Tuesday morning the Covers and their guests woke up to a cold, howling wind. Mr. Ken had to go back in and get a coat before he could even retrieve his newspaper. Even Chief didn't spend time sniffing the flora and fauna after doing her morning business because the wind, even for her, wasn't any fun to be outside chasing rabbits in.
Momma Maria came in later on days when the boys weren't in school. She arrived around 8 AM on those days and that day she knew how cold the wind was. She decided she would fix a warm breakfast for the boys and their guests and started making the menu, so it would be ready when everyone came down.
Momma Maria asked her employer if he wanted his breakfast before the boys or would he eat with them. She knew the answer, but she asked anyway because that was the proper thing to do. Mr. Ken told her he would wait for the boys.
As Mr. Ken read his morning newspaper, Mr. Dan rang the doorbell and let himself in using the key and alarm combination Mr. Ken had given him.
"Good Morning, Dan," said Mr. Ken, without looking up from his paper.
"Nothing gets past you, does it, Ken," laughed Dan.
"Well, I figured you hadn't been by for quite some time and … well, I knew Wayne wasn't going to be here until it was time to go shopping. So … well, I guessed it had to be you," explained Mr. Ken. "You have time to stick around for breakfast?"
Mr. Dan sat down to a fresh cup of coffee Momma Maria prepared for him when he entered the Kitchen Nook. She brought it over to him as soon as the lieutenant sat down.
"What's your schedule this week, Dan?" asked Mr. Ken.
"Well, because I am single I get to work the bad hours. This way the married guys with kids can have a good Thanksgiving with their families. But the married guys, without kids, get to join me and work, too," replied Dan Fischer.
"I guess that gives the married guys, without kids, the incentive to work on getting a few kids of their own, so they can get the Holiday off, too?" laughed Ken Thomas.
"You could look at it that way, but the county will still have the proper number of troops on duty whether or not the officers have children," answered Lt. Dan.
"So, Dan … you hear any other information come up about the Parchsons?" asked Mr. Ken, because he wanted to know, so he could make some decision about the twins.
"Now, Ken, you know I can't talk about an ongoing investigation. It's against department rules and I'm just getting used to my lieutenant's pay. So, if I told you the other PD was planning to arrest someone we both know that would be against the rules and I could get into trouble. And, as I said, I like my increase in pay. It makes up for all the reading and correcting of police reports I now do," answered Mr. Dan with a chuckle.
"OK, I'm sorry I asked," chuckled Ken Thomas. "So, I guess I should call Joel Carrier and get some feedback from him. The twins have been very busy ever since they last saw their mom, so they haven't asked to go visit Vivian. Also, Joel asked me to try to steer the boys away from seeing her because they were investigating her. So, it looks like I need to make a phone call before the end of the day."
Mr. Ken then asked the lieutenant if there was any movement on Mildred's accomplices in her embezzlement of $100,000.00 from him. Dan Fischer told Ken to call Roberts or Matthias since they were in the investigations department. Dan told his friend that they would be working with the DA and since Mildred was arrested almost two months ago they could be ready to act.
While the two men talked, Matthew and Brant came into the Kitchen Nook. The young Cover went over to his foster dad and gave him a hug along with a 'Good morning'. Matthew then went to Mr. Dan and said 'Good morning' to him, too, and then thanked him again for helping him get away from Lincoln.
Brant heard the name Matthew mentioned, but he didn't know who that was. He figured that was not the right time to ask. Mr. Ken sent the two boys over to Momma Maria to get their breakfast.
Dan kiddingly asked if the big sleepover was continued through to Tuesday. He then asked his friend to tell him how the huge sleepover went. Mr. Ken told him how Owen, Nathan, Jayden, Ryder, and Chase enjoyed their weekend. Mr. Ken told Dan about the Dive-In movie and the two awesome meals Momma and her amigas prepared for them. Dan said he sure wished he had gotten an invite. Both men laughed.
As the men were laughing, Robert and Brad came walking into the Kitchen Nook.
"What are you laughing at, dad?" asked Robert.
"Mr. Dan here said he wished he had been invited to dinner and breakfast this past weekend," replied dad Ken.
"I thought he was working? At least that's what I think I heard you tell Kyle," quickly came back the man's son.
"Yea, you were working this past weekend. That's why I didn't invite you," laughed Mr. Ken.
"Yea, but you could have given me a token invite, or at least called me to stop by for a takeout box or something," laughed Dan Fischer.
