Averys

JANESVILLE AVERYS

Joyce Peterson

Leslie's family saw her off at the airport. Of course there was much kissing, hugging and crying, but now she was on the plane, headed for California.

It was the first time she had traveled alone but it was exciting. After all, she was going to be living with her Mother's best friend from college. She had heard so much about her, that Leslie felt that she was her own friend as well.

Her Mother had warned her that "Florence's" husband was wealthy and they lived in a big house. When her Mother had told Florence that Leslie would probably have to look for a job, instead of going to college, she had offered to let the girl live with them and attend a Junior College that was near their house. In fact, she had mentioned one of the State colleges, that was also near, but her Mother had told her friend that their family couldn't afford it but could manage the Junior College. Her Mother had adamantly refused to let Florence bare any of the college expenses. Her own family would see to those. Just giving the girl room and board was quite enough. Leslie was only happy that she was going to college, even if it was "Junior".

Graduating in 2008 was hard on everyone. Those who wanted to find jobs, couldn't find them. Leslie's Dad had to take a job with a lot less pay, when the company for which he had worked for 20 years, had been sold to a conglomerate. Since there was no school close enough to her small hometown in Ohio to which she could commute, her family could not afford the expense of a dormitory to send her away to school..

When the plane's arrival at their destination was announced, Leslie quickly gathered up her lap top computer and her carry-on bag and was ready when told they could depart.

Before she started to look for the area where she could find her luggage, she stopped in the terminal to pull out her cell phone to call home to tell her mother she had arrived safe and sound. A tall, slender young man, who looked to be about her age, came to stand beside her as she completed her call.

"You have to be Leslie Davenport," he stated." No one else who got off that plane fits the description. It arrived at 5 PM. Right on time."

"Then I guess I have to be Leslie Davenport, and who do you have to be?" She asked as she laughed and looked up at him.

"I have to be Danny Avery, who came to pick you up, but, believe me, there are many times I wish I could be anyone else," he told her.

Leslie waited for him to echo her laugh. When he didn't, she said, "Show me where I can get my bags. I've never been here before." This time when she looked up at him, there was the hint of a smile on his face. It was a handsome face with dark eyes. The black hair was almost too neatly combed.

As he took her arm and led her to the moving stairs, he took a paper from his pocket and began to read, "Blond hair, petite, blue eyes, will be wearing jeans and a blue blouse." He put the paper back in his pocket as they maneuvered onto the stairs. When they were settled, he continued, "…has a great smile…" When they got off the stairs, he went on, "…and seems much too nice to be condemned to living with the Averies." He smiled but Leslie heard the sincerity hidden in his words.

When she saw the carousel that carried the luggage, she pointed to her two bags and started to pick them up but Danny beat her to them, checked the tags, took one in each hand and started toward the door. Leslie followed him through the door to the sidewalk outside.

He stopped long enough to tell her, "Just follow me. We have a long walk to the car, then a long drive to get to Janesville. They're always talking about putting an airport outside Janesville but it will never happen. Most people don't want the noise. So we have to put up with the drive. It's not too bad."

Leslie tagged along after him trying to talk as they went. Leslie talked when she was nervous. "I don't call it being condemned to be asked to live with the family of my Mother's best friend so I can go to the local Junior college. My family couldn't afford to send me to college and there isn't a Junior College near us. I think it was really gracious of your Mother to ask me. Do you go to a University?" Leslie knew she was talking too much but she wanted him to know how grateful she was that, because of his mother's offer, she would be going to Junior College and not be looking for a job in her home town.

"Me, go to a University?" He laughed. "My grades are so bad, I don't even know if I'll be graduating from High School next June. If I do, I can only hope to get into Elmwood Junior College where you'll be going. It's OK. My friend, Jarred, goes there." She liked the way he said his friend's name.

They walked in silence until Danny stopped beside a large car. "Mom made me bring the Rolls instead of coming in my VW. She likes to impress anyone new to our area. Dad made his money opening grocery stores in a few of the towns around here. He did all right but you'd never know it to hear him talk. Mom likes people to know that the Avereys have the best."

Danny put the luggage in the back and motioned for Leslie to get in the other side as he took the driver's seat. Leslie had seen pictures on Television where the man held the door of a big car open for the woman. She hadn't known whether to get in the car. He looked at her as she got in.

"I'm no gentleman, Leslie. You can open your own doors. Of course, my Mom expects my Dad to open the door for her." There was that derogatory effect that Danny gave when he mentioned his Mother.

Leslie was beginning to feel defensive about this woman she had never met but who had invited her to stay with them. She didn't want to hear any more about her Mother's best friend from a son who sounded like he didn't like her. Florence and her mother had been friends from childhood but had ended up in different places with different kind of lives after they married. Leslie was sure that Danny was exaggerating his feelings about his mother. She had met a few like him in her own town, the teens who thought they knew more than their parents.. She decided to reserve her opinion until she met the family.

"You have an older sister, don't you? Is she at home?" She asked.

"No. She has always been the smart one. She goes to State U and left last week so she could get settled in the dormitory before registration. This will be her third year. She told me to tell you that there are some things in her room that you might be able to use. You're welcome to them. You'd like her." From the sound of his voice, Leslie could tell that there was a bond between brother and sister.

They were both quiet for the rest of the trip, but Danny did point out all the small towns along the way that seemed to be one continuous town instead of a lot of small ones. The big car finally found some open space before it parked in front of one of places that Leslie always thought of as the "mansion" type.

Danny leaned across her and opened her door. "Well, here's home sweet home." He told her. "Important visitors get to go in the front door. I'll get your bags and take you in."

