A/N: THANK YOU for your patience while my new computer was being set up and tested. There are a few more chapters of this story to go. The next few chapters could actually be considered part two of the story. I hope you will continue to read and enjoy this plot twisting story...because there are a LOT more twists and turns to come. Thank you again for being so patient. All the best for a lovely and blessed day. Lady Dragonsblood.
It was Thanksgiving morning. Nancy had spent the night with Ida so they could get an early start. They were going to serve the huge dinner at four o'clock that afternoon. It was even more special due to the snowstorm that had blanketed Kansas City, with nearly a foot of snow overnight.
It was five a.m. Ida and Nancy had breakfast in Ida's apartment. As they ate they looked over their plan for the day. The two experts had everything perfectly timed out.
The two housekeepers had spent the evening making banana bread, pumpkin bread, date nut bread, strawberry bread, pumpkin pie, pecan pie and Nancy finished by making a special diabetic cheesecake for Megan.
Dean had planned to take his family out to breakfast, but that was before the snowstorm. Now, Ida and Nancy had to add a family breakfast to their "to do" list. Ida did not want Dean driving on the snowy roads with Adam the quadruplets.
"Ida, they can eat cereal and toast. You don't want to fill them up before dinner. I love you like a sister, but sometimes you fuss way too much. You know what I mean." Nancy smiled softly at Ida. She knew the deep seeded guilt Ida still felt about the accident.
Ida sighed. "Yes, you're right. Thanks, Nance. You're also right about the why. Alright, cereal it is." She was halted by a soft knock on the door. She called for the person to come in.
Dean opened the door. "Good morning and Happy Thanksgiving, dear ladies. Well, I didn't expect to wake up to snow. I don't want Adam and the little lions out in this. I just wanted to say, cereal will be fine for breakfast. I started the coffee. I am going over to Roman's to work out. I will be back in a couple of hours."
Ida lightly laughed. "This one just convinced me cereal would be alright. I agreed. Go have your workout."
Dean gave the ladies a wave. "I will. Roman's set up is really good." He quietly left. He loved the home gym Roman had set up in an extra downstairs bedroom of their new house.
At seven, Dean returned to his home. His husband and children had just come downstairs for breakfast. The quads were so excited about the snow, they never heard Dean come in.
"Happy Thanksgiving, little lions!" Dean spoke in a loud voice. He'd already spoken to and kissed his husband.
"Dad! It snowed! We wanna build a snowman!" Jade shouted when she finally noticed Dean. She was so excited she nearly knocked over her glass of orange juice. Adam just managed to prevent the catastrophe.
Dean sat down. "Yes, I know lioness, but maybe Uncles Seth and Roman didn't hear you. I don't know about playing in the snow. We will see later." He wasn't sure if James and Jan's now cast free arms could take it if they happened to slip and fall.
Adam poured himself a bowl of his favorite, Cap N' Crunch. "Yes, we will see. It might not be so good if anyone slipped and fell. Now, behave, eat your breakfast like ladies and gentlemen, please." He was firm voiced and had "that" look.
"Yes, daddy." Came the quadruplet chorus. They actually managed to settle down and eat properly.
Adam turned to his husband. "How was Seth? I was thinking, they could use that tunnel to come over later. I don't want Seth to slip and fall." Adam was worried. Seth had sneezed a lot last night while Roman, Dean and Shane built a small puppet theatre in the living room.
"Already thought of that. Roman will call when they leave so I can go let them in. Seth is fine. He thought it might have been a pregnancy allergy to the wood glue. He didn't sneeze once during our workout. They plan on coming over at eleven. The roast smells incredible." Dean spoke with honesty, he knew Adam had been very worried about his friend.
Adam chuckled a bit. "I should have thought of that. With the quads, I became allergic to Randy's aftershave. Wonder if I will have any allergies this time. By the way, I can feel the baby with these pants. I need to get my box of maternity clothes down from the attic next week. I hope our Christmas photo cards come on Monday. I have a lot to mail."
