Chapter 56

Thank you for all the wonderful comments. I love hearing from you! Thank you too for sticking with this journey.

Jack and Sue had decided to have everyone for Thanksgiving dinner. Jack and Sue's parents came to celebrate. The team and their families were stopping by throughout day to visit. Mitch came to spend his first big holiday with the kids.

Sue's mom was concerned with the arrangement, but was impressed with Mitch and understood where Sue was coming from. Sue and Anita cooked a huge turkey, while Carla took care of the sides and rolls, and Sarah Hudson handled all desserts.

"I've never seen so much food!" Jacob said, his eyes as big as pies.

"It's wonderful, everyone, thank you for making this the best Thanksgiving we've ever had." Anita said teary eyed.

Dinner was eaten, stories were told, and dessert and coffee were served. The kids were allowed to go to bed without a bath since they were so tired. Jacob insisted he wasn't tired, but passed out on the rug playing Parcheesi with his, Sue and Jack's dads.

The men were watching the football games that were on TV and enjoyed being waited on hand and foot by the ladies. Lucy and her grandma stopped by for dessert of pies, cakes, and cookies. The girls talked about traditions they took part in as children. Carla would start making decorations for their house after the turkey was eaten. Sara would go with her dad into the woods and cut down a tree. Lucy's grandma said she would make string popcorn because the Sunday after Thanksgiving the family would get their tree. Anita said that she would have the kids make mittens out of construction paper and string each of them up. The older kids wrote their Christmas wishes on the back, and they were hung around the house.

Jack's parents went back to the hotel, Sue's back to Lucy's place, Lucy took her grandma home and Mitch left for the night. It was late when Jack finally left. Sue collapsed on the couch across from Anita who was the only one left up.

"I am so tired!" Sue exclaimed. "I'm not sure I have the energy to be able to get off the couch and walk to my bed!"

"You'd better enjoy your last day off." Anita teased.

"I know, that's right. I start working on Monday." Sue said surprised. Anita laughed at her. "That's how we kids feel about going back to school after summer vacation!" Anita teased.

"Anita, there's something I've been wanting to ask you." Sue said.

"Sure what's up?"

"I was wondering if you'd like to be a bride's maid in my wedding." Sue asked.

"Really?" She asked. Sue nodded and smiled. "I'd be honored."

"Well, in that case, do you have plans tomorrow?" Sue asked.

"None. I was planning on doing some reading, but that's it." She said.

"Good. I asked Mitch to come over in the morning and hang out while you and I go look at dresses with Lucy. Interested?"

"Sure." Anita said. "On that note, I'm going to actually get some sleep! Goodnight."

"Night."

XOXOXOX

Once inside the dress shop, the owner came to them with a dress that fit every curve Anita had. She looked stunning.

"I'm not sure about this one." Sue said.

"Why? It's perfect." The owner and Lucy said simultaneously.

"She's going to be more gorgeous that me!" Sue joshed. The girls all laughed as they picked out her hair piece, jewelry and shoes.

"This is all too much." Anita said as tears rolled down her cheeks. She hugged Sue tightly. "I never, in my whole life thought I'd own something this beautiful, or have a friend like you." She said as she broke into uncontrolled sobs. Sue kept her arms wrapped tight around her, Lucy joined in making it a group hug.

"As they say 'God works in mysterious ways'. I believe he let us find each other at just the right moment in our lives. She wiped her own eyes.

"Come on, enough of this tear fest." Sue said.

"Yeah, I feel like some ice cream." Lucy suggested.

"Oh, maple walnut with hot fudge and M & M's. Oh, and whip cream!" Sue gushed.

"Oooo that sounds delish!" Anita agreed as she wiped her face.

The three left and headed for the local ice cream parlor. They shared thoughts and stories and plans for the future. Lucy agreed that she wanted to find that perfect man and have a bunch of little babies. Sue said she had already found the perfect man for her, and they would work on their own little bunch in about a year. Anita said she'd already had her fill of babies for a little while and wanted to concentrate on herself for a little while and get an education.

"I know that probably sounds pretty selfish of me, but I can't help how I feel right now. I mean, don't get me wrong, I love my sisters, but they're great birth control!" She laughed.

"You're not being selfish at all. They're your siblings, and you've been solely responsible for them for at least a year, and probably the only one to actually take care of them for the years that your mother was too strung out to do so. You're only seventeen. You're a kid. You should be acting like one, not being a parent to four younger brothers and sisters." Sue said patting her hand.

