November 27, 1999 (Saturday)

Matty woke up in his old room that he rarely had slept in. Leann was fast asleep in the bed next to him. Jamie was sleeping on a roll away bed next to his. He got out of bed and went into the living room. The couch was still there but the big television and his game systems were all gone. His dad had them shipped to Arlington since they were newer and more modern than what had been in the game room of the basement.

He went to his parents' bedroom door to see if it was unlocked. It was locked. He wasn't going to knock. He decided he would just go to the main house. Chef would make him breakfast. He would need to get dressed first.

He went quietly into his bedroom and grabbed some clothes out of his suitcase. Matty went in the bathroom and put on jeans and a Georgetown sweatshirt. He didn't have to put on his suit yet. The wedding was not until 4PM. He walked across the courtyard to the main house. He opened the door and walked in. He made his way to the kitchen. Chef was making breakfast. He smiled at him. "Young master Matthew. It is so nice to see you again. I had already left for the evening when your family arrived last night." Chef poured Matty a cup of coffee and handed it to him.

"You will have to wait on breakfast a little bit. It is quite early. It is only 5:30AM. I will be clearing out by 9AM so that I can attend the wedding. They hired caterers for this event, but I offered to make the breakfast for everyone. Irene wanted my wife and I to attend the wedding as guests. I have to say it is nice to see her so happy. Your brother is just what she needed. He is bringing some life into this house again."

Then Phillip came in the room. "Hey Chef." He smiled. "Good morning, Master Phillip. Excited for your big day?" Phillip actually looked super nervous but smiled. "Yes sir. Can I get some of that coffee? I think I am going to need it today. Hey little dude. You're up early too? Not another nightmare I hope." Matty nodded no. Matty signed to Phillip. "No, I just couldn't sleep anymore. I'm excited for your wedding. I wish you could come back home to Arlington though."
Phillip smiled. "Oh, we totally are. It's just until her brother's trial is over. The important thing. Has your dad been taking good care of Vetty?" Matty nodded yes. Then he signed. "Well except for when the door got ripped off again, but Leatherneck is fixing that." Matty was just messing with him. Phillip's facial reaction was priceless. Matty started laughing. "You're joking. That was not cool little dude. Joking about my girl like that on my wedding day? Irene and I need to get back to Arlington pronto so I can stop Jamie's bad influence over you." Phillip put Matty in a headlock and started giving him a gentle noogie.

Just then their mother came in the kitchen. "Phillip, do not noogie your little brother." Phillip looked at her. "But mom he was making jokes at the expense of Vetty." His mother started laughing and went over to Phillip and hugged him. "I missed you sweetheart. After today your Irene's problem" Phillip smiled. "You know I will always be your problem too mother. You love me too much." She hugged him again. "That is very true. I can't believe my baby is getting married today."

Then she went over to Matty. "Were you teasing him about Vetty?" Matty nodded yes. "I told him the door got ripped off again." His mother laughed. "I would have told him she got shot up again too." Phillip looked at them. "C'mon can't a guy's family be nice to him on his wedding day? Really? Stop it with the Vetty jokes already. She is actually fine though, right?"

"Yes sweetheart. Lee loves that car too you know. He has been taking good care of her for you. Although there was the Choco Blocko shake incident with Leann when they went through the drive-thru but other than that Vetty's fine." Phillip whined. "Seriously mom stop it." She smiled. "I'm sorry sweetheart but you just make it too easy."

Then Matty tapped on his mom. "Do you think he's going to be ok with the plan of writing Just Married on the back window and tying the cans to the back of Vetty?" His mother tapped back. "Your dad is willing to take the heat for it. And I think Phillip is going to be very happy that your dad had her shipped over here as a surprise for him and he gets to take both of his girls on his honeymoon."