At the first of the month, the Ambrose family had taken their first official family photo for their Christmas cards. They had all worn red football jerseys with "AMBROSE ASYLUM" on the front, in white letters. It had been Dean's idea and Adam loved it. It was wonderful portrait and Adam had ordered a 40 by 60 copy to hang in the hallway with the others.
"I'm sure they will. A lot of my people are going to be in for a surprise this year when they get their Christmas card from Doctor Dean. Are you sure you want to hand address them? I mail just over a hundred to patients and friends. Vesta usually prints mailing labels for me." Dean arched his brow at Adam then finished his bowl of cereal.
Adam finished his last bite and spoke. "Yes, I do. I hate getting a card with a label, so… impersonal. I enjoy doing it. Yes, I have some on my list that will be surprised too. But, it is a good surprise to share. Oh, I still have to get a couple of boxes of cards for the kids to send too."
"We'll take care of it on Monday. Honey, are you sure about Las Vegas? We can still go, have a proper ceremony." Dean wanted what would make Adam happy.
Adam grinned. "I am very sure. I realized our hurried, chaotic wedding was perfect. No need to waste money trying to perfect something already perfect. I'd rather spend the time and money doing something special. Maybe a trip to Disneyland. Besides, with everything else going on… they will need something fun after. Know what I mean?" His brow arched at his husband.
Dean leaned over and gave Adam a kiss. "I know exactly what you mean. Hey, we could take Shane along to Disneyland, he could keep the kids busy while we… um… honeymoon." He had to be careful of little listening ears.
Just as breakfast was finished, Shane and Megan knocked on the door to the kitchen. Ida let them in and helped them out of their heavy coats, hats, gloves, scarves and boots. Their cheeks were rosy from walking in the cold air.
Dean got up and went to Megan. "Sit young lady. Ida, hot tea, please. Did you keep your pack warm?" He worried about Megan getting over strained walking in the heavy, wet snow.
Megan laughed. "I am fine, Uncle Dean. Shane carried me piggyback. Yes, the pack is warm. I had to come, we have a lot of last minute stuff to do on the puppet show."
"Very good. Shane, that was very gallant of you. You sit and have some tea first, too." Dean spoke warmly to the young man.
Shane sat with his own laugh. "Wasn't hard to carry a feather. Shawn and Hunter will be here around noon. Nancy, Shawn said to tell you that he has the turkey platter ready to go."
Nancy put two cups of tea down front of her charges. "Oh good. Sometimes that man forgets his head. You're a good boy, Shane. Madame, when you finish your tea, we will do a test."
Megan nodded. "Yes, nanny. Then I have to finish sewing the curtain. Jan and James have to practice while Jade and Jordan have a bit more to paint."
"We're ready, Meggie. Come on, we'll go to the den. We don't wanna break nerves. I want turkey later." Jan spoke to her siblings.
"You kids behave, but have fun. You can watch the parade if you want." Adam smiled at his darling children. With a flurry of quadruplet chaos, the children ran to the den.
"Well, at least they forgot about the snow. I don't want Jan and Jordan to fall. They just got out of their casts. Also, Jade and James don't need long exposure to the cold." Dean explained as he and Adam washed up the breakfast dishes.
"I will keep them busy." Shane winked at the worried parents. He turned to Megan. "Come on, we have a lot to do."
Nancy finished a prick test on Megan. "You're good to go, sweetheart." She threw the used strip away.
"Okay, let's go." Megan followed Shane out of the kitchen.
"I wonder if they realize… well, no I won't say." Nancy never truly gossiped and stopped herself.
Adam chuckled. "That they like each other? Well, Meggie Pops will be sixteen next week. Shane is just twenty-one."
Dean sighed. "No. Do not match-make. It never works out. They are the siblings to each other that they never had. Don't look for more than that." He didn't approve of where the conversation was headed.
Nancy gave Dean a pat on the shoulder. "You're right. Besides, Hunter would blow a gasket. He swears Meg won't date until she is married." Everyone laughed then went on about their business.
