Disclaimer:
I hereby incorporate all standard disclaimers as set forth in previous chapters to this story.
Chapter 9:
Sloan arrived at the Downtown/Wall Street Heliport to find Erin and Nicky already in the helicopter with one engine running.
He quickly joined them and secured the cabin door.
Grabbing the intercom, he told the pilot to go as soon as the other engine stabilized.
Nicky had never been in a helicopter and the excitement on her face over the entire prospect of heading to Detroit and meeting Sloan's family was plainly evident. Erin and Nicky were seated in the two center captain's chairs and Sloan in one of the two lounger seats against the forward cabin bulkhead. He looked at his two women feeling both love and happiness.
They could hear the second engine come to life and a couple of minutes later, Nicky shrieked with joy as the big Augusta lifted off on its short journey to Teterboro Airport.
She looked out as the helicopter climbed to 3,000 feet and saw the beautiful lights of Manhattan, along with Brooklyn off to her right.
Erin noticed the big grin on Sloan's face as he observed Nicky and she was experiencing the same emotions. Now if she could only get him to grow up he'd be perfect but she had to admit it was that adolescent side of him that kept her on her toes and face it, 90 percent of the time he was a very loving, patient and attentive adult so she'd gladly deal with the other 10 percent if that meant keeping him just as he was.
Before she knew it, Nicky was strapped into the cockpit jump seat aboard the Lockheed JetStar. Sloan and Erin were going through the checklists and Erin began starting the four engines. Ten minutes later they were roaring down runway One Niner on their way to the Great Lakes State.
Erin noticed a distinct change in Sloan from a month ago when he seemed reluctant to return home. Now it was as if he couldn't get there soon enough and she understood why. He needed to check on his sister and she also smiled knowing he wanted to show off his now fiancée as well as his future step-daughter.
Erin monitored the instruments. "Sloan, we'll get there soon enough, but we are almost at our ground speed limit. Maybe you should throttle back a bit." Erin cautioned.
He reduced the auto throttle speed setting by 30 knots which cut the ground speed by 22 miles per hour.
Nicky was in wonder at the beautiful jet and watching her mother and future step-father piloting it with obvious ease. She knew her mother couldn't wait for the day that she would sit in the left hand seat and fly this beast by hand rather than dialing in autopilot commands.
Before she knew it, they had begun their descent.
Ten minutes later she was in another helicopter just like the one they used to leave New York City but this time she was alone in the cabin, her mother insisting on flying up front with Sloane. It wasn't a long flight and before long she looked off to her right and noticed a series of flashing lights, a very bright white square with a big red H in the middle of it surrounded by a red circle with white, red and green lights on the ground that led to it like some kind of pointer. All of a sudden the helicopter leaned to the right and made a big sweeping turn and before she knew it, landed right on top of the red H. Then the ground under her moved and she was looking in the opposite direction. She heard something grab the helicopter and then her mother was opening the cabin door to greet her.
"I'll bet you liked that landing Nicky." Erin laughed.
"What was that? I saw all these lights and then we landed and the whole helicopter spun around." She said.
Sloan explained the landing system and helipad turntable as he noticed Albert driving up to meet them.
The front of Stone's house was awash in light as was the pool house and pool area. Nicky couldn't believe what she was seeing. "Sloan this is beautiful."
"Thank you sweetheart, welcome to the Motor City and your second home." He unabashedly grinned, while hugging her close to him on one side while he pulled Erin to him on the other.
"The air is so crisp and fresh." Erin noted.
"Autumn in Michigan is truly the most wonderful season there is in any state. It's always been my favorite time of year."
Nicky met Albert and helped put her suitcase in the back of the Escalade. As they drove away she turned around to see the helicopter awash in the floodlights and it looked so beautiful.
When they arrived inside, Sloan went over to the wall and pushed some buttons and the helipad and approach lighting went dark.
He then gave Nicky a tour of the house and showed her to the second floor. "There are six bedrooms. Pick any room you want and it's yours." He said. "You have ten minutes and then dinner will be served milady."
Sloan and Erin then went up to the third floor where she set down her travel bag and changed into something more relaxing as did he.
"Come here." Erin ordered.
Sloan walked over and into her outstretched arms. "Have I told you lately that I love you?" She asked.
"Not in the last few hours, I was wondering whether you were having second thoughts." He teased.
"Perish the thought naughty one. I love you and more than that, I love you for how you treat Nicky." She said.
"I told you before, she's special as a person and she's a part of you so how could she not be special to me as well?" He asked.
Erin kissed him deeply and started to pull him towards the bed.
