A/N: Apologies for the delay! Here's a long chapter for your patience! Thanks again for reviews, follow and favorites!
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Chapter 29: A Family Christmas
Bo and Lauren placed the last of the boxes under the Christmas Tree, then collapsed onto the couch wrapped in each other's arms.
"I'm exhausted!"
"I'm right there with you, babe."
"I'm so glad he fell asleep in the car on the way back. It was a lot easier putting him to bed asleep. If he had been awake, I think he would have been too excited about tomorrow to go to sleep."
"He didn't shift, tonight, Bo. He felt it, he came to us and we were able to distract him with human things to keep him from going cub on us."
"Yea, the start of the fireworks couldn't have been timed any better."
"Well, Ethan's gifts are under the tree and all of the gifts for everyone tomorrow are bagged and ready to go. Anything else, Mommy?"
"Now, I just need to wrap you up in my arms and fall asleep. How's that sound for our final task of the day?"
"Perfect." Bo leaned in and kissed Lauren softly on the lips. She pulled away with her eyes closed, running her tongue over her top lip, "Mmmm… I will never get tired of those lips. Let's go Mommy!"
Bo stood and pulled Lauren up with her. They peeked in on Ethan who was in his usual position curled up as a cub in the corner of his bed. Bo smiled and whispered,
"He's so damn cute when he sleeps."
"He is indeed. He's going to be up early. We'd better get some sleep."
The couple walked back to their room, tomorrow was going to be a long day indeed.
Christmas Morning
"Shhhh… Don't wake them up until we're right over the bed."
"Wait, Aunt K… this is a bad idea. Mommy is her tiger."
Kenzi had planned to pay Bo and Lauren back for the pots and pans routine they pulled on her a couple weeks ago. Now she wasn't so sure, she needed an alternate plan.
"Okay… let's stay over by the door and do it from there."
"Good idea."
"You stand in front of me. She won't bite her little boy."
"Aunt Kenzi! You're the adult! You're supposed to protect me!"
"Yea, but you're the tiger! You stand a better chance against her than me!"
"You're BOTH gonna be in trouble if you don't shut up!" Bo yelled from the bed.
"Awww, Mamma. You weren't supposed to wake up yet!"
Bo laughed, "Well, I probably wouldn't have if you two hadn't started arguing so loudly. What were you too up to anyway?
Bo rolled over, keeping the covers against her naked chest. When her eyes finally landed on the dynamic duo she saw their guilty faces holding pots and pans with wooden spoons.
"Let me guess, Aunt K's idea?" Bo asked.
"Yes, Mamma. Are you mad?"
Bo shook her head, "Only at Aunt K for waking me up early!"
"What? Your cub came in to my room an hour ago!" Kenzi defended.
Ethan looked at her with sad eyes, "I just wanted to cuddle, Aunt K."
"I know, buddy. It's okay." She always caved when this little dude gave her that face.
Ethan explained to Bo, "I had just gotten all comfy between Aunt K and Uncle Chase when he rolled over on me and almost crushed me. Aunt Kenzi yelled at him and pushed him out of bed."
"Oh? And where is your Uncle Chase now?" Bo asked.
"Asleep on the floor in Aunt Kenzi's room."
Kenzi and Bo laughed.
"Well, what do you want for breakfast, buddy?" Bo asked.
"Aunt Kenzi is making Mommy's pancake recipe so she can sleep in since she has to cook dinner tonight."
"Well, that's very nice of Aunt Kenzi. She certainly is becoming very domestic." Bo smirked.
"Domestic Goddess, mind you." Kenzi corrected.
"Okay – well you two go get started. I'll get Mommy up in about twenty more minutes."
Kenzi snarked, "Yea right. She'll get her up alright."
Bo threw a pillow across the room, which Kenzi barely dodged. She turned and stuck her tongue out at her best friend before smiling, "I got you covered for up to an hour, Succubutt. I got mine last night." She winked and grinned a knowing grin as she shooed Ethan out the door and closed it behind them.
Bo turned and looked at her fiancé who was in her usual morning tiger form. She laughed,
"Like mother, like son."
She ran her hands along the fur between Lauren's ears, gripping one of the massive paws. Lauren hadn't had any nightmares for about five straight nights. Bo could only hope the streak held and that she had finally moved on from the trauma of her past. Regardless, she was just glad that with everything they had going on right now, that her mate was able to sleep through the night. She really needed her sleep to stay healthy right now. She felt Lauren stir beneath her hand as her eyes opened and she immediately shifted back. Bo took a moment to openly appreciate her fiancé's beautifully naked body as she stretched her arms over her head, arching her back to stretch her lower body. She felt Bo's hands run down between her breasts past her abs to grip her right hip, rolling her towards her.
"Good morning, you incredibly beautiful woman of mine." Bo purred.
"Mmmm… happy I can give you a view you can enjoy." Lauren grinned.
"If you would let me take a picture of you right now and have it enlarged, I would frame it and hang it over our bed so I could come in and just stare at it during the day."
"Yea… well, don't hold your breath on getting that permission. But you do have permission to touch wherever you'd like right now."
"Just touching? Is kissing and licking permitted?"
Lauren was feeling bold this morning, "Are you interested in licking and kissing?"
"Tasting… I'm really interested in tasting…" Bo's eyes wandered to Lauren's hips.
Lauren decided it was time for her to let go of her inhibitions. She needed to start believing that Bo really wanted her in all of the ways that she wanted Bo to want her. She stood up on the bed and straddled Bo's body, her feet on either side of her breasts.
"Is there something you see that you'd like to taste?" Lauren's eyes glowed blue as she allowed her Succubus to come out and play.
"Oh. My. God." Bo's succubus replied in kind.
Lauren lowered her heat onto Bo's waiting mouth. Bo moaned into the offered taste as she used her lips and tongue to immediately begin licking and probing between the soft mounds of flesh. Her hands moved up to cup Lauren's breasts as she devoured her mate. Lauren was moving her mound back and forth over Bo's mouth feeling her very skilled tongue offering her all of the sensations she craved from this woman. No one could make her feel what Bo made her feel. No one could touch, kiss, lick, nip, suck or fuck her the way that Bo could… no one. The idea that this woman would be doing this to her for thousands of years to come aroused her even more. They would never tire of finding new ways to pleasure each other if Lauren could continue to come out of her shell. She wanted to do that for Bo – she never wanted her to get bored or tire of sex with her.
Lauren moaned as she felt Bo's tongue enter her, then move back to her clit. Bo brought her hand down and moved it under Lauren's leg maneuvering to thrust three fingers into Lauren knuckle deep. The doctor had to bite her lip so she didn't cry out as she began to ride Bo's fingers hard while her lips wrapped tightly around her clit, her tongue darting across the hard nub. Bo curled her fingers and gave three more thrusts and a strong pulse of energy to send her mate over the edge. Lauren's eyes turned a brilliant blue as threw her head back, stuffing the sheet in her mouth to muffle the sound of her cry. Bo continued to slowly move in and out of Lauren as she came down from her pleasure. She gave a few more long licks before the blonde slid down her body, planting a soft kiss on her lover's moist lips.
Lauren pulled back the covers exposing Bo's naked body to her. She moved to the side of the brunette, her eyes tracing over the form of the beautiful succubus.
"Have I mentioned how incredibly beautiful your breasts are? They are just so perfect." Bo smiled as she crossed her arms behind her head.
"Well, they're all yours, darlin'. So, I really enjoyed the uncharacteristically bold move you just pulled."
"You liked that, eh?"
"I sensed a little hesitation. Did you think I wouldn't want you to do that?"
"I guess… I mean… you said you wanted to taste, so that kind of gave me the hint I needed to muster up the courage to do it."
"I see… so we're moving closer to Lauren telling me what she wants sexually?"
"I'm trying Bo."
"Hey, no pressure, baby. I don't mind reaching into your mind to find the answer but I'd rather you just ask me for what you want. I just want you to stay in touch with your sexuality… with your Succubus. I want you to get exactly what you want from me…. Well, unless I'm teasing you then you won't always get what you want."
Bo smirked.
"The other day, during my quest… the last Druid… I think Patrick is his name… he told me it was about time I embraced my Succubus. I realized that I had been ashamed of it… wanting sex… hungering for sex." Lauren blushed, "Bo… Can I ask you something?"
"Sure, Laur. Anything."
"Laying here like you are right now – so exposed – knowing that I am definitely staring at everything you own… do you feel the least bit uncomfortable?"
"You know, you can go inside my head and find the answer to your question. I told you when we first figured out this whole link that I wanted to be an open book to you."
"I know, but sometimes I just like things the old fashioned way… I want you to talk to me, too. I love the sound of your voice and sometimes I miss you whispering things in my ear… sexual things… feeling your breath on my ear and that low tone you get when you're turned on… well… anyway… So… do you… feel uncomfortable, I mean?"
"I've learned to embrace my Succubus, sweetie so no… not uncomfortable or exposed… when I see your aura flare like it is right now, I know you like what you see so I just want to give you what I know you want. This body, Lauren… it's yours to do with as you want because I know you would never hurt me. I trust you with this body, which is why I can lay here the way I am."
"So, because I'm shy in bed you think I don't trust you to not hurt me?"
"No, I think you're shy because human society taught you a different set of rights and wrongs when it comes to sex than Fae society would have taught you… well… us. I also think you're shy because you don't think your body is as ridiculously incredible as I think it is. Have you read my aura?"
"Actually, I try not to think about it so I don't lose control."
