Zac, Fatima, and Baby J were headed to the airport to meet Fred and Patrick. They will all be boarding at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to meet their family in Napa.
It will be about 30 years since he last saw his mom or sister. They've contacted each other a few times via mail, but that's it.
They've already landed in Cali.
"Dad. How do you feel?" Fatima decided to check on him.
"Nervous." He responded.
A man with long dreads walked up to them. "Are you Mr. Fred Wilson-Marino?"
"Yes." Mr. Fred was stunned; he hadn't been called that in forever.
The driver drove them all to the Marino Estate.
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It was a $20 million private estate. 8+/- acres of Cabernet vineyards producing award-winning wines. The main residence is an architecturally significant 4br/4.5ba home and 3br/2ba guest tower, purported as the highest structure in Napa County. Large lap pool and lush green lawns provide ample space for entertaining guests or youthful play. Hiking trails meander throughout the property. On the adjacent parcel is a 2br/1ba caretaker's cottage. Additional structures include a small cabin and garage. It's a wine-lovers and collector's dream.
They were blown away at how gorgeous the home looked.
Greeted them was Fred's sister Francesca Marino-Russo.
"Hello, Family. Nice to finally meet you. I am your Aunt Francesca. You can call me Fran." Francesca introduced herself.
Mr. Fred introduced his family. "This is my youngest, my son Patrick. My oldest Fatima and her family, Zachary, and Jurnee."
"I'm a hugger if that's ok?" She goes in to hug her family. "Fatima, it's good to finally put a face to the name. You have a beautiful family. Patrick, you're so handsome. You look like your father at that age. Brother, Fred!" They hugged for what seemed like an eternity.
Mr. Fred was so happy to see his sister.
"Come. I would like you to meet your cousins."
They walked to a room that looked like a TV room. She had one boy and one girl. Her daughter was 33, a few years older than Fatima. Her son was 18.
Her daughter, Gia is married with a 2-year-old daughter. Her son, Mario is a college student at Stanford University. The entire family moved back into the family home once Grandpa Marino passed. They help Lucille maintain all the family businesses.
"These are your cousins Gia and Mario. This is Fatima and Patrick." She introduced them to each other. Then she introduced the rest of the crew. "This is your uncle, Uncle Fred, my big brother. I also have a grandbaby somewhere around here."
They all spoke to each other.
A few minutes later, Aunt Fran's husband, Mario Sr., and her son-in-law entered.
The family chatted and got to know each other better.
Gia said to Fatima. "How old is your baby?"
"She's 8 months old, how old is yours?" asked Fatima.
"Two."
Aunt Fran interrupted. "I'm sorry to interrupt but let me give you all a tour of the Estate and show you your rooms." She took the family around. "Here is the guest house. It has 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths. We have dinner getting prepared and should be ready by 6:00 pm."
She left them at the guest house to relax. The butler had already brought their luggage in. Fatima and Baby J took a nap while Zac watch sports.
Around 5:30 everyone started getting ready for dinner. Fatima put on a Maxi dress and made Zac and the baby coordinate with her. The two girls had on purple and white, while Zac wore a white short set.
They headed back to the main house using a golf cart.
Already seated at the table was their grandmother Lucille. Lucille resembles Phylicia Rashad. She was 75.
"Frederico!" Mrs. Lucille said, happy to see her only son, but Fred was full of emotions.
At one time he was angry at how she treated him. Before he became a pastor, he knew he had to forgive her. Every Mother's Day, Christmas, Birthday, and the kid's birthday that her parents missed; he became bitter all over again. Before coming on this trip, he prayed about it over again and again. God told him to go. His dad passed away before he could see him again, he couldn't let it happen again with his mother. Besides he wanted her to meet her grandkids and for them to meet her.
"Mom!" He got teary-eyed.
"Look at you." She stood up to hug him. The two hugged forever. "I'm so glad you came." She whispered to him.
After they got their self together, Fred introduced her to the rest of the family.
"Mom this is your grandson, Patrick. This is Fatima, your granddaughter, her husband Zachary, and their daughter, Jurnee Zakari."
She hugged each one of them. "My grandbabies, my great granddaughter. Let's eat, but we have to catch up."
The chef had hooked up an Italian feast. They had Salad, Chicken Parmesan, Lasagna, Italian Meatballs, eggplant Parmesan, bread sticks, and garlic toast.
"We don't always eat like this. The family tradition is to have Italian food for special occasions. Your late grandfather was Italian. We like to continue the tradition." Mrs. Lucille expressed.
"So, Dad, am I half Italian?" Wondered Patrick.
"You have some Italian heritage." His father responded.
They ate and got to know one another.
They stopped talking and she touched his face. "My son. I missed you. I love you.
After they all finished eating Aunt Fran wanted to take some family portraits.
"How long are you guys here for?" asked Gia.
Fatima answered. "5 days."
"Great! I would love for use to hang out, cousin." An excited Gia said.
The first day in Napa was great. Everyone was so nice and welcoming.
