A Beaumont Family Christmas (The Beaumont Series)

by Heidi McLaughlin

  After turning the SUV around, it takes very little time to arrive at the restaurant. As soon as I open the door and step in, Katelyn is there. I smile at the love of my life and make my way toward her. Rosa, the third-generation owner, hollers out, "Hola, Mr. Harrison."

  "Good evening, Rosa."

  "I'll be over in a minute for yours and Ms. Katelyn's order."

  When I reach Katelyn, she tilts her head up, waiting for a kiss, and I happily oblige her. "This is a delightful surprise," I say as I sit down across from her. I don't bother with the menu because I order the same thing every time I'm here.

  "I was at the hospital and left late. Figured we'd stop here for dinner."

  "Well, you know I'm always up for Rosa's cooking," I say this as she approaches our table. She blushes and sets our drinks down in front of us.

  "Mr. Harrison, you sure know how to make a woman feel good about herself."

  "He does have that charm," Katelyn says with a sigh and smile.

  Katelyn and I place our orders, and I reach for her hand. My thumb plays with the diamond on her ring finger, moving it back and forth. People, mostly the media, often ask why we've never married. I suppose for some people it's odd. We adopted each other's children, took each other's names, and have always acted like we're married. There have been many times when I've referred to her as my wife, and she has called me her husband. So, why not make it official? People want to know, and the answer is a piece of paper does not define our love for each other or the life we're living, or the lives of our kids. The bottom line, this works for us, and that's all that should matter. If something happened to me, Katelyn's taken care of, as are the kids and any future grandchildren.

  "You look troubled."

  Katelyn smiles softly and leans forward to rest the elbow of her other arm on the table. "There are a few things I'd like to discuss."

  "I'm all ears."

  "Josie, Jenna, and I had a video chat today," she pauses, which I take as an opening to say something sarcastic.

  My mouth drops open. "What did Liam do now?" The likelihood that he did anything wrong is so far-fetched, it's laughable. For the past, however many years, that boy has been on the straight and narrow, and he took JD and me right along with him.

  Katelyn rolls her eyes and lets out a small giggle. "Josie has invited us all, kids included, to go away for the holidays. She rented this massive lodge that will fit us all comfortably. According to her, the house sits at the base of the mountain, right by the ski lodge. The Davises are going, and I told Josie we'd go as well."

  "I'm game. When do we leave?"

  "End of the week. We'll fly to Vermont."

  "The land of Ben & Jerry's, maple syrup, and cider donuts. I'll be one happy man." I lean back and pat my stomach.

  "You'll be fat if you eat like that."

  "And you'll still love me," I point out. Katelyn gives me a side-eye glance but doesn't confirm she will. Her avoidance of my statement hurts a little bit. "What about the kids?"

  "Josie is going to call Noah and Peyton. I'll take care of Quinn and Elle. I'm not sure if Quinn and Nola are going to her parents’ or not. We really hadn't talked about the holidays."

  "That's a bit odd for you. Normally, you know everyone's plans before Thanksgiving. What's going on?" Over the past few weeks, I've noticed something has been on Katelyn's mind, but each time I've asked, she's brushed me off, saying it's nothing. The thing is, I can't fix the issue if it's nothing, and the last thing I want is for Katelyn ever to have to worry about anything. I tug slightly on her hand to get her attention. "Talk to me."

  Katelyn inhales deeply. "I'm fine, I promise. The kids are as well. But there is something I want to show you after we eat."

  "Okay," I say without hesitation.

  As if on cue, Rosa is back with our food and a loud growl bellows from my stomach. I don't bother trying to cover it up with my hand or even apologizing. It knows what I'm about to feed it.

  "Plates are hot," Rosa says as she sets them down. "I'll get you some more drinks." I rub my hands together and pick my fork up.

  "You act like you haven't eaten all day," Katelyn says.

  "I've been with JD, which means we ate at In-N-Out Burger. He's like a kid with a sugar high when it comes to that place."

  "Which I don't get. It's not like Jenna tells him he can't go."

  I shrug. "It's JD. Who knows with him?"