At the county lockup, Bob and Randy Orton ate their prison lunch. It was supposed to be turkey and dressing but tasted more like liver and onions.
"I will miss hearing Jan and James's new song. They always write a new one every year." Randy gave a sad sigh. He pushed away his food tray and lay down on his bunk.
Bob Orton continued to eat. Food was food, no matter how bad. "They always drove me crazy with their so called music. They could do better if you got them a private teacher and made them practice four to five hours a day. You and Adam never pushed them to be better. And, it's your fault. You just gave your children, my grandchildren away like they were garbage."
It was all Randy could do to keep his temper in control. The doctor had increased his dose of Prozac because of the situation, it helped, but barely.
"Adam and I don't believe in forcing their talents. If you make them, it takes the joy out of it. They are above average for their age. That was your problem, father. Nothing I ever did was good enough for you. If I had listened to you, I would have never gotten anywhere with my company. Thank God Adam always stood by me. He got me where I am today in business. He told me not to listen to you and that I was the best I could be. As far as the children, it tore my heart out to let Dean adopt them. But, I know, in the long run, it is what is best for them. I never want them to to feel the way you made me feel. You made me feel useless. I never understood why. All I ever wanted was for you to love me. Play catch with me, teach me business. But all you did was push me and harass me. Never good enough, never smart enough, never rich enough, never a good parent. What did I ever do to you? Why do you hate me so much, father?" Randy emphasized the last word, it dripped with sarcasm.
Bob finished his tray of food and started in on the lunch Randy had abandoned. He gave a scoff. "I do love you, but it's nothing to get mushy about. My old man pushed me, I pushed you. You can't be the best if you aren't pushed. I didn't want you to stop working. I am proud of you. But, I still think giving away your children was fucking stupid. So stupid. But, it's done. I just wish that fucking Graves would get off his ass and get me bail." Bob gave a growl and continued to eat.
Randy sighed. "Love you too, dad. Corey did all he could. That is another one of your problems. You have never heard the word no. Did you not hear what Corey said? If he asks for bail one more time, he will be in the cell next to us. Then where would you be? You would get a lot further in life if you learn, sometimes, you can only do so much."
"Well, yes. I suppose you are right, I don't want Graves in jail. I still can't figure out how they got any charges against me. I never did the actual work, my boys did it for me. It's not like I ever killed anyone." Bob grumbled. As far as he was concerned, he was totally innocent. Randy just shook his head and tried to sleep.
After a lot of persuading from Michael Cole, Vince had been allowed four hours with his daughter in her cell. They managed to eat most of their dinner, but gave up halfway through. They did manage to eat their rather watery, soggy crusted pumpkin pie.
"I'm sorry, father. I wish I knew… well, I do know. I can't believe I trusted the wrong person. I feel… so stupid." Stephanie sighed and slumped against the wall as she sat on her bunk.
Vince sighed as well. "So did I, dear. I truly thought Gabriel was one of us. I can usually smell a rat. You know, I think Orton played us. I have a feeling he had something to do with the set up at the park. I just can't prove it. Maybe he made a deal with the Feds. All I am saying is, be careful what you say around him during our meetings with Cole, Graves and Layfield. I want Cole to work on Layfield." Vince spoke with deep thought carved onto his face.
Stephanie sat up and looked at her father. "Do you really think so? He seems pretty mad about it all. However, I do think Gabriel passed him information. Our plan to kidnap Adam was perfect. Randy had to have been told. Same with the plan to blow up the redhead and attack DiBiase and Rhodes a the the museum. Orton knew too much. Once lucky, but three times? The only reason the boys were able to grab the kid at Worlds of Fun was because Justin was never alone so he could warn Randy… or so I was told. Of course, Shane could have been warning Orton. I… well, never mind."
Vince arched his brow at his daughter. "Say it, dear. Now is not the time to hide any thoughts."
Stephanie managed a soft smile. "I guess Shane has more guts than I thought." She gave a shrug.
