Again thank you all for the prayers and kind words. I am finally getting back to where I should be in my life. It's still hard but getting there one day at a time.

Thank you all for the wonderful reviews. Y'all are the best. Thank you all for staying with me. As most of you know, I didn't start writing until May of last year. So bear with me I am still new at this. For all of my new readers, thank you all for reading, reviewing and seeing where my imagination takes us.

Recap Chapter 22 Just fun

Wow Open House is under way. Everything was taken to the back of Ana's company where she is having the carnival for all her employees.

The engineering team is making sure every ride and game is in perfect working order. The security is top notch keeping an eye on everything.

Everything is in tip top shape and starting as it should. The raffle tickets and armbands are being given out.

The prizes for the winners are locked in the big truck until it is time to move it around front.

Elliot as usual being himself put his foot in his mouth when he wanted Ana and Paula to show him and everyone just how good they are at target shooting. They did and then turned the water guns on Elliot.

Ana's dear friends and new employees Chester and Clyde are there and they brought a guest and her family. Ms. Izzy and her family came down to surprise Ana and Christian and brought coolers full of King crab legs for days.

We let it as they were telling Ana and Christian to sit and eat.

Chapter 23 Open House Continues

"Oh my goodness Ms. Izzy I can't eat another bite. Christian you want the rest of mine? I think I ate way too much tonight. Good thing we are going to be walking some."

"Angel I can't eat anymore either. I think between the both of us we ate that blue cooler that was full of crab legs. Everyone else is eating from the other coolers. I definitely agree with you. We will be walking some tonight."

"Ms. Izzy, Chester and Clyde, those were the best I have ever eaten. They are better than what you make at the Giant Crab…shhh don't tell anyone. Thank you all so much."

"Ms. Ana, my lips are sealed."

"Yes ma'am mine too."

"Here, here I ain't gonna tell."

"Well thank you Elliot."

"Ms. Izzy, how long are you all staying? I assume you all are in the apartments with Chester and Clyde right? If you would like to stay a few more days I have an extra apartment you are more than welcome to use. I know it must be crowded in their apartments even though there is a lot of room."

"Well honey chil we were going to stay with the boys until tomorrow and then they were taking us home. We appreciate the offer and accept the apartment for tonight. We have to go back to work sweet girl."

"Alright I understand but whenever you all want to take some time off and enjoy the beach down here you just let us know and we will have a place for you all to stay."

"Ms. Ana, that is mighty fine of you young lady."

"It's my pleasure sir."

"Well everyone we are going to go and walk around for a little while. By the way you all have your raffle tickets right?"

"Yes sir we do."

"Good then you all need to be at the front of the new office building before midnight. That is when we are holding the raffle. That way if you win you don't have to worry about carrying your prizes all the way back here."

"Yes sir thank you we will be up there. Do you want us to take care of everything here first before we go up there? Or do you want us to pack everything up after the raffle?"

"Oh no guys you can leave your food truck here as it is. You just need to lock it up. Make sure the power is still hooked to it. So nothing spoils. We have security here twenty four seven no one will bother anything. You can come back and get it in the morning. I will have some of our guys take you all back to the apartments and unlock the apartment for you all."

"Ms. Ana Mr. Christian you don't have to do that. We can take the truck and unload it at the apartment."

"Oh lordy mercy you will do no such thing Clyde. That is too much work tonight."

"Clyde no use arguing with her."

They all laugh

"Yeah so true guys. I learned the hard way."

"Alright well we will see you up front later then."

Ana hugs Ms. Izzy and they walk off to see what all is going on at the carnival.

"Wait up y'all Elliot and I are going to walk with you."

"Come on, let's see what else we can find to try or ride."

"Elliot are you going in the dunk tank?"

"I will if you all will."

"We don't have any extra clothes El."

"Oh yes you do. I took the liberty of getting clothes for all of us."

"You did, did you?"

"Yeah I sure did. I got your clothes and Paula got Ana's."

