The van stopped and the boys jumped out glad to be out of the confines of the van and away from Cecil. I could see Cecil still looking around and trying to figure out just how much money the house and property was worth. Dee got out, stretched and walked toward me, her mouth dropping when she saw my big belly. While she walked toward me the two older boys were hugging me almost knocking me off balance which they would have if the guys hadn't been standing behind me.
Dee walked up to me and touched my stomach in awe.
"Allie, you're pregnant!" she exclaimed.
"Uh yep." I replied not sure of what I was supposed to say.
It was then that I noticed that my little heart hadn't greeted me. I looked around Dee and saw him standing off by himself looking uncertain and scared. I looked over at Cecil who was standing by the van and then looked back at Tyler, there was something going on here, I just knew it.
I opened my arms to Tyler and watched as he ran toward me. I could feel his little body shake with fear or relief as he hugged me, maybe it was both.
Cecil still hadn't moved but looked at each of my guys trying to figure out where they fit into things. I was so looking forward to shocking his racist ass. By mutual agreement, we decided that the only one that I would introduce as my husband was Matt; we would introduce the others later after the boys were in bed.
I took a deep calming breath as Cecil finally decided to approach me.
"Allie." he said in what he thought was professional tone.
"Cecil." I replied using the same tone but I was really mocking him. I really wasn't in the mood for games, I had to go to the bathroom again and I was hungry.
"Some place you got here, you marry into money?" he asked looking around. Did I mention that Cecil was tactful? Not.
By this time, Matt was standing behind me but not quite touching me.
"Who are these guys?" Cecil asked. "Your help? It's good to see a brother get ahead, where is your husband? I want to shake his hand" he asked looking around.
This was too much for Matt.
"You must be Cecil, Allie's cousin. I'm Matt Christianson Allie's husband." he said reaching around me and extending his hand.
Oh my freakin' god! I wish that I had a video camera! I would have won the prize on 'America's funniest Video' Cecil's mouth opened and closed like a fish gasping for air. I won't lie, I laughed. I couldn't help it. Matt put his arms around me and placed his hands on my stomach to emphasize the point.
"Oh, I just meant..."
"I know exactly what you meant." Matt replied dryly interrupting Cecil.
The look on Cecil's face was almost initiative enough for me to introduce the other four but there were children present. Now I really had to pee and suggested that we go inside where lunch was waiting. Marshall made a huge pan of lasagna complete with garlic bread.
Lunch was tense at best with the only chatter being that of the boys with the exception of Tyler filling me in on everything from ballgames to girlfriends to grades. It disturbed me how quiet Tyler was, he was never a talkative child but this was quiet even for him.
After lunch the boys were raring to go but Matt kept them at the table.
"Ok guys, we're glad that you're here. Your aunt has been looking forward to seeing you and we've been looking forward to meeting you. While you have the run of the place there are a few rules with the most important one being that you are to never go into the woods alone or together . It's a big place and it wouldn't take much for you to get lost. If you want to go hiking or fishing just ask any one of us and we'll be happy to take you. The other thing is, keep away from the construction area there are enough places for you to run and play without you going anywhere near there."
I looked over at Cecil, he was seething. The boys were responding to Matt in a way that they had never responded to him. Even Tyler seemed to relax under Matt's very no nonsense tone because as firm as it was, there was the feeling of safety and genuine caring and that's what they were responding to.
"There is also internet for your use in the library; I only ask that you share the computer and that you stay out of any rooms where the doors are closed. Any questions?" Matt asked.
The boys looked at each other and shook their heads no, eager to be on their way. I took another peek at Cecil; he was royally pissed that another man, a white man at that could inspire such excitement and obedience in his children. Cecil Jr. buddied up with Matt which didn't surprise me, he had the makings of an alpha male. David buddied up with Kevin again no big surprise as he too was alpha but to a slightly lesser degree. What is it that they say? That power recognizes power? At any rate, they took off and left poor little Tyler just sat there looking like a little lost lamb, that is until Marshall walked in.
As soon as Marshall walked in, Tyler's eyes were glued to him. I watched as Tyler sat up even straighter when Marshall looked at him and the amazing thing was this, shy little Tyler met Marshall's gaze. I wasn't the only one watching, Dee and the twerp were watching as well and I think that they were as surprised as I was.
"Hi, I'm Marshall. I work for your aunt and your uncle Matt and your uncles" Marshall said. "What's your name little man?"
"Tyler" my little heart said softly.
"Well Tyler, I just happen to be free if you want to buddy up." Marshall said.
I could have kissed him, in that one brief exchange, Tyler relaxed. It was as if Marshall sprinkled fairy dust over Tyler making whatever was worrying him disappear. The lines of anxiety that had been on his face disappeared and a smile replaced it. Dee's mouth dropped open for the second time that day and Cecil's displeasure was evident, it was as if he didn't want Tyler to have a good time.
"Tyler" he said.
Tyler looked at him and the anxiety was back just that quickly.
"Don't make a pest of yourself." Cecil said.
"Yes sir." Tyler said softly.
Now wait a damned minute! What in the hell was that about? He didn't say that to the other boys. Why was he always so hard on Tyler? Once again, Marshall came to the rescue and put a smile back on Tyler's face.
"Come on little man; let's see what we can get into." Marshall said holding his hand out to Tyler.