Chapter 10

"So are you ready for tomorrow?", Patrick leaned into her ear.

"Sure, I just wish someone would give me some sort of clue. I don't like not knowing", she whined.

They were sitting on the back deck at Michaela and Sully's after Patrick had come over to join them for dinner. Katie's birthday was the next day, and Patrick was teasing her about the plans.

"So, are you coming tomorrow?", she glanced up at him.

"Of course, I can't miss my girl's birthday", he chuckled.

"Will you at least give me a clue?", she begged.

"Nope, I can't. Your mom would kill me. I promised no clues or giveaways.", he shook his head. "Just wait until tomorrow. They've put a lot of thought into this and have a great day planned.", he smiled and wrapped his arm around her.

The sun was setting and there was a slight chill in the air. It was so quiet sitting in the back yard, that you almost forgot you were in the city. Katie scanned the yard. Fireflies were just starting to make their appearance and crickets were chirping.

"I miss this when I'm at school", she sighed. "You never really know what you're missing until you come home."

"Yeah, I know what you mean. I feel like I'm always rushing around at school. Then I come back here, and it's like time begins to stand still.", he leaned into her a placed a quick kiss to her cheek. "Come on", he stood and offered her a hand up.

"Where are we going?", she cocked her head to the side.

"Nowhere, just out in the yard. Come on. I feel like a little kid again this time of year. Watch!", he laughed and took off running into the grass.

Katie laughed and went chasing after him. Patrick swatted in the air and captured a firefly in his hands.

"When I was little, I used to spend every night out doing this very thing. Didn't you ever catch fireflies?", he smiled at her.

"Well yeah, but not in a long time. That's something that little kids do", she giggled.

"So, if you can't act like a kid around me, who can you?", he shrugged. "Don't be embarrassed."

"I'm not", she stomped her foot on the ground.

"Well come on then", he waved into the yard.

Katie blazed past him laughing and ran to the oak tree that was near the dividing point of their yards. She jumped up and grabbed a low branch and flung her feet in the air. She scampered up two more branched before settling into a comfortable spot. Patrick laughed as he ran over and stood under where her feet hung down.

"What are you waiting for", she giggled.

Patrick took the challenge and began climbing up. When he got next to her he huffed and wiped his forehead.

"Well that took some work", he sighed. "Hey you can see right into my room from here", he looked at her with amusement.

"I know", she blushed.

"Wait, did you ever spy on me?", he looked wide eyed at her with a grin on his face.

"Let's just say that after school everyday I used to see a great workout.", she averted her face as the blush turned from pink to red.

"Katie Lewis, I can't believe you", he grinned. "Did you enjoy the show?"

"Well I was a 15 year old who was in love with a guy whom I thought didn't know I existed", she looked at her hands which were twisted in her lap. "I used to admire you from a distance in hopes that one day you would see me as more than the girl next door that was your friend. I never saw anything more than you without this", she flicked his shirt. "My mom made sure I wasn't out here at night", she laughed.

"Well I'm glad", he blushed.

"So back to tomorrow", she stared him down. "Please tell me what's been planned. I'll give you a kiss if you do", she smiled sweetly.

"Nope, I can get those without telling you", he chuckled.

"Oh really", she challenged.

"Yep", he grinned.

"Well it's getting late. I better get inside before someone comes looking for me", she sighed. "I'll see you tomorrow", she began climbing back down to the ground.

"What? No goodnight kiss?", he pouted.

"Nope, you won't give me any clues", she shrugged and headed toward the house.

"Ouch girl, that hurts", he shouted at her retreating back.

She laughed as she disappeared into the house.

The next morning Sully came and knocked on Katie's door.

"Morning birthday girl", he smiled at her as she rubbed her eyes. "Time to get up and get this day started.

Katie sat up at smiled as she took in her surroundings. When she walked into the kitchen, Michaela was packing a cooler on the counter. Sully was gathering several items needed to grill out and Joey was running around half dressed.

"Where are we going?", Katie questioned. "I need to get dressed and I have no idea what to wear."

"The beach", Michaela smiled. "Go put on a swimsuit, and grab a change of dry clothes to pack."

After everyone was dressed, they piled into Sully's truck and headed for the coast. Michaela had planned a day at the beach with all Katie's friends. Sam, Anthony, and Patrick were going to meet the family there. Sully had packed the charcoal grill to cook lunch for everyone, and Michaela had rented jet skis from a local spot near where they were setting up. It would be a day in the sun and water. Katie was happier than she'd been in a long time.

"Oh this is so cool", she hugged Michaela around the neck. "Thanks mom, you're the best."

Michaela smiled and returned the gesture, "you're welcome sweetie. I'm glad you still like having the family around for your birthday. I'm dreading the day when you think you're too old for this kinda stuff."

"I'll never be too old for this stuff", Katie smiled as she spun to take in her surroundings.

Just then Patrick pulled up with the rest of the group. They hopped out and came rushing down to the beach.

"Help me unfold the blankets and get the awning up and you can go ride the jet skis", Michaela beamed.

"Sure", the girls answered and began unpacking the bags.

Patrick and Sully pulled the awning from the back of the truck and began putting together the poles. After a few minutes, they had it anchored into the ground and Sully began setting up the grill.

"We'll be back in a little while", Katie shouted as they headed over to the rental spot.

"I can't believe my baby's an adult now", Michaela sighed as Sully crept up behind her.

"Don't worry, we've got another one that still needs a lot of raisn' ", Sully chuckled.

Just then Joey came running up to them covered in wet sand.