"Well Boo looks like we are going to get wet, maybe maybe not."

"Let's just hope these kids realize who we are and show us some mercy."

He winks at Paula. and they all start laughing.

"Hey now. If they want to dunk it will be fun for the kids. It's fun and it's just a game. I might even dunk you. You know how good my aim is."

"Yes Angel I sure do. I saw that while ago,"

"She told you Christian."

"Watch it El I might dunk you."

"Uh oh back at you bro."

They just grabbed their ladies and walked off with security following.

"Boo I want some pink cotton candy over there please."

"Well come on and let's get you some my sweet."

"Oh Ana, they have funnel cakes. I am getting one with strawberries and powdered sugar on top."

"Boo I changed my mind. I want a funnel cake with strawberries and powdered sugar on top. My goodness they are so good. Last one I had at the fair in Georgia was so good and covered my whole plate."

Christian and Elliot just look at them wondering where they are going to put that after all them crab legs.

"Paula you were with us that time weren't you? I think we were probably seven or eight. Daddy came home to Georgia and took us. Granmomma didn't want to go with us."

"Yes I believe I was. That was right before you went to Washington and then had to go to Texas not long after that."

"Yeah that's right my grandfather and uncles died in a plane crash."

"Oh Annie, I didn't mean to bring up bad memories." She hugs Ana.

"No, no that's ok I am alright. I always think of the good times with my grandfather."

"Good now, come on, let;s stuff our faces with funnel cakes."

They turn around and Christian and Elliot are holding two large paper plates with their funnel cakes on them.

"Oh my lord, look at this juicy sweetness." She says as she dips her finger in the strawberry sauce and licks it off.

Christian watches her mesmerized and groans low in his throat. That woman is going to be the death of me. I am going to remind her of this when we get home. He smiles to himself.

"Boo, Christian…are you alright sweetheart? What's with that huge smile on your face?"

"Oh I will tell you later when we get home."

"Ok love come on let's sit down over here and eat this scrumptious deliciously dessert. Wanna a bite? It is very yummy."

"No angel you eat it, it's all yours."

She slides closer to him and dips her fingers in the strawberry juice and gets a strawberry and tempts him with it.

"Sure you don't want a taste my sweet man?"

Christian puts his arm around her shoulders and pulls him closer to her and whispers in her ear. "My love I know what you are doing and I will make sure I take very good care of you later tonight."

He takes her hand and puts the strawberry in his mouth, never taking his eyes off her as he licks her finger clean. He hears her moan and her eyes widen and sparkle like the brightest star.

Good he says to himself. I got her right where I want her and where she wants me.

"Umm..she clears her throat but keeps her eyes on him as she eats her funnel cake licking the strawberry juice off her fingers with her tongue. She smiles seductively at him as she does this.

"Yes love you want to say something?"

"Oh just um…oh hell this is so good. How is yours Paula?"

"Very good Ana very good indeed."

"Yes Ana it is."

"Elliot are you alright?"

"Well I might as well as you bro you seem to be breathing hard over there and I think I heard you moaning a few times."

He says laughing.

"Oh El you are one to talk. You practically have Paula in your lap and had her finger in your mouth not two minutes ago."

"Well damn this funnel cake is very good and gooey."

"Yeah I know it is very juicy."

"Ok guys come on let's go. Paula and I are done now."

They finished their funnel cakes while the guys were talking.

"Christian you got a little strawberry juice on your chin?"

"Yes he does, doesn't he Luke?"

"Wait love I'll get for you so you don't smear it."

She walks over to him and looks him in the eyes and leans in and licks the strawberry off his chin. She hears him moan again.

He grabs her around the waist.

"Two play this game angel."

He dips her and kisses the stuffing out of her. When he lets her up they are both breathing heavily and trying to get their bearings.

"Damn bro just take her home and then come back."

"Oh hush El they are still newlyweds."

Ana is three shades of red. red light red and crimson red. She is fanning herself.

