Swanson Farms

Chapter 25

I know you're probably wondering, What the hell does she mean brothers? Well, here goes nothing.

My family is blended. Yes, blended. Jackie isn't my full sister. Technically we're only sisters by our parents marriage. I have an older brother named Bobby, he's twenty seven. Our father's name is David, he was the small town hot headed alcoholic but Mom fell for his bad boy tendencies. She met Jonathon when they were both at a retreat in the mountains. It was a week get away with no technology and no contact except for the other's in the group. Mom had been living on a farm her whole life and knew how to handle horses; she had a special gift with them. Dad, or Jonathon, had never been on a horse before but his brother Hank suggested he try something different and have a change from the city life after the rough divorce from Jackie's mother.

Bobby works in the Oil industry and lives in the Prairies with his wife Susan and their sons Sam and Mathew. He and Susan had been married for just over seven years and both boys were under the age of five.

Jackie's brother Travis was a year younger than me, and he lives in Toronto to take over the Swanson Law Firm. We talked to him almost once a week, although I'm pretty sure Jackie talks him at least once every couple of days. Travis was still single as far as we knew, he never mentioned a woman to us so we were only assuming. There was hardly a time when we got together as one big family now that everyone had moved away.

"They're coming home?" I asked, feeling giddy. I tried my best to talk to Bobby, Susan and the boys once a day, I used to Skype them almost every night. They'd met Seth, virtually of course, but he got along very well with Bobby, sometimes they'd talk on the phone for hours.

Mom nodded grinning, "Yes! Uncle Hank is going to keep his eye on the firm, but Travis needed a break from all the stress. And Bobby was able to get some time off while the boys weren't in school. They're both going to be here for a month or so."

"Well they're welcome at my house," I offered and Jackie nodded,

"They're welcome to stay with us if they'd like as well."

A van pulled up with the MapleVille Taxi Logo on it, and Bobby got out holding a sleepy Mathew, Susan got out holding Sam's hand and Travis climbed out in jeans and a rather warm looking parka. Jackie and I practically screamed and ran over to hug them. We gave them each a tight hug and Mom and Dad followed, hugging both of the sons.

Seth walked over and Susan smiled, hugging him tightly,

"You look good Seth, it's wonderful to finally meet you."

"You as well Susan, how was your flight?"

"It was good, fairly quick. Mathew doesn't like flying but Sam loved watching out the window."

Bobby came over and went to shake Seth's hand but Seth pulled him into a hug,

"It's great to finally meet you kid." Bobby said, giving him a hug before giving Jackie a hug.

"How's everyone been? Where's my niece?" He questioned and I smiled, "She's napping right now, she was pretty tired after opening her presents this morning."

Bobby nodded, "Well alright. We've got you guys some more gifts in the truck."

"Gifts? We don't have anything for you guys!" Jackie exclaimed while rubbing her bump. Travis grinned,

"Yeah well we know, and you've also been sending gifts and little surprises during the year so it's time we make up for it."

We all smiled and went back into the house, but Zach and Mom stayed outside to get the horse settled into a stall.

We all sat in the living room and caught up with one another. When I heard the baby monitor I got up to get Bailey, smiling when I saw her and the puppy laying next to one another on the couch, Maverick on the outside of Bailey so she wouldn't roll off the couch.

"You're such a good girl," I whispered, kneeling down and scratching her ears, kissing her head.

She licked my face happily and her tail started to wag, she turned her head and softly licked Bailey face and the puppy's face, looking back at me with a doggy grin eating up her face.

"Okay Mav, off." She gently climbed off the couch and the puppy woke up, and I picked Bailey up. She fussed a little, and I started to think that she didn't actually want to get up but she was so warm and cuddly so I sat back on the couch beside the puppy who rested his head on my leg. Seth came in quietly and he sat beside me, carefully pulling the puppy into his lap.

"What did you want to name him?" He asked quietly and I smiled,

"Maybe we should name him together."

"How about Goose."

"Goose?" I questioned grinning,

"Yeah we'll stick with the 'Top Gun' theme."

"You know me too well," I whispered, leaning over to kiss him. Maverick whined and came over, picking the puppy up by the scruff of it's neck and putting it on the floor. She nudged it with her nose before picking him up again and carrying him out. I heard the back door open so I guessed she probably scratched the back door and someone let her out. I kissed Seth softly, appreciating the quiet time on the otherwise hectic day.

"So is Bobby going to stay with us?" He asked and I shrugged. He moved his hand to cup my face, and I kissed his palm gently,

"I was waiting to ask you first... It is our house." He smirked and kissed me,

"Well maybe if they stayed with us they could watch Maverick and Goose while we're on vacation."

"Oh gosh I'd forgotten all about that... What are we going to do with Bailey? Bring her with us?"

"I wasn't sure about that baby. I was figuring we could wait to here what your Mom had to say before we made any final decisions on what arrangements we're going to make."

"Well we have the space for Bobby and his family, but I wasn't sure if they'd feel more comfortable here or if they'd want to stay with us."

He shrugged, "Let's wait it out and see what happens baby." We kissed again before walking out and Bobby grinned, walking over to see her. Mom called everyone over for brunch and we sat down and began to catch up.

"So Susan and I have some news," Bobby said after we had a break in conversation, holding Bailey.

"What's up?" I asked, sitting in Seth's lap.

"Well we're moving home," He said, taking Susan's hand in his tightly. "I was laid off by my company because we haven't found any oil in the last couple of months..."

"I'm so sorry," I said and he nodded,

"So while Seth gets his business in order I'll work here for Mom and Dad and Susan is going to look for work in town. Mom and Dad offered for us to stay here until we can figure out what we're doing."

"Well Susan you're welcome to come and work with me at the bakery." She nodded smiling thankfully and Travis smiled,

"I've got some news too. We're going to be expanding the Swanson Law Firm into this area as well so I can spend more time at home."

"You're welcome to stay with us Travis." Jackie said, sipping her water.

"Thanks Jackie, Zach." They both nodded and smiled, and once Bailey ate her lunch Mom and Dad called us into the office.

So first of all I'd like to thank everyone for reading, commenting, and voting! I'm sorry for the long wait, I'm hoping that I can update quicker!

ALSO! We will be holding "auditions" for Travis's girlfriend! We need the personality, appearance, background, and any other information you think is relevant. We want someone that is active enough on Wattpad so that we can easily get a hold of you and ask you questions about your character! We will let you know if we decide to pick your character! Please no hard feelings if your character doesn't get picked!