Leslie almost expected a butler to open the door, but Danny had followed her and pushed the door open. "Make yourself at home," he said. "It's as good as we can do." He took the bags and headed up the stairs as an older woman came to the entryway. She was a lovely middle-aged woman with brown hair and eyes whose clothes were expensive but the woman's warmth, as she smiled a greeting, might have come from any loving mother, much like her own.

"This is my Mother, Leslie." Danny told her. " Mom does she get the room next to Ally's?"

The woman looked up at him. "I think that was the arrangement we had planned. Next to your sister's room," she told him then brought her attention back to Leslie "Her name is Allison but Daniel insists on calling her Ally." She smiled again at Leslie, making her feel at home.

"My brother calls me Listless," she told her. Then she remembered her Mother's instructions. " Mrs. Avery, I can't tell you how much I appreciate…"

"We are happy to have you come, Leslie. And, why don't you call me Florence? You look so much like you're mother, it will be like having my best friend here." She hugged Leslie and made her feel more than welcome in this big house. 'Now, how about having dinner with us? You will get to meet the rest of the family. I'll show you to your room later."

Leslie wondered about that phrase "the rest of the family". Of course, there would be Mr. Avery but…then she remembered her mother mentioning a little boy. Her own mother had seemed reluctant to talk about it when he was born and had mentioned him just a few times after that. Was there something wrong with him? She'd have to watch what she said to him.

Florence led the way to a large kitchen with a big round table at one end. Turning to Leslie she explained, "Since you are going to be member of the family, we'll treat you like one and have our together-meals in the kitchen."

A middle aged woman, who had been putting something on the table, asked, "Is there anything else I can do for you, Mrs. Avery?"

"Everything's fine, Dotty. Thanks for staying late to help. You go, now. We'll see you tomorrow."

Dotty gave her employer a fond look. "No problem, ma'am. I'll see you at ten tomorrow." She took her jacket from a chair and went out the back door. Leslie could tell that Florence had a friend in the woman.

"Dotty comes in by the day. She's a big help." Florence explained.

Leslie knew it was none of her business but that had never deterred her. "Does she cook?" She asked.

Florence laughed. "No. You'll have to put up with my cooking. I'll show you where everything is and you can do for yourself when you need to. I did study at a French Cooking School so maybe I could teach you if we have time and you'd like to."

Leslie felt her mouth drop open but, before she could say anything, Florence called out, "August, tell Dad and Daniel that dinner is ready."

Without missing a beat, a loud voice came from another part of the house, "DAD,DANNY, DINNER'S ON TH E TABLE!!". When a cute red haired boy, who looked to be about eight, appeared in the kitchen, Leslie saw that physically he seemed to be all right and there was certainly nothing wrong with his vocal chords. What was there about him that her mother and Florence had seemed reluctant to talk about on the phone? Maybe they had done more of it by email that Leslie didn't see.

The boy took a seat at the table but Leslie waited for the others to come so she would know where to sit. Danny was the first to come in. "Please don't ever call me Daniel. Danny is fine. Daniel will be my Father," he said in a low voice, as his Father came through the door. He was an older version of Danny, tall, slender, with dark eyes and black hair. He looked like he had just taken off his suit jacket and a tie that he might have worn to work. Leslie looked at him and knew she was going to feel at home when he came to her and took her hand.

"Yes, I'll be Daniel, not Mr. Avery. Good to have you here, Leslie."

"It's good to meet you….Daniel." Leslie said, trying to practice the name. She found herself seated between Danny and the younger boy, who looked up at her and said, "You're pretty."

Florence blushed as she cautioned the child, "August!"

Danny retorted, "Mom, please don't call him August. He's just a little kid, call him Augie. Or, Twerp. I will never understand why anyone gave a baby the name of "August".

"I think it was his Grandfather's name," she explained.

Leslie was confused but heard her mother's advice ringing in her ears, "Remember, don't talk too much or ask too many questions. You'll hear the answers when the time is right."

The dinner was delicious. When she tried to tell Florence how much she liked it, Danny said, "Don't compliment her or we'll have to eat French cooking every night." He hadn't said it as a compliment.

Leslie felt like punching him, instead she looked at Florence and told her, "That was a wonderful dinner. I can't wait to email Mom and tell her what a great cook you are."

"Bravo!" Mr. Avery had expressed his opinion. "I think we are a lucky family." Danny didn't say more but looked down and away from his mother.

Leslie knew there was an answer to Danny's attitude but felt that the right answer might be buried too deep for him to recognize.

Mr. Avery asked about her family and for most of the rest of the meal Leslie talked about her mother, father and brother, hoping the Averies would see what a loving family she had, even it they couldn't afford to send her to college.

At one point, Augie said, "Are they coming to live here, too."

They all laughed. Florence told him that only Leslie would be living here while she went to school.

It was a very pleasant meal but Leslie noticed that Danny didn't add much to the conversation except the one time that Danny mentioned that his friend, Jarred, would be going to the same school that Leslie would. She saw the sad expression on Florence's face when Jarred's name was mentioned and wondered what that might mean. She'd ask her mother when she emailed but wasn't hopeful that she would get any answer.

When Florence showed Leslie to her room, she told her, "Don't worry about Danny. He doesn't like to admit that I do anything right."

"He's young," was all that Leslie could reply. When she looked into the room, she couldn't believe that this room, with everything coordinated in a soft lilac color, her favorite, was really hers. Florence must have talked to her mother before she decorated it. There was even a TV. Leslie was beginning to feel unworthy of all this concern for her.