"Well, you have to keep working on that, Lo. Running from your Succubus is not going to help your control. I did notice it was the very last weapon you used at your Quest, so I'm glad Patrick said something to you that made you realize how you had been feeling about your Succubus. I'm also glad that you let it out just now when you straddled my face… which I loved, by the way."
"Hmmm… so did my succubus." Lauren purred as she planted a soft kiss on the side of Bo's breast.
"Actually, during the Quest I almost forgot I had a Succubus until I was gasping for air. She was very quiet the entire time. Even now after being satisfied once, she's quiet again."
"That's strange. Maybe she doesn't feel a welcome part of the collective?"
"I don't know. I'll have to meditate on that."
"Okay. Let me know if you need me, babe. I am here for you."
"I know, Bo. You've helped me so much the last two months. I really didn't expect to make it to Christmas."
"Is that why you had that one special gift for our son?"
Lauren just nodded as she traced lazy circles up and down Bo's midsection.
"Well, you're very much alive and I hope you know that you have made me the happiest woman on earth by taking this step towards a life together. We're getting married, Lo.
"Hmmm… I can't wait to be your wife, Bo." Lauren circled Bo's abdomen, then leaned in and whispered,
"Hi Kai. Your mommies love you very much."
"I get a warm sensation whenever you talk to him."
"Yea, I got that when Ethan was talking to Charlotte the other night."
"They're just little tiny cells, Lauren. How can we feel anything?"
"They're Druids, Bo. We feel their life energy."
"It's amazing. Did you feel that with Ethan?"
Lauren became quiet as her hand stilled for just a moment. Bo pushed into her thoughts,
'Hey. What's wrong?'
'I didn't feel it because I didn't allow you to be there to talk to him like we do with Kai and Charlotte.'
'Hey… let's not go there, okay? I'm sorry I brought it up.'
'Bo?'
'Yea, baby?'
'I felt you, though.'
Bo smiled, 'Well, I'm happy to know that.'
Lauren kissed Bo's belly as Bo stroked her blonde hair,
Bo spoke aloud, "Another month and we have our first ultrasound."
"Are you nervous about this?" Lauren asked pointing to Kai.
"Full disclosure? Yes."
Lauren smiled seeing the worry on Bo's face, "Well, let me see if I can relax you a bit."
"I'm sure you've got the prescription to cure my condition."
"Well, can you give me your symptoms, Ms. Dennis?"
"I have this ache… here." Bo pointed to the right nipple above Lauren's mouth. The doctor ran her fingertips over the hardened peak,
"Hmmm… it feels as it should for your state of arousal… let me…"
She licked around the areola then ran her tongue back and forth over the nipple several times,
"Hmmm… the temperature, hardness and puckering seems about right… maybe…"
She wrapped her mouth around the nipple and suckled it, lapping at it several times before pulling back to look at it,
"It tastes perfect… are you sure it's this one that aches?"
"I'm not sure… maybe it's this one."
Lauren performed the same test on the other breast as Bo watched. There was nothing sexier than watching Lauren enjoy her breasts. She watched as the doctor added her hands to mix, her long fingers grazing over the surface, palming and fondling them as her mouth, lips and tongue worked Bo into an incredible state of arousal.
"Is that any better?"
"The ache moved lower." Bo smirked.
Lauren kept her body in contact as she slid her body down her fiancé's.
"Tell me what you need, Ms. Dennis. Tell me what you want. I will do anything to cure your ache."
"I think your mouth is the only thing that will sooth the ache I feel."
"I am so happy to hear you agree with my assessment. This is one of my favorite treatments to administer when you have these symptoms."
"Hmmm…" Bo moaned as Lauren's mouth made contact with her soaking wet core. Lauren pressed her tongue deep between the thick, soft folds of skin before running her tongue firmly up through her mate's slit, slowing reaching the erect bud that caused Bo to lift her hips into her mouth.
"Spread…" Lauren encouraged, pushing on the inside of Bo's thighs, "…please."
Bo bent her knees to her chest and pulled them apart, "How's that?"
Lauren's eyes went wide at the sight before her,
"Beautiful… full view of everything I need to see."
Lauren moved her fingers up and down coating them in her lover's juices, "You're so wet, so…"
Fingers plunged deep into the opening spread wide for the doctor to have full access. The blonde's mouth immediately moved to taste and lick at the feast laid out before her eyes. She couldn't get enough of Bo as the more she licked, the wetter she became. She looked up between the knees of her Succubus and gazed into blue eyes. She wanted to pleasure this woman for hours but knew they had only minutes before they would be interrupted by their son's knock on the door that breakfast was ready.
"Hmmm… breakfast…" Lauren thought as she latched onto her clit and sucked, thrusting her fingers in and out of her mate's opening, adding strong pulses with each thrust as Bo moaned and writhed beneath her. She felt walls clench around her fingers as Bo's legs relaxed and opened wider. Lauren watched as her lover fell apart before her, mouth hanging open, head thrown back as she stuffed her fist in her mouth to stifle her scream. Lauren continued to lick and caress until she finally felt her mate relax. Bo reached for her,
"Up here, now… please… I need to hold you, Lo."
Lauren moved quickly into Bo's embrace. The doctor felt strong arms wrap around her, squeezing her tightly as she felt the each breath from whispered words of her Succubus in her ear, "I love you so much, baby. Merry Christmas, darling."
"Merry Christmas, Bo," Lauren paused,
'Are you okay?'
'Yes… just so damn in love with you. And so happy here… I just don't ever want it to end.'
'For now, it won't.'
Bo nodded.
Lauren could see the sadness in Bo's eyes. She hated that this woman had to fight one last battle,
'Bo, I know you don't want to deal with another battle, but it's going to happen. We have to accept it. You have to stay focused on what we're fighting for. If we do this battle right, it will be the last. After that, we will have our happily ever after with our family. Everyone will have a happily ever after. Okay?'
'I'm just worried about what family will be left, Lo. It's on my mind all the time.'
'I know baby… I have access, remember? But you've got to stop carrying this weight with you. You're not fighting alone. And I've seen your dream, Bo. The one with Chase?'
'I don't want to have to give him that order, Lauren. I don't know if he could handle the guilt of all of those lives on his conscience again. I'm afraid it would destroy him.'
'Well, it's not like your dream is a prophecy or vision. I think it's just from him telling you what he was asked to do before. We have years until this battle, Bo. We are both still evolving… why worry about something that won't happen for such a long time? Let's just enjoy today, okay?'
'Okay.' Bo said as she kissed Lauren on the forehead.
'Good. So for now, our son and best friend are waiting for us to have Christmas breakfast with them. Shall we wash up and get out there?'
'Yes...' Bo said with tears glistening in her eyes. Lauren smiled and wiped the tears away.
'You need a moment?'
'I just need you, Lauren. I always have… I always will. I love you do damn much, Lo.'
'And I love you, Bo. Please, baby… there's no need to hold fear in your heart today. Relax… please?' Lauren moved to Bo's lips and gave her several soft kissed before begging for entrance with her tongue. She moved on top of her lover and ground her hips down as she deepened the kiss. 'I'm here with you, baby. Feel me… we're together… now and always. Soon I'll be your wife… bound to you in every way possible. We're strong together, sweetie.'
Bo responded by deepening the kiss as she moved her hips up into Lauren's. She slipped her thigh between Lauren's legs bending her knee to give her lover more contact as the doctor pressed her thigh between Bo's legs. 'Feel me, lover… mind, body and heart… move with me… fill my desire while I fill yours.'
They moved in unison, listening to each other's bodies… giving more or less pressure and pace as the message was received until finally, sweat-slicked bodies were sliding into the sweet ecstasy of climaxing together as blue eyes met and the shared passion and intensity of their loved burned through every part of their being. Bo burst into tears as Lauren pulled her in, gripping her as strongly as she possibly could as her Succubus sobbed openly in her arms letting out what felt like years of hurt, pain and unrealized fears.
'Why us, Lauren?'
'Because we have the strength, power, family and friends to do this, Bo.'
'I don't want to lose them! I just found them.'
'Then you won't… I know you, Bo. I have never seen you fail and you won't fail this time.'
'How can I feel so alone in this battle… a battle that is years away… especially when I know you are right here with me?'
'I think you miss your Father, Bo.'
Lauren looked into Bo's eyes and saw the tears begin to flow again. She'd hit the nail on the head… she'd been hearing the thoughts in Bo's subconscious for weeks now. She knew she had to say it out loud. If Bo knew she was feeling it, she could deal with it… Lauren could help her deal with it.
'I want him here for Christmas… I want him to meet Ethan… I want him to see the birth of his grandkids… I want his advice and his teaching… Gods, Lauren… I want him at our wedding… he supported my relationship with you when no one else did.'
'And all of that will happen, Bo. If you want to push the wedding back, we can.'
'No, absolutely not. I just wish…'
'I know, baby. But he will meet us and our children. The prophecy says so and it's been right so far.'
Bo sighed, 'We have a little boy who wants to celebrate Christmas. I have to put on my big girl pants and get out there with his Mommy.'
"Come on, a shower will do us good." Lauren stood and offered her hand to Bo.
"Thanks for taking the time to listen and let me be a big baby."
"Any time… we all have to let it out sometimes. I'm just happy you're willing to do that with me."
"I feel safe with you. Do you know that?"
"Yea? Well, I feel safe with you, too. And, I must admit - a little bit protective."
"Hmmm… will you protect me from drowning in the shower?"
"Of course, dear." With that, they moved to the bathroom.
Presents!
