Mended Hearts

by Sarah Markel

  Looking at her husband before turning back to Kelly, Angie mumbled “A week.” Alex took a moment to watch Kelly's reactions before she answered. “Okay, we will watch them. Kelly likes kids, and this will be a good chance to see just how good her maternal instincts are.” She said, exchanging evil looks with Angie. Seeing the look, Kelly glared at both women, causing them to laugh. “Alright then, it's settled. We will drop them off at your place Friday night and pick them up the following Friday morning. Then we will all be here for Zane and Dej's party.” Steve said happily. “Mom, the pizza's here!” Jaxon said, coming to the door. “Come on, Kelly, you can help me get the midgets fed.” Steve said, taking Kelly's hand and pulling her into the house. “Get your hands off my woman!” Alex called after them playfully.

  “So, how did it go last night?” Angie asked, scooting closer to Alex. “Oh, Angie, it was wonderful. I told her I loved her and she said it back, without hesitation!” Alex explained. “Then we went to that French place downtown, and Kelly got the waitress fired! She got all mad and started chewing out the manager in French.” Alex laughed. “She’s great. I feel like we have been together forever, Angie. She makes me feel good about myself, and she goes out of her way to make me feel like I matter. Dej loves her, she even prefers Kelly to help her with stuff instead of me. Zane likes her too, which surprises me, and she treats them both like people instead of pests. I love watching her interact with them.” She finished, her eyes going misty. “Aww, I'm happy for you, Alex. I really am!” Angie gushed, hugging her sister.

  Coming back onto the deck, Steve and Kelly passed the two women a Billy's Pizza box. “Here, this way we actually get some.” Steve said as Alex took the box. Tucking into their lunch, the group visited about the last few days. When the children had finished and flooded out the door to play in the yard, Steve remembered something. “Alex, I wanted to ask you something. Angie and I have been talking, and we think it would be a good idea to get a couple of on-duty officers to come to the party to act as security. I know Lilly is supposed to stay away from you guys, but well, that hasn’t really worked out so far. What do you think?” He finished, looking at Alex and Kelly. After a moment, Alex replied "I don’t know, Steve. I don’t think anyone is going to have any fun with uniformed police around.” Getting an agreement from both Angie and Kelly, Alex continued, “If they are plain clothes, I don't see a problem with it though.” Seeing Alex's point, Steve nodded. “I'll see if I can get a couple of volunteers and we'll see what happens.” He said. The group sat for a while, silently watching as the children played.

  “Hey, I have an idea.” Kelly said suddenly. “How about instead of you guys dropping the kids off on Friday, why don't we have an end of school pool party? Everyone can head over after school, and all the kids can swim and have hot dogs and games and stuff. Then after it winds down, you two can come home and leave the kids with us?” Smiling, Alex kissed Kelly softly. “That's a great idea, babe! I can clean up the yard and pool this week and have it ready to go Friday before school gets out.” Steve and Angie toasted the two women, agreeing that a pool party would be fun. The group resumed watching the children play, enjoying the peaceful ambiance that having people who loved you provided.

  Chapter 37

  After work on Friday, Alex and Kelly headed straight home. They had spent the last five days working together after work to get the yard and pool in order. They had put away anything that a child could get hurt on, cleaned the swing set, swept the basketball court, mowed the grass, and put up a fence around the outside of the concrete border on the pool. The previous day, Alex finally got a chance to drain the pool and give it a good scrub down. Now that the pool and yard were clean and ready to go, the only thing left to do was get the food set up. Steve had agreed to pick up the kids, so the two women had rushed home to start the grill.

  By the time they had finished getting all the food together, people had started to arrive. Judy and Lauren had brought Colton over, Allan and Terry had come along with little Ollie, and Will Coleman and his wife Tanya had brought Willow. When Steve arrived with Angie and the six kids, Alex turned on the music and set the ground rules with all of the children, while Kelly started bringing the food trays out to the picnic table. While the children laughed and splashed in the pool, the adults crowded around to meet Kelly. After being introduced to Judy, Lauren, and Tanya, Kelly was pulled away by Angie, Alan, Tanya, and Lauren to chat near the pool. Judy, Alex, Terry, Will, and Steve all took up residence near the grill, talking about sports and cars. As the two groups conversed and watched the children, Dej suddenly screamed and took off running toward the back door. Alarmed, Alex and Kelly began to follow her, only to stop before reaching the porch. Billy walked out onto the porch with Dej cradled on his hip and a big smile on his face. Following her husband, Chelsea carried Adalyn down into the yard and set the child down. “I have an announcement to make.” The man boomed. Once he had everyone's attention, Billy set Dej down and took Chelsea's hand. Looking into his wife's eyes, Billy held up a tiny diaper and announced, “We're pregnant!” Cheers and clapping erupted from the crowd, before everyone went back to their activities.

