t. Their children, now grown, stood by them just as awkward. No one knew them due to their parents h

and speak. "Pape, Mom, this is

ly uncomfortable. "We stopped in for a visi

onsense. You're not i

pt my hand near my gun in case Wilson tried any funny business.

ildren. "Oh my goodness. Look at them all gr

arm. "Come get some

gether, chatting. At least the kids didn't feel so out of place now. I spied Sylvia in a corner catchin

hat?" I asked as she sat besi

peak to him, try and m

on't see him trying to talk to me, s

ng like toddlers. The king I onc

ight. "You're an

eplied. "True,

r know". I said, plac

sometimes I miss being a child and crawling on your lap. Y

everything okay, Mir

y good. I've just

issed you,

me you threatened to send me a

ver, I would have never gone through with it. I only wanted to p

but no one could live up to my Pape. Then I fell for Calvin. Pape, he's like you

h Dem. "I know I haven't always agreed with Ca

" Miri said, ki

and pulled out a small box. "I pic

arm. The charm represented my love for her. "I lov

ou return to Alabama, promise me you'll take me to

art, baby gi

again. "I lo

e you more

r as I glanced at Wilson. I started t

l in. It's good se

So, how you b

. "What's

n't I chat wi

"I can stil

ld hit the shooting ran

d your ice cream should

e. I can always

t let him get into any tro

extra men along, and I'm not going to dr

f all of your accomplishments. Y

ss you here, peeking over my shoulder thoug

ally, though, you've made a great

t know how I've missed you. I know it seemed I was a mommy's boy, but it was you I looked

o great things, as will all my grandchildren. You're a great man, husband, and father. You, Miri, and King have brought me mu

ke that. You and Mom have m

ut promise m

will, Pape. Family is alway

on. Now go joi

her firm hug. "I

"And I love you

d. "By the way, I ordered the dres

ue, then grinned. "Only this

n and made my way to him. He didn't acknowledge, not

. "Friend is such a loos

I'm hoping we can move past it now. It's

y. "You're a real son of a b

ld a time or t

ains me to admit, I've mis

we spent a few hours catching up. Eventually, the younger ones were ready to get their party on, so we wrapped things up. We made plans

o". I

t man. You remind me so much of him. Thank you for loving

You were always like a seco

I'll always have your back. You'v

s a lot coming from

ve. Next, Miri hugged her and exchanged a few words. Then King and Dema both bombarded her, fighting for her attention. Sylv

ned the others as Dema he

're still my favorit

t both shared a secret look that always confirmed their special bond. Finally, we made it out the door. Sylvia was su

y and I want to take my

ned. "Sound

and I had my babydoll on the floor in my arms.

Only every day, but I'll

e my life so much more. Meeting you was the bes

ecision I ever made. You have made me so happy.

and soul". I

way out. Once in my car, Sylvia

ed. "Se

ere. Plus, King is moving here in a month. I miss them all. I miss the city, an

f it's truly what y

on". She sa

d my face. "Sylvia down". I yelled as

ld her but felt my side of the car get pummeled by another Hummer. Before I co

king