A Million Wishes

  The girls both chimed in their thank you and waved as the twins got in the vehicle.

  “Thank you for asking them over. The last home we were in we weren’t allowed to have friends over. It was kind of a bummer really. Not that we really wanted to hang out at home there much, but still. It’s nice to know you two don’t mind.” Lilah’s smile was bright and cheerful. Again, Miki felt her eyes burn with the hint of tears. It hurt her heart to know these kids had been kept from some of the simplest joys of life since they had lost their parents.

  “We’re heading to pick up Dakota now, and then we’re going to do a little shopping before dinner. You guys have a good day at school?” Noah said as he turned into traffic, heading towards the college campus.

  “TGIF!” Dom said, grinning.

  Lilah laughed and gave her brother a high five. “Right?! Ugh. I’ll be so glad when school is out. My math teacher is a tyrant.”

  They spent the 15 minute drive laughing and sharing bits about their day. It was one of the best feelings in the world to Miki. All her life she had dreamed about having kids of her own to share moments like this. Even when she had moved in with her brother Callum, this was something she never really had. She usually came home to an empty apartment and by the time he got off work she was in bed, or he was too tired to really focus on her much unless she needed help with homework or something. He tried, but he was so young himself he just didn’t really give her the one on one time she needed. These kids though? They had her full attention. Her joy for them was obvious as was her interest and watching her husband, her very best friend… just as consumed with conversation with him melted her heart even more. Her eyes teared up again and she looked forward so no one could see it. She was turning into a mush! Tearing up at each little thing she discovered about her growing family. She never knew she could be so happy.

  She was nibbling on her thumbnail and looking out the window as they pulled up to the gym where Dakota told them he’d be waiting. Sure enough, there he was with a giant of a man. He reminded her of Michael Clark Duncan, from his great big smile to his enormous muscles. The two were laughing; both carrying gym bags and Dakota had his book bag slung over his shoulder, as well as a bag from a local department store. He gave them a wave as they pulled up and went up to Miki’s open window and leaned on it.

  “Hey guys, I just wanted you to meet a really great friend of mine who happens to be my track coach too. This is Mr. Tankersley, but everyone calls him Tank. You can probably see why.”

  He walked up to Miki’s window and had to bend himself in half to peek in the window beside Dakota. “Mr. and Mrs. Cane it’s nice to meet you. Dakota speaks highly of you two.”

  “Please, just call us by our first names Tank. I’m Noah and this is my wife Miki. So you’re his coach huh? We’re excited to see him at a track meet.”

  “Come to Jacksonville Florida in two weeks and you’ll see him compete at the NCAA Preliminary Rounds. Then, if we qualify we’ll be in Des Moines Iowa two weeks after that. I don’t know if you know it yet, but this kid here,” Tank pointed at Dakota smiling “he’s got the goods to go far. Kid can run like the wind.”

  “Oh can we go can we go? School will be out on May 24th. Please, we haven’t been able to go see him since he started college.” Lilah and Dom were both pleading and Dakota was grinning as he opened the van door and reached in to hug the twins. “Hey don’t be beggin’. That’s an expensive trip; it took us a lot of fund raising to even be able to go.”

  “I’d love to go!” Miki said.

  “So would I. Sounds like a great first family vacation to me.” Noah answered.

  The cheers in the back of the van had people walking by staring at them like they were crazy. All it did to them was make them all laugh.

  Tank lifted his gym bag and tossed it over his shoulder and reached in the window to shake Noah and Miki’s hand. “It was nice to meet you guys. I have to go pick my baby sister up from her friend’s house. I promised to take them out for pizza tonight.”

  “Hey Tank. We’re having a get together on Sunday. Just a picnic with family and the twins both have a friend coming over. Would you like to join us?”

  Tank looked at Dakota and when he nodded to him Tank hesitantly said “Well, I have the kids with me all the time.”

  “Oh that’s fine! Bring your family with you. How many kids do you have?”

  “Five siblings, only three still live with me, two sisters and a brother.”

  “We’ll have plenty, go ahead and bring them all if they want to come ok? Just come over around noon or so.”

  Miki’s smile was so sweet and welcoming there was no way he could resist her. “Sounds good, I’ll just call Dakota for directions. See ya later bruh, by kids.”

  A chorus of “Bye Tank.” followed him as he walked away.

  “He must be at least six and a half feet tall.”

  Dakota was laughing and patted Miki’s shoulder. “Yeah he is. Glad he’s my friend because I sure don’t wanna be on his bad side.”

  “What’s in the sack? You get us somethin’ or do you have to pack like a girl now and bring everything with you to keep yourself lookin’ fly?”

  Dakota shoved his little brother and pulled books out of the sack. “I told you guys I’d be getting you books to keep you busy in the summer. Just because school’s about out doesn’t mean you stop learning remember?” He handed each of them six different books.

  “Aw man! Summer time is for fun not books!”

  “I like to read. Thank you D.” She hugged her brother and kissed his cheek.

  ”You’re welcome baby girl.”