  "What did he get for a tattoo?" Katelyn asks.

  "One of Jenna's drawings of a sugar skull. He did it as a surprise."

  "That's very sweet of him."

  I stifle a laugh because sweet and JD do not go together in a sentence. Although, when it comes to Jenna and Eden, he's an entirely different person.

  When Rosa arrives at the table with our bill, I have my credit card out and ready for her. She takes it and tells us she'll be right back.

  "Make sure you leave her a good tip since we won't be back until next year."

  "Of course," I reply. "As if I'd do anything different when it comes to Rosa."

  When she returns, Rosa sets the slip down with a pen and walks away. "How much are you leaving her?" Katelyn asks.

  I don't bother to answer her and write the total, plus tip onto the piece of paper and scribble my name. Katelyn takes it from me, writes on it, and hands it back. I say nothing, as I get up and reach for her hand to help her out of the booth.

  "Merry Christmas, Rosa," Katelyn says as we begin to leave. "We'll see you next year."

  "Next year? What?" Rosa yells out, but we're already at the door. With Katelyn's hand in mine, I look down at her and smile.

  "She'll be happy."

  "Rosa's good to us." And we're good to her. We always make sure to tip above the normal and more so during the holidays. "A two-thousand-dollar tip will help her tremendously."

  "You're a good woman, Katelyn."

  She stops and pulls me to her. I don't hesitate to kiss her, not caring if someone has their camera out. Please blast this all-over social media with the caption, "Harrison James kisses his wife on the street corner." So scandalous.

  I open the car door for Katelyn and make sure she's situated before closing it. The plan is to leave her car and come back and get it after she takes me to this super secretive place. Once I'm in the flow of traffic, Katelyn is giving me directions. She points to the right or left, but the best is when she says, turn here, and I'm stuck in the middle lane.

  "Advance warning, babe."

  "I know, I'm sorry."

  Clearly, wherever we're going and whatever is on her mind is weighing heavily on her. I hate that for her and want to relieve her of what she's feeling. When she tells me to turn into the hospital entrance, I figure it's to turn around, but she directs into the first open spot she sees.

  "Follow me," Katelyn says as she gets out of the SUV. I do as she requests and fall in step behind her. The hospital is busy, with an influx of people milling around. Honestly, it's my least favorite place to be, and I start to wonder if Katelyn has befriended a fan of 4225 West and their dying wish is to meet me. I find this odd because Katelyn would've said something, and I definitely would've made sure the fan received the full treatment.

  We step into the elevator with a few other people, and Katelyn presses the sixth-floor button. We ride in silence until the doors open for us and step out. At the nurse's station, Katelyn checks us in. I'm given a sticker that says visitor with my picture on it.

  "What are we doing here?" I ask.

  "You'll see." Katelyn motions for me to follow, and I do. We walk through a set of double doors that Katelyn opened with her badge and around the corner. She stops at the large window and sighs.

  Babies.

  "Did someone have a baby that we know?"

  Katelyn shakes her head and again motions for me to follow her. We go into the nursery, and she greets one of the nurses, who introduces herself as Mary.

  "Are you here to see Baby John?"

  Katelyn nods and take
s my hand. Being in a place like this, full of babies, is something new for me. I wasn't there when Quinn was born and obviously the twins. Katelyn and I never considered expanding our family either and are both anxious for grandchildren.

  "Sit here," Katelyn says as she points to a rocking chair. I do and keep my eyes on my wife. She goes to one of the cradles and scoops up a baby wrapped in a hospital-issued blanket with a blue hat on. Katelyn sits next to me and, for a moment, is entirely focused on the baby she's holding.

  "I don't know how long I've volunteered here. It's probably going on two years now. I love coming in and holding the babies and helping the new moms. This job or whatever you'd call it has been rewarding. When I leave, I know the babies are loved, and the parents are walking out with their bundles prepared for sleepless nights. When I go home at night, I'm content and ready to bug Peyton and Noah for a grandchild."

