The Gathering of the Clans

Book 1 Chapter 32

The Gathering of the Clans

Book 1 Chapter 32

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Ian and Kyle's Place

All 15 of their boys, their newest additions, and the three dogs shuffled in for hugs and pets after lunch. Shane had even brought in little 4-month-old Callum and 2-month-old Conner for snuggles. Kyle giggled and blew raspberries on their cheeks as the babies giggled. The younger boys from 1-year-old Jaxon to the 6-year-olds, each climbed up on the bed and received their snuggle and hugs from Kyle.

The older boys sat on the bed and got their hugs. Adam and Jerry had rushed home when they heard the news. Kyle took his time with each boy, reassuring them that he would fight the Sickness as best he could. Each boy promised to help Shane, Samuel, and Ian as best they could while he was sick. Pepsi, Kyle's little black and tan Yorkie-Poo refused to leave the bed and snuggled up to Kyle's leg.

Kyle blew kisses as the boys left his room to go rest. Little Joel and Carter were rubbing their eyes and started to whine. "Let's get you some food baby, then we can give you some Tylenol for the fever and tuck you back under the covers."

Kyle grinned. "I was hoping for an offer of sex but I guess I'll settle for food." Samuel chuckled as he came into the room with a tray of soup and bread with vanilla pudding for dessert. "Ian quit tempting a sick man!" "Me! He's the one groping me under the covers and I get the blame? Where's the fairness in that?" Kyle laughed and then started to cough violently. Ian and Samuel held Kyle as he coughed and shook with the force of the coughs.

Ian panicked "Has Rod or Aaron been over to check on him yet?" "Rod is coming right after Kyle eats." Kyle gasped and gave a weak giggle. "The cough syrup makes the food taste terrible. Eat first, poking and prodding doctor second."

Ian laughed. "Lover I hate to say this but you're a complete nutcase." Kyle smiled as he spooned up his soup. "But I'm your complete nut case." Ian smiled and nodded. He sat on the side of the bed as he tore the bread into small pieces for Kyle to dip in his soup.

Oak Haven Assisted Living

Mason's head was bowed as he wiped the sweat off his face with a towel. The dead were buried and whatever useful stuff they could find had been loaded into the U-Hauls. Father Steins was finishing the graveside service for the departed. "Amen." The men raised their heads and began to leave.

"We're following you home Father to make sure you get home safe." "That's not necessary Mason. I'll be fine." "We also have some things to unload at the church for storage, we have quite a few candles for you Father. Besides, you know good and well that no person is to go outside without an armed escort. We can't afford to lose you."

Father Steins sighed. "Call me Albert, Mason. I don't feel like much of a father anymore. As for not being able to lose me, I don't see how I contribute much to the community now other than praying for the dead and dying."

"Oh, Father you know that's not true. Come over to Ian's place. Meet the new people that have come here. A lot of the survivors asked about church services you know and when they will begin again. So people do need you and your skills."

"Besides you can see the children play. It'll boost your spirits. Stop rattling around alone in that humongous empty church and rectory and come be with the rest of us. There's hope if you look for it."

"Mason Keller if you're pulling my leg about survivors asking for church services, I'll have you on your knees begging forgiveness until they are raw." "Swear to the Creator Father. The Acker-Dentz family was wondering if you do a Jewish ceremony, or if you'll let them use a room at the church. If not they can do services in their home."