"Thanks. Sometimes I feel guilty because all I want to do is go to the movies or to a football game with my friend. And when I can't, I get angry. I hate that." She admitted. Sue smiled a sad smile.

"Well, you get to be a typical teenager from now on. I'm going to be there for you guys. I'm going to be there to watch the kids so you can go to football games, dances and parties with your friends. I want you to make more friends and have the experiences that you're supposed to have while you're in high school." Sue told her.

"I haven't had a lot of them, that's for sure." Anita acknowledged. She hung her head, but slowly raised it so Sue could 'hear' her. "I've only been to one football game, that wasn't my brother's. I've never been to a dance or a party down at the pond. I've never even been kissed. Isn't that sad? I'm 17, and I've never been kissed?!"

"Nothing wrong with that." Lucy consoled her.

"Easy for you to say." She groaned.

"Yeah, I was 15 when I got my first real kiss." Lucy said.

'I was 17." Sue whispered. "It really doesn't matter how old you are, it matters that when it happens, it's with someone you want it to be with. You will always remember your first."

They all agreed as they headed in for their sweet treat.

XOXOXOX

The following morning, Lucy called Sue and asked if she wanted to go for a brunch with her and her mom. Sue thought that was a great idea. Sue and Lucy's mom chatted all the way to the restaurant, catching up on all of what had been going on in Sue's life recently. They talked about the cancer, new job, the kids she was now the foster mother to, and of course, the wedding. Lucy had kept her mom in the loop, but it was good to hear some of the details from Sue.

"I've lived through all of this, and even I can't believe this has all happened in the past nine months!" Sue said.

As the ladies began to walk to the door, a woman opened the back door.

"Good morning ladies. My name is Debbie and I am a hostess here at Philippe's Bistro. Since it's so busy today, we're asking anyone who has reservations to come through this way. Do you ladies happen to have a reservation?" She asked.

"Actually, we do. It's under Dotson." Lucy said sharing a sly knowing smile with her mother.

"Ahh, right this way, please."

They let Sue go in first to see all of her friends and family anxiously waiting for her.

"Surprise!" They all shouted at once making Sue jump when she saw everyone jump up at her.

"What the?!" She said.

"Happy Bridal Shower!" Lucy said hugging her. Sue's mom was next. Tara put a crown of flowers with tulle for a makeshift veil on Sue's head. Anita handed her a bouquet of tissue roses.

Before she knew it, she and everyone around her were in tears. Brunch was served and then it was down to the business of opening gifts. The hours passed quickly, and there were mounds of wonderful treasures piling up next to Sue. New dishes, linens and housewares were joined by gift cards, cash and vouchers for things such as "free babysitting" and "romantic dinners for just the two of them". The day had been exhausting but exhilarating at the same time.

"I want to thank everyone who took time out of their day to come today. It's been great seeing all of you. I certainly hope Jack and I will see you all at the wedding as well." Sue managed to croak out before she broke into tears.

Jack and Bobby showed up when it was over to help load up the cars. It took both cars, Lucy's SUV, and Tara's Jeep to get the entire haul back to Jack's place. Jack and Sue had agreed to keep everything in Jack's spare room, but it was quickly becoming over loaded.

"You two should start looking for a place you can call your own." Carla suggested.

"I agree. This apartment is far too small for all your stuff- never mind a family." Jack's mom added.

"Mom, don't worry, this built in family is only temporary. Mitch will get custody, I'm sure of that." Jack reassured. His dad leaned in.

"I think what your mother meant was your children. The ones she wants you to have with Sue!" He joked.

"Oh my!" Sue blushed. Everyone laughed.

"You are planning on giving us grand babies, aren't you?" Jack's mom teased.

"Someday." Jack said.

"Well, don't make us wait too long- we're old you know!" Carla said.

"And getting older by the minute!" Sue's dad ribbed.

"Can we get married first?" Jack exclaimed.

"Listen, on a serious note… my doctor doesn't want me to get pregnant for a little while. She wants my body to heal from the cancer before I put the strain of growing a human being in there on my system." Sue explained.

"We understand dear." Carla paused. "But you are going to make us grandparents, right?" Everyone laughed.

