It was crowded around the picnic table on Adam's patio, but no one minded. Shawn made the adults smile. He treated Hunter like a king, and made sure Hunter's bowl of stew had large pieces of meat, and that he never ran out of bread or iced tea. Hunter relished in the attention and vowed to make Shawn feel like the king, later that night in bed. It made Megan smile. Most of her homeschool friends had broken homes. It also gave Megan a chance to talk to Shane McMahon.
"So, I guess you will be going back to Harvard soon?" Megan asked with curiosity. Harvard interested her.
Shane smiled. "Well, no. I will have to stay here until the trials are over. It will save flying back and forth so much. Your dad is going to talk to my law school adviser about distance learning. I can sit for exams at UMKC. So, you will be stuck with me for a while." He thought Megan was very pretty and very mature for her age.
"I don't mind. It's nice to have someone close to my age in the house. You're only five years older or will be in a few weeks, when I turn sixteen." Megan smiled and tried not to blush. Gosh Shane was cute.
Jade spoke up. "We gotta have a party, Meggie." Jordan perked. "Yeah! A pink party!" Jan and James spoke together. "We will make up a song for you!" Their talk got the attention of the adults.
"What's all this about a pink party?" Adam asked his children as they giggled.
Shane was the one to speak. "A pink party for Megan's sixteenth birthday. I think it sounds like fun. Maybe a pink princess party. We could wear costumes. You know...I never had a birthday party. I don't think they even remember when my birthday is." He spoke with a bit of sadness in his voice.
"When is your birthday, Shane?" Megan asked with more curiosity. She would make sure to never forget.
Shane smiled. "January fifteenth. It was also the day mom...well...that's why I never had a party. I just got used to it." He gave a shrug.
Jade gasped with an idea. "I know! Uncle Shane can be a pink prince! He can have a party too!"
"Well, maybe sometime. Megan deserves her own sweet sixteen party. That only comes once." Shane didn't want to take anything away from Megan.
Jade would not leave it alone. "Yeah, but Princess Meggie needs a Prince. That's you, Uncle Shane."
Adam saw where it was going. "Jade, dear. Finish your stew or your won't get any of the cake Uncle Roman brought." He spoke firmly.
"Okay, daddy." Jade sighed, but ate from her bowl.
Hunter also sighed. "She can't be turning sixteen, she is only six!" While proud of his daughter, he hated to see her get older.
"No, Hunt. She's a young lady now. I guess that means a new car...after driving school." Shawn too sighed.
"You're not going to teach her how to drive?" Dean asked with a tone of surprise. His mom had taught him and it had been a lot of fun.
Shawn shook his head. "Absolutely not. My dad tried to teach me, but it led to some terrible arguments. And, I would be too nervous. No, a professional can teach her. We will also need the insurance discount." He gave his daughter a wink.
The happy dinner chatter continued. As the meal finished, Dean set the children to helping Ida and Nancy clear the table. Shane and Megan also helped.
Megan blushed when she and Shane reached for the bread basket at the same time and their hands brushed together. Shane didn't notice as he spoke to Ida. However, Shawn did notice. He knew he and Megan would have to have a serious talk, and soon. Megan quickly picked up the butter dish and went to the kitchen.
After the table was clean, Roman went into the kitchen. He sent Ida and Nancy out to join the others at the picnic table. Roman then took the large cake out of the box. It had cost a pretty penny to have it made so fast, but, it had been worth it.
Roman lit the six candles that had been arranged on the cake. He carefully lifted the cake and carried it out to the picnic table.
"Dean, my friend, would you please read the inscription on the cake?" Roman looked at Dean.
Dean stood and read. "Congratulations to Dean, Adam, Jade, Jan, James and Jordan Ambrose. You are now a family…Ro?" He wasn't sure what it really meant.
Roman beamed. "It means Judge Lawler signed the papers and put through the name changes for the quadruplets. They are now legally and officially Ambrose's. Tomorrow, you and Adam have to sign and pay. Oh, I also registered your marriage. So, you can't back out now."
"Woohoo! I'm an Ambrose! Me too! Yes!" The four little lions cheered with happiness. Dean kissed his husband, then hugged and kissed his four very legal children. Ida dabbed her eyes.
There was a lot of chaos as hugs, handshakes and tears were exchanged. Adam cried with happiness. After so many nightmares, something wonderful came out of it.
Hunter tapped his glass. "Attention please! Attention!" He sounded like a grizzled drill Sargent.
Everyone settled back down in their places. Hunter raised his glass. "Adam, we have known you since you were Megan's age. We have see you sad and happy. Never have I seen you smile so much, and so brightly. It is all down to Dean. We thank you for that. Dean, you are the walls of strength, Adam you are the foundation that holds up those walls. Together, you will make a love filled home for Jan, Jade, Jordan, James and Baby Ambrose. Congratulations to The Dean Ambrose family." He raised his glass high in toast.
Everyone around the table raised their glasses. "To the Ambrose family!" They all sipped, then cheered.
Ida and Nancy served the chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream. Roman had remembered Megan, and gave her a diabetic friendly chocolate cup cake, with a small container of sugar free ice cream. She gave Roman a chocolate lip kiss on the cheek. Everyone thanked Roman for the wonderful cake and surprise.
Roman actually flushed a bit. "Thanks. I had a favor due from a bakery I did a collections case for. This was the right occasion to use it." Seth beamed with pride at his thoughtful husband.
In a rare moment, Adam allowed his children to have a second helping of dessert. Now could he say no, after his third piece of cake.
Dean allowed the children to play until dark, then with help from Ida, Dean supervised baths. Afterwards, Dean read to the children and tucked them. Adam waited in the den, he felt the bonding between Dean and children was good for all of them.
Even though it was safe, the Helmsley's were going to spend the night. Shawn and Hunter tucked Megan into a comfy rollaway bed in Jade's room. Nancy was comfortable on Ida's pull out couch.
The Helmsley's, the Reigns', Adam and Shane gathered in the den. Now they could hear from Hunter about what had happened. Ida and Nancy served coffee, then went to Ida's small apartment. They were exhausted, but happy.
When Dean got to the den, he sat on the floor between Adam's feet. Adam sat on the couch with Roman, Seth and Shane. Hunter sat in one of the library chairs, with Shawn at his feet. They all sipped the perfectly made coffee.
"Roman, you start." Hunter nodded to the young lawyer. He wanted more time to gather his thoughts.
"Not much more to add. There is something you should know. Before he left, Randy wrote a letter for the Judge to read. Randy said, while he loved his children more than life, he knew he would probably never see them again. At least not like a parent would. He said he couldn't think of anyone better to love, nurture and raise the children. He said giving up parental rights, while the hardest thing he's ever done, was the last thing he could do for them. Randy also said if the children wanted to change their last name, he would not object. When Judge Lawler finished the letter, he signed the papers. He also had the Clerk draw up the name changes. I took that time to register your wedding. When I got back to Judge Lawler, he'd signed the name change papers. All you have to do is sign them and pay. Then the changes will be legally registered and recognized. Don't forget, you will have to have their Social Security and passports changed. The Clerk will give you that paperwork when you sign and pay. That letter...really got to the Judge. He said he'd never seen such a noble and selfless act from a parent." Roman finished. He had a tone of respect for Randy's letter.
Adam looked at Roman. "Could I read the letter?"
Roman shook his head. "Sorry, Adam. But Randy asked that after the Judge read it, it would be sealed shut, only to be opened upon his death. I didn't get to read it either. The Judge just told me what he'd read. I think that was Randy's way of putting a period on it."
"How could he be a cold blooded killer with one hand, and write such a letter to the court?" Adam asked with confusion.
Shawn spoke up. "I have another theory. I think he wanted the letter sealed so it couldn't be used in court for his defense. I think he wanted his atonement kept private. Roman is also right, it puts a period on it. Or we could all be wrong and he doesn't want anyone to know he has a soft side. Who knows what really goes on in a criminal mind." He had a shrug in his voice.
"I want to take a couple of criminal psychology courses. I think it would help with the kind of law I want to practice. If I can, at Helmsley and Associates." Shane looked at his future employer with hope. Shane knew his clients would not be the typical ones Shawn and Roman dealt with.
"What is it exactly that you want to do, Shane? I haven't had a chance to ask you." Roman asked with a sip of his coffee.
Shane looked at the attorney. He admired how quickly Roman had made partner. "I want to help the people who need a lawyer, but either can't afford it, or have no one else to speak for them. I want to be a voice for the voiceless. I know that isn't your usual type of client, but they need quality lawyers, not the usual two-bit, bottom of the barrel, ambulance chasers. I know there are public defenders, but they have so many cases, they can't really give anyone proper services. I'll understand if you change your mind about hiring me Shawn."
Shawn looked at Roman, then at Shane. "I think we just found the perfect attorney to run the new office we want to open on the edge of the West Bottoms area. You would be perfect for that. So tomorrow, I will contact your Harvard Advisers. Shane, we have every faith in you." He gave the young man a wink.
Shane beamed. "That sounds wonderful. The West Bottoms...they need people to help them. I asked father to loan me the money to help the shelter there, but he said no. He said if we helped them, they would lose a lot of money. Now I know what he meant. Father ran the sex business there, as well as drugs. That was part of why I kept the notebooks."
"Shane, I've said this before, but you are the bravest person I have ever met. I am glad our children have someone like you to look up to. And, as I also said, you have a room here anytime. Free nursing care too." Adam winked with a laugh.
Dean nodded. "I second that, Shane. James really likes you. Oh, they all do, but James asked me, when I tucked him in, how hard is it to be a lawyer. I think you have impressed him."
Shane gave a light laugh. "Wait tell he sees my stack of text books and those are the ones after two years of basic classes." He sipped his coffee.
After a few moments, Hunter began to tell what happened at the park. For legal reasons, he couldn't go into deep detail, but he told them enough. Out of respect for Dean, he skipped over most of the gruesome details that dealt with Drake.
"...I have to say, Randy did his part, and is still playing it. Stephanie will in for a surprise when Randy turns State's evidence...if he does. Kenny Omega is going to speak up for you to be the Special Prosecutor, but don't hold your breath. Although, he did say something interesting. I don't know legalities like you do." Hunter paused to sip his coffee.
Before Hunter could speak, the doorbell rang. Everyone jumped. Hunter and Dean went to answer it. The others stayed calm, but tension filled the air.
Everyone relaxed when Hunter and Dean returned. Justin Gabriel was with them.
"Sorry. I forgot to charge my phone and I was on my way over before I realized it, so I couldn't call and tell you. Um...I hate to ask, but can I bunk down here. I will get a hotel room tomorrow. I just..."
Dean held up his hand. "Of course you can, Justin. And no, you will not get a hotel. We are all safe and alive because of you. Our home is your home. I am sure Adam feels the same." He looked up at his husband.
Adam smiled at Dean, then Justin. "I absolutely do. You can use the Degas den. Then tomorrow, we'll set you up in Dean's old room. As Dean said, you kept us safe. It is the very least we can do."
Justin sighed. "Thanks, I really appreciate it. I will have to go shopping tomorrow. My stuff is strewn all over. I just...not where Drake and I lived. I had given up my condo to move in with Drake…well, never mind, and I do thank you."
Dean perked. "You know, Justin. You could move into my old condo. It's furnished. I didn't want to rent to just anyone. You, I would trust. If you want, you don't have to."
Justin grinned. "Sounds great. We can discuss the details tomorrow. Thanks, Dean. You too, Adam." He took the cup of coffee Shawn had poured for him.
Dean leaned forward a bit. "Justin...I am sorry about Drake. I know, deep down, he was a good guy… he just got...caught up."
Justin nodded. "Yeah, he was. Oh, I knew it would never work out in the end, but, along the way, I honestly fell for him. That was my fault. I just get so damn lonely...sorry. I don't mean to sound...so stupid." He let out another sigh.
Dean nodded slightly. "Um…I know a certain Doctor who...needs a friend. Dave Batista. He is at Mercy now, but that wouldn't matter. By the way, what are your plans, as a Physician?"
"The children at Saint Luke's need me. If the board approves, I will take over as head of the department. I'm done with helping Kenny and he is fine with it. My time as a Special Agent was limited to this case. My father will be happy he despises his acting role as a crime leader. I would say by now, father has gotten the Del Rio family in Mexico. We just have to find a way to make the money laundering charges stick. Well, that is up to Kenny now. Doctor Dave? Well maybe, but not now." Justin rubbed his eyes, he was mentally and physically exhausted.
Shane sat up. "International tax evasion. That's how you get the charges to stick. Randy, Stephanie, Vince, Bob Orton, Del Rio...all of them are guilty of mail fraud, via money laundering. That's federal time. I've got the research at the Helmsley's...if it would help. It's all referenced to case precedence." He gave a shrug.
Shawn quickly spoke. "That's brilliant, Shane. It would have taken me a while to even think of that. I am sure Federal drug trafficking will apply too. Shane, you are going to give Roman a run for the money." He felt like a proud father as he beamed at Shane.
Shane ducked his head and flushed a bit "I still have three years of law school to go. I had a lot of time to think. I remember father and Stephanie taking about money laundering, through Del Rio, then Del Rio would launder through Justin's father. Of course, at the time, I didn't know Mister Gabriel was legit and working with Justin. I read a passage about mail fraud and went from there." He gave yet another shrug.
Roman gave Shane a pat on the back. "You give me that research and I will get it to our tax guys. You will get full credit. Maybe, when you have time, you can dig deeper. Any time you need help with your studies, let me know. I have all my textbooks, workbooks and notes. You are more than welcome to anything I have that will help. I am glad and proud to have you chasing my tail. It will only make us better attorneys for Helmsley and Associates." Roman gave Shane a wink.
Shane laughed. "I will gladly give you the research. Thank you, Roman. I will need all the help I can get. By the way, I will babysit any time. Also, Seth any time you need help around the house, do not hesitate to call me."
Seth hugged Shane. "I will. I just wish I had a Miss Ida or a Miss Nancy. One day, one day." He gave a wistful sigh. Not that Seth was lazy or couldn't cook, he knew he wanted someone he could trust when the baby was born and he went back to work.
Roman chuckled. "Well, this was going to be a surprise, but when it's time for Baby Reigns to be born, my Aunt Ata is going to come live with us...if you want." He looked at his husband, brow arched.
Seth hugged Roman. "I love Aunt Ata! She is so wonderful! She will fit right in with Miss Ida and Miss Nancy too! Oh, it's wonderful. Are you sure she wants to?" He adored Roman's aunt and knew she would be perfect.
Roman kissed Seth. "Yes, I am very sure and so is she. She wants to leave Florida. I thin the family is driving her insane. They mean well, but Aunt Ata is independent and the cousins try to take over. Her lease is up on February first. She will be here on the third. She is getting a U Haul and driving herself. I can't wait. Knowing Aunt Ata, she will like the attic better than the little apartment. I will have some work done on both, just in case." Roman gave Seth another kiss.
"I am happy for you, Seth. I was going to ask Ida if she knew someone, but sounds like now I won't have to. I can't wait to meet her. You've told me so much about her. Isn't she the one that taught you all the Samoan you know?" Adam asked with a smile. He was happy for his friend.
"Yes, she is. Ata is also the one that made my lava-lava for our wedding. I just wish she could have been here, but Roman's Uncle Afa was too sick at the time." Seth explained as he poured Roman another cup of coffee.
Hunter let out a yawn. "I'm sorry, but I am exhausted. I haven't slept much lately. I've got a lot to do tomorrow, some sleep would be good."
"Agreed. Come on, let's take the coffee things to the kitchen. Then bed." Shawn stood and stretched.
Shane stood. "I'll do it. I don't mind." He began to clean up the coffee cups. Justin and Roman helped.
Dean helped Adam stand up. Hugs and handshakes were exchanged. Dean let the Reign's out the front door. He waited till they were in their house, then Dean closed the door and set the security system.
Adam showed Justin where everything was and told him to make himself at home. Justin thanked Adam and gave him a hug. Dean also gave Justin a hug. The shared a bond in the death of Drake Younger.
Later, everyone in Adam's house slept. It was the first deep, restful sleep any of them had in weeks.
As usual, Hunter was the first one up in the morning. He did his workout in silence. He then took a shower and dressed in jeans, dress shirt and tie. He had a long day at work and wanted to be comfortable. He gave the sleeping Shawn a kiss and went down to the kitchen.
Hunter chuckled. Ida and Nancy were busy with preparing a huge breakfast. They were going to serve scrambled eggs with cheese, sausage, fresh hash browns, biscuits and sausage gravy. Ida also made cheese grits as a treat for Adam.
"Good morning, lovely ladies." Hunter gave each housekeeper a small kiss on the cheek. Nancy sat Hunter down with a cup of coffee. She was used to Hunter being the first one awake every morning.
"Good morning, dear. Shawn up yet?" Nancy asked the same question she asked every morning.
Hunter swallowed his first sip of coffee. "He stirred when I kissed him. I didn't have the heart to wake him. I hope you both slept well."
"We did. Had a cup of tea, a gossip and a good sound sleep. I will take Megan home later. This is fun, but, time to get back into a routine." Nancy explained as she grated a potato.
Ida chopped an onion. "Yes, it is. I hope Adam sends the children back to school, maybe tomorrow. Of course, it depends on Doctor Dean. They are still recovering." She gave a sniff, it was a strong onion...or was it?
Hunter noticed the tear on Ida's cheek. "Ida, it was not your fault. It was Bálor and Barrett. To be honest, you sending Adam for the cabbage probably saved them. Imagine if it had happened on interstate seventy or taking them to school. He could have hit a bus or cars filled with children. I thought…well, go have a good cry, Ida. I think you need it. I will help Nancy." Hunter smiled at the motherly figure.
Ida stood. "Thank you." She hurried off to her apartment. Ida fell face down on her bed and sobbed. She finally let go of all that she had held in.
Hunter did chop the onion. Nancy smiled. "She needed that, Hunter. She hadn't fully let go. Ah! I hear someone up." The sound of showers running upstairs could be heard.
Dean was the next one down. He was also dressed for work. He wore dress black slacks, a deep purple dress shirt and a light blue tie with a Caduceus tie tack. He carried both his briefcase and medical bag.
"Good morning." Dean smiled as he sat at the table. Nancy have the physician a cup of coffee.
Ida came out of her apartment. She showed no signs that she had been crying. She smiled at Dean. "Oh, back to work. I will make a lunch for you to take."
Dean chuckled. "Don't bother, Ida dear. I will be home for lunch. I will need to check on my patients. I think the kids can go back to school in a day or two. I'll go to the office this morning, file my insurance stuff and have Vesta reopen the office. Adam and Seth can start in six weeks. After that, I will go to Mercy and check in there. Later, Adam and I will go sign the court papers. Shane said he will stay and help till I get back. Seth can watch the kids later. Hopefully, in a week, we will be back totally on track." He laid out his day.
Ida laughed. "Back to chaos. I love it! I can go grocery shopping since Shane will be here. What a lovely, brave young man."
"He sure is. Adam and all the kids are up. Shane and Meg are helping them." Shawn spoke as he came downstairs. He was still in his casual clothes from the day before.
Hunter kissed his husband as Shawn sat. "You going to work?" He asked with a smile.
Shawn sipped the coffee Nancy had brought him. "Yes, but I have to go home and change. Nancy, please take Megan home after breakfast. Also, Shane will have the room across the hall from her. He will be there later, but he has keys." Shawn took another sip.
Ida and Nancy began to cook the massive breakfast. Shawn and Dean helped set the table and Hunter did his best to stay out of the way.
Chaos erupted when the quads, Meg, Shane and Adam came down to the kitchen. Shane helped Adam down the stairs. James and Jordan held Adam's chair and Ida let Jade and Jan give Adam his coffee. Everyone settled in. Jade sat so Megan was forced to sit next to Shane.
"Glad we put the leaf in the table. Ida spoke as she put plates of food down. She and Nancy served everything family style. Adam and Dean helped the quads dish up their plates.
"Cheese grits! Oh Miss Ida, I love you!" Adam exclaimed as he took a huge helping.
Ida laid a hand on Adam's shoulder. "I know how much you and the children like them. I will go grocery shopping later. Pantry is getting low. I couldn't shop like normal without questions."
Adam nodded. "I know, dear. I just hate that you have to do it alone." He felt a bit useless.
"It's fine, son. I love it. Back to chaos as I told Dean." Ida grinned at Adam.
Adam laughed. "It sure is. You're right, I love it. It's been my life for seven years."
"Excuse me, dad. When can we go back to school?" Jade asked Dean with a hope filled look.
"Daddy and I will talk about it later. Maybe tomorrow or the next day. Don't forget, you are still recovering a bit." Dean answered honestly.
Jade grinned. "Good. I want to see Mister Bowen again." She missed the after school art teacher.
"Me too, Jade. I need my special paint." Jordan added happily. He too missed the teacher.
"Maybe Jan and I can get solos for the Thanksgiving program. You'll tell the music teacher we didn't miss the concert on purpose won't you?" James asked in a worried tone of voice.
Adam reached over and stroked James' long, dark hair. "Of course I will. He will understand. I am sure you and Jan will do very well. But, Jan dear, don't get discouraged with your cast. It will be gone in a few weeks."
"I can sort of play, but it does get heavy. I will try, daddy. I love my flute." Jan tried not to sound discouraged.
Adam smiled at Jan. "You will have a lighter cast next week. You too Jordan."
Dean nodded. "Yes, you will. I'll take X-rays next week and see how your arms are healing. You will be playing and painting perfectly soon."
Breakfast finished with happy chatter. Megan and Shane talked about school. Shane promised to help Meg with her math later.
Shawn left with Hunter so he could be dropped off at home to change. Nancy would take Megan home after she helped Ida clean up.
Adam looked at Dean. "I just realized, Justin never came out for breakfast" He was worried.
"I will go check on him." Dean stood, and gave Adam a kiss. Then went to check on Justin.
Megan and Shane took the quads upstairs. Mainly to keep them out of the way.
Dean knocked on the door to the more adult den. He opened it when Justin called out for him to come in.
"Hey, you missed breakfast. You alright?" Dean asked as he sat on the couch.
Justin had folded the bedding and packed his backpack. "Yeah. I just… I heard all the family stuff. I...couldn't face it. I know Drake and I had no chance at a future, but still...I loved him. Sounds so stupid now, I know. I would like to see your condo. Maybe this afternoon or evening? I need to get settled. Get on with it. There are sick kids that need me." He let out a sigh.
"Sure, after supper, okay? I've got a lot to do today. I do understand. Justin, you brought out the good in Drake. Although knowing what I know now, I never really knew him. I think of it this way. He had a lot of issues. Now, he can be at peace. I don't think Drake would have done well in prison. He hated being confined. Justin, you have a right to feel how you feel. But come on, you need to eat. Doctor's orders." Dean gave Justin a pat on the back.
Justin laughed a bit. "I am a Doctor. But yeah, I am hungry. Dean, thanks. I appreciate it, from someone who knew Drake too. Yes, tonight is fine. If it works out, I will stay there tonight. I appreciate that too. By the way, congratulations on your marriage to Adam. I hope you have a happy and blessed one."
"Thanks. We will, I am sure. Come on, I am sure Ida kept a plate for you." Dean and Justin left the den. Justin carried his backpack.
Adam greeted Justin warmly. Ida sat the young doctor down. She pulled a plate of breakfast out of the oven and served him.
"You eat, you're too thin." Ida fussed over Justin like a mother. Ida told Dean that Adam had gone upstairs.
Dean found Adam with the quads in the school room. Shane was going to do math and English with History and spelling in the afternoon.
Adam smiled when Dean came into the room. "Nancy took Meg home. Seth will be here soon, so you go."
Dean chuckled. "Yes, dear. I'll be home at noon. Be ready to go to the courthouse. I love you." He kissed Adam.
"Bye, Dad." The quadruplets chanted.
Dean beamed. "Bye. You be good little lions for Uncles Shane and Seth." Dean kissed the children and left for work.
Justin finished his breakfast. "Thank you, Miss Ida. That was wonderful. I haven't… my mom was a good cook. I miss her." Justin sighed
Ida smiled softly. "Then you can have the lunch I made for Dean." She went to the fridge and pulled out a large paper bag. She handed it to Justin.
"Thanks, I always loved it when Adam shared his lunches. I will enjoy this. Well, I'd better get to the station. If they call, I am on the way. I forgot to charge my phone. Thank you again, Miss Ida. Oh, I left the bedding but I folded it." Justin grabbed his stuff.
Ida laid a hand on Justin's shoulder. "It will be alright, son. You have friends...no, you have family in this house. Now, you have a good day and eat your lunch." Ida opened the door for Justin.
Justin left with a smile. He felt better than he had earlier. Life went on.
Things were caught up...for now.