"New pants! Yes! No more floods, Aunt K! See what I got?"
"I see, little dude. You're going to make a fashion statement… I couldn't be prouder."
"And new shirts, too. Will they make me handsome?"
Kenzi smiled, "Come here, you." Ethan moved to his Aunt's waiting arms,
"You are the handsomest ever!" She gave him a tickle, "And don't you forget it!"
"Handsomer than Uncle Chase?" Kenzi looked at Chase and eyed him carefully,
"Definitely. That old man can't hold a candle to my nephew!"
Ethan smiled while Chase hung his head in gest, "It's okay, Uncle Chase. Maybe when I'm as old as you I won't be as handsome. For now, you'll just have to deal with it."
Bo and Lauren busted out laughing as Chase just shook his head at his nephew.
"Spoken like a true Malikov." Kenzi praised as Bo and Lauren rolled their eyes.
"Okay, buddy. This one's from your Uncle Chase and Aunt Kenzi… open it up."
Ethan took the small box, "It's a gift card, right? This is a gift card-sized box!"
"Well, finish opening it and see but be very careful when you open it." Kenzi cautioned.
Chase sat waiting anxiously. He was so excited to see little dude's expression over this one. Chase had taken him to a few Red Sox games and he was an incredible fan. He was going to be so excited.
"IT'S A ROGER CLEMENS ROOKIE CARD! IT'S AMAZING! OH GOSH! IT'S SIGNED!"
Ethan was holding the card in his hand like it was gold. He turned to his Aunt and Uncle with tears in his eyes,
"Okay, little dude, those better be happy tears!" Chase said as Ethan ran into his arms then leaned over and fell into Kenzi's beside him.
"You have no idea how much I've looked for this card. I saw them online but I never asked Mommy because I knew we could never afford them. She didn't know I knew, but we had a lot of hospital bills."
"Mommy? Can I keep it?"
Lauren's heart almost broke. Her son was right – she had no idea how much he knew about her financial situation. She could never have afforded that card without what she had now.
"Of course, you can little man. That's a gift from your Aunt and Uncle!"
Lauren smiled as Bo rubbed her back, well aware of the thoughts running through her fiancé's mind.
Ethan turned back to Kenzi and Chase,
"I'll always make this safe. Thanks for putting the sheet protector around it, but just to be sure…"
They all watched, mouths agape as a white stream of chi came from Ethan's free hand. He moved it over the card that lay flat in his palm, placing a small shield around it.
"There. Now if Aunt Kenzi sets the house on fire or my tiger decides to eat my bedroom again, the card will be safe. I know it costs a lot of money so I have to be reponble with it."
Bo said, "That's responsible, buddy and I think you did a very good job of making that very safe."
"Who taught you to do that?" Lauren asked knowing that a child his age should not be capable of generating a focused chi stream, let alone create a shield. And it was white… white is pure chi. Where did he draw it from?
"Dunno. I just did it." Ethan said, while reading his new card.
Bo asked, "How did you do it?"
"Easy, Mamma. I just held my hand over my card and thought, 'I want my Roger Clemens signed rookie baseball card as safe as it can be' and it happened."
Bo looked at Lauren who just shrugged, "Okay… so, uh… where are you going to put it?"
"Well, you know how I have that extra you-know-what from my presents?"
Ethan could tell by the look on their face that they didn't know what he meant so he ran over and put a hand on each of their hands,
Ethan whispered into their link, 'I have an extra frame. I'll put it in that, okay?'
'Okay.' Bo whispered back. 'Ethan?'
'What?'
'Why are you whispering into our link. They can't hear us when we talk this way.'
Ethan started laughing as he turned to look at Kenzi and Chase's confused faces,
"I know it's not polite to keep secrets, but I can't tell you this one. It would ruin your Christmas surprise."
Kenzi and Chase laughed as they directed their attention to Bo,
"Okay, buddy. Open this one from me and your mom." Bo put a small rectangular box in Ethan's hands.
"Another present? But Mamma, you got me so many clothes. We don't have the money to…"
Bo cut Ethan off and pulled him onto her lap, "This first present will explain how we have the money to give you the presents you're getting this Christmas, so open it up and we'll explain, okay?"
Ethan nodded and opened the small box. He pulled out a small book, leaving one inside… he didn't know what it was.
Lauren explained, "Ethan, this is called a ledger. It's how you keep track of how much money you earn versus how much money you spend. Your Mamma is the daughter of the Druid King."
"I know, Mommy. Granpa Aidan. He'll come back to us some day."
"That's right. Your Mamma is his heir. Do you know what that is?"
"She is gonna be Queen because her dad was the King. You're gonna be her Queen too because you're getting married. I'm gonna be a prince and so is my brother and my sisters are going to be princesses."
'Okay, I won't even mention that he just mentioned sistersssss… as in plural. Just how many kids are we having?'
Lauren elbowed Bo, "That's right. So as her heir, your Mamma inherited all that was his. This house, the farmhouse, the cottage… all of the land from here to where Aunt Abigail and Aunt Elaina serve with the Protectorate."
"That's really far, Mommy."
"Yes it is. She also inherited a lot of money to care for the clans and her family. Your Mamma and I talked about how we wanted to teach you about money and this ledger is how we're going to do that. If you open it up, you'll see that we deposited some money in to your savings account. If you look into the box, you'll see another ledger there. That one is your checking account. We will put money in your savings account each month in exchange for any chores you do around the house. For all of the holidays we celebrate we will also put money in your account."
"There's one hundred dollars already? That's a lot of money for someone who is only five going on six, right?"
"Yes it is, but it's in your savings account, so it's going to grow and grow until some day…"
"I'll have enough money for college!"
"That's right, buddy."
"I want to save it all but sometimes I might want to buy a new baseball card if I save enough money."
They all laughed as Bo continued, "Now, if you want to buy something, the three of us will sit down and decide if it's an I 'want-it' or a 'need-it'…"
"Ooh, ooh… Like the have-to's or want-to's?"
"Exactly." Bo said, "So if it's a 'need-it', we'll transfer money from your savings to your checking account so you can buy it. If it's a 'want-it', we'll talk about it before we decide if you can buy it or not."
"Don't worry. I'm gonna save all my money to pay for college."
"I'm not worried, Ethan. I'm sure you're going to be very responsible with your money and your Mommy and I will be here to help you. If you're really responsible with your things, then you won't have to buy new ones."
"Like pants?"
Bo smiled, "Yes, little man. Like pants."
"I love you Mamma, I love you Mommy." Ethan gave them each a kiss as Lauren lifted him off her lap and on to the floor.
"Okay, now go get that box next." Ethan went over and pulled out a large box. He had to re-grip it when he realized how heavy it was.
"It's heavy!" Lauren and Bo smiled down at their son as he began unwrapping the gift.
"It's a book all about baseball!"
"Yea, we know you love your Red Sox, but we have a minor league team called the Blue Rocks in Delaware and the Philadelphia Phillies and the Washington Nationals aren't that far away. We figured you could start learning more about the local teams in this area, too."
"The night we met Boston was playing the Phillies. I guess they could be my second favorite team since we got to watch baseball together that night, Mamma." Bo smiled and ran her hands through her son's curly blonde hair.
"Thanks for the book, moms. It's really cool."
"Okay, now on to that long box over there." Ethan went over, pulled the long box from the pile, and brought it back over to Bo and Lauren's feet. He ripped open the paper and then tried to find a way to open the box,
"Can you help me, Mommy?" Lauren smiled and pulled open the tab on one end of the box. Ethan pulled at the newspaper inside and then reached in and stopped, looking up at his parents as he felt the end of the gift,
"It's…" He gripped the end tightly and pulled, "It's… it's a new bat! It's… it's signed and everthing... just like my udder one! It's… it's amazing! But, Mommy, it's so much money!" Ethan looked worried.
"Actually, we paid for that particular gift with a deal, not money."
"A deal? It must have been a really big deal to buy a new bat!"
Bo corrected, "Actually, buddy… that's not a new bat. Look closely. You told me once about a dent in the end of your bat from where you dropped it off of Uncle James' truck and it landed on a small rock… look."
Ethan examined the rounded end of the bat to see the small dent, "It's my bat! But… I ate it… how did…"
"Now, you have to figure that out. What Druid in our family would be able to restore your bat to its original condition?"
Ethan thought about it aloud, "Not a wind Druid… not an water Druid… definitely not a fire Druid, right Mamma? They would burn it to bits!" Ethan chuckled as he turned his gaze to his Uncle Chase, "I don't think a sun Druid could do it, but if there was glue involved, you could dry the glue?"
"Sorry, buddy. I had nothing to do with your bat."
"Hmmm… It can't be a seer or a universe Druid and…" Ethan was silent for a moment before it all clicked,
"Uncle Arranz! It was Uncle Arranz! He's does elements… minerals of the earth! He would be able to fix wood because it used to be a tree! I learned it! Even a dead tree still has chi to use!"
Ethan began dancing around with the bat in his hand, "I got it, I got it!" he chanted.
'Dang, Lo. I even needed that explained to me! My kid is smarter than me and he's gonna be six in a few weeks! He's a frickin' genius!'
'Yup!' Lauren replied proudly.
The pair laughed as Ethan did his end zone dance. 'He's happier about figuring out how his bat was fixed than he is about the actual bat!'
'He loves solving puzzles.'
"Okay, buddy. One last group of gifts… that stack right there." Bo pointed to a stack of three boxes. Her son excitedly ran back and forth three times bringing all of the boxes to their feet.
"Okay, big rectangle first."
