Parting Of The Ways Part 4- Away From Home free porn video

Chapter 11 Winnisimmet was a flutter of activity for the Finn Family compared with London. Michael Finn and his fiance Courtney Bollinger had the luxury of spending their summer alone, in a different country, among people who detested them for no reason other than they weren't British. It wasn't anything new to Michael, but for Courtney it was tiring and made her long for home after just three days there. They were lucky to have been given free reign over a historic townhouse owned by Lord Bradford and Lady Ophelia Smith, in the London Borough of Oldham. Being an over 250 years old townhouse it was large and had several dozen rooms but was not even 1/4th of the size of the Smith home in Barnstead, Lincolnshire. Despite having a maid who came to clean it and with the building serving as the estate's London office the two tried hard to keep it clean and treat it like a home instead of a hotel. The two had a lot to keep them busy. Michael had a prized internship with Evans Investments, the whole reason they were in England at all. Courtney was acting as an assistant to the ambassador to the Court of St. James' wife, Lillian Gorman. The ambassador and his wife were both members of their extended family and treated Courtney as a great-niece and secured her the job due to this connection. Much of their day was spent working but after work they were essentially cut off from the world as they didn't interact with others. Up until mid- July Michael's coworkers either didn't appreciate working alongside a boy four to six years younger than them while the staff at the embassy kept their distance from Courtney as they didn't want to upset their boss. They were grateful to have each other, but it was lonely in London without any friends or family except for the Gormans. The 4th of July festivities was the closest they got to enjoying themselves as the Smiths came south to enjoy the holiday at Winfield House, the official residence of the ambassador. Michael was teased by his cousins about their activities while Courtney got in a few shots about their bedtime fun as well. The three couples were trying hard not to mention sex but it was clear that it was expected of them despite it being something private among them. Lillian had Courtney keeping the local children entertained while keeping the peace among the adults. Courtney thrived at this, with the staff being grateful for her abilities and way with kids. She didn't think too much of it, she was used to little kids due to her baby brother and young cousins but to Lillian it looked like there was more going on with her that she wasn't seeing, she was almost maternal. The festivities were a big hit but after that things started to stagnate. When they first arrived in late June after their trip out to California for Jaimie Finn's surgery they made visits to various tourist sites they hadn't visited before. Once that was over with they took in West End shows and performances at the Globe Theatre before finally staying in. They used their time to study for their upcoming fall semester but it was tough to do with the distractions of the big city. Michael eventually dove into his stock trading and day by day built up his personal wealth through his calculated trades. Courtney, though, went out and volunteered with various local shelters so her time was at least spent helping others instead of herself. Michael encouraged this, hoping that she would have a chance to get her fix of helping others as her natural empathy was hard to contain at times. The couple spent two weeks avoiding boredom. They were working so hard that neither noticed that Courtney was running late for her "visitor." She had completely forgotten that she was due to have hers twice by then and was awoken to nausea for the first of what would be several long weeks of morning sickness bouts. Looking at a calendar she shed a tear, quickly dressing and rushing off to a chemist to confirm what she feared. Michael was oblivious to her sickening noises, he was a heavy sleeper who required Courtney to wake him so she was slip out and return a half hour later with what she needed. A short time later, Courtney had her confirmation. She was pregnant with Michael's child. She sat on the bed trembling, her hand holding the plastic and cardboard test strip. Michael started to stir and was greeted with a crying, somber Courtney holding the test and looking for direction. Michael was no fool, he shed a tear and hugged her tight until both cried themselves out over the realization at what they had done back in June was now affecting their future. They were pregnant. They had done the deed and would accept the consequences of it. Michael could have used a condom but he was too caught up in the moment to be bothered with it. Courtney could have taken her birth control pills for longer than April but chose to stop due to feeling that she was too mature to need them and trusted both herself and Michael to remember to use a condom. They both shared the blame and would endure the consequences together. Michael kissed her deeply and told her, "We will get confirmation. During lunch you can visit a doctor. We are engaged but I want us to marry before our child is born. I can't ask you to abort nor can I ask you to do something that you don't want to do. Will you still marry me, Courtney Josephine Bollinger?" Courtney let her mouth do the talking as she kissed him deeply, curling his toes and leaving him in a fight for breath. She got dressed in her work clothes then put a phone call in to Lillian to alert her that she would need to speak with her about a personal matter later and may need to speak with Walter as well. Her colleagues didn't hesitate, if she was requesting a personal meeting it was big news and gave it to her without a second thought. Michael went to work with a spring in his step. He was going to be a father. He had created a new life and had money, a home, and a loving family behind him. He had everything he could want in life. His boss, Grace Evans, noticed this change in him and inquired about it. Michael tried to evade the question but it was such a drastic change in him that she had to take notice lest it be something that was harmful to him or the company. She had known him long enough to tell that he wasn't the same. Michael closed the office door and struggled to tell her, "We found out this morning that Courtney is expecting. We were too excited graduation night to bother with protection and are now with child. We didn't plan on having children until we graduated but we can't abort him or her and we can't give him or her up for adoption either. We are already engaged so it only moved up our marriage plans by a year." Grace grinned at him, knowing that he wasn't one to back down from a challenge. She asked about his family and their reaction, getting a somber, "We didn't have a chance to tell anyone, we will do so later. My cousins will skin me alive if I didn't tell them right away but it's too early now to do so." She let him get back to work, but offered a reassuring, "She is stronger than you think, she will be happy for you. She will give a child a loving home." Michael nodded, adding, "He's going to do the same for you, he's his mother's son but with his father's looks. He will win over the ladies soon, just watch." Courtney went to work with a less than enthusiastic look. Lillian pulled her aside and asked what was the matter, getting a somber, "I'll explain later. I'm your last appointment of the day." Lillian tried to call Michael to get information but was quickly given the excuse of being too busy to talk. She started to see that something big was going on and kept a close eye on Courtney, not letting her do anything without her oversight. To some that was trouble for Courtney, but to those who knew Lillian well it was a sign that she was concerned for Courtney rather than looking to sack her. Courtney managed to get an appointment with a local doctor during her lunch hour. The doctor was sympathetic towards her and while they discusses alternatives Courtney was adamant that she would have the baby. The doctor didn't seem to understand her stubbornness until Courtney pointed out Michael's financial independence, their owning a home, and their family having a lot of money and a lot of support including childcare services and healthcare. In short, it was the ideal home. Courtney was given the all clear and with a quick ultrasound was shown to be seven weeks along, just as she expected. She left with a prescription for prenatal vitamins and congratulations. She simply said thanks and rushed back to work, drinking a quick smoothie as her lunch. Michael arrived for the meeting with Lillian a few hours later. Lillian called and got Walter to come as well, he needed to hear what was about to be said as there was not going to be any secrets between them regarding their family. Michael gulped hard as Walter gave him a stern gaze while Courtney sank low, in shame over them judging them already. After a minute, Courtney told the two, "I'm pregnant. We just found out this morning. During lunch I had a doctor confirm it so there is no mistake. I haven't had the chance to tell anyone else yet due to work so you are the first to know. I didn't want it affecting my day but I have to tell you so you don't think the worst about us. I'm sorry, if need be I'll quit so you don't have to get any flak." Walter smiled while Lillian hugged Courtney. The elder happily told the couple, "You didn't do anything wrong and accidents happen. You are being man enough to stick by her. That's the biggest act of being a man, something your uncle Roland never learned. If your parents have an issue with it I'll gladly have them explain to me why they do. I trust John, Valerie, Zeke, and Gabby to not be upset. It may take some time for John to recover from the shock of being a grandfather but even he will understand." The two hugged tightly and were forced to stay for dinner at Winfield House. It took a lot of bargaining and counter bargains to keep the couple away from there in the first place but they had to go that night. Walter insisted that Michael tell the family, with all knowing not to say anything with him there and giving the couple their best chance of doing it all at once. Winfield House was abuzz as the family arrived. The call was scheduled with Gabby and Zeke being asked to grab everyone as they had news. Walter forced the couple to enjoy dinner with them, knowing that they wouldn't otherwise eat with the news being so important. After dinner was finished and the staff had cleared out at the request of Walter, Michael Skyped the family account from Walter's laptop. Michael and Courtney winced as their parents hadn't just gathered their brothers and sisters, they had called in their aunts and uncles and cousins. The Finns and both branches of the Bollinger family were there alongside the Sylvester, Jones, Peterson, Lopez, Johnson, Castillo, Vincent, Pena, Porter, and Samuels branches of the family. All wanted to hear the news. John saw the concerned looks on both of their faces and told them firmly, "Whatever it is you had to say, you have to say it to all of us. We aren't letting you keep it a secret from any of us- we are family. If it is as important as you let on, they will need to know anyway." The two looked at one another then at Walter who nodded. Michael then blurted out, "Courtney's pregnant." All eyes turned to John, Valerie, Zeke, and Gabby. The four carefully asked, "Are you sure?" Courtney nodded, adding a tear filled, "I'm two weeks late. I got my first morning sickness this morning. I bought a test and saw a doctor during lunch and it was confirmed both times. I'm seven weeks along." The little kids squealed at hearing that while most of the adults took them off so the four parents could talk. The kids wanted to hear more but Miles Finn and Jessie Bollinger took command of them leaving them with no way to object without ending up in trouble. The adults simply left without saying a word, helping roust the kids and toddlers for the four parents giving them privacy. John was unable to form words while Valerie had tears in her eyes at her baby becoming a father. Zeke had to hold Gabby who was feeling faint at the news but offered a strong, "You know what to do" to Michael. Michael shot back a firm, "Christmas Day. No reason not to have it then when everyone is there. Lord Bradford and Lady Ophelia already had plans to come visit then so it's best for all of us." Courtney kissed his cheek then looked at Walter who nodded at Lillian. Walter gave him a happy, "We'll be there. I am not being retained by the new President at my own request. It's high time that I retired so I could enjoy family while I have them. You all simply gave me reason to have the staff groom my replacement a couple of weeks early. Officially I retire on the 3rd of January but unofficially I'm done the 17th of December giving me a couple of weeks with all of you." The only ones who weren't told were the Smiths. John told them that Nigel would not tell his wife or kids without their blessing and whether he was told by the family or not was up to the couple. Courtney told them not to tell him yet, let Karen tell him. Michael groaned as Courtney added, "We will be seeing them soon. Lord Bradford is being knighted by the Queen so will be here in a couple of days." John snorted at that, which caught the others off guard. He grinned and added a happy, "They extended an invitation to you thanks to me. They will claim that it is to give you the 'opportunity' to see a sacred ceremony but it's about me. Be on guard, the snobs in the royal household will try everything to keep you away but the real power people need you there for appearances." Walter grinned at that. John added a terse, "It figures, you'd be invited as well. She's giving the honorary knighthood to you as a courtesy for years of service, isn't she?" Walter grinned and nodded, to which he added, "Michael was asked for by Lord Bradford but as he is as close to family as I have he was going to go regardless. The Prime Minister also knows about your connection and actually would have preferred that I keep it a secret and keep Michael away from the ceremony but I told him off as his sister's genitals has nothing to do with my work and he is family no matter what that man may believe. Besides, her majesty has heard a few things about Michael and Courtney and what she heard impressed her. It didn't come from me or Bradford though." Michael made note of having his best suit ready for the ceremony. John signed off with the two being told that they would handle Jaimie's fallout when it was leaked. The two kissed then thanked them while Walter stood proud behind them. He patted Michael on the back and offered his congratulations, he had done something that would have made most men crumble: he accepted the consequences. At work the next day, Grace asked how the news went. Michael gave a grin and happily explained, "My family accepted it for what it was and didn't make a big deal out of it. I have to tell the Smiths, though, which should be even tougher. My cousins aren't going to go easy on me for keeping the news away for so long but I didn't want them rushing south for something that could wait." She asked for the other bit of news. He cocked his head and groaned, asking, "Did they announce that he was getting it already?" She nodded, adding, "A few are complaining about a Yank having the honor but they conveniently ignore that multiple Americans had been given it for similar service. Plus I expected you to be there anyway, Bradford wouldn't leave his son's nephew behind for such an event although I think he was pushing it with exceeding the allowed number of guests." She enjoyed toying with Michael, he was an easy mark and the two had a special connection that made her appreciate him as a person. He was responsible for getting her son Arthur to temper his libido and to enjoy his maleness instead of going overboard trying to prove he was just as much a man as his friends. Arthur had never had someone his own age treat him with such respect, it changed him instantly after meeting someone who understood a gender change as thoroughly as Michael did. The two worked hard for several hours as Michael gave a critical inspection of the company's newest investments and recent transactions. Michael spotted several questionable purchases and trades that he felt were detrimental to the company with at least two that would backfire badly. Grace didn't need for him to explain why they were bad, she knew from the person approving them that they were off. Grace grinned as Michael explained, "I told the stockbrokers that these were dangerous companies. At least three are set to have terrible sales and one is going to be investigated for fraud by Her Majesty's Government. Whomever approved of these needs to account for why they did as you stand to lose up to ?20 million from these terrible purchases if they aren't sold immediately." Grace shook her head and added a firm, "They went around your back and mine. This was done after hours and without my approval. The man responsible didn't have the authority to make the purchases nor did he have the right to use our company's finances to act as insurance for the sales. I agreed with you in full and can't see them as anything but junk. We need to have a chat with Mr. Roberts, I don't appreciate someone putting my firm at risk just to smite a coworker who has proven more value than any other in four weeks than most in several years." Elijah Roberts was expecting the duo to come in and sat with a wide grin on his face. He did what he did because he knew he could get away with it and used the firm to cover his tracks. He didn't take into account that Grace held a tight lid on the finances and checked all major transactions herself. Grace entered with Michael behind her. Elijah told Michael to leave, this didn't concern him. Grace just grinned and told him loudly and firmly, "Actually, it does. As the senior analyst and the person who you report to, he is the one person who should have been alerted to what you are doing. He is here and he is going to listen to you explain why you put my company at risk with known bad investments." Elijah fought for the right words and blurted out, "I refuse to listen to some nobody twit without a penny to his name nor a university degree to show what he says should be listened to. This piece of Yankee garbage is selling you nothing but hot air and you are buying it wholesale and without question! Do you know what he is? He's the son of a criminal, nephew of a criminal, and brother of a sexual deviant! How dare you tell me to listen to him! You are not going to ruin my life because you can't grow a spine and tell that little tramp you call