  “There are three workbooks each on sophomore level studies and three novels. One of each for each month you’re off school just like Mom used to get for us. I’m signed up for two online courses for the summer so don’t be complaining Dom. Be happy you have the tools to better yourself little bruh.”

  “I am D. I was just razzing ya. I appreciate it. I know you work hard to do stuff like this for us.”

  The brothers hugged and again Miki felt tears threatening to spill over. “That was so sweet of you to carry on what your Mom taught you Dakota. I’m proud of you sugar.”

  Noah cleared his throat and rubbed his forehead as he drove to the furniture store. “I am a Navy SEAL for crying out loud. I will not get emotional over books. You guys are turning me into a softy.”

  Lilah was sitting behind him and she affectionately patted his shoulder with the cutest smile on her face. “It’s ok Noah. We won’t tell anyone you got all teary eyed over math and science books. Even if you did cry a little, it doesn’t mean you’re any less of a big tough guy ok sweetheart?”

  They all cracked up laughing and those sweet sounds of love and happiness lasted all the way to the furniture store, and even in random bursts while shopping when little Lilah would go up and hold Noah’s, hand or lean on him, and he’d get that sappy look in his eyes every time she melted his heart. After they’d been at it for a few hours and she noticed Noah’s limp was more pronounced she led him over to a bench and asked him to sit with her while the boys finished up with Miki and she set up the delivery date. He knew what she was doing but he didn’t let his normal stubbornness kick in, like he did when anyone else tried to coddle him. There was no way in hell he would push away this sweet girl’s effort to help take care of him. It was just her caring spirit and no way would he break that just because he thought he had to be tough all the time. In all his life he never knew having a daughter would make him such a pushover. The fact that she did just made him grin at her while she told him about her day, and her tyrant of a math teacher Mrs. Winston. Apparently she ranted when anyone made a noise in class and always piled on the homework, especially on the weekends.

  “Just think of it this way darlin’, this school year is nearly done then you won’t have to suffer through her class again.” He draped his arm around her shoulder and hugged her. “That’s true. I guess I’ll stop complaini
ng.” Lilah rested her head on his shoulder and tentatively reached out and held his hand. “You remind me a lot of my Dad. He was tall and strong like you but really, deep down, he was a teddy bear. He always made me feel safe and loved. I grew up knowing he would always be there for me. That he’d take me to the father daughter dance at school or be there when I graduate from high school and college. I always knew he would be there when I need advice or just need a hug. I knew that he’d walk me down the aisle when I get married one day. When he and Momma died I think that was the hardest part for me, was knowing when he wouldn’t be there, that the most important times in my life, I’d be doing it without my Daddy there. I was close to my Momma too but I was totally a Daddy’s girl.”

  Noah waited until she was quiet before he spoke. “Baby girl your Daddy will still be there with you through all of that. I’m sure of it. He’ll be right there with you in your heart, in spirit, smiling each time you succeed at something, for each special time in your life. I’ll be there too….glad to stand in for him anytime you need a hug. Every time you need an ear to listen and every time you need advice. I know I’ll never take his place but I’d be honored to stand by your side at every single important moment and even the simple moments. You better believe I’ll protect you. In fact, I almost feel sorry for any boy that tries to date you, and God forbid if he breaks your heart.” He tapped his cane on the floor and lifted it like he was taking a swing at someone, and Lilah giggled and kissed his cheek.

  “Thank you Noah. Momma and Daddy would have loved you and Miki. You’re good people.”

  “They must have been some pretty wonderful people to have such great kids.”

  When their shopping was done, that was how Miki and the boys found them. Relaxing on the bench, and chatting like the best of friends.

  Chapter 26

  After they left the furniture store they took the kids to get cell phones. Dakota tried to refuse since he had one, but it was just one of those pay as you go ones. When Noah told him to pick a phone or he would, and held up a bright pink case that looked like it had been bejeweled to death, Dakota decided quickly which one he liked best. Laughter was good at smoothing over things and making it easier to accept kindness. Miki added in that this way, if they were all on the same account it would be free to talk and text to each other. After much debate, mainly on Lilah’s part in choosing the most hip looking phone, they left there to head to the grocery store, opting to buy the fixings for subs for dinner, and the stuff they needed for the Sunday picnic.

  By the time they got home it was dusk and they were starving. After devouring sub sandwiches they ventured up to the new house armed with flashlights to light the way. Thankfully the electric and water was already on, it was just minor things that needed finishing like painting, the wood flooring was about halfway done, and the appliances needed to be installed. The kids all kind of freaked out when they saw the outline of the house once they went over the hill. It looked like a log cabin, a big one, two stories with lots of windows. When they went inside and showed them around, they told them they could pick their own bedrooms as long as there was no fighting over it. Miki and Noah laughed when the kids all ran in different directions to check out the rooms. Lilah chose the one upstairs just down the hall from the master bedroom. It was spacious and had a huge walk-in closet, just what a girl needed, along with her own bathroom and whirlpool tub. Her favorite thing though, was the window seat that overlooked the pool. She was already telling Miki how much she loved the color orange and wondered if maybe she could paint her own room.

