Chapter 36: Prodigal Daughter

Nostalgia

Disclaimer: I own

AN: Well I thought that this was going to be the last chapter of the story but it's not. There are still two chapters, which includes a Bonus chapter and the epilogue. I do hope that you like it.

Prodigal Daughter

Madison's POV

Just forty minutes more and I was going to be in O'Hare Airport. I sighed, when I saw the stewardess passing drinks for the First Class customers. One the kind stewardess stood beside me and asked me if I wanted to eat or drink something. I nodded and asked for a bottle of water. Braxton stared at me with curiosity.

"You don't drink or eat human food, Mom." Braxton leaned closer to me and whispered so low that I doubt the stewardess heard him.

I ignored him and took the water bottle she gave me and placed it on my tray. "Thanks," I mumbled to her. She nodded and proceeded to ask my son what he wanted to drink.

"Do you have any Root Beer, ma'am?" he asked politely.

"Yes," she responded kindly, as she handed him the soda can. "Is there anything that I can get you?"

"No, we are fine," Braxton said, smiling at her. "Thank you."

I looked to my right side and noticed that my son was not a boy anymore-at least not in appearances. He was tall, broad-shouldered, muscular, a defined jaw and handsome. He looked just like his father. Everything about him was similar to his father. He'd the same dimple that the decorated his father's smile. His hair was cut short, and he wore it in spikes, just like Embry and his husky voice, was just like my husbands. I was so proud of them. I couldn't believe that I had been blessed to marry Embry, the most gorgeous man in my life.

"What?" he asked me, after the stewardess left. "Why did you ordered water?" he laughed.

"Nothing, I wanted to be polite." I shrugged, smiling at him. He stared at me quizzically with those big green eyes that reminded me of my brother Mercury. "Besides, I got the water for you." I sighed, as I continued to stare at him.

"Do I have something on my face?" Braxton asked worried, as he glazed his hands over his face. "Is it a pimple?"

"No, silly," I laughed, touching his arm. "I'm just admiring how much you've changed in the past few months. You have grown big and handsome. The girls are starting to stare at you. Laura is going to be jealous when she grows older and see all those girls flocking around you."

"Is it bad?" he asked worriedly, as he brought his hand to his face. "I mean, is that bad that I'm getting noticed by girls?"

"No," I shrugged..

"Plus, I don't think of Laura that way, Mom." He pouted. "She's like a little sister."

"I know. Son," I shook my head. "You are the way that you were meant to be. You are a wonderful son and Laura is blessed to have you. I'm also proud that girls admire the work of art that your father and I made." I joked. "We worked very hard, my love."

"Me? You are talking about me?"

"Yes, you, silly."

"Thanks, Mom." he blushed. "You are really embarrassing me. What will people say when they find out that I'm your son? The lady back at the airport asked me if you and I were dating. How mortifying!"

"I'll doubt that they'll believe us if we tell them that we are mother and son, honey." I laughed, but turned suddenly turned grave. "Braxton,"

"Yes, Mom," he said softly, as he opened his soda and poured in on a cup. I leaned my head against my son's shoulder and felt like crying. When did my son grow up so fast? I always held a vision of him being two years old, just waiting for me by the door. That was the memory that held me together during the five years that I spent away from him.

"Son," I said, drawing in a deep breath. He was so warm and so comfortable. I was surprised that he'd agreed to come with me to Chicago. I mean, wouldn't he miss Laura? I bet he would! But that's not what worried me in that instant. "I'm scared."

"Why?"

There were so many things that were happening to me. Everything was happening too fast. Here I was, in a plane, on my way to Chicago, IL. My son had agreed to accompany me, since Embry had an important meeting with a client and couldn't come. Kyra stayed with him, because Seth almost had a heart attack when he found out that she was going to be flying to Chicago and staying there for two weeks. Like I wasn't going to take care of my own daughter!

