Chapter 27 – Returning Home

Knowing we were going to be traveling for a long time, we got up without any frolicking. I showered, shaved, and cleared the bathroom. At the vanity in Renee’s room, I brushed my hair, applied makeup, and got dressed. Since we would be on the road, I chose a simple navy floral V-neck dress and white sandals. Kayla wore a sleeveless floral dress with sandals. We packed and went down to the kitchen.

Aunt Brenda wore a purple knitted top that showed off a lot of cleavage, paired with a denim skirt. “Wow! That’s a lot of cleavage, Aunt Brenda. You look fabulous.”

“Thanks, Jessica. You’re welcome to enjoy the scenery.”

I hugged and kissed my aunt. “You’re wonderful. This has been a fantastic summer.”

“I’m glad you enjoyed your time here. You’d better take good care of Kayla. She’s special.”

We ate breakfast and loaded our luggage into my SUV. I took Kayla down to the basement.

“Oh, my goodness. Are we supposed to take all these clothes? There are more here than in my entire wardrobe at home.”

“Yes. Let’s get packing.”

We made trip after trip from the basement to my SUV. We were able to empty the basement, and my SUV was filled.

“Aunt Brenda, it’s been delightful meeting you. Thank you for letting us stay with you and for all the clothes. Please come visit us in Cincinnati.” Kayla hugged and kissed Aunt Brenda.

“Kayla, it’s been my pleasure meeting you. As I said on Friday, you’re a precious dear, and my opinion hasn’t changed. You’re special. I hope some of the clothes fit.” They hugged and kissed.

“Thanks, Aunt Brenda. I’m delighted to have met you. You’re fantastic.”

“Jessica. I’m thrilled you brought this lovely young lady. She’s wonderful. You’d better take good care of her. She’s the best you’ll find.” Aunt Brenda hugged and kissed me.

“Thanks, Aunt Brenda. I’ll do my best.” We left.

We planned to drive about twelve hours and stop near St. Louis, Missouri. We stopped for dinner, then headed to the motel. We were tired from the trip, so no frolicking tonight.

We didn’t need to hurry on Tuesday. It would only take about six hours to drive home. After we got on the road, I called Mom to let her know we’d be home around two PM. She told me there were pork chops, Idaho potatoes, and green beans in the refrigerator for dinner. I guess I’m back on chef duty!

We arrived home and unpacked our luggage in my room. “I’m hoping you’ll stay the night. I’ll unload all the clothes into the basement tomorrow. You’re welcome to take any you want.”

“Only if you promise to feed me and cuddle in bed. I’m too tired to do anything else.” She hugged me. “I promise.” We kissed eagerly. I showered, shaved again, put on lingerie, brushed my hair, applied makeup, and slipped into a rust-colored midi dress with three-inch heels.

“I’ll look through some of the dresses when we have time,” Kayla said. “You’re beautiful. I’ll help you in the kitchen after I change.” We hugged and kissed.

I went to the kitchen to start dinner. Kayla came in wearing a blue knit cowl-neck sweater dress and three-inch heels. “You look fantastic. I love how that knit dress hugs your curves. Very sexy!”

“Thanks.” She thanked me with a hug and a kiss. “What can I do to help?”

“You can make a salad. Mom didn’t say, but I’m guessing Ashley will be here, so make enough for four.”

Ashley came in from the garage. “Great! You’re back. Welcome home. My goodness, you both look beyond beautiful. What are you making for dinner?”

“Great to see you, Miss Ashley.” I hugged her and kissed her forehead. “Salad, pork chops, baked potato, and sauteed green beans. Will that satisfy your culinary desires?”

“I’m thrilled you’re back. Mom and I don’t cook like you.”

Mom came in from the garage. “My gracious. You two look delightful. Welcome home. Ashley and I have missed you.” She hugged and kissed Kayla. “I’m glad you’re here.”

“Thanks, Michelle. You make me feel welcome, and I enjoy being here.”

“And I’m glad you’re here, too,” Mom chuckled as she hugged and kissed me.

“Thanks. I like being here.” I snickered.

We set the table. Kayla served the salad, and I served the main course.

