Legacy of the Dreams

Chapter 105 - Relatives

As anyone who has had relatives come to visit from far away knows, the family's normal routine was interrupted well in advance of their guests' arrival. Although Susan and her family celebrated Christmas Day as normally as possible, they couldn't help anticipating the arrival of Greg's relatives later that evening.

It was after supper time, relatively late on December 25th, well after Susan's family's Christmas Day activities were over and both the girls were already in bed, when Greg received two phone calls; one from each of his two nephews.

"Who was that?" Susan asked when Greg rejoined her, Zack and Matt in the living room.

"The first was from Malcom. They are at the airport and will be here soon. The second was from Liam. He and his wife, Sophie, heard about Malcom's family's plans during Oliver's bar mitzvah over the weekend and they have decided to come too. They will be arriving mid-day on Friday and plan to stay through the weekend. They wanted to know if we have room for them to stay with us or if they should make reservations at a hotel nearby," Greg explained.

"Oh ... I don't know. How many of them are coming? His entire family, or only Liam and Sophie?" Susan asked.

"I believe Adam is coming with them. Xavier and Sasha are working over the weekend or otherwise engaged," Greg explained. "They will be staying home with Norma."

"Okay ... so we only need beds for three more people. I'm not sure where we can put them at the moment, but I'm certain we can find a space ... someplace," Susan said.

"I could move in with Matt for the weekend, Mom," Zack suggested, looking questioningly at his brother. "I have a double bed. Maybe some of them can use my room?"

"That's not a bad suggestion, Susan, if it's alright with Matthew," Greg said.

"Sure, I can ask Ashley, but it's okay with me," Matt said. "And I don't think she will mind, just for the weekend."

"Ask her to be sure first before agreeing, but that is a very good idea," Susan said. "Of course, another option is to put Julie and Elliot in the cottage again. That way Liam and Sophie can have one of the end rooms."

"That would be better," Greg agreed. "Do you suppose we could make room for Adam in the same room as the rest of the boys? Or would that be too crowded?"

"They're all cousins. It might be fun for them, Mom," Zack said.

"The room is large, Susan. It can easily accommodate five twin beds instead of the four it currently holds," Greg said. "That should work."

"Okay, then if they don't mind the accommodations we have to offer, they can stay here," Susan said.

"I will let him know," Greg said, and he picked up the phone to return Liam's call.

"Greg, did Malcom say where at the airport they are when he called?" Susan asked after he hung up for the third time.

"They were waiting in line for their rental car," Greg said.

"Then we have about an hour before they get here," Susan said as she finished straightening the front room.

"I'll tell Ashley about the extra people coming for the weekend," Matt said, and he turned towards the stairs.

"Thank you," Susan and Greg said, almost together.

Greg continued to help Susan in the living room after Matt disappeared down the stairs.

"Do you need me to wait with you too?" Zack asked.

"Not necessarily," Susan told him. "It would be helpful if you could open the chain across the service road before you go to bed, but as you know, all the other kids are already asleep. I put Melody to bed hours ago and Jessie just went to bed too."