  While Chelsea joined Kelly and the other "Moms,” Billy went over to join the Alex and the other "Dads.” Once all the hot dogs had been grilled and set out, Alex and her group retired to the lawn chairs that had been set up in the grass by the deck. While the others chatted away about this and that, Alex couldn't help but watch Kelly. She watched as the woman she loved cared for baby Ollie. She watched as Kelly carefully changed his diaper, fed him his bottle, burped him, and started playing with him. She admired the way Kelly cared for the baby, but did not ignore the other children. Each time a child went up to Kelly, she gave them her attention, while still making sure the baby was safe. When Dej pulled Colton's little sister Carrie over to meet Kelly, Alex watched with pride as Kelly sat the two girls down and allowed them to help her care for the baby. “I'm going to marry that woman.” She unknowingly said out loud.

  Realizing her error, she turned to the group and threatened, “If anyone says anything to their wives, I will bury you all where no one will find you.” While the others broke out in laughter, Alex turned her attention back to Kelly, noticing that the other woman was staring at her with a smile. Her heart fluttered as Kelly mouthed the words "I love you.” Mouthing them back, Alex watched Kelly as she stood and handed Ollie back to Alan. Kelly walked over to where Alex sat and took the woman's hand, pulling her into the house. Once inside, she leaned up and kissed Alex on the lips softly. “What was that for?” Alex asked with a smile. “No reason, I just wanted a kiss.” Kelly replied before going back outside. What a tease. Alex thought with a chuckle.

  As the party wound down, Steve and Angie took their leave, wishing Alex and Kelly luck. After everyone else had left, the women went back outside to check on the brood. Kelly looked out at the yard with surprise. In the approximately 7 minutes the children had been unattended while the guests were shown out, Tommy had crawled onto the picnic table and was happily shoving hot dogs in his mouth. Jaxon and Zane were dragging Raider across the grass by his feet, and Anya and Dej were throwing pickle and cheese slices at each other. “That's enough!” Alex bellowed, making Kelly jump. Immediately, all six children dropped what they were doing and started pointing fingers, each clamoring over the next to place blame for their actions on someone else. Holding up her hand to quiet the children, Alex told them sternly to line up. As each child took their place in line and hung their head, Alex told them in no uncertain terms that they were to clean up the yard. While the two women sat down in lawn chairs, the children did as they were told. Jaxon and Zane worked together to gather all of the toys that had been strewn around the yard, Raider and Tommy went around gathering the plates, cups, and plastic ware into a trash bag, and Dej and Anya crawled around on the grass to gather all of the food they had thrown.

  Once the brood had finished their tasks, Alex sent the boys upstairs to shower, warning t
hem all that if they made a mess of the bathrooms, they would all go to bed after they were done. Taking Kelly by the hand, the pair took the two girls up to their room. “Honey, do you want me to give the girls a shower, so you can keep an eye on the boys?” Kelly asked. Running her hand through her hair, Alex nodded. “Yeah, that's probably a good idea. I wouldn't put it past them to flood the bathroom. I'll go get the girls some pajamas.” She said, kissing Kelly as she left the room. Turning to the girls, Kelly said "Okay little ladies, let's get you cleaned up.” After the girls were showered and dressed in their matching pajamas, she took them downstairs to do their hair. When she had finished French Braiding their hair, Kelly went over to the movie shelf and chose a DVD for them. Just as she started the movie, the four boys came bounding down the stairs. “Hey, you two, don't do that! Get up and walk around the right way.” She told Zane and Jaxon, who had hurdled the couch to get seats before the others could take them. Hands on her hips, Kelly watched the boys do as instructed.