“What a great dinner. Kayla, you’re a guest here, not part of the kitchen staff,” Mom said with a laugh.

“I don’t mind helping out. Eating here is much better than at my apartment. All I’ve ever fed Jessica is delivery pizza and beer. She even made breakfast for me.”

“Well, I want you to come to a family dinner on Friday with Justin, Ethan, and William. Yes, I know you aren’t officially part of the family yet. I may be going out on a limb, but I get the feeling you two are in a serious relationship. I have some important announcements. Some will concern you.”

“Wow! Yes, I agree we’re in a serious relationship. Well, at least I think so! What kind of announcements do you think will interest me?”

“I’ve prepared a full presentation, so I won’t be able to answer your questions at this time.”

“Okay, I’ll certainly be here on Friday. Thanks for including me.”

“If I ask questions, will you answer them?”

“No, you can wait until Friday as well. The same goes for Ashley.”

“Do you want me to prepare dinner, or will it be catered?”

“I would certainly appreciate it if you prepared dinner. You do such a wonderful job. I’ll leave the menu to your creativity. Cocktails at five, dinner at five-thirty. Will that be a problem?”

“No, I’ll put together a menu and get your approval before going to the grocery store.”

“Thank you. I appreciate your culinary skills.”

“So do I,” added Ashley.

We finished dinner. Mom took a glass of wine into the family room to watch the news. Ashley went to her room to study. Kayla helped me clean the kitchen. There were no leftovers.

“Would you like to unwind with an after-dinner drink?”

“I think that would be nice.”

I poured two glasses of Amaretto on the rocks. We sat on the screened-in back deck, watching the sunset. “This is similar to being with Aunt Brenda. I’m very curious to hear your mom’s presentation. I guess I’ve been accepted into the family. What could she possibly announce that would concern me?”

“How many times have I told you that Mom likes you? You know as much as I do. In the meantime, what’s your schedule this week?”

“I’ll be spending hours writing my research paper. I have class tomorrow afternoon. While I love being with you, I’ll be very busy all week.”

“You’re welcome to write here. I’ll feed you while I work. You won’t be in my way.”

“Thanks. I’ll come back after class tomorrow.”

We finished our drinks and went to my bedroom. After undressing, removing our makeup, and putting on nightgowns, we cuddled together.

Chapter 28 – As the World Turns

The morning sunlight lit the room, waking us. I began caressing Kayla. She hugged me. “Please. I know we haven’t had sex as often as either of us would like, but I’m still too tired from our travels. I promise I’ll rock your socks once I’ve rested. Please tell me you understand.”

“Of course. I’ll be here when you need me.”

We hugged and kissed. I got up, showered, shaved, dressed, and put on makeup. Today would be very casual, so I chose a multicolored peasant blouse, a blue button-front skirt, and white sandals. I went out to retrieve the newspaper, then went into the kitchen to prepare breakfast. Mom came into the kitchen, dressed for work.

“Good morning, Jessica. That’s a very cute top. Your hair and makeup look perfect. Thanks for fixing breakfast.” She gave me a hug and a kiss on the cheek.

“Thanks, Mom. You look very professional this morning. Would you like a cup of coffee?”

“Yes, that would be great. Thanks.” She sat down and began reading the newspaper.

Kayla came out of my bedroom wearing a white UC logo T-shirt and black shorts. “Good morning, Michelle.” She hugged Mom, and they exchanged cheek kisses.

“Good morning, Kayla. Did you get a good night's sleep after your two days of travel?”

“Yes. We crashed and slept through the night. I feel very refreshed this morning.”

“Did you get enough information from Morgan for your research?”

“Yes, she provided a wealth of data. I have my class this afternoon, and then I’ll be writing my paper. Between Morgan and Jessica, I have plenty of data to catalog.”

“That’s great. I’m glad your trip was worth the time. Brenda was thrilled to meet you.”

“She made me feel very welcome. I hope to see her again.”

“If not before, I expect her to be here for the wedding. Ashley’s taking extra classes to graduate in the spring, and the wedding will be shortly after.”

“Oh, how exciting! I look forward to meeting Ethan on Friday.”

