Tides

Chapter 44 - Grilling

DAX

The scents of the sizzling food on the grill bring me back to my childhood. Dad had a rusty red thing that saw better years, but everything that came out of it was magical and delicious.

The spread of meats and vegetables should satisfy our different tastes, but the chicken skewers with bacon have all my attention. I promised Lottie to watch what I eat. I've developed a married belly.

River helps me while we talk about sports. Surfing is still my number one passion, but I enjoy going to volleyball games with my brother when time allows.

Since I became the full-time lawyer for Kalani and Dylan's private business, I've been working non-stop but do it with pleasure. Dylan made it clear to all his employees that family comes first. I fall asleep over my papers at night from time to time, but haven't missed any of my kid's activities.

I still remember the day I announced my resignation. Dominic turned green with envy when I said where I was going, and it was hard for me to keep a straight face. I was already the talk of the office after our performance in the surfing festival. Back then, he made snide comments about my knowledge as a lawyer. This was the cherry on the top of the revenge sundae.

Lottie and I got married six months after the festival. We had a small and beautiful ceremony with family and friends. Not long after we were expecting Aimee, who is now eight years old. Aimee is tall for her age and has brown skin, blue eyes, and curly blonde hair. People literally stare at her exotic looks when we go out. When they see Lottie and me together, then it all makes sense.

Henri is now nineteen and in his second year of college. He wants to be a lawyer like me, and it makes me feel proud. Henri has grown as tall as me, is a smart guy and has super good looks. Dad took care of training him and is an excellent surfer. I love spending time in the water with my boys.

Beau is twelve and is still a cheeky boy. He comes by the office and charms the hell out of the ladies there. He is absolutely in love with Lottie and calls her Mom, just like Henri calls me Dad. You can always find Beau around Lottie whenever he is not playing video games or playing with his sister. Both boys adore and protect the little girl.

"I got invited to play in a game at work," River says. "All the players from my college team were asked. I accepted because it is a fundraiser to help cancer patients with out-of-the-pocket expenses. I feel rusty and hope I don't make a fool of myself," he chuckles.

"I'm sure you will do fine. When we did that surfing competition, at the time we met you and Mom, I also felt unprepared. Skye and Kay practiced the sport more often than me, and Dylan was new to it. You know well we did a decent job. Once you go back to it, you will remember how much you love it and will make it work."

"I'm looking forward to see the guys again. We will meet this week to agree on a training schedule."

"Let me know the date and time of the game. We will be there to cheer on your team. I will also speak with Dylan to agree on a donation," I smile at him. I'm sure Dylan will agree and give more than what I have in mind.

"The school committee will appreciate it."

I didn't know ten years ago that River existed, but now I don't know what my life would be without him. He is not only my brother, but it's almost as if we share a soul. He is a gentle guy, with a good sense of humor and committed to his students. I still adore Luna and Skye, but the relationship with my literally brother-from-another-mother is special.

River recovered well from his kidney transplant, and could go back to do what he loves the most, teaching. His little joke with Joan about a modeling career turned into reality. He models the casual line of clothing for our marketing campaigns. His students find it amazing to see their teacher's face on billboards and the advertising of our stores.

For the last three years, he has been in a relationship with Carol, one of Joan's assistants. They met at a photo shoot and had a good click.

"Another thing," River begins. "Carol and I have an anniversary coming up. I'm planning to propose," he smiles.

"I'm so happy for you," I pat his shoulder. "Don't tell Dad before then, he will spoil the surprise," River laughs.

"Hey babe, is the food done?" Lottie comes to stand next to us. "Our kids and Kay's tribe complain that they are starving."

"I think the burgers and sausages are done. Chicken and pork chops need longer," I turn the skewers once more to avoid burning them.

"I smell burgers and sausages," Kay says from the door.

Mention food and you can bet Kay will appear. The lucky bastard still has a lean body.

"Food is done!" Boy yells next to him, even though I haven't opened my mouth to confirm it.

In seconds, a bunch of kids surround us. Henri has the advantage, being the oldest and tallest. Valentina comes out with her youngest boy on her hip and shouts something at them. The group immediately calms down.

"Have you considered becoming a teacher?" River laughs. "That was major crowd control!"

"I have five boys at home, including this one," she smirks and points at Kay. "I have enough training," Kay kisses her cheek and grins at her.

Carol, Luna, and Ross come outside chatting happily. River looks lovingly at his girl and I'm sure he will make a good husband.

I serve part of the food onto a tray, and the hungry and noisy crowd moves to the table to grab plates and make their pick. I'm sure the adults will wait for the rest.

"That smells amazing. This is how I like to be received."

I turn around to see Skye walking towards us. My impossibly cute niece sleeps and drools on his shoulder. Joan kisses us and then heads to greet the rest of the family. I never thought my brother would marry or become a dad, but he did.

Skye has mellowed plenty since his daughter was born, and we tease him a lot about it. It pleases me to see how our family has grown. When we are together, it almost feels like Christmas.

"Got news," Skye grins.

"You are making another kid?" I ask, making River laugh.

"Me? Oh no! Nothing like that. I have my hands full with this one already. I think we will stay at one," he kisses my niece's head.

"Then?"

"As you know, the Cuevas lovebirds are moving back to Sea Glass Beach."

"Are you serious? Mom and Alberto are moving back?"

We turn around to see that the question came from Luna. Her expression shows hope.

"Dax is finding them a house here," Skye says to her.

"You knew? Unbelievable, Dax!" Luna looks at him with a scowl.

"I only found about it two days ago. I haven't even started on the house hunt," I shrug.

"Anyway, the point is... we will have babysitters again!" Skye says excitedly.

"Things would be perfect if Mom and Ash would come back, but they are content where they live. At least we see them every couple of months," River says.

"Well, Joan and I had an idea for the upcoming Christmas," Skye says and gets all of our attention.