Love Will Keep Us - Book 5

Family BBQ (Part One)

Over the course of the next few weeks, Lena was getting ready to start her new job, the kids were gearing up for school and Julius was still having repairs done to the bakery. Sure he missed it, he missed working with the kids as well but he still refused to speak to Stef. It had been weeks now since the two had uttered any words to each other and when Julius did stop by he made sure it was when Stef was at work.

The entire thing made the blonde insane and Lena as well for it was ridiculous by this time. It really was but for now Stef let it go as she and Mike continued to work security. But things were about to look up soon for both of them for a few people were retiring and with Stef continuing to hound the captain of the SDPD the odds would soon be in her favor as well as Mike's possibly.

In terms of Corey the boy was still holding out in terms of what happened at the bakery. But the guilt was most certainly eating him alive. Big time and to the point that he was still overdoing it with his sisters and his Moms.

He was still on his very best behavior but everytime Julius came over the boy would hide. His room was still stripped, he still had no privileges as Stef knew at some point very soon that he would break. But when that would be no one knew.

The first few weeks after the fire had been difficult. All three girls had been plagued with nightmares, Callie the worst of them all. It had been more traumatic than any of them even realized but now it seemed to have subsided a bit, for in a couple of weeks, Stefanie's cast would come off.

As the middle of August came to a close the family was now getting ready to host their first giant barbecue. The girls were really looking forward to it and Lena really was as well for it was the first time she would get to entertain in their home. She of course had gone all out and both Stef and Frankie had gone all out in terms of baking. Stef was happy to see the girl was still passionate about it and happy to see both Callie and Stefanie were doing better as well.

As the day of the bbq approached, Lena sent out the invitations to their friends, hopeful to have them all reunited at least for the day. Stef had to work that morning, but she was to be off in the early afternoon as well as the next day which was exciting for the small family.

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"Hi, Mom!" Stefanie greets her mom at the front door before turning to hug her dad.

She was really excited to see her parents again. It was safe to say that since she had moved in with Stef and Lena she had changed for the better. After extensive therapy, enrolling in activities, working at the bakery and getting help for her clinical depression she was doing well.

So well that Tess really wanted her to come home again. Jerry as well for the two were in marriage counseling still and working out their issues. Tess was as well and had been diagnosed with clinical depression which was currently on the upswing.

"How's my little girl?" Jerry hugs her tightly before she holds up her pink cast showing them once again.

"Doing okay! But now I can have people sign this thing!" She laughs as Tess brushes the side of her face.

"Are you in pain? You're really okay? I know you kept telling me you were on the phone, but I want you to really tell me, baby. Are you really ok? Are you feeling better than the last time we came?"

"I'm okay. I promise, Mom. C'mon! Everyone is on the back patio chilling. Godmom is at work, but she'll be home within the next hour or so."

"Where should we put our bags?" Jerry takes off his hat as Stefanie motions for him to follow her.

"You're staying in Frank's room, and she'll just sleep with me and Cals like she always does anyway," she laughs as she opens the door to Frankie's room.