Ethan pulled on the end of the bow, then ripped into the wrapping paper. He pulled back the tissue paper inside and pulled out a pair of pants,
"Mamma! They're Kevlar motorcycle pants like yours only black and red!" He pulled them on over his pajama bottoms and turned to Kenzi,
"Do they look cool, Aunt K?" Kenzi smiled,
"You're looking hot there handsome! Hotpants! Just like your Mommy!" Lauren blushed and glared at Kenzi. The young Druid just laughed at her friend.
"Okay, small square box next." Lauren said, pointing to the box.
Ethan ripped open the box and screamed when he pulled it out, "A matching jacket!" He pulled it right on over his T-shirt and modeled it for Kenzi again. She laughed at her nephew and said,
"Dude… I need sunglasses… the cool factor in here is to bright for my eyes!"
Bo laughed, "Okay, buddy. Last gift – big square box."
Ethan was very excited now as he tore into the final box. Opening the lid, he looked up at Bo and then
Lauren, "Does this mean I can ride with Mamma?"
Lauren nodded, "This will keep you safe and we can heal anything else that happens. I trust your Mamma and you should too." Lauren smiled, and then looked at Bo.
'I swear to Gaia, Bo Dennis… you promised to stick to the speed limit…'
'I will not let anything happen to our son, Lo. Besides, you're going to learn to ride too. See the two rectangular boxes with the blue bows? It's what Dyson didn't give you."
'Bo…' Their conversation was interrupted by Ethan,
"Mommy? What does it mean?" He was holding his helmet tracing the colored lines.
"Well, your Mamma had it made to match mine. Uncle Dyson gave me mine and the words are his native language, Scottish Gaelic. How about when Uncle Dyson comes over for dinner, you ask him?"
"Uncle Dyson rides a motorcycle?"
"Yup. He helped your Mamma find hers. He got her helmet too."
"Does it say the same thing as ours?"
"No, hers has the words 'Heart, Soul, Warrior' across the bottom here and the vertical stripes say 'Love Always Finds A Way' in Scottish Gaelic."
"Does it?"
"Hmm?" Lauren asked.
"Does love always find a way?"
Lauren looked at Bo who took her hand, "It sure does, Ethan. It brought your Mamma back to us."
The couple turned back to their son and burst out laughing. Ethan had pulled on the helmet and was standing before them with his face shield down, striking a pose like a GQ model. Bo pulled her little man to her and flipped up the shield,
"I love you Ethan Lewis."
"I love you, too Mamma."
"Okay, so let's get to Mommy's presents, what do you say?"
"Yea. Can I give them to her?"
"Yup. Go get 'em." Bo lifted her son off of her lap so he could again do his gift relay from the tree to Lauren's feet. They both smiled at his enthusiasm.
"Open the big ones first, Mommy." Like Ethan, Lauren had received motorcycle gear including a black Kevlar and Leather jacket, riding gloves and matching pants with yellow trim. Kenzi and Chase added a great pair of riding boots to her ensemble and a pair for Ethan as well which he promptly put on. Two small boxes remained on Lauren's pile. Ethan stood and handed her the first box,
"They're both really cool, Mommy but I want you to open this one first. You have to sit on Mamma's lap to open this one, though. I'm gonna stand with Aunt Kenzi so we can take pictures."
"Wha…"
"Open, Lauren." Bo said as she pulled her fiancé onto her lap.
Lauren methodically opened the wrapping paper revealing a small velvet box. She snapped open the lid and her mouth dropped open. Nestled in the box surrounded by silk was a gold engagement ring with what appeared to be at least a three carat diamond centered around seven small diamonds.
"Oh, Bo… it's beautiful. It's… sweet Gaia it's… I just…"
"You love it?"
"Yes, I love it… I love you."
"And we have an appointment at the jeweler's next week to pick out our wedding bands. She had five that she would like to show us that would match your ring perfectly but she wanted to see your hands to be sure they would look right together. Then we have to give them to Vesta and Beli. They have to do something to them for the ceremony."
"Well, in that case… Ethan?"
"Right here, Mommy…" Ethan ran over carrying a small box.
"Ethan and I bought this together for you… it's not…" Bo looked down at the small box and instantly knew what was inside. She opened it quickly finding a modest diamond nestled in silk.
"It's beautiful, Lauren… exactly what I want."
"I mean, if you want to exch…"
"Lauren… I want you… I know you just spent the last of your own money on this and that makes it more valuable than any number of carats could ever mean." Lauren smiled at Bo, taking the ring from the box and sliding it on to her hand.
"Will you marry us, Mamma?" Ethan asked anxiously.
"Absolutely, Ethan and Lauren Lewis!" Ethan took the ring out of Lauren's box and handed it to Bo. The brunette slid the ring onto Lauren's finger.
"Will you marry us, Mommy?" Ethan asked with confidence.
"You better believe it, Mister!" Lauren and Bo pressed their lips together in a soft kiss, then sandwiched Ethan between them and simultaneously kissed both of his cheeks.
"You have one more box, Mommy! Open this, open this!"
"What could possibly be bigger than the ring?"
"You'll see!"
Lauren opened the box and inside she found a key, "To your heart?" She chuckled as she looked at Bo. Ethan grabbed his mommy's hand and led her to the door off the entertainment room.
"Bo?" The succubus smirked as she and her son stood, arms crossed with proud grins on their faces. It was truly amazing how much these two were alike. Lauren inserted the key into the hole and turned it. She pushed open the door as Kenzi and Chase moved in behind her. Bo flicked a switch on the outside wall and the room began to light up slowly.
"Skylights… they're solar… your son's invention built into the roof of the room." Lauren's eyes watered with tears as she turned and looked at her lover and son. She knelt down in front of Ethan,
"Have I told you lately how incredibly proud I am of your inventions? How proud I am of how you are learning your control and doing so well in your training? How proud I am to be your Mommy?"
Ethan smiled as he fell into Lauren's arms for a bone-crushing hug, "I love you, Mommy. Merry Christmas."
"The best Christmas ever, Ethan."
"Come on… you have to see the lab. It has stuffyscups and everything!"
Ethan pulled out of Lauren's arms and began pulling her into the room. She stepped in and started pointing to things and yelling out their names. She looked around at the poured concrete floor with the medical insignia stamped into the center square. The locking cabinets, the electron microscope, 3D printer, state of the art computers – both Mac and PC computers – three tablets – centrifuge, gram scales, portable MRI and X-ray machines, ultrasound machine… well stocked cabinets that contained beakers, test tubes, slides, scalpels, tweezers, suture thread… everything was here that she could possible need or want and then some…
"Ella?" She asked Bo.
"Yup. She helped me order everything including some of your dream items."
"Bo, thank you so much." She moved to hug Bo. Looking over her shoulder, she saw Ethan open the far side door,
"Ethan NO! There's no staircase!" She lunged for the boy but it was too late. She watched in slow motion as her son stepped through the door and…
"Wait… why… why aren't you falling?" Ethan was standing seemingly in mid air… laughing hysterically at the look on Lauren's face.
"Gotcha, Mommy." Ethan smiled at a confused Lauren.
Kenzi stepped outside next to Ethan as they high-fived each other, "Better than pots and pans?"
"Better than pots and pans!" He smiled with a laugh.
"Okay, Kenzi… show her, please." Bo said.
"Just a little energy shield to hide the staircase so you wouldn't see it from outside and mess up your surprise, Hotpants! Viola!" Kenzi said as she waved her hand and revealed the large deck that she and Ethan were now stood upon.
Lauren walked towards them and slapped Kenzi on the shoulder.
"Ow. Fae strength." Kenzi grabbed her arm.
"That's for scaring me half to death thinking my kid was about to fall and break half the bones in his body. And you, mister! Come here!" She wrapped her arms around her son and tickled his belly as he laughed until the tears rolled from his eyes.
"I get hit and he gets hugged… go figure!" Kenzi threw her hands up in the air.
"Bo, I still don't understand how you got this done without me knowing! How did you do all of this?"
"Well, our resident Nymph did the floor, cabinets and deck. We put a chi sound barrier inside the room so you couldn't hear them work. They've been here day and night for two weeks. Chase hasn't left the property except to go get supplies. When you didn't see him, he was in your lab. When you saw him, he walked down the stairs from the deck and came to the front door."
Lauren gave Chase a big hug, "Thank you so much, it means the world to me, Chase."
"You're welcome, Lauren. That one sink doesn't have a plug for the drain – packing error apparently, so it's ordered. There are two more outlets going along those lab tables – they're going in next week. Until then know that the wires are live, so don't uncap them. We just ran out of time and Bo insisted on getting this finished for a Christmas present."
Lauren directed her attention back to Bo and Ethan, "So, Ms. Dennis and Mr. Lewis… now I understand why you told me not to worry about Kenzi and Chase seeing our Christmas present to them! You had them busy on another project!"
Ethan gave Bo a high five as she pulled a small box out from her back pocket and handed it to Ethan who handed it to Kenzi.
"Aunt Kenzi and Uncle Chase? Here is our present to you."
Ethan handed the small box to Kenzi who quickly opened it, "I get a key to Lauren's lab?" Bo shook her head to indicate that was not the case.
"Oh my gosh, it's my own key to your beach house?" Kenzi's second idea was also rejected by Lauren before Ethan finally spilled the beans,
"Nope, that's the key to your beach house, Aunt Kenzi."
"My beach house? You mean the place next door? That place hasn't been touched and I know that for a fact… it is still a burned out shell. There isn't anywhere to put a key. So is this a symbolic gift of a house that is eventually to be mine?" Kenzi looked shocked.