I served breakfast. Ashley came out of her bedroom, wearing a bathrobe and with her hair disheveled. “Good morning, Miss Sunshine. Have a seat, and I’ll get your day started.” As a typical younger sister, Ashley made one of her faces. Mom and Kayla both laughed.

Mom left for work. Kayla loaded her clothes into her car and headed home. I went to the office and began catching up on financial transactions. Today was the first of the month, so it was time to submit the monthly reports to the accountants.

I unloaded all the clothes from my SUV into the basement, where the first load was already hanging on the racks.

I researched recipes for the next three days, culminating in cocktails and dinner for six on Friday. I texted Mom a menu: Seven-Layer salad, Beef Bourguignon, loaded baked potato, sauteed green beans, garlic toast, and Butter Brickle frozen dessert. A few minutes later, she replied, "EXCELLENT!"

I put together a shopping list. I’m still not entirely comfortable going out in public as Jessica. I used the self-checkout, so I didn’t have to interact with a cashier. After my shopping trip, I started preparing dinner for tonight. Kayla returned after her class.

“Hello, beautiful. I’ve missed you for hours! How did your class go?” We hugged and kissed.

“I’m so happy to be with you. My professor was very impressed by the amount of data I’ve gathered. It’ll take me some time to write my paper, but it’s exciting to have the research complete.”

I put a garage door remote in her car and pulled it into the fourth stall. “Are you moving me in with you?”

“That’s your choice. I want you to feel welcome here, and I don’t want you to park in the driveway when it’s raining.” That earned me a hug and a kiss as a reward.

I connected Kayla’s laptop to our home network and set her up at the desk in the basement so she could work without interruption. “Thanks. I really appreciate your thoughtfulness. I have no doubt we’ll have a wonderful life together.” After a round of serious hugs and kisses, I went upstairs to finish fixing dinner.

It was quick and easy, so I prepared Taco Salad and Margaritas. Mom and Ashley came home at the same time. I went down to the basement and invited Kayla up for dinner.

“Oh, Kayla. I’m glad you’re here.” Mom hugged her and kissed her on the cheek.

“I like having you here, too,” Ashley added.

“Thanks. I really enjoy being here. It’s so nice to feel welcome.”

“I like having her here as well. I set her up in the basement so she could write her research paper without interruption.”

“That’s wonderful. Please don’t hesitate to ask if there’s anything we can do to help,” added Mom.

“Thank you. I’m overwhelmed by your hospitality.”

We ate dinner. Kayla went back to work on her paper. Ashley went to her room to study. Mom went to the family room and turned on the news. I cleaned the kitchen and brought Mom a glass of Chardonnay. “Thanks, Jessica. You’re very thoughtful, and I appreciate it.”

“You’re my mom.” I hugged and kissed Mom.

I took two glasses of Chardonnay down to the basement. “Here, sweetheart. Sit back, take a breath, sip some wine, clear your mind, and write some more.” For that, I got a big hug and a serious kiss.

“Please, tell me what I did to deserve you. I’ll do it a dozen more times!”

“There are many things you do that make me enjoy being with you. The short answer is your acceptance of Jessica. That’s how our relationship started, and nothing has changed. I’ll leave you alone now.”

I went to my bedroom, undressed, scrubbed off my makeup, put on a nightie, and crawled into bed. Kayla came to bed a few hours later. She tried hard not to disturb me, but I was only dozing. When she eased into bed, I reached out and hugged her. She kissed me, we cuddled, and then we went to sleep.

The next day, Kayla got out of bed first. Showered, dressed, and went down to the basement. I showered, shaved, brushed my hair, applied makeup, put on stud earrings, and dressed in a simple sleeveless floral dress with two-inch heels. I went out to retrieve the newspaper and fixed breakfast.

Mom came into the kitchen. I handed her a cup of coffee and the newspaper. When breakfast was ready, I went to the basement and asked Kayla to come up. Ashley showed up as well. We sat down and enjoyed breakfast. Mom hugged and kissed Ashley, Kayla, and me as she left for work. Ashley gave Kayla and me a hug and a cheek kiss as she left for classes. I got a big hug and a delightful kiss from Kayla before she went back to the basement. I went to the office and started my day.