"That door," Florence said, pointing to one on the left wall, "is the bathroom. The room just down the hall is Allison's room and she said to tell you that if you find anything you can use, just use it."

"I know," she said. "Danny told me."

Florence smiled. "Danny likes his sister." Her voice had a note of yearning in it. "I'll leave you to unpack. There's the TV if you'd like to watch or…"

"What I want to do first is email my Mom and tell her that I got here all right." Leslie had a few questions to ask her Mother, too. Thank goodness for email. When she looked for a plug, Florence point to one close to a desk where she could put her computer.

"Fine" Florence told her as she hugged her. "Give our love to your Mother. Daniel and I sometimes watch TV in the room off the living room. We call it our library because all the books we own are in there. If there's nothing we prefer on TV, we read. So, you'll know where to find us. If you just want to rest, breakfast is at eight in the morning. We can talk about school, transportation or, anything you want to know, after that."

"Thank you, Florence. I'll probably rest and see you in the morning." Leslie was anxious to get to her computer.

As soon as Florence left, closing the door behind her, Leslie plugged in her computer. She sat down to write, when the door opened and Augie came in.

"Hi, Augie. Can I do something for you?" She asked.

"You're pretty," he repeated. He came closer to her.

Leslie smiled at him. "Thank you, but is there something else we can talk about?"

He looked up at her. "Will you play with me? You could throw me the ball in our back yard, if you wanted to."

"I guess I could do that, but not tonight. Anyway, I'm sure Danny would be a lot better at throwing a ball than I am," she explained.

"Nah, he don't like to do things like that, he'd rather make up songs. They're not very good either." There was a lonesome sound to his words.

Trying to change the subject, Leslie told him, "Let's talk about it tomorrow. I'm sure it must be time for you to go to bed.

"OK," he said. As he started toward the door, he turned back to say, "I'm 'dopted."

Florence stood in the doorway. "Augie,you know you're not to disturb our guest. Now, go to your room and get ready for bed. I'll be in to tuck you in, in a moment." She reached down to hug him.

"Okay, Mum. I won't go to sleep until you come," he told her and left.

"I heard August filling you in on our family history. It's a rather sad story but, nine years ago, one of Daniel's employees, in fact one of the first he hired,after he bought the business, became pregnant. The father of her baby left her and she was at her wit's end so, she decided to put the baby up for adoption. Since she was almost like family, Daniel and I talked it over and decided we would adopt her baby. It has worked out well. Danny doesn't care much for sports so August has become Daniel's sport's buddy. They go to all the games of any kind. I'm not sure that Danny has ever accepted August but he has been trying to interest him in guitar lessons lately, so, maybe there's hope." Florence had told Leslie all this in one breath. It had sounded like a rehearsed recitation..

Leslie looked at Florence and saw tears in her eyes. "You don't owe me any explanations." the girl told her, " I think you have two great sons. I appreciated Danny 's meeting me at the airport and I will plan to throw the ball with Augie."

Florence took the girl's face in her hand. "You are certainly your mother's daughter. This reminds me of the times your mother and I spent talking out our troubles in college. It's good to have you here. I'd better go tuck August in before he goes to sleep."

After she left, Leslie turned back to her computer but her thoughts were still on Florence's words. There was nothing wrong with adoption but knowing her own son had resented it must have been hard for Florence. It didn't sound like enough to make Danny have ill feelings toward his mother after this long. He hadn't shown any toward his father or Augie as far as she could see or hear but she hadn't been here long enough to judge. She looked around at the lovely room and thought again of how fortunate she was.

She went to the computer and started an email to her mother. After she had told her about the trip Danny's meeting her and having dinner, she reluctantly added, "I did get to meet Florence's younger son. He told me he was adopted. I didn't know that. He's a great little eight-year old. Florence explained about the adoption but it sounded like she had rehearsed it. Is there something you should tell me about him?" She was anxious about her mother' reply but knew, by the time on the wall clock, she couldn't expect an answer until morning.

She put her clothes in the closet that could have held ten as many. Her toilet articles looked lost in the big bathroom. "Maybe I'll get used to all this room," she thought as she put on her pajamas and got in bed. It was bigger than the one she had at home and so comfortable that she fell asleep immediately since, by Ohio time, it was after midnite.

She woke in the morning feeling, at first, like she was still dreaming when she looked around the strange room, but it wasn't long before she remembered and jumped out of bed to turn on her computer. She was anxious to read her mother's reply.

There was an answer, but most of the message was about how much they missed her, loved her and were glad she liked her new home. At the very end, her mother had written,

"Any answers about the Avery family will come from them. Remember, don't talk too much and don't ask too many questions. You will know the answers when you hear them." Leslie loved her mother but sometimes she could be exasperating.

*************************************************************************************

Looking up at the clock, she saw it was only seven. Of course, that would be ten o'clock back home. She felt guilty for sleeping so late and decided to dress and go down to see if she could help Florence with breakfast. She found her way to the kitchen. Florence and her husband were seated at the table, drinking coffee. "Oh, I'm sorry. Did I sleep too long?" She told them. They both laughed.

"No, dear. Daniel has an early meeting and will get his breakfast on the way. You can help me get the cereal out and pour juice for everyone. The boys will be here soon." She got up as Daniel pushed himself away from the table. Pointing to one of the cupboards, she said, "The cereal is in there. Put them all on and everyone can choose their favorite."

Daniel came close to Florence and kissed her on the cheek as she turned her face away. Leslie reminded herself that all families were not like her own. Her Dad would have given her mother a kiss that mattered, not just a peck on the cheek. She was going to have to get used to many new things in California.

