Chapter 5

Caleigh came up the steps and entered the kitchen. Zach was waiting for her, giving her a kiss and pulling her to him. "How was your Thanksgiving," he smiled. Merrill and Sela shared a deep smile.

Caleigh rolled her eyes, with her soft smile. "Mom, as usual had a fantastic meal; then it was three hours of putting up with her two older sisters complaining about anything and everything in the world. Thank God Mike had the day off. Between him and Caleb and their snide remarks, we three kids had a good time." She laughed. "My brothers actually made it pretty entertaining," she shrugged. "At least until mom and dad see Caleb and mine's text bill," she smiled.

Aaron looked at her with a smile. "Mike had the day off?" Caleigh moved to him for a hug.

"He's past rookie stage, but still a newbie. But the scheduling guru aligned with the stars," she smiled, pulling out of Aaron's heartfelt hug.

Jack flew into her arms next. "Hi Cal!"

"Hey bud," she smiled, giving him a hug. "You eat good in the neighborhood," she asked, rubbing his back.

"You know it," he smiled, pulling away. "It was awesome as usual."

Caleigh smiled at Sean. "Good to see you again."

Sean pulled her into a hug. "Good to see you too," he smiled giving her a kiss and letting her go.

"Hi Uncle Dave," Caleigh smiled, kissing his cheek. She looked at his coffee cup. "You and Father Jimmy making your usual trouble," she teased.

"What can I say," Dave smiled. "The Irishman brings out my bad side."

"The Irishman that hangs out with an Italian; I think that's the other way around," he smiled. "Happy Thanksgiving Caleigh," Father Jimmy smiled.

"You too," she smiled, rubbing his arm.

Zach walked up to her. "Caleigh, this is Sela and Merrill," he smiled at the couple.

Caleigh smiled at them. "Thank you; and it's a pleasure to meet you."

"Likewise Caleigh," Merrill said, shaking her hand. "Both sentiments," he beamed. "And congratulations on the national championship."

"Thank you Merrill," Caleigh sincerely said.

"We knew Zach found an angel," Sela smiled. "It's good to finally meet you."

Blushing, Caleigh shook her head. "It's wonderful to meet the both of you. Your cabin is just what the Hotchner guys need. Thank you so much for that."

Dave and Jimmy clinked coffee cups. "Hear, hear," they said together.

Caleigh rolled her eyes at Sela. "Don't listen to them; they just really enjoy the crappie dinners. I've learned their BS," she smiled. Hannah and John roared with laughter. Merrill and Sela shared a smile.

Jack eyed the two co-conspirators. "You two are sooooo busted."

The rest joined in the laughter. Caleigh shared a warm hug with Hannah and John. Both of the Dobson's noted with a hint of pride that Caleigh called them Grandma and Grandpa. And the grandparents' look of pride as well.

Caleigh put her around Jess' waist. "Does this mean," she said, waving her finger around, "that we should get dessert going?"

"You're good Caleigh," Jess smiled, pulling her close.

"I'll help," Sela offered.

Sean pulled the gallon tub of ice cream out the freezer.

Jimmy looked at Dave. "It's about time," he smiled.

Dave winked at Jimmy, looking at Zach. "You going anywhere tonight?"

"Yeah Uncle Dave; to bed."

Jimmy reached into the cupboard for two small tumbler glasses. Sean smiled at him and took each one, putting a few ice cubes from the fridge in the tumblers. Dave eyed Caleigh. "And how 'bout you Ms. Greystone," he asked with a smile.

"I thought you were the world class profiler," Caleigh fired back.

"Now you two are totally busted," Jack said, rolling his eyes. The kitchen roared with laughter as Jimmy poured a bit of Bailey's for Caleigh and Zach into the tumblers as Jess moved to cut the pies. Hannah came into the kitchen as well.

"You and Zach enjoy your drinks sweetheart," Hannah said to Caleigh, rubbing her side. "We've got this. Sean can be our strong man on the ice cream bucket."

Sean flexed his bicep. "You da man Uncle Sean," Jack beamed. Caleigh and Zach shared a smile, sipping their Bailey's.

Between the lunch bar and the nook table, they all enjoyed the two pies with ice cream. Everyone laughed at Zach giving Mudg a bowl of ice cream that he chased around the kitchen to get the last little drop; much to chagrin of Dave. "Damn you Zach," Dave growled.