I interrupted Kayla for a quick lunch of ham-and-cheese sandwiches with chips. She thanked me with a big hug and a kiss, then went back to the basement.

I prepared dinner. At five-thirty, both Mom and Ashley came in from the garage. I went to the basement and brought Kayla up for dinner. “How is your paper coming along?” Mom asked.

“I think I’m almost done. I’ll show a rough draft to my professor on Wednesday.”

“Not to intrude, but I’d be happy to review your paper. I took English writing courses a few years ago.”

“That’s very kind of you. I’ll have a draft ready for Saturday morning.”

“Wonderful. I’m sure it’ll be a great read.”

Similar to last night. Mom took a glass of wine into the living room. Ashley went to her room. Kayla went back to the basement. I cleaned the kitchen, then went to my office to surf the internet and play games. I went to bed. Later, Kayla came in and cuddled with me.

Chapter 29 – A Family Dinner and Meeting

After showering and brushing my hair, I got dressed without makeup this morning. I retrieved the paper and made breakfast. Mom, Ashley, and Kayla sat with me to eat. After Mom and Ashley left, I asked Kayla to come to the bedroom to help me remove my breast forms. I’ve been wearing them for three weeks. I dressed as Justin: a golf shirt, shorts, and walking shoes. Kayla went back to the basement. I went to the kitchen and began preparing for tonight’s family dinner.

We had ham-and-cheese sandwiches with chips for lunch.

I took another shower, shaved again, and dressed for dinner. I wore a dress shirt, slacks, and loafers. I even put on socks! I interrupted Kayla so she could come up and get ready for dinner. While she changed, I set the table, opened two bottles of Pinot Noir, and decanted them. I broiled the garlic toast at the last minute.

Mom and Ashley came home at four and went directly to their rooms to change for dinner. The doorbell rang at four-forty-five. I answered and greeted Ethan and William. “Gentlemen, welcome. Please come in. Hello, Ethan. It’s been a while since we’ve seen each other. Can I get you guys a cocktail?”

William shook my hand. “I’ll take a Bourbon on the rocks.”

Ethan shook my hand. “Bourbon on the rocks works for me.”

“Please, make yourselves comfortable.” I prepared three glasses of Bourbon on the rocks.

Kayla stepped out of the bedroom wearing a black-and-tan sleeveless chiffon cocktail dress and three-inch strappy sandals. “You look beautiful. Would you like a cocktail?”

“Yes, I’ll have a cocktail,” answered Kayla. I hadn’t taken a sip of mine, so I handed it to her.

“Ethan Thomas, meet Kayla Logan.”

“I remember meeting you at a volleyball game several months ago. Nice to see you again.”

“Nice to see you as well.” Kayla turned to William. “Nice to see you again, William.”

“Yes. We keep running into each other at these dinner parties. You look lovely.” He chuckled and hugged her.

Ashley came out of her room wearing a coral-and-white floral empire-waist dress and sandals. She went to Ethan for a hug and a kiss. “Hi, William. How are you doing this evening?”

“I’m doing well, Ashley. Good to see you again.”

Mom was the last to join us, wearing a beautiful burgundy cocktail dress and three-inch heels. “Wow, Mom. You look fabulous.”

“Thanks, Justin. Hello, Ethan and William.” She hugged and cheek-kissed Ethan and William. “Kayla, that’s a beautiful dress. You look amazing.”

“Thanks, Michelle. You look fantastic as well.”

“Is dinner ready?”

“Yes. Everyone, please come and take a seat.”

My faithful assistant, Kayla, poured wine while I served the salad and garlic toast. When that course was finished, she helped clear the salad plates. I ladled the stew into bowls. Kayla served a potato with green beans on a small side plate.

“My goodness, Justin. This is fabulous. You keep getting better and better,” Ashley commented.

“Thank you. I’m glad I satisfy your culinary cravings.”

Everyone devoured their meals. Kayla and I cleared the dishes. I cut pieces of the Butter Brickle, and Kayla helped serve them.

“Wow. This was a fantastic dinner. You certainly raised the bar, Justin. Are you available to cater events?” William asked.

“I told Justin he was not allowed to serve burgers and brats ever again,” laughed Kayla.