"Oh no, last time I let you entice me before a meal, I went hungry and as I skipped lunch today, I'm not missing out on Winney's cooking." He said.
"You'd rather have Winney's cooking than what I have cooking?" She incredulously asked.
"Yes because your oven will still be hot hours from now. I know you very well you vixen." He smiled.
"You are so in for it later." She scowled.
"Fine, but if you're going to torture me at least I want to endure it on a full and content stomach, so let's go." And he headed off to the kitchen.
He met Nicky on the staircase and he picked her up and tickled her on the way down.
"Did you find a room in this fleabag of a hotel that you liked?" He asked.
"This is hardly a fleabag Sloan, it's incredible and yes, I took the one on the far end overlooking the helicopter." She said.
"Good choice." He said.
They went into the kitchen to find the table set for three.
"Winney my love, I'd like you to meet Nicky, my future step-daughter who in spite of her mother, is a very sweet young lass." He said.
"I heard that brat." Erin called out from behind him.
"Ah, the shrew." He whispered.
"I heard that too!" She announced.
"My love, are you hungry?" He teased.
"Keep it up funny boy. Somebody's birthday is just hours away." She grinned, reminding him of his lost bet.
"I smell something fantastic, what's the fare tonight?" He asked Winney.
"Lamb chops with spinach and garlic mashed potatoes, vegetable soup, salad and lemon meringue pie." She answered while smiling.
"Yum Yum." He said as they took their seats and said Grace which this time Sloan did not attempt to intermix with humor, especially as the warning look Erin gave him would ice up a roaring fire.
Albert poured their beverages and Winney began serving the soup course.
"We're supposed to have a warm day tomorrow. Your sister left the pool open until next week knowing that upon your return, weather permitting, you would want to enjoy it." Albert informed him.
"She's correct, in fact, I may take a dip tonight. Is the heat on?" Sloan asked.
"Yes. It's at 70 degrees. I've also fired up the hot tub for later." He smiled.
Erin looked over. "I know how where I'm heading." She said.
"A bottle of wine, a good cigar, and a hot tub." He nodded.
"Be sure I get a cigar too, now that you've got me hooked." She said.
"I'm turning you onto all sorts of bad habits. Cigars, flying, being chauffeured around in classic cars." He teased.
"I'm worth spoiling, remember?" She noted.
"Nicky, the house has Wi-Fi but tonight, you are banished from your computer. Your mom bought you some clothes when we were last here including a couple of swim suits. Albert will deliver everything to your room tomorrow but you will find what you need for tonight waiting for you upstairs. Come take a swim after dinner or a soak in the hot tub. Breathe in the fresh Michigan air." He instructed.
"I'd love to." She said excitedly.
Sloan came out half an hour after dinner carrying a box of cigars, a lighter and cigar cutter. Albert followed with a bottle of wine and four glasses in case anyone else showed up. He set them on the hot tub deck which was located within the enclosed pool area. Next he went into the pool house and brought out an arm full of pool towels.
"Thank you Albert." Sloan said as he prepared to dive into his pool.
"My pleasure Sebastian. Is there anything else I may bring you?" He asked.
"Nope. I seem to have it all." He smiled. "Have a good night Albert and thank Winney again for me. That was a delicious dinner."
"By the way, that's a beautiful ring that Erin is wearing. You always did have excellent taste." He smiled.
"Thank you. Once the wedding band is soldered on, then it will really be impressive."
Erin and Nicky were upstairs changing and Sloan was swimming laps when he heard a voice calling out.
"Only you would go swimming in 60 degree weather you fool."
Sloan looked up to find Lynne standing at the pool's edge smiling down on him.
"Hi little sister, come on in, the water's great." He said. "By the way, thanks for leaving this open. I needed it." He smiled.
"I know you too well and as to your offer, are you nuts, it's freezing out here." She said, while hugging herself.
"Nah, it's perfect. Fall in Michigan, damned I missed it."
"I came over as I wanted to be the first to wish you a Happy Birthday big brother."
"Thank you Lynne. I appreciate that. Go grab a suit and join us in the hot tub. Erin and Nicky should be down shortly." He said.
"Now that I will do. Try not to turn yourself in to a prune you old fart. At your age you have to limit how long you remain in the water." She laughed as she headed to the pool house to change.
Sloan thought that maybe there was hope for their brother-sister relationship after all. He had to admit that Lynne had been trying to mend fences for the past four years, but once bitten twice shy and Sloan played by the one strike rule and Lynne had already taken her swing and missed many years ago. Maybe it was time he buried the hatchet and warm up to her as Paige suggested. Hell, if he could find it in his heart to be kind to Karen, then Lynne deserved no less.