  Once the children were seated watching their movie, she went into the kitchen to make some popcorn for them. When the kids had their snack, she went up in search of Alex. Finding the woman muttering under her breath as she tossed wet towels and clothing into the hallway from the bathroom, Kelly leaned against the wall and watched. “Holy shit! You scared me.” Alex said when she had finished and turned toward the door. Smiling, Kelly told her what the kids were doing and offered to help. “Sure. Could you take these downstairs while I get Zane's bathroom?” Kelly did as requested, sorting the clothes into piles before starting the washer. I could really get used to this domestic stuff, she thought to herself. After tucking the children into bed a few hours later, the two women curled onto the couch together to watch the news. “So how does it feel to mother six children?” Alex asked, kissing the top of Kelly's head. “Are there only six of them?” Kelly replied with a groan. Chuckling, Alex pulled the woman close. A few moments later, both women were fast asleep.

  Chapter 38

  The weekend passed slowly and Kelly got to see exactly what a house full of children was really like. On Sunday afternoon, she and Alex had decided on a plan for the week. Alex would work from home for the week and Kelly would go in each day from noon until five so that the kids were cared for and they two women could still get their work done. The plan went smoothly until Thursday afternoon when Alex called Kelly at work, “Babe, I need you to come home and sit with the kids. Marie called and there is a problem with the catering for the party. She needs me to go in and talk to her.” Alex said, anxiety evident in her voice. “Alright honey, give me some time to get things situated and I will be there.” Kelly replied. After talking with the staff and letting them know she would be unavailable for the rest of the day, Kelly headed home. When she arrived, she found Alex in a slight panic. “Thank you so much, Babe. I've been planning this for so long I can't let something mess it up.” She said, kissing Kelly and heading out the door.

  After Alex left, Kelly went in search of the children. Finding the boys playing in the pool, but not seeing the girls, she went upstairs to find them. After looking in Dej's room and finding nothing, she heard giggling coming from the guest room. Curious what could be so entertaining in there, Kelly cracked the door and peeked in. The two girls were sitting at the small vanity table under the window with makeup strewn all over the place. Lipstick, mascara, and eye shadow was painted on both girls' faces as if they had been painted by clowns. Chuckling, Kelly opened the door and went inside. “What in the world are you two doing?” She asked. Looking up at her, Dej responded "We're looking beautiful like you!” With a smile, Kelly knelt down to meet their eyes. “How about we start over and I will do your makeup?” When the two girls agreed excitedly, Kelly took them by the hand and led them to the bathroom to wash up. Once the girls were cleaned up, she gathered the makeup and took them downstairs to the back porch. Keeping half an eye on the boys, and speaking up when needed, Kelly set about making the two girls beautiful. After applying the finishing touches to their eye shadow, she sent them off to play. “Can we have a snack, Aunt Kelly?” Tommy hollered from the pool. Feeling her heart warm at being called Aunt, Kelly agreed and went into the kitchen to make their snack. After gathering some cheese and crackers for the kids, and finding some Pembrooke Cheese flavored spread and protein free crackers for Dej, She took the tray out to the picnic table. The children all clamored over to her, grabbing crackers and cheese slices, while she put together Dej's food.

  Once the children devoured their food, Kelly took the tray and went back into the kitchen. While she was washing the tray, she heard a blood curdling scream from the backyard and ran to see what happened. “Hey, stop it you two!” She yelled at Zane and Jaxon, running down to separate the boys. Stepping between them just as Jaxon swung, she was caught in the mouth by his fist. Feeling anger for the first time, Kelly bellowed, “That's enough!” Standing between the two boys with her hands out to her sides on each boy's chest, she glared at them both. “What is going on? Why are you two fighting?” She demanded. Angry, Zane turned and ran into the house. “I was joking with him and he just hauled off and hit me.” Jaxon said. “What were you joking about that made him mad enough to hit you?” Kelly asked. Shrugging his shoulders, Jaxon sat at the picnic table with a smirk on his face and his arms crossed over his chest. Realizing she wouldn't get an answer from the boy, Kelly turned to Raider and Tommy. “What did Jaxon say?” She asked calmly. Looking from Kelly to their brother, who was glaring at them, both boys hung their heads and shrugged. Unsure what form of punishment was used by their parents, Kelly decided the safest bet would be a time out.

  Rounding up the children, she marched them inside, and sent the girls up to play in Dej's room. After being warned not to play in the guest room anymore, the two girls did as they were told and went to play. Looking at the three boys, Kelly informed them "I will give each of you one more chance to tell me what was said. If you don't, you will all sit in time out until Alex gets back.” After a few moments of waiting for a response, she finally gave up. Saying each boys name and pointing to a different spot on the living room floor, Kelly sent them to their time out. After making sure there was nothing for them to play with, Kelly went upstairs to find Zane.

