Parents

Chapter 9 Home

My eyes about fell out of my head when she told me I had to meet her brothers. Parents were one thing, brothers another entirely.

I told him not to worry about them because they are teddy bears. We all went to bed early because we were going to need to get an early start in the morning to start our trek to Sequoia National Park and Avi's hometown.

I slept like the dead, woke up early and headed down to prepare a light breakfast. I left the alarm set for Lizzie and kissed her forehead before I left our room. Her mother and I met in the kitchen and prepared a light meal. I left a small glass of juice on the bar for her dad. Lizzie and her dad prepared and packed our lunch. We were in the car and on the road before the sun kissed the eastern horizon.

The car trip was nice. We chatted easily. Avi was surprisingly a chatterbox, but he was talking about one of his favorite places and some of his favorite people so it was no wonder really. Some things I had heard and some I hadn't, but I loved seeing him so animated. Before I knew it he was parking the car at our first destination.

Dad greeted us at the car. We all got huge hugs and a beautiful smile. He led us into the house where Mom was waiting with tea and coffee. She gave out hugs like they were candy. Parents are so weird. Ours were amazing together. We slipped into warm comfortable conversation like we were all old friends. "Avi do you want to go out to the Sage and Stone?"

"The Sequoias this trip. I want to take Lizzie out first." My parents both nodded and my mom stole another hug. "Good choice. Lizzie honey, how are you feeling? Avi told me you got a sunburn the other day, are you drinking extra water?"

I was so glad our parents all got along so well. I blushed at her question. "I'm okay. Yes, ma'am, I am. With the fairness of my skin, I really should know better. Still getting used to California I guess." I smiled. "Thank you for letting us come out here. It's so pretty and soothing."

"Thank you. I love it." She turned to me, "How much time before you all head out?"

"We got a little and we'll drop in for dinner on our way home. Have you decided where we'll eat?"

"Your dad and I will cook. Lisa, Lizzie would you like to go for a short walk. I'd love to show you my favorite place." She led the ladies out into the backyard. My dad reappeared then, though I had been staring at Lizzie again and hadn't really noticed he left the room. He joined us at the kitchen table. In his hand, he held a small box. His big brown eyes were heavy with emotion. "This was your grandmother's. It's not big or fancy but it is filled with love." He set the box down on the table for me to open. "I figured maybe this might help you in your search or at least should be considered." My eyes went from him to the box to him and back several times before I even reached to open it. When I did my hands were shaking and the tears started falling.

"Way to go, Dad, making me bawl like a baby first thing in the morning. The open lid revealed a simple yet elegant white gold diamond solitaire with intricate and worn carvings along the sides of the ban. I turned it to Jeff and grabbed my father and held him tighter than I ever had before, crying and repeating that it was perfect. And that is how the ladies found us when they came back in.

Shelly led us out to the garden to show us her new additions. I told her that I hoped to have half the green thumb that she did someday. She smiled and hugged me. We headed back into the house and found the three men hugging and crying. I was confused, but my mom and Shelly just smiled at the huddle with tears in their eyes.

"Got room for three more boys," My mom asked smoothly. I've never jumped so high in my life. My dad held me tight and her dad whispered in my ear that he had picked it up when they came in. I relaxed and we opened our arms to make room for the women. Lizzie and I found ourselves in the middle of a circle of pure love and affection. I didn't want the moment to end. I knew that there would be others, but I just stayed warm and safe surrounded by the people that I loved. Of course, I cried and buried my face in Lizzie's shoulder. My dad being the sensible one of us all, broke the circle with a small hitch in his voice.