Nicky and Erin finally arrived. Nicky was astonished at the beautiful pool grounds and most of all, the pool itself. "Oh My God." She said. "Sloan this is incredible."
"Thank you and if you like it so much, get in here, the water is warm."
Nicky looked up to her mother.
"Go ahead." Erin told her.
Nicky dove in and swam over to Sloan who picked her up and threw her into the deep end.
"No little fishes, we only go for the bigguns, Aye." He said, sounding like a pirate.
Lynne came out to witness the fun and Sloan introduced them. "This is my middle sister Lynne and this is Nicky, my future step-daughter." He said. "Lynne is the main reason I met your mother as it was her idea to pack me off to New York in order to get rid of me." He teased.
"Well my mother and I are glad that you did. Thank you." Nicky smiled.
"You can have him but I expect him to come back every so often as he still is my brother." She smiled.
"Deal." Nicky said.
Lynne went over to the hot tub and joined Erin. "Looks like old hard ass has really taken a shine to Nicky." She sarcastically remarked.
Erin smiled. "Your brother is a big softy and you know it and yes, he's been wonderful with her." She went on to explain the science project and the effort he was putting in to it.
"He always had a big heart. I just was too foolish to realize it." She sadly replied, explaining the ruts in their relationship.
"I think you two will be fine. A few months away has done him good plus he's happy Lynne and he knows he has you primarily to thank for that." Erin replied.
"Thank you, so, let's see that ring." Lynne responded.
Erin showed it to her and Lynne smiled. "He always had exemplary taste. I'm glad that you two met and you gave him a second chance by going to his office." She said.
"I'm glad you called me with that advice. I thought maybe he had someone or wasn't interested." Erin replied.
"So, how are things working out overall?" Lynne asked.
"I couldn't ask for a more wonderful, kind and attentive man but there are some moments when I don't know whether I want to strangle him or put him over my knee." And she went on to explain about the transfer to her savings account and his faux Grace at dinner, causing them both to laugh.
"He has a very dry wit and sarcastic sense of humor and he's very headstrong. Once he locks on to something he follows through on it so learn to enjoy the ride Erin, because it will be interesting as well as exciting." Lynne advised.
Sloan and Nicky came over and hopped in. "My ears are burning so I know that you two yentas are talking about me." He said.
He reached into the cigar box and brought out three Davidoffs handing one each to Erin and Lynne.
"You smoke these too?" Erin asked.
"He got me started on them. I tried one 20 years ago and I liked it but I only smoke them with him. It's kind of our thing." Lynne answered.
She's the only sister who will. Paige and Karen detest the smell of these things.
"When he really wants to piss Karen off he'll fire one up and puff like a chimney until she leaves the room." Lynne giggled.
"Or the house." He grinned.
"Or the property." Lynne said causing them both to laugh.
"It makes a phenomenal repellent for a particularly nasty pest." He snorted which caused Lynne to laugh harder.
The three adults enjoyed their wine and Erin even allowed Nicky to have one glass.
Albert returned with a second bottle before he retired for the night and they had a great time soaking up each other's company as well as drinking in the fall air.
"You really miss it here, don't you?" Erin asked.
"Only the fall. Maybe it's because I was born this time of year, but these evenings always feel special to me." He noted. "As I told you, New York is my home now, but you can't take Michigan out of me for it's made me who I am."
"He also gets very introspective this time of year and especially with in a week of his birthday, he's usually a moody bear to deal with and shuts everyone out but I've noticed a change. He's happy and in love and it shows." Lynne stated.
"That is correct." He affirmed. "I actually looked forward to coming back tonight, but that's because I want to show off my new family to this cow town."
"You have such a way with words Sloan." Erin giggled.
"Indubitably." He grinned back.
Lynne looked over at Nicky. "So, your mom told me about your science project." Which started a conversation between the two women.
Sloan just leaned back against Erin's thigh and enjoyed himself while he puffed away and looked at the clear sky, studying the stars as they twinkled in his eyes.
In another hour he would be entering another year of his life, but for once it wasn't foreboding nor was he depressed, but excited for what it had to offer him.
At midnight, everyone wished him a happy birthday and Lynne left to change and head home. "See you tomorrow bro." and she gave him a big kiss and hug. She stopped and turned around. "Sloan? I know that we always haven't had the best relationship, but I do love you." She said.
"I know and I love you too. Let's bury the hatchet on the past. It's a new year so let's start fresh little sister." He said as he picked her up in a bear hug.
She hugged him back. "It's going to be a fantastic year Sterling."