"Come on Boo I am ready to get wet."

"I bet you already are." He whispers to her. She just smiles.

"Do you remember where the dunk tank is? Oh did y'all see the huge water slide? It's not just for kids. I bet it will be fun."

"Well not right off. Luke do y'all know where the dunk tank and water slide is?"

"Yes Ana we do. Come on get and we will get there faster."

They all climb in the side by side and off they go.

"Look Ana there's the water slide on the right and the dunk tank is down there on the left. Good thing are they are both at the end that way no one will get wet and there won't be water standing in the walkway"

"Yeah I see them. Do y'all want to go on the slides first or the dunk tank? How many of our guys are going down with us?'

"Let's do the slides first and cool off."

"Ana we are not going to do that. I have some guys that will follow you all to the slides and station themselves along the slides as you all come around and down it. Because it is open and they can watch all of you from all angles. We will be down here watching you all."

"Party poopers…I know I am just kidding… but you all know it would be fun."

"Yes we do but we are not doing it right guys?"

"Yes Ana the boss has spoken."

They all laugh.

"Oh well, maybe another time. Come on y'all let's slide."

"Wow Angel this is a high slide love. I am going down right behind you. I don't want you getting hurt."

"Thank you Christian my love. What would I do without you?"

"I hope we never have to find out angel."

"Come on Paula, race you to the top."

"You are on girlfriend, let's go."

Before Christian or Elliot could say anything the girls took off with Luke and Carter right behind them.

"I am going to get that woman. I swear she is going to give me a heart attack before I am thirty."

"Awe come on bro she loves this stuff and you need to loosen up some more."

"I just worry about her bro you know how I am."

"Yes Chris I know how you are but she knows what she is doing and this is supposed to be fun. Not Christian worry all night."

"Yes, yes I know that too. I'll lighten up or try too. It's just I love that little lady so much and if something were to happen to her god forbid what I might do."

"I know Christian but let's not think like that. She is a smart woman and knows how to handle herself and anyone around her. Hell she can out shoot our security and Paula. I worry about her too but I am losing the reins on her, some not all of them but some."

"So is she the one for you then bro?"

"Yes Christian she is. I have never felt like this with anyone else. She is my life like Ana is yours."

"I am happy for you El."

"Thanks Christian. Oh look we are at the top and they waited on us."

"Lordy a mercy we could have gone down and come back up again by the time you two slow pokes got up here Boo."

"Oh sorry we were talking and knew you two wouldn't go down without us love."

"Well it was very tempting but yes Boo we waited on y'all. Besides, the guys wouldn't let us go without you two."

They all walked over to the slides to where the employees were waiting for them.

"Alright everyone, how many are going?"

"Just us four." Ana points to each one of them.

"Alright now you all need to listen to me. I want each of you to grab a tube and I am going to explain how this works. I am sorry I am sure you all know but it is in my contract that I explain all of this to you for safety reasons. One last thing: are either of you pregnant? I am sorry I have to know."

"No we understand and no we are not."

"Good, that's good, I wouldn't want anything happening to you all."

"No problem we understand."

"Ok thank you. All you have to do is put the tube down and sit in and hold your feet up. You have two handles one on each side to hold on too. Now you have two curves and if you lean into them you can go around the curves pretty fast. Then you have a straightaway and a waterfall. Yes you will get wet but it will be fun I guarantee it. Then you will go to the bottom. Any questions? Do you all understand what have said

"Alright thank you and we understand."

"Well then are you all ready to go and get wet?"

They all say yes.

"Alright well the ladies start first then I will let you two go behind them."

"Sounds good."

"The guys will let you all go on the count of three."

"One, two, three go."

All you can hear is Ana and Paula laughing and screaming. You hear Elliot scream and holler. Christian is laughing and hollowering right along with all of them. He hears Ana cutting up laughing and hollering.

All of them are getting wet. Water is splashing all over the slides.