a son to put on a dress and act like a woman." Grace just smirked then pointed out, "I see you did some digging into his past. Yes, his birth father is a criminal as is his adoptive father's brother. Then again so was your father, uncle, and grandparents as the lot of them were convicted of tax fraud and scamming investors out of money that you used to fund your university education. I see that it rubbed off on you as well. That young man happens to be sitting on a personal fortune of ?8 million much of which he cultivated himself under the direction of a man and woman who have the same amount of experience as you without the illicit ties. His adoptive father, a man I know personally and respect, is a man who has close to ?600 million and who spends more in a day than you'll spend in a lifetime. Most of it liquid- just sitting in the bank awaiting use. His sister is herself a millionaire with a bright future ahead who has done nothing to warrant that verbal assault. She has no baring on your actions nor her brother's so your character assassination is out of line." She held off her own anger and told him, "As your trades were unauthorized, you will personally need to reimburse the company for all commissions and all losses incurred. That will be taken out of your final paycheck as you are immediately sacked. Your actions were in direct violation of multiple company rules not to mention being both unethical and possibly illegal. Pettiness will get you nowhere and as you have shown that you could not care less about rules, your own reputation is ruined. Not by him, but by your own actions. I will not hesitate to show how you violated a fellow employee's privacy as well as demeaned a minor child whom you have never actually met. Just be glad his sister isn't in the mood to sue you for such horrid claims as his father would gladly ensure you are penniless and homeless." He got up to leave, saying he'd get her back for what she is doing to him. Grace just shook her head and told the security officer outside to call the police. Elijah went after her but was brought down by the security officer who informed him she would be pressing charges now for assault. Grace had a look of death in her eyes as she added, "My son had never done a thing to hurt you yet you felt the need to insult him as well as myself. Be glad I am not vindictive or I'd have you in court for slander." The office didn't bat an eye at Elijah being arrested, he had earned their disgust long ago. Elijah had been the protege of the former head of the investment division who had thoroughly insulted Jaimie the previous summer when Michael was there to interview for the same internship. Elijah kept his head down but he was cut from the same cloth and bought the same bigoted ideas as his then boss. Michael was left to deal with the fallout and correct the transactions, working with other traders to negate the sales and dealing with the few who had an issue with it directly. Their issues weren't so much with Michael but rather with the extra work they had to now put in to unwind Elijah's mistakes. He was quick and precise, and when all was finished he managed to keep the company from losing any money while Elijah was stuck with the bill for the transaction fees and customer losses. An hour later news broke that Michael had expected, a company was under investigation for fraud. Other stories broke that earnings were lower than expected and layoffs loomed for the companies. His predictions were prophetic, he had just shown to all that he was one to listen to rather than ignored. Michael had the respect of the junior brokers while still had to endure the shunning and scorn of the senior brokers. Grace didn't bat an eye at their critiques, asking what was wrong with what Michael had asked then pointing out that he was right in demanding they follow through. She went a step further by insisting that they cease complaining or they would have their own duties relieved and given to junior employees while their own actions were put under scrutiny to show if they were qualified to have their positions of management. Most backed down but two called her bluff. She casually told their assistants to direct all calls to the junior associates while they had to scramble to endure the same amount of hustling that their underlings had to just to make quota. As expected, both failed badly and couldn't rely on any old contacts to bail them out as they had retired or been shown to be frauds or simply moved on to a different job market and the people who were left were weary of buying their stocks due to lack of information with gut-feelings not cutting it anymore with them. Grace grinned as she informed them, "You clearly have no idea what you are doing anymore. While you are used to buttering up potential clients at social events and through other brokers, Michael and the junior associates have been studying for hours as they learn the market's trends and needs. The old system went away long ago, welcome to the new era of electronic trading where analysis and statistics reign. I hope you learned a lesson here as I won't accept any more abuse or ignorance from you." Both men backed off of further criticism and put several of their associates in their place later that night at the pub. Michael had done something that none could rightly claim: he had in just one week earned the firm ?5 million and had to take credit for saving them another ?20 million from stopping Elijah's bad investments. For someone who was only 18 and had no university experience and attended a US school, Michael was the one to go to for a second set of eyes and unbiased advice on where to lead their investors with confidence. Over the weekend, Michael and Courtney were guests of Grace and her husband Charles. The couple were treated like family with their son Arthur acting like a cousin to Michael. He clearly had a crush on Courtney, but given his young age of 14 it was expected. His testosterone treatments had only just started and were giving him a lot of weird feelings but it was a compliment to her to be admired. Courtney had trouble seeing any female in Arthur, he was just so natural as a boy and had all of the normal mannerisms and even the occasional foul language of a male. He was a typical 14-year-old and had her reminded of home, especially her sister's boyfriend. Arthur picked up on the subtle glances and felt embarrassed but Courtney's soothing words calmed him. She was honest, explaining, "I'm sorry for making you feel odd. I'm having trouble seeing any part of Alyssa in you. I'm used to Michael's second cousin, who's also my sister's friend, trying hard to not show any female in him. You are just so natural, even more so than he is. You are tall, well built, and going to make the girls flutter when you are allowed to date. To be honest, you remind me of Oscar, my sister's boyfriend, in all but looks. You are a littler bit more muscular than he is." Arthur just needed to hear her words, he didn't take offense and wanted the truth. He asked about Diego Vincent, Michael's cousin who is like Arthur, getting a glowing review as well as showing off pictures of him and his friends. Arthur unintentionally blurted out, "She's hot" when he saw Amy Bollinger, with Courtney blushing while Michael added, "She's taken, as are all of the girls." Michael and Courtney were doing what Grace and he husband Charles hadn't been able to do with him. Despite being supportive of their son's transition, they had struggled to understand him as a person. He was his father's son but Charles was fighting years of only seeing his daughter Alyssa grow until she could no longer live a lie and admitted to them that she was Arthur and that he needed to be the boy he should have been born as. Arthur caught their looks and softly muttered, "Dad and mum are still seeing Alyssa in me. I've been Arthur for two years but they keep thinking about me as their daughter. I don't know why they can't just see me. It's impossible to not see their son is right here, not their daughter. I wish they'd just accept that I am not going to go back to Alyssa and this isn't some phase I'll grow out of when I get tits." Courtney gave Michael a signal to give them some privacy. Michael told Grace and Charles, "He's got an unwanted friend coming in a day or two. He may have started hormones and blockers but sadly it'll take a few months to get sorted out and stop his body from becoming a woman. Sadly, that means at least two or three more visitors that no boy wants. He is emotional, please don't misinterpret it as him being defiant or upset. It's the hormones talking, not Arthur. He can't help it." Courtney hugged Arthur then told him calmly, "It will take a few months to sort out your hormones and stop your periods. Diego didn't stop his until April, you just don't stop automatically because you have been getting the shots especially as you don't get the full shots that he is getting. Give your parents a chance to understand, they will be there for you. They are a scared as you are about your change and just want you to be happy with yourself." Arthur kissed her cheek in thanks then went off with his parents while Michael and Courtney went up to their room. A short time later Grace thanked them for understanding and helping. Michael simply said that it was just helping his boss but Courtney added a firm, "He is happy to help where experience is needed and it is thanks to Arthur that we were able to understand Diego and are just returning the favor. He's a good kid, he just needs a long talk with both of you." The next day Arthur and Michael went out for a while to unwind while Courtney talked with Grace. Grace was a flurry of words as she asked about the pregnancy so far. Courtney blushed deeply as she tried to think of answers but Grace was only making her think, she was trying to act as a parent which wasn't too hard given that Michael had grown on her and by extension so had Courtney. Charles made himself scarce but spent quite a bit of time talking with Arthur at Michael's insistence. He was awkward, but he forced himself to listen to Arthur then offer some advice that only a dad can give to a son. It was slowly breaking down the barriers between the two and letting Arthur show that he was the son that his dad had always wanted and not the daughter that he thought he had. The more they talked, the more that Charles actually found himself smiling and eventually laughing as Arthur charmed him and won him over. The couple stayed the weekend and were treated like family once the tension had evaporated. Arthur was acting like a new man and had taken his talk with Courtney to heart and used it to full effect despite knowing that he would have to endure the humiliation of his visitor for a while. Charles had finally seen that his daughter was truly gone, his son was alive and well and was the image of his father even if he wasn't likely to play football for England. Grace was pleased that the couple had been able to help them out while also enjoying a weekend away from their boredom and pressures of work. Work proved to be relaxing for Michael as he all but ran the stock investment office with most of the senior traders now acting as his advisers and the junior traders listening to him with eagerness to please. Grace and her board of directors let Michael run roughshod over the office with only cursory glances at the results. He was cautious but he knew when to hit a company and when to dump one and from this faith he was ensuring that the company was a success each time. Michael encountered his first issue with trading when the Financial Conduct Authority tried to claim that Michael was illegally trading stocks as he lacked the proper qualifications. They were operating under information from Elijah, who claimed he did the actual trading and was allowed to do so with no regard for the laws nor any liability. They didn't take long to investigate as Michael's name had come up in a few inquiries regarding his abilities and what he was legally allowed to do, most of which were inquiries from the people linked to Elijah and his former bosses. The FCA were given unanimous statements of support for Michael from the junior and senior traders, all of whom supported the claim that he did nothing except direct them in the right direction and use a few of his own theories that were based on information anyone could obtain to figure out what was the best options for their trading. They went further to show that Michael actually did no trading at all, he was a consultant who analyzed and reported to Grace and who only pointed you where he felt the next trend was going to come from rather than doing any grooming of clients or purchases.. Elijah landed in hot water as he himself lacked credentials to trade in the manner that he was trading. Much of his own credentials were not able to be used and his job was only supposed to be in statistical analysis but he had been appointed to a position of making trades under the stock brokerage division. He had actually been the one in violation and saw himself blacklisted from the London Stock Exchange and unable to find a job in the financial services area, ironically he was supposed to be doing the job that Michael was actually doing! The wonder kid did himself a service by wowing the FCA representatives as his theories, based on the information on hand, were accurate as the next day his recommended buys soared in price. The FCA had their eye on Michael but it was more for what he could do than what he actually did. He casually told them that he was US-based until his graduation as he had a job and was growing his family it would be unlikely that he would move out of the Boston area for a long time. The FCA fiasco over, Michael and Courtney enjoyed an afternoon at the park. As they were walking from the Tube station they were nearly run over by a car jumping the curb trying to avoid the traffic signal and a nearby police car. The car ended up hitting the police cruiser sending it into an adjacent building then going into a wall and with a woman screaming at a man behind the wheel. The man went at Michael for getting in the way, brandishing a knife at him. Michael yelled to Courtney to check on the people in the car while Michael dealt with the deranged man, hoping that he would be dumb enough to keep his attention on him long enough for help to arrive. Onlookers didn't move, they saw the knife and screamed causing him to lunge at them only to have Michael get his attention back on him allowing them to get to safety. None of the onlookers tried to help out, leaving Courtney alone to deal with the family in the car. There were several kids in the back strapped into seats while a woman in front was dazed and confused. She tried to help the kids in the back and the woman who was bleeding from her head, while calling 999 for help but struggled with doing all three at once. The man was lunging at Michael, who was just far enough away to not be at direct risk. He finally got fed up and tried to wrestle Michael, who kicked out his knees, elbowed his temple, then brought a kick to the man's back causing him to pass out from the blows and pain and concussive shock. Michael carefully got the knife away then turned to the car, hoping that it wasn't as bad as he feared with several onlookers holding the man in place for Michael. Courtney was having trouble with the woman's seat belt but got the kids in the back out safely. She had to break the glass with her foot then pull the kids out. Michael took over and unbuckled he seat belt by climbing inside and pulling it away from her body. Courtney helped the kids and woman while Michael turned his attention to the police cruiser that hit the building. The officer inside was dazed but coming about, Michael helped her out and was able to get her over to where Courtney was. She didn't say much, she had a concussion making her thinking foggy and causing her to mumble softly. As he was getting her out of the car the police and EMS arrived. The woman from the car that caused the accident screamed at them to take the man in for kidnapping them, saying that he jumped into her car and forced her to drive. She then added that Michael subdued him on his own, with Courtney helping save the kids and her. Their colleague added the same, noting that he purposely tried to avoid the intersection when he saw her. He hit her car and forced her off the road which sent the car careening into the pole and hers into the building. Michael and Courtney were heroes. It took an hour but CCTV showed both the kidnapping and cars crashing then the assault on Michael which was hard to believe but was what matched the witness statements. His actions were a surprised as he didn't show any fear. He was told that it was foolish but Michael countered that he was defending himself and had been trained in martial arts and self defense, offering a few references to verify both. His father's and uncles' police cards as well as his cousin's satisfied their curiosity. The news had a field day with the two unassuming Americans accidentally stopping a carjacking due to being in the way of an erratic driver. Their names were revealed which brought Walter in and got the media to back off. He expected a few people would be interested in Michael but it was unavoidable. Michael had to endure an interview with the BBC with his father's wealth and his relationship to Courtney being put out there. He told off the interviewer, pointing out that technically they were 3rd cousins through their fathers but neither were blood. He added a harsh, "I noticed you never asked about my job or my fiance's job, I know you know about both and it pains you to say that I am a successful person in my own right with a fiance who volunteers her time helping others. The interviewer was then told a firm, "My father was lucky but he grew his wealth through shrewd investments and trust in people who showed they are the best in the business to handle his money. He may be nouveau riche but he has done more in helping others than many have in decades. I knew you would insinuate something so I looked into your family as you did mine. For an 'old money' family you can't afford to keep the family estate intact and you neither spread your perceived wealth nor can afford to donate anything to charity and struggle to keep up with the annual taxes on your multiple, empty properties. So please, continue to belittle my family. There are thousands who will happily tell you just what my family has done for our community. Exactly what have you done for yours, besides insulting others? You haven't done anything, except badger interviewees hoping for something to use against them to make a name for yourself in the hopes of getting a better show." The interview backfired on the BBC and led to another, more on-point, interview replacing