"Hey, dad. We still have some of those cheesecake bars leftover and those strawberry cheesecake thingies are still in the refrigerator, too. Maybe we can give him a few of those to enjoy later," suggested Robert.
Momma Maria heard what the teenager just said, so she made a point to make up a 'doggie-bag' for the lieutenant to take with him when he leaves.
"Robert, where are the twins and Charles? I thought you'd all be up at about the same time," questioned The Cove's owner.
The man's son and his overnight guest said they'd go get them. Five minutes later eight lads came into the Kitchen Nook. Charles and the twins said 'Good morning' to both men and then Kyle went over to Mr. Dan and hugged him. Kevin smiled at what his twin brother did. Weeks ago he'd be pissed at him, but he knew his dad was going to prison for a very long time and he was inwardly happy Kyle had found a man he could eventually rely on and look up to.
Momma Maria made blueberry pancakes, scrambled eggs, thick bacon slices and gave the Covers and their guests a choice of fresh coffee, cold milk, or orange juice to help wash it down. When Dan Fischer was ready to leave and head back to his apartment to catch some sleep, Momma gave him a heavy bag of deserts she and her amigas made for the weekend.
"Thank you, Momma. I know I will thoroughly enjoy these and I will be thinking of you every time I eat some," offered Dan Fischer, who then gave the woman a warm hug. The boys clapped at seeing what the man had done. Mr. Dan blushed, but he had a big smile on his face as he walked towards the Foyer and out to his car.
Mr. Wayne and Mr. Chris arrived at about the same time. They passed Dan as he was headed out of the home. They said their greetings and Dan showed the Estate's Manager and Master his bag of cheesecake goodies. Wayne laughed and told him to enjoy them as he used his key to allow him and Mr. Chris entry through the Foyer Door.
As the two men entered the Kitchen Nook, Mr. Ken told the men they were late. Momma Maria trumped her boss and told Mr. Wayne and Mr. Chris to get over to the table and have a pancake or three. Mr. Ken just laughed, as he knew he had lost control of his own kitchen.
Before the boys headed upstairs to take their showers, Mr. Ken called them over. He told the boys it was very cold and windy outside and they should consider canceling their skating for the day. He also reminded Kevin, Kyle, and Matthew that he was taking them to buy suitcases and intended to leave in an hour.
Mr. Ken told the three Cover's guests they could go along, but they needed to call their parents first. Otherwise, they could stay here with Robert and Charles and Mr. Wayne.
Then unexpectedly, Mr. Ken announced to all the lads that he just made the decision there would be no skating that day. Robert and Charles heard the proclamation and asked if they and their friends could go along shopping too, then.
Getting the go-ahead they could go along with his dad and his 'brothers' shopping, Robert used his recall list to let his friends know about the decision there would be no skating today due to the cold. Charles called his friends and told them what was happening and told them whom to call. The twins asked to use Robert's and Charles' cell phone, so they could call their friends.
Charles saw the question in Matthew's face, so he told him Richard told Ryan. Matthew then asked about Noah. Charles told him Dylan would let his brother know, too. The youngest Cover got a big smile on his face after hearing that.
As the boys headed upstairs to get ready, Mr. Ken then told his Estate Manager that Todd refueled the Commander and buttoned it up for the winter and the boys had finished cutting the field. He told the man he was also taking some of the boys shopping and to watch for his package.
After talking to Mr. Chris, Mr. Ken went to his en suite to get ready for the day. That left the two men to have more coffee and talk some more about the past weekend. Wayne did tell Chris that Mr. Ken will probably tease him about not having any floats, inner tubes and other floating devices for the boys to lay on during a Dive-In movie.
Mr. Chris thanked him for the heads up, but told Wayne that Mr. Ken had mentioned it to him once before and suggested they make it part of the boys Christmas presents. Mr. Wayne said that was a good idea, as it would give the boys more presents to open Christmas morning.
The five guests all got permission to tag along with Mr. Ken as he took his boys shopping for suitcases to use as they traveled to Collin's for the Thanksgiving Holiday. Since all ten lads were going shopping, Mr. Ken invited Mr. Wayne to join them since the van did seat 12 comfortably. Mr. Wayne kiddingly asked his boss if he needed to bring his credit card. Mr. Ken told him, "Yes". Everyone had a good laugh.
Mr. Ken headed to The Mall, but Charles convinced his 'dad' that the Outlet Mall would give him the same quality for less money. Plus, Charles told him they could look at the different stores to get ideas for their Christmas List. Mr. Ken drove past The Mall and headed towards the Outlet Mall.