Vince let out his trademark chuckle. "I suppose so. I do have to give him credit for being smart. That comes from your mother. She was the mastermind of the family. God, I miss her." Vince gave a rare show of emotion. His eyes filled with moisture as he thought of his dear Linda.
"Father, it never occurred to me. Was mother aware of … the family business?" It was Stephanie's turn to arch a brow at her father.
Again Vince's chuckle rang out. "She was the head of the family, until she became too sick. She handed it over to me. It was all her idea to start the McMahon Family faction. Her father, your grandfather Edwards, had a faction in North Carolina. I learned everything from him. I supported your mother because I knew she knew how to run things better. When Shane was born, and placed in her arms, she looked at him. Then she looked at me. Your mother said, he will be the one to write the name of McMahon into the history books. She also said, don't blame Shane, and to raise you to be a sweet young lady. Then she said she loved me very much. She died with Shane in her arms. I swear, part of her soul went into Shane. Sometimes, when he looked at me, I knew it was her." Vince let out a sigh. It was one he'd been holding in since Linda had died.
Stephanie quickly swiped her eyes. "Oh father. I never knew any of that. I can only remember how beautiful she looked and how she always smelled like roses. That's why my little fountain rose garden always calmed me. Is that why you always said the old ways were the best? Because of Grandfather Edwards?"
Vince nodded. "Yes, I suppose it is. It was also the way your mother did things. That was before all this computer business, cellphones, texting… technology. Maybe I should have been more open to it. I always thought McIntyre was just wasting time on a computer. I was used to picking up a phone and getting things done. I should have been more open to the new ways and you should have been more open to the old."
Stephanie nodded. "Yes, you're absolutely right. If Shane had been loyal to the faction… no telling how high we could have gone. Well father, happy Thanksgiving."
Vince looked at his daughter. "Same to you, dear."
At the "Ambrose Asylum", Dean went down to let the Reigns' in through the safe room, at the same time Adam opened the front door to let the Helmsley's in. Greetings, hugs and handshakes were exchanged. It was the usual chaos.
Roman told Ida to keep the roast goat covered in a warm oven. The house smelled wonderful. Dean and Roman helped Hunter carry in their contributions. Ida and Nancy chased everyone out of the kitchen. They had everything under control like two Marine Drill instructors.
Shawn looked around the den. "Where are our children? Shane and Megan have been whispering about something all week." He was curious as he sat in Ida's favorite knitting chair.
"They are upstairs, putting the final touches on the entertainment for after dinner. Even Adam and I don't know the full extent of it. All I will say is, it has kept the little lions very busy." Dean spoke with a laugh and helped Roman pour the coffee Ida and Nancy had brought.
Shawn chuckled. "I guess I'll find out soon why I had to buy skeins of yarn for a daughter that has no idea how to knit or crochet." He had wondered why Meg had wanted pink, purple, blue and light blue yarn.
Adam looked at Hunter. "I know it's probably not the right time, but, is… he alright? This is our first holiday without him. The kids haven't said anything, but I can't help but wonder." Adam gave a slight shrug.
"He's alright, son. I think he's finally getting a chance to do some hard talking to Bob. Bob has no choice, but to listen. After all, he can't exactly run away. You and Dean will be here for the kids when they they do ask. They know that and it makes them feel safe and loved." Hunger gave Adam a nod and spoke the truth.
"Hunter is right. As long as they feel safe and loved, the children will get through it. Say, where is Justin? I thought you were going to invite him?" Shawn asked with a sip of his coffee.
Dean nodded. "We did invite him. He said he would rather spend the day with the children on the ward. I invited him for dessert later, but he is going out to dinner. He didn't say, but I think he might be meeting Dave Batista."
"Wait! You lectured me about match-making… then…" Adam stopped when Dean raised his hand.
"No, I did not, I swear. Dave went back to Saint Luke's to consult on a case with Justin. Dave said something about going to dinner with another doctor. It could be someone other than Justin." Dean defended himself.