Christian continues to laugh and holler, getting louder and louder. He screams WET when he goes through the waterfall.

"Oh my lord, that was so much fun. We are soaking wet. I needed that to cool me off."

"Yes angel, that was very refreshing. I loved it. I loved hearing you laughing and hollering. Come on, let's get dunked."

"Lead the way Boo."

They walk down to the other side and see there is a line of kids waiting to dunk some people.

"They have two dunk tanks, are they both ours? Hey guys did y'all get wet too?"

"Yes Ana me and Troy did when you all came through the waterfall but it was fun and I needed cooling off. It is a hot day."

"Yes Ana they are. We figured with all the kids we would need more than one. While some of the kids are in the bouncy house the others could take advantage of the dunk tanks and vice-versa. A lot of them are playing games and riding rides too."

"Good idea y'all."

"Alright the poor guy is wet over there. Who is going next?"

"I'll go. Hold my walkie talkie Boo?"

"Are you sure Angel? You want to go first?"

"Yep that way I will be getting dry faster before the raffle. Why don't you take the other one?"

"Sure why not. El holds these for us."

He hands the walkie talkies to El.

"Come on love. Marcus, is it alright if we climb up then?"

"Yes Ms. Ana, be careful the ladder is very wet."

"Alright come on Boo you can help me and one of the guys can make sure you don't fall. I love you and this is going to be so much fun."

"I love you angel and yes it is."

Alright the kids are lining up and their parents are standing there with them. They are telling them who they are.

"Come on y'all put all you got into that ball and hit that target. Don't worry about who we are. We want to get wet and let them fly."

Ana looks over and sees Christian is on his seat and points in front of them and sees their family.

They both smile and wave.

"Oh my goodness will you look at them? They are kids again."

"Yes, they sure are."

Ray tells her and he is smiling.

"So damn happy she is getting him out of his shell."

"I know what you mean Theo. She has always pushed him but she never abused her pushing. I remember when he came to the house once to study with her she pushed him to get his math problems right. Oh he wanted to buck up and tell her what was what. But it didn't work for him. She put him in his place more than once. They got along so well together until they didn't. You know that young man broke her heart and I believe in my heart it broke his too."

"Yes Ray you are right he was never the same after that day. Now they are together and their hearts are healed with their undying love for each other. They are soulmates. They are meant for each other and no one else."

"No truer words have ever been said by my friend. Oh look Chris just went in the water."

They were all laughing as he got back on the bench again to go again.

"Oops there goes Annie."

"Oh my child she looks like a drowned puppy. Oh me she is getting back on the bench too."

"Are you both having that much fun?"

"Looks like they are Elliot."

"Yeah but I want a turn too."

"Are you pouting Elliot?"

"No, not me."

They all laugh.

They are standing there and watching one little girl trying to hit her target to knock Christian off his bench.

Elliot walks up to her after she looks at the little girl's parents. They nod their heads that it's ok.

"What's her name?"

"Sandy."

"Hey Sandy, can I help you?"

'Yes sir. I have tried a few times but it won't go the right way." She sniffles.

"Try it like this ok? Take the ball and hold it by the seam. See this?" Elliot points to the seam on the ball.

"Yes sir."

"Ok hold your fingers on the seam and put your arm back and then when you get to your side throw the ball as hard as you can. Make sure you keep your arm straight as you can, ok?"

"Ok I will try."

"Watch out Chris, you are going down."

"Come on Sandy, I know you can do it."

She holds the ball by the seam, pulls her arm back and moves it forward and when she gets to her side she throws it for all she is worth.

"Woo hoo she did."

"I did it, I did. Momma, daddy I did it. I put Mr. Christian in the water."

"Yes honey we see you did."

"Oh now we have a little boy trying to knock Ana off her bench this time."

"Looks like you got wet once sis?"

"Yeah I did and looks like I am fixing to again."

"Come on, what is your name, young man?"

"Lucas, Ms. Ana."