Daniel was looking at Florence as she turned away. "I should be home on time tonight," he told her.

"Don't worry about it," she said. "We'll manage."

Daniel looked at Leslie. "You have a great day. Maybe you can get Danny to take you to the beach."

"That would be super," Leslie answered.

Florence shook her head, "Danny told me he would be spending today with…Jared." There it was again, Leslie thought, that odd way of saying Jarred's name. "I'll take her to the beach," Florence added.

The back door banged as Augie came in saying, "Me, too, Mum. Can I go to the beach?"

Florence laughed. "Of course. You can show Leslie how to find the right shells."

Daniel looked at Florence one more time. "Then I guess it's all settled. I'll see you tonight." He went out the back door as Danny came into the kitchen, saying, "Have a good day, Dad."

Breakfast was very much like Leslie had at home, cereal, juice and milk, or coffee, if anyone wanted it, except for Augie, who tried to get Florence to let him try it. At home, they would have all said Grace together but, since they didn't, Leslie said hers to herself. Her mother had warned her about that.

When they were finished and taking their plates to the sink, Danny asked, "Leslie, would you like to go with Jarred and I today. He's going to register at Elmwood and he could show you the ropes."

Florence interrupted. "I'll take her. I've inquired about the procedure. She can register tomorrow, it's only Friday. She can still be registered and start a class on Monday if she has one. I promised to take her and Augie to the beach today."

Leslie could feel Danny's resentment as he answered his mother, "I just thought it would be a good chance for her to meet Jarred."

"I know," Florence stated flatly as she started to load the dishwasher.

"Another time," he told Leslie as he left the kitchen.

Augie, who had been listening, gave a big sigh of relief. "Boy, that was a close call. I was afraid we wouln't get to go to the beach today."

Leslie had bought a new bikini to bring with her. She was anxious to put it on. "Do we change at the beach," she asked.

"No, we change here. Just wear something old over it. I have towels for us and we can leave our outer clothes on them if we go in the water. I'll pack a lunch for us." Florence sounded happy again.

"The only beach I was ever on, " Leslie said, "was one on a little river near us. We had to get permission from the man who owned the land to cross it so we could get to the beach. We mostly went swimming in the big pool they built in town. It will be fun to see the ocean for the first time."

"Then it will be fun to show you, and Augie is the best shell collector in the family." Florence had finished putting the dishes in the washer. "Let's get ready to go. I hope you have sunscreen with you. It's only a short drive and we can park there. "

"Wasn't Dottie supposed to come at ten?" Leslie asked.

"She has a key and when I'm gone I always leave a note for her so she knows what to do that day." Florence explained. "It looks like you've inherited you Mother's concern for other people. Now, everyone get ready . We'll be leaving in…about 10 minutes."

Leslie enjoyed every bit of her first beach day. She was glad that she had got a tan before she came when she realized how hot the sun could be. She loved the water, and helping Augie find the right shells, but, most of all she liked sitting on the towel beside Florence, hearing her talk about her college days with Leslie's mother. Hearing the joy in Florence's, voice as she told story, after story, gave her a new perspective on both Florence and her own mother. It was only when her mother's friend talked about her current life that Leslie could feel she was holding something back.

Leslie had often opened her mouth to ask a question when her Mother's voice came in, loud and clear, "Don't ask too many questions." She particularly remembered one of her Mother's admonitions when a couple of men had walked by holding hands and Florence had remarked, "They should leave that kind of behavior at home." The girl's mother had told her not to mention that her Uncle John was gay. He had been totally accepted in Leslie's family. Evidently, Florence wasn't of the same opinion.

When they got home, everyone had to get a shower. Leslie had dressed when there was a knock on the door. Augie asked, "Would you throw the ball with me?"

Leslie opened the door. Augie was standing there holding his baseball mitt and a baseball. " First let me ask your mother if I can help her with dinner? If we have time, we can play ball." They went downstairs together.

"You can ask her if you want to, but I already did. She said it would be OK." Augie sounded hopeful.

Florence was already busy in the kitchen as they entered. "I see Augie wants you to play with him. I wish Danny liked baseball. You two go on. Come back in in a little while and you both can help by setting the table. Dotty had to leave early today."

As they went out the back door, Leslie saw another part of the Avery estate. The yard was well kept with beautiful plants and flowers everywhere. She couldn't help but ask Augie, "Do you have a gardener or does you mother take care of all this?"

"Both," the boy answered. "Mr. Evans comes twice a week and Mum comes out here a lot. She likes to work out here when she feels sad about anything."

Leslie didn't want him to go on. "Well, it's certainly beautiful," she said. " Now, where do we go to throw the ball?" Augie led her to a big space near the end of the yard. As she took the ball from the boyshed wondered how often Florence was sad enough to come here to work.

*************************************************************************************

When Florence called them to dinner, Augie rushed in ahead of her. "You know what, Mum? She throws a ball just like a boy!"

Florence laughed, "Remember, Augie, Leslie will be going to school next week and she might not have too much time to play ball with you."

Augie's face clouded over. "I know." Turning to Leslie, he managed a big grin. "But you will when you can, won't you?"

Leslie reached over and mussed his hair. "Of course I will. I always played ball with my little brother at home. Now maybe we better wash up and set the table." She suddenly realized she missed her little brother more than she thought she would. Augie would help her with that.

Florence had made a simple pot roast dinner. After the pudding dessert, Danny remarked, critically, "So you CAN cook American food."

Leslie saw Florence wince but she didn't say anything. The girl couldn't help telling her, "And you do a great job of it, too."