"I'm just afraid that I'm too late to ask for my father's forgiveness." I muttered. I was afraid that when my father saw me, he was going to kick me out of his house. I was never the daughter that he wanted me to be. I didn't want him to tell me that I was a disappointment. Braxton held my hand and placed it over his heart. "Do you hate me for being a vampire?" I whispered, raising my head to look at him. "Did I screw up your life?"

"No," he said quickly, as he stared at me in surprise. "Why do you ask? Mom, don't ever say that, please. You should know better. I love you for who you are, alright?"

"I just wanted to know," I said relieved.

"Mom," he paused and let go of my hand and turned his body to face me. "I don't hate you. I have never hated you. In fact, I loved you so much. I'm glad that you are my mother. I'm glad that we can have these kinds of conversation. I held on to the hope that you were going to be with me and look at us, we are... I knew that you were going to find your way back home and you did… so please, Mom, don't think sad thoughts. Your family will accept you. I have no doubt."

"I'm glad that you came with me, Brax," I sighed. "Ugh! I can't stop thinking about how my father might react when he sees me. I mean, it's been ten years since I've talked to him, son. What if my dad doesn't want have anything to do with me? I was a bad daughter. I did things that I should've never done."

"But you've changed." he said. "You've proven to many people that you could change and you have. Just be proud of what you are doing. If your dad doesn't want to be with you, at least you tried, Mom."

"You think that he'll agree to see me?"

"I don't know, but if he doesn't, is his loss." he shrugged and drank from his cup. "He's a douche bag if he doesn't."

"Did you teach Kyra that word, B?" I asked, shaking my head.

"Maybe," he said sheepishly.

"B, do you think that my brothers will want to talk to me?" I asked anxiously.

"I don't know them, Mom." he stopped and drank the rest of his soda. We remained quiet for a few minutes. The stewardess came by our seats and took our trash. She eyed me suspiciously and then at Braxton.

"Are you guys related?" she asked timidly.

"Yes," I nodded, looking at her and smiling.

"She's my Mom," Braxton said nonchalantly. "Why?"

"Your Mom?" she asked incredulous.

"Yep," he said, yawning loudly. "Why would I lie?"

"But," she said puzzled.

"Yes, he's my son." I said nervously. "Um, I had him when I was really young. He doesn't take after me, he looks just like his father."

"How old are you?" she asked me. "You look so young, ma'am."

"I'm twenty seven years old, going on twenty-eight." I said proudly, as I took my son's hand. "He is tall and looks just like his father. His father is almost seven feet and his genes are strong. That's why none of my children look like me." I smiled proudly, when I thought of Embry.

"No way," she exclaimed.

"Want to see a picture?"

"Sure," she said happily. "I can't believe that this gentleman is your son."

I reached into my purse and retrieved my wallet. "See," I said, pointing at a picture of my husband. "This is my husband and these is my little daughter. This was him," I said, pointing at Braxton, five months ago. He changed a lot."

"Oh, goodness," she laughed softly. "Neither of your kids looks like you. They are gorgeous, just like their father. Wow!"

"Tell me about it," I said grinning.

"Well," she paused and giggled nervously. "I must go and do my rounds. I really wish you happiness. You can tell that you have a lovely family. Enjoy them now that they are young."

I nodded and watched her leave. "Mom," Braxton said sadly and pulled me in his arms. I felt like a teenager again. I was full of insecurities. I only wanted to see my father before he died. Mercury had said that the doctor had given him a few months of life. If Embry was strong enough to forgive his father, why couldn't I do the same? Right? Hopefully, I was doing the right thing. "You'll be fine, Mom," he whispered the last word. I nodded and kissed his nose and returned to my previous position.

"Let's change the subject," I said, as I played with his IPod. "Your dad said that he would be meeting us tomorrow night," I paused and raked my fingers through my hair and sighed loudly. "Do you think this is a mistake, right? Me coming here and dragging you to the 'boca del lobo'? Dragging you to the 'mouth of the wolf'."