"Well nice to meet you Lucas. Now throw that ball and drop me in the water."

Lucas is older than Sandy by a few years. He might be able to hit the target.

"Need some help Lucas?"

"No ma'am I play little league baseball."

"Uh oh Ana we got a pro little leaguer here."

"Well let her rip young man. Show us what you got."

Ana says smiling and giggling.

Before she stops giggling she is in the water.

"Way to go, Lucas way to go young man."

"Alright I did it. Do you feel better now Ms. Ana?"

"Yes Lucas one hundred percent better. Do you like water and can you swim?"

"Yes we live near the beach and I swim all the time. Can I give it a try?"

"That is up to your parents. Let's go ask them."

"Hey Jamie and Carl, how are you all doing? Are you ready to come back to work Jamie?"

"Hello Ms. Ana we are doing good and yes I am more than ready to come back to work. It was nice being home but I miss the smells coming out of this place and trying all your new recipes you come up with. I miss doing the cooking here."

"Mom, dad can I get in the dunk tank? Ms. Ana said I could if it was alright with y'all."

"He told me he could swim and you all lived near the beach."

"Oh lord yes he is like a fish. Well if it is alright with you Ms. Ana, he can do it. His clothes will be dry before we leave."

"Elliot, will you come and take Lucas up to the dunk tank he wants to get wet?"

"Sure thing, then it's my turn."

"Come on little man let's go get you wet. Be careful on the ladder, it is very wet and slippery."

"Yes sir."

They walk over to the tank and Elliot helps him take off his shoes and shirt and then guides him up the ladder to the bench.

"Alright now when the target is hit a bell will sound and the bench will drop out from under you and you will fall in the water. Hold your breath and come back up."

"Got it Mr. Elliot. I'm good."

"Alright kid, I will be waiting right here for you."

There were kids after kids until finally a little bitty girl about seven years old comes up in a wheelchair and wants to try it.

Ana walks over to her and her family.

"Is it alright if I take her closer Betty Sue? This is Rachel right?"

"Yes Ms. Ana you can and yes this is our youngest daughter Rachel."

"Ok Rachel I am going to put you closer to the target so you can hit it."

"Ok Ms. Ana I am ready to dunk my buddy Lucas."

"You know Lucas?"

"Yes ma'am we are neighbors."

"Coolbeans."

Alright little one all you have to do is take the ball and hit the target."

She reaches out with the ball and touches the target hard and Ana pulls her back so she won't get wet.

"I did it, I did, I did it."

She is screaming and crying.

"Yes honey you did."

Elliot helps Lucas out of the tank.

"Rachel you did it I am so proud of you my friend."

"I have never been able to do that before Lucas, you know that."

"Yes I know and I am happy you did it."

They hug each other and start talking.

"Well we are going to walk around a little more before it is time for the raffle. You all know the raffle is up front at the new office building at midnight. Come on up there early and we will have a seat for you all."

"Alright thank you ma'am."

"You are welcome Carl, we will see you all later. Kids don't forget about the ferris wheel and carousel. You can sit on a horse or on one of the seats, Rachel."

"That will be fun, can we mom?"

"Sure we can. Are we heading in the right direction for the carousel Ms. Ana?"

"Yes you are hun."

"Betty Sue, don't forget to take a tour of the buildings. There are a lot of changes that have been made."

"Yes ma'am we are going there after Rachel has her ride on the carousel and ferris wheel."

"Good you all enjoy and have a great time. Oh Rachel, do you like funnel cakes?"

"Yes ma'am."

"If you all go back this way you will see the food truck that is making them. They are delicious especially with strawberries and the juice, not to mention the powdered sugar."

"Are they really that good Ms. Ana?"

"Yes honey , just ask my husband Christian and he will tell you."

Rachel walks over to Christian and looks up at him.

"Mr. Christian Ms. Ana told me to come and ask you if the funnel cakes were very good."