“Definitely. These dinners are way beyond that!” replied William.

“But there are times when I like burgers and brats!” That drew a laugh.

When everyone finished, we cleared the plates and refilled the wine glasses. “Okay, Mom. You called this meeting. What’s the big announcement?”

“Thank you all for attending. Please hold any questions until the end. As everyone knows, Ethan and Ashley are now engaged. Their wedding date is planned for May, but it depends on her graduating. She has increased her class load in hopes of finishing next spring. She and Ethan have signed a contract to buy a two-bedroom condo near the university. It’s also convenient for Ethan’s new job with the City of Cincinnati. I’ve signed a contract to buy a two-bedroom condo upstairs in the same building. I’ll be close by when they have a baby. Justin, this means you’ll need to find a new place to live. Yes, I’m kicking you out!” Mom laughed.

“One question for you, Justin. Would you like to take over the real estate management company? I know you’ve been handling contract renewals and billing for some time. If you don’t want the added responsibility, William has offered to buy the business. You don’t have to decide right now. You and William should meet to discuss the details. Are there any questions?”

“When will you put this place on the market? When will you close on your new condo?”

“My condo closing is on Monday. William will remodel and paint before I move in. He estimates it will take two weeks. If that schedule holds, I’ll start moving on the 20th. Ashley and Ethan don’t close until the end of the month. William will also take two weeks to update their condo. If that schedule holds, they’ll be moving in the middle of next month. I’ll list this place after Ashley moves out, giving you at least six weeks to find a new place.”

“I think this announcement calls for serious adult beverages. Who would like a drink?” I asked.

“I’ll join you,” answered William.

“I’d like a drink, too,” answered Kayla.

“While you’re pouring, I’ll take one as well,” Mom replied.

Ashley and Ethan retired to Ashley's room.

I poured four glasses of Bourbon on the rocks, set them on a tray, and joined William, Mom, and Kayla on the screened-in back patio. “How long have you been working on this change?”

“When Ethan proposed, it prompted a complete overhaul of priorities. Ethan’s mother, Allison, works at a mortgage company. She found a condo in foreclosure, so they bought it at a steep discount. When I talked with her, she mentioned another foreclosure, so I looked at it and put in a bid. If you’re interested, I can ask her to look for something for you.”

“Kayla still has two more years. I think we’d need a place convenient to UC.”

“Am I moving in with you?” she asked, giving me a big hug.

“I thought that was a given. We’ve been living together for the better part of two weeks. You could give up your apartment and save the money the Air Force pays you for quarters.”

“I thought that might be the case. That’s why I invited Kayla to be here tonight. I’ll call Allison on Monday to ask her to start looking. What size do you want?”

“I don’t care if it’s a single-family, condo, or townhouse; I want at least three bedrooms and a two-car garage. A house or townhouse with a basement would be nice.”

“I agree. At least three bedrooms. An attached garage would be wonderful,” Kayla added.

“What about acquiring the property management company?”

“I’m going to take some time to think about that. I have a solid investment portfolio, but I enjoy the work of contract renewals and billing. William, I’ll give you a call next week so we can meet to discuss the details.”

“That sounds fine. There’s no need to rush. I’m sure we can reach a mutually agreeable decision,” William replied.

“This has been a long day. This big announcement and all the pieces are a lot to digest. I’m going to bed. I’ll see you in the morning.” I shook William’s hand and kissed Mom. Kayla did the same. We went to my bedroom, undressed, and climbed into bed.

“First, your dress is unbelievably beautiful. Thanks for helping serve dinner. Actually, you look unbelievably beautiful when you’re naked, but that’s not the point. If you want, there are several dresses on the racks in the basement. Help yourself. You’re welcome to any you want. We’re about the same size, so there should be several you could wear.”

“Thanks. I’ll look through the racks when I need to be as beautiful as you. You were quite handsome tonight. I don’t mind helping you serve dinner. I thought we made a pretty good team. I’m surprised by Michelle’s announcements. I’m elated that you want me to live with you.”

“It makes more sense for us to find one place that’s big enough for two. No reason for you to pay rent when we can buy a place and build equity.”

