It took a little longer than expected but here is the epilogue! I wanted to wrap up a few things and also demonstrate that Caleb's changed behavior wasn't a temporary thing. Hope you enjoy it although it's a bit cheesy. So this really is the end and I want to again thank EVERYONE who has read my story and a special thanks to those who commented. This is my first finished story! Yay! Perhaps after I finish my first story that I started four years ago and finish with schoolwork, I'll take another stab at an OC fic. Thanks again.
Epilogue
Caleb took a step back to observe the people mingling and laughing around the massive Christmas tree that was placed in the middle of the large room. He chuckled to himself seeing the Star of David shining brightly at the top of the tree. Seth had insisted that this was the year Chrismukkah was introduced to Newport society and Caleb acquiesced after developing a soft spot for the holiday last year. The attendees of the party, especially the children, hardly noticed the star anyway for they were far too focused on the presents underneath the tree. Caleb scanned the room only to feel a surge of pride when his gaze fell upon the plaque hanging above the entrance acknowledging thanks to the Newport Group for its contribution to the youth center. His company has been involved with many big projects over the years including the convention center and mall but they all pale in comparison to this project. Becoming involved with the youth center was the best thing the Newport Group had ever done, Caleb acknowledged to himself.
What a difference a year makes, Caleb thought. He shuddered inwardly as he recalled his attitude towards the holidays the previous year and the future he was presented with if he didn't change his ways. It wasn't easy for Caleb, he had to admit. Even now, he would subconsciously blurt out a comment to Sandy about whether he picked up smoking trees again when his son-in-law went into a rant about conservatives. However Caleb had to admit that his relationship with Sandy had improved significantly and he secretly enjoyed the snide comments that Sandy would direct at him. It illustrated Sandy's quick wit, and made Caleb realize that Kirsten would have never fallen in love with a fool. Caleb also had to admit to a grudging respect for Sandy's dedication and passion towards his job. While the two would still argue over political matters and sports (because who in their right mind could root for the Yankees?), Caleb had accepted the fact that Sandy was the best thing to ever happen to Kirsten. Caleb didn't even want to imagine what Kirsten life would have been like if she had married Jimmy like Caleb wants her to.
Caleb turned his gaze to the side of the room where a stage was erected. He could see Kirsten off to the side talking to the sound technician going over last minute details. Whether it was at the Montage Hotel, Yacht Club, or a youth center, Caleb could depend on Kirsten to be on top of the party plans. She had enthusiastically volunteered to plan Newport Beach Youth Center's first Chrismukkah Party, wanting her party planning skills to go towards a good cause. Caleb smiled as he watched Kirsten wave off a waiter who approached her with champagne. Caleb had pulled her aside a couple months ago when he saw her downing wine glasses after a stressful day. Kirsten at first didn't respond so well when Caleb pointed out that she was dealing with stress in the same unhealthy way her mother did. However Kirsten approached him the next day, thanking him for his words and the two spent a lovely day together reminiscing about old times and making plans for Hailey's arrival. Caleb regretted all the time he spent away from his daughters when they were younger but was resolved to spend as much time as possible with them now.
The sound of kids' laughter made Caleb turn around to see Seth blindfolding a kid for a game of "pin the yamika on the reindeer." Caleb had to laugh at Seth's creativity and Caleb again regretted all the years he wasted not spending time with his grandson. Caleb used to wonder what was wrong with the kid since he had no friends except for a plastic horse. Caleb never realized how difficult it would be for a kid like Seth to fit into Newport society. Now Caleb realized that it was Newport's loss as he came to appreciate Seth's unique sense of humor. Although Seth and Caleb had very little in common, Caleb discovered that Seth was a damn good sailor. Caleb was glad some Nichol genes have been passed on and he and Seth spent many pleasant weekends taking Caleb's boat out into the ocean.