"Well little Miss. Rachel, they are very good."

"Ok then we will get one. Thank you sir."

"You are very welcome little one."

She walks back over to her parents.

"Come on momma and daddy let's go get a funnel cake with strawberries, juice and powdered sugar."

"Oh my goodness, sugar high today."

"Yes but just think she will be a happy little girl."

"Yes Mr. Christian she surely will and we always want them all happy."

"How many children do you have, Carl?"

"We have two boys Jimmy is twelve and Jason is fourteen."

"Nice size family Carl."

"Do you and Ms. Ana have any children?"

"No not right now we don't we just got married not too long ago. We want children but we will wait a while. We are deciding on our jobs right now and see where they take us. Not to mention all the charities we are starting. So baby making is on for a while. Besides, we are still in the honeymoon phase."

"Yes you have to have your priorities in order. I am sure you both will be great parents when the time comes."

"Yes we hope so and you think so?"

"Yes sir I do. The way you both were with Rachel and Lucas taking your time with them. I am sure you will be an excellent father. It is an amazing feeling when you first hear your baby's heartbeat and then wow you get to feel the baby move. You have the chance to make memories while Ms. Ana is pregnant, taking picture after picture of her growing y'alls little one. Those are memories you don't want to miss out on, believe me. I cherish each and every one."

"Yes I can't wait to have Ana carry my baby. I know she will be gorgeous, heck she is gorgeous now but I have heard about the glow women have when pregnant. My grandmother told me all about it. Not to mention Anna's grandmother, they both want a great grandbaby or three."

"Mr. Christian now the most important memory to cherish forever is the birth of your child no. When you hold that little one in your hands for the first time your heart will melt into pieces. That little one will have your heart forever. They are so precious and oh so little. They will need you to love and care for them. You will fall in love with your baby at first sight. It's amazing what that little bundle of joy will bring you."

"I am looking forward to every second of our pregnancy when we do get pregnant. I can't wait to be a father to a little girl or boy. It doesn't matter to me or Ana. We just want a healthy baby."

"Now one last thing and always remember this. My dad told me this when we were pregnant. I still remember it and follow his words to this day."

"Ok Carl I am listening as I said I want to be the best father I can be."

"Just remember young man your son or daughter is going to love you, worship you and hate you yes hate you. They are going to push your buttons no matter their age. They are going to be unruly. They will want things their way and expect you to give it to them. When you tell them no and why they can't do this or have that they will say you don't love me. Just remember that's them rebelling on you. Wanting you to give in." "

See if you give in one time they will expect it everytime. Kids no matter if they are five, ten or a teenager they are going to try and get their way. Just keep a cool head and talk to them. If all that fails, always pull out the big guns…MOM… No kid likes it when mom looks at them with those MOM eyes and disappointment on her face. It works every time."

"Always listen with your heart and let them talk. Talk it through with them. Explain why they can't do this or that. Screaming and yelling doesn't help. If it gets to that point the best thing to do is walk away, regroup and talk when everyone calms down. Believe me you and them will be happy you did. You will be the best father there is."

"Thank you Carl I will always remember that. Thank you for the advice."

"Words to live by my friend."

"Yes Mr. Christian they are and I live by them everyday."

"Again thank you for the advice. Looks like Ana and Betty Sue are through talking. Let's go back to our wives. You know it feels awesome to call Ana my wife."

As they are walking and talking they stop again.

"Yes I know the feeling. Remember to always talk out your problems and never, never, ever go to bed angry. Remember she is the one you promised to love, honor and cherish no matter what."

"Yes I know and I will."

"Ok, ok enough of the old man talk. I just felt like you needed to hear that is all."

"Well thank you I believe I did. I also get words of wisdom from my grandparents and Ana's dad Ray and even her grandmother Sadie. She won't take any crap from anyone. She tells it like it is."

"They are the ones that we look up to and follow in their footsteps. They will not lead us in the wrong direction. You might think they will but they are there for you always."