Daniel added, "She really does, always has."

Augie wanting in on the conversation, asked, "Could I have some more pudding?" Everyone laughed, even Danny.

The evening was a quiet one. When Danny told them he was going out after dinner, Florence's face took on a look that Leslie had begun to recognize, as Florence asked, "With Jarred?"

"Yes!" Danny answered defiantly. "We plan to go over and walk around the campus at Elmwood."

"I see," Florence said, and drew a deep breath. Getting up she asked, "Leslie would you help me with the dishes." The other three excused themselves and left the table.

"Of course!," Leslie had an idea, "But instead, why don't you go and watch TV with Daniel? Sounds like he turned it. I can do the dishes by myself. It was my job at home." Leslie said.

Florence shook her head. "He usually gets a silly baseball game on, or some other sport. Besides, I want to talk to you." Leslie wondered if she had something wrong already. She had tried to be on her good behavior. Mama had warned her not to be a nuisance.

When the dishes were in the dishwasher, Florence asked Leslie to take a seat. "I'm sorry that Danny disagrees with me about about Jared . I suspect that you realize that I don't want Danny to associate with him" When Leslie didn't say anything, she continued. "I think he's gay. I can't bring myself to like gay people. It's against my religious beliefs."

Betty knew she shouldn't, but she told Florence about her gay Uncle. "He's a wonderful, kind man. As far as we're concerned, he's just part of the family."

Florence took her hand. "You're so much like your Mother. She made friends with everybody. Even me, especially me. Maybe that's why she became a Counselor. But I can't change the way I feel," she stated.

"Florence, it's none of my business," Leslie told her, "You don't have to accept his being gay, but maybe you could like him for his good points. After all, he is Danny's friend." Leslie said but then, she thought. "Mom told me that I would hear the answers to any questions I had. Maybe this is why Florence is sad."

Florence shook her head, "You sound like your Mother now, Leslie and I'm really sorry but I'm too old to change."

"You're not old. You're beautiful." Leslie thought Florence was going to cry so she took her hand. Then she remembered something her Mother always said.

"Why don't we sleep on it?" She told her.

Florence laughed "But that's what keeps me awake."

Leslie laughed with her. "I guess I'll never be a Counselor."

Florence squeezed her hand. "I imagine you will be anything you want to be."

"Right now, I don't know WHAT I want to be. I thought I would be a Counselor but my Mother told me to wait to decide." Leslie told her. They left the kitchen, Leslie to go her room to email her Mother, Florence to the "Library" to read while Daniel watched his baseball game.

When she went upstairs, she checked to see if Augie was in bed. He was, half-covered, holding the ball in his hand. She smiled as she pulled the covers up.

*************************************************************************************When she got to her room, she looked at her computer, trying to decide whether she should tell her mother what Florence told her. Sitting down, she waited a little while longer trying, to decide. She knew her Mother would just write the usual, "You will know the answers when you hear them. "However, when she started to write the letter, she knew she would tell everything.

It was a long time before she could go to sleep. The one thought kept running through her head was, "Can I do anything to help?"

The first thing she did the next morning, was to go to the computer to see what her mother would say. There was but a single sentence, "If you give it time, you will hear the answer."

After she read her mother's letter, she realized that she should wait, then she remembered that today was the day she would register at the college. Florence told her, pointedly, "I will take you," after Danny had said that he and Jarred would take her.

Danny ignored her glare. "But Mum, Jared registered last week so he would know the procedure."

Florence, l looking at her son, reiterated, "I will take her."

When Leslie saw the small car that came out of the garage, she was glad that Florence didn't want to show off the Cadillac.

When they got to the college, Leslie was a little disappointed. She had expected palm trees and a lot of flowers, since it was In Southern California. However, it was just a bunch of buildings like the college back home that they visited before they realized it wasn't possible because of finances.

They were directed to the office by a student. Florence asked the desk clerk for a Miss. Adams. "I called before we came." Florence explained. "Miss Adams is a counselor."

Leslie liked Miss Adams and, during the course of registering, had told her that she was considering being a counselor, too. After she was registered for the required courses, Miss Adams told her, if she wanted, she might register for a Psych class. "It might be a little more than you can handle now, but I see by your High School grades that you are a good student." Leslie had given the Counselor her High School papers.

"I'd love that," she told her, thinking that she was getting a lot of practice in the Avery home.

When the reservation was over, Leslie asked Florence if they could walk around the campus to find the location of the buildings. After they found the Psych building, Florence thought they should go.

As they walked toward the entrance, Florence saw Danny in front of them and started to call out to him. However, she saw Jarred was with him and they were holding hands. She pulled aside. "Let's wait a minute and let them go. I wondered why they came over here. HE'S already enrolled."

Leslie saw that Florence didn't even want to say his name. " Maybe he wanted to find the right buildings and Danny offered to bring him."

Florence said, through clenched teeth, "They were holding hands. Besides, they were here yesterday."

Leslie lied, "All boys do that. Maybe Jarred didn't find all his buildings." Leslie saw the "Jarred" look on Florence's face. She decided she better not practice her counseling until later.

It was a very quiet dinner that night. Florence had fixed a ho-hum meal of macaroni. Even Daniel did not compliment her. Leslie felt she should say something. "This reminds me of home. We have a lot of macaroni." It was true, but it had never been one of Leslie's favorite.