"The 'boca del lobo'? Mom," Braxton laughed. "I don't speak Spanish. And I really don't know a lot of the things that happened between your father and you, to give my input. But, I do know that asking for forgiveness is never easy, but hopefully, it will bring you peace. You are going to live forever, right?"

I nodded and pulled away from him. "I am going to live for an eternity." I said lowly. "What do you think about that, Braxy? How do you feel about having your parents outlive you?"

"I think," he stopped and grabbed a strand of my hair and curled it in his finger. "I think that you are going to suffer a lot when you don't age and the people around you do. I think that you and dad will have a hard time, letting go of Kyra and me. But that's the story of our lives. We are born, we grow, we live and we die. I'm sorry that you have to witness it, Mom."

"Yes," I said, bobbing my head. "Why, um, why are you so calmed about things like this, silly?"

"I don't know. I am an observant kid. But listen, Mom, you are going to be fine. You've loved us and the way that you are raising us, well, we are happy kids. We love our parents and I promise to continue loving you until I die."

"Yes, I know, but, please, don't talk about death, Braxton." I said, placing my hand on his arm. "Am I a good mother to you? Do you think that I am a good daughter and friend?"

"Yes," he said quickly. "I think that you are the best. You are the best mother for me and Kyra. Dad keeps on telling Sam, Paul and Jared that you are the best wife and mother in the world! I think that you are! You are the best, that's the reason destiny chose you for me. I don't regret having you as a mother. I love you and I always will."

"Do you think that Kyra feels the same way?"

"That girl is crazy about you, Mom." he chuckled, pulling at my hair. "She loves Dad, Seth and you equally. I sometimes feel that she doesn't love me. I think I've been too mean to her," Braxton laughed.

"Why are you so amazing?" I said astonished. "Where do you get the words to make me feel better, Braxton? What did I do to deserve such an amazing son?"

"Because," he shrugged. "Well, I have amazing parents? Destiny?" he asked confused. "I don't know, Mom. You are just so loving and I guess that it rubs off on me…"

"I think Embry did a great job raising you." I said proudly.

"You did too, Mom." He shrugged and blushed. He was still a kid, but what a sweet kid he was. And to make it even better, he was my kid. The son that I thought that I didn't want at first. He was everything I wished a son would be and he was. He was a blessing and a gift to me from Embry. We made him and he was perfect. We talked some more throughout the flight, but he eventually fell asleep on my shoulder. When we got to Chicago, I rented an SUV and we stayed at a downtown five star hotel. Braxton was surprised when we rented a large suite.

"Get dressed; I'm taking you out to eat." I said, when we had settled in our room.

"Are you sure, Mom?" he said worriedly. "I don't want to spend your money."

"Son," I sighed. "Don't worry about it! I have plenty of money. So, get your ass up from that chair, take a shower and get dressed. I am going to take you to eat!"

"That's what I'm talking about, Mom!" he said excitedly, getting up from his chair. He ambled to where I stood and twirled me around. "I'm very hungry. Do you think that we can have Chicago's famous hot dogs? Eat at a buffet? Any suggestions?"

"Anything you want!" I said, framing my son's face in my hands. "You name it and you'll get it!"

"Don't spoil me too much, Mom." he laughed. "I might become a snob."

"I doubt it,"

"Yeah, I wouldn't want to be one."

When we finished changing, Braxton and I went out to eat. He ate five to six large burgers and then we stopped near a abandoned part of the highway and I went to hunt. I drank plenty of blood, enough to sustain me for the rest of the day. Later we drove around. I took him to the place that I remember visiting when I lived in Chicago. It was cloudy outside, so being outside didn't impose any threat. We walked and explored downtown. We even went to the Sear's towers and took many pictures. When it was evening, Braxton reminded me what we'd come to Chicago for.

"Let's do this, Mom," he said, taking my hand in his. "You are just stalling. You always do this when you are nervous." he mocked.

