When Fate Steps In

Chapter 98 A Night with the Family

Chapter 98 A Night with the Family

After Wednesday's near encounter Honor and Rory tried it again Thursday. It was successful. After Shira almost saw them, Honor was convinced they were doing the right thing. Rory showed him the lingerie she bought Wednesday but fell asleep before Logan could get the boys to bed. Logan ordered pizza and picked it up on his way home Thursday night. He wanted to get the crew fed and in bed at a reasonable time. Rory's new lingerie kept him distracted most of the afternoon. While Rory was getting boys to bed, Karson and Ricky were watching a movie in the pool house, Logan finished cleaning up the kitchen. On his way upstairs, Mitchum called. Although they were still renovating the Huntzburger Manor, the first floor was done. Cynthia wanted to invite the family over for supper. Mitchum even said he would grill. The weather started warming up a little.

Logan left work early Friday so they could get to Mitchums before dark. Cynthia called to say she and Jessi set up some games to play on the back patio, Corn hole, badminton, ring toss. On the way to the manor, Rory told Logan, this was the first time she was looking forward to going to that house. He laughed. "Yeah, me too." Will piped up in the back seat "Mommy, you don't like going to visit Pa Mitch?" "That was a long time ago buddy. Nothing for you to worry about." Logan said, looking at him in the mirror. Rory had dressed Will in the orange polo and khaki pants and Chris in the blue polo and khaki pants. She knew that Cynthia and Jessi still needed help.

When they arrived, Honor, Josh and the boys were already there. You could hear them laughing in the yard. As Logan and Rory were getting the boys out of the car seats, she reminded them to use their manners. Karson and Ricky pulled up before Logan and Rory went in.

The four of them went to the patio. Logan and Rory stop just outside the door observing. Mitchum was grilling steaks and hot dogs. He had on a pair of khaki and a sweater with the sleeves rolled up. Josh was playing badminton with Samuel, while Joshua and Jessi had a game of Corn Hole going on. The twins were watching Joshua and Jessi. Logan turned around to see Cynthia and Honor coming from upstairs. They were laughing about something. "Little brother, late as always." Honor said. Logan laughed. Ricky and Karson had moved past them and were watching Joshua and Jessi with the twins.

After a round of greetings, Honor asked Logan if he would like wine or a beer? "I'll take a beer and my wife will take a bottle of water." Honor moved the drink cart "Does anyone need a refill or just need a drink. Got wine and beer. I could round up some scotch or vodka if I looked hard enough." "Honor, grab me a light beer if you don't mind," Mitchum said. "Ricky, you want a beer? Karson wine?" Honor said. They both answered beer.

After Logan got his beer, he walked over to his dad. "You know, this is the kind of family life I used to dream about," Logan said. "I know I was not the father you wanted. I have a second chance. I don't have your grandfather telling me what I should do or not do in my marriage. I hope to have more gatherings like this. If I had married someone like Cynthia or Rory, I could have stood up to Pop. Logan, I am sorry." Mitchum said. Before Logan could answer, he heard a squeak coming from Jessi as Will and Chris chased her. Logan smiled. "I hope they don't have a frog they are trying to throw on her. I was about that age when I discovered Honor would squeal like that if I threatened her with a frog or a bug." Logan said. Logan and Mitchum were watching and laughing. Rory stood up to go tell the boys to stop chasing Jessi when Logan patted his dad on the back. "Let's enjoy the life we have. Try not to look back on our mistakes, unless it is to learn from them." He walked toward Rory, "Ace, they are little boys. They are doing what they are supposed to do. If Jessi is anything like Honor, she will seek revenge." The whole lot of them were laughing now. It seems Jessi has turned on the boys and is chasing them.

They all enjoyed an evening meal sitting on the patio. All the kids were sitting at the table with the adults. After the kids finished eating, Karson and Ricky took them for ice cream at the shop downtown. Logan sat back. He was just observing again. Rory, Honor, and Cynthia were deep in a conversation about decorating. Logan didn't know which house they were talking about. He heard his name and looked up. Mitchum and Josh were talking about President Biden. Logan nodded his head. It was time to get in the conversion.

Karson and Ricky dropped Jessi, Samuel, Joshua off. They took Will and Chris with them. Rory asked Cynthia if they had been invited to the engagement party tomorrow. "Rory, I don't think so. Mitch, did we get an invitation to the Hayden engagement party?" "Invitation?" Mitchum answered. "I was asking if you and Cynthia got an invitation to my dad and Lana's engagement party tomorrow night?" Rory asked. "Oh, yes. We did. I didn't RSVP, I guess I should have." "If you would like to go, I will call Lana and have her put your names on the list." Cynthia looked at Mitchum. Introducing Cynthia to society could be tricky, but with Honor and Logan at this party, this may be the best way. "If you would like to go, you can have her include our names" Rory looked at Cynthia waiting for her to answer. "Yes," Rory said, "I will make the call. Logan, can I have your phone?" Rory asked as she stood up. "If you would like, we can all go together. Jessi can stay with Karson. She is staying home with them. Rory said as she stepped away to call Lana.