How correct she would turn out to be.
Erin watched and smiled as Sloan returned to her. "I'm happy that you did that. She told me that she regrets the past and was hoping that you'd give her a second chance."
"I know. Sometimes I'm too rigid but since I met you two, I've become more comfortable with myself and now facing Karen's problem, it makes me appreciate those I love even more." He said.
Once Lynne had departed, they dried themselves and turned off the hot tub. Sloan locked up the pool house and they carried everything back inside. He extinguished the exterior lights and insured the place was locked up before setting the alarm system and returned the remaining cigars to the humidor in his office.
They walked upstairs to the second floor and said goodnight to Nicky and then Erin and Sloan went upstairs to the Master Suite.
They took a hot shower together and then climbed into bed.
"Happy birthday my love." Erin said as she pulled him to her. An hour later Sloan was peacefully asleep in the arms of his fiancée.
The next morning they awoke and Erin handed Sloan a 9x12 envelope. "This is part of your birthday present." She smiled. He opened it up to find the gift certificate from the photography studio. "You've been asking for a portrait of me so when we get back to New York, I thought it would be nice to have one taken of the three of us."
"I also want one of just you and Nicky so that I can show off my two beautiful women." He said as he kissed and thanked her.
Then they dressed and headed downstairs.
"Happy Birthday Sebastian." Echoed Winney and Albert.
"Thank you both." As he hugged Albert and received a kiss from Winney.
"Are we all set for tonight?" He asked.
"Yes, everyone will be here for diner at 5:30 which leaves plenty of time to get to the temple." Albert replied.
Sloan looked at Erin. "We're having a family Shabbat dinner." He informed her.
Erin was taken aback. "Sloan, it's one thing for me to participate in front of my family, but I don't want to screw this up in front of yours." She said.
"Relax, you'll do fine. Besides, I make my parents sit at the heads of the table and do the blessings when the entire family gets together. The only reason we're having it here instead of their house is because they can't fit sixteen people together and we can. The worst part of this is that I have to insure that I don't slight one of my sisters by placing her too far away from me."
He turned to face Nicky. "So, what would you two like to do today?" He asked.
"I want to see the city." Nicky said.
"Let's go show her downtown, and your office building. I think she'll like that a lot." Erin noted.
"Ok. Let me make a phone call and arrange someone to come pick us up from the heliport."
Ten minutes later they were in the air for their short flight to downtown Detroit. Sloan landed the copter on the rooftop deck of Cobo Hall and they were met by one of the office drivers in a new Lincoln MKT.
When Nicky entered the lobby of the Guardian Building, her mouth dropped. She looked at the famed frescoes, amazed at their vibrant color and beauty. "This is amazing." She said.
"I felt that way too the first time I saw them. I was eight years old when my father moved his law firm into this building." They had entered on the north side of the building off Congress Street so that Nicky would experience the full 'Cathedral' effect Wirt Rowland had successfully captured which he explained to Nicky. At the south end of the lobby, the bank was open so the complete expanse and breadth of the design could now be seen as opposed to a month ago when Erin had been here at night. They walked up the stairs into the bank where more frescoes lined the walls and ceiling.
"You're right, I feel as if I'm in some type of church." Nicky said.
"You are. The Cathedral of Finance." He informed her.
Next they went upstairs. "Silver & Silver, P.C. had its offices on floors 30, 31, 33 and 34. The 32nd floor was a restaurant/conference facility available to all tenants of the building.
They left the elevator and entered the 31rst floor offices. Sloan led them back to the northwest corner office where his firm had begun so many years ago while he was still a boy. He knocked on the door and his father looked up.
"Happy birthday Sloan." Nathan said as he came around from his desk to hug his only son.
Sloan then introduced Nicky. "She's as beautiful as her mother. What these two ladies want with you is anybody's guess." Nathan joked.
"We'll be happy to take him." Nicky responded.
She walked into Nathan's office and looked around. "Sloan tells me this is where it all began."
"In 1969." Nathan responded.
Nicky and Erin looked out the windows at the beautiful Art Deco buildings that lined Griswold Street and then over towards Woodward Avenue which was south east Michigan's 'Main Street'.
"There are more Art Deco buildings in Detroit than any other city in the U.S." Sloan informed her.
"It's so much different than New York City where you see more glass and steel." Nicky opined.
They parted company with Nathan and Sloan took them up to 32 where they could see the beautiful restaurant which reminded Erin of the London Chop House due to its beautiful woodwork. After a snack, they headed up to 34 where Erin finally saw Sloan's office. "Lynne and I are on this floor. Paige and Karen are below us on 33 along with the other senior partners. They went over to the large southwest corner office which overlooked the Detroit River, the Joe Louis Arena and Cobo Hall, as well as Canada and the Ambassador Bridge, the man made link connecting the two countries.
