Chapter 35

11/28/2041

It was Thanksgiving Day, and the Hodges-Richards household headed to the pack house to spend the weekend there. The front door of the main house opened, and Carl walked out when they pulled into the driveway. Tyree put the car in park and turned off the engine. Luca opened his door and stepped out of the car.

"Hi Dad," he said, giving him a hug.

"Hello, son," Carl said. "How are my grandchildren?" he asked, patting Luca's baby bump.

"They are behaving for now," Luca said.

Luca grabbed the baby bag as Carl opened the backseat door and unbuckled Elena, who reached out her tiny hands to him. Tyree unbuckled Alicia and allowed her to exit the vehicle.

"Enter with Grandpa Carl and Mommy Luca," he instructed.

"OK, Daddy," the little girl said as she followed them inside the house with her doll. When Thomas came outside, Tyree had just opened the trunk.

"Hello there," Thomas said as he approached and smiled at him. "Luca is glowing," he said.

"He is happy," Tyree said.

"He deserves to be happy," said Thomas. "He's been through so much," Tyree agreed, nodding.

Thomas and Tyree grabbed the things from the car and brought them inside. The food was taken into the kitchen.

"We can put Elena in the nursery," Ken said. "Alicia can have a room next to yours," he said.

"Thank you," Luca and Tyree said, as they followed Ken to their room. Luca and Tyree unpacked while Ken went to see his grandchildren. Tyree noticed Luca stifling a yawn.

"Are you tired?" he asked.

"A little," Luca said. Tyree kissed Luca on the forehead and said, "Take a nap." "I'll wake you when it's time to eat," he said.

Elena was in the playpen with Angel when Tyree entered the living room.

"It seems like Elena has made a friend," Tyree said.

"They do seem to like each other," Adrian said. "Is Luca okay?" he asked.

"He is lying down," Tyree said. "He's tired," he said.

"Go be with him," Adrian said. "I'll watch the children," he said. Tyree kissed Elena on her forehead and headed to the bedroom. Tyree entered the bedroom and found Luca snoring softly on his side. He took off his shoes, got into bed, and snuggled up against Luca.

Tyree awoke to the sound of a knock on the door. "Everyone has arrived," Ken said. "It's time to eat," he announced.

"It's time to wake up, babe," he said as he kissed Luca on the shoulder.

"Already?" Luca mumbled and rubbed his eyes.

"Let's go say hello to everyone," Tyree suggested. They got out of bed and went to the dining room. When they entered the room, Tyree noticed Luca's body stiffening. He followed Luca's gaze and discovered what Luca was looking at. Sitting at the table was a man who looked just like Luca's ex-boyfriend, Patrick. "No, this can't be happening," Luca thought as he let go of Tyree's hand and backed away.

Carla realized what was going on right away and rushed to Luca's side as he collapsed to the floor.

"What is he doing here?" Tyree inquired, somewhat defensively. Ken stood up when he realized what Tyree was assuming.

"I apologized," Ken said. "We should have told you Patrick has a twin," he said. Carla had finished her examination of Luca and had him relax. "This is Adam, Patrick's brother," Ken introduced the younger man.

"Brother?" Luca mumbled. He recalled Patrick telling him about his brother. Luca rose from the floor with Tyree's help.

So he didn't panic Luca more than he already was. Adam slowly approached him.

"I'm sorry for scaring you," Adam said. Luca stepped back but relaxed when Tyree touched his arm.

"It's alright," Tyree said, via the link. "He's not going to hurt you," he said.

"Dad told me what my brother did to you, and I'm sorry," he said. A single tear ran down Luca's cheek.

"Thank you," Luca said, just above a whisper.

"I'd like to be considered a friend," Adam said. Luca stood there silent at first, then nodded his head.

With misunderstandings dealt with and Luca calmed down, everyone filled their plates and sat down at the table. Grace was said and everyone started eating the meal. Elena sat in a high chair between Luca and Tyree. Angel was smack in the middle of Adrian and Thomas.

"They are so cute," Adam said.

"Thanks," both couples said. Adam turned to face Luca and asked, "Where are you due?"

"In four months," Luca said.

"Congratulations," Adam said.

Luca kept his guard up, making Tyree notice his uneasiness. "It's okay," Tyree squeezed Luca's thigh and said via the link. Tyree felt Luca's body and mind relax. Luca fed Elena a few bites of her food, then took bites of his own food.

"The turkey and potatoes taste delicious," Ken said.

"Thanks," Luca said. "I was looking for food that I could eat and found it," he said.

"He's right," Adam said. "They are good," he said. "May I have the recipe?" he asked.

"I'll give it to you later," Tyree said. "My phone is in our room," he said.

The rest of the feast went on without any more drama. Alicia ate two slices of pumpkin pie. Luca drank some of his smoothie.

"Daddy, Mommy, can I get a kitty?" Alicia asked out of the blue. Luca looked at Alicia, then switched his gaze to Tyree.

"You handle this one," Luca said via the link.

"Having a pet takes a lot of work," Tyree said. "Feeding it, cleaning up after it, and making sure it stays healthy," he said.

"Pweese," Alicia begged.

"Alright, but it'll have to be after your brother and sister are born," Tyree said.

"Why?" Alicia asked.

"Because mommy Luca can't be around their litter right now," Tyree said. "It'll make him sick," he explained.

After the meal was done, the cartoons were turned on so Alicia could watch them. Elena and Angel were put into the playpen. Luca and Tyree helped with the cleanup. As the day progressed, Luca relaxed more and more, being around Adam. Tyree showed Adam the recipes for the food that they prepared. Thanksgiving has turned out pretty nice for everyone.