to prove who they were as they hadn't been to The Cove often enough that all the guards knew them. Billy told them it happens.
Mr. Wayne watched the large group of boys try to use the few ramps that were available. He told himself he couldn't wait until the skate park was completed himself, as there were way too many boys in a small area and he was afraid something would happen.
"Hey, Robert," called out Billy.
When Robert came over, Billy asked his 'brother' if there was a way they could portion the ramps off. The oldest teen reasoned they could set up time frames for each of them, and their friends, to use the ramps. Robert thought about it for a few moments and then called over the rest of the 'brothers'.
Robert explained what Billy suggested and he wanted to know what they thought. They liked that idea as that way it would only be them and their friends using the ramps. But the problem posed was what the rest of the boys would do while they waited. Billy said he hadn't thought about that. Charles thanked Billy for trying to come up with a solution. The rest of the boys thanked him, too.
Billy told his friends what he tried to do. He then suggested they go to the backside of the estate; sit around on the dock and talk. Billy tried to put a good face on things by telling them that in four weeks the skate park should be open and the problem with the ramps would be resolved.
Kaden suggested they meet at the County's Skatepark, which wasn't too far away, for the next few weeks while the Cove Skate Park was being finished. Gabe and Lonnie said they heard the county park wasn't very good. Gabe spoke up and said that if his mom wouldn't let his younger brothers go there, she wasn't going to allow him to go either.
Kaden was miffed that he couldn't get the other teens to go over to the county's skate park. The reason he wanted to go there was he could meet up with some of the other high school students. He decided he'd start going there first the next few Saturdays and Sundays and then show up at The Cove. That way he figured he wouldn't have to wait around to ride the overcrowded ramps.
"So, Billy, what did you have to do this morning that was so important that we had to wait for your phone call?" asked Jamie, as the six teens sat down on the dock benches.
"Well, Mr. Ken had his Grand Opening of the Lakeside Hotel this morning and he wanted all of his 'boys' there," replied Billy.
"But you're just a foster kid, where does this 'boy' shit come from?" asked Kaden.
"We are all Cover boys here, Kaden. All of my 'brothers' call Mr. Ken, 'dad' and, of course, to Robert and Charles, he is their dad. And, so, if they call him 'dad', Mr. Ken calls them, 'son'. Thus, we are his 'boys' whether we are foster boys or adopted boys we are his 'boys'," tried to explain Billy.
"I think it sucks that he thinks you ..." started saying Kaden when Billy stopped him cold.
"Kaden, you have NO IDEA what it is like to be in the system. Mr. Ken took me in, knowing who my stepdad was, and I love living here. I won't have YOU or anyone else denigrate him because you have no clue. If you can't accept what he does for me then maybe ... then maybe you aren't the kind of friend I need to have!" blasted out Billy.
"You are always saying something to put the man down, or complaining about how things are run around here. I am the new kid here ... and I have to learn how things work here and to go along with whatever had been put into place long before I ever showed up.
"Kaden, you wanted me to take over because you thought that as the oldest it was right. I would have been thrown out on my ass if I'd tried that. As I told you ... I love it here! I get great meals. I have awesome clothes that Mr. Ken let me choose and he paid for. He supported me when Mr. Stanley was trying to railroad me.
"And you know what? It was Mr. Stanley ... he was going after me because ... because he wanted to get back at my foster dad for what happened between them almost four years ago. No one has ever stood up for me like that, ever!
"Have any of you ... have any of your parents ever stood up for you like that? Ever?" asked Billy.
None of the five teens had anything to say. It was an awkward moment as no one said anything. Billy decided to break the silence by reminding his friends that next Saturday was the Texas Boater Safety Course and they needed to bring the $25.00 course fee with them.
Billy told them all thirty seats were taken and if they didn't want to go, they needed to cancel so that other people can take their slot. Billy added that the course was every Saturday through May and every other Saturday through the summer.
The teens talked about what they would be able to do when they had passed the course. Billy said the biggest thing was they would be able to drive the PWCs, or personal watercraft. But, unfortunately, there were only three of them and they would have to share them with his 'brothers' and their friends. Kaden asked if it would be worth it then.
Billy told him that question could only be answered by him, but that he was going to take the course. Brett spoke up and said that since he lived there, he could probably drive them more often than they ever would. Everyone laughed.
The teens looked out at the water toys and wondered what they had been used for. Billy told his friends about the games his 'brothers' told him they played and how the adults would sometimes join in.
The teens lost track of time since they arrived at The Cove an hour late and it wasn't until the other boys began setting the barbeque up that they realized the day had moved on. Billy went to Robert and said that since they set the barbeque up last Sunday, they were going to ride the ramps until the burgers were burned. Robert said that was fair and the two groups went their separate ways.
Some of the younger boys grumbled that the older teens weren't helping. Matthew told them they did it all last Sunday and they didn't need everyone to help, anyway. It was Kevin who added that they didn't crowd the ramps and now they got to use them which was fair. That settled any ill feelings.
