Even though Coby was the youngest, he was noticeably larger than his brothers and Little David. He was going to be a big kid. Mom had pulled out my baby records, and Coby was a little taller and heavier than I was at that age. His pediatrician guessed he would be as tall as or a little taller than me when he grew up. Pam claimed he would be the perfect size to be a competitive swimmer.
I was rescued from entertainment duty when Momma Ashley and Momma Scarlet announced it was time for the little ones to eat. I had to smile as I watched Tami pitch in.
◊◊◊
We had a houseful by the time dinner was ready. I was impressed by the Italian-themed spread Melanie had put on. My brother and I filled our plates and found a quiet corner so we could catch up.
“Did Mom tell you what Angie did?” I asked.
“Yeah. Are you going to fire her?” he asked.
“I’m not a hundred percent sure, but it looks like it,” I admitted.
“That’s going to hurt because the hours are flexible and it helps pay the bills,” he explained.
“Maybe we could find her something in the office where she wouldn’t be exposed to temptation,” I suggested.
He seemed relieved and then got serious.
“I sometimes don’t understand her. She loves what she’s doing, and it helped the pregnant girls in a meaningful way. I would hate to see the good work end because of what she did.”
“Alright, I’ll make you a deal. I’ll make sure the charity keeps running, and Angie has a job through college. After that, I don’t want her working for me.”
“I don’t blame you. Family only goes so far,” he agreed. “I’m just glad you’re not going to put us in a bind.”
“If the situation were reversed, you would help me out,” I said.
“You know I would.”
Uncle John interrupted us.
“Your mom says you have a kitten I’m supposed to take home.”
“Satan’s Spawn?” Greg asked.
“Yep. Come up to my apartment, and I’ll introduce you,” I said.
“I’ve got to see this,” Greg said, not being very helpful.
We walked up to the apartment, with Greg leading the way. When he reached the top of the stairs, Satan’s Spawn yowled a warning, and Greg about fell down them. If Uncle John hadn’t steadied him, he might have gone for a tumble.
“Aren’t you a pretty boy?” Uncle John said as he walked around Greg.
I hurried up because I wanted to watch the show. Satan’s Spawn eyed my uncle, but Uncle John kept talking to him and not making a move towards him. I couldn’t believe my eyes when the silly kitten decided that my uncle was okay and came to him.
“I think we’ll be fine,” Uncle John said to make my day. “Most likely, I’ll have to rename him, or your aunt will send him back.”
“By all means. I think the name was meant more as a joke than anything else. I’m sure he’ll make a great farm cat,” I predicted.
“He looks like a lion cub. You could name him Leo or Simba,” Greg suggested.
“Better yet, I’ll let my wife name him,” Uncle John said.
Both Greg and I rolled our eyes at him, even though he’d just schooled us. He did have a good idea now and then.
“Fantastic! Mom and Dad will be off my back for me letting our neighbor’s cat have kittens in the apartment. I owe you,” I said.
“Your mom said you were allowing us to stay in your apartment tonight,” Uncle John said with a smile.
Tomorrow was my meeting with Caryn regarding the businesses. I guessed Uncle John must be staying the night for that. I would just pack a bag and stay with either my grandmother or in one of Brook’s cabins. If I had to bet, it would be off to the farm with Grandma Dawson.
We all went back downstairs, and I spent time with everyone. It was good to be home.
◊◊◊
Chapter 21 – Change is Good, Right? Friday December 30
Our meeting was at my company’s office. Since it was scheduled for the first thing, I talked my grandma into going to Granny’s West for breakfast.
Before I left, I called Chuck.
“Where are you? I’m supposed to pick you up this morning,” he said, sounding a bit put out.
“I’m at my farm with my grandmother. She’ll be giving me a ride this morning to our office, and I’ll be there most of the day. I want you to go to O’Hare and pick up Fritz, Halle, and Rita,” I explained.
Halle had told me what flight they would be on. Chuck agreed but still gave me grief for slipping my leash. When they dropped me off at night, I was supposed to stay home. For the most part, I agreed with what they told me, but sometimes I just needed them not to be breathing down my neck.
When we arrived at Granny’s West, I found there was a crowd of unexpected guests. Bev and Jack Mass had come down from Chicago, and Frank Ingram and Kent Crain were in from LA. At another table was Brook with her mom and grandmother.
“Mind if we join you?” I asked Brook’s mother, Ava.
At first, I couldn’t remember Brook’s grandmother’s name, which I was reminded was Grace Davenport. After we’d made introductions, I got up and walked around to say good morning to everyone. When I came back, I saw that they’d brought everyone a cinnamon roll.