Unlike his New York office, which had large glass windows with white walls, this one was much more intimate and in line with the building's overall design and Erin thought more accurately reflected the true Sloan Silver. Beautiful red mahogany paneling had been installed to mirror the rosewood of his father's office on the thirty first floor.
"Sloan, this is a complete contrast to your New York office. I love it." She said as she sat behind his desk.
"You look good there. Maybe you should hop over to the private sector." He commented.
"Someday I might and if I do, I would love to practice with you." She smiled.
"I'd like that as well." He grinned back.
They went across the floor to the Northeast Corner where Lynne's office was, but she wasn't there.
"She's on 40 Mr. Silver." her secretary advised.
"Thank you Charlene."
Sloan led Nicky and Erin to the private elevator which accessed floors 35-40 and they headed to the top of the building. Sloan knocked and then used his key to enter.
Lynne was at his desk handling his myriad of businesses as usual.
"Sometimes I don't know why I became an attorney. I should have just gotten my doctorate in business and worked for you." She said.
"Because, I need you to keep me out of trouble." He smiled as he came over and gave her a kiss on the cheek.
Nicky entered the office and Sloan turned on the display lights. "This is my ego room" he explained as she looked around at his sports memorabilia.
Lynne started to get up but he waived her back down. "We're not staying long, I just wanted to show Nicky the building and then we're taking an aerial tour of the city."
Sloan pulled one of his checkbooks out and began drafting a check. He signed it and handed it to Lynne.
She looked at the $50,000 check. "What's this for?" She stunningly asked.
"Get out of here for a couple of weeks. Take Ben on a cruise or go spend some time alone with him somewhere exotic like Bora Bora. Spice up your marriage. I don't tell you often enough just how much I appreciate you and what you do for me." He said.
"I don't need this to know that." She smiled.
"Irrelevant, take it and go. Use one of the Citations or pull one of the biz jets out of Albuquerque, just do it. That's an order from the CEO of the firm and of all my other enterprises." He grinned.
"You're serious?" She asked.
"I told you he was a big softy." Erin smiled.
Lynne got up and gave her brother a big hug. "Thank you Sterling."
"My pleasure little sister." He said hugging her back. "See you tonight!"
Sloan put an arm around Nicky as they waited for the elevator to take them from 40 back 34 where they would transfer to another elevator and head back down to the lobby.
"So, what thoughts are percolating up there?" He said while tapping her head.
"Your amazing career. The awards, the different uniforms, the medals and trophies. It's a side of you I really never knew about." Nicky responded.
"Most people do not get to see that part of me up close. I save it for very special people like you and your mom." He replied.
"Why?" She quietly asked.
"Because that's my public persona and I left it behind when I retired, but that doesn't mean I don't treasure those days and my accomplishments. I'm a very private person Nicky and when I share myself, I do so only with those I can trust and whom I love." He stated.
"Then I must be one of those you trust and love." She smiled.
"Very much so." He said as he picked her up and gave her a kiss.
Erin looked on as the two most important people in the world to her hugged. Her family. She now had a complete family.
Sloan came over and pulled her into a group hug. "Our family." He said reading her thoughts.
They exited the building and returned to the helicopter. Once in the air, Sloan gave Nicky the grand tour, showing her the sites where he had played hockey and baseball. He then received clearance and headed west to Ann Arbor, Michigan where Nicky looked down upon the largest sports stadium in the western hemisphere. "That my darling ladies, is known as 'The Big House' and where I played college football for four years.
He then overflew the campus of the University of Michigan which still brought him an enormous sense of pride, pointing out the buildings where he worked to obtain his many degrees, finishing up with its famous law school.
Nicky in particular enjoyed the campus's beauty. "Maybe I'll apply here for college." She commented.
After overflying the North Campus, they headed back to Bloomfield Hills and a perfect landing.
The temperature was a balmy 74 so they went out to the pool where Albert served them lunch and Erin relaxed as she enjoyed a perfect daiquiri.
Sloan slipped over next to her and nuzzled her neck causing her to giggle as she pulled him closer to her.
"You know, we were so close to Canada that I could have gone over and procured you another Canadian quarter for your thoughts." He said.
"My thoughts are free to you today." She lovingly smiled.
"Ok, spill." He said.
"You already know them all." And she leaned in for a kiss. "I am glad that you and Lynne wiped the slate clean. That was very sweet of you and it makes me proud to be with such a kind person."