Zach gave Dave his Hotchner smile. "You and Jimmy will still be up to let him out for ice cream dump," he smiled.

Less than hour later, the home started to empty. "Past my bedtime," John winked at Aaron as he yawned. The hugs and good-byes between the Brooks family and the Hotchner men warmed the Dobson's heart. Dave and Father Jimmy added to their knowledge of being included into a wonderful mix of family. Sean joined Aaron and Zach to help them get into Jess' car, with Zach loading boxes with the clean dishes into Jess' trunk.

Caleigh eyed Jack. "Power hugs and good nights to Uncle Dave and Father Jimmy; you need to hit the shower." Sela smiled.

Merrill eyed the two men. "Why do I think your night is not over," he asked with a smile.

"Because you're right," Dave smiled as Caleigh got Jack up the steps after her good nights to them as well. "It will involve some much contested games of gin rummy and too much scotch, my friend," he smiled. "See you later this weekend," Dave smiled. Merrill looked at him with a question. "If you think I'm missing out on that turkey pot pie Sunday night, you're sadly mistaken."

Merrill laughed. "See you then," he smiled, shaking Dave's hand. "Father Jimmy, it was a pleasure to meet you," he said, shaking his hand.

"Likewise Merrill," Jimmy smiled. "Just keep letting the guys fish and relax. God's blessings on you both for what you do for this family," he added sincerely. "Travel home safe."

Sela gave him a hug. "It was a pleasure meeting you. Jack told us that you always get a crappie dinner."

Fifteen minutes later, the seven in the Hotchner home smiled at each other in the living room. Jack climbed into Aaron's lap; the ultimate signal that the growing elementary student was getting tired and still a little boy at heart. Everyone shared a smile. Caleigh rubbed Zach's back as he exhaled. "I love having them all here; but the quiet right now is just pretty special."

"I hear that," Aaron smiled, rubbing Jack's back. "Buddy say goodnight to Zach and Caleigh. They deserve some space."

Jack yawned, crawling off Aaron's lap. He wrapped his arms around Caleigh. "Good night; I love you; see you in the morning," he smiled, yawning again.

"Love you too bro," Caleigh smiled, kissing his head.

Zach pulled him into his arms. "You OK doing prayers with dad and Uncle Sean," he asked, pulling Jack into a hug.

"You know better Zach; you were awesome today," Jack smiled at him. "You and Caleigh enjoy your space."

Sean pulled Jack out of Zach's arms. "Do I need to sleep on the couch upstairs tonight?" He got the Zach version of the Hotchner glare. "Never mind," he smiled, throwing Jack on his shoulder to ascend the steps.

-00CM00-

Aaron and Sean took on the Dobson's in a couple of games of Cribbage. Sela and Merrill won the third and rubber game. Aaron looked at Sean. "You didn't change my luck playing Cribbage with these two."

"Aaron," Sean asked with a quizzed look.

"Zach and Sela wipe Merrill and my ass every time," he smiled.

Sean laughed. "Who's up for a touch more of Dave's Bailey's besides me?" Three hands shot in the air. Sean poured and the four of them enjoyed chatting together sitting around the kitchen table. Sean was totally at ease with the couple and looked at Aaron. "By the way bro, when do I get my crappie dinner?"

Aaron smiled. "Jack thought of that and reminded Zach that you haven't had that yet. That's the menu for Saturday night."

Sean winked at Sela. "The Jackster is my partner in crime," he smiled.

Sela rubbed his shoulders. "He needs you in his life like he needs Haley's family."

Sean nodded. "I know; I just wish I could get down here more often."

Aaron shook his head. "You have your own life and career Sean," he smiled. "You take care of that. We'll just take the bonus of getting you when we can."

Sean shook his head and looked at Aaron. "Geez bro; who knew we'd finally start getting along at our ages," he mischievously smiled at him.

Aaron just shook his head at the Dobson's. Merrill laughed. "I've got a year on Aaron. Welcome to growing up boys," he smiled. "My brother Marcus and I laugh now. Our saying is we really started to get along the same time the gray hair creeped in."

The Hotcher brothers both laughed. "Seriously Aaron, I want Zach and Caleigh to have their time together…." Sean started.

Aaron interrupted him. "If they aren't in bed, they're getting ready," he smiled. "You won't walk on their toes."

"Zach is that damn committed to no sex Aaron?"

Aaron smiled. "For now."

"Sean," Sela said, "for what's it's worth and I know I shouldn't walk in a family discussion." Aaron and Sean both looked at her. She smiled. "Zach feels like he's getting pushed." The brothers shared a look. "He knows he and Caleigh are a match. Just let him do it at his own pace"

Aaron gave her a troubled look. "He hasn't said a word to me."

Merrill shook his head with a soft smile. "Aaron, you don't get it? Zach knows how much you have on your plate with his job. He's handling this the way he knows how." The brothers Hotchner looked at him. Merrill smiled. "By being Zach; sticking to his principles and his own time schedule. He won't screw this up, pardon the pun, and lose Caleigh. He loves her too much. But he'll do it at his own pace and in his own way when the time is right for him. You've got to remember he's also got a not so little thing going on in life called baseball."

Aaron smiled. "You're right Merrill. And while he never talks about it, will never admit it, that dream is in the back of his head. But the road to the major leagues isn't easy. And he'll think about trying to do that and supporting a wife."

Sean looked at his brother. "Aaron, you're talking more and more like that's a strong possibility."

"Coach Taylor and I talked this summer. Just before he started school and we got back from the cabin," he smiled at the Dobson's. "He told me every major league scout was watching him to see how he handled his injury and if he could make it back." He looked at Sean. "There were twenty-four scouts out of thirty of the major league teams at the state tournament games the Pirates won this August for the state amateur league." The other three just looked at him. "Coach thinks that if Zach doesn't suffer another major injury, he'll go top five next June."

"Wow," Sean said.

"That's amazing Aaron," Merrill added.

"So I agree with you Merrill," Aaron smiled. "I really don't see him making any decision until after that. By being drafted, he'll be able to plan out his future better."

"And if he gets injured again," Sela asked.

Aaron smiled. "The beauty of my son's planning and keeping a promise to his mother. He'll have his college degree in Civil Engineering in another year after that. And he's made the Dean's List every semester. I don't he'll have a tough time finding a job," he added with a proud smile.

Sean rubbed Aaron's shoulder while leaning against the lunch counter. He looked at the Dobson's. "Sorry, I'm used to being on my feet. I can only sit so long." They smiled. "That promise to Haley is the key isn't it?"

"It's always been Sean," he smiled back.

The Dobson's looked at the brothers. "Haley had issues with Zach already attracting scout's attention when Zach was just starting high school. She and Zach battled about it a bit. Zach promised her he would get a college education before he played baseball." Sean knew what was coming and rubbed Aaron's shoulder. "That's the last words Zach said to her." Aaron paused. "I promise mom," he softly said.

Sela wiped a tear as Merrill shook his head. Sean yawned and didn't hide it. He knew he had to turn the discussion. "I don't know about the rest of you, but between the long day, food and the drinks, I'm beat." He looked at Aaron. "You sure about the kids?"

Aaron smiled. "I'm sure."

Sean lightly tapped his fist on Aaron's shoulder. "Good night bro," he smiled, looking at the Dobson's. "You two as well; see you all in the morning," he smiled.

Aaron patted his back. "Good night Sean," he smiled.

Sela rose out of her chair from the kitchen table. "I'm in on that." She kissed Merrill. "You two don't be up late sharing LEO war stories," she smiled at the two of them. She and Sean put their drink glasses in the dishwasher and moved out of the kitchen, saying their final good nights.

Aaron looked at Merrill. "Scotch or scotch," he smiled.

Sean wished Sela good night and went down the steps as she went to the upper tier. He walked into Zach's den to see him and Caleigh making up his futon bed for the night. "You two didn't have to do that," he smiled at both of them in lounge pants, t-shirts and wearing their respective glasses.

Caleigh kissed his cheek. "We don't mind," she smiled. "Good night Uncle Sean."

Sean pulled her into a hug. "Good night sweetheart. Just don't elbow my boy's ribs too bad OK?"

Caleigh laughed, pulling out of the hug. "Then tell him to not snore in my ear," she smiled.

Sean shook his head with a laugh. "Good night Uncle Sean," Zach said, giving him a hug as well. "See you in the morning."

"Good night Zach," he smiled, letting him go. The two of them disappeared into Zach's bedroom. By the time Sean came out of Zach's bathroom, Zach's bedroom was dark.

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A/N: See Speedy; I told you my boy isn't going to rush things. ;)

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