As the burgers were being burned, Matthew and Ryan went looking for Mr. Ken and Mr. Wayne to learn how many they wanted. The men decided to follow the boys down to the Patio and talk to the boys as they got the burgers and dogs ready.
Mr. Ken was immediately surprised that Bill and his friends weren't there. He asked Charles where they were and the teen told his dad they were out at the ramps after not bugging them all afternoon to use them. Mr. Ken wanted to know more, but figured he'd talk to Bill later. Until then, he decided to talk to the boys as they ate.
When it came time to eat, Kyle went out to the garage to tell Billy and his friends to "Come and get it". Billy appreciated that Kyle came out to get them and he grabbed the twin and tickled him some. Kyle liked the attention he got from his older 'brother', and that it also wasn't an 'overkill' attack.
As the small group walked back to the Patio, Gabe and Jamie told Billy how they sometimes tussled with their brothers and it was fun. Kyle liked hearing that the other younger boys got the same attention.
Kevin and Kyle's friends asked if they could take the boating safety course, as well. Mr. Ken said they could, but that they still couldn't drive the personal watercraft because they had to be at least thirteen.
One boy, Isaac, asked Greg why he and the rest of his friends were taking the boating course. Matthew heard the question and spoke up. He told the boy that they were all going to take sailing lessons and the instructors requested they have the course, so that way they knew and understood the rules of the water. That satisfied Isaac and the other friends of the twins.
When everyone had eaten and the barbeque had been put away, the boys went swimming. Russell and Jordan were ready for them and had set up some games for them to play.
The Cover's friends left The Cove at six o'clock like clockwork. The Covers walked their friends up to the Main Gate and waited with those whose parents hadn't come to get them yet.
The gathering at the Gate was always boisterous, as they often talked over one another. Also, many of the parents would get out of their vehicles to talk to one another and caused a traffic jam, as it did when they dropped off their sons.
Mr. Ken made it a point to tell those parents whose son was going to the Texas Boater Safety Course next Saturday that they needed to bring the $25.00 fee with them and then needed to be at the venue before 8 a.m.
Once all the Cover friends were gone, Mr. Ken had the boys get cleaned up, and then they went out to dinner. That night they headed out for pizza where they could also play some games afterward.
As they ate, 'dad' Ken said, "Boys ... today I talked to Judge Barnaby about two new projects I am going to work on. One of them will be to add an ice cream parlor at Four Corners. I always wanted to have my own ice cream store there and now, I think, is the time."
Charles quickly asked if he was going to have a Dairy Queen franchise. The teen was not happy when he learned it was not. 'Dad' Ken told the boys he was going to open his own brand of ice cream and it would be a stand-alone store and only offer ice cream, milkshakes, and sundaes.
"Will you have banana splits?" asked Kyle.
"Yes, Kyle, I'll have banana splits," laughed 'dad' Ken.
"And boys .... I am also working on something else. It will probably take up to two years to develop, get the permits and build," teased 'dad' Ken.
"What is it going to be, dad?" asked Robert.
"Boys ... I told Judge Barnaby today that I want ... that I wanted to develop a minimum of a 200-slip marina at the lake end of the streets that made up Four Corners," said the boys 'dad'.
Robert was the only one of the Cover boys who understood the significance of what his dad had said. So, the teen asked loads of questions. Dad Ken told his son, and thus the rest of the boys, that there would be a large store that sold fishing supplies and bait, scuba gear that they would service, have a fuel depot for all types of boats, and probably a separate seafood restaurant.
"Boys, I also want to offer a free public boat launch ramp, free public daytime parking, and free public restrooms. Since I own all of that land, I can do whatever I can plan and the Planning and Zoning Commission and County Commissioners will approve. That is why it will take up to two years. It could be a place that some of you can work when you're sixteen," finished 'dad' Ken.
Hearing that made the boys smile and talk to one another about them working there, when they got older. Robert and Eric already had a job, but working at the marina sounded a lot better than cutting the grass. Matthew even asked them if they worked there if he could have their job at The Cove. That put a smile on Mr. Ken's face.
When the boys had their fill of pizza, they each got a $10.00 card that was worth $12.50 to play the games or ride the few attractions the pizza parlour had. Mr. Ken and Mr. Wayne made sure they played some of the games with the boys and even rode the air bumper cars with them. The night was a success.
What made the evening a complete success was a stop at the Covers' favorite ice cream store. They all ordered banana splits and sat at the tables and ate them. When it was time to leave, Mr. Wayne gave some money to Kevin to buy Chief her cup of vanilla ice cream.
Kevin tried to get his twin to do the honors, but Kyle told his brother that he was chosen and he should do it to stay in Chief's good graces. The boys laughed. Billy was going to do it for Kevin, but Mr. Ken asked him not to, as each of the boys needed to do that for Chief as they haven't done that ever since he arrived.
Chief heard the garage door open, so she knew her men were back. She waited at the door to the garage and when Billy entered, she jumped all over him looking for her ice cream. Billy told her he didn't have it and that she needed to check his other 'brothers'.