Just then Chef spoke, "I am sorry to interrupt but would you like some coffee madame?" His mother smiled. "Yes, I would love some." He gave her a cup. "Can I just say what a pleasure it is to meet you madame. Your son is an absolute delight." Phillip smiled. "Well thank you Chef. I really think very highly of you as well." Chef spoke. "I mean young master Matthew." "Really, you are getting in the make fun of Philip action too now, Chef?" Chef laughed. "Well like your mother said you do make it quite easy." Philip just smiled and let it roll off.

Then Phillip said, "Well I'm going to go for a run. Work off some nerves. Matty, Sven is here. He came in early to coordinate with the Agents your dad sent for extra security for the wedding. You should go take mom to meet him. He's so cool. He looks like Dolph Lundgren. Hot tip though. Do not try and make him quote lines from Rocky IV. He does not like that. He's been teaching me martial arts too. I think when Irene & I go back Arlington next year. I am going to finally be able to take down Doctor Pain. We'll see you both in a little bit. I'm off."

Matty took his mother's hand and led her to the security station. Matty knocked on the door and Sven opened the door and smiled at him. "Sunshine, you have come home." He gave Matty a big hug. Then Sven said, "And you must be Lee's wife." Sven hugged his mom too. "Lee was very sad when he thought you were dead. I was most happy when I heard of the misunderstanding. I cannot wait to see Lee again as well. It is very early I am guessing he is still asleep?" His mom spoke. "Yes. I understand you are responsible for my son's martial art skills." Sven laughed. "No Matty is responsible for those skills himself. This young man has a lot of talent. Very smart and patient boy and a good listener for someone who cannot hear. Your other son Phillip not as patient and not as good of a listener. Are you sure Lee is not the father of him as well? I can keep a secret."

His mother laughed, "No, I did not even know Lee back then. But thank you Sven. It has been a pleasure to meet you. My husband and sons think very highly of you. Thank you for coming in so early to help coordinate the security for the wedding." Sven smiled. "It is my pleasure." They left the security office.

Then Matty tapped on her, "Do you want to see my grandmother's room? There are all kinds of journals that she wrote as a teenager. Dad used to read them all the time. I read them too. I bet dad wouldn't mind if we took them back to Arlington with us. I bet you would really like them, mom."

His mother smiled. "I would love to see your other grandmother's childhood room and her journals, Matty." They walked into the room. It was preserved just as it had been when his grandmother was a teenager. There was a canopy bed and a beautiful antique dollhouse. A record player from the 30s and big band and swing records from the 30s.

"Oh my gosh this room is beautiful." Matty signed. "Dad & I stayed in this room when we first came here until the guest house was ready." Then Matty grabbed a couple of journals and handed them to her. "These two are really good. They all are. But I think you will like these two best. They are my favorites of her journals. Grandmother and her best friend Nora have a falling out over a boy in this one. Nora may be at the wedding. She lives in California she married an American soldier too during WWII. Doctor Williams is her father he lives a couple of estates down and was one of Grandfather's closest friends."

His mother took the books. "Well, we are spending the entire week over here. I'm sure I will meet everybody. I hear voices. I think more people are up. We should head back down to the dining area. Maybe breakfast will be ready by now."

There was a breakfast buffet setup in the dining room. His grandmother and Harry were there. His father, Leann, and Jamie. His mother went over to his father and kissed him. "Are those my mother's journals you have in your hand?" She smiled. "Matty thought I'd like these." He smiled. "Oh, you will. Those two are the best ones that Matty gave you. My mother was a good writer. We should take all the journals back home with us. I'm sure Leann will like them too when she gets older."

They sat at the table next to Leann and Jamie. "I'm glad you four are finally here. You missed one heck of a bachelor party for Phillip, Lee. Wasn't as insane as yours was but Aunt Francine just got in last night too." They were supposed to be there earlier in the week but since his dad was section chief now. They had delayed the trip until Friday because of an assassination plot against the president. His mother did not want his father to spend Thanksgiving Day alone. So, she hdelayed the four of them flying over to London until yesterday. Matty was glad his dad and Francine were able to resolve the assassination plot before the wedding. He knew it would have killed his dad if he had to miss Phillip & Irene's wedding.