XOXOXOX

Sue's job had her on the road early in the morning, so Mitch pitched in to get the smaller kids off to their daily activities. Sue had explained to her new boss the situation with the children, and asked that she not have to go off on long weekend trips for a little bit anyway. He was very accommodating, and kept her close to home. The arrangement was working best for Anita, who for the first time, was able to just go to school. There was no one to get up, dressed or fed. There were no lunches to make. No one to get on the bus. There was just her to go to school and be a teenager.

Sue was enjoying her new role as well. It felt good to be responsible for the little ones. To give them love from an adult that they hadn't had before. Jacob and Vinnie were the two most difficult. They were skeptical and for good reason. They'd only seen bad, only remembered bad. Homework seemed to be a point of stress for them, but also one of bonding. They boys were impressed with Sue's ability to break down problems and make them simple. Sue knew it would take time, but eventually they'd come around. Two weeks before Christmas Sue and Jack took a day out of work to finalize everything. Cake, flowers, decorations, favors and seating chart were all OK'd. The final payments were made to the reception hall, church, limo and DJ. Play lists were made for the church and DJ. Final counts and line ups for hall guests and entrances were made. Sue and the girls went for one last fitting. The final weeks were spent getting the kids dresses and suits and daily events. Some of the daily events that came up were Christmas concerts and plays at school, Christmas shopping and setting up sleeping arrangements for out of town friends and family. The last weeks before their wedding would be chaotic at the least.

During the second week of December, there was a middle school that had been in lockdown three times over two weeks due to bullying incidences that had turned to violence with weapons included. The school had called looking for someone to come out to talk to the kids, find out what they're feeling, to get an honest conversation going with the student body. Sue was elected to go. She intended to spend the day at the school, but an unexpected snow squall caused her to be stuck overnight. Sue called Jack and Mitch for back up. Mitch agreed to go to the house, even though Anita insisted she would be fine. Sue had spent the night at a hotel, and spent the next day at the school, talking with students. It was a tough school. It was that school that made Sue realize that she had to keep a screen up between the kids and her feelings. She wouldn't be long for the inspirational speakers' tour if she let herself become involved personally. Where she had given her personal contact info out at the first school, the one where she'd met Anita, she now gave an 800 number that went directly to the city's anti-bullying hotline.

When Sue got home the following night, she was very surprised when she was greeted by Lanie and Jacob with big hugs. She couldn't swear to it, but she was pretty sure she'd seen a smile on Vinnie's face.

"Everything go OK while I was gone?" Sue asked.

"Everything was great. Mitch stayed overnight, and stayed with the girls." Anita answered.

"Stayed with the girls?" Sue asked.

"Yeah, we had school… they didn't have daycare. Go figure!" She said snidely. "How does that work?" She said in mock disgust.

Sue giggled. "Well, it's late, and we're all tired. Let's get some sleep." Anita laughed and agreed.

XOXOXOX

The final week before their wedding, gifts began to show up under the tree. The family had agreed to open at least Sue's gifts the day before the wedding. Sue was excited to see the looks on their faces. Mitch agreed to video tape their reaction to opening Santa's gifts so she wouldn't miss that.

The baby was still clueless as to what was happening, but Lanie and Jacob knew full well, it was time for toys! Jacob was on the cusp between a little boy and a young man. He was still asking for toys, but also wanted electronics. Lanie's one and only wish was for a doll. She had asked Santa for it, so Sue got her something she'd been eyeing each time they went to the store.

Before the sun had risen, Sue's door opened and a small figure crept into her room. Levi immediately put his head up on alert, but quickly lay his head back on the pillow next to Sue's head. She patted Levi on the head as she crawled across his long furry body and sat staring at Sue. The little girl was mere inches from Sue's face when Sue woke up to find Lanie staring at her, eye to eye. Sue let out a yelp.

"Ahh!" Sue yelled causing Lanie to yell as well. "Oh my gosh! Lanie, you scared me! Are you alright?" She asked the youngster.

"I'm fine. I think I've slept enough though. I think it's time to open presents." She said in a very calm, matter-of-fact tone.

"Oh, really?" Sue asked, rubbing her eyes. She tried to focus on her alarm clock to see the numbers read 4:43.

"Did you call Santa and tell him we're celebrating today?" She asked innocently.

"Sweetie, it's far too early to get up. How about we go back to sleep for a little bit. I think we should open gifts when the sun is at least up. What do you think?" Sue asked.

"Hmm. Can I sleep with you?" Lanie asked.

"Sure." Sue pulled the covers down from the side of the bed Levi was sleeping on. Sue nudged Levi down and Lanie crawled in. Within seconds, the little girl was asleep with little baby snores coming from her pillow.

Sue dozed off for what seemed a millisecond before she was attacked with giggles and hugs by all of the kids. She woke startled, but couldn't help but get caught up in the laughter.

"It's time! It's time!" Lanie squealed with delight. Lanie sat up in Sue's face once more. "You didn't answer me. Did you call Santa?"

"No sweetie, remember, Santa's far too busy to come here the day before Christmas Eve. This is just for me and you guys." Sue explained.

Anita and Vinnie laughed from the edge of the bed. Sue was glad to see Vinnie actually letting himself enjoy their time.

"I made coffee." Anita said with a laugh as she got off the bed. "We'll meet you down stairs."

A few minutes later, Sue appeared in the living room to the tree lit, and the kids all anxiously sitting around. They'd put Christmas carols on and were singing as they snacked on donuts that Mitch had brought over.

Jack and Mitch sat on the couch with big smiles as they watched Sue hug each of the kids, then each of them. Jack snuck a kiss before letting her go to sit on the couch.

"Glad I took the time to brush my teeth." She said with a wink. Jack blushed and laughed.

Mitch, Sue and Jack had pooled their money and got a computer for the house for the two older kids. It was complete with wireless router, wireless printer… well, wireless everything. Anita got a new phone, which she'd really wanted, but hadn't said even one word about. Sue smiled when she saw tears in her eyes. Vinnie loved music, and was given an ipod with a great set of headphones. Jacob got the latest game for the new wii he'd had his eye on for two years. Sue and Jack got Lanie a kitchen set with food, pots and pans, and dishes. She jumped up and down with delight when she uncovered the present. Lizzie got her very first doll, some new clothes and money in her college fund.

Mitch and the kids had gotten Sue a necklace that was a heart with all of their birth stones lined up by their age. Sue cried when she saw it, it was beautiful. As hugs and Merry Christmas's were being spread around, Mitch disappeared for a few minutes. Sue looked curiously at Jack. Jack tried to look unknowing, but he wasn't fooling anyone. Jack heard the back door open and pointed casually for Sue to look. When she looked toward the kitchen, she saw a blonde lab with brown ears, and a tan nose traipse in. Sue gasped but held it back. The dog wagged her tail violently and licked Jacob's hand as he read the directions on the set up for the game system.

"Daisy!" He yelled. "It's Daisy!"

All of the kids dropped what they were doing and ran to their dog hugging and kissing her. All except Anita. The dog whined and lapped at the children. Anita sat on the arm of the couch and cried. Sue surmised they were tears of happiness and of guilt. Sue got up and wrapped her in a hug.

"I'm sure she hates me." Anita said through her sobs.

"I'm sure she doesn't." Sue reassured her. "Dogs are amazing creatures. I believe that God made them so we will forgive ourselves for the mistakes we make in life. He does. They do too."

"I gave her away. To the dog pound." Anita sobbed.

"You did what you had to do to provide for your family. She was well cared for and well fed while she was there. Now she's home. That's all she knows." Sue pointed out.

Anita didn't say another word, she just sat back and watched as the little ones loved on the dog. When the commotion settled some, Daisy made her way to Anita's side and looked up at her. She pawed at her as if to tell her she hadn't greeted her yet. When Anita didn't respond fast enough, Daisy jumped on her legs and began to lick Anita's face.

Anita began to giggle and cry at the same time. She took the dog in her arms and hugged her tight. Sue read her lips as she whispered in the dog's ear, 'I'm sorry. Please forgive me.'

Sue made a big dinner for everyone to enjoy, then it was time for Jack to leave. Jack snuck a moment away with Sue before he departed. He bent toward her, kissing her gently. "I so don't want to go." He sighed. "I'll be glad when I can just stay curled up next to you." He kissed her again pulling her tight against him.

"I can't wait to be your wife." Sue managed before Jack captured her lips with primal passion. He finally let go and kissed her one last time on the forehead.

"I love you. I will see you at church tomorrow." Jack said.

Jack took Mitch home with him, leaving Sue and the kids to get some sleep for the big day. Sue was excited, but scared too. Tomorrow was her wedding day…