The boys talked about how cold the wind was and that Mr. Ken made the right decision to cancel skating for the day. The Covers' guests were happy their hosts had extra jackets they could borrow because they didn't think about how fast the weather can change and hadn't brought jackets with them the previous day.
At the Outlet Mall, their first stop was the luggage store. The boys, who needed suitcases, and their friends, went in with their 'dad' and Mr. Wayne. The others got permission to look through some of the adjoining stores.
"Boys, I'm going to get you two different sized suitcases. The first one will be your main traveling bag and will be 24 to 26 inches high. That one is used to pack the majority of your clothes. The second bag will be what is considered a carry-on bag. That one is used to pack at least one change of clothes and some toiletries in case the airline loses your main bag. Now, let's look at styles, colors, and usability," explained Mr. Ken.
While Mr. Ken and Mr. Wayne looked through some luggage with the Cover lads, and their friends, the other boys walked along the sidewalk to look at other stores. They stopped in a tool store that sold mostly large, heavy-duty yard machines and a few regular type tools. Robert told Brad that when he visited his home, before the Estate Sale, he was going to take all of his dad's tools, but Mr. Ken told him he'd get him a better set someday.
The boys looked at sneakers and shoes and some famous name brand shirts. They wanted to try some of them on, but Robert reminded his 'brothers' Mr. Ken told them Santa would soon be there. The boys all laughed.
Kevin, Kyle, and Matthew looked at the luggage colors first. They said they didn't want any girly ones. Matthew liked the dark blue, Kyle liked the dark green, and Kevin decided on the dark brown luggage that had spinner wheels. Mr. Ken told them to look over the matching carry-on and choose the style they liked. Mr. Wayne told the boys to choose the opposite color luggage tag to make it easier to spot their suitcase on the airport carousel.
When the shoppers were finished, Mr. Wayne automatically paid the bill. The Estate Master got the van keys from Mr. Ken and had the lads put their purchases into the van and store them there until they arrived home. Mr. Ken had already caught up with the other boys, so Mr. Wayne had his group hurry to catch up.
The large group walked up and down the covered sidewalks despite the cold wind. Mr. Ken had the boys stop in the Crocs store. He had them look at them and asked if they thought they would work for walking around outside without having to put their sneakers on. Kyle said they probably wouldn't work when they skated because they could come off too easily.
Charles spoke up and said they'd be good to wear when they are going from the patio to the beach and out to the rafts. He added they would be good to wear when they are walking around the house, too. The boys decided to look around some more at the different styles and colors.
While his 'brothers' looked around, Matthew went up to Mr. Ken and asked, "'Dad', what if we get them and … and then we don't wear them all that much. And, you told us Santa would be coming soon, so should we even buy these now?"
Mr. Ken ruffled Matthew's hair and asked him who said they were buying them now. The youngest Cover saw the smile in Mr. Ken's face as he asked that question, so he said he understood and went looking for the style and color he liked. The boys tried some different styles on and told either Mr. Ken or Mr. Wayne which ones they liked. Before long, the large group departed the store with no packages in hand.
The group continued to walk and as they passed a candy store, Matthew asked Mr. Ken if they could go in and at least smell it. The man laughed at the lad and said they could go in and smell the candy and get warm for a few seconds. Ten minutes later, when the group walked out of the candy store, each lad had a small bag of candy for themselves. Some had chocolates, some had gummies and one had fudge. Even Mr. Ken and Mr. Wayne came out with their own bag of sweets.
"Boys, before you eat all that candy, let's talk about getting lunch. There are a few restaurants here or we can drive out on the service road and choose one of those. Does anyone have a preference to where we eat?" asked Mr. Ken.
Charles spoke up fast and asked if they could eat at the Cracker Barrel he saw as they drove into the Outlet Mall. The pre-teen told his 'dad' he liked eating at the one they stopped at up when they took their trip before school. The twelve-year-old argued they had an extensive menu and everyone should be able to find something they'd like. Mr. Ken asked Matthew if he'd ever eaten there and the young Cover said they usually ate at McDonald's or Burger King.
Then, Robert spoke up and said he'd like to go to Cracker Barrel because he didn't ever remember eating there. The twins spoke up and said they wanted to try something different, as well. The group headed back to the van. With everyone loaded up, Mr. Ken drove to the service road and headed for their restaurant of choice.
"A table for twelve, please," said Mr. Ken, when they were greeted by the lady at the entrance.