Bo and Lauren nodded as they placed their hands around each other's waists, "My Uncle Arranz has a lot of Druid friends who are skilled builders and my Aunt Madge knows an awful lot about placing charms and shields on things."
"But…"
"Follow us, Kenzi." Bo and Lauren stepped out onto the deck followed by Ethan then Kenzi and Chase. Once outside, Bo and Lauren began speaking a series of runes Kenzi had never heard before while holding their palms flat out towards the house down the beach.
"Holy SHIT!" Kenzi exclaimed as a three-story home similar to the one Bo and Lauren lived in appeared before her very eyes. She leaned into Chase who put his arms around her, staring at the structure in shock.
"So, it's done… exactly as you told the architect when you met with him and John. The roof over the entertainment room and your master bedroom are the same as in Lauren's lab, so they'll power the house as long as you have sun. Your small greenhouse is in the back. Madge and Emma have already been growing seedlings for planting in the spring. You're going to have a real garden, with grass and greenery, Kenzi… no more house arrest in a crack shack on a broken down dirt and concrete back yard for you. Want to go take a look?"
Kenzi was speechless. She looked up at Bo and Lauren with tears in her eyes. They all knew how much this meant to the young goth. Bo and Lauren were all too aware that their friend had never had a house, let alone owned a home. She nodded as they all made their way across the sand to the remodeled structure that Kenzi could now call her own. When they entered, the young Druid's mouth just dropped open as she saw a fully furnished home. Her eyes immediately drifted to the 65" LED Flat Screen mounted on the wall with both Xbox and PlayStation gaming equipment. She walked closer an Apple TV and a MacBook Pro computer on the bottom shelf.
She looked up and saw a massive print of the skyline of Toronto. In the bottom right corner was a small paragraph. She walked closer and read the words, "Where it all began. We love you, Bo & Lauren."
Kenzi traced the words with her fingers, then looked over her shoulder at her two friends with tears in her eyes…
"I-I… I don't know what to say… a month ago I was a captive in a run down shack with… well… no one around… scared… alone… hunted… and now… you've given me… a family… a home… and an incredible love in this man right here." She moved into Chase's side,"What does a girl say to all of that? Uh, gee… thanks? So I think I'll just… tickle Ethan instead!" She ran after Ethan who ran away from his Aunt screaming,
"No, Aunt Kenzi! No!" He was laughing and giggling as Kenzi peeked in each of the three bedrooms, each with their own bath.
Bo and Lauren had moved to the kitchen to pull five mugs from the cabinets. As Lauren moved to the Keurig, she pulled five K-cups from the storage drawer and some marshmallows from the cupboard. She listened to the happy sounds as she began making hot chocolates for everyone.
"Okay… any second now, we should hear the scream…" As if on cue, Kenzi screamed and Ethan came running out into the kitchen.
"You were right Mamma, total meltdown in there. Whaddo I do?"
"Just give her a few minutes, Ethan. She'll browse around her new den and catch on to your idea. It's just going to take her a bit to catch her breath." Lauren said calmly.
"So, do you want to let me in on the secret here, Ladies?" Chase asked.
Bo turned to her cousin, pulling out a key, "Well, first off Chase. We assume from the discussions we've had, that you intend to make this a permanent residence for you and Kenzi eventually. This key is for you as long as Kenzi wishes for you to have it. If things don't work out, you give Kenzi back the key, and head back to Chatham to continue your life. While you're trying to decide, we thought we'd help you out with a little gift of your own."
Bo slid a box to Chase, "For me? Bo, you didn't have to…"
"You need to understand, Chase. This gift is as much for us as it is for Kenzi. It's a gift for you to give you the option of staying in our lives. We don't want anything other than your heart to be the reason that you and Kenzi don't end up being a forever kind of love. Open it."
Chase looked at the pair, then moved his eyes to Ethan who had climbed up Bo's leg to sit on the counter top where he could see Chase open his box. He pulled off the lid and saw piles of pamphlet's, brochures, keys, deeds, keys and codes all tied together in neat stacks,
"Bo? What is this?"
"That, my dear, dear cousin is your fresh start in Delaware… should you choose it."
"I-I don't understand…" Chase was now pulling things out and reading as quickly as he could…
"It's a bidness, Uncle Chase. You're the owner and Uncle Jake, Uncle Josh and your daddy are the partners in the bidness. You are now the proud owner of a marina that has a garage and boat repair bidness. The boat yard is huge and there are already cos-tumers that want you to fix their boats… mostly speedboats with the really fast engines because Uncle Jake said you like those kinds of engines. The garage is called 'Smooth Muscle'. I came up with the name because BMW's are smooth and American Muscle cars are… well, I've never seen one except pictures of Mamma's Camaro but they're 'muscley'."
"Bo?" Chase looked up at his cousin, his eyes brimming with tears… a glow visible from below his shirt in his chest.
"Chase? Should we be worried about that glowly thing happening in your chest?"
"Yes… I mean… no… you aren't in any danger… some people wear their emotions on their sleeve, I wear mine in my heart… quite literally. So… plain English please?"
"Open the blue folder…" Chase did as Bo asked.
"Okay, so these are the pictures of your new garage and marina. By boat, it's where the Bay meets Main Street. We liked that location since you can get there by land or by water. That means both boat and car customers. Aunt Shelley sent us pictures of the layout of your garage and we made this one just like it except for having more bays, lifts and tools. You have an actual front office and a full bath for cleaning up after work. The boat yard already has some used boats in it that need to be refurbished. Some people in the Druid community who no longer wanted them gave them to us. Actually, your Dad said he thinks they were gifts to the Queen, so I donated them to you to be handled as you see fit. We'll talk later, but one I would actually like to add to the Martini fleet and call it The Beli. You have a boathouse that will store fifty boats over the winter and five bays for servicing boats on land."
Bo shuffled through the photos until she found the rental items, "These are items you can rent out… five wave runners, five fishing boats, five speedboats and enough trailers for customers to haul them. There are also sea kayaks, paddleboards and surfboards for sale and rent as well. The front office of the boat yard is also stocked and ready to open to fisherman with bait, lures, rods, line, and various other types of tackle. Your cousins would like to run fishing tours out of your marina if that's all right with you. It would something all of your kids could do when they're old enough to drive a boatload of tourists. They will talk to you more about it if you accept."
"So, this is all just… mine?"
"Yup. You are the sole owner of the physical property. Your dad and cousins are partners in various aspects of the business… obviously the parts that are their strengths. You've been open for three days now… closed for Christmas Day. Your cousins and dad are your salaried employees. Obviously your cousins have to keep the Martini fishing business going, but they thought maybe the marina could be a second port of call for them so it would make it easier to be there more often. They've also posted help wanted signs – they're just waiting for you to choose the new hires from the pile of applications they have. Two or three boat builders, some teens that want to work the storefront and they're really impressed with one girl who's interested in being a mechanic. I hear Dyson applied for a job working on bikes and cars. I know he's not your favorite person, Chase but he is really good with bikes. Finally, your Dad wanted me to tell you that he is already working on a sailboat over at the boatyard. He said you would understand."
Chase's face froze as his eyes moved to the ground. Bo watched as slowly, tears welled in the strong man's eyes before overflowing down his cheeks, "Bo… has he said the name of the boat?"
Just then, Bo realized what Uncle Doni had been doing, "Oh my gosh, Chase. I'm sorry… I didn't put it together. He has been over there every day from sun up to sun down…"
"It's the Sea Nymph II, isn't it?"
Bo nodded, "Are you okay?"
"Yea… this is all more than okay." He smiled as he wiped his cheeks, "My dad wouldn't talk about it for years. I'm glad he's finally working on a new boat. Before the war, it's what we used to do together. I got into cars only because I couldn't bear to work on boats anymore without my dad. Knowing how my mom died… well…"
"Say no more, Chase. I get it." Bo said.
"Bo, this is incredible. Kenzi can work the front office and she can…"
"Uh… Chase? Probably not… you see… down the street from your business was this little shop and…" They were cut off by Kenzi's voice coming from the back room,
"OH. MY. GOD! Bo and Lauren! Get your asses in here, women!" Bo and Lauren stood up straight at the sound of Kenzi's voice.
"Excuse us, Chase. Ethan, can you explain the present we got for Aunt Kenzi to Uncle Chase?"
"I got this, moms… Uncle Chase, we need to talk man to man…" Ethan motioned between them as he turned on the counter to face his uncle, a serious look on his face as he moved his hands to his hips. Chase tried not to smile as he turned to face his nephew for their man-to-man talk.
Bo and Lauren laughed at their son as they walked down the hall,
"Hey, when did he start calling us 'moms'?" Bo asked.
"Today, apparently. Do you think we're in trouble with Kenzi?"
"Don't know… hold your breath…" They rounded the corner into Kenzi's den where the young Druid sat on the floor amidst the papers that had been previously stacked like Chase's. The nice neat bundles were strewn around the plush carpet, photos in Kenzi's hands. She looked up at her friends with tears in her eyes,
'Not in trouble…'
'Nope.'
"Kenzi's Boots and Baggage?" Kenzi said, holding out the pictures of the storefront.
"You don't like the name?"
"I love it… I… shit, I won't complain about anything! This is amazeballs! You bought me a boutique on Main Street?! It's like hoppin' down there and the rent on this store must be through the roof."
"Uh… the pink document on the floor above your right foot is a deed… you own the boutique… no rent." Lauren corrected.
