Chapter 27

Once he knew he was bringing three teenagers, two of them growing boys, AJ called home to see what Jessy was planning for dinner. Learning that she'd picked up 'take and bake' pizza AJ told the teens with him they would stop in and pick up another family sized pie and the kids could pick the toppings.

The three new teens were stunned as the talk continued over dinner about the possibility of taking them on along with Danika. AJ and Jessy said they would like them to stay over the weekend. It would give everyone time to get to know each other and decide if they all wanted to be one big family.

Danika suggested that she help AJ and Jessy do the dishes so that the other three could talk about wether they wanted to stay or not. They smiled at the girl that would be their daughter and when they got to the kitchen told her how proud they were of her for thinking of giving the others time to decide what they wanted to do.

In the family room Bethany and Breen were talking in favor of staying the weekend. Allen chimed in to say he thought it was a good idea too. The other two patted him on the back for realizing how important it was to get six more free meals. Allen didn't have the courage to correct them by telling then that the reason he wanted to stay because he was happy for a family.

It didn't take long to wash a few plates and glasses but when the three that already thought of themselves as family reentered the diningroom they were pleased the other three had decided to stay.

They showed the new kids around the house and gave them a choice of sleeping arrangements. Bethany could sleep in the sleeping bag in Danika's room and the boys could have the den to themselves where one could have the couch and the other a sleeping bag on the floor. Or all three of the park kids could share the den where Bethany could have the couch and the boys the sleeping bags. So Bethany was the one that had to decide where she wanted to be. She kept glancing towards the two boys while the adults were waiting for her to make up her mind. Seeing this Danika's shoulders slumped. She assumed as the adults did, that Bethany was going to choose the den.

Everyone was surprised when Bethany announced that she would share Danika's room with her. When the two girls entered her room Bethany went right over to the bed and sat down on it. She couldn't help but bounce up and down on it testing the softness.

"If we live here will I get a bed like this some day? Or will it always be a bag on the floor for me?"

"You can have the bed for the weekend if you like and if you guys stay maybe we could trade off until mom and dad can build onto the house. They have promised us each a room of our own."

"Really?!" Bethany gasped.

"Yes really, they have kept every promise they have made to me so far. They have already drawn up the papers to adopt me but last night at dinner dad told his friend to wait to fill them out…"

Bethany was quick to jump out on that, "See! He is already changing his mind!" she exclaimed.

"No he was only waiting in the hopes of adding three more names to the form."

"Three more nam…you mean us? But he hadn't even met us yet!"

"I know but he and mom have really big hearts. They just wanted to get to know you and for you to get to know them. When that has happened I am sure they will ask to adopt you too. Otherwise why would they be talking about adding on bedrooms for all four of us?"

"But you already have this beautiful and big room!"

"This was the guest room before I came along and dad's grown daughter stays in here when she comes to visit."

"Oh I guess that makes sense."

The new kids were having a great time getting to know Dammit and calling her name over and over just so the could cuss without getting into trouble.

To be continued…..