  Katelyn gently places the baby she's holding into my arms. I'm nervous but not afraid because I know my wife is by my side. I look down at the little guy and take in his features. He's tiny with blue eyes and the smallest nose. He wiggles and squirms, almost as if he’s trying to break out of his swaddle.

  "What's his name?"

  "He doesn't have one."

  "Why not?" I ask, without taking my eyes from him.

  "His mother abandoned him at the fire station a week ago. He's been here because the state is having trouble finding him a home so close to Christmas. They call him Baby John because they don't know who he is."

  Instantly, my eyes go to Katelyn. She tries to smile, but there are tears in her eyes. "Why are we here, Katelyn?"

  "Because I want us to foster him and eventually adopt him."

  "Katelyn," I say her name as a warning.

  She sets one hand on me and the other on the baby. "I get it, our kids are grown and hopefully starting families of their own soon, but this guy, he doesn't have a chance. He'll live in a foster home until he's adopted—if he gets adopted. He's small for his age. A full-term baby should weigh at least six pounds, he’s barely tipping the scale at five. He may or may not have health issues the older he gets and right now he needs oxygen to breath at night before he forgets to do it himself. We can take care of him and give him a good life. Give him a chance. We can make sure he has the best medical care."

  I glance back at the baby and swear he smiles at me. I haven't thought about more kids since the twins were probably eight. It just didn't make sense. Not with the band touring all the time, and the kids pulling Katelyn in every direction possible. She's right though. We have something to offer a baby.

  "We leave on Friday," I point out.

  Katelyn nods. "Which means we need an emergency hearing giving us temporary custody of him and listing us as his foster parents until we can proceed with the adoption. I’ve already spent time with his caseworker. Ramona thinks we have an amazing chance of becoming his foster parents. If we can’t take him out of the state, I’ll stay home. All we can do is ask.”

  "And what if his mother comes back?" I ask her. "We've been down this road with Alicia. It's not pretty."

  "No, it's not, but if she does, we'll help her, because I can't imagine Elle or Peyton being so scared that they'd leave their baby at the fire station. I hate that his mom went through this alone. If she comes back, we'll be there for her."

  I study my wife for a long time, looking for any signs of apprehension. I finally lean over and kiss her. "After I'm done holding him, I'll make the call to our lawyer."

  "Are you sure?" she asks hesitantly.

  "I am." Katelyn's eyes go wide and brim with unshed tears. Her hand covers her mouth as I nod, sending the message home. I'll do whatever I must to make her happy, and if that means bringing this little boy home, who desperately needs a family, then so be it. Starting over as parents isn't ideal, but I feel as if this is the right thing to do in my heart.

  "I love you, Harrison. So much." She leans down and kisses me. Her long hair tickles against the bundle in my arms. He fusses, which sends a welcoming jab to my heart. We were meant to be in each other's lives.

  "I love you more. We should probably think of a name for this guy. I'm not a fan of John."

  "Oh, don't worry, I have a list," she says as she places her arm around my shoulder and leans in. I watch her for a moment, wondering if this was how she was with the twins, and can’t believe it’s taken us this long to expand our family.

  8

  Katelyn

  Harrison and I stayed at the hospital until had to leave due to visiting hours being over. He wanted to change the bassinet’s placard to read “Baby boy James,” but the nurse wouldn’t let him. That didn’t stop Harrison from telling the baby that he would be back, and then he’d have a real name. The entire way home, I cried. Not because I was sad, but at the prospect of helping Baby John have a decent life, and also at the thought of two, three, and four in the morning feedings. I know I’m out of practice but eager to wake up and hold that baby boy and rock him back to sleep.

  “Are you nervous?” Harrison asks. We are in the Child’s Protective Services office, waiting to speak with Ramona. Before she’s even willing to push our request through, she has to meet Harrison.

  “I am.” I know getting the baby is a long shot, but it’s my hope since other foster placements have declined, that we’re seen as the only viable option for Baby John.

  “We’re good people, Katelyn. We have a lot to offer a baby.”