"You've had a humbling effect on me." He noted.
"Have I? I think it's always been there and you just needed to be able to relax enough to see it for yourself." She replied.
"Maybe, but without you I'm just a meanie" and he leaned in and started blowing raspberries on her taught stomach causing Erin to scream and laugh.
"Hey you two, get a room." Nicky yelled from the pool.
"Sorry, but this joint doesn't meet our standards." He yelled back. "I wonder if they have any availability in that house over there." He commented as he picked Erin up and carried her into the pool house like a fox who had just stolen a chicken from the coop with her laughing the entire way as Nicky looked on shaking her head.
When they returned a few minutes later, they both dove in the pool and began chasing Nicky who Sloan later made walk the plank while Erin played the shark awaiting her.
Eventually, they called it an afternoon and headed up to their rooms to change for dinner and services.
Everyone began arriving shortly after 5:00 and Sloan proudly introduced Nicky to the rest of his family.
Even Karen was on her best behavior and at one point came over and gave Sloan a big hug and kiss. "Happy birthday Sloan and thank you for everything." She smiled as she hugged him, not wanting to let go.
He kissed her on the nose and held her close. "We're going to get you through this and you'll be as good as new." He promised.
Paige and Nicky hit it off as expected and Nicky met her five future cousins who instantly bonded with her.
Sloan and Erin looked on more than satisfied as to how things were coming along.
Finally, they sat down for dinner as Sloan insisted that his parents take the end places.
There were five sets of Shabbat candles set around the table and on Shelley's cue Erin, Paige, Lynne and Karen stood with her and lit their candles. Sloan watched as the women all went through the same motions and then began the blessing, Erin flawless in her Hebrew. Nathan observed Erin and looked over at his son with a satisfied smile and nodded.
The women next said the remaining two prayers associated with the holidays before Nathan blessed the wine. Sloan then chanted the blessing over the bread and everyone participated in blessing the apples.
Once the rituals were observed, Nathan stood holding his glass of wine.
"53 years ago tonight my wife gave birth to our first child. After the nurse wrapped him in a blanket, she handed him to me and I looked down at Sloan and realized that I was now a father. Shelley and I knew that he was special because unlike most babies, he didn't cry but just looked at us, curious as to who we were and as to his surroundings. 53 years later he's still that same quiet, curious and introspective person, though somewhat larger than he was that night, but our pride in him has never once ebbed. Most of all, our entire family is delighted to welcome Erin and Nicky into it and while most parents would think they are losing a son, we know that we are gaining another daughter and granddaughter and we couldn't be happier. Take good care of one another and know that while you may now live apart from us, that you all are always in our thoughts, our prayers and most importantly, in our hearts. Happy birthday to a wonderful son, brother, uncle and finally, future husband and father and a hearty Mazel Tov to both of you on your engagement. Le'Chayim." He said as he toasted Sloan and Erin, followed by everyone else.
"Kiss Kiss Kiss." His nephews called out so not one to ever refuse them, he turned to Erin and planted a good long one on her which she returned with equal vigor as everyone cheered them on.
"Speech!" Lynne called out.
Sloan shook his head no, but Erin stood up.
"As you all know, Sloan is very shy so I've been elected as our speaker." She said while hugging him to her.
"First of all, I have to thank Paige, Lynne and Karen for sending their brother to New York or I would never have met him. Secondly, I have to again thank Lynne for providing me with the owner's manual on her brother so that I know how to handle him." Erin teased which brought a round of laughter from everyone else.
Erin quickly recounted the story of how they met and that she had to pursue him. "Sloan is a very patient and loving man. He's teaching me to fly and from him I've learned to explore Judaism and he's shown me there's a big world out there beyond the confines of one's job, church and family. Most of all, he's taken my daughter into his heart and allowed himself to enter hers and for that I will be forever grateful. I want to thank you Shelley and Nathan for raising such a fine man and I promise to love and cherish him for all of our remaining days. Le'Chayim." She said.
Erin looked over at Sloan whose eyes were tearing so she kissed him and wiped his eyes and she noticed that they were bluer than she'd ever seen them before.
"Your mood eyes betray you." She grinned.
He smiled back.
Karen came over and whispered in Sloan's ear. He nodded and whispered back and she nodded in return. Sloan then stood up and went over to Paige and whispered in her ear and she nodded and stood up as well. Lynne got the hint and went to the kitchen and returned with her trumpet.
Sloan and Karen went over to the twin Yamaha Concert Grand pianos in the Grand Room which adjoined the dining room as one large open space.