it as the reporter was humiliated and forced to withdraw his report before resigning in disgrace. Courtney and Michael's familial relationship was only asked about in regards to their marriage and his family as a whole was noted as it was a direct link to the incident. Michael and Courtney came off as heroes while the interviewer won praise for handling the couple and the interview with care and dignity and for asking tough but informative questions that the couple didn't hesitate to answer. After the carjacking story died down, Michael and Courtney had another issue to contend with- five very angry 20-year-old cousins. Emma Peterson and Hanna, Bryan, Paige, and Pete Smith were not going to be happy when they are finally told the news, news that they had known for two weeks now. Their family had ensured that nobody told them, and Michael had been careful to not reveal anything during his calls to his aunt. The Smiths arrived in force as all but Nigel were attending the investiture. The townhouse was large but suddenly got smaller as three adults, five 20-year-olds, two kids, a toddler, and a baby joined the staff, Michael, and Courtney. They were all staying for three days, with Michael and Courtney heading north for two days before heading south again. When all were settled into their rooms, Michael and Courtney had them sit together to tell them that the two of them were expecting. Hannah and Paige gave them glares while Bryan and Pete tried to see if it was a joke. Karen finally told them, "They really are ones to talk, tell him your news. Now. They don't deserve those looks especially from two big hypocrites." Hannah and Paige blushed while Pete and Bryan looked down in shame. Hannah mumbled a soft, "We are both pregnant. We are due at roughly the same time. We weren't careful in our celebrating Pete's birthday and we wound up with a present we can't open until late February or early March." The two hugged Courtney while Michael grumbled, "It figures, all three are coming out at the same time. We have to make a choice on names so we don't end up with the same." That set off Karen and Bradford while Ophelia smiled at the family taking a serious announcement so well. Hannah was the first to speak, saying, "Paige and I talked about it and the one who has a boy is naming him Harold. The one who has a girl is naming her Ophelia. And if both are boys the elder is Harold and the younger Alistair or Bradford while if both are girls the older is Ophelia and the younger is Lillian." Courtney was asked what she thought of for names. She blushed then admitted, "Jaimie and Claire said it had to be John for a boy. Michael is the one who knew Uncle John the longest so he gets the honor. If it's a girl we have decided on Evelyn or Lillian. Both are family names for both sides of our families- grandma is Evelyn and her cousin was Lillian." The ten were quiet after that, relaxing while Ethan and Nichole Smith talked with their friends and got caught up on the latest goings on in the city. They didn't care much for the wedding or baby talk, both just wanted to relax before enduring the long ceremony the next day at Buckingham Palace. It was going to be taxing for the family as they knew whispers would fly about their family especially the fact that both weren't, "Normal" kids due to Ethan being an orphan and Nichole transgender. Neither were going, they were staying with Emma and, "Helping" babysit their brother Nigel and niece Sophia. Still, it was very nerve wracking regardless. Being before the queen did that to you even if you weren't the one who was kneeling before her as part of an ancient ritual. Bradford got a phone call which led to him asking to speak with Michael. The call was straightforward, the palace wanted him there for the ceremony but something new had come up which required his presence as more than just family of two recipients. He had a strong feeling that Michael was being eyed for an award but which one was unknown, Michael didn't say anything further but knew that he was a guest now not just the guest of a honoree. Michael was told that he would have to speak with some important people the next day. He didn't ask why he was being singled out but in his logical mind it had to do with either Walter or his dad. He was ready for anything but he hoped it was just for show and meant more for Bradford and Walter than for anyone else as he didn't want to upstage anyone on their special day. The ride to the palace was done in three cars, with Michael and Courtney joining Bradford and Ophelia in the lead car. Emma drove the second car with the kids while the two couples drove in a third car with Karen. The three cars caught a few odd looks but smiles from the staff as Bradford was seen. Bradford had been to the palace as a guest before and had known several of the royals since childhood so he was able to get noticed immediately and given a proper reception from the staff. The others had a frostier reception until Bradford introduced them to the steward handling them causing the staff to treat them as was fitting their rank. Michael's name and his relationship to both Karen and Walter got him and Courtney treated with the same level of respect while whispers about him got raised eyebrows. Emma and the kids were herded off to a different area to wait out the reception. Nichole saw what it was for and didn't take offense to being excluded as they were watching it live while giving Nigel and Sophia a chance to not disturb the reception. They would join their mother and grandparents afterward. The ceremony started with a briefing then followed by the families being led to the ballroom where Michael and Courtney were seated alongside the Smiths and Lillian. Bradford was to be seated with them after receiving his investiture so an empty seat was left for him down front. They were the first to arrive and had the luxury of talking with several of the staff, many in ceremonial uniforms and wearing their medals and sashes. Michael had never seen an event like this before, with Courtney feeling under-dressed in her simple dress but matching most of the non-uniformed ladies there. Walter had talked to Michael for several minutes then saw Walter smiling as an attendant asked about him. Walter happily told him, "He's my great- nephew, grandson of my oldest and dearest friend as well as Lady Karen Smith's nephew." The attendant walked off and whispered something to one ear then another and soon Michael had eyes on him as he was sized up by the staff with most now realizing he was not just a guest of the Smiths, but was actually also the guest of Walter. In the ballroom, Ophelia explained, "They know you are a VIP through both Walter and Bradford and actually are much more important than originally believed. They wanted to move you and Courtney to the rear behind the recipients' families but as family to two different recipients you are staying put. It's rare that they are wrong but it's something that they have dealt with before and will do so in the future. I do smell some foul play involved here among the staff but the ones responsible won't dare make any issue with your still being here." Walter and Bradford had bright smiles as they awaited their time. Bradford was one of the few nobles to receive a knighthood that day but was the highest ranking. As a foreign dignitary, Walter was one of the first as well, and would do so after Bradford was knighted. They just happened to be the only recipients who knew one another and who had the most family at the ceremony. The ceremony was exciting as the queen entered to the national anthem and was in a cheery mood. Michael was eyed by the handlers as he watched, once Bradford and Walter had been through he sat with respect and dignity as the others received their honors and politely clapped as they were awarded medals and knighted. As the last few were edging towards the ballroom Michael was tapped on the shoulder and asked to come with one of the attendants, with Courtney following behind him as well. Karen was about to say something but Ophelia's smile told her to stay put, she would like what was to come next. Karen didn't move, she saw Michael and Courtney in the doorway behind the recipients and let out a smile as she realized what was going on. Michael and Courtney were about to be rewarded for what they had done at the park several days before. The final recipients entered and received their accolades from Her Majesty who was told that there were new recipients added late at the request of the ministers. Michael and Courtney were led inside with Michael bowing and Courtney curtsying before the queen. She looked them over and offered her heartfelt thanks from the nation for the actions during the carjacking in saving the lives of four people as well as apprehending a fugitive. Michael and Courtney were awarded the Queen's Medal for Gallantry for their actions. Normally it would take a while to be awarded such an honor but as they were already there as guests it made little sense to award it at a later time. The queen grinned as she pinned the medals on both, offering her gratitude for their actions. Michael tried to remain humble but when she asked why he did it he admitted, "It wasn't our choice to make but it was what needed to be done so nobody else would be hurt." She asked how he know what to do to which he smiled and admitted, "My cousins, father, and uncles are law enforcement officers so it was instinct and training. It's why they acted to save my future cousin and uncle when we were here three years ago and why they continue to help others in need to this day." With that they were taken to a private ceremony for an audience with officials and the queen herself. It was a rare treat but their status necessitated the meeting. Emma and the kids joined them, having gotten taken by surprise by Courtney and Michael's awards and causing Ethan and Nichole to be speechless while Emma just smiled and added, "Always humble but still braver than all else. Michael's words to the queen were asked about with Bradford having to explain about Nichole's assault three years before and how Michael had been part of it indirectly as the next line of defense should one of her attackers get through the four police officers helping them. His family's law enforcement connection was explained, with four uncles, his dad, his cousin, his cousins' cousin, and indirectly his aunt all being in law enforcement. His family was as close to a law enforcement family as you can get. Somehow he had found himself the center of attention. Michael simply acted as if it was normal and tried to not make himself into a spectacle. After a bit Michael was finally shown off by Bradford who acted as a go- between and explained Michael's job, family, and future to those asking. They were joined by Arthur, Charles, and Grace who were all there for Michael's award but were actually acting as his sponsors. It was Grace's testimony about his character and Charles' connections that got the police to sponsor him for the award. Charles was one of the top police officers in the Metropolitan Police Service and was well aware of Michael's family through helping smooth over the damage done three years before thanks to the unethical attempts to use the family as a media tool Arthur and Grace grinned at Michael who tried to find the right words. Grace hugged him and kissed his cheek, thanking him for accepting the honor and for being the brave man who was more than a smart, talented young man. Arthur just shrugged it off, asking if he gave lessons in avoiding the spotlight or if he had his own entourage doing that for him. That calmed Michael, which was what Arthur had wanted to do all along. Michael and Courtney were the center of attention as they were given thanks from the government and as family of the ambassador were sent thanks in writing from the Prime Minister himself. He wasn't too happy that Michael had gotten honored as his family wasn't seen as one to be honored but Walter was proud to tell him off for his idiocy and using his office to insult someone who was a value to his nation. He was forced to bite his tongue, his rivals within his party and the opposition were all latching onto Michael and it was felt the Prime Minister would lose a lot if he continued to insult him. Her majesty entered and asked Michael to come forward. She asked if he was aware of his family being citizens of the UK despite having lived in the US for decades. Michael looked at Karen who smiled and turned to Walter who blushed and told the stunned Michael, "Your great-great- grandfather was Scottish. Your great-grandfather, Roland, was born in Boston but your paternal family is Scottish." Michael shook his head and said a soft, "The Scotland trip. That's why it was so important. Grandpa's roots and dad's pledge were due Great-Grandpa Roland telling him about Scotland. It was our legacy." Michael asked what this was about, to which Her Majesty announced, "As a citizen through paternal lineage, you are hereby awarded the right to post-nominal letters for your award. As this is the second time that you have shown bravery in the face of danger and having saved the lives of six citizens of the United Kingdom including a decorated constable, I am using my right as sovereign as the fount of honor to dub thee Sir Michael Finn." Michael knelt down and was touched on each shoulder by the queen's sword. He could not say a word, he was speechless. Karen and Courtney had tears in their eyes, while Walter had a big grin on his face to which he said a silent, "That's for you, Brent. Your grandson has finally fulfilled your request. The Finns have touched their roots as you had always dreamed. Rest In Peace, old friend." Chapter 12 The news of Michael's knighthood took the nation by storm as there were many who saw his accolade as being an insult to all knights while many others held hope that even common folks could end up doing something so grand as to be seen as worthy of a knighthood. Michael tried to keep it from getting to him, but it was tough as he was all but prisoner in the townhouse due to the media firestorm. He was just a regular person, he only did what he did because it was how he was raised but that was lost on the vultures and well-wishers who wanted a piece of him for their own personal gain. Thankfully for him, Grace gave him time off and asked that he go north so the media kept away from the office. He got the gist of it, they couldn't follow him and end up harassing the Smiths without being put into legal jeopardy. It was also getting closer to his time to return so he could spend more time away from the office while giving his recommendations directly to Grace and the senior traders over the phone or computer, essentially doing what he had done the previous summer for the company. He was a valued part of the staff, but he finally reached the point that they could predict exactly what he would recommend and how to implement it. The senior staff were actually glad that they had finally gotten to know his thinking and adapted it to their own way of doing things. Grace had exactly what she wanted from Michael, he had gotten the company into the 21st century and at a cost of less than 1/10th of what it would have cost to hire an outside consultant with actual monetary results that showed an immediate impact instead of lies and arrogance. The Smiths orchestrated the escape for Michael and Courtney, the two simply went north with them in their Rolls Royce while the others went north in the Smith Land Rover and Karen's recently bought people carrier while Bryan, Hannah, Pete, and Paige drove north in the estate's Land Rover. It was tough to follow them as they were first stopping at the US Embassy where Walter and Lillian Gorman were giving special thanks from the US Government to Michael and Courtney, allowing the group a chance to evade the press while also allowing Walter a chance to fulfill his professional duties that Michael unfortunately had to now endure. The staff took great pleasure in calling Michael, "Sir Michael" and Courtney, "Lady Bollinger", which she blushed at hearing especially after she was told that as his wife she would be entitled to be called that. She smiled and told Michael, "You know I'm taking your name so it'll by 'Lady Finn' instead of 'Lady Bollinger' but it's the thought that matters." He just blushed as it sank in, he was marrying her in only four months and in another seven months he was going to be a father as well as a husband. The group headed north after an hour in the embassy, with Michael taking the obligatory pictures with Walter and Lillian then enduring a phone call from the President with congratulations and thanks from the nation. Walter was coy about the phone call, knowing that Michael wouldn't accept being put on the spot but understanding the reason why he had to do it. Walter didn't ask for much and it was something he could gloat about by saying, "I got to talk with the President." The phone call turned very interesting. It wasn't just one call, but three consecutive calls at once. Walter was bipartisan and both major party Presidential candidates were vying for the press for talking with a hero while the President was doing a routine call that has been done hundreds of times before. Michael simply told both candidates that he wasn't supporting anyone publicly as per family tradition and the only politicians who had his support already was his great-uncles and his governor, all three of whom had a personal connection to him. The press loved his reaction, both candidates were left without a response while also knowing the press were going to await their reaction. Neither said anything, just smiling at the 18-year-old giving them a call to remember and making them look foolish for trying to hone in on his brave act. Walter's previous connection was noted and with a little bit of research the media were shown just who Michael was and with their prior experience with the Finns especially over what happened five years before, let it go quickly as the Finns were not afraid to make the press look even worse than the candidates had looked. The President was different. The man was a lame duck so he didn't care too much about fallout, he was ready for Michael's simple responses and after giving him the required praise allowed him to go. He added that he would give Michael a meeting after Christmas which Michael took to heart and which meant that he had to make a trip down to Washington with his family. The press didn't bother to follow Michael north, they were heading to private property and the Smiths were not afraid to prosecute them for trespassing. The estate was actually calming to Michael, as the three Smith kids demanded his attention with Nigel Smith Jr. getting it in full. Little Nigel loved to have Michael build with him and play with his beloved