Generations: The Long Game

The Start of a Profound Year

AN: It is almost inconceivable to me that this journey,for me, started a year ago. When I started the outline for Generations, I had no idea where it would go or the impact it has had on me and so many others. I certainly never suspected while developing the many original characters that make up the fabric of this story that one of my most beloved original characters would impact TNN itself.

That being said, 2028 is the last year of this volume. It is a profound year that will bring together this family and this saga. If you aren't reading our companion volume The Deputy's Darling LoomsburyGroup , you will probably want to catch up as we move through the year. The arcs will eventually join closer to the end of the year and this volume will go out with a bang. Believe me, you won't want to miss it.

Aidey

2072

Ollie reached for Noah's hand and squeezed it. "You alright, love?" The redhead couldn't shake the feeling of what his uncle had lost to find his way to this family. "Don't worry Noah, your uncle Reecy and I put that cot together in less than thirty minutes the next morning. Your uncle Charlie never slept on the floor." Noah chuckled and shook his head. "It's not that Gran. Look at all he lost." She nodded at the table surrounded by people, focusing on all the faces gathered around it. "And look at all he gained. He would have done well with David and Gemma, but he had Autie and Wint. Your grandparents were amazing parents to him, Noah. They did everything and more for Lili, Ben, Charlie, and your mum. You know that."

Noah looked from face to face around the table. Young and old. How they had started out as a group of misfits working in a nursery and ended up this beautiful family he had always known was almost unfathomable. His eye caught when he landed on his grandmother. She smiled at his grandfather in a way that warmed his heart. So many people had questioned them over the years, but he saw the magic between them. The love they had for each other built the foundation that allowed her to blossom and him to grow. "You're right, Gran. They are amazing." She raised and eyebrow and turned to her own wife. "What do you say sweetheart? Should we leave these two alone?" As they walked away, Noah's chest warmed. The four of them had created the families that had created him. A smile crossed his face as Marjorie sat in the place that was just occupied by his grandmother. "You alright, my love?"

"Gran's just been telling us about Charlie's adoption." She patted his knee and smiled warmly. Drawing their attention Oliver spoke, "which is your uncle Charlie?" Taking a Quick Look around the room, he pointed to a short blonde. "The blonde man with Claire and Sam." He had met the quirky siblings the day before and had quite liked them although he still wasn't certain how they fit into the family. Interrupting them, Marjorie wondered how far Mia had gotten. After Noah filled her in, her eyes went bright. "The day of his adoption, your grandmother called me and told us that all had gone well. She wanted us to gather his things so they could be moved to their house. Uncle Reece and I had other ideas." He looked from her to Ollie with a smile. "Go on."

2028

As Winter pulled into the drive, he looked back at her. She hadn't stopped beaming at the little boy since they left the hearing. All her fears finally washed away. "In for his things and out, right?" She nodded. She wanted everything to be perfect before bedtime. Everything in its place. Bringing him and Genevieve into their family had been an easy decision and she was eager for it all to begin in earnest. "Yeah, let's not hang about. There's lots to do." As he swung open the door, disappointment crossed his face, and he felt her stiffen beside him. The foyer was completely empty, and it didn't seem like anyone was at home. "You called her, right?" She glared at him as they moved into the foyer. "Okay you stay here with him, and I will go gather his things. She nodded as he made his way towards the stairs. He froze when a muffled sound came from the lounge. "Someone's here." She rolled her eyes as they both turned to head that direction. "Marjorie, I thought you ..."

"SURPRISE!"

Autumn scowled. Surprises were not now, nor had they ever been something she tolerated well. As she looked around the room she couldn't help but soften. Her eyes locked with Marjorie's and a silent thank you was exchanged. "Where's my brother?" The brunette let out the breath she hadn't realized she was holding. "He's in the kitchen. Lunch will be served soon I believe. Everyone is here. So, give me my new nephew and just enjoy your family's moment." Mia peered around Marjorie's shoulder. She knew it was a lot more likely Autumn would be annoyed by this impromptu get together, but Marjorie was not one to be stopped when it came to gatherings. "What she meant to say is give me my nephew. We all know I am the favorite Auntie."

"Pfft! He loves me already Mia." Mia rolled her eyes and took the small boy from Autumn. She retreated into the room with him leaving Marjorie staring at Autumn in disbelief. "Can you believe her?" She shrugged and walked away to talk to Charlotte for a moment when Lucy came running through the crowd.

Bouncing slightly to keep her nephew calm Mia stood with Deliah and Sara. "So, what are you're plans for the long..." She was cut off when Lucy ran past. "Lucy, sweetheart you need to..." Mia's eyes got wide, turning to the couple, "you're pregnant!?!" The taller brunette shifted uncomfortably. "I don't know what you're talking about Mia. We never said anything about that." She wrapped an arm around the younger brunette and looked into her sparkling amber eyes. "Did you say anything about that sweet pea?" Shaking her head Sara gave her a cheeky smile. Mia raised an eyebrow. "Dee Dee, you shifted your whole body between Sara and Lucy. There is only one reason you would do that." They both smiled as Charlotte joined them. "Amelia don't be so nosy. You always have to know everyone's business. Now give me my nephew. Contrary to what you've told Marjorie, we all know I will be his favorite Auntie."

2072

"Marjorie you know I am right. I was and am the favorite." She glared at the woman who had been her closest friend for nearly six decades. "Char, my love, at your age you shouldn't tell such stories." As she snaked her arms around her wife Mia chuckled. "You are both wrong. I am and will always be the favorite Auntie. It's just part of my natural charm." Marjorie looked around for the blonde. "Charlie come over here and settle an old debate." As he made his way to them, they each flashed him their best adoring smile. Marjorie adjusted her glasses as she looked at him. "Charlie which one of us is your favorite Auntie? Me or these two misguided souls?" He shifted his weight and looked around. Just then Reece came up behind Marjorie. "Hey gorgeous I need to borrow Charlie for a minute. The payment from the foundation hasn't come through yet. The nursery can't take on all those kids without payment." He kissed her forehead and pulled the younger man aside. "My boy, never answer a question like that. There is no issue with the payment. Go on and get back to Ginny. Ten-year-olds can get into quite a bit of trouble on their own." He patted the man shoulder and walked away.

Ollie looked briefly at each woman and turned his attention back to Marjorie. "Wait! What did happen to all of Charlie's things?" She chuckled as her eyes when dreamy thinking back once more. "Reece and I took everything over and set it all up, so they didn't have to worry about that and the three children." He smiled at her his green eyes meeting her faded deep blue ones. "And Genevieve?"

"Well, Ollie that is a story for another time."