"Hey," I said haughtily. "I'm the adult here, no mocking me." I said, trying to sound serious.

"Sorry,"

"I was just kidding, son."

"Me too, come on, Mom, for real," he paused, hugging me. "What are you so afraid of?"

"Of being rejected, Braxton."

"You won't know unless you go there, Mom,"

I parked near the sidewalk and held the steering wheel with all my strength. I could feel the metal twisting under my touch and decided to stop. I turned to look at the large mansion that stood stoically across from where we parked. I don't recall having any wonderful memories in that house. All the memories that I recalled were faded, but they were there. I remember forgotten birthdays, Christmases and many nights, where I cried myself to sleep.

"Let's go, Mom," Braxton said, as he opened the passenger side door. "We can do this! I'm here for you. If that old geezer doesn't want you, is his loss. That means that Dad, Kyra and me will have you all to ourselves."

"Yeah," I said nervously.

I stepped out of the car and locked it. I stared at the floor and felt a warm hand on my arm. It was my son, offering me a tender smile. I took his hand and together we walked to the mansion. I had made up my mind, I was going to do this. There was no sense in waiting any longer. Time was slowly slipping and I wanted to take advantage of it. I would live for an eternity and never age, but the people that I loved didn't... I didn't want to sleep on my laurels. I wanted to see how this evening was going to turn out. I just needed to gather my strength and do this.

We walked to the door and Braxton knocked. "Mom," Braxton whispered, when we heard footsteps shuffling about inside the house. "Someone's coming!"

"Calm down," I told myself. "OK, this is it!"

"I'm just glad that there is someone there… I know that they'll love you, Mom."

"Thanks, Zeus!" I said, squeezing his hand gently. "You are the best."

"Hi," a little voice called, as the front door to the mansion opened. "How can I he-"

"Melody Ferreira," A male voice shouted, followed by hurried footfalls. "How many times have I told you not to open the door? You don't know if it's a person that wants to-" Thomas said, as he picked up the little girl and stared baffled at me.

"Melody," An anonymous voice called from behind Melody and Thomas. "Madison?"

"Do you know him?" Braxton asked me.

"Tom? Micah?"

"Yes," Tom asked. "Um, what are you doing here? It's been so long? Embry?"

"Wow, well," I said nervously, as I looked from Melody, then to Thomas, Micah and then finally at my son. "Well, it's been a long time, right?" I asked anxiously. They nodded and continued to stare at my son "And well, I came to visit my father. And by the way, this is my son, Braxton Call. You see the eyes; they are green just like Mercury. He does look like my husband, though."

"Um, yeah," Thomas paused, placing the little girl on the floor and hid her behind him, as he shielded her from us. "Your son you say?"

"Yes," I grunted. Thomas continued to nod his head, as he stared daggers at my son. I guess that he still hated Embry for beating his ass many years back. "They grow big and tall in the Rez." I said jokingly, trying to alleviate the tension. "Is my father home?"

"Y-yes, sure, come in." Thomas said, giving us space to enter the grand house.

"Are you my sister?" Melody asked sweetly.

"I don't know," I said, looking up at Thomas. He nodded and took the little girls hand in his. "I guess I am."

"Nice," Melody said. "Were you treated like a little princess?"

I ignored the little girls question and walked behind two incredulous men, as they took us to the living room. I heard voice mumbling in the kitchen and I took my son's hand and we ambled down the hall.

"Mom," Braxton hissed. "You are going the wrong way."

"Hush," I said, walking down the hall, until we stood in the kitchen.

"Madison? Embry?"

"Miguel? Manuel? Marcus?" I asked confused.

"I am Miguel," my older brother said, as he stood up from his chair. "Wow, Embry, you remain the same." He said, as he scrutinized my son.

"This is my son, Braxton." I said annoyed. "Embry stayed in Washington with our daughter."

"Your son?"

"Yes," Braxton answered, crossing his arms over his chest.