Augie told them, "I like macaroni. I wish we could have it every day." An uninvited laugh came from both Leslie and Danny, as they saw Augie stuffing, into his mouth, the last bite, of a big plateful of it. Daniel had smiled before he looked across the table to see Florence, whose expression suggested he should not. "Sorry, no dessert tonight. It took so long to make this excellent macaroni meal, I didn't have time. I will never make macaroni again" she told them. They all told her that it was alright, except Augie who said, "Darn!"

Florence insisted on doing the dishes by herself. After all,"she said. "It will be my penance for making such a terrible meal of macaroni" Augie was the only one who said, "Darn."

When the dishes were in the dishwasher, with the help of Leslie and Danny, Florence went to the library to join Daniel. Leslie and Danny both started for their rooms, taking Augie with them.

"It's too early to go to bed," Augie whimpered.

Danny took him up in his arms, "Why don't we do it for Mum? I think she feels bad."

"Maybe we should get her an ice cream bar out of the freezer. I sure would like to have one," Augie looked hopeful until he saw Danny shake his head. "OK," he conceded. "I'll do it for Mum and maybe she will cook macaroni again.

When Augie got in bed, Leslie and Danny both kissed him, told him, "Goodnight" as went to their rooms. Leslie felt she was seeing a different side of Danny.

Leslie was glad to have enough time to write her Mother a long e-mail. She knew she would just be told, "Wait for the answers," but knew she would feel better by putting everything into words. Maybe there would be answer there that she hadn't recognized.

When Leslie picked up her mail the next morning, her mother didn't offer anything new. Leslie hadn't expected anything so she wasn't disappointed. "I guess I'm on my own. Maybe Mom's giving me my first lesson in counseling."

After breakfast, Danny stopped in the doorway to ask, "Is it OK to take Leslie for a drive to show her what Janesville is like?"

"Just Leslie?" Florence stated flatly.

"Just Leslie." He repeated.

The "Jarred" look disappeared from Florence's face and was replaced with a smile. "Sounds good. Wait," she pulled out what Leslie knew was the "family money" basket from a nearby shelf, "Take some money and treat Leslie to lunch."

Danny took the money. "Just Leslie," he smirked.

The "Jarred" look came back as Florence said, "Have fun."

Jamesville was becoming familiar territory as Danny took Leslie around the neighborhood, showing her, first , where to catch the bus. "If I can, I'll drive you to school if our classes are coordinated."

"I don't want to be too much trouble," she told him, following her mother's instructions.

"It will be great to have another sister that I can talk to without having to keep Jarred out of the conversation."

Leslie could feel the love for his sister in his voice. "You must love her very much."

"She's great. She understands about Jarred and I don't talk about her boyfriend. She doesn't want Mum to know they're living together this year. Since Dad had to sell a couple of our grocery stores, money's a little tighter so it's cheaper for them to share an apartment." Danny suddenly realized he was saying too much. "Darn, me and my big mouth. You seem so much like my sister, I guess I just started talking to you like I would her."

Leslie wanted to reassure him. "I'm hoping to be a counselor, like my mother, someday, so I am practicing to keep my mouth shut. I do wonder if I am going to be a burden to your family."

"Please," Danny pleaded, "don't even think of going home. Mum has been so much happier since she knew you were coming. She needs you. Maybe our whole family needs a live-in would-be counselor." They both laughed.

Danny drove around all the local streets until he was sure Leslie could find her way home from any place, even Elmwood Junior College, if need be. "Did you get all registered yesterday?" He asked.

"Yes, and we walked around to find all the buildings I would need to find," she told him then wondered if she should tell them what else they saw.

Danny must have sensed her dilemma. "Jarred and I were there to find his buildings."

"I know," she told him, "We saw you. But your mother didn't want to let you know."

Danny offered no more than, "I see."

When they had finished the neighborhood tour, Danny asked, "Did you wear your bikini under your clothes."

"How did you know it was a bikini and yes I did." She told him.

Danny knew that, like he did with his sister, he could tease her. "With a figure like yours, what else would you wear?" She punched him on the arm, as he asked, "Would you like to go to a different beach than the one Mum probably took you to? There's a neat place we can have lunch."

"Let's go," she told him, wondering if there was some ulterior motive in Danny's choice of beaches.

This "different beach" was quite a few miles up the coast. It did give Danny a chance to point out the different towns they had passed through on their way from the airport. Leslie loved all of it, the colorful houses and establishments, the variety of stores, the way everyone walked around in swimwear or old clothes and looked comfortable doing it. She was sure it would take time for her to be able to do that.

When they reached the restaurant, Leslie saw a handsome young, blonde man in the window, who was waving at them. "Looks like Jarred beat us here," Danny said as he helped her from the car. "If Mom asks you, you can tell her we just ran into Jarred. She'll believe you. Besides it's true."

Leslie wasn't sure about that. She'd have to see. "It will be good to meet your friend," she told Danny.

Jarred came to meet them, as they entered. "I'm the notorious gay Jarred. I hope we can be friends." His handshake was warm and friendly. His blue eyes smiled down at her. "You are "Petite" as Danny told me. 'a petite, blue-eyed blonde beauty',"

Leslie laughed out loud. "With a build up like that and a gay uncle, what else could I call you but friend." She felt that a bond had been made.

When they were seated and had given the waitress their orders, Danny turned to Leslie to say, "Counselor, you know now, for certain, that Jarred is gay. What you didn't know is that I am gay, too."

"I wondered," Leslie revealed, "but I wasn't sure. Thanks for trusting me. It sounds like a start for a counselor to be." She listened for most of the conversation until it was time to leave the restaurant. As they were saying their goodbyes, she felt compelled to kiss Jarred. "I'm sorry. It's a family custom," she apologized.