"Yes I have found that out. They have stuck with me through thick and then all in between you know what I mean."

"Yes sir I do."

They start walking over to their wives.

"There y'all are. We thought you got lost."

"No angel, we were just talking about families."

"Ok well are you ready to walk some more and finish getting dry? I don't think we need any more clothes unless you want to change."

"No sweetheart, I am good."

"Elliot, do you and Paula want to change clothes? We are almost dry."

"Naw we are good and about dry too."

"It was good seeing you Betty Sue and Carl. Take care of that little one and the boys. Make sure you take a tour of the buildings."

"Yes ma'am we will, it's still early and Rachel wants to do some things outside."

"Alright we will see you all later and then at the raffel."

"Yes Ms. Ana you will see me and my momma and dad."

Alright little one later."

"Bye y'all."

"Where did everyone go? I guess we stayed to long talking."

"They said they would see us later. Ana they are going to ride some easy rides. That's what gran and granmomma said to tell you."

"Well I guess we will find them near the ferris wheel and carousel. Come on time to ride the ferris wheel then the carousel. Maybe the bumpercarsifIamlucky."

"Nope, not going to happen angel."

"Um you got that huh?"

"Yes, sugar pie I sure did."

She busted out laughing at him trying to talk southern.

"No sweetheart of mine, I was just kidding."

"Come on, let's go on the double ferris wheel angel."

"Elliot we are going on the double one too."

He looks at her like she is crazy.

"Oh come on don't tell me you are afraid to ride the double ferris wheel when you are thousands of feet in the air on your jobs?"

"No I am not, I just don't want to ride that one. I still have a full belly. Let's go on the other ferris wheel or maybe the swings love."

"Ok let's go ride on the swings."

"See you all later. We'll catch up with you along the way."

They walk back the other way and find the swings and the ferris wheel.

"You want to go on the swings? Are you sure? You said you had a full belly. I don't want you getting sick. You know the swings get higher and faster as you go around and around on them."

"Yes love I know. I won't get sick. Come on."

They walk over to the line and wait their turn.

"Are you sure El?"

"Yes baby I am positive now come on. We are next in line."

Paula is not sure about this so she makes sure she gets in front of his swing.

The ride starts and it gets higher and higher and faster and faster.

Paula looks back at him and he has lost his color. As a matter of fact his face has turned pea green and looks like he is about to throw up. Oh lord, the people behind him are going to get covered in his throw up.

"Stop the ride, let us off now. He is about to be sick."

The employee sees her motioning for him to stop the ride and her pointing at Elliot. It's a few minutes to bring it down.

Everyone behind El is hiding their faces in case he throws up.

Finally it has stopped and he is out of the swing and running over to the bushes and throwing everything up he has eaten.

Paula wets a rag and wipes his forehead and face. The employee gives her a bottle of water for Elliot.

"Thank you so much. I am sorry you had to cut the ride short."

"No problem, we have had to do it for other riders, not just him."

"Are you alright now sir?"

"Yes I am better thank you so much."

He walks back over to the swings and tells everyone to get back on their swing and they do.

"Come on El let's go find everyone. I think the ferris wheels are that way. Yes I see the double one the lights are coming on now. Oh wow that thing is high."

They walk on over the grounds to the ferris wheel and carousel and see some of their family.

"Hey y'all are Christian and Ana riding this thing?"

"Hey yes they are. They have both grans up there with them. Those buckets are big enough for four people to ride."

"Wow, I didn't know that."

"El you don't look so good son."

"Yeah, I had a little mishap on the swings a while ago."

"Oh don't tell me you got sick son."

"Yes Ray I did. I guess I should have come on over here and rode the regular ferris wheel instead of the swings."

"Would have been the smart thing to do young man."

"Yes grandpa I know that now."

"I asked him and asked him and he said he was sure and he was fine with the swings. But I knew he wasn't. I swear I looked back at him one time he had lost his color and the next second he was pea green. I yelled for them to stop the ride and they did just in time."