Caleb laughed heartily as he watched Seth sneak behind Ryan to put a yamika on his head. Ryan frowned when he felt something on his head and turned around to smack Seth but Seth was quick and ran away laughing and sticking out his tongue. Ryan shook his head laughing at Seth's antics before turning back to talk to a kid that Caleb recognized as Matt Martinez, one of the kids that the youth center had taken in. Caleb didn't know how Ryan did it. He interned at the Newport Group twice a week, was a star soccer player at Harbor, pulled off stellar grades in his AP courses, and also had time to tutor and mentor the kids at the youth center. Caleb realized that Ryan was probably taking advantage of all the opportunities presented to him and was damn proud of the boy for his work ethic. Ryan sensed he was being watched and raised his head again to catch Caleb's gaze. He gave a small smile and wave before returning back to his conversation with Matt. Caleb had to shake his head at the transformation of his relationship with Ryan over the last year.
Aside from seeing Ryan regularly at the Newport Group, Caleb had also become a regular at Ryan's soccer games. Caleb grinned to himself at finally having the chance to cheer on someone in his family at a sporting event. After raising two daughters and failing with Seth, Caleb finally had a grandson with the abilities and interest in sports. Caleb remembered the look of shock on Ryan's face when Caleb showed up to his first game of the season. While the rest of the family accepted Caleb's change of behavior relatively quickly, Ryan was a harder sell. However Caleb knew he reached a turning point when a few months later, after a close game against Pacific where Ryan scored the winning goal, Caleb had approached Ryan congratulating him on the goal and delivering a pat on his shoulder. Ryan didn't flinch at the contact and instead actually blushed a little while shyly replying thanks. Since then their relationship has become less formal and Ryan even stopped by his office sometimes to bounce off some ideas. Everyone at the Newport Group raved about Ryan and his abilities and Caleb couldn't help but have a sense of pride that there might be a third generation to carry on the family business. Watching Seth and Ryan interact made Caleb realize he was going to miss his grandsons when they head off to college next fall. He knew Seth was determined to go to college in the East Coast but Caleb hoped that Ryan would go somewhere a bit closer.
"Dad?" Kirsten voice broke Caleb out of his thoughts. "It's time to announce the scholarship winner."
Caleb collected himself and nodded. He approached the microphone that had already been set up for him. The room quieted as Caleb went up on stage and cleared his throat.
"Hi everyone. I want to thank you all for coming to the 1st Chrismukkah Party for the Newport Beach Youth Center." Caleb paused as everyone burst into applause before continuing. "When I agreed to help out with the construction of the youth center, I didn't realize how many kids we would help and provide opportunities to. While I'm sure they can all succeed on their own, a little assistance never hurt anyone. Thus every year starting this year, one individual from the center who exemplifies academic excellence and willingness to give back to the community will be rewarded the Michael Crenshaw award, a $20,000 scholarship to be used towards higher education. The scholarship is named after a man who helped me become who I am today, thus proving that a little help goes a long way. Now introducing you to the recipient of this award will be my grandson Ryan who has dedicated so much of his own time to the youth center by tutoring and mentoring and have developed a special relationship with the recipient of this scholarship."
Caleb stepped aside as Ryan went up on stage wringing his hands nervously. Caleb figured that Ryan probably wasn't comfortable with public speaking so he whispered "you'll be fine" before leaving the stage and standing next to Kirsten and Sandy. Kirsten smiled at Caleb and put her arm around him, before directing her gaze back at Ryan who was overcoming his shyness and deliberately trying to ignore the funny faces Seth was making at him from the back of the room. Caleb couldn't help but be amused by his grandsons' antics. He marveled at how two completely different personalities could complement each other so well. However he recognized that the couple standing off to his side also demonstrated that opposites attract. This was his family. Unconventional for sure but he wouldn't change them for anything. He silently said a prayer of thanks to Jeffrey Chambers and the spirits who visited him last year and opened his eyes to see the error of his ways because being here with his family and providing opportunities for kids like Ryan and his younger self was what the holiday season was all about.
The End!