"No need to be sorry. We like family kisses as much as, no, maybe more than anyone else," he said as he returned the favor.

All the way home, Leslie wondered how she could get Florence to accept Jarred without revealing Danny's secret. Maybe Florence already wondered about that. That could be a starting point.

*************************************************************************************

Since school started that week, Leslie found that she had little time to worry about counseling anything or any body, especially after Daniel asked her if she would like a part time job in one of his groceries if they could arrange the right hours for her. She could get there on the same bus that she would take to school. Leslie was delighted since she wanted to go home for Christmas but knew the family didn't have the money to give her.

With the job and school, she had very little time for Augie and his baseball. One morning, when she returned to her room to tidy up before leaving, she found Dottie making her bed.

"You don't need to do that, Dottie. My Mother would kill me if she thought I was letting someone else do my job," she told the house cleaner. "Besides, I didn't think you came to work until 10 o'clock."

Dottie continued smoothing the covers. "I came in a little early because I wanted to talk to you."

"I'm sorry if I've done something wrong, Dottie. Florence depends on you." Leslie had become fond of the woman whom she knew was one of Florence's few close associates.

"No, miss, I wanted to talk to you about the little boy. He's grown very fond of you in such a short time. With everyone wondering about his father and Danny liking his music instead of any kind of sport, since you've been playing baseball with him, he's so much happier. It's been a long time since I've heard him wondering about who his father is." Dottie's tone was one of apology.

Leslie was confounded. What could she say to this caring woman? All she could think to say was, "They don't know who his father is?"

"No, miss. There have just been surmises. Just play with him as much as you can."

Leslie gave the woman a hug. "I'll make up a schedule, Dottie, and Augie will be on it, I promise."

Dottie pulled a handkerchief from her pocket to dab at the tears rolling down her face. "That's all I wanted to say. I'd appreciate it if you didn't mention this to Ms. Avery," she requested as she left the room.

Leslie thought, "And I thought I could put away my Counselor's Shingle." She decided to not ask her mother about it but remembered the unemotional Goodbye kisses between Florence and Daniel each morning. No, not Daniel. Couldn't be. She'd keep that thought in mind.

She loved school. She ran into Jarred quite frequently on campus. One of her classmates asked if he was her boy friend. She laughed a little louder than she should as she said, "No, no. we're just friends."

She went to church with Florence, Daniel and Augie each Sunday but was happy when Augie talked his Mother into letting Leslie go to his Sunday School class with him. He liked to show her off to his teacher and his friends. After a few weeks, she was helping with the teaching. One Sunday, after they got home and she was playing ball with him, he asked, "Do you know who my real Daddy is?"

She told him, "Daniel looks pretty real to me."

"You know what I mean, my…birth Daddy." He said it like he was repeating something he shouldn't.

"I guess I don't," she told him, "but, whoever he is, he must miss you very much."

"I don't know if I miss him. I've got Dad. Maybe he doesn't have a little boy to love." Leslie heard the concern in his response and hugged him.

Everything settled into a normal routine and Leslie tried not to think about home until she realized that Thanksgiving was just a couple of weeks away. Her mother had written about the first snowfall at their Ohio home. She loved the California climate but knew she would miss the change of seasons. She figured she would have enough money to go home for Christmas but she would have to see what Thanksgiving would be like in California.

Leslie had arranged to work at the grocery the two days before Thanksgiving and, on Tuesday, she noticed a strange car in the driveway when she walked home from the bus. As she opened the front door, a familiar odor seemed to permeate the air, the smell of Thanksgiving pies. Dottie had come early that morning to help with the Thanksgiving preparations. Florence had told Leslie that Dottie and her husband, Chuck, would be having Thanksgiving dinner with them. It reminded Leslie that their whole family would be at her house and she would be in California. She felt tears start to run down her face. She wiped them away in a hurry when Florence came to meet her, followed by a girl who could have been a young Florence.

"Leslie, " Florence said as put her arm around the newcomerl, "this is Allison. She has come home with some exciting news." Leslie had come to know Florence well enough to know the "exciting news" was not exactly what Florence meant.

Allison stretched out her left arm to show a diamond on her ring finger. "I'm engaged. The ring belonged to Pedro's grandmother. She left it to him." Leslie heard the anxiety as Allison continued and felt the explanation was for Florence. "We won't get married until we both graduate from college next year. We've known each other since High School but didn't date until last year." She looked at her Mother then back to Leslie. "Would someone please be happy for me?"

Leslie took her hand and looked at the ring. "It's a beautiful ring, Allison. Of course, we"re happy for you."

Florence took her arm from around her daughter. "I wish you had brought him home for Thanksgiving. I don't recall ever having met him." Her tone reminded Leslie of the way Florence talked to Danny about Jarred.

"I'll bring him for Christmas. I promise. He wanted to tell his family so they could be happy for him." Then Allison looked at her Mother. "You are happy for me, aren't you Mum?"

Leslie saw the Jarred look take over Florence's face. "Of course, dear. Let's see what your Father has to say. I'm sure it will be a surprise." Florence left them and went toward the kitchen.

Allison watched her mother go. "Do you have a boy friend, Leslie?" She asked as she headed for the stairs

"Not really. I have a couple that I like, but just as friends." Leslie told her.

Allison stopped and looked back. "Why don't you help me unpack. We can talk."

"Let me check to see if Florence needs any help. It really smells like Thanksgiving around here." Leslie wasn't sure that she wanted to talk about things right now. She was homesick and she didn't want to hear any more of the Avery problems.

Allison called down from the top of the stairs. "You know my room is next to yours. Stop in when you come up.