"Oh then I am sorry, babe." Adam flushed a bit.
Shawn was curious. "So who were you playing matchmaker with, Adam?"
Adam didn't dare say. "Oh, nobody. We were just talking about it. Seth, how are you feeling?" He quickly changed the subject.
"I'm fine now. I am finding out I have a few pregnancy allergies." Seth gave a shrug. The conversations happily continued.
At the county lockup, Finn Bálor and Wade Barrett shared a cell. Cole had managed it for them, after an explanation of their relationship and Wade's recent loss. Wade laid on his bunk. He hadn't touched a bite of his food. Finn was worried. He sat down on Wade's bunk.
"It will be alright, Wade. They will prove it was an accident. I fucking didn't mean for Drake to drink that water. Cole knows that. It will be okay."
Wade looked up at Finn. "That's not how my luck works. We will never be together. I will never have the children I wanted. I wish I'd never gotten mixed up in all this." He let out a sigh and turned to face the wall. Finn sighed as well, and went to his own bunk.
Dinner had been served at the Ambrose house. Shawn gave a blessing and the feast began. There was no immediate conversation as mouths were too full of food.
Adam smiled as he watched his children. James especially devoured Roman's roasted goat. Adam been afraid the children would think a roasted goat was gross and he didn't want Roman to be offended.
Roman also noticed James. "I guess you like roast goat? I grew up on it, you will become big and strong like me."
James swallowed his bite then spoke. "It's very good. I am also getting revenge. That goat at Worlds of Fun bit me, so now, I am biting back." He took another great mouthful of goat. It made everyone break out in a fit of laughter.
Jade spoke up. "It is good, Uncle Roman. Thank you for making it. I love learning about different… um… colt… coltures." She almost got the word right, but not quite.
"Cultures, lioness. When you learn about Samoa in history, I will show you some objects from my family." Roman spoke with pride. He couldn't wait to teach baby Reigns about his Samoan heritage.
The wonderful meal continued and was made even better when everyone insisted Ida and Nancy sit down and join in. Everyone ate until not another bite could be taken. There would be enough leftovers for all to take home. Jan looked forward to all the leftover turkey things, such as sandwiches, soup and her favorite, turkey pot pie.
Ida and Nancy were led into the living room by Adam and Seth. Shane and Megan took the children upstairs to get ready for the entertainment. Everyone else went to clean up. They divided all the leftovers and packed them away under Shawn's supervision. He made a pot of coffee as he watched.
"I don't feel right, sitting here. What about my kitchen?" Ida protested as Adam prevented her from getting up.
"Dean knows your kitchen. Ida, the children asked that you get special treatment, you too, Nancy. You don't want to upset them do you?" Adam looked Ida in the eye with a smile.
Ida laughed. "No, I don't. Alright, but if Dean messes up my kitchen, he will be in time out."
"Thank you, Adam. I am looking forward to this." Nancy added with her own smile.
Shawn came into the living room with a tray of coffee. Roman followed with a tray of the dessert breads, cut in small squares and a stack of napkins.
"Don't worry. Dean has the kitchen under control. All the leftovers have been divided and put away." Shawn stated as he and Roman returned to finish helping clean up.
Thirty minutes later, all the adults were seated in the living room. One end had been set up to look like a small theatre. Megan had sewn a pair of dark blue curtains with added appliques of pretty, small flowers of all colors. They looked lovely against the pink painted wood of the stage. That had been Jordan's idea, but no one had objected.
Megan came downstairs, dressed in a sparkling pink ballerina tutu and pink leotard. She looked stunning. Shawn had tears in his eyes and Hunter was so puffed up with pride, looked on the verge of bursting if touched. Megan stood in front of the puppet theatre.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the Ambrose Asylum players present, "We Give Thanks For…" Megan spoke loud and clear, then waved her arms toward the stairs.
James and Jane, dressed all in black, came down and stood at the foot of the stairs. Jan began to play a melody on her flute, James joined in with his saxophone. It was a beautiful original song. Sometimes Jan had a solo, sometimes James, but most of the time it was a duet.
As the song progressed, Jordan, Jade and Shane came down the stairs. They too were dressed in all black and carried cloth bags in their hands. They did a little dance as they moved around the room, and around the adults as they moved toward the stage area.
Megan, Jan and Jordan joined in the parade as the music continued. When they stopped at the theatre, the quads and Shane went behind the curtain. Megan stayed out front.
"Ladies and gentlemen, our play begins…" Megan went behind the curtain. The curtain opened and the puppet show began. The quads, Shane and Megan weaved a story about a rich, spoiled boy who encountered poor, humble homeless people in the park as the rich boy was lost from home. In the end, the rich boy learned to be humble and thankful for everything he had. The final scene was the rich boy, now a man, leading a foundation to help the homeless.
When the cast came out to take a bow, they got a very wild standing ovation. Adam openly cried and even Roman had wet eyes. It was a wonderful way to end the Thanksgiving holiday.
It was now time to think about Christmas.
Dean and Adam stood in the bicycle department of the sporting goods store. "Oh Dean, I had no idea it would be so expensive. We can go to Wal-Mart. I am sure it will be much cheaper." Adam wanted to keep to the plan of getting the quads their first "grown up" bicycles for Christmas.
"Babe, no. I want the best and safest. I also want pads and helmets. Besides, they have pink, purple, blue and dark blue. All their colors. I can afford it you know." Dean spoke firmly. He, of course, didn't have Randy's money, but he was no where near poor. Dean had close to a million in savings.
Adam nodded. "Okay. Sorry, I didn't mean to make you feel bad. Yes, absolutely pads and helmets. Well, we'd better buy them now." He was tired. They had been shopping all day and after all, he was pregnant. Thirty minutes later they left the store. Dean had arranged for the bikes to be delivered to Roman's. It was easier that way.
Dean and Adam went to Dean's private practice office. Seth had started working with Vesta. Adam had a week more before he was cleared for work. However, he was taking a medical accounting course and was doing very well. He would start again in January with the class and a couple of others that would help. As well as the surgical nursing course.
When Adam and Dean entered through the backdoor, Vesta read Seth the riot act in the office break room.
"Young man, I ought to horse whip you. Now you just sit there and behave!" Vesta spoke not with anger, but with worry in her voice.
"I know, I'm sorry. It was so stupid of me, Miss Vesta. Thank you for helping me." Seth was contrite and very apologetic.
"What happened?" Adam asked as he sat down next to Seth at the round table.
Vesta had her hands on her hips. "This one nearly fell off the step ladder, putting the star on top of the Christmas tree. I told him to wait while I answered the phone. I got off the phone just as the ladder started to tip over, with guess who on top of the ladder. Scared me to death!"
"Seth Colby Reigns! That is it! No more work for you until Baby Reigns is born. How could you have been… so stupid?!" Adam was flabbergasted.
Seth hung his head. "I know, I know. I am sorry, really I am. I will just sit at the desk and be a good boy. Don't make me stop working, I will be bored to tears at home."
Dean looked at Seth. "Okay Seth, but you will stay at the desk. Roman would kill me if anything happens to you. He already wants you to stay home, but I promised you would be alright. Come with us. I told Adam I would take you and Vesta to lunch at the Bistro." He gave Seth a firm glare; with a smile.
"Thanks, Dean. I promise I will be good. I am buying Miss Vesta's lunch." Seth smiled. The doctor and three nurses went to have their lunch.
There was one Christmas tradition Adam loved. It had started when the quads turned five. Each day, Adam took one child to do their Christmas shopping, then they would go to lunch.
Adam had already taken Jan, James and Jordan so today was Jade's day. Adam treasured the individual time with each child and so did the quadruplets. Adam always took them to the Independence Center. It had the best stores and more importantly, the best food court.