After they ate breakfast, his mother decided to check on Irene and see if she needed help with anything. His dad took Jamie, Leann, and him to the garage to show them the cars. Sven was there. He walked over and hugged his father. "It is so good to see you again, Lee. We have all really missed you and Matty. Although Phillip has been a nice addition to the household. I am happy for Irene and him." His dad smiled. "It is good to see you as well, Sven. Did the car arrive? Phillip doesn't suspect anything right?"

Sven laughed. "No, you were smart to let Irene in on the secret. She distracted him when the car arrived. I took the Camaro home and put the corvette in its place with the same car cover as the Camero. Phillip has been driving the Ferrari mostly since he has been over here. Now is this your daughter?"

His dad smiled, "It is. Leann this is Sven." Leann looked at him. "Hello sir. It's nice to meet you." Sven smiled at her. "It is wonderful to meet you too. You are a very pretty girl." She looked at him. "Thank you. While we are here. Do you think you can teach me to be a ninja like Matty?" Sven laughed. "I don't know that there will be enough time. But I think Matty's skills may have even surpassed mine. I think he could teach you."

Then Leann went over to a 1963 red Porsche. "Oh daddy, I like this one. I want this one when I'm old enough to drive." Their dad smiled. "Consider it done. Junior. You know I used to have a Porsche just like that, but it was Silver." His dad turned to Jamie." What about you kid? Change your mind about having a car yet?" Jamie smiled. "If I ever move out of New York City. I'll take you up on that. "

Then Lee said, "You got the chalk marker for the back window of Vetty, Sven?" He pulled it out. "You want to do the honors, Jamie? Or do you want me to do it?" Jamie grinned. "I would love to do it. Can't we use permanent marker or spray paint instead?" They all laughed. Then they went and tied the streamers and tin cans to the back of the car.

Afterwards they all went back and started getting ready for the actual wedding. Matty put on his suit. His dad helped Matty with his tie. Leann had gone with their mom to get ready. She was the flower girl.

They went to where they were supposed to line up for the wedding march. Jamie was best man, Matty, Lee & Uncle Joe were groomsmen. Irene's maid of honor was her friend Trish. Irene had asked his mom, grandmother, Carrie, and Aunt Francine to be bridesmaids last minute so it would not look so lopsided. Irene also had no family in attendance. Lee had agents stationed around the house in case Irene's family did decide to come to the wedding.

The men walked down the aisle and lined up. As they were waiting for the wedding march to start playing. Jamie said, "Oh crap. I forgot the rings." Phillip's face turned pale. Then Jamie started laughing, "Just kidding worm brain." Phillip punched him in the arm. "Not cool Doofus." But Phillip was laughing with him.

The wedding march started playing and Leann came out wearing a light pink dress with a matching ribbon in her hair. She started spreading the flowers. She was followed by Irene who was blonde again and looked beautiful in her wedding dress. The way the dress was designed and the way she was holding her flowers. The baby bump was not that noticeable.

Matty looked at Phillip and was looking at Irene with pure love in his eyes and a sweet smile on his face. They all lined up and Phillip and Irene joined hands. The Minister began to speak. "We are gathered here today to unite Phillip Thomas King & Irene Maria Kovacs Hamilton in holy matrimony." Matty started looking at the crowd. Seeing all his friends and family. He smiled. But because he had started looking at the crowd. He missed some of what the minister said. When he paid attention again. The minister was saying, "Speak now or forever hold your peace." Jamie looked like he was about to say something, but Phillip elbowed him in the ribs.

Phillip and Irene said their vows to each other and exchanged rings. Then the minister said, "By the powers vested to me by the Church of England, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may now kiss the bride." Phillip kissed Irene and everyone clapped.