  Knocking on his door, she peeked in to find the boy laying on his bed with his face in his pillow. Faint sobs drifted toward her and she felt her heart break. “Zane, may I come in?” She asked softly. Looking up at her with tear streaked eyes, the boy nodded. Going to the child, Kelly opened her arms and asked if he needed a hug. When he crawled into her arms and hugged her, Kelly smiled. “What happened, buddy? What did he say that made you so upset?” She asked, smoothing the boy's hair. “Would you be too upset if I wait and tell my mom first?” He asked. Curious why he didn't want to tell her, Kelly agreed. “No, sweetie, that's fine, as long as you promise to tell her.” Agreeing, Zane pulled away and asked her "Do you love my mom?” Taken aback by the hesitation in the boy's voice, Kelly smiled, “Yes, I do. I love her with all my heart. And I love you and Dej too. I love you two like you were my own kids.” Giving her a sad smile, Zane looked over to the picture of Callie on his dresser. Seeing this, Kelly added gently, rubbing the boy's back, “Zane, just because I love you like my own, doesn’t mean you have to call me Mom. You can call me Kelly if you want to. I'm not trying to take your Mama's place, but I would be honored to have the chance to take care of you and your mom and sister for her. I could never replace Callie, Zane, but I really want to be there for you all so she doesn't have to worry.” She explained. Hugging her with a smile, Zane replied "I think I can live with that. Does your mouth hurt? My mom is gonna be pissed.” He added, noticing the purple split in Kelly's lower lip. Bringing her hand up to touch the spot, Kelly winced and replied "You know, I was so upset that you two were fighting that I didn't even notice. It stings a little, but I will be fine.” Patting Zane on the knee, Kelly stood and went off to check on the other children.

  After she chec
ked on the girls and found them coloring pictures on Dej's floor, she went down to check the boys. Finding them just as she left them, she went into the kitchen to find something to do. Checking the time and seeing that it was almost five, she decided to start dinner. Looking in the fridge and seeing the container of food that had been pulled out for Dej, Kelly had an idea. She went to her purse and pulled out her tablet, calling up the list of protein free recipes she had saved. After finding one that she had the ingredients for, she set about preparing supper. Peeking into the living room to make sure the boys stayed put, Kelly set about washing and slicing mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions. Checking her recipe, she gathered the needed spices and measured them out into a small dish. “Can I help you with anything?” Zane asked, startling her. “Could you run up and check on Anya and Dej, then come back and set the table for me please?” She asked. While Zane did as she asked, Kelly sautéed the vegetables and added the spices. Once the vegetables were tender, she poured them into a casserole dish and put them into the oven to keep warm. Not wanting to take food away from Dej, she pulled out two low protein tortillas, as well as a package of regular ones. After putting the tortillas into a warmer, she went out to gather the children.

  While Zane set the table, Kelly sent the three boys up to wash and followed them to help the girls do the same. Just as she was assembling the meal onto the plates, Alex came home. Smiling at the sight of the children sitting calmly at the table, Alex walked into the kitchen and stared at Kelly. “What happened?” She asked, going to Kelly with concern on her face. “Ask the boys.” Kelly replied. Rounding on the boys, Alex demanded answers. Before they could respond, Kelly interjected. “After dinner, honey. Sit down and eat, then we can talk.” She said, laying her hand on Alex's shoulder. Alex did as she was told, glaring at the boys as she took her seat. Once everyone had their supper, Alex smiled across the table at Kelly. “This looks wonderful, babe. Thank you.” She said as the group tucked into their meal. After everyone had eaten, Kelly gathered the dishes and Alex sent the girls out to watch TV. Turning back to the four boys, Alex said "So who wants to tell me what happened?” She asked, hands folded on the table. Eyes downcast, the boys said nothing for several moments. “I'm not hearing anything!” She boomed, making the boys and Kelly jump. “It was an accident, Aunt Alex. I didn’t mean to hit her.” Jaxon said finally. After a moment with no further explanation, Zane finally spoke up. “Jaxon and I were fighting and Kelly came out to stop it. When she stepped between us, Jaxon accidentally hit her in the mouth.” He explained. “Why were you fighting?” Alex asked, trying to keep from yelling.