"It will take us some time to free up enough tables to do that sir. May I recommend two tables of six?" advised the lady.
"Only if they are next to one another," replied Mr. Ken.
While the lady went to see what she could do, the boys started looking around the country store area of Cracker Barrel. The majority of the boys had never been in that restaurant chain, so they oohh'd and aww'd at all the things that were for sale.
Charles ate at the Cracker Barrel up in the Dallas-Fort Worth area when 'dad' Ken took him on his 3-day trip last summer. He told his friends all the Cracker Barrels' had a Country Store on one side and sold those types of items and all sorts of candy. Robert heard the candy remark so he reminded everyone his dad just bought them each a bag of candy at the Outlet Mall store and for them not to go thinking they'd get another bag.
The lady came back about twenty seconds later and told Mr. Ken he could probably work them into two adjoining tables in about twenty minutes. She added she did have two 6-seat tables available right now, but there would be an aisle of tables between them. Mr. Ken and his Estate Master conferred and The Cove's owner agreed to that arrangement.
"Boys … over here please," called out Mr. Wayne. "We'll be seated at two separate 6-seat tables so two of you will be the 'odd-man-out'. So, I'm asking for volunteers."
Robert and Charles raised their hands to volunteer. Mr. Wayne said that would be nice but that leaves one or the others friend to actually be the other odd-man-out. Mr. Wayne asked if anyone else would want to volunteer. Brad raised his hand.
The lady seated the two groups of six. At one table was Mr. Ken, the twins, and their friends, Grant and Landon, and the volunteer, Brad. The other table had Mr. Wayne, Robert, Charles, James, Matthew, and Brant. The waitress came over with menus and told them her name. She mentioned the day's Special was meatloaf with a choice of potato and a veggie side. She took their drink orders and hurried off to fill them.
"What should I get 'dad'" asked Kyle.
"Boys, just order what you'd like. Don't worry about the cost as Mr. Wayne is buying," Mr. Ken told all the boys at his table, who were laughing that Mr. Wayne was buying, again.
At Mr. Wayne's table, they all heard the laughter at the other Cover table. Mr. Wayne spoke up and told his group that Mr. Ken probably just told them he was buying. That made his table laugh, too. The Estate Master told the lads to order whatever they wanted, but to make sure they could eat all of what they ordered.
When the group was finished eating they met outside waiting for Mr. Wayne to pay the bill. Some of the lads tried out the rocking chairs and a few started a game of checkers. When Mr. Wayne joined them the boys all yelled out a 'Thank you'!
Mr. Ken told the boys he was going back to the Outlet Mall and drive around to see what other stores were there. He told the boys that if they see a store they'd like to visit to tell him and he'd drop them off and find a parking spot and join them.
The first store the boys spotted was an electronics store. They hurried in to look at the quadcopters, drones, PS4s and some board games made into electronic versions. They also looked at Bluetooth capable speakers and radios.
Their next stop was Under Armour. The lads liked the look and feel of their clothes. They saw some nice lightweight jackets and tried them on. But they spent the most time looking at their shirts and underwear. All the while Mr. Ken and Mr. Wayne were taking notes.
As the boys looked around, the two adults looked at the men's clothes. It was while Mr. Ken was looking at the running shorts, board shorts, and sleepwear that Robert nudged Charles to see what Mr. Ken was looking at. The teen said they needed to find something to buy their 'dad' for Christmas and that might be a good idea.
Charles asked his older 'brother' where they would get the money. Robert said he was paid to cut the field and he hadn't spent any of it. Charles lamented that they don't get an allowance. Robert asked his pre-teen 'brother' where he has gone to even spend it. Charles said Robert had a good point, but he still wished he had some money to be able to buy at least one present for everyone.
The group stopped at other clothing stores and the lads looked at the styles and colors there, too. One store of interest they stopped in was the Bose outlet store. The boys wanted to see and hear the Bose radios and see if they had any smaller ones for young kids. They were disappointed.
Charles asked if they could stop at the Yankee Candle store. He told his 'dad' that maybe they could find something in there that Momma Maria might like. Mr. Ken got a smile on his face thinking to himself that at least one boy thought about others. Mr. Ken stopped and parked the van and the group walked into the candle store.
Before they went into the store, Mr. Ken told them to handle the glass jars very carefully. He told them if they break it they bought it, not him. The lads said they understood and would be very careful.