trains, toys that Michael couldn't help but feel young playing with as he had a similar set when he was the same age. Michael's drama was pale in comparison with the drama that the Smiths faced on their return. Their association with Michael had finally caused Bradford's distant cousin to come out of the woodwork to get at the family's titles for his own, hoping to use Michael's extended family as proof that Bradford was unfit to retain the titles. Michael was just the tip of the iceberg as they hit Bradford with claims that Nigel was immoral and had violated their family's letters of patent by letting a legitimate heir destroy their lineage and had voided all claims with Ethan's adoption as he had no right to be put into the line of succession due to his father's criminal actions and him not being his father's son. The biggest insult was the claim that as Karen Smith had been married before and had children Nigel Jr. was illegitimate and therefore could not inherit either title. This all hinged on the further claim that Nichole was not a legitimate claimant to the title because Nigel had been cast out by Bradford, which they knew to have never been formalized and had been reconciled already. It was pure ignorance as well, as Ethan was still the heir no matter what as the son of a legitimate claimant despite his birth father being deceased without having been forced out as he had been murdered before Bradford could disown and disinherit him. Michael and Courtney sat and listened as the solicitor brought up every accusation and claim but lacked any real proof that the Smiths had broken the letters of patent that the king had given to the Smiths' ancestor centuries before. All they had were accusations, and as the Smiths had taken precautions when they had Ethan put in line as the legitimate heir they also lacked the needed legal support. Bradford's cousin's solicitors went for them directly instead of through the College of Arms, a mistake that was going to cost him dearly. The College of Arms were aware of Nichole, Nigel, Ethan, Karen, and Nigel Jr. and spent hours as their offices discussing the family's unique situation. Karen had married Harold Morris Jr. years before she met Nigel but was widowed. Nigel Smith had been married to Nichole's mother Gemma, who too had died. Their marriages ended upon the death of their spouses thus making their new marriage valid. Karen's son and daughter, Bryan and Hannah, were legitimate children and upon their adoption by Nigel were brought into the Smith Family as full members in good standing. The same was done for Nichole when Karen adopted her as her own daughter. Nigel Jr. was legitimate as while both had been married, their spouses had died allowing a legitimate marriage between them therefore Nigel Jr. was a legitimate heir to the titles in his own right. Further, Ethan was the legitimate heir of Nigel over Nigel Jr. as he was both the son of a legitimate heir but as he was also older than Nigel Jr. he was now the heir-apparent allowing him to be next in line making all claims false. And it was further false as Nichole could have claimed the title as her own but by her request had it given to Ethan in full. Bradford showed the parchments and all relevant documents spelling out who was the heir and who was the heir to the heir, complete with royal warrant changing the lineage to accommodate Ethan and Nigel Jr.. The solicitors tried to act like it was no big deal but Ophelia grinned and pointed out, "Her Majesty herself signed them, unless you are going to say that her word doesn't matter you then you are seeking what you can't obtain. You won't intimidate us, and if you try we will have you in court seeking damages as well as your client's share of the family's inheritance. Your client is purposefully ignoring that provision but trying to defraud family forfeits his rights to his family money. He doesn't speak for all of the Smiths, he may not like what the others have to say about his money grab." She wasn't joking, she had done her homework on behalf of the children and wasn't going to let some distant relative steal what wasn't theirs especially due to greed and arrogance. Her son Harry had made her see that family was important and protecting it even more so. Besides, little Nigel Jr. could use his own money as he was the only one without any and as a member of the family in good standing he was going to get a tidy sum for himself. The Smiths kept to themselves once the solicitors left. Bradford had his solicitor on the trail thanks to Ophelia's claim and was going to get his pound of flesh from his second-cousin. He had known the man for decades and never suspected that he would try to harm him in this way, he had plenty of wealth but to go after someone he had grown up with and hosted countless times was unbelievable to him. Courtney tried to make sense of what was going on. She had a long talk with Emma while Sophia slept, trying to understand the whole situation. For Courtney it was unbelievable to think that someone could do something so vicious as to defame children yet it was happening. Emma sat her down and explained, "There are some who harbor grudges against their family over many years and don't show their true feelings until they believe they can do the most damage. I suspect that what happened to you and Michael prompted this, he had years to make the claim and could have done it and won when dad and Nichole were living in London as grandfather didn't have the strength to fight him and Harry was in fear of being exposed. He didn't, he waited until it would cause a bigger impact. It didn't matter that he would lose, he thought he could get something out of it. But it sounds like he may have bitten off more than he could chew as Grandmother is angry and ready to fight back and she only gets like that when she is going to tear someone apart without mercy." Nichole walked in and added an angry, "He is flat broke and hemorrhaging money. He backed Uncle Harry before Jeffries took over. He was going to name Uncle Harry as his successor but kept putting it off knowing Uncle Harry was on thin ground all of the time. He gave Uncle Harry thousands of pounds but he trusted Uncle Harry with a bit too much of the money. He lost a lot of money in the deal due to Jeffries making him sign it away or he said he'd go to the police. If he gets control of the title and the estate he will have his personal fortune renewed and we will have nothing." Emma just smiled and added, "He won't win anything and I know what Grandmother is going to do. I helped her put together some of the forms for our inheritances and in it included our legacy annuity. We are to receive roughly ?15,000 a year when we come of age but it decreases based on the number of family members and their level within the family. He will be cut off. It remains with the rest of the family who would see their shares increased. His branch is large so it's a lot of money that he will lose out on as he controls all of their money directly." The talk about money and inheritances troubled Courtney but Emma assured her, "It's all going to sit in the bank. I don't want it, neither does David. It's the same for you and Michael." Nichole added, "Mom said it's going to be put aside for us and our kids. It's all extra anyway since we have our trust funds. Mom knows I can't have kids so she thought it best to keep it for when I adopt." Courtney asked about Emma's, getting a blush and timid, "David, Patrick, Daisy, Ella, and Logan were given $30 million each from the government once their Uncle Ted's estate was settled and the money cleared. The people who had him launder the money let Uncle John know that the ones who owned the money didn't want it since it was the cause of Aunt Linda being killed. We don't want it but mom and mum want us to hold it in trust for future kids. Patrick gave his to Antonio while Ella and Logan gave theirs to JD, Cat, and their cousins. They don't want it either but Uncle John wouldn't let them give it all away and nobody else would take it except family. Now all of their cousins have several million dollars in their trust funds." Courtney was kept out of the loop on purpose so Emma had to explain further that the $150 million inherited had been split up among the five heirs of Ted Blue, the uncle to Patrick, David, and Daisy Peterson as well as Ella and Logan Finn. It took months but it was finally agreed to and as they had no connections to the crimes and were legitimate heirs they got the whole amount. As the heirs to Linda Brown and as she died before their divorce was finalized, Ella and Logan had also been given the remaining $100 million their former stepmother had in her account giving them more money than they knew what to do with but none wanting to accept the amount. Courtney then reminded Emma that she had forgotten about her husband's inheritance from his father's stake in the family's former company making him wealthy but with David never using a penny from the trust. Neither wanted to touch it, so it say growing in size for their children. She wanted to work and was happy to earn her own money, but it was always there in case they'd ever need it. Courtney just smiled at Emma who realized that her family was independently wealthy yet were not the snobs that she had been led to believe families with money needed to be. It felt great to think that she was able to do as she pleased without the need to be a fake and that her education was all for her and not a means of keeping herself out of poverty as it was to be just two years before. Courtney hugged her and offered a comforting, "It's nice to have but you are a great person for working for yourself. Just think, some day you might be working alongside Uncle Nigel as a nurse. We both can!" The staff were listening to them talking about the vast sums of money and couldn't believe that Emma and the Finns had such wealth let alone money they didn't want. Reardon, the Smiths' trusty butler, told the maids listening to the duo talk that the family had endured a lot of suffering and the money came from people who had done them wrong or from those who had passed on and none wanted it but were accepting of it for what it could do for others. The family had few who weren't wealthy now, the core of the family had a lot of money and would use it to help others as was the norm for all of the Finns and that influence had set a new course for the elder Smiths. Bradford grinned at hearing that. The man was a godsend to the family and Reardon protected them all. He cared about Ethan and Nichole and had grown to care for Emma, they were making the job fun. Michael and Ethan ran around the estate while Courtney, Emma, and Nichole talked. The duo were quite fond of the solitude of the estate and knew that the ladies were going to talk about the news they had received from the distant Smith relatives. It was inevitable and they were more sensitive to it than the guys, the two left them to talk about it while the duo focused on themselves.. Ethan just shrugged it off while Michael thought there was a way of ensuring that the Smiths were protected from further attempts at the titles and their money. They had to end all attempts at getting the money ended. He had thought they might have a legal battle but there were other ways of doing things underhandedly, it was unavoidable with greedy people like Bradford's second cousin. Ethan asked if they were on solid footing for when Bradford passed on, knowing that the inheritance taxes would come into play. Michael shrugged, only admitting, "Aunt Karen has spoken with solicitors and tax people to ensure that the estate is solvent and the impact is minimal. She thinks she has found a lot of leeway thanks to a lot of the estate now being used for charity work. It'll take a while but there will be a lot of loopholes in what can be given to family and what will be donated. The Smith family will have money and the estate, it'll just take some finagling. We don't have to worry about it for a long time, your grandfather is healthy and not going anywhere anytime soon." The family spent the next two days together and enjoying their time without distractions. Michael had a chance to swim and relax with Courtney but endured Ethan and Nichole giving them odd looks. Ethan blushed as Courtney got out of the pool while Nichole tried to see if there were any signs of her pregnancy when the two changed in the shower, both of which got blushes and quick apologies from the kids. She was far from showing but there were some subtle signs that only Courtney knew about and was not about to tell Nichole as it was very personal. Reardon drove the couple south as he had to take care of some business in London on behalf of the Smiths. He was quiet during the drive, with the couple falling asleep from the solitude. Reardon had to grin at the two young lovebirds, the two were favorites of his for their lack of requests and treating the staff with respect. The whole of the Finn Family were great, but Michael and Courtney were simply two who stood above the others simply by being themselves and not trying to be too nice or careful around him or the members of the household staff. The next day Reardon left to head north leaving the couple to cope with Michael's newfound status at work. Grace and Charles were easy on him while Arthur joked with him about his knighthood. His coworkers were impressed but treated Michael as they normally did, as the adviser with an eye for making money. His time away had shown that they were close to no longer needing him and now that he was close to leaving for home they were trying hard to get used to not having him around them. Up North at Smith estate, Bradford's second-cousin gave his answer. There were new allegations of incest and infidelity, most of which were directed at Michael and Emma. To those who didn't know the story would say it was incest, but looks were deceiving and it was irrelevant to the Smiths' situation. Michael's connection was a joke. He never hid that he was related to both Emma and David through his parents but Emma and David weren't related at all. David's mother Lilly wasn't even his mother's biological son, and since Lilly was adopted herself, as an adult no less, she had no blood relationship to Michael making it even more ludicrous. Emma herself was adopted so that too gave her yet another separation from Michael as well as David and even so there was no blood connection as the Petersons and Browns, David's paternal and maternal families, were actually Scottish, Swedish, and Welsh while the Walkers, Emma's family, were entirely English. The Smiths simply countered with the facts including that Emma was adopted and even though she was related to Michael and he was related to David neither David nor Emma were related except through their marriage. The complex family tree was shown and the adoptions clearly marked and noted and with all legalities cleared on both sides of the Atlantic. Bradford added further insult to injury as he showed that his second- cousin was actually the result of third-cousins marrying and conceiving making his own claims of incest all the more insulting as his parents were actually biologically linked, much more so than Emma or David ever could be. But as is usually the case, rumors lead to more rumors and the Smiths had to snuff them out whenever they arose. Their staff was one of the biggest sources as they talked while off duty in town away from their bosses. Their friends and relatives were eager for the juicy gossip and it was tough to keep a lid on such news about their employers. Their talk got back to the solicitor who used it to try to get at Bradford through the media but it always backfired when they were proven false. The more that the media inquired about the Smiths and their saga the more the claims were shown to be petty attempts at stealing a title from a distant relative. Bradford's second-cousin was losing his battle for the title and the estate before he had ever set foot in a courtroom as the media and public turned against him, nobody could believe any of his claims as each time they were brought up they were proven false. The staff were not fools, the ones talking were the most loyal maids and groundskeepers to Bradford and Ophelia and enjoyed the little game of cat and mouse. They had purposely planted the rumors to show just what kind of person Bradford's cousin was and reveled in his downfall. Bradford then went further and threatened to sue for libel on Emma's behalf which only caused his second-cousin to back off briefly before he went after Bradford for allowing the family to ruin his estate for him. Bradford finally had enough and went after his cousin directly. No more playing around, he went after the source of the family's wealth and had his second-cousin cut off for breaking the terms of their great- grandfather's will by disgracing the family and trying to defraud fellow family members out of their rightfully given legacy. As the patriarch of the family as the legal title holder through the eldest son and grandson, Bradford was also the one who could call in such violations and seek all removals. He had never done it before even with Nigel being cast out but it had to be done for the family's sake. The last of the Smiths were called together. All members of the family were requested, with only those who were abroad being unable to attend. Karen was representing her husband Nigel while Bryan and Hannah were acting on their own behalf alongside their spouses. Emma would have to endure without David while Sophia was put on display as the youngest member of the family and the next generation. Truth be told, there weren't many Smiths. In fact, there were only four factions as Bradford's great-grandfather had only three children who themselves had only a few children. Most didn't care about the titles, they simply wanted to live their lives and let Bradford put up with the hubbub of being a noble. His grandfather fathered only a son, his father, and daughter, who turned out to have had only one child herself and who was currently childless and in her mid-90s and was the eldest of all Smiths. She was a classic spinster who worked for years as a governess and teacher before retiring to solitude on one o the family's small properties in rural Kent. She rarely visited, but she made an exception for that meeting. His grandfather's sibling were a different matter as his great-aunt tragically died young from childhood disease and never married or had a chance to have a child. His elder great-uncle had a daughter but she married against the family and was disowned while his son died with only several illegitimate children fathered. His younger great-uncle died young and had only a son who himself had a son, the man who was trying to steal the family legacy- his second-cousin. His second-cousin's