  “I know,” I say quietly. I glance quickly at the man sitting next to me. He’s dressed in a suit, with a blue button-down shirt. On the outside, he looks nothing like the man I’m madly in love with. Hidden are his tattoos, the real Harrison James. He rarely dresses like this, but I appreciate every aspect of the incredibly sexy man he is when he does. He catches me staring and winks.

  When the door to the offices opens, I look over and smile when Ramona appears in the doorway. She waves us to her. “How are you?” she asks.

  “Nervous,” I tell her. “Ramona, this is my husband, Harrison.”

  “It’s nice to meet you,” he says, shaking her hand.

  “You too.” She flips through a file as we follow her down an aisle way. On each side of us, gray cubicles make up tiny offices. Most of them have boxes stacked on top of each other, and piles of folders take up desk space. I have a feeling each one of those manila files is a child needing a home.

  Ramona takes us to a conference room. It, too, is crowded with boxes and filing cabinets. She tells us to sit. “I’ve been looking over your application,” she starts, and my heart drops. “You’re not legally married, correct?”

  “No, ma’am,” Harrison says.

  “We’ve been together for over twenty years, and you can see by the paperwork I gave you, we adopted each other’s children many years ago, without any issues.” I know I’m rambling. I can’t help it. I feel like she’s caught us in a lie. If California would acknowledge common law, we’d be all set. Harrison gives my hand a reassuring squeeze. If never getting married comes back to bite us in the ass, I’m dragging him to the nearest chapel and marrying him.

  Ramona looks up. Her face shows little to no expression. I’m sure she’s mastered this look over the years. I’d give anything to see what she looks like when she’s delivering good news. My palms start to sweat, and my heart races faster than I knew possible.

  “You amended your application to include out of state travel?”

  Harrison clears this throat. “Yes, we are flying to Vermont on Friday and wish to take the baby with us. If possible,” he adds.

  Ramona nods.

  I want to know what the nod means. Is Ramona agreeing? Is she acknowledging Harrison? Or is she nodding because that’s what she’s used to doing? Right now, I feel like this isn’t the same person I met at the hospital, the one who was eager to get our paperwork started and felt like we had a good chance at becoming foster parents.

  Ramona closes the folder and sets her clasped hands on top of i
t. “Katelyn, I’m going to repeat what I’ve already told you for Harrison, so he has a clear understanding of how we proceed.”

  “Okay.”

  “Approximately, seven days ago, the child known as Baby John Doe 1096 was abandoned. Hospital staff determined he had been born no longer than eight hours prior. Under state law, the birth mother or father had the legal right to leave the said child at a safe haven location without being questioned. They filled out a simple sheet of medical information.” Ramona pulls a sheet of paper from the folder and slides it over to us. “More often than not, places are left blank, which leaves us in the dark.”

  Harrison picks up the paper, and I lean in to read what’s on it. The only ink stain on the sheet is a checkmark next to boy.

  “The hospital ran a series of tests, and we can confirm Baby John is not addicted to anything, just underdeveloped and likely premature. An ambulance transported him to the hospital from the fire station, where he has remained under the staff’s care. Now,” Ramona sighs. “It is my understanding that you wish to foster this child?” She opens her folder and starts writing on a legal pad.

  “Yes,” Harrison states.

  “And you’re able to provide a stable home for him?”

  “Without a doubt,” he replies.

  “Tell me about this vacation you’re taking? Will Baby John be cared for?”

  “As Harrison said earlier, we’re going to Vermont. We’re staying in a lodge in the town of Stowe and meeting up with our life-long friends, who would play an important part in Baby John’s life if we were to adopt him. Our grown children will be there as well. We’ll celebrate the holidays as a family.”

  “And Baby John would be incorporated in all of this?” she asks.

  Harrison chuckles. “We’ll have six women to fawn over him. I can tell you he won’t lack attention.”

  Ramona actually chuckles at this. “You mention adoption. Is this your intent?”

  Harrison and I nod. “It is,” I say. “We already know what it’s like when a birth parent comes back. We had to experience it with our son, Quinn. We are prepared for Baby John’s mother or father or both to return. It’s something we’re willing to accept.”