"My goodness Elliot I hope you are alright now."

"Yes guys I am better. I have learned my lesson. But when I was younger I could ride those swings right after I ate six to ten hotdogs."

"The word here is Was…you are not a young kid anymore. Your body has changed since them days."

"Yes I know."

They waited for everyone to get off the ferris wheel and they all got in the side by sides and rode around to the carousel.

"How were the swings? Elliot, you don't look so good."

"To make a long story short let's just say they had to cut the ride short for me so I could get off. Go ahead and tell me I shouldn't have rode the swings."

"Oh no I am not saying one word. I believe you already know and learned the hard way. Are you alright now? Do you need to go to your house?"

"Oh no I am better and I am staying until the end of this shindig."

"I think I want to take one more walk through the buildings before we have the raffle. Would you all like to see what El and his guys have done? I know you were here when they showed us the new office building and picnic areas but I don't think you walked through the plant did you?"

"No Annie Rose we didn't. I for one want to see it. I have to look at it and make sure it is safe."

"Come on granmomma I will show you around personally."

"Well, aren't you a gentleman? Lead the way, my fine young man. Are you feeling better?"

"Yes granmomma I am thank you."

They all walk into the first building and look around. They see there are new floors and the walls have bright colorful murals on them with a blue background. There are babies, bottles, desserts, people smiling and feeding happy little ones. There are baby beds and swings. There is a bright yellow sun, the blue sky, trees and flowers of every color you can imagine.

"Oh my Elliot this is amazing and I love the bright cheerful colors. Nothing dark and drab looking. This is a place that everyone would like to walk into first thing in the morning and have a smile on their faces."

"Thank you granmomma I just did what Ana asked me to do."

"Well son you did a fantastic job. Did you do the murals?"

"Yes grandpa I did."

"I knew you could draw Elliot but I have never seen your work before. This is really amazing. I think I want you to paint something on our yacht when we have it brought down. Also some rooms in our new house after you build it."

"Just tell me what you want and I will be more than happy to do it for you."

"Thank you, I know you will. Have you done anything like this in your house? I haven't seen all of it, just downstairs."

"I am working on putting something in the family room and Paula wants something soothing in the bathroom."

"Oh that sounds lovely. I will have to come and see it when you get it done. I do know what she likes."

'Ana I would tell you but it is going to be a surprise for her. She just told me what she liked and I am going with that idea."

"Ok well I don't want to ruin the surprise so you don't have to tell me what it is."

"Ok you all come on let me show what I did as we walk to where everyone swipes their badge for work. I really hope you and Christian like it. This wasn't done the last time you were here. It is my gift to you and your employees."

"Alright El let me see what you are so proud of. I can see the smile from over here."

"Keep in mind if you don't like it, I can just paint the walls a bright color."

"Elliot, let me see what you have done please."

"Christian cover her eyes please? No one has seen this but me."

Christian puts his hands over her eyes and guides her down the hall and stops.

"On the count of three, open your eyes. I am going to open the door first before I start counting."

"Ok just hurry up. I am anxious to see what you have done."

Elliot opens the door.

"Alright Ana, one, two, three."

She opens her eyes and she can't believe what he has done. She stands there but no words are coming out of her mouth. She gasps out loud.

"Oh my lord what have you done Elliot? I can't, I don't have words to express what I am looking at. I am stunned."

"Elliot my lord this is beyond my imagination son."

"Adele would you look at? I have no words either Annie Rose."

"Elliot Trevelyan this never crossed my mind that you would do this."

"Bro, how did you come up with this?"

AN: Yes I know I am stopping with a cliffhanger but it won't be long. I'll be back with chapter 24 in two shakes of a sheep's tail…as my momma always said.

Thank you all again for the prayers. I'm getting back to myself. I just thought this chapter would be a fun one. Had enough sadness for a while.

Thank you all for the reviews and sorry this is late