children were not of the same belief as him. They didn't want any titles as it would affect their own lives directly. One was a police detective while another was a headmistress at a school, neither was of the belief that they were entitled to take the family honors because their father thought he was better than his distant relative because of rumors and falsehoods by jealous former employees that he hired simply to gain information about his second-cousin. They both came at Bradford's request and were more than happy to stand against their father on behalf of their family even if they would give up their inheritances. The group sat down to a meal that Bradford had graciously spread out for them. The family talked animatedly and for once Bradford felt like they were actually family and not people who happened to have had the same ancestors. They may have been Smiths but they were all different people. Without the influence of his second-cousin the Smiths actually came together as one instead of being played off one another for the benefit of one or two of them. Emma and Karen got a lot of looks and after speaking to their third- cousins found out just how close they were without the family name. The two were unlike their father's normal friends and guests, Emma was, "One of them" to Detective Smith while Emma and Karen having close relatives who were in the teaching profession got Headmistress Smith's interest. By the time the meal ended, Bradford had overwhelming support from them for their father being removed from the family trust for his antics while having their full support to remain as the Smith Family patriarch. The branches of the Smiths were in agreement, with Bradford's Aunt being the one to tell her cousin the bad news directly. He took it hard, swearing revenge while angering the sweet elderly Smith. She was not afraid to raise her voice and scare him half to death, he would accept his punishment like a man or she would see to it that he never lived to see his next birthday. He capitulated quickly, she wasn't one to make those kind of threats lightly and had the means to ensure it was carried out. Bryan and Hannah had kept quiet about the whole turn of events. The couple didn't want attention but they were looked over by the older Smiths and were seen as just the kind of Smiths that their ancestors had wanted in the family. They were also the first to carry on the family name to the next generation, which for Headmistress Smith and Detective Smith wasn't was likely to occur in the near future but hadn't happened yet. The family bid each other goodbye and vowed to meet together again in the future as it had been far too long since the family had been together as one. Karen was all smiles as neither Ethan nor Nichole had been put under the spotlight by their relatives, they had escaped without scrutiny but were both happily acknowledged by the family as being there. It was the same for Nigel Jr. and Sophia, they simply slept through the whole gathering with Sophia not even needing a diaper change or feeding. Bryan and Pete had to say goodbye to their loved ones as they had to head back to the US for their annual summer training. Their wives left them with big kisses that left them gasping for breath while Nichole and Ethan groaned at their antics. Karen just rolled her eyes and chastised the two ladies for doing that to their husbands, but added that it was worth seeing the looks on their faces as they tried to be shocked yet full of love and affection. The duo had a bit of mischief in their eyes and decided to get back at Karen by asking about her lawsuit against the Walkers. Emma shook her head in disappointment but added a firm, "They lost badly. Mum is now the owner of their properties. I take it you will want to see them yourselves as you two never wold have brought it up unless you had already figured out how to get there and back without needing to spend the night in a hotel?" The duo just grinned and nodded, their sister had seen right through their plans. They were looking forward to a road trip and this was their chance to see Emma's hometown for the first time. Karen had no choice but to go so as to keep the trio out of trouble, with Ethan opting to stay put alongside the clingy Nigel Jr. while Nichole wanted to join her sisters in the fun. Nigel Jr. was fine staying with his brother and wanted his mom to have a little bit of fun, plus having Ethan to himself meant that he could be spoiled and run around the estate with him. Ophelia and Bradford got to experience their grandsons as themselves with both being different people without Karen or Nigel Sr. around. Nigel Jr. wasn't a problem, he kept by Ethan's side and did whatever he did including talking with his friends, although they did it for Ethan rather than wanting to talk with him. The ladies drove on to Manchester and its suburb, Chiselworks, early the next morning. It was a three hour drive that was spent in heavy traffic much of the way on the motorway. Emma was nervous but her sisters were great comforts to her as they calmed her while also enjoying the sights of Manchester. It was a bit of an inconvenience to travel all the way to Chiselworks to finalize the transfer of assets from the Walkers to Emma by way of Karen. Karen didn't fool around and had her solicitor ensure that they were paying Emma every pence that they owed her as well as paying dearly for assaulting and trying to extort her the year before. After talking with Emma and from the Walkers' own words she was owed for full time work for six years with dozens of hours of overtime penalties, an amount that was large and would pay for Emma's entire college education. Emma was looking at close to ?100,000 for the unpaid wages as well as another ?250,000 in damages for the assault on her. Once that was paid out the Walkers were flat broke due to fines they owed the government over Emma's taxes that they never paid to HMRC as well as fines for using a child to work and failure to pay taxes in a timely manner. Their bills were piling up to the point that Emma was offered a settlement in the form of their properties and the contents of their bank accounts, which covered the full amount and allowed them to claim they were bankrupt avoiding some of the fines. The Walkers were ruined and that was before their prison sentences were confirmed by the courts. They were to get two years for the assault and another for attempted kidnapping and lying to the police. The town shunned the couple during their legal struggles and after agreeing to their sentences they were left to deal with being convicted felons who had nothing left except the clothes on their back. Karen and the Walkers' solicitors signed the forms and turned everything over to Emma. Emma simply closed up the shop and offered to sell the whole place to her aunt, Dora Walker, for a few pounds as she had no use for the properties but her aunt could make good use of the spaces for her own businesses. Her aunt was interested, but wanted to speak with her niece first. She had to see her niece face to face. Dora Walker was the polar opposite of her brother. She was older, wiser, and unafraid to stand up for the rights of others. She was also a loving, kind mother who doted on her daughter Poppy. Emma and her cousin had been close friends until Dora had to move down to London after the Walkers had a bad falling out after Poppy came out to the family as being in love with women, leaving Emma to the mercy of her parents but not realizing that she was in any kind of trouble let alone worked to the bone without any kind of compensation. Jonas Bloomfield, the Smith and Finn Family's go-to solicitor in England, facilitated the meeting. Dora was unsure what to make of a request to meet with a countess let alone one who was acting on her niece's behalf but if it involved Emma she wanted to take part in it. She had to keep Poppy away from the meeting but close by to help her just in case it went south, unsure if Karen was like Dora's brother. Poppy didn't have to do anything as she saw Emma coming and ran up to her with a big hug, crying into her shoulder as the two old friends embraced for the first time in years. Emma had to hide her tears as Poppy asked who the little one with her was. She mumbled as tender, "My daughter Sophia" which caused Poppy to shed tears herself as the two cousins embraced again, with Sophia happily giggling at her mother crying alongside a stranger. Hannah and Paige tried to keep quiet but Emma finally realized she had ignored them and offered a sincere apology as she introduced them, "These two ladies are my adoptive sisters, Ladies Hannah and Paige Smith." Poppy was unsure what to think, Hannah rescued her by explaining, "My mother, Lady Karen Smith the Countess of Boston, adopted Emma as her own after falling in love with her over the previous year. She is fully adopted, done so before her 19th birthday making her a full lady and part of our crazy family." Emma added a somber, "Hannah is the Baroness Gosfield and Paige is the Viscountess Braintree. They married two amazing men a year ago. They treat me much better than my own parents ever treated me." Inside, Karen sat down with Dora and explained, "I know this may be hard to believe but Emma is now my daughter through adoption. Your brother and sister-in-law mistreated her for years before and after you moved away, treating her like a slave in their shops while making her clean their home. She was able to get away from their clutches by taking a job as a junior maid with my mother and father-in-law Lord and Lady Smith. Two years ago we met her for the first time and my husband and I fell in love with the young lady who was working hard to help our children while cleaning the manor. She was deprived of love and guidance, we couldn't let her waste away so we adopted her as our own." Dora nodded in agreement, it was understandable and something she herself would have done. Karen added, "While visiting one week she fell in love with and was impregnated by a young man whose mother is one of my closest friends. He is my brother's nephew through his wife's family. He fell in love with Emma as she fell in love with him. As part of coming to be part of my son and daughter's wedding party Emma was forced by my children to herself marry. She is now the mother a beautiful baby girl and wife of a handsome Massachusetts State Police detective." Dora had a big smile on her face at hearing that, it was fitting that she found the love of her life and had started her own family. Dora asked about the whole Walker issue, getting down to the issue at hand. Karen looked down in shame and admitted, "They tried to extort their daughter, claiming that she owed them money for all of the things that they had to provide: food, shelter, clothing, and school uniforms. When she refused to repay them they claimed that she was being kidnapped by her husband and his family. They grabbed her arms and tried to drag her form the restaurant but were stopped by brother-in-law and cousin-in-law. Emma refuses to have anything to do with them and my daughter and daughter-in- law both demanded that Emma receive her rightful earnings from them while their husbands demanded they pay for hurting her. They agreed to hand over their properties in lieu of paying some of the money from the lawsuit but couldn't escape paying for the wages they rightfully owed her." Dora grinned as she realized just what happened and added, "They are flat broke and their miserly ways led to them having to renovate their buildings to make them able to be sold. They paid Emma her wages, paid most of their fines, but were left with nothing. Emma is trying to sell the buildings to me so I can take care of them and ensure that they go to the right buyer so I am taken care of but also put me in a prime location to both expand my business as well as give us a permanent home away from London. She was always caring but she did the greatest thing she could do for us- helping us without appearing to help." Karen nodded, adding, "She doesn't need the money, it's actually going to charity. She just wanted them to give her what they should have given her all along. The buildings are her way of making up for years of not seeing you after what happened between you and your brother over your daughter. She loved Poppy, but couldn't leave until finishing school." Dora nodded. That was classic Emma to her. Dora asked for Emma to come inside, with Karen leading her in while holding Sophia. Emma hugged her aunt and introduced the gurgling infant, who instantly smiled and flapped her arms as she saw her great-aunt in front of her. Dora looked at Emma then at Sophia and had trouble seeing the resemblance leading Emma to admit, "She looks like David's birth mother, she takes after his side of the family in looks but thankfully not in personality." Sophia put on her best, "I'm a cute little baby" act forcing Emma to hand her off to Dora who could only smile at the little girl flopping around in her arms. Dora asked about her father, prompting Emma to blush and admit, "We fell in love at first sight but couldn't be together until my year of service to grandmother and grandfather was complete. He waited for me, he immediately wanted to propose to me. He was looking for me but when he saw I was with child he chose to do the right thing and marry me. If he didn't marry me his own family would have ensured he was severely hurt for not being man enough to marry me. I never felt so loved than that time, it wasn't needed but it meant a lot to me." Karen showed a picture of David to Dora then pictures of the wedding. She pointed out the two men in military uniform as being Pete and Bryan, then the rest of their immediate family. Emma loved adding that David's family had been what her mother hadn't been and loved her as a sister and daughter. Poppy entertained Nichole, Hannah, and Paige before being noticed by others. Poppy recognized the ladies who made their way over, hugging them and kissing their cheeks. When she introduced them there were stares of disbelief but Poppy added a firm, "Their family are nobility and they have titles of their own. I don't know the full story, but my cousin was going to tell me soon. She has done what we all wished we could do- become nobility!" Hannah observed their behavior and was sure she saw signs that they actually wanted to see Emma and not use her as others had wanted to do the year before. Paige asked how they knew Emma, getting big blushes while one offered a strong, "She was our classmate and friend. We didn't get to talk with her much after her aunt moved but we never stopped seeing her as our friend. We don't want anything from her, we just wanted to talk to her and catch up on her life." Poppy went inside and told Emma about her visitors. The names caused a tear to fall, she asked that they come inside as she wanted to speak with them directly. Karen asked if she was sure, the friends she had told her about before weren't the best people but Emma was actually happy to hear about them. Once inside, her three friends hugged Emma and asked about Sophia getting a happy, "She's my nine-month-old daughter." Sophia did her usual, "I'm a cute baby" act on them earning the expected affection and getting Emma to blush at Sophia's antics. Karen had to shake her head and tell Dora, "That little girl is going to make my brother angry, she won't look at him without crying or soiling herself but she sees you and she starts begging for attention." Emma laughed at that, adding, "Uncle John has that effect on babies, none of them like him for some reason." Her friends asked about Emma's reason for coming back, getting a stern, "My parents had to give up their businesses to me in exchange for what they did to me last summer. Aunt Dora is buying them and I hope she is going to renovate them for herself. Mum is facilitating the sale for us." The, "Mum" was caught by her friends with Emma adding a happy, "My employers' son and daughter-in-law fell in love with me and adopted me as their own daughter. They made me into a lady and through them I met my husband, with Sophia coming along last November. His family is amazing and have made me into their own daughter, sister, and niece. Mum and dad treat me as their own as well." Karen added, "She was too good to be a maid and my sons and daughters wouldn't let us keep her away. She is the perfect daughter and is the only person who keeps her sisters in line. She is an angel." Hannah and Nichole let out terse, "HEY!" responses while Paige snickered until she realized she was part of that grouping. Hannah countered with a happy, "She is a great sister and mom loves being a grandmother to Sophia. Sadly she also has made David into a better man making the rest of guys in our generation have to act more mature." Emma expected the next question with Karen adding, "Before you ask, yes we are nobles. I married my husband not knowing his background as a noble and heir to a marquessdom. My son and daughter were given the gifts of heirs to their great-uncle's titles but sadly they have since ascended to their titles after his unfortunate passing. We may be American but we have adopted this country as our home as well." The rest was left unsaid as Sophia started stirring prompting them to finish their business and give her a quick meal before her nap. Emma being so motherly melted her friends' hearts as she was the one who they thought wouldn't find love let alone have a child yet she had done both in a span of two years. She was a natural and gave them hope for love and family of their own. Karen led the whole group out, with Nichole, Paige, and Hannah bringing up the rear as Dora pushed the stroller for Emma allowing her to talk with her friends. Poppy saw the smile on Dora's face and had a smile as well, knowing that her mother was going to start in on her about starting a family soon. She was just happy to find a nice girl for herself, she didn't want to complicate things worse by having kids. The sisters picked up on this look and asked about it. Poppy was put on the spot but Paige told her, "She is a good person, she won't want to push it on you. She understands, it's tough but she understands. You may find the right girl soon but you don't have to rush into motherhood yet." Poppy eased up while Dora smiled at the little interaction. She had no plans to try to make herself a grandmother, she enjoyed having a great- niece and looked forward to more. Poppy was young, and if she should find a special someone she would be proud to have a daughter-in-law and possibly a grandchild years down the road. Lunch was at a quiet restaurant, which was happy to accommodate the 10 ladies once they heard that the group included a few titled nobles. The staff tried to overdo things as they intended to please them but it was clear that they were just normal customers leading to them easing up. The group were grateful, it was a bit troubling to be treated as VIPs when they were simply there for a quiet meal. Listening in on their conversation the manager thought something was off about his so-called VIPs and suspected they were lying about being ladies and called the police for fraud and keeping away patrons due to keeping the two tables for them during their lunch rush. One of the waitresses noticed Emma among the group and claimed she was lying about being a lady and the people were fakes, prompting the manager to confront them. It was revenge against Emma, but her humiliation and snubbing of them after her parents' tirade she felt Emma deserved this even if she knew full well the truth about Emma. The police arrived and tried their hardest not to laugh at the claims. One officer just smirked and added, "So you chose to give them exemplary service, ignore customers to the point of them leaving, and act as if they are responsible because you thought you may get a noble to take notice of your restaurant but now are going to see them not only give it a bad review but tell others to avoid it? This isn't their fault, in fact the only crime here is your wasting of police resources." The officers walked over to Emma and apologized for disturbing them then added, "The management is unsure as to whether the truth of your nobility is valid or not." Karen simply offered her calling card, complete with coat of arms of the Countess of Boston, and her identification. She politely added, "The Lady Braintree and the Lady Gosfield as well as Ladies Emma and Nichole haven't made up their own arms yet. We are who we claim to be but after this we won't bother with this restaurant again." The officers just nodded and added, "We recall Lady Emma and her family. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, My Lady." Turning to the manager, they offered a warning then added, "Lady Emma's husband is a good man who has our respect, we will be sure to spread word among us to avoid here." The group paid, with Hannah winning out over Karen, Paige, and Emma. She grinned as she added, "I never get to pay." The group walked out, with Poppy offering the offending waitress a terse, "You still have not changed. Grow up. She was always more mature than us, yet you are still a child inside." Outside, the group walked off their meal. They ended up back at the Walker home and finalized the details of the sale with Poppy taking inventory of all contents. The Walkers signed over everything to Emma from the dust to the cobwebs and wiped their slates clean, when they would get out of prison they would start anew elsewhere and not look back at their previous lives. Emma found a lot of antiques that she knew to be valuable and a benefit to Dora's business while Poppy found many of Emma's old baby clothes including her favorite dummy. Dora laughed as Emma's face went red while Sophia tried to get the dummy from her. She succeeded, putting it in her mouth and falling asleep with a smile on her face and her mother trying hard to get it out without much success. Emma tried to hide her shame but it was so cute. Hannah took a picture and sent it right to David who sent back a quick, "Her fault for showing her it" causing the others to laugh. Emma texted him the picture of Sophia with Dora and Poppy adding, "Blame her cousin and great-aunt." That caused David to call for an answer, leading him to smile and add a happy, "Guess we share more than just love, it's great to have you and them on good terms." Emma's old room held a lot of things that she was embarrassed at the others seeing. She had multiple boy band posters up which Nichole snickered at until Paige said she had more than Emma did. Hannah shook her head a the lack of pictures but understood why she didn't have many given her, "Friends." Emma's clothes were mostly too small for her now that she had her post- baby body. She was happy to donate them to charity while adding a lot of other things that she found in her closet. Her school uniforms made her cringe as they were a bane of her existence in school, most knew they were secondhand and she always kept herself covered up there were nasty rumors of her being pregnant. The house was packed up with much of it going directly to charity. Poppy was happy to take over the unused flat above the family's flat as her own space while Dora kept the old Walker flat for herself. Mother and daughter had their own spaces but would work alongside one another in their new store. Karen signed the last of the forms turning over ownership with Dora now owning both the accounting business and the clothing shop. All inventory in the shop that hadn't been returned to the wholesaler was donated to charity while Dora simply cleaned out the accounting office. Any records were retained should they be needed but it was now an empty space which she intended to lease out for additional revenue for herself and Poppy. Karen had worked with local builders to fix up the buildings and allow Poppy and Dora to make the changes they wanted but it was now in their hands. Dora hugged her niece and asked that she not be a stranger, while adding that she understood if she didn't want to see her. Emma just shed a few tears while thanking her, adding that she hoped they would come west for Christmas as a family as her in-laws would not let the two go without during the holidays. Karen just smirked as Nichole added a terse, "There's no way Aunt Lilly doesn't make them come. It's important and she doesn't want you to forget your family. Just hope that she doesn't make you go see them over Spring Break, David has that week off too!" The group left after Sophia got her final kisses from Dora and Poppy. She refused to give up her dummy making Emma feel like she was going to have a problem but Karen was quick to point out that she was doing what every baby did and it wasn't dangerous to her. She loved it more than her old one, and as it was her own it was a special bond between them that few had. The drive back to the estate was faster than normal thanks to cooperating traffic. Nigel Jr. was quick to hug Karen while Ethan looked exhausted. He tiredly told her that Nigel Jr. had been running around outside for hours, making him show him anything and everything on the estate but was otherwise good. Nichole and he swam in the pool before their late dinner. She told him about the day and meeting the good Walkers. Ethan wished he had been there but understood he was excess to the situation. He was happy that they had been able to get closer to her aunt and cousin, even if it was temporarily. It was a shame that it only happened because Emma's family had been horrible to her but it worked out for the best in the end. Poppy sounded like a great person, which led Nichole to add, "She likes women, so don't go looking for a girlfriend. Besides, she's too old for you." He blushed while Nichole added, "First Logan, now you. If Junior or Neil start falling for girls we might have to hose you four down. Besides, there's a couple of girls in your school who like you already. They just have to see the real Ethan, Logan was told this already so I guess it's your turn." Nichole spent the next hour talking about what girls liked in boys. She herself liked boys like Bryan and Pete: tall, muscular, but with hearts of gold who showed they cared about you. She hoped there were a few boys like that in their school but it was slim. There was always hope, though. Chapter 13 Jaimie Finn was enduring the after affects of achieving her lifelong dream of becoming, "Complete" in having her gender reassignment surgery. John and Logan Finn became closer as father and son than ever before. Reyna Toro faced down her past and slew her demons. Deborah Peterson had motherhood thrust upon her by being asked to take in and adopt baby Antonio. The Vega sisters were taking their love to the next level with marriage and pregnancy. Rosalind Porter unintentionally reunited a father and sons and found love herself with her sister, her friends, and her boyfriend. Michael Finn made his mark on an industry and a country by simply being himself. The Smiths settled past issues with family while giving Emma the chance to reconcile with the few from her past that she cared about. The family had changed in two and a half months in California and in Massachusetts. But for the four who joined the Massachusetts Army National Guard? Well they endured a summer of intense heat and constant verbal abuse, abuse that has been handed down for generations by angry, tired drill sergeants molding young soldiers into warriors. They were in the military now, undergoing basic training to become part of a centuries old organization. Scott Nelson, Will Bollinger, George Daniels, and Eric Vincent had prepared for their training for months on end. But no matter the amount of preparations can prepare you for the rigors of actually being there in the training platoons. Even though they were stellar athletes, they were still struggling with following orders from male and female sergeants trying to get them to do what they needed to do. Eric and George had it easier than Scott and Will as they were used to the physical strain as well as enduring nights of a lack of sleep. Being the sons of law enforcement, they had to have one eye open at times for signs of trouble no matter where they were. When their dads were in the state police, trouble found them a few times and if not for quick actions they may have been hurt or killed.. The foursome arrived at training expecting the worst but the training was the easy part, enduring their fellow soldiers was the harder part. The four had targets on their backs almost immediately as Scott was recognized by several former classmates from his former hometown of Newhall, MO who had had long hatreds of him. George made the mistake of defending another soldier from larger, ultra-masculine soldiers making them look like fools and earning push-ups from their sergeants while he was given a free pass from discipline for his defense of another. Then there was Eric. His father being gay and married made the rounds of their platoon causing him to get targeted for assaults as he was seen as an easy mark who deserved a beating for daring to join the Army and defiling the uniform with views that didn't fit how real men should act. After the first guy got his knee bent in the wrong direction and a second broke his arm trying to not land on his face from Eric flipping him, they backed off but he was still the target of harassment for no good reason. It was par the course for them. Being the smallest in their class, Eric and George learned martial arts to protect themselves and have several black belts for their dedication to the sports. All who tried to have a go at them had gotten the shock of their lives, having to defend themselves while in the military was no different than any other time in their lives. Their main drill sergeant, Sgt. Alvin York, tried to have a go at them but learned quickly that the four were inseparable and if he tried to break them up it backfired as nothing could get done. The four were actually a great team and took direction better than anyone else, something that could be utilized to show what needed to be done without the need to show them himself. He was a smart soldier, he knew to take advantage and with them the platoon learned what they needed to learn the first time. During their drill sergeant instruction time Eric, Will, and George happily explained how the trio had been together since kindergarten and Scott had joined them four and a half years before. Sergeant York asked about that which only caused the four to say it was too personal for them and tried to move on. This didn't sit well with the guys from Newhall, MO. Their self-appointed leader, Andrew Davis, gladly told the others about Scott running off after lying to deputies about his father abusing him. Sgt. York had to hold back Eric and George while Will gave the four a lesson in exactly what had happened to Scott and why he left and why Andrew and his buddies were talking out of their asses. Will growled, "That piece of garbage hit him with everything he could get his hands on and did so for years,. The scumbag was a brute who hated that he was wrong about everything he had ever done and who was hated by Scott?s mother?s family for good reason. He took blows that would cripple most kids and would bring you to your knees- you?d never endure the crap that he did, yet he endured FOR SIX YEARS. We three saw the marks, you didn't. He still has the scars on him from the last week with him, he put up with crap that nobody will ever know- all because his father was a complete loser." Sgt. York caught the anger and noted that it was more than just being defensive of his friend. Eric and George didn't react as strongly as Will, they let him take this on his own. Scott didn't react either, it was enough to him to mean that the man had done the unthinkable and physically harmed his son. Scott explained that the trio were sons of friends of Scott West Sr., who was convicted of child abuse and assaulting a deputy. He had been systemically torturing his son until he would bully anyone in his way or who his father had said needed to be, "Toughened up". His conviction was not open for debate since the evidence was overwhelming and the trio had seen it themselves. Scott just shook his head and added, "You three toadies believed the words of a drunk who earned three years in prison and who got himself fired from every job he ever had. Your dads wanted to believe the worst in people because they always hung around with those pathetic McKinnon folks, folks who only produced a few good people in their meager existence. Well he was a loser and deserved a hell of a lot more time behind bars than he got." Another session saw Eric explaining that yes, his father was gay and married. That wasn't debatable, he was proud to point out that his father was a decorated federal agent who before that was previously a decorated state trooper and who served with dignity and distinction in the military before passing his State Police exam and earning his job as a trooper. George added how he was responsible for breaking up several major gun rings while also breaking up affiliated prostitution, drug, extortion, murder-for-hire rackets and had gotten high praise from the US Attorney General and the Department of Homeland Security alongside multiple other agencies' praise. Will and Scott merely told their platoonmates that their fathers had, "Normal" jobs as an architect and a high school principal. Scott's old, "Friends" ranted that his father was a jailbird but Will angrily pointed out that Scott was adopted after his former father was sent to jail for his abuse so they were wrong and morons for claiming otherwise. He added that Scott's new father was a reserve police officer who had several major awards to his name including dozens of arrests for a multitude of major crimes from rape to kidnapping as well as for responding to major hurricane and tornado damaged cities to help. The foursome worked day in and day out for three weeks before they could contact home. They simply pooled their time to have eight minutes of time with their families as their four fiances were called together with their parents there as well. The wait was tiring for them but hearing the girls' voices gave them renewed energy to keep going and to endure the jerks who were jealous of their abilities as soldiers and their close bond as friends. The four ladies together caught Sgt. York by surprise. Will happily pointed out, "Eric's girlfriend is Scott's sister, and mine is Scott's girlfriend's cousin. George's girlfriend is best friends with all three. They are rarely apart and put up with us for some reason." Scott shook his head as Sgt. York laughed at Will's jokes. He thought it was a big lie but George added, "Those girls are close and Eric really is dating Scott's sister. Our dads kept away so they didn't cause trouble since some don't like who they sleep with but we can't keep them away next week." The next week went by quickly as the group shot near the top with their rifles and performed well on their grenade and pugil stick training, with the former earning them a marksmanship badge. It was easy for them to counter their colleagues in the pugil stick battles and they only really struggled against themselves as the four were some of the last standing in the impromptu tournament. Sgt. York simply had them go off against one another to allow the rest to have a shot at winning but ultimately Eric was the winner, taking out one of his biggest detractors, a guy named Gary Baker. The guys were not happy that their dads answered their call when they phoned home as the girls had done exactly as the guys had predicted. Alex Vincent made a crack about the sergeants going soft on them for removing the bayonet course while joking that they had it harder as it was even hotter when they went through basic training. Sgt. York heard all of that and grinned, it was classic father/son motivational banter and gay or not he had Sgt. York's respect for doing that for his son. He would still pay with push-ups though, he had to as per tradition. Quentin Nelson recognized the sight of the Newhall trio and told Scott to not let them get to him as it wasn't worth thinking about his former father. The jerks heard that and acted like they were tough guys but a strong word and push-ups from Sgt. York about disrespecting a fellow soldier's family, and more importantly- a phone call home, shut them up fast. The platoon were just as tough on them, they were getting tired of their actions and were not going to let them ruing their call home because they couldn't shut up about a guy who clearly nobody wanted to know. The platoon started to splinter as Eric's detractors, led by Gary, and Scott's detractors, led by Andrew, banded together against those who were in support of Eric and Scott. Scott and Eric tried to keep the peace but they were no match for the few who could not let their views on others stop them from acting against the better interest of the whole platoon. Sgt. York didn't bother to stop it, he knew it would work itself out and if the few who couldn't shut up didn't then the whole platoon would shut them up for their own personal sake as well as for the sake of the platoon. Things came to a head as the platoon started their qualifying live fire exercises. The jerks were kept in line and forced to shoot first while the firing range instructors had them stop farting around and shoot right. They failed to qualify, blaming Eric and Scott but neither were anywhere near them nor had any influence on them making the firing range instructors tell them to shut up and accept their own failures. The day only got worse as they were the only