Chief was perplexed that they were teasing her, but if she wanted her treat she needed to play along and find who had her ice cream. The boys held up their hands to show the resident pet they didn't have her cup of ice cream. Only Kevin had his hands behind his back. Chief stared him down.
Kevin saw that look in Chief's eyes and quickly put the cup holding the cold treat down on the floor and moved away from it as quickly as he could. Chief got to the cup and quickly devoured the cold concoction. When she was done, she searched for Kevin and thanked him by giving the twin lots of doggie kisses. One thing she didn't do was knock him over. For that Kevin was very thankful.
The Covers used the facilities, washed their face and hands, then met in the Study as they were likely to do every night. They took their regular seats and got settled.
"Boys, I want to thank you for being the wonderful Covers you are. I know having to go to the hotel last night wasn't the first thing you wanted to do this weekend, but we need to do things together as a family and that was one that I chose for us to do.
"We'll do the upcoming Memorial Day Picnic as a family and we'll all visit the amusement parks together after the trials are over. We just have to hope the men will take the plea bargains DA Morris is going to offer them.
"We also need to go out one evening and buy you some summer clothes. But, before we do that, we need to see who needs wetsuits. Robert, you know where they are. How about tomorrow morning you get them out for your 'brothers' to try on. Then let me know who needs them. Can you do that for me, son?" finished 'dad' Ken.
"Now, as for tomorrow, the ADA will be back again to talk to Robert, Charles, Kevin, and Kyle. He should be here around one o'clock, just as last Sunday. I hope you've been practicing what you saw and what happened that night you were almost kidnapped. Tomorrow will go much smoother and faster if you are ready.
"Four weeks from today the Cove Skate Park should be open and we'll be having its Grand Opening and that big picnic with all of your friends and their families," offered 'dad' Ken.
"And don't forget your adult friends and their families, too, and Luke and Toby and their Gramm and parents," added Matthew. The boys all laughed.
"Yes, go ahead and laugh. But I have the six of you, so what's two more, huh?" laughed 'dad' Ken. The boys had to explain it to Mr. Wayne, since he wasn't with them last Saturday.
"Boys, remember ... those back east commissioners ... they want me to return to talk to them and ... and since I want the Crystal Lake Park property to succeed, I need them to approve building that highway that will pass right by the amusement park.
"And to do that, they either have to use their money or mine. But I suspect they'll want to use mine. That means I'll have to go back there again later this week or early the following week and play nice and see how we can come to an agreement to get it done.
"Now ... do any of you have anything for me?" asked 'dad' Ken.
The boys looked around at one another and no one said anything. But then, Kevin asked if they were ever going to be able to invite more of their school friends over to The Cove.
That question surprised everyone and then Billy spoke up and said that he was thinking the same thing. The teen said he'd like to invite some of the girls he knows at school, but wasn't sure if he could, knowing how crowded the ramps already were.
"Bill, you bring up a good point. The ramps are quite crowded for the number of boys who come over here every weekend. Luckily in four weeks, the Cove Skate Park should be up and running and it should easily handle all of you, your friends, and a few others.
"As for inviting any more of your school friends over ... I think you need to hold off until the new skate park is completed. You can tell your friends they can stop by after school is out and you can go up to the Main Gate and vouch for them," suggested 'dad' Ken.
"But what if they all show up at the same time?" asked Matthew.
That caused the boys to openly talk about the question and how they could handle it if too many friends showed up. Robert got all of their attention and told them when he had five or six girls from school stop by when the ramps were first built.
The teen told them how the girls watched and then their 'dad' asked his friend to let the girls have a try at the ramps. The teen explained that if they get too many kids over, after the new Cove Skate Park is built, they 'have to do what they do now, and that is share.
That caused some more arguing amongst the boys until 'dad' Ken called them out to stop.
"Boys, boys ... arguing won't solve this especially since it hasn't even happened. Look, let's take a wait-and-see attitude. If you get too many friends stopping by then you have to make them wait their turn. But ... remember ... they have to have their parents signed release before they skate, so that may keep many of them away," counseled 'dad' Ken.
"Dad, when will we get those forms for our friends to sign?" asked Charles.
"I hope to have them right after the insurance man inspects The Cove in a week or two. When I get them, you can take them to school and give them to your friends to take home and have them signed. They can then bring them to The Cove the next time they come over.
"It's getting late, so what say you all go up to your rooms and relax before going to bed. Mr. Wayne and I will be up shortly to say goodnight," finished Mr. Ken.
The boys talked amongst themselves about the possibility of problems if too many of their school friends show up to skate. But Billy reminded them their friends would need the permission forms signed, and that could keep down the number of kids who get to skate.
Billy offered that many of their school friends might want to stop by to see the new Cove Skate Park, but that's all it would be, a lookie-see. The boys agreed with his reasoning and then they went to their own rooms.
Mr. Ken and Mr. Wayne stopped by each of the boys' rooms to say good night and give them each a hug. The boys enjoyed the personal touch by the men. Charles especially enjoyed it now that he had a forever home. All the Covers slept well that night.
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