"What?!" Kenzi picked up the document and re-read her name as the owner several times.
"You just have to make enough profit to keep product in your store, Kenz. But our vision… well, you're always sketching something and your eye for fashion is incredible. You sketch boots, gowns, jackets, bags – hell, you even sketched out a luggage set when we were in the diner waiting for the mom of that seal or whatever she was. Why buy other people's stuff to sell when you could make your own clothing and accessories line? Besides, this is a community of peace. Our P.I. business would tank here and I'm sick of running off into dangerous situations. Of course, I also don't think they're going to let the Queen have a job other than queening."
Kenzi was shaking her head, "Sure… I've doodled, but… I don't know how to…"
Lauren cut her off, "Turn to the second page in that light blue packet. Read."
"Arranz is my crafter? What's a crafter?"
Bo explained, "Well, my Uncle is an earth elements Druid… he does more than just play with rocks and fix baseball bats, Kenzi. He's a skilled artisan by trade. He hand-carved the entire selection of crown molding in this house. You haven't really seen your kitchen or your floors yet, but all of the granite and slate surfaces are his work. Anything that is metal or mineral, rock or sand, wood or plant… it's all him. In your garden, there is a coy pond – continuously circulating water thanks to hydro-power courtesy of your brilliant nephew's invention – While Ethan built the irrigation system, Arranz built the pond and garden."
Kenzi looked up at her friends, "But… don't get me wrong… I love the guy and get along with him better than… well, anyone other than you guys, but why would he…"
Lauren explained, "He has been working with you for almost two months now, Kenzi. You have impressed him and he likes your 'spunk'. He's never had any kids of his own since he and Callum don't have any way to reproduce naturally. In their minds, you are their adopted daughter. Besides, he is the stereotypical gay man… interior design and fashion are his favorite things next to gardening and carving."
"Well, BoLo, there's something I have to tell you. Chase and I have been talking and… well, he's leaving for Chatham after your coronation. I mean, all of this is great but I can't be the third wheel to you and Lauren all my life. His whole life it there and I have to…"
"Kenz… wait…" Chase interrupted, "Can we talk for a few minutes?"
Kenzi looked up at her boyfriend with tears in her eyes. This was all too hard.
Lauren replied, "Sure, Chase. We'll be out in the kitchen." She put her hand on the small of Bo's back and gently led her towards the door.
"That's fine. This won't take long." Chase smiled as Lauren moved through the door behind Bo.
Bo and Lauren walked down the hallway to the kitchen. They were talking about what time it was and the things they still had to do when Lauren stopped suddenly, causing Bo to run into her back.
"Lo, what the…" Bo looked where Lauren was looking and saw a certain little tiger club on his hind legs digging into the bottom drawer of the freezer.
"So, he can open the freezer door." Bo whispered.
"Apparently." Lauren whispered back. "Well, it is Kenzi's house, so it's hers to deal with…"
"If she stays, that is… Lo, did it sound to you like she and Chase had plans to go to Chatham together?"
"I'm not sure, Bo… maybe a little? Do you think we'll be getting our gifts back?"
"I don't know. I mean, Chase's Aunt Shelley is there and his garage and customers are there. I don't know if he wants to rebuild a life here. Kenzi really has no ties here except for us and we're not blood relatives. I just hope that…"
"There's no sense worrying yet, Bo. Let's just wait and see what they decide. Okay?"
"Okay. So how long are we going to let him wrestle that frozen piece of meat?"
"Well, it's not like Kenzi's going to eat it herself after he had his mouth all over it… and it is only one steak."
"Make that two…" Lauren said as she watched her son drag a second steak out of the bin.
"Okay, two steaks. If he goes for a third, I'm slamming the door shut. He'll ruin his dinner."
"You're talking about a kid who's eating four steaks a day. Thank Gaia you're the heir to your father's fortune or our son would starve."
Bo said, "We really can't leave the freezer door hanging open like that."
"You're right. I put bowls for him under the sink. I'll get the bowls, you get the cub."
Bo walked over to Ethan and shook her head. She gave him a little nudge. He sat down and looked up at her with those big deep blue eyes. She just shook her head at him. She pulled the two steaks the rest of the way out of the freezer and closed the door. She picked him up and carried him over to where Lauren had placed the bowls, unwrapped the steaks from their plastic wrappers and plopped them into the bowl. It would take him longer than usual to eat them because they were frozen but at least his belly would be full when he was done.
She moved to the kitchen table where Lauren sat with two mugs of hot chocolate. They sipped their cocoa as they watched Ethan eat, awaiting news from their friends in the back room.
… … … … … … …
Kenzi and Chase emerged from the back room about thirty minutes later carrying the boxes of business materials they had each been given. They caught a glimpse of the tiger cub sleeping with half his body in one bowl and his paw in the water bowl. Smiling, they came to sit down with Bo and Lauren.
"So, some shifty activity going on while we were gone?"
"Your nephew decided to christen your new freezer… beginning with the frozen steaks we'd stocked it with."
Kenzi and Chase smiled at the sleeping cub then turned back to their friends.
"So… we talked…"
"And?" Bo asked anxiously.
"Well… Chase here decided it would be appropriate to spring another surprise on me. Apparently, we hadn't had enough of that today. Look… the gift of a new life… the stores, equipment, location… everything done including partners who could help us… all of it… we are so grateful for the offer and all you did to put it together."
Bo's heart sunk and it showed on her face. As Kenzi continued to talk, Bo sat stuck in her own head with memories of her time with her best friend… she was leaving them to find her own life…
"I understand, Kenzi. I hope that you'll find happiness in whatever you do… I…"
"Bo? What are you talking about? Bo?" Kenzi shook Bo's arm… "Hey… earth to Bo-Bo! Where'd you go?"
"What? I… well… I'm just saying I hope you'll be happy with Chase in Chatham."
"What? I just said we're staying…"
"What?"
"S-T-A-Y-I-N-G… Staying, Bo. We're happy to accept both of your offers. Chase has been considering moving home for a while now. This just pretty much made the decision for him. You both did so much work to put this together for us, we'd be horrible friends and family to refuse without giving it a shot."
Chase added, "Living with Ashley's ghost has gone on long enough. I thought she was the one… that I would never find a love to top what I had with her ever again. But… I have…" He looked at Kenzi with such emotion in his eyes…
Kenzi gripped Chase's hand and gave it a squeeze before she turned her attention back to her best friend, "So, Bo-bo… I was trying to tell you… we both know that it's really fast and we are going to wait at least a year but… we're engaged!"
Kenzi held up her hand as Lauren and Bo jumped out of their seats gripping the goth's hand to see the ring.
"Oh my gosh! I thought you were leaving! Thank you! Thank you, Chase!" She kissed him on the cheek, then quickly pointed a finger right in his face, flashing her blue eyes, "You better not hurt her!"
Her eyes calmed to brown and she smiled at him,
"I know, Bo… I already had the best friend lecture… times two," He said pointing two fingers at Kenzi's two best friends, "… plus one Tamsin and one Dyson lecture. She's in good hands, I assure you!"
"So? The businesses?" Bo asked.
"Well, I had talked to my Aunt Shelley about marrying Kenzi about two weeks ago. She told me I wasn't nuts because we'd only been dating for a little over a month. Everyone could see that this was the real deal and neither of us was new to love, so she trusted what she saw and told me Nymphs are experts on this sort of thing. Anyway, I just talked to her and she said she had already put the garage on the market. Bo – there's five offers already. Being the only garage in town has its perks. They're in a bidding war right now, so I should know by the end of the week."
"That's awesome, Chase. So if there's anything you want to change, please let us know and we'll put you in touch with our attorneys. After you get married, you'll have to decide about becoming co-owners of both or keeping them separate. You have the keys, why don't the two of you hop in the truck and go see your new businesses? We're apparently grounded for now." Bo nodded to the sleeping cub.
"Bring him along, Bo-Bo. This is all Druid territory, right? He can stay in the truck and you guys can take turns sitting in there with him. Come on, Bo. Lo?"
Lauren nodded.
"Cool. Well, let's finish the grand tour of this place, then we'll head out. By the way – very cool office." Kenzi said.
"There's an office for Chase down off the garage on the lower floor along with a recreation room. I thought I'd bring a little bit of Toronto here with us. There's a pool table and a mechanical bull."
"Awesome sauce!" Kenzi said.
"Yea, we thought you'd like that. The pool table was all me, the mechanical bull was Ms. Conservative over here…"
"Yea, Hotpants, I always knew you had a wild child side!"
"Bo, I really love the design and artwork on the Smooth Muscle logo… did the designer have any ideas for the boat company name and logo?" Chase asked.
Bo replied with a smile, "I don't know, let me ask…"
"Kenzi, did you have any ideas for the boat company name and logo?"
"Why yes, Bo. I did but I thought I'd talk them over with the owner before actually sketching those out. I thought he might want to involve his Daddy in that part of the business."
"Kenzi? You did this?"
"Uh huh… Bo told me it was a surprise for your storefront in Chatham. I didn't know what the name of your business was, so she totally fooled me on that one."
"There is no name for my business in Chatham. There's just a hand-painted sign above the bays that says 'garage' and a few signs identifying the models I work on."
"Gaia sent me to you. I know it for sure now. You were in desperate need of creative help and a better fashion sense. I was the only one who could save you."
Kenzi and Chase laughed as they followed Bo and Lauren downstairs.