"But your son," Miguel paused. "He's only ten years old. Five months ago, Mercury sent us a picture and-"

"They grow fast in the Rez," Thomas added softly.

"Yeah, whatever he said," Braxton said, rolling his eyes. OK, seriously, my son didn't like Thomas either?

"It's nice seeing you," I said, as I played with my hands. Miguel rushed to my side and gave me a bear hug. "Um,"

"Wow, you are cold. It's not even winter yet." He said smiling. "How are you, Love?"

"Fine,"

I heard footsteps approaching the kitchen, forcing me to turn around. "Madison?"

"Um, yeah!" I said, waving shyly at the two men that stood in front of me. "Hello,"

"It's me, Manuel!" Manuel said, as he took a few steps forward. "Wow, you look beautiful."

"Hello,"

"Yeah, you forgot definitely forgot your brothers?" Miguel said.

"Yes," Braxton answered. "She forgot all of them." he said bored, folding his arms over his chest.

"Wow, Embry," Manuel paused. "You don't change. You remain the same spiteful bastard."

"I'm not Embry. My name is Braxton Alexis Call." Braxton said irritated. "See, I have green eyes. My dad has brown eyes. And who are you calling bastard assh-"

"OK, he's definitely your son, Madison." Miguel joked. "Sit down; tell us about your life? How long are you guys going to stay here?"

"Two weeks," I mumbled. Braxton placed one arm around my neck and brought me to him. "It all depends, why?"

"So, this big guy here," Manuel said, getting closer to where we stood and pointing at Braxton. "Your-um, your son? Are you for real? He could pass as you-forget it. But for real, the last time that I saw him, wow, he was tiny! He was chubby and he didn't look like he was going to grow so much,"

"Well, kids in the Rez grow tall." I mumbled, nodding slowly.

"Yeah, I can see that." Micah said, as he joined our conversation.

"So, Micah," Manuel said. "Doesn't our sister look like she's a teenager?"

"Wow! It's true! You do look different. You haven't aged a bit, Madie. I like your contact lens. Amber eyes, wow, they really suit you, sis."

My hand flew to my face and I looked up at my son. He snickered at Micah's comment and shook his head. I knew that Braxton was laughing because he knew the reality behind my change. I wasn't human anymore. I tried to smile at my brothers, who were eyeing me suspiciously.

"Thanks, I guess." I said, scratching the back of my neck. "Listen guys, um, I wanted to apologize for all that I did. I am so sorry."

"Mad," Manuel said. "What happened in the past, well, it stays in the past. I'm glad that you are here. We can start again and maybe, well, you can meet the rest of my family. I would love for you to meet the rest of my family. My wife Cindy is pregnant with our fourth son."

"Son?" I asked perplexed. "You finally got married?"

"Yes," Manuel said proudly. "We have three boys and another boy on the way."

"OK, I see a pattern." I laughed. "How old are your children?"

"Nine, seven, six and an unborn child." Manuel answered. "And none of them look like your boy. They are tiny and have squeaky voices." he jested. "I'm proud of your son, Madison. I hope my kids grow as tall and strong as your boy."

"I doubt it," Braxton mumbled. I jabbed him on his side and forced a smile.

"Cool," I said, turning to Miguel. "What about you? Micah? Marcus?"

"I have a little boy." Miguel grinned. "My wife is upstairs. Maybe you can meet her later."

"I would love that. What about, um, you, Marc-"

"Marcus married a British woman and they have two sons." Manuel interjected. "His wife stayed in England, because she has to take care of their law firm. She's a lawyer, right, Marc?"

"Yes," Marcus yawned. "She doesn't like Dad, so we decided that she stay behind with the boys in England."

"Nice," I whispered. "Wow, all of you guys have boys... what an irony."

"I know," Miguel laughed. "Your daughter is the only granddaughter father has."

"And you Micah? Any kids?" I asked, turning to face my brother.

