“Nate and Jesse are having an intense battle at the pool table,” Sean said. “And I think Jess might actually win this one.”
“He’s been practicing for months,” Lucy said. “He’s competitive, just like his father.” She smiled. Jesse had been a blessing in their lives, and she loved him more every day.
Their security system beeped a few seconds before the doorbell rang.
“That must be Kane and Siobhan,” Sean said as he got up. “They made good time.”
He opened the door. “Dillon!”
Lucy jumped up. Finally!
“They got us on an earlier flight,” Dillon said.
There was a lot of commotion at the door, and Lucy walked over.
Dillon and Kate weren’t the only ones who made an earlier flight.
“Patrick!” Lucy ran out and hugged her brother tightly. “You said you couldn’t come.”
Tears burned behind her eyelids.
He hugged her just as tightly back. “You can thank Dillon and Kate. They know people. Sean promised there would be enough food, so we brought guests.”
Lucy looked behind Patrick. Elle stood there with three kids, a teenage girl and two younger boys.
Lucy took a deep breath. Patrick loved Elle, and she would learn to love her, too. She walked over, smiled, and gave Elle a hug. “I’m so glad you came.” She looked at the kids. “I’m Lucy.”
Elle said, “Marianna, Pedro, and Carlos. I still don’t know how Kate got the judge to let me take them out of state, but I owe her big-time.”
Kate shook her head. “When the rules are stupid, we find a way to get around them.” She playfully hit Sean in the arm. “Isn’t that right, Sean?”
He grinned. “No comment. Kane’s still thirty minutes out, but you’re probably hungry. I have appetizers.”
“And a beer, I hope,” Patrick said.
“Harp, just for you, pal.”
They walked into the house. Lucy had never been happier. She put her arm around Sean. “You knew.”
“I knew Kate and Elle were working on it. Those kids lost everything and the system jerked them around. Split them up into three different foster homes. Marianna has been in and out of trouble, but most of it stemming from just trying to survive in a shitty home life. Elle wanted them together for Thanksgiving, but the judge wouldn’t let them leave DC—that’s why Patrick and Elle were going to stay. Kate pulled strings. She’s pretty amazing.”
“You’re pretty amazing, too.”
Sean kissed her. “I know.”
They followed their family and new friends into the house. Lucy blinked back tears.
Life is good.