"Joe, what did you do?", Sully laughed.

"I dump bucket", he pointed to the pail that was lying nearby.

"I see", Michaela laughed. "Why don't you help rinse him off?"

Sully stripped his shirt off and grabbed Joey by the waist tossing him up on his shoulder. He jogged out to the water with Joey laughing as he bounced on his shoulder. When they got to the waist deep water, Sully brought him down and began lightly splashing him with water attempting to get as much sand off his head as possible. Joey was splashing and laughing as Sully tried to keep from getting sand in his eyes. Michaela shook her head at their antics. It was times like these that she was so thankful she had a husband that was a child at heart. She pulled out a blanket from the bag and plopped down to soak up some sun right when the jet skis came buzzing by in the distance. Anthony and Hannah were on one together as well as Katie and Patrick. Sam came by trailing on one going solo.

"You might have to go out there and help her", Michaela shouted to Sully as she pointed to Sam. "She's having a hard time keeping up with the boys and their driving."

Sully laughed and smirked at her, "are you trying to get rid of me".

He walked up and plopped down beside her shaking his head rather vigorously shaking water everywhere.

"Ugh!", she squealed. "You're getting me all wet."

"You can thank your son for that", he laughed.

"So is he my son when he does something naughty, but your son when he does something nice? Is that how it works?", she cocked her head to the side.

"No, he's always you son. He smart and has a quick wit, and how could I forget his stubborn streak. He's definitely your son", Sully chuckled and flopped back on his back as Michaela swatted at his belly.

"Well, I remember you once telling me that you like those things about me", she leaned down over his face as her hair fell creating a soft curtain around them.

"I never said was complaining", he mumbled as she crept closer.

Just as she was leaning in to give him a kiss they heard a giggle beside them. Michaela froze and tilted her head to the side only to come nose to nose with Joey.

"Whatcha doin' ", Joey grinned.

"Nothin' buddy", Sully chuckled as Michaela groaned.

"Remind me why we're so sad that our daughters are growing up", she laughed as Sully stood up.

He laughed an headed in the direction of the jet skis, "I'm off to help Sam. I'll finish what we started later tonight.", he winked at her.

She blushed and turned away from his gaze, "it's a date."

After a few minutes, Michaela saw Sully wiz by with Sam on the back. He'd caught up to them and was right in the pack with Anthony and Patrick. She giggled when she thought about his childish antics and was so happy she married someone who was so young at heart.

Just then Joey pointed to the water, "look mama, daddy's funny."

"He sure is", she smiled, "he sure is".

After several hours of water play, the group had made their way back to where Michaela had blankets spread out with snacks. The group had worked up quiet an appetite and was devouring the food.

"I guess I'll get the burgers going now. Seems everyone is pretty hungry.

He pulled his shirt on and walked over to where the grill was set up a few feet from the group. Patrick followed and offered to help. As Sully was placing the burgers on the grill, Patrick kept glancing off in the distance and fiddling with his hands. Sully grinned and chuckled as he watched Patrick's discomfort. Something big was about to happen and he knew it had something to do with Katie.

"So", Patrick began. "I was wondering if I could talk to you about something?"

"Sure, what's on your mind?", Sully glanced up at him.

"Well first off I want to tell you that I really love and respect your daughter. She's the best thing I have in my life right now. I know we're young, really young, but I would like your permission to ask her to marry me.", Patrick rushed the last part as he backed away slightly ready for what he thought might be a bad reaction.

"Well you're right, you are young.", Sully glared at him for a minute enjoying the fact that Patrick was slightly worried. "I don't see why you can't be engaged for awhile though.", he smiled.

Patrick released the breath he was holding, "are you serious sir?"

"Well like I said, engaged. You're not marrying her until you get out of school. You still have two years left right? I mean you're going to be a junior this next fall.", Sully raised his brow in question.

"Yes sir, two more years. Oh thank you sir", Patrick smiled.

"Oh and Patrick?" Sully touched him on the arm. "No more with the sir, just call me Sully?"

"Sure sir, I mean Sully", he grinned.

As Patrick walked back to the tent to join the group sitting on the blankets, Michaela moved to stand with Sully over by the grill. Sully was silently running ways to tell her about the conversation he just had through his head. He knew she'd have a hard time letting go, but after all this was still two years away. A lot can happen in two years.

"What was that all about?", she asked him as she leaned into his side.

"Oh, he was just making sure I knew how much he loved our daughter", Sully smiled.

"Ummm huh, what aren't you telling me?", she stared him down.

He knew he couldn't get around her on this one so he tried to be as honest as he could without upsetting her. "Let's just say, Patrick's got big plans in the works for this birthday."

Realization began to dawn on her as she looked from Patrick to Katie and back to Sully.

"Don't worry", he assured her. "They will wait until after he finishes school, that's part of the deal", he hugged her to his side and felt her relax a little. "Besides, didn't you once tell me that you and David got engaged when you were 19. When you know, you know", he shrugged. "Don't worry. You've raised a responsible young woman."

"I guess you're right", she sighed.

Besides, it had to happen sooner or later", he cocked his head to the side as he placed a kiss to her forehead.

"Yes, I suppose you're right, although I was hoping for later", she sighed.

Ok, this will be this last chapter posted this week. My goal is to finish this story before Christmas. I've been writing daily trying to stay ahead so that editing is all I have to do before publishing. So many of you asked for details about Michaela and Sully in Tragedy, that I'm trying to give them small story lines in this. For those who have asked, Joey is 3 ½. Hope you are enjoying this…