"Well," he paused and looked back at Thomas who was standing on the doorway of the kitchen, holding Melody in his arms. "We-well-"

Manuel, Miguel and Marcus exchanged looks and snickered. "Micah is, well, this might shock you, but," Miguel said, hiding a smile.

"He's married to Tom, right?" I said nonchalantly.

"How do you know?" Micah asked.

I raised my hand and pointed at my wedding band. "I see the same matching wedding band on his finger and yours."

"Aren't you a little appall-" Manuel began.

"No! So, what if they are both men? Love is love. It knows no gender, right? They look very much in love and that's all that matters. Good luck to you both. I wish you many years of happiness." I said, smiling to Micah.

"Thanks," he whispered. "That means a lot coming from you."

"You are welcome." I said, shrugging.

"Mom," Braxton complained. "You came here for a reason." He said between clenched teeth. He looked just like his father that it was getting ridiculous. "Go talk to your father."

"Are you sure that you aren't Embry?" Micah asked, as he sauntered closer to where we were.

"No," Brax barked. "Damn, do I really look like Dad, MOM?" he asked. I winced and nodded. "Great!"

"OK, seriously, the kid has some anger issues, right, Madie?" Micah said, shaking his head. "Anyways, why don't you guys come over to the living room? Dad's watching the news. He's been expecting you."

"Oh, OK, expecting me?" I said, reaching for my son's hand. "Come B, don't let go of my hand, please."

"I won't, Mom," he promised. "I'll be here for you."

"So, Madison, where is Embry?" Miguel asked, as he followed us. "Are you two divorced?"

"He had to stay behind…" I said over my shoulder. "He has his own construction company and he has many clients. He can't just leave whenever he wants..."

"I'm glad. To be honest, I always thought that the kid was strange... but he turned out to be a nice guy." Manuel said. "So, um, you also have a daughter? Is she as tall as your son?" he asked, giving my son a sidelong glance.

I shook my head and smiled. "No, Manuel. She is still seven years old. She is really tiny and petite. My little girl stayed with her father."

"How are Mercury and his wife?" Miguel asked. "He rarely calls or writes."

"They are good. Did you know that Mercy had a son? He also has a daughter, Miguel."

"We rarely speak to him," Manuel sighed. "His wife has some anger issues... just like your son." he laughed.

"I'm glad that Mercury is happy. His wife was a nice person. She really didn't like Manuel. Heck, not a lot of people like him. I'm surprised that his wife does." Thomas said, as he joined our conversation. I began to feel nervous, as we approached the living room. I stopped walking and turned to face them.

"Listen," I said, scratching my forehead nervously. "Before I see dad, Micah, Tom, Miguel and Manuel; I wanted to, um, apologize. I wanted to apologize if I ever offended you guys. I was a brat and I know that life passes us by and we-"

"You shouldn't apologize," Thomas said sadly. "We're the ones that should apologize. We hurt you and we are sorry. We were young and we didn't know what we-"

"I forgive you only if you forgive me!" I sobbed.

"You are stupid, Madison," Miguel said. "You stayed away all this time because you-"

"Shut up, Miguel," Micah said, pushing passed him. He ran into my arms and we held each other tightly. I never let go of my son's hand. He was my moral support. My solid ground. It felt good to be held by my brother. Manuel joined us, followed by Miguel. I felt tiny arms snake around my waist. I looked down at saw Melody staring happily at me. Her green eyes brought peace to my soul. Her smile made me feel welcome.

"After you finish talking to Dad," Micah said against my ear, as he pulled away from me. "Can you stop by our room? I want to talk to you."

"About what?" I asked.

"About you appearing in the middle of my room and then disappearing five years ago, Madison." he whispered.

"Sure," I nodded, looking back at my son. Braxton shrugged and turned to look down the hall. "Um, yeah, I'll tell you later."

"What are you two whispering about?" Miguel asked. "It's rude to-"

"Shut up, Miguel." Manuel sighed. "Hurry up and let's get moving."