… … … … … … …
Christmas Dinner at the Farmhouse
Everyone had just enjoyed a fabulous dinner cooked by Madge, Beli, Lauren and Alina. They were sitting around the table for about an hour after eating enjoying light conversation when they began talking about the businesses Kenzi and Chase were opening. They'd be starting tomorrow and were very excited about getting things going. Everyone was interested in helping the couple get things off the ground. Once the discussion about Kenzi's boutique and Arranz' ideas had been kicked around, the conversation turned to Chase and his plans for his garage and marina.
They were talking about some of the boys in town who had volunteered to work in the front offices when Kenzi excused herself to get some fresh air. Bo and Lauren noticed her leave from their place on the floor where they sat building a Lego village with the boys. They waited about ten minutes and when she hadn't come back, Lauren suggested Bo check on her to make sure she was okay. There was so much change in the young Druid's life since she'd arrived. Lauren mentioned to Bo that she was worried it was all very overwhelming for her, so Bo didn't hesitate to go.
… … … … …
Bo looked through the back door and looked towards the ocean to see her friend sitting in one of the Adirondack chairs arms pulled into her sleeves as she stared out at the view. She grabbed a blanket from the couch and walked outside.
"Hey Kenz." Bo said as she covered her friend with the blanket, then tossed a fireball into the firepit in front of her.
Kenzi cuddled into the blanket, then looked up at her friend and smiled, "Oh, hey Bo-Bo. What's shakin'?"
"Nothing. I just came out to check on you, my friend. What's up?" Bo sat down next to her friend who shared an end of the blanket and cuddled into her. They sat for a moment, "This feels like old times, eh?"
"Yea."
"So what's up?"
"Well, I couldn't decide where to sit at first. I mean, this property is farmland on one side and bay on the other but then there's this incredibly beautiful ocean view on this side… so many choices… only one ass to plant in a chair. What's a girl to do?" Bo laughed at her friend.
"Funny but seriously… if we could do serious for a few minutes… there's something going on in there and you've been awfully quiet about it. You gonna talk to me or what?"
"I just got a little overwhelmed emotionally." Bo knew that… she hadn't mentioned the red eyes she saw when she had come out.
"The business? Chase? Being Druid? Moving to the states from Toronto? Not enough pockets to pick?" What's to be overwhelmed about?"
"Oh and now look who's trying to be funny." Kenzi smiled and then became quiet again.
"Is it just one thing?" Bo asked.
"It's… I've been coming to these family dinners… living with you, Lo and little dude… having Chase… it's just that… "
"Are you mad that it's not just us anymore?"
"No – I mean, things are definitely different. I mean, we don't have a lot of alone time anymore but I understand it."
"Kenz – I can try harder…"
"No, Bo. You don't have to… I mean our time together isn't all on you. With training and helping around the house and wanting my time with Ethan – Gods I love your kid – and time with Chase… I haven't exactly been there for you either. It's… well, I just realized… I have a family, Bo. A real… people love me for me… family."
"Yea, Kenz… you do."
"Bo, I'm going getting married to Chase in a year… we're going to start a family… I've never had any of this and when I think about it, I can't help but think about…"
"Your mom and the rest of your blood relatives."
"Yea… it's a little overwhelming. I mean, I just sat there talking to Arranz like he was my dad… I've never had a dad who gave a shit, but if I did, I think he would be like him… he and Callum are… well, I feel like I'm living my own version of Modern Family, ya know?"
Bo laughed, "Well, it would make sense, wouldn't it? Let's face it Kenz, you and I were never going to be the poster children for what most people would consider a 'normal family'."
"Hells, Bo-Bo… what is normal anyway?" Kenzi said sarcastically.
"Well, normal to me is being madly in love with a human doctor turned powerful Fae-Druid who I'm about to make my wife and Queen, a son who shifts spontaneously into a tiger cub, a Father who is realm jumping to avoid an evil Druid, a grandfather whose blood can re-write history who may or may not be planning to enslave me and my family, a mom who is in a mental health treatment center, my girlfriend and I both being pregnant by seemingly impossible means and... oh, yea… did I mention a prophecy that says my Queen and I have to save the world?"
"Sounds normal to me, Bo."
"Walk in the park, Kenz." They both looked at each other and laughed.
They sat in silence for a few moments.
"You know, this is what I miss about us." Kenzi said.
"Alone time?"
"No… just that we can talk about the heavy and somehow still manage to keep it light. It's nice to know that we can just be silent… just be. We don't have to fill it with meaningless dialog."
"It's always calmed me just to be in your presence, Kenz. I can't tell you how many times over the past four years I just wanted to call you just to know that we were connected."
"I know the feeling. I felt the same way – especially when there were stretches of days where none of our Fae friends could come around to tell me what was going on in the world. Thanks, Bo."
"For what?"
"For teleporting into the clubhouse and scaring the crap out of me that day."
"You're welcome." Bo smirked.
"Seriously, if you hadn't I wouldn't know I had powers to survive in the Fae world. I wouldn't know this family that I've been accepted into. I wouldn't know your son. I wouldn't have met Chase… and that would be the greatest tragedy of all."
"I'm happy for you, Kenz."
"Bo, the gift you guys gave us… are you sure that…"
"Kenz – don't say it. I'm sure there was some tradition that had the King keep all the lands – maybe my father is going to be pissed as hell that I gave everyone the deeds to their properties but I have to believe that if he had been here ruling all this time, that he would have given his brothers and sisters a piece of this land. I mean – Kenzi, it's massive… Lauren and I own 1,000 miles of land and 260 miles of water in the southern county in the state – and that's just in Delaware. We own land and property all over the world. I just need to find out why people don't own their properties."
"Actually, I know a little something about that from Arranz. It's about making sure there's Druids strategically placed throughout the globe so the planet remains balanced."
"Oh."
"Yea, oh. So you can't go selling off your land, Bo-Bo."
"I guess that's why Lauren made sure there was a clause put in to the deeds we're giving as gifts that assures a Druid will always live on the land. Lauren handled all of the legal stuff… Gods, Kenz… I'm so not ready to be a Druid Queen."
"Uh… that's why we have to go to Druid school, Bo."
"Druid school?"
"That's what it feels like to me."
"Now that you mention it…"
"Yea."
"Anyway, back to my point… giving you and Chase businesses is not going to upset the balance of the whole Druid collective. Although your boot designs may upset the balance of power in the fashion industry!"
"Ho! Up high, Bo-Bo!" The pair high fived.
"So, do you ever compare your family here to your family in Toronto Bo-Bo?"
"I… not really… what do you mean?"
"I did… compared them… Let's see you have… Trick the not-so-trustworthy… Crazy mom… Vex the not-so-virtuous… should I go on? I just couldn't stop comparing them when I got here. Toronto was loaded with people who kept you on your guard all the time. Here, your family is accepting, open and honest… and happy and honest… and helpful and… did I mention…"
"Honest." They said in unison and then chuckled.
Kenzi said, "I was sitting here earlier when I realized… well, do you realize that in all the time I've been here, I've had two shots, one beer and the glass of wine I had with dinner tonight? What's happening to me? I'm turning into a light weight!"
"No, you're just finding your priorities and your happiness… no need to drown your sorrows anymore."
"I am happy, Bo. I mean, I was happy hanging with you, Lauren and Ethan. Jake and Josh are so much fun – I actually liked going out on the boat. But when I met Chase, my world literally stopped. It was as if the sun came out and it hasn't gone in since. I just can't get enough of this view and these people and Chase and…"
"And you're afraid it's all too good to be true and that it's all gonna get ripped away at any minute now."
"Exactly!"
"Understandable, but it's not you know."
"How do you know?"
"Druid Queen… I know."
"Yea, right."
"Look, Kenzi you just have to trust and believe. I know that's hard for you but that's really what it's going to take to be happy."
"I'll try Bo-Bo."
"Try hard, Kenz. Life's too short – even with the quadruple life span you've added – to worry about things that haven't happened."
"Did Lauren tell you that?"
"Yea, it's good isn't it?"
"Yea… you're marrying a smart one."
"I know, thank Gaia – the world would be doomed if it was just left to me."
They both laughed,
"Ready for presents? Ethan was ready before dinner. He can't wait to give his out. It's funny… he hasn't mentioned a thing about wanting to get anything."
"Your kid's amazing Bo."
"Yes he is… he takes after his Mommy."
"And his Aunt Kenzi." The goth said as Bo laughed.
"Okay, in we go." Bo stood as Kenzi held up her hands.
"Help me up. I'm a tired DIT."
"DIT?"
"Druid in training, Bo-Bo. Get with the program!"
Bo smiled as she followed her friend inside.
… … … … …
Around the Tree
The gift exchange was pure and utter chaos and Bo loved every minute of it. They sat and watched Ethan open his gifts methodically making sure that Lauren wrote down who gave him each item so that he could write them thank you notes later. Bo and Lauren had given each of their relatives who lived on their land the deed to their houses. When Beli and Vesta protested, they had talked about it for quite some time and explained that if they read the deeds carefully, their lawyers had drawn up the papers stating that if they ever died or decided to move, the land and property was to be reabsorbed by Bo and Lauren or their closest descendent who was also a practicing Druid. Needless to say, they were all shocked by the generosity and grateful to not have to pay rent on their lands any more. They all agreed that as payment for the land and property they were given, they would always serve the community.
Joshua had given everyone a homemade fishing lure and Little John had given everyone a conch shell. Jake said his son had spent most of the year finding enough shells to give one to every household. Bo and Lauren had received homemade soaps, a clan recipe book, candles, candleholders, and a fireplace tool set. John and Madge had given them an outdoor fire pit and two Adirondack chairs for the new deck off of Lauren's lab. Ethan was just over the moon with the Roger Clemens Jersey from Tamsin and Dyson. While he had received some fishing gear, it seemed the theme of the night for him was pants and he was grateful for every single pair.