“I know we’ve only known each other for three weeks. They’ve been intense, to say the least. So much has happened in such a short time. Being with you is such a thrill. You’re smart. You’re independent. You’re beautiful. You’re sexy. You’re a great lover. You’re everything I could dream of, and more. Now I have some bad news.” I paused. Kayla looked concerned. “I’m afraid I’ve fallen in love with you, and I want us to be together.”

She gave me a bone-crushing hug. “I love you, too. We’ll figure out what happens with the Air Force, but I want us to be together.” 

We hugged and kissed more passionately than ever before, holding each other tightly.

We continued hugging and kissing as we drifted off to sleep.

Chapter 30 – A New Place to Live

Kayla woke me by caressing my scrotum and penis.

“Oh, that feels good. You’d better be careful, or I’m going to jump your bones.”

“You go right ahead and jump. I’m going to rock your world!”

I slid down, removed her panties, and proceeded to lick her clit until she convulsed with a massive orgasm. She pulled me up into a hug, as her whole body continued to quiver. “Oh, my goodness. Thank you for such a wonderful orgasm. Please tell me you’ll do that again!” After recovering, she climbed on top, mounted, and rode me to a climax.

“Yes, I like starting the day this way. It was worth waiting until you recovered from our travels.”

“I love you, Justin Harrison. We can shower together before you fix breakfast.” With a hug and a kiss, we showered. I shaved, put on a golf shirt, shorts, and sneakers, then went out to get the newspaper and came back to the kitchen.

Ethan and William’s cars were still in the driveway. I fixed breakfast for six people.

William entered the kitchen first. “Good morning, Justin. Your dinner was superb.”

“Thanks. Do you take anything in your coffee?”

“No, just black.”

I handed him a full cup.

Kayla came out next, wearing a cute, sleeveless, floral A-line dress and sandals.

“Good morning, Kayla. You look beautiful,” William offered.

“Thanks. How are you doing this morning?”

“I’m doing well. Have you recovered from your trip yet?”

“Yes, it was a very productive interview with Morgan. I’ve already started writing my research paper, and Michelle volunteered to read my rough draft today.”

“Fantastic. I’m sure it’ll be approved.”

Ethan, Ashley, and Mom joined us. I poured coffee and served breakfast. “Justin, I’m very proud of you. Dinner was beyond fabulous. Thank you for this wonderful breakfast. I’ll have to struggle with that in the future.”

“Thanks, Mom. I’m very happy to cook. Thanks for teaching me to cook.”

“Ethan, how is the Army treating you? What will you be doing in the future?”

“I’m a second lieutenant, at the bottom of the barrel for officers, with a six-year commitment to reimburse the military for my college education. I transferred to the Ohio National Guard instead of the Army Reserve. I won’t be shipped overseas unless it’s a national emergency. I’ll be called up for local weather emergencies and riot control. I have to attend monthly weekend drills and two weeks of training at some point in the year.”

“Where are you working now? Mom mentioned a job with the City of Cincinnati.”

“Yes. I’m in the contracts department, reviewing and researching contracts with the city. It’s an entry-level position, but long-term, it’s a steady job.”

“That’s great. Ashley, what’s your schedule like?”

“I’m taking a full class load. Bad news, Kayla, I won’t be on the volleyball team. I hope to graduate a year early. I’m planning a wedding for the weekend after graduation.”

“That’s fantastic. If there’s anything I can do to help, please don’t hesitate to ask,” I responded.

“You’re a wonderful brother. Thanks.”

“I’m sorry you won’t be on the volleyball team. I’ve enjoyed having you as a teammate,” replied Kayla.

“Thanks. I’ve felt a warm bond with you, but now I have other priorities,” Ashley answered.

“I completely understand. My priorities have changed recently as well.”

“When do you think you and Justin will get married?” asked Ashley.

I almost choked! “Nothing like being subtle, Ashley. We’ve only known each other for three weeks!”

“Oh, heavens! He hasn’t proposed YET! I can dream it will happen in the near future,” laughed Kayla.

“Actually, we haven’t even been on a date, YET!” I added. Everyone laughed at the news.

“If that’s what’s stopping you, I’ll take you on a date!” Kayla laughed. Everyone got a laugh out of that offer.

