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ISLA
The next two weeks are just as crazy as it was leading up to the twins' birthday and Halloween simultaneously. The guys keep having random gifts and notes left on their cars, though thankfully, their stalker has decided to leave me alone for now. I don’t love that she’s still torturing my guys, and if she ever shows her full hand I’ll show her just how much southern charm I have.
Bodie’s birthday is nine days after the twins’ and Arden’s is six days after that, so at least we have something good to focus on besides the mystery “admirer.”
All Bodie wanted for his special day was to grill at home and spend time with the family. It’s crazy how fast we became a family. For Arden’s birthday, he wants to have a party at the Family Fun Center the guys took them to, so we end up renting one of the party rooms and inviting his class.
Now, I’m currently forty minutes from home, with my grandmother at the big party supply store, buying superhero decorations and party favors. Luckily for us, the kids wanted to swim and just hang out at home today, so Silas and Bodie are watching them while the others are working. Tomorrow is the party and I deliberately planned it for a Sunday, since Si and Bodie hardly work on the weekend and it’s easier for the others to get time off work as well.
“Isla what about these?” My grandmother calls out, holding up a pack that has various capes and masks inside.
“Oh, those look awesome! I had fifteen of the twenty kids' parents RSVP, but I want to make sure we have enough extra in case they all show up, plus some for any siblings. How many are in each pack?” I ask, walking over to look at the wall of party favors.
“These have ten of each per pack,” she replies, handing me the package so I can look them over.
“This will be perfect! I’ll get three packs, and that should hopefully be plenty. What do you think for gift bags?” I ask, tossing the capes and masks in the buggy.
After twenty-five minutes we finally get everything we need and head back to the house. I’m driving and Maw-Maw is double and triple checking the list to make sure we haven’t forgotten anything. Bodie said he’d make the cake, so thankfully I don’t have to worry about that.
Even though all he wanted was a party, we decided to get a little gas powered go-kart for Arden for a gift. We were fortunate enough to find a two-seater so he can ride with his brother. Silas put a governor on it so it can only go five miles an hour, plus it has a five point harness on both seats and we got them helmets to match.
“It looks like we got it all, and the guys are going to have the go-kart in the backyard for when he wakes up, right?” she asks.
“Yes, ma’am. They are going to push it out by the garden doors off my wing of the house. Si and the guys at the shop spray painted a cloth tarp to cover it, and Orin even bought a huge bow to put on top,” I tell her chuckling.
“Those men are so sweet with the kids, aren’t they?” she remarks, looking over at me with a knowing grin.
“Yeah they are. After everything we went through, I never really thought I’d find one man that would love me, much less my kids. I’ll never understand how I got so lucky as to find five of them,” I tell her honestly.
“Sweetheart, you are an amazing mother and person. Anyone would have been lucky to have you. And to get to love those three amazing kids you raised is just an added bonus.” The conviction in her words makes me tear up.
“Maw-Maw I really can’t thank you enough for everything you’ve done for all of us. You’ve always been the one person I could count on, and no matter what you’ve always been my rock. You didn’t just take us in and give us a roof over our heads; you gave me a shit ton of money and helped me get back on my feet. Then, when I went and fell in love and the guys ended up unofficially moving in, you just rolled with it,” I wipe my eyes.
“Isla, losing Paw-Paw was tragic and I wasn’t ready for that, but losing your mother was absolutely devastating. Parents aren’t supposed to bury their children, you know. The pain that comes with is something that never goes away. You and your sister are what kept us going.
“It’s been so hard without Saige, but I just couldn’t keep helping her anymore. I’ll be long gone by the time she gets out, and I have my regrets about that. I wish I could have done more, but she refused to stop the drugs and drinking, so it was out of my hands. Having you, the kids, and the guys at the house has been wonderful, and it makes me happy to have a house filled with all the sounds of happiness.” Now her eyes are getting a bit misty.
“It really has been good, for everyone, I think.” Before I can say anything more, I see red and blue lights flashing behind me. “What the hell,? I’m not even speeding.”
“It’ll be fine, dear. Just pull over up there in that store parking lot,” she instructs, pointing ahead to the VJ’s.
Shit.As I turn into the empty lot, I just remembered… “Um, Maw-Maw? I have my .45 on the magnet holder by my leg. I’m going to call Odin to get some advice,” I push the dial button on my steering wheel, and loudly say, “Call Odin.”
“Calling Odin,” comes from the robotic voice. Thankfully, he picks up on the second ring and the cop that pulled me over hasn’t got out of the car yet.
“Hey Babygirl, how was shopping?” he asks.
“It was good, but that’s not why I’m calling. I’m out on Highway 45 and was pulled over. I have my .45 in the holster you got me with the safety on, and I’m trying not to freak out,” I tell him, obviously failing at staying calm.
“Baby, it’s fine. Louisiana is an open carry state, and there are multiple police reports showing you have a stalker. What is the number on the front of the cruiser?”
“Um, it’s 116. Are you far away? I’m scared,” I tell him, close to tears. Even though I know Corin’s dad is dead and there was now way he knew any of the cops here, they still make me nervous.
“Hang tight, love, I’m on the way. That’s Heather’s car so I doubt she’ll give you any trouble, but I’ll be there in five minutes.” I hear what sounds like the jingling of keys, followed by the sound of a door opening and closing. “I love you.” Click.
I see Heather get out of the car and she walks up to my window, tapping on it until I roll it down. “Good afternoon, ma’am. Do you know why I pulled you over?”
“No, officer I actually don't. I wasn't speeding and I still have my seat belt on,” I tell her honestly.