"Daddy, how much does a flute case cost? Jan's strap is about to fall off." Jade asked as Adam parked the Kia. He had a handicap parking placard because of his surgery. He didn't normally use it, but for once he did park in a handicapped space, and hung the placard in place. He was careful though, and didn't take a space for a person with a wheelchair.
"I think you can get one for twenty dollars. How much do you have to spend?" Adam asked as he tightly held Jade's hand as they walked.
Jade held her little purse close. "One hundred dollars. That's twenty for Jan, Jor, James, Ida and dad. I didn't forget you, daddy. I will get yours when dad takes us shopping tonight."
Adam and Jade entered the mall. "That's my good girl. Daddy will help with extra taxes if you need it. So music store first?" He was proud. His children were always good about saving their money.
At the music store, Jade found a lovely purple quilted flute bag for fifteen dollars, so she also got a new polishing kit for her sister. She bought James ten blank music books, reeds and a cleaning repair kit for his saxophone. Jordan got a new set of paintbrushes, oil pastels and a new sketchbook. Adam lent her a few extra dollars for sales taxes. Jade bought ten new skeins of the yarn Miss Ida liked. Jan took extra joyer in buying Dean a tie with a lion on it. It was beautiful and Adam knew Dean would wear it would pride.
After they ate lunch, daddy and daughter went to the dollar store and loaded up on gift wrap, bows, ribbons, gift tags and rolls and rolls of tape.
Lastly, Jade sat on Santa's lap. Adam took a picture. He would put it in her baby book, like he did with each child since their first Christmas. He knew, in a year or two, they would say they were too old, so again, he cherished the precious moment.
On the drive home, Adam and Jade sang Christmas songs. They had a wonderful time. Adam loved Christmas best of all the holidays.
Adam's house and trees in the yard were all decorated with colorful lights. A huge wreath hung on the front door. Every window had an electric candle on the sill. It was truly beautiful.
Inside it was an explosion of Christmas decorations. The huge tree was in the corner of the living room. It was covered in lights and decorations made by the children as well as ones from Dean and Adam's childhoods. Ida had made a red felt skirt for the quads first Christmas, and it still looked like new.
Ida had also made the stockings that hung on the fireplace mantel. She had surprised Dean and had made a stocking to match Adam's. It had been a proud moment for Dean to hang his stocking in place.
Megan had turned sixteen. She had a wonderful pink princess party with the family. Her main gift was the wonderful new handmade saddle and bridle for Champion. Shane gave her a lovely Tiffany bracelet. Adam's family gave her new riding boots and two new outfits for when Megan rode in shows. Meg had been extremely happy and very thankful. She was going to take her driving test early in the new year.
When Meg broke the news that Shane had taught her to drive, Shawn and Hunter were stunned. However, they were pleased, but they still wanted Megan to take the course for the insurance break. Megan happily agreed. Shane had been relieved. He thought at first the Helmsley's would be mad at him for teaching Meg.
Hunter and Shawn also let Megan and Shane go out to the movies. Megan enjoyed just being a normal teenager… all thanks to Shane.
Shane also knew something else. He was developing feelings toward Megan, it was more than just friendship. For now, he left those feelings to himself, there was no need for everyone to get upset. He also didn't want to do anything that would hurt Megan or cause any worry for Megan's parents.
Adam didn't know what to do with himself. Dean had taken the children and Ida to Tony's, then they were going shopping at the Independence Center. The Reigns' had gone to dinner with colleagues from Helmsley and Associates. The Helmsley's and Shane had also gone to dinner and shopping.
Adam wrapped some gifts and put them under the bed in the bedroom Dean had briefly used. He made a cup of hot chocolate and settled on the couch in the den and turned on the television. He never felt more alone in his life. The only thing that kept him from falling apart was knowing his family would be home again.
At the shopping center, Dean and Ida rode herd on the quadruplets. There was just one problem. They didn't know what to get their daddy for Christmas. Dean steered the children to a bench near the food court. Ida sat at one end, Dean at the other. The two adults looked as perplexed as the quads.