  Dom on the other hand found his spot on the first floor, a large open room just beneath his sister’s. The perk was that it had its own door that went straight to the pool. Noah clapped him on the back and grinned. “Just so you know, the house will have an alarm system. There won’t be any going out at night after the house is locked up.” Dom smiled and laughed. “No worries Noah. I want to be here. I don’t want to run anymore.” Noah’s heart just about exploded with love and happiness. “That’s good to hear son.”

  Dakota picked a room down the hall from his brother that had a bathroom with a steam shower in it. “Man, this will be nice after a hard workout. Come in here and sit, soak up the steam. That’s what I’m talking about!” The bedroom had large picture windows that looked out over the farm. “This is a perfect spot to put my desk. Do homework and be able to look outside.” Miki smiled as he envisioned how he wanted to set it up. “You know Dakota; you don’t have to go back to the dorm next semester. We can help you get a car so you have transportation to get back and forth, and you can just stay here.” This time it was Dakota that got a little teary eyed. “I can’t accept a gift like that Miki. This is way too much already.”

  “Oh shush. It is not. We’re a family now, just nod your head and say thanks.” She hugged him and walked out of the room humming a soft tune leaving Dakota grinning and shaking his head. He had already learned that when she got an idea in her head just roll with it. She was a feisty one. Not even Noah pushed her once she had her mind made up, and he was a SEAL. Besides, it would be nice to be here for the twins on a daily basis. Hell, it would be nice being a family again.

  “Ok kids; come back down to the living room!” Noah bellowed. Once everyone was gathered again he led them to the door that went down stairs to the finished basement, throwing the door open dramatically.

  “This…is the fun cave.” He flipped on the lights to reveal a huge open room with…of all things…a four lane bowling alley nearly completed. There was also two pool tables, what looked like an air hockey table, a foosball table, and a few old arcade pinball machines still covered in plastic.

  “Oh wow this is sick!”

  “Bowling! I love going bowling!”

  “Tight! This is wicked cool!”

  Noah looked at Miki “Sick is good right? I think tight is too….they really aren’t that much younger than us, but the lingo will take a while to catch on too.”

  She laughed and nodded her head. “Yeah, those were all good reactions.”

  “Oh man! Sunday when our friends come over can we show them this? Nobody’s ever gonna believe we have a bowling alley. This is so cool!”

  “Yes Lilah, as long as one of us comes up here with you. We don’t want you kids up here alone since it is still under construction.” Noah ruffled her hair.

  “With our winnings we didn’t do a lot to spoil ourselves except when it came to the house. We knew we wanted a family and we wanted to have a fun home where our kids wanted to hang out here with their friends instead of going other places all the time. This way, we get to spend a little more time with you, and can get to know your friends too.”

  “It’s a good way to spoil yourselves Miki. This will be the place all the kids will want to hang out at, even the big kids.” Dakota winked at her and laughed.

  Noah chimed in “Especially the big kids. I am awesome at air hockey. I doubt any of you can beat me.”

  “Oh yeah? I think we should plug that bad boy in and see if you can walk the walk as much as you talk the talk sweet husband of mine.”

  Noah answered by tossing his cane on the pool table and going to the air hockey one, yanking the plastic off the top and dramatically plugging it in, waving her to one side while he took the other.

  “I play the winner!” Dom yelled, quickly being followed up by his brother and sister. They spent the next two hours playing their own family tournament, in which Dakota came out the winner, patting Noah on the back and chuckling. “Don’t feel bad old man. I play at the dorm all the time. You’re just outta practice.” He laughed and handed him his cane.

  “You just wait track star. I’ll show you old man tomorrow when we get out on the training course, and see just who the man is then.” Miki nearly purred out loud at the thought of Noah all pumped up in his competitive spirit. When he got all fierce like that it made her tingle all over.

  “You’re on!” He replied. The kid was sure of his abilities. You
could tell he exercised like crazy. He was fit, strong, fierce, competitive, but…he had no idea just how competitive Noah was when it came to his field of expertise. It didn’t matter that he had a prosthetic. He was a SEAL. He wouldn’t go down without a fight, failure was not an option. He draped his arm around Dakota’s shoulders, laughing as they walked back down to the old house, telling him of his sailor days.

  Daylight shining in the kitchen window is the only light she needed to perk the coffee and start making buttermilk biscuits to go with sausage gravy for breakfast. It was Noah’s favorite, and after the loving he gave her yesterday, he deserved his favorites to start the day. When she woke up she gave him a soft kiss before easing from the bed, letting him sleep a while longer. It wouldn’t be long and the construction guys would be here finishing up the floors in the new house. The banging would be enough to wake the whole house again.

  Once the biscuits were made and in the oven, she put the sausage on to cook, then cut up a pineapple the kids had asked for at the store the night before. They told her how much they loved fresh fruit so she had gotten quite a bit of it so she could make a big fruit salad for Sunday’s picnic. She was washing her hands when her sleepy eyed daughter walked into the kitchen and wrapped her arms around Miki, resting her head on her shoulder. “Morning Momma…err Miki. Want me to help with breakfast?”