Sloan took the white piano and Karen the black one and Lynne stood to off to Karen's side.
Paige stood in the center of the room midway between the pianos and dining room table. Sloan, Karen and Lynne began to play and then in a beautiful mezzo soprano voice she began to sing.
There's a saying old, says that love is blind
Still we're often told, "seek and ye shall find"
So I'm going to seek a certain lad I've had in mind
Looking everywhere, haven't found him yet
He's the big affair I cannot forget
Only man I ever think of with regret
I'd like to add his initial to my monogram
Tell me, where is the shepherd for this lost lamb?
There's a somebody I'm longin' to see
I hope that he, turns out to be
Someone who'll watch over me
I'm a little lamb who's lost in the wood
I know I could, always be good
To one who'll watch over me
Although he may not be the man some
Girls think of as handsome
To my heart he carries the key
Won't you tell him please to put on some speed
Follow my lead, oh, how I need
Someone to watch over me
Won't you tell him please to put on some speed
Follow my lead, oh, how I need
Someone to watch over me
Someone to watch over me.
Everyone began applauding but none more so than Erin whose tears of joy readily ran down her face. She gave the sisters a big hug and thanked them as did Sloan. Then Erin went over to Sloan and buried her face in his chest as she cried while he held her.
"Be right back." He said as he took her upstairs.
"That was so beautiful." She said, regaining her composure.
"We planned that Labor Day weekend. I knew then I was going to propose to you. I wanted you to know that you had found what you asked for that night in our condo."
She kissed him deeply and then went to fix her face. They returned to the soup course and began catching up.
Dessert was a butter cream Colonial birthday cake, Sloan's favorite. When his younger nephews asked Sloan what he wished for, he answered that his wish had already been granted as he hugged Erin and Nicky to him.
Erin was quite taken with the warmth of Sloan's family and she wondered whether this was a cultural phenomenon. Even if she converted, she would not be culturally Jewish nor more than if Sloan converted to Catholicism, would he cease being so.
She did however very much enjoy the Yom Kippur Eve service and though it was long, she found it to be spiritually lifting, especially when she could recite those prayers in Hebrew which Sloan had taught her.
She listened to the organ music as Sloan's mother played before and during the service. "Your mother is very talented." Erin commented.
"She is and I've always enjoyed the flourish with which she plays." He responded.
Erin also noted that there were six Rabbis, three of whom were female. There were also two Cantors. This was a religion that embraced sexual equality as well as the woman's importance in the home, the antithesis of what the Church practiced.
Nicky was also fascinated, more for the cultural aspect but even with the dour nature of Yom Kippur, she found the blowing of the Shofar and the Cantor's chanting instilling an inner sense of warmth she did not find at church.
Erin would compare notes with Nicky later on, but her scales had now tipped to 90/10 in favor of converting.
Everyone parted company after the service and would rendezvous for the morning service at 10:00 a.m.
Sloan was required to fast until sundown the next day at which time his family would come over for a huge breaking of the fast dinner.
Erin elected to put off his birthday surprise for another night as she didn't want to burn their energy levels as she would fast as well.
They sat outside by the rear deck which had a fireplace in which Sloan had a nice fire going.
Sloan appeared to be in a contemplative mood so Erin asked him. "Quarter for your thoughts?"
He smiled. "There's a myriad of them right now but mostly I'm thinking how perfect it would be to bring the Reagan family here for Thanksgiving so that our two families can meet." He said.
"Are you serious?" Erin asked.
"Sure, we can fly them in on the JetStar and there are enough bedrooms. We come in on Thursday after the parade and head back on Sunday. We can even have Sunday dinner here and head back afterwards. There's a wonderful Catholic church within a mile of here we can take them to Sunday morning." Sloan noted.
"I think you should bring it up on Sunday and see what they say, but I love the idea." She responded.
"Me too. I think Nathan and Frank would get along famously."
"Maybe we can lock Karen and Danny in a room together." She laughed.
"I'd put my money on Karen. She has a mouth on her like a truck driver." He chuckled.
"How's she doing?" Erin asked.
"Better now that's she's off those supplements and stopped getting her anti-aging injections. The chemist sent me an email that he thinks he's isolated the reaction we're looking for. If not reversible, at least it won't grow worse and with therapy, she can be retrained."
"Sloan that is such good news." Erin said while hugging him.
Unlike the last Friday night they spent in his house, this time Sloan slept the sleep of the dead. Erin woke him up the next morning so that they could get ready to head out to morning services.
"Do I have to go?" He asked.
