Chapter 52

It was amazing the effect that threat had on the troops!

Steven found Marta's lost shoe and carried her out to the Escalade to put it on out there so they wouldn't be late.

Alaina decided that the dark blue hair ribbon would be just as good as the light blue one that was missing.

Evan took the fastest shower on record and ran out of the house still buttoning his shirt.

Justin and Marcus stopped fighting over the toy truck they both wanted to play with and instead raced each other down the stairs and outside.

Andrea, who had been ready all along, calmly strolled to the vehicle as if she had all the time in the world.

AJ watched in amusement as the children poured from the house suddenly ready to go. His wonderful wife sure had a way of motivating this mob!

Arriving at the Roberts' home they found that Harriett had learned the secret most mothers of children spanning several years had. The older children preferred not to have to be bothered by the younger ones if at all possible. So, to that end, she had given the basement game room to the teenagers and the younger children would be upstairs in the ten-year-old twins' playroom. The adults would run interference and keep the segregation, by stationing themselves on the main floor.

AJ and Jimmy Roberts grabbed the four older Chegwidden's as soon as they came through the door. After kisses and hugs from mom and dad, the three younger ones were sent upstairs to play with Theresa and Tamara. Bud took AJ into the den to show him the latest computer game he'd bought the boys for Christmas. The fact that it was already installed and running wasn't lost on AJ. Bud sheepishly explained that he was testing it out!

Mac volunteered to help out in anyway she could and Harriett put her to work carrying dishes and trays of food to the buffet in the dining room. It was set up so people could eat when they wanted and still wander around since it was all finger food.

"Mac, you do know that Jen and Harm have been seeing each other lately don't you?"

"Yes, you mentioned that in one of your emails before we moved back. Why do you ask?"

"Well, I didn't want things to be awkward. She's bringing him with her to the party. I didn't know how you would feel about it since you and Harm almost married."

"Oh Harriett! That was eons ago! All water under the bridge now. AJ and I are blissfully happy and after all the problems Harm has had over the last several years, he deserves some happiness. I just hope for Jen's sake he's ready for a serious relationship. I mean, she has the boys to consider and all…"

"Jen has her head on straight, and has done a lot of growing over the years. She was happy with Mike and brokenhearted at his death. But she had to be strong for the boys and is really doing well for herself. I don't think she'll let Harm get away with anything. If he really wants to be with her, he'll toe the line. The few times I've seen them together, they seem to be doing well, and he's good with the boys."

They had just finished putting out the food when Jason and Tina Tiner arrived with little three-year-old Carol. It was the first time Mac and AJ got to meet Jason's wife and daughter. They were all still standing in the front hall chatting when Jen and Harm arrived along with her two sons, Rusty age six and Buddy age two. All three of the children were sent upstairs to play as the adults settled in the living room.

The next hour was spent with everyone trying to catch up on all the happenings in each other's lives. So much had happened to the group that had once considered themselves family that they had much to share.

To be continued….