His family all posed for some pictures after the wedding. Phillip & Irene had hired one of Jamie's friends as the photographer. Phillip wanted Jamie to have fun at his wedding and not do double duty as photographer and best man. Then Phillip & Irene did the receiving line. Matty, Jamie and his dad went to the reception tent that was set up near the grounds.

Matty saw Tony and ran over to him and hugged him. "Sunshine, it is so good to see you, mate. I can't wait to meet your mother. Mine couldn't make it today. She was feeling under the weather." His dad hugged Tony as well. "It is good to see you again, kid. Thanks for everything. All you did." Tony smiled. "You saved my life, Lee. Gave my mother and I a better life. Least I can do is help you and your family out whenever you need it. I will never be able to repay you for what you did for my mum and me. Speaking of mums. Where's Sunshine's mum? I really want to meet her."

His mother came over. His dad smiled. "Amanda, I'd like you to meet Tony Montez. Tony this is my wife." His mother smiled. "Well, it is a pleasure to finally meet you. I've heard so much about you. Thank you for everything you did to help Lee & Matty." Tony shook her hand. "It was my pleasure."

The wedding reception was a lot of fun. Everyone from Matty's old life and his new life were there. Phillip and Irene were a very happy couple. Jamie gave a nice Best Man's speech about what a great brother Phillip was and that he was really happy that Phillip had found his player 2.

When it was time to see the couple off, they all through rice at them and as the headed to the car. Phillip face lit up when he saw the Corvette. "Vetty's here?" He broke protocol and ran over to his dad. "You shipped Vetty here for me?" His dad smiled. "Yeah Chief. I mean you needed both your girls at your wedding." Phillip hugged his dad. "You just made this day even more perfect. Thanks Lee. That's not paint or permanent marker in the back window though, is it?" His dad laughed. "No, I stopped Jamie in time. It's just from a chalk marker. It will wash right off." Phillip hugged him again. "You really are the best. Lee. Thank you." His dad smiled. "Anything for my new grandpa. No go your new wife is waiting."

Then Phillip ran back over to Irene, and they got into Vetty and drove off to Paris for their honeymoon.

January 1, 2000 (Saturday)

It was New Year's Day, Matty was sitting on the couch with his dad watching college football eating tortilla chips and guacamole. Jamie was with them too, but he was reading a book instead of paying attention to the game. Leann was at the Gilstrap house. When their mother came in the room. "That was Phillip on the phone. Irene had the babies." His dad spoke. "You mean baby, Amanda?" His mother smiled. "No, I mean babies. She had twins. They had a boy and a girl. They named them James Matthew King & Amanda Leann King. They were born January 1, 2000, at 2AM & 2:15AM. We are officially grandparents now, Lee. We are going to need to go back to London.

I can take Matty with me now since we've been homeschooling him this year anyway. Leann can miss a little bit of school. It's just kindergarten and she's very smart. She can catch up. She can already read and write."

Matty was very happy for Phillip and Irene. Things really were going well for his family. Matty felt like the dark times were behind them. Hopefully, there would just be good times for their family from now on.

Notes:

Oh Matty, if only I was not working on the sequel to this story. But the Stetson/West/King family will have at least six years of good times ahead.

Coming soon to a Fanfiction site near you! Prodigal Son II: In His Own Words (The Sequel/Prequel)
16 year old Matty Stetson regains the ability to speak, and more hijinks ensue. Matty & Lee tell the story of when they first went to England. Plus, Karbala is still out there. But will Matty be the target this time?

Also thank you to everyone that's read and reviewed my crazy story. I really appreciate it.:):):)

I am working on a couple of companion stories that go with this one and a Prodigal Son Alternate Perspectives and you'll be able to get some of the conversations that were missed in this one. Can I write in a perspective other than a 10 year old deaf boy? Umm maybe? You will find out very soon.