the walk back toward the school. Seeing her mentor safely ensconced back into her office, Kimberly wandered the halls alone for a few minutes, allowing her memories to wash over her.
Each year was a little different, new children coming and old friends leaving. While the orphanage and school had been a happy place forming an ever-changing family, the memories stirred a wistful longing inside. As she walked back toward her car, she reached inside her bag and pulled out her wallet. Tucked inside was one of the pictures she kept close to her always. Her parents, smiling at the camera with her held in their laps.
Giving her head a little shake to dislodge the cobwebs of the past, she slid the picture back inside her bag, looked over her shoulder, and smiled at the familiar buildings that made up part of her past, then turned and jogged to her car.
Kyle drove to one of the large neighborhoods in the northern part of town. He wasn’t surprised to see the number of cars parked in the driveways and on the street. As usual, when there was a King or a McBride gathering, most everyone showed up. He wondered if they’d be in the backyard already, but it appeared quiet.
Walking into his parents’ house, he could hear voices coming from the kitchen. As was so often the case, his mom was bustling around, pulling plastic wrap off platters, while his dad was manning the grill outside with Sean and Carter. Tara, Harper, and Caitlyn were helping his mom in the kitchen. Erin and Rory were coming in from the garage, each carrying an ice chest filled with beer bottles.
Tara’s daughter, Colleen, was standing at the sliding glass door, looking toward the King’s backyard. Bouncing on her toes, she waved as he walked into the room and said, “I see them! They just got there!”
The Kings were gathering in the backyard, getting ready to welcome their newest members. Brody had gotten back together with his old girlfriend, Amber, and discovered they had a son. This was going to be the welcoming party for Brody to introduce Gage to his family. He knew Brody was also nervous about his family being around Amber again and promised his best friend that the McBrides would be there to make sure things went smoothly.
Throwing out greetings to his family, he stepped over to the door and placed his hands on Colleen’s shoulders, feeling the excitement vibrating through her small body. She twisted around and looked up at him. “Uncle Kyle? Do you think he’ll play with me?”
He knew Gage was several years older and figured, like most boys, the idea of hanging with a little girl would not be his idea of fun. Uncertain what to say, he was rescued when Tara called out, “Sweetie, you know we talked about this. Gage will be overwhelmed meeting everybody, and he’s older than you. I don’t know that he’ll want to play, but I’m sure he’ll be nice.”
Bending, he whispered, “Just think, Colleen. You’ll always be our little princess.” Rewarded with a grin, he looked out the door and watched as Brody, Amber, and Gage chatted with Hannah and Chauncey King. They were soon joined by Blay and Bekki, Brody’s siblings.
His mom walked over, placed a kiss on Colleen’s head, then wrapped her arm around Kyle. “I told Hannah we’d give them about ten minutes and then we’d head over.” She turned and looked at the others and said, “Why don’t we go a few at a time? We don’t want to overwhelm them too much.”
Just then, Chauncey waved toward their house, and Kyle’s parents walked through the yard first. Sean and Harper, Carter and Tara with Colleen in tow, walked over next. Kyle watched carefully, glad when Gage smiled at Colleen. Heading over, he watched as Brody offered a chin lift as he approached.
“Amber, it’s good to see you,” he said, bending to kiss her cheek. Clapping Brody on the back, he smiled as Gage was called over.
Brody placed his hand on his son’s shoulder and said, “I’d like you to meet my best friend. This is Kyle. And this is my son, Gage.”
Kyle greeted him warmly, but the shock surprised him. Looking at Gage was exactly like looking at a ten-year-old Brody. Smiling, he shook his head slightly. “Gage, it’s great to meet you. You look just like your dad did when he was your age.”
He stepped to the side and allowed Rory, Erin, and Caitlyn to