"Yeah," Manuel said. "We have a lot of things to discuss, Madison. Finish talking with the old man. When you are done, let's go out to eat and celebrate the return of the prodigal daughter and nephew!"

"Idiot," Braxton muttered. I hid my laughter under a cough and turned to Braxton. His lips were curved into a wonderful smile, as his eyes shone brightly under the hallway lamp. "Come on, Mom. You can do this. I'll be there for you..."

"Damn," Micah scoffed. "Your kid is amazing."

"I know," I said proudly, giving my son's hand a gentle squeeze.

"Papa is this way," Melody said, as she pushed passed my brothers, taking my hand and guided me to the familiar living room. "He doesn't like it when I interrupt him while he's watching TV."

"Oh," I said, looking at my brothers. "Should I wait?"

"No," Manuel said, motioning me to continue. Micah stopped me and hugged me again. He leaned close to me and kissed my cheek.

"You'll be fine," he smiled at me. "He loves you and your visit will be a blessing for him."

"Madison," Melody said, as she tugged at my hand. She held out her hand other hand for me to take, but I couldn't. I just couldn't let go of Braxton's hand. He was my lifeline to everything that was peaceful and calm. In a way, holding my son's hand was like holding Embry. He kept me grounded and made me feel secure. She motioned me to get to her lever. I knelt before her and she framed my face in her hands.

"Yes?" I asked. She brought my face closer to hers and gave me a sisterly kiss on the cheek. She leaned forward and sighed against my ear.

"Alice wants you to know that everything will be alright, Madison. Everything that is part of nature cannot be control. She knows that you'll be sad, but she wants you to know that happiness walks hand in hand with suffering. Alice told me to tell you that she'll be here for you. No matter how great the distance, your family will be with you." Melody said, as she smiled sympathetically at me. "I know what you are and I'm not afraid. I love you just the same, sister. Welcome back…" she whispered near my ear. "Don't be afraid, life must happen and we can't control it. You'll be fine. Just remember the happy memories that will live with you forever..."

"Alice?" I asked incredulously. "You met my Alice?"

"Shh," she said, placing her chubby finger over her lips. "It's a secret between us three."

"Four," Braxton corrected her. I looked up at him and he just shrugged. "I heard it too, so it's four, Mom."

"Secret?"

"Mm-hmm," she said, tightening her hold on my hand. I looked at Braxton and found him snickering. My brothers were staring quizzically at us. I stood up and watched as my little sister took my hand in hers. "Let's go, Madie." She giggled. She skipped all the way down the massive corridors that led to the living room. "We are here, Madison."

"Thanks," I muttered confused.

"Do you want to play with me?" Melody asked, turning to Braxton.

"Um, Mom?"

"Go ahead, son," I said nodding. Braxton shrugged and kissed my cheek. "She's your aunt after all."

"Are you sure?"

"I am," I said confident. "I can do this, son. Thank you for all the help."

"Yippy! You'll play with me!" Melody said excitedly as she clutched my son's hand. "I'll be the princess and you'll be the dragon. I'll slay you meanie!"

"Ugh, here we go again." Braxton protested, as he walked behind Melody. I watched as they walked down the hallway, my brothers were standing beside me.

"You should go," Micah said, smiling and placed a caring hand on my shoulder.

"I'm nervous."

"You'll be fine, silly." Miguel said, ushering me inside the living room. "He won't bite. Shit, he can't even stand up without assistance. If you need help, just call. We'll tickle the old man for ya."

"What's all that commotion?" someone said annoyed.

"The old man is calling," Manuel said, pushing me towards my father's seat.

"Dad," I said softly, as I ambled around his chair. I looked back at my brothers and they were gesturing me to continue.

"Who the-Madison Love?" He chuckled. "Sweetheart, you are here? It's really you?"

"Yes, Dad,"

"What a great day! Get over here and give your father a hug!" Dad snickered, opening his arms for me to fall into them.

"Daddy! I'm sorry!" I said, when I hugged my father and he hugged me back.