ones not to qualify on the weapons despite claiming to be the best shots among them with years of hunting experience to their credit. Will had the lowest score among the foursome. It was expected as he had never shot a real gun before compared with Scott, Eric, and George who went to shooting ranges regularly as part of their fathers' need to sharpen their skills. After weeks of learning to fire his rifle the correct way Will still qualified as a sharpshooter. Andrew's two buddies failed to qualify and had to repeat the cycle with another platoon and causing the others to laugh long and hard at the braggarts getting their just desserts. Andrew seethed at things turning out so badly on him but he had to endure or he too would end up with his friends. Mail call was the toughest for the soldiers with most only getting a single letter a week if at all. The foursome had at least three a week with one usually being from the younger kids who wrote at the insistence of the older teens and adults while their parents sent them a digested version of what was going on without them. Their girlfriends sent a more personal letter as well as tried to send them pictures but they were a bit too personal, their platoonmates got a laugh out of that as Scott and Eric traded glares over it with Scott winning out with common sense and Sgt. York agreeing with him. The chronicle of the family's summer caused the platoon to gather together during the three hours of personal time before lights out to listen to them talk as the multiple stories of the family were almost too outrageous to believe. The way they talked so freely about them and with the usual inside jokes and laughs caused the majority to hang on every word. It was good entertainment and for most it was a way of escaping the loneliness of training as they were brought into the stories instead of just being told what happened to everyone. The number of different people involved and their own backstories, which the four learned early on to include, were almost unbelievable. A look at the foursome's Facebook photos confirmed their large family and showed why Eric and Scott were at odds over Jessica, Eric's girlfriend/Scott's sister, as she was the most beautiful girl among the ladies. Will had to reluctantly point out that his girlfriend came with a younger, sassier, quicker witted version of herself with the trio adding she was the kind of girl that made you run for cover if she was upset at you- and all that in an 8-year-old's body no less! The four finally got to the stories about Jaimie and what she had done as a person. Andrew and his few remaining toadies listened and made snide remarks about her being a freak who deserved what she got. Scott didn't say a word, but Will added that she was a multimillionaire whose family had more wealth in their bank accounts than everyone on the fort combined. Scott added a harsh, "Nobody deserves to be hurt, especially not the way she was. I hated every second of what I did to her and would have given anything to take that moment back. She was mutilated, could have easily lost her life, and if not for the two pieces of garbage getting the fathers to cover for me I should have been put in prison for what I did." The platoon asked what he was talking about. Will told about the final day Jaimie attended school with Scott, Jessica, and Andrew that saw Scott being forced by his father to brutalize Jaimie resulting her needing to have an orchiectomy performed on her. Eric added, "He almost killed her, if she hadn't covered her kidneys and ribs he would have caved in her chest." Scott looked away in shame, adding a firm, "She recovered. You saw what she looked like but didn't connect that she was the same girl you tormented in elementary school before her parents died. She is blessed with the largest breasts, biggest butt, and all around best figure among the girls. Some of you were drooling over her picture, so don't you dare say anything about her being less than a woman as she is more of a woman than a lot of mothers, sisters, aunts, and grandmothers we have encountered." The four talked a lot about the terrible parents they had known in the years since Scott moved east. The worst of them, the Vegas and Clarences, caused a couple to be visibly sickened while Sgt. York grinned as the four had opened up a can of worms about humanity that the group would have to learn on their own. They may have been going into support branches but in this new era of the military even those in their fields could find themselves encountering individuals who were total scum and have to not react. Sgt. York was no fool as the impromptu bonding was part of training, it just happened to be a new integration that he had put in to get them to work together better and it worked. It even helped put Gary in his place as he made cracks about Eric's father only to see that he was larger than him and with more connections in the law enforcement community than he would ever have. He tried to make fun of the other civilians to make a point about them but unknowingly chose Mick Jones to crack his jokes at, a man who was also former military and was one of the best agents in the ATF with eyes on him being groomed to be put in as the #2 in their Boston office with intent to run the whole region in the future. As expected, Sgt. York was quick to jump on that as another learning opportunity as he pointed out that in this era you couldn't judge someone based on what you see, you needed to investigate further. For an engineer it was a matter of life and death at times as they may be put into danger as they had to work with locals to build, secure, fix, and expand local infrastructure. For the four, they knew the real stories but it was a chance for their colleagues to see that real soldiers can blend into the background of regular people and without vigilance they could fall prey to the enemy hiding in plain sight. Time went along quickly as the soldiers learned and learned until it all became second nature and they could recite word for word the manuals that they were required to know inside and out. Runs became longer and with more weight making the infamous hills of Ft. Leonard Wood torturous, wearing down even the strongest constitutions among them. The foursome even started to show signs of straining, they were used to long runs up and down hills but the heat and humidity of the fort was nothing compared with the cool sea breezes they got from the Mystic River. Things came to a head as they were completing their seventh week of training. The soldiers were worn out and close to ripping into one another. Sgt. York was easing off of the discipline for their sake as they had learned long ago to keep the peace among themselves but it was only so much he could do before things became violent among the soldiers, especially those few who were borderline and had a grudge against others. Scott was again the target, as Andrew still saw fit to complain about him despite all others accepting him as one of them. During one of the few times they weren't with Sgt. York, Andrew finally went after Scott. He simply ducked and made them pay by striking him hard in the sternum, knocking the air out of them while they collapsed in pain, gasping for breath. He was seized by the platoon with the sergeant instructors about to drag him off for the MPs to handle but one of the sergeant majors observing the action canceled that, instead putting Andrew in custody instead. Scott was cleared for defending himself with a non-lethal yet disabling defensive blow, it wasn't his fault that Andrew chose to go at him and leave himself open for the proper move that any good soldier would be proud to have made against an assaulting enemy. Scott's move was asked about earning the sergeant a simple, "Self defense taught by a former boxer and a few former soldiers including a green beret." There was nothing more to be said, it was clearly a mix of one of several styles. Sgt. York just chuckled as the other drill sergeants asked about the foursome, only to be told, "They are what we need- soldiers who don't look like normal soldiers. I think that those four could be Green Berets or Rangers if they chose to be but just want to be normal." The foursome worked their tails off, frequently helping those who were fledgling and in danger of being put back in the next cycle keep from doing so. Little things like marching and learning various commands and signals were worked on, the larger things like their performance on the rifle and grenade pit were impossible to work on though. They were left on their own by Sgt. York, it was for the entire platoon's benefit that they worked with their fellow soldiers while the others rested. During the eight week of training the field training exercises were conducted causing the platoon to wear down fast necessitating the foursome to act as support for them as they helped several of their fellow soldiers who were almost fully drained emotionally and physically continue to push forward. It was the hardest thing that they had done so far but they endured worse than any of the others since they took the worst shifts as guards and cleaning while dragging the others along to keep them from falling behind. Despite months preparation for the physical exertion both Scott and Will were nearing the end of their physicality while Eric and George were tapping into reserves they had never tapped before, even being the most athletic they were still drained mentally. Things were only made worse as Gary and Andrew were egging them on, hoping that they would make another mistake but only seeing themselves get snapped at by their platoonmates. Their defense upset the detractors, so much so that they shot their mouths off at the wrong time in front of the wrong people. The sergeants just shook their head and gladly gave the platoon extra duties while causing a meeting with the regimental commander, ensuring that they were about to be kicked out of the Army for failing their tests, causing actions detrimental to their platoon, and worst of all- misconduct, for assault and for inciting a near riot against them. The three worst along with Gary and Andrew were led away in disgrace to the jeers of their former platoonmates. The foursome simply ignored them, not letting them get to them and showing that real soldiers act like mature adults not like spoiled children. Scott simply chose the high road and was discussing their next part of their training, knowing full well that it was about to get a lot easier as they approached graduation in a week. The final week was spent finishing up tests and ensuring all equipment was in working order. Sgt. York gave the four the lead, as they were some of the few who had been around soldiers before and who knew how to put their uniforms together. The platoon laughed as they joked about sewing with Sgt. York fondly recalling his own drill sergeant saying the same thing about his time in training, giving the platoon a rare glimpse at his softer side while joking about it being a hilarious tradition. Family day was their biggest treat with the platoon eagerly awaiting the four ladies as well as the rest of four's family. Andrew's stories about Quentin Nelson being a skinny nerd who didn't deserve his wife loomed large but seeing Quentin in his suit alongside Mike Daniels, Alex, and Jake Bollinger caused them to hold back on any statements as the men were nothing like they believed and were anything but skinny nerds. Mike and Alex were built like trucks with Alex being smallest among them in height but looking like he could easily tear you apart if he got upset. Alex's husband Ricardo caught they eyes of the platoon and even he was bigger than they imagined. He was larger than Alex, and looked like he was any other father especially as he blended in among the family so completely. If you didn't know his sexuality or marriage you would have mistaken him for any other father seeing his son, which again caused Sgt. York to point out that looks are deceiving. Quentin, Jake, Mike, and Alex hugged their sons tight, while their younger brothers looked on with wide grins. Diego Vincent acted like it was no big deal until Eric grabbed him in a hug as well, with TJ Daniels trying hard to not hug George but was pushed forward by their mother Chloe. Jack Bollinger grinned at his big brother, knowing that he was a big, strong soldier now and wanting to give him all of the attention he deserved and had missed out on giving to him. The foursome got a big shock as Sean Kelly was there with his wife, children, and four grandchildren. He used the graduation as a chance to visit an old friend, a man named Austin Woods who happened to also know Sean?s wife Danielle. The foursome gave him a perfect reason to visit Austin and for them it was a great chance to catch up on old times. Danielle and Austin were close while Sean was in medical school and away from contact and was the one who helped her raise Sean and Danielle's son William for the first several years whenever he wasn't off on a mission with his him. William saw him as an uncle and despite knowing the truth about his lineage Austin never told William about Sean. It was a great scene, with Sean blushing as the four gave him knowing nods and thanks for coming with their families. The four grinned and tried to salute Austin, getting a smirk as they put their hands out to shake the old sergeant's hand. Sean shook his head at that joke, adding, "I was about to have a word with your drill sergeant about proper saluting but I might have him give you four 'fire watch' overnight instead. Then again it's never too late to see the four of you repeat the cycle and endure some more time out in the field eating another few days worth of MREs and doing thousands of push-ups and sit- ups." That got a laugh from Austin, who added, "At least you aren't going to make them 'play in the woods' although I wouldn't mind showing them a few tricks we learned. We haven't had that kind of fun since Devens, not since those bastards went after your friend Brent Finn. Man, what a time that was." The four went white while Sean added, "Oh good, they remembered the story! I think they got the gist of it, old buddy. I think they are going to keep an extra eye out when they are training down in Bourne or up in Vermont or even New Hampshire. I don't think we have ever had someone enjoy their time in the deep woods of New Hampshire but there?s always a first." The foursome were still white and visibly sweating as Sean and Austin joked back and forth. Austin gave the four slaps on the back and told them to enjoy their final day. Sean and the rest of the Kelly family went off with Austin with Sean grinning widely as Danielle and the kids joked with Austin. The four turned to their parents and asked where the girls were, getting grins and a quick, "They decided to wait until tomorrow to see you" from Diego. The look on their faces was priceless as all four were saddened to hear the news, with Will trying to hold back his frown while Scott looked away in shame. Diego couldn't hold himself and laughed allowing the girls to hug their fiances from behind, kissing them and nearly causing them to faint from lack of oxygen. All four couples kissed as their platoonmates looked on in shock. The ladies were real and there in the flesh. Eric and Jessica were kissing for so long that Scott threatened to hose them down if they didn't break it up causing everyone close by to laugh at the couple as they blushed deeply. The group were shown around the fort and watched as soldiers climbed up and down the confidence course but mostly spent time apart as the four went their separate ways to enjoy time with their parents. Scott and Stacy Lopez were joined at the hip while Eric and Jessica were joined at the face, rarely going more than a few minutes without kissing deeply. Will and Claire Peterson took it in stride and barely held hands, with Will enjoying the chance to relax while showing his brother some of the places he had to go to while training. George and Jenna Connors enjoyed showing TJ the museums with the little boy sticking close to them. It was sweet, with both knowing he was trying to keep his mom from doing much. She was almost due to give birth, once she did he would have to be more mature and tried to show he was by following the two around and following their orders like a good boy that he knew himself to be. Chloe was going to give birth when they got back, but plans changed dramatically. She started to go into labor in the museum and went directly to the base hospital to give birth to her lovely daughter Eve. The birth was quick and, "Easy" by Chloe's opinion, but she still had to endure a few hours of pain. The families converged as one with word being spread among them about the unexpected birth with Chloe being kept for a couple of days and unable to see the graduation ceremonies the next day. It was alright with George, he was just glad his little sister was going to be alright and his mom was fine. TJ was unable to express words, he just looked at his dad who was all smiles showing it was alright now. As the Nelsons were heading to the fort's hospital Scott spotted something that made his blood run cold. Out in the distance was a man who was looking around at all of the soldiers, trying hard to recognize one of them. He told Stacy to stick close, he didn't want the man to see him. The Nelsons went another way with Quentin asking Scott if his restraining order was still valid, getting a shrug. Greta Nelson had a copy of it in her purse. She wasn't a fool, she had paid a lawyer to renew the order the past three years as Scott West Sr. Somehow, he had found out that Scott was at the fort but as she expected the man couldn't tell his own son from any other 18-year-old. He was drunk so much that he barely recognized his wife let alone his prepubescent son. Greta was angry at him being there but Quentin was calmer, telling Mike and Alex about Scott West's arrival at the fort and getting the MPs to be on the lookout for him. Sean and Austin had a better idea, they wouldn't tell the others what it was though. The man was about to learn that you don't hurt kids, especially family of theirs and never on a military base. Big Scott, as he called himself, was struggling to find his son. The bastard had ruined his life and had to pay for what he had done to him. He spent hours looking for him but none of the soldiers were him let alone the shrimp that he knew the boy to be. The three who told him where Scott was had said he was still the brat he used to be, only this time he had a few new guys doing his dirty work for him. Big Scott could handle the shrimp and anyone with him, his son wasn't very smart and couldn't fight his way out of a paper bag. He had made sure of that, constantly beating into him that he was the big man in the family and