Everyone gathered for Ethan to distribute his gifts. Bo and Lauren handed them to Ethan one by one and watched as he handed them to each recipient with such pride it filled their hearts. He had spent so much time with Kenzi's help of carving designs into each handmade wooden frame. Bo had helped him use the glasscutter and Lauren had helped him mount each photo. He had taken great care to make sure that each photo would mean something to the recipient.
Dyson's was the two of them at a training session. Tamsin's was the two of them laying on the sofa at the beach house with Ethan's head on her belly talking to the twins, Madge and John's was all three of them with Ethan sitting on the counter at the diner holding up a huge crab with Madge and John on either side of him. Each picture with Jake, Josh, Little John and Joshua were of them on the fishing boat. His picture with Chase was of them making fires for dinner. The one with he and Kenzi were of them making the picture frames.
The one he gave to Lauren was of the two of them in their shifter forms, Ethan cuddled into Lauren who had her paw over his midsection. She was looking down at him as he looked up at her. Bo had snapped the picture and later showed it to Ethan. He had immediately decided it was the right one. The one he gave to Bo was of her holding him while he slept on her chest under a blanket after shifting back into his human form. He said she was like his second bed since his tiger always fell asleep in her arms or on her chest. Lauren had told her through their link that she was sure it was the boobs because she liked to fall asleep on them too.
Finally, Beli and Vesta had given out their gifts. When it came time for them to give their gifts to Bo and Lauren, the room went silent. Bo and Lauren looked at each other unsure of what was happening. Everyone else had gotten a silver necklace with an unusual symbol on it. Neither Bo nor Lauren had remembered the symbol from their teachings but they had noticed that they had not gotten a necklace. They listened as Vesta spoke,
"A long time ago before any of our births, a prophecy was written that told us of the coming of The One. It was foretold that she would be born to a king and would possess power to save the world but that the power could be at its strongest when she was with her intended mate. We have all been witness to the amazing power that exists with this young couple. They have been through great trials and have prevailed to be here with us today. The great battle will come but before it does, we will all bare witness to the great joys and blessings that life will bring to them and their loved ones."
Beli stood,
"Bo, on this day I am happy to tell you that Abigail of the Druid Protectorate has received word from your Father that he is well and sends you his love. Further, she has told him you have joined us and that you will take your rightful place on his throne. He wanted you to know that he is happy that you have found your mate and gives his blessing for your marriage."
Bo's eyes welled with tears as she gripped Lauren's hand tightly. Lauren's eyes were brimming with tears as well, feeling all of the emotions swirling through her mate.
"Will he be here for our wedding and the coronation rite?"
"He promised to try Bo but sadly, he is still on the run, as Taliesen pursues him night and day."
"But wouldn't he be safer here with us among the collective?"
"When the time is right, he will be here with us, Bo. Please trust in your Father. He has never given cause to doubt his word. It is true. He escaped what should have been an eternal prison to find you, did he not? He will not rest until he is with you and your kin again. Please, dear… I know my son… he will return."
Bo nodded as a tear slid down her cheek. He was alive. She needed to be satisfied with that knowledge for now and trust that he would be here to guide her when the time came. Until then, she would focus on Lauren and their family… becoming as strong as they could be for whatever would come.
Vesta spoke again,
"For the first time since the reign of King Aidan, we unveil the symbol of a new era. Queen Ysabeau's family crest – the seal of her royal family has been given to all gathered here today as her kin. The design represents the true union that has been prophesized and come to pass. Within the very blood of the Queens and their offspring lay the union of Druid, Fae and Human kind. In ten days time, the bonded mates will wed and ten days beyond, will begin their coronation rites. Queen Ysabeau has requested that she and her mate be recognized hence forth by her Father's family name of Martini."
Bo and Lauren squeezed hands and smiled as everyone applauded. Beli moved towards Bo and Lauren holding a tray with two rings,
"The gifts given tonight, young Ysabeau are forged from the metals of the crown jewels of your father. The jewels themselves have been placed in your royal vault, except for one – the onyx. Elder Arranz has enlarged, split and forged the sacred onyx into the necklaces provided to your blood kin here tonight. Each necklace and the rings seated upon this tray hold the royal family crest of your reign. Should any of your kin betray you or the path of the crown, the necklace or ring will burn into the visible skin of the bearer in red whether they wear it or not. This is a caution to you all, betray the Queens and said betrayal will be visible to all."
Vesta held up a cloth that was hand-stitched with the markings that Bo had seen on the necklace that was given to Ethan earlier,
"The onyx itself is a symbol of protection, healing, courage, strength and wisdom. It will give this family power in times of need. Embedded in the stone on each necklace or ring is the single spiral, the oldest symbol of Human spirituality. This will be a reminder to us all of our pledge to protect humanity for their greatest strength is their faith and free will. It serves as an invaluable asset to mother earth. Around the outside of the stone is the spiral sun, the universal Druid symbol of healing, harmony and balance. On the reverse side of the necklaces or the left side of the rings of the Queens is the Fae Triquetra, which symbolizes the natural union of the forces of air, earth and water. This serves as a reminder of the common ground between Fae and Druid. On the right side of the rings of the Queens is The Triskele or Triple Spiral which represents the continuous motion or forward progression of life and the three worlds – spiritual, present and celestial. It stands as a reminder to us all that we must always press on in this life and draw from the energy of the universe."
Vesta moved to stand next to Beli, taking Lauren's ring from the tray,
"We give to you the Druid name of Hope for that is what you came to represent to us as we watched your courageous battle for your life. Dr. Lauren Hope Martini, please kneel."
Lauren knelt before Vesta, "Your right hand, please."
Lauren raised her hand to Vesta, "May this ring serve you as you serve your people. May all who see this ring recognize your position as Queen of the Druids."
Vesta slid the ring over the length of Lauren's finger. She cringed as the ring burned into her skin. Vesta pulled back the ring so that she could see the Spiral Sun now tattooed onto her right finger beneath the ring.
"Rise and accept your welcome to the start of your preparation for the royal rite."
Lauren stood and the room erupted in applause. She smiled at Kenzi who was naturally, whistling and cheering for her. She sat down next to Bo who placed a light kiss on her cheek.
Vesta took Bo's ring from the tray and turned to look at his granddaughter with a smile,
"We give to you the Druid name of Faith for that is what you came to represent to us as we watched your unwavering faith in your mate, your friends, family and humanity. Ms. Ysabeau Faith Martini, please kneel."
Bo knelt before Vesta, "Your right hand, please."
Bo raised her hand to Vesta as Lauren had before her, "May this ring serve you as you serve your people. May all who see this ring recognize your position as the one true Queen of the Druids."
Vesta slid the ring over the length of Bo's finger. Bo almost pulled her hand away at the shock of the sting but managed to keep her composure as the ring burned into her skin. Vesta pulled back the ring so that Bo could see the Spiral Sun now tattooed onto her right finger beneath the ring as was Lauren's.
"Rise and accept your welcome to the start of your preparation for the royal rite."
Bo stood and again the room erupted in applause with Kenzi leading the cheers and whistles. "Speech! Speech!" Yelled Chase from behind Kenzi.
Bo took Lauren's hand and pulled her up to stand by her side,
"A little over five years ago, I was in a very dark place. I had lost hope and thought I would never find happiness again. I had a mother whose mental health had deteriorated to the point that I could not be around her and a grandfather who I did not feel I could trust. I was living amongst my Fae brethren but never felt like I belonged because their rules went against my base beliefs of freedom of choice and freedom to love. The Fae hunted my family – human, Fae and Druid alike." Bo paused looking at Lauren who squeezed her hand,
"Then, things started to change… so slowly that there were times I thought I would lose my mind. But my Father came to me, I found my mate, I found good people who I learned are my family, I met my son and most recently my friends came to stand by us. I could not be happier than I am right now. Tonight, on this Christmas Day I give you my promise that I will always fight for life, love and peace on earth. May goodness reign and darkness be extinguished in the name of our Good Mother, Gaia."
"Here! Here!" John exclaimed as the chant echoed through the room. Glasses were raised and toasts were made as Lauren and Bo settled back down on the couch next to their now sleeping son. Bo turned to Lauren,
"Merry Christmas, Lauren Hope Martini."
"Merry Christmas, Ysabeau Faith Martini. You ready to go home? I think the cub is tired and I'd like to get him changed before he shifts and tears his new clothes."
Madge overheard Lauren's comment and brought one of John's sweatshirts,
"Lauren, dear. Take his clothes off and put this on him. He fell asleep over twenty minutes ago. I've noticed he usually shifts within thirty minutes of falling asleep. Having to say goodbyes first, you won't make it home before he shifts."
"Thanks, Madge."
"You're most welcome, Lauren. On second thought, I'll say your goodbyes. Why don't you and Bo sneak out. I'm sure you have had no time alone on this Christmas."
"You're right, Madge. Thank you so much."
"Go on now, change him in the mudroom and slip out the back."
"Merry Christmas, Madge. Thanks for everything."
"Thank you… both of you… for landing on my doorstep. I love you girls like you were my own."
Bo and Lauren quickly changed Ethan and headed out the back door. Before she left, Bo turned back and looked at the crowd gathered in the great room. She smiled and whispered, "Merry Christmas, my Druid family. I love you all, so much."
… … … … … …