Jade and Jordan both sat with their elbows on their knees, heads down. Jan and James both sat back and stared at the ceiling. Ida looked at Dean and shrugged.
Jordan raised his head. "What about a… oh, no, never mind. Daddy has one already." He gave a sigh and once again rested his head in his hands.
Dean looked around at the different stores. When his eyes landed on a small Tiffany's outlet, he suddenly got an idea. "Little lions, what about…" The physician went on to tell the children and Ida about the idea he had.
The children and Ida loved the idea. It would be a very special and unique gift. It also fit the budgets the quads had saved for. Like Adam had, Dean of course, helped with the sales taxes.
Adam grinned, his family was home. He got up and went to the kitchen. Hugs and kisses were exchanged and Ida got to work making hot chocolate. She also had fresh, decorated sugar cookies for a snack. The housekeeper sent her family to the den with a smile. Things were getting back to normal, one day at a time.
At the lockup, lawyers were in deep talks with their clients. It was the only time Randy and the McMahon's could get messages to their councils of seven. Both faction leaders held a fear, that under threat of long jail sentences, faction loyalty might give way to plea bargains.
Randy was in a private consultation with John Layfield. "Did Brett and MJF get out of the country?" He arched his brow at the attorney.
Layfield leaned in. "Yeah. Del Rio senior took care of them before he fled for Columbia. I have heard from Brett. They are safe and Del Rio paid them from your Swiss account. Ted also knows and said to thank you. Brett and MJF really weren't a part of things, but it is best they are out of the way and safe. Now, you're still sure? You know what it will mean?" He gave Randy a pointed look.
Randy gave a firm nod. "One hundred percent. It's not for me, but for my children. One day they may look all this up online. I want them to know, I did the right thing. I don't care what happens to the McMahon's and I care even less what happens to my old man. It's ironic, Shawn and Hunter treated me more like a son than my own father. John, I want it made clear that it is not for myself, but for my children… well… Dean's children now." Randy let out a sigh and lit a cigarette.
"I will, don't worry. I will also make it clear that you understand turning States evidence won't change anything. I can't promise and it is only a rumor, but Agent Omega is working hard to keep you out of… well, a trip to the ERDCC. I am honestly not worried. Look, let's be honest. You are facing life, but maybe, just maybe I can prevent it. After all, you are helping the State." Layfield spoke with a shrug of his shoulders.
Randy sighed again. "Just do what you can. My wish… I want to see Bálor and Barrett and both of the McShits to make a one way trip to the ERDCC, especially Bálor and Barrett. What they did to the babies and Adam… they broke the Code." He gave a shrug of his own.
John Bradshaw Layfield looked his client in the eye. "Randal, I will do the best I can. If they don't face the ERDCC, they well may wish they had…" He paused to shuffle papers in and out of his briefcase.
Randy spoke "John, what do you mean?"
Layfield closed his briefcase with a soft chuckle. "Prisoners do not like people who hurt children, or pregnant people. Once word gets out what they did… It will not be pleasant for them. One thing I can do, is to make sure they do find out. I have a couple of guards on my side." He gave Randy a sly wink.
Randy lit another cigarette and exhaled a puff of blue-gray smoke. "You know, maybe I like that better than sending them to Bonne Terre." He sat back, a bit of a smirk on his face.
At the Helmsley house, a very different conversation took place in Shawn's home office.
"So Shane, what did you want to talk about? Do you need help with your law school studies?" Shawn asked as they waited for Hunter.
Shane cleared his throat. "No, everything is alright with school. Thanks to yours and Roman's help, my advisor said I am well ahead…" He was interrupted when Hunter entered the office and sat down.
Hunter spoke. "Sorry, Meggie needed an extra finger to hold a ribbon in place. Also, the shelter will hold the puppy for us. Now, Shane, what can we do for you?" He sat back in his chair and exhaled deeply. It was good to just be normal.
Shane rubbed his sweat laced palms on his jean covered upper thighs. He cleared his throat. "Shawn, Hunter, I would like your permission to date Megan."