The Cover lads looked at the three different sizes of jars and the multiple scents there were. They talked about which one to get and they each had their own fragrance they thought they should get. In the end, Mr. Ken told his lads he'd talk to Momma and find out what garden flowers she likes, so that will give them an idea of what she likes. The boys agreed.
As the Cover group drove around the Outlet Mall, Matthew saw a sign for Auntie Anne's that sold soft pretzels. The youngest Cover asked if they could get a soft pretzel. He told Mr. Ken that he couldn't remember the last time he had one. He told his 'dad' that Lincoln always decided on what the money was spent on. The youngster added his moms' boyfriend usually spent it on beer, drugs, cigarettes and then food last.
When Kyle heard his buddy ask about getting a soft pretzel, he joined in and asked if they could stop and get one. The younger twin said their parents didn't take them out to eat often and the last time he remembered eating a soft pretzel was just before they turned ten.
The twin was going to say more about Kevin and his dad going out on Sunday's without him, but Robert put his hand on the lad's arm and shook his head saying no. Kyle then realized they had five boys in the van that didn't know about their father.
Mr. Wayne whipped out his American Express card and told everyone he was buying. All the kids laughed, since he was the one who seemed to be buying everything instead of Mr. Ken.
When the lads read the store's menu they saw there was a large list of different kinds of soft pretzels Auntie's had. The boys seemed to be having a difficult time in deciding, so Mr. Ken stepped up to the window first. He told the server behind the window that the man beside him, Mr. Wayne, would be paying for all of them. The Cove's owner then ordered a cinnamon sugar pretzel with a sweet glaze dip and hot coffee
The boys saw what the owner of The Cove ordered, so many of them ordered the same thing. A few others ordered the sweet almond pretzel with either the caramel or the sweet glaze dip. The boys also got sodas to wash their pretzel down. Mr. Wayne was the odd man out as he only ordered the original soft pretzel with a dusting of salt along with the mustard dip. He, too, ordered hot coffee.
Even though the wind was still blowing and was cold, the group sat at the tables provided and enjoyed their treat. As they ate, Mr. Ken told the lads to use their napkins. He told them he didn't want to get brown sugar or icing sugar and or greasy fingerprints in his new van. The man then stressed it was a NEW van. The boys laughed and said they understood.
Matthew and Brant spied a restroom a block away and asked if they could go over there and wash their hands and drain their hanging friends while they were there. Mr. Ken said that was a good idea, but he wanted the boys to go in groups of at least four. When the Covers and their friends were finished with their treats they all walked over to the restrooms. The adults followed right behind.
Mr. Wayne drove on the return trip. That gave Mr. Ken some time to talk to the boys and then had his 'boys' guests call home and tell their parents they were on their way home. There was no rhyme or reason as to how the lads were dropped off at home. Mr. Wayne called out a boy's name and asked him where he lived. The driver headed in that direction.
Grant was dropped off first. Denise and Saul were waiting at the door for their son to arrive. The twins accompanied their 'dad' and their guest to his front door. Of course, the lad's parents had to thank Mr. Ken for making this such a memorable weekend for their son. They said they'd have to have the twins spend a weekend some time.
Next lad to be taken home was Landon. The twins, Mr. Ken and Landon were met at the front door by Laura and Jason, Landon's parents. The couple thanked Mr. Ken for allowing their son to have such a great start to the Thanksgiving Holiday.
When they dropped James off at home, Allison Whitely did not meet them. James had to use his house key to let himself in. But before the pre-teen walked inside, he turned and hugged Mr. Ken and thanked him for making that weekend something to remember. Only Mr. Ken saw the tears in the lad's eyes.
The Sullivan boys were dropped off last. Barbara and John met their sons, Brad and Brant, and Mr. Ken, who had Robert and Matthew with him. The Sullivan's couldn't thank Mr. Ken enough for what he'd done for their sons. They thanked him for his help making their sons friends with one another, instead of adversaries, and it had made the house so much quieter.
It was Barbara who said they'd do anything to show their appreciation for everything he's done for their sons. Mr. Ken stood there with a smirk on his face knowing he was going to take advantage of their offer. He told the Sullivan's he was planning a Holiday Trip for the boys to Six Flags, the week before Christmas, and needed some volunteer chaperones.
Mr. Ken told them he could use their help with that all-day trip and that Wayne would contact them with the information if they were truly interested. The man further told them the trip would be during the week after the boys get out of school for the Christmas Holiday. John Sullivan said he'd have to check his work schedule, but they enjoyed the Howl-O-Scream and would love to volunteer to help and see Six Flags all decorated for Christmas.