"Yes, now get moving." She ordered. "Your birthday is over so I no longer have to be sweet and compassionate and can return to bossing you around." She smirked.
"Mah Neshtanah." He said.
"What does that mean?" She asked while raising her eyebrows.
"Some Hebrew is not meant for your ears." He smiled as she threw her wash cloth at him, missing.
"After I teach you how to fly, remind me to teach you how to throw." He laughed.
After the morning services, Erin pulled Karen aside and explained what happened and asked what the phrase meant.
Karen laughed. "It's from our Passover service. It's the first two words of one of the questions that are asked at the Seder. In short, he responded by asking you why today should be different from any other."
"I'm going to get him for that." Erin said.
Karen taught her a phrase in Yiddish.
Erin smiled at her future sister-in-law. She couldn't wait to pop that one at dinner.
Nicky attended the youth service following those for the adults. She sat with Lynne's sons. Paige's two year old was too young to attend.
Sloan's mother finally finished accompanying the temple choir after the Kol Nidre services which ended at 6:00 p.m.
When she arrived back at Sloan's, everyone was more than ready for dinner.
Nathan and Albert had grilled thick steaks which were brought in on a large heated platter.
Winney had made all the side dishes except for Nathan's special cole slaw dressing which he then added.
During dinner, Sloan made the mistake of becoming too relaxed and lapsed into his adolescent side when he kept making faces and sticking his tongues out at his younger nephews, but when he made the false fart noise, Erin had her opening and took it.
She turned to her side and folded her arms, adopting a stern maternal look. "Excuse me, but I don't think this is how you were raised to behave at the dinner table is it?" She asked, setting the hook.
"No." He guiltily responded.
Then she sprung the trap. "Then do you think you can behave yourself or do I need to take you upstairs and potch your tuchas?" She asked drawing laughs from all around and embarrassing Sloan who immediately honed in on Karen.
"You taught her that because the only person who used to threaten us with that term was mom's grandmother and you and I were the only two alive at the time so I know Lynne and Paige are innocent."
Karen shrugged her shoulders. "That's what you get for telling her 'Mah Neshtanah'."
Sloan explained Erin's teasing him that morning and his response. "She obviously asked Karen what that meant and then Karen gave her one to throw back at me."
Erin grinned in response.
After dinner, Sloan invited those who wished to join him for a stogie to head upstairs to his man cave.
This room took up the entire area over the larger of the two garages and was equipped like a sports lounge, with a fully stocked bar, plasma televisions, bar stools, lounge chairs, dart boards, a pool table and other games.
It also had a fully stocked humidor featuring over 5,000 cigars.
His brother in laws, Lynne and Erin followed him up and soon all were puffing away.
Back in the house, Karen and Shelley were playing duets on the pianos while everyone else enjoyed the music.
Sloan looked at Ben. "Did you read the reports I've sent you?"
"I have and I have to say it's encouraging. Let's get her to New York once Dr. Rosen is ready and see what he determines." Ben responded.
"Agreed. She sure seems better than she did a month ago." Sloan noted.
"Which would support the chemist's posit that as she's now off those chemicals, she's begun to revert back to herself." Ben replied
"What about the lesions?" Sloan asked.
"Dr. Rosen will do a full set of scans and compare them. Maybe they are diminishing." Ben responded.
"David, things good between you two?" Sloan asked.
"Yes, she's definitely warmed up and is more attentive. Thank you both." He noted.
"So, when is the wedding?" Alan asked.
"Once we know what Karen's condition is we can set it. I'd like to have it sometime this spring or summer in New York, but its Erin's decision as she is the bride." He smiled. "My only condition is that Karen be able to attend."
"I don't think that will be an issue Sloan, but we'll know more within a month." Ben said.
Ten minutes later Karen entered the man cave to see what was going on. She started waiving her hands in front of her face while scrunching her nose. "It stinks up here." She complained.
Everyone looked at each other and as one, took a deep drag on their cigars and blew their smoke in her direction, causing Karen to run for the exit.
"Works every time." Sloan said as they all laughed together.
After everyone left, Nicky said goodnight and headed up to her room.
Erin came over to Sloan. "I want you to stay down here until I call you to come up, do you understand me?" She asked in a sultry commanding voice.
"Yes, I understand you perfectly." He smiled.
Erin headed up to their suite. Sloan went to the wall and flipped on the landing pad lights and went outside to stare at the Augusta. He was leaning against one of the house's columns lost in thought when his phone started to ring.
"Yes?" He answered.
"Come upstairs." Erin said and she disconnected.
He went back in and turned off the lights before he began his way to the third floor, wondering what she had planned for him this time.
-30-