Scott would always be a baby compared to him. Andrew never bothered to tell Big Scott that his son was bigger than he was or that his friends were no pushovers and would break him easily if he got out of line. He and his stooges had felt the wrath of Scott's physical strength, whatever happened to Big Scott was on him. He had done their job and told him where Scott could be found. If Scott was hurt or better, drummed out of the Army, it would be well worth it to Andrew. The MPs were on the lookout for Big Scott. It was helped that civilians were restricted as to where they could go on base especially with dangerous and deadly chemicals and training regimens going on. This only ended up causing Big Scott to try to find cover every time one of the MP cruisers drove by. It was actually a bad idea as it caught the eyes of drill sergeants then the soldiers. The MPs just laughed it up, Big Scott was giving them more entertainment than any visitor had in years and the soldiers were getting an eyeful that you couldn't teach in class. Big Scott finally got close to Scott by pure luck. Scott, Eric, George, and Will were returning to the barracks and Scott's name was heard. It took a while but the tallest and most well-built of the four was Big Scott's own flesh and blood walking past him with the trio just as Andrew had said. Big Scott called out to his son, causing Scott to stop while Eric and George readied for Big Scott's attack. Big Scott rushed his son, but as he went at him Scott stepped aside causing Big Scott to fall over him and land hard on his face and hands. Scott did a few more sidesteps which only served to get Big Scott dirty and angry leading to him lashing out at Scott one final time but only to be stopped by the MPs who were sitting close by ready to go at him. The MPs were doing exactly as expected, with Sean telling them that Scott would let his former father cause a disturbance and hurt himself rather than retaliating and causing him any sort of damage that Big Scott could use to get out of prosecution. The duo walked over, handcuffed Big Scott, then told him that he had an appointment with a few people that were interested in seeing him. Big Scott tried to fight them but only succeeded in getting the MPs to grin and tell him that he was going no matter what and if he continued to fight they wouldn't hesitate to put on a pepper spray and taser demonstration for their fellow soldiers. Sgt. York watched a the MPs dragged away the desperate Big Scott. Scott just shrugged and acted like it was nothing, while the platoon headed inside to get some rest. Sgt. York did ask the trio what was really going to happen, getting a quick, "Playtime for a couple of old soldiers" from them. There was nothing more to be said, the look gave Sgt. York a shudder as he suspected the men were not ones to be trifled with. There were quite a few retired soldiers nearby, several with teal and gold tabs and/or red and black scrolls on their uniform sleeves. If they were either of those Big Scott was in for a serious night of hell. Over at their hotel, Sean eagerly awaited a phone call. When it came, he kissed his wife, son, daughter, and grandchildren goodbye as he walked off. None of them said anything about him wearing borrowed fatigues, but it was a surprise that he told them he'd be back in three hours, four at the most. The MPs alerted the local sheriff's department who happily awaited the completion of whatever Sean had planned. Sean walked inside with Austin and introduced themselves to Big Scott, who scoffed at them. The MPs just laughed at his arrogance, it was going to be great fun now that they knew their prey was gonig to be even quicker to catch and gave them more drive to do so. Sean and Austin were joined by several other retired soldiers, all of whom were either Special Forces or Rangers. It was rare that they got a chance to enjoy themselves as they used to, but for Sean it was a request they couldn't deny especially as it was against someone who deserved to be scared to within an inch of his life. Big Scott was about to be shown just what real men thought of child abusers especially ones who had no business calling themselves parents. Big Scott was released and told to run as far and as fast as he could away from the station. They were going to enjoy the hunt and would try every means short of lethal to get him. Unbeknownst to Big Scott, they had already prepared a load of traps and surprises making it a stacked chase from the start ensuring that it was impossible to escape from them. After an hour the hunt was on. The soldiers then set out in different directions while herding Big Scott to the rallying point where the local deputies were waiting. Big Scott tried to keep off the roads but every time he went off he nearly got entangled in a hidden snare or fell in a hole in the ground causing him to have to stick to the open roads giving all around a clear view of him running away from the approaching soldiers. The chase lasted barely an hour and a half. Big Scott was elusive but he left a lot of markers which made it easy for them to track and find him. He went in circles allowing each group to chase him for a bit bringing joy to them as he gave them a lot of exercise and brought wide smiles to their faces as memories of past training exercises came to them. He had actually made it tougher than expected, but it was worth it for all. As he finally reached the cruiser and deputies the MPs gave him his official trespass order then handed him off to the deputies who arrested him for violating the order of protection against Scott Nelson. The deputies failed to notice several men lurking in the shadows and if they had noticed them they didn't make mention of them nor that Big Scott was searching and cringing at something off in the shadows. Big Scott tried to claim Nelson wasn't Scott's last name but Sean authoritatively told him, "You lost all rights to him as a son when you were in jail four and a half years ago. You lost all rights to call him your son when you struck him. His last name is Nelson, as in Greta and Quentin Nelson his adoptive mother and father. That man is more of a father than you ever were and Scott is more of a man than you ever will be. Don't ever contact him again because if you do I will not only ensure that you have some fun with soldiers, I'll ensure they use live rounds. The Kennedy could use a live fire target, as could the chemical corps soldiers." The deputies pretended to not hear that last part and drove off with the shuddering and crying Big Scott. Big Scott broke down as he had nothing left to lose as his dignity had been torn from him by those elderly men. This was strike three. He was going to prison for years and would never clear his record. His son was no longer his son. He had nothing left. Scott was what Big Scott had always feared- bigger, stronger, tougher, smarter than him as well as better looking and with a family who loved him. He was no fool, his son was going to be great at whatever he did and without Big Scott intimidating him Scott was going to have it all. What he didn't realize was it was true, as Scott had a loving girlfriend, a scholarship to one of the best colleges in the country, and a family who cared about him enough to come across the country to see him graduate basic training. The next day was controlled chaos as the platoon dressed and formed ranks, each dressed to the nines in their new Class-A uniform. The four were some of the few who had unit patches, but they did not attach them to their uniforms yet as they wanted to wait until all training was complete. Sgt. York gave his approval, adding, "You have earned those patches as you have trained with your fellow soldiers. You will make the 26th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade proud when you leave here in 10 weeks." Scott and Will groaned as the others laughed at them. Will complained, "I get to go from the frying pan to the fire- literally! And even then I have 13 weeks before I am fully qualified for service!" Scott added, "I still have another 20 weeks here!" Their platoon gave them a big laugh as they finished the final preparations. George was all grins as he saw that they were on camera with Will joking, "Just your luck that your mom and newborn baby sister get to see you from the comfort of the air conditioned hospital." The platoon laughed as George grinned with pride at his mother's good fortune. The platoon joined the fellow platoons of their company who then joined the rest of the battalion on the parade ground where they were put forth before the fort's Major General and other command staff and endured an hour-long series of speeches and congratulatory back slaps from officers who never met them and who didn't really care all too much about the whole situation as they had done this dog and pony show for the families dozens of times before. It was what they expected from the brass and wasn't anything they hadn't been prepared for ahead of time. After finally being released for the weekend the four went right for their families. Sgt. York had high praise for the four and was given kisses from the ladies while TJ, Jack, and Diego snickered. Will tried his hardest to crack a joke but Claire's glare shut him up getting a big laugh from Sgt. York. The platoon looked on in awe as Sean and Austin walked over and congratulated the foursome. Sgt. York grinned with pride as his hunch was right as both wore their green berets with Sean catching the eyes of the soldiers once Sgt. York pointed out, "A good conduct medal? I'll be darned, a mustang!" Sean grinned, while Austin added, "He gave up a good job with the teams to go to medical school. He was always one to get himself involved in helping people." That last part set Sgt. York off to which Sean added, "Come on, you had fun last night! It's not my fault you underestimated the prey!" The foursome just shook their heads as Scott added, "They used to play with the soldiers who got out of line with the local ladies at Ft. Devens." The platoon laughed at that with Sean smirking. Sgt. York could tell a good time was had and a man who deserved it was given the scare of his life by them. The platoon noticed Eric's fathers and didn't say a word. Sgt. York shook the hands of both with the platoon asking about their job. Mike and Alex flashed their badges followed by Quentin with Jake just grinning at being the lowly civilian among them. It was just fine for him, he had enough to do already. The ladies were on the guys which broke up their little meeting as the families started to make their way towards the rest of the platoon. Whispers about Alex and his husband were heard but the man had a badge and the respect of some tough soldiers making whatever their beliefs about gays irrelevant. Alex was a soldier and a cop, the fact that he happened to be married to a guy only served to break the stereotype and serve to educate many of them in what people are really like. The family headed to the hospital to see the newborn Eve and tired Chloe. Chloe was proud to see them with George getting a big kiss. Eve was given to him to hold while the others took pictures, with all of their phones going off at once as their family and friends back east asked what was going on and who the little newborn was. It seemed that none of them had bothered to tell the rest of the family that Eve had decided to see her brother's graduation ceremony and came out the day before. Jenna's mother was the first to make it through and had a few words with Chloe about keeping that from her but understood full well that she was exhausted. She was glad that she was being taken care of but hoped that she didn't overdo things on the way back. John Finn got through and told them that he'd delay their flight for a couple of days and would have everything ready for them when they arrived, especially the yet to be put together crib and other necessities. Will had the least amount of time before his next part of training so spent more time with Claire. The two hugged and kissed with Claire giving him a present to keep him safe. The medallion she had bought was blessed by a priest, something that the family wouldn't normally do but she didn't want him taking chances and wanted him to have the most protection possible heaven forbid either his air supply, his protective suit, or his mask fail while fighting a fire. Will stayed the night with his family, with his younger brother keeping close to him as he slept in bed. The family saw him off to his flight to San Angelo, TX for his next part of training at Goodfellow Air Force Base while Claire held firm that he had better come back safe and sound. The two kissed at the airport as Will left her in tears and hoping he returned safely at Christmas. Eric and George had it easier as they only had nine weeks of training to become horizontal construction engineers, or essentially military construction workers. Scott still had 20 weeks to become a geospatial engineer, a job that was harder than it sounded as it required a lot of learning and understanding of the earth and mapping. Scott's job was hand in hand with his future job as an architect while the duo's job was more of a way to serve in an important job in the military while having a fallback career for when their jobs as network administrator and a physical therapist fell on hard times. Eric and George kept their future plans to themselves as they didn't have the focus of the others. They were both going into in-demand jobs that would require a lot of training and focus but were also close to what they wanted in life. George didn?t want to be seen as a brain while Eric didn?t want to be seen as someone who was trying to be around "real" athletes because he couldn?t perform like them. These hidden desires were in stark contrast to their friends' chosen fields which were clearly evident early on. Jaimie Finn was a born psychiatrist. Rick Samuels could argue with the best of people. Will fell in love with firefighting as a kid. Scott was always artistic. Miles Finn was a natural at finding connections nobody else could find. Michael Finn had already shown his skills as a successful stockbroker. Jessica and Jenna were the group's shoulders to cry on and best with the kids. Christina Connors was a whiz at running things for others even if she didn?t know that she was so talented at running things. Courtney Bollinger understood how to make you feel better. Stacy was the best with anything scientific. Claire had been helping animals since she could walk. The duo, though, had not found their true calling until that last year of high school. It took helping out Gabby Bollinger with some of her networking work to give George the job he was best suited for. It took helping Diego and later Logan Finn work out to gain some muscle mass to give Eric the idea for his career. Both were bright and had a chance to show their stuff among people whose job was tied to licenses rather than who they knew. Jaimie was the one who figured out their careers simply by the fact that they were going to college near their hometown rather than elsewhere and had seen the brochures for their close fields of study that the duo had accidentally left out in the open. There were more jobs in their field around Boston so it was a wise choice to stay put. She was glad that they were doing what they loved, even if she felt a bit miffed that they didn't talk with her about it before. Eve and Chloe were release two days later, with Mike having a carrier ready to handle their unexpected bundle of joy. They were flying east in a private jet thanks to John's insistence on mother and daughter being comfortable and safe. Once back east, the group showed pictures of the ceremony to the family with all enjoying seeing the guys dressed up in their new uniforms. Mike insisted that they enjoy the pictures as Eve was not in the mood to be fawned over, or rather he didn't want to endure the constant attention that being a new dad brought despite her being a couple of weeks early. He was still adjusting to now being the father of three instead of the father of two. It also didn't help that he realized he was only a short time away from being a grandfather as George was old enough to have kids of his own even if neither he nor Jenna wanted kids yet. The foursome were handsome and their pictures made the girls swoon. The only girls not getting the vapors over them were the youngest girls, none of whom were of the age of seeing boys as more than icky people to be avoided. Daisy Peterson, Ella Finn, Faith Jones, Willow Reagan, Trinity Eliza, and Cat Finn seemed to not care one bit about the four as they just wanted to play with the sleeping Eve. The mothers snickered as they joked that the girls were going to love having to help when Courtney, the Carters, and the Smiths had their babies. That was in addition to already helping care for the young Antonio Peterson. The girls glared at them, but it was the truth. Cat added, "I may be an auntie this winter but it's a mommy and daddy's job to do the dirty work- not an auntie's!" That caused the group of teens who happened to have been forced to change her diapers as punishment to blurt out, "No it's not!" Cat grumbled at that backfiring with the adults snickering at her rare foul-up. It was sweet and she understood that it wasn't all fun and games with babies now that she could help. TJ looked at his parents and asked if they were going to make him change the diapers because George wasn't there. The two smiled, adding a warm, "Not unless you earned it as punishment. Your cousins had to change Cat, DJ, and JD?s diapers as punishment. You are too young to be forced to change them and aren?t expected to do so anyway. Your brother, though, is going to have to help out too- but be glad she isn't eating normal food yet. He gets the stinky diaper changes when he gets home in three months." The family broke up with the Daniels family being driven home. The house was decked out for Eve's arrival with John grinning at it being a little girl's dream. The nursery was fully stocked with Mike being told, "That'll last you about a week" while Mike added, "Nah, maybe a few days if she is anything like her brother." The family gave them their privacy for a few days while the rest of the family started to get into school mode as the kids prepared for the new school year with TJ, DJ Lopez, and Liam Byrne-Toro attending for the first time. TJ was thankful for the distraction as he was glad to have something else to think about other than his newborn sister. The middle schoolers and new elementary schoolers weren't too far behind in their excitement. They had new teachers and new principals and high expectations for the new year. They knew it was going to be one to remember, especially as their classmates got to know them as more than just being part of the Finn Family.