As the seven Covers drove home, Kevin asked if they were going to stop at their favorite ice cream place. Mr. Ken told the twin, and by default the other boys, that they already had candy and a soft pretzel with a sweet dipping sauce. The man said they already had enough sugar that day and had eaten too many DQs, as of late. Kevin said he understood and dropped the subject.
Chief was a happy dog when she heard her 'men' returning from their trip. The resident pet jumped all over Matthew and, by default, was looking for her ice cream. Mr. Ken had to tell her there was no ice cream and that none of them had any.
Matthew innocently asked if he could give Chief some of his chocolate. If looks could kill Matthew would have died a thousand deaths from the stares he received from his 'brothers'. Robert quickly and loudly told his youngest 'brother' that chocolate was like poison for dogs and he should never give a dog chocolate.
Mr. Ken smiled at the quick response from Robert. He then told the boys to research what chocolate could do to dogs and they would talk about it at dinner. The five lads headed up to their bedrooms, but stopped at Robert's so they all could see the answer.
At dinner, the boys told Mr. Ken that chocolate would only kill a dog if they ate a very large amount. They said it was still a good idea not to give it to Chief to stay on the side of caution. Also, that a small amount of chocolate could give Chief an upset stomach with vomiting or diarrhea and they didn't want to see that or have to clean it up. Mr. Ken, with a laugh, told them that was a very good idea. Everyone laughed.
After dinner, the boys thanked Momma Maria in their usual way and then headed to the Study to talk to their 'dad' and Mr. Wayne. Matthew sat with Mr. Wayne, the twins sat together while Robert and Charles took their own chair.
"Boys … I know it is early, but I want to talk to you about packing for our trip. We're going to be gone for 5 days and 4 nights, but as I told you before you always plan for one extra day of clothes. When you go up to your rooms, Kevin, Kyle, and Matthew you'll have to search your new suitcase for additional papers and stickers and other material they seem to always put in them. Put all that aside and either Mr. Wayne or I will look through it to make sure there isn't anything important there.
"Once you get that done, I want you to set aside some nice school clothes and two sets of play clothes that you can also wear as we travel to and from Collin's. I also want you to pack a pair of long pants and a very nice shirt. The nicest one you have. That is what I want you to wear on Thursday to dinner.
"Also pack 6 briefs and socks, and some sleeping shorts and a shirt. You will need to take your dress shoes and possibly a second pair of sneakers. You don't have to, but you can decide if you want to do that. I also want you to take your jacket. Oh, and don't forget your swimsuits. Collin said he'd have their indoor pool cleaned and ready for you all to have some fun swimming.
"Now … any questions?" finished Mr. Ken.
Matthew raised his hand and asked how they put all that stuff in the suitcase. To the lad, it sounded like there were more things to put in there than there was space. Mr. Wayne said he'd go up with him and show him how to pack. The twins quickly asked if he'd help them, too.
Mr. Ken apologized to the three boys saying he didn't realize they all need some instruction in packing. The man told the boys he'd come up there with Mr. Wayne to help all of them.
"One last thing. Although we are goings to Collin's for Thanksgiving, he lives with his grandmother. Her name is Victoria Suzannah Frankenberg. She may tell you to call her Grammy as that was Collin's name for her. So, if she tells you that you can call her Grammy, please do so. Otherwise, you can call her Miss Vickey.
"Also, there will be an older gentleman there as well. His name is Andrew Marshall. He was Collin's dad's primary lawyer and Collin called the man Uncle Andy. Even I called him Uncle Andy. He will probably tell you to call him that. If he doesn't, then I ask you to call him Mr. Andrew. That will probably make him ask you to call him Uncle Andy," laughed 'dad' Ken.
"One thing they have, that I do not have, are servants. They are unlike Momma Maria as they work all throughout the house. I have cleaning companies who come in and do all the cleaning and laundry, etcetera. I tell you that so you don't ask a question or say something in front of them.
"These men and women work for Miss Vickey, err Grammy, and Collin and they will do many things for them that will be strange to you. Just take it all in and ask me questions about it later, if need be. As for whose sleeping where, the twins will be together, Charles and Matthew will be together and Robert and Eric will share. Collin told me he was looking forward to meeting his three newest 'brothers' and getting to know them as good as he has with Robert and Charles.
"Those two both know Collin pretty well so please don't feel jealous, or put out because your much older 'brother' spends more time with them than with you. Now, what say we all go upstairs and get the packing done?
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