When she went to the kitchen, Dottie smiled at her. "Miss Allison always brightens up the house."

Leslie asked if there was anything she could do for Florence but saw there were pies, and other baked goods, stored on one of the counters.

Florence almost smiled,too, but couldn't quite pull it off. "I think Dottie and I have everything under control. Why don't you see if you can help Allison unpack."

Feeling dismissed, Leslie walked slowly up the stairs. She knocked lightly on Allison's door, hoping she wouldn't be invited in.

"Come in, Leslie." Allison invited her in and was cleaning off a chair for her to sit on as she entered. There were clothes on everything. "Sit down. Danny tells me you know about him and Jarred."

Leslie wasn't in the mood to talk but managed to say, "Yes, Danny told me."

"Jarred's a nice kid. He and Danny are happy with each other." When Allison realized that Leslie wasn't going to answer, she continued, "You must feel a little overwhelmed with all the Avery problems."

Leslie couldn't hold the tears back any longer, "I'm not a Counselor. I'm just the daughter of your Mother's college friend. And I'm homesick." She felt Allison's arms close around her.

Allison stroked her hair. "You don't have to be our Counselor, just be a friend. We could all use one. Just let us talk. We'll work things out, I promise. Mum will have to accept Danny's situation because she has always put family ahead of everything. Pedro is of Guatemalan heritage and she loves me enough to, sooner or later, accept him. She doesn't know we're living together, that could be stumbling block but it's mine, not yours. Of course, there's still Augie. She loves him very much…"

Leslie remembered, "He keeps asking if I know who his father is…"

Allison sounded like her thoughts had turned a corner, "No, we don't know," she stated. Then, smiling, she said, "It doesn't matter. He's our little brother. Dad loves having a boy to take to the games. Danny's not interested in sports. I understand you play baseball with Augie. Just keep on, keeping on. Forget the counseling, just be a friend."

Leslie felt the relief flow through her. She could do that, she could be a friend to all of them. She would think about going home for Christmas but for now, she would be happy that she would be spending Thanksgiving with friends.

Thanksgiving night would have its own impression to make on her friendship.

*************************************************************************************As Leslie was getting ready to go to work on Wednesday, Allison knocked on her door. "Decent?" she asked.

"I try," Leslie told her, "but come on in anyway." She was amazed that she was on such friendly terms with someone she had met just the night before.

Allison came in and sat on the bed. "I really liked our chat last night. Please always feel free to talk to me. When I'm at school, I have a cell phone on which you can reach me." She handed Leslie a scrap of paper with a phone number on it. "I don't give this to many people. Danny, Pedro and now you."

Leslie was at a loss for words for a few seconds. "I'm honored," she said finally, then added, "I think."

Allison laughed. "Just call me if you need help with any of the Avery problems, maybe I can help. And please memorize the number and eat the paper." She joked.

"Done!" Leslie told her as she tore the paper in shreds and put them in a wastebasket.

"By the way, I'll drive you to work this morning. I have some shopping to do and I have to go near the store where you work." Allison's tone had turned serious. "I'll wait in my car for you." She left, closing the door behind her.

"I wonder what that's all about," Leslie wondered as she finished getting ready.

As she came down stairs, Florence was looking out a window. "Where is that girl going? She just got home yesterday and now she's going out again."

"She said that she had some shopping to do and that she'd drop me off at work. She probably won't be long," Leslie told her.

Florence turned to Leslie and smiled. "Sounds like you two got along well together. I'm glad. Allison has always been the one I could depend on. "As Leslie was going to the door, she added, " She knows where all the Thanksgiving decorations are so tell her I need for her to find them and put them up when she comes home. Have to decorate for company, don't we?"

"Company? I'm just part of the family now." Leslie reminded her.

"But Dottie and her husband will be with us, too. They moved out here when Chuck retired but their whole family lives in New York." Florence's voice had a note of sadness in it. Family was everything to her. "Most of our family lives up north except for us.'

"That's very nice of you to ask Dottie and her husband. I think all of our family stayed in Ohio and they all come to our house on Thanksgiving. Having more people in this house will make it feel more like home. I guess I am a little homesick."

Florence crossed to her and put her arms around her. "Better go. You don't want to be late for work."

Leslie kissed her, lightly, on the cheek and started out the door. When she turned back, she saw Florence smiling and rubbing her hand against the cheek that had been kissed. "See you tonight," Leslie almost whispered.

When she was in the car and searching for the seat belt, Allison reached over her and anchored it for her, then, backed out of the driveway in a hurry. "We don't have much time so tell me which of our stores is where you work."

Leslie didn't understand. She thought Allison already knew since she had said it was on her way.

Allison must have felt her silent questioning."I know, I know," she said. "I just wanted to talk to you about something." Allison added.

"Oh," Leslie told her the location. "By the way, your mother wants you to find the decorations and put them out."

"Darn. I always get that job." She stated but, then, was silent for so long, Leslie cleared her throat to remind her that she wanted to talk about something.

Allison seemed to be trying to tell her something but the words wouldn't come. Finally, she blurted out, "It's about Augie. You mentioned that he asked you about his father."

Leslie waited before answering. "Yes, and he must have asked Dottie because she mentioned it."

"That's what I wanted to tell you, I think Mum thinks my Dad was the father but she's never accused him, that I know of." Allison took a deep breath.

Leslie almost shouted, "Not Daniel. Never. Never. But your mother couldn't hold something like that back for eight, almost nine years, could she"

Allison laughed, "You don't know my Mother. No scandal must ever touch her family. She's really old school and I don't think she will ever change. If it isