Chapter 764: Beaulieu Manor
Saturday, March 25th, Afternoon
Standing in the doorway to the inner court, she watched her niece and nephew play out in the court. She felt sorry for them as they were alone here with no kids around the age of ten or six years old. But they were here playing in the smaller inner court.
Candi sighed as Nomi and Ellis ran around playing tag. She leaned against the wall and watched her breath dance in the chilly air. Candi kept an eye on her brother's kids and wondered about them. Children in general, as they were her dad's only grandchildren. Her dad was asking for more, but it would come, but which one of her sisters?
"Wondering if you'd be a good parent?" Ellie asked as she stepped outside.
"Huh? How do you know?" Candi asked.
"When you watch the family kids, you have one of two thoughts: would I be a good parent, or hell no, I'm not having kids," Ellie said.
Candi laughed, "I'll admit, I've had both thoughts," she said.
"Me too; I like to think, for one, I would be good," Ellie said.
"But you lean towards two," Candi said.
"Exactly," Ellie said.
"So, what's up?" Candi asked.
"Sawyer shot a text which I could read her bouncing in it," Ellie said.
Candi nodded, "Our bouncing sister," she said.
"Yeah," Ellie said.
"Where does she come from?" Candi asked.
"I have no idea," Ellie said.
"So, they're on the way back," Candi said.
"Should be here soon," Ellie said.
"So, do you think it helped?" Candi asked.
"Hopefully, but she's so much like our mom," Ellie said.
"So, can you," Candi said.
"All of us, even you," Ellie said.
"Different mom," Candi said.
"Learned behavior," Ellie said.
"Trauma," Candi said.
"Yeah, so are you going to tell him?" Ellie asked.
"Not tonight," Candi said.
"Procrastion?" Ellie asked.
"Let him enjoy the night with Nomi and Ellis, and then I will talk to him," Candi said.
The door opened, and Keith walked out. "Which who?' he asked.
"Keith!" Ellie said and hugged her brother.
"Ellie, what are you doing here?" Keith asked.
"Well, I couldn't wait to see you," Ellie said.
"Why do I smell bullshit?" Keith asked.
"You're in the army?" Ellie asked.
"She got into trouble, and Brooke bailed her out as long as she came here," Candi said.
"Traitor," Ellie said.
"It was going to come out eventually," Candi said.
"True, but I could've told him," Ellie said.
"You know I'm right here," Keith said.
"Did that ever matter?" Candi asked.
"No, it didn't," Ellie said.
"Funny, Ellie," Keith said.
"I know it is," Ellie said.
Keith shook his head and turned to Candi. She smiled at Keith and shrugged.
"So, why are you here?" Keith asked.
"I like visiting my family, and I like being here," Candi said.
"It has something you have to talk to me about, and it involves Dad," Keith said.
Candi sighed, "Yes, I'm here because it involves Dad. Also, yes, we have to talk, and it's about Dad," Candi said.
"I hear a but," Keith said.
"But, we'll talk about it later; enjoy your first night back with your kids," Candi said.
"Are you sure?" Keith asked.
"Yes, positive," Candi said.
"You could just rip the bandage off," Keith said.
"No, enjoy the afternoon with Nomi and Ellis," Candi said.
"And tonight with Izzy," Ellie said.
"Funny, Ellie," Keith said.
"Yeah, well, you know me," Ellie said.
Keith shook his head, "So, where are Nomi and Ellis?" he asked.
Candi sighed and looked across the inner court. "They are out in the inner court playing tag," she said.
"How big are they now?" Keith asked.
"They've grown a bit," Ellie said.
Keith nodded and looked over the inner court. He sighed, "What should I do?" he asked.
"See your kids, you big lug," Ellie said.
Candi smiled and nodded. "Leave it to me," she said.
"Leave what?" Keith asked.
"Nomi! Ellis! Come here," Candi said.
"Hold on, Aunt Candi," Nomi said.
"You've better not have tied up Ellis again," Candi said.
"I didn't," Nomi said.
Keith looked at Candi. Candi held up a finger to tell Keith one moment. "You better not be lying to me," Candi yelled back.
"I'm not," Nomi replied.
"Well, you two better get over here, and that means now," Candi said.
"Yes, Aunt Candi!" Nomi said.
"Yes, Aunt Candi!" Ellis said.
A moment later, Keith's two kids appeared at the entrance. The tall ten-year-old girl, Nomi, looked up and saw Keith standing between Candi and Ellie. Nomi stopped, blinked her eyes, then shook her head.
"Dada?" Nomi asked.
Keth nodded.
"You're here!" Nomi said, and Keith nodded.
"Dada!" Nomi yelled and ran towards Keith.
"Dada!" Ellis said once he saw Keith.
Keith dropped to one knee, taking the impact as his two kids barreled into him. Keith held them tight and started to cry. Candi and Ellie looked down at their brother and smiled.