“Kayla, I’m thrilled to welcome you to this crazy family,” added Mom.

“Again, thank you for making me feel welcome. You have no idea how much that means. I promise I will take good care of Justin. He’s been pretty darn good to me so far.”

We finished breakfast. Ethan and William left. Kayla sent Mom an email with her research paper. I cleaned the kitchen, went to my office, and began searching for available properties near the University. I seriously considered whether to take over the business or work for William.

Kayla took a break from writing while Mom reviewed her paper. She came to my office, and we searched for properties. We found several that would meet our needs, including some convenient to the campus. Mom said she would contact Ethan’s mom on Monday to see if there were any viable foreclosures.

“We need to decide whether to look at new construction, a newer resale, or a foreclosure. There are pros and cons to all three. With new construction, you generally get what the contractor built, maybe with a yard and curtains. With a resale, you get their decorations. A foreclosure may need cleanup and possibly remodeling.”

“I lean toward foreclosure because you can get the property at a discount. You’ll spend part of the discount on cleaning and remodeling. When you’re done, it’s how you want it.”

“You obviously know far more about this than I do. I lived in one house until I graduated from high school and in one apartment for four years in college.”

“Another advantage of remodeling is that we can get commercial-grade appliances at wholesale cost. Both Mom and William hold commercial licenses. That will save hundreds on the project.”

“When Ethan’s mom comes up with a list of foreclosures, we can research and find what we want. I look forward to living together in our own place. We’ll throw a housewarming party so you can cook burgers and brats!" We hugged and kissed.

I made ham-and-cheese sandwiches with chips for lunch. Ashley took a break from studying and joined us.

Mom took a break from reviewing Kayla’s paper. “You have a wonderful talent for writing. It’s very concise yet completely covers the topic. I know one of your subjects is Jessica. You completely avoid exposing any personally identifiable information. I did find a couple of inconsistencies. That happens when writing large papers like this. You would probably find them during your proofreading. I’ll show them after lunch. Otherwise, it’s a beautiful piece of work.”

“Thanks. I appreciate your critique and feedback.”

After lunch, Kayla and Mom went to the basement to update the paper. Mom came back up and asked Ashley if she wanted to go shopping. Ashley started to ask why, but Mom shushed her. They left.

I turned on the TV and dozed off while watching a golf tournament. Kayla came up from the basement and cuddled with me on the sofa. “I’m really thrilled by how your mom has made me feel welcome. I grew up as an only child. My mom worked two jobs. I know she loved me, but I didn’t get the warmth I feel here.”

“I think she’s happy to pawn me off on you!” I laughed.

“Well, I’ll gladly take you off her hands, you goofball.”

“Mom and Ashley went shopping. Guess I’d better start dinner.”

“Would you like me to help?”

“I always appreciate how you step in to help. Come on, we can find something in the fridge. There are leftovers from last night.”

I started reheating some of the stew and green beans. Kayla dished salad onto plates and opened a bottle of Pinot Noir. I set the table with water and wine glasses. We were toiling in the kitchen when Mom and Ashley returned.

“We’re having leftovers for dinner,” I announced.

“That’s great. I’m hungry,” replied Ashley.

We sat and ate. I served dessert. After we finished cleaning the kitchen, we took glasses of wine to the patio.

“Kayla. As I said earlier, I’m thrilled to welcome you to this crazy family. We hope you’ll enjoy the ride. Here’s a welcome gift.” Mom handed Kayla a University of Cincinnati Alumni travel mug, with ‘Kayla, We Love You!’ painted on the side.

Kayla started to cry. “Thank you. You’re wonderful. You have no idea what this means to me.” Ashley and Mom hugged Kayla. “Justin, you can’t get away now. You’re mine!”

I hugged Mom and Ashley. “Thank you for doing this. One day, we’ll explain why it’s so meaningful to her.”

I took Kayla to the bedroom. We undressed and held each other. “I love you, Justin. Your mom and sister are wonderful. We’re going to have an amazing life together as soon as you ask me to marry you.” She laughed.

“Don’t worry. That’ll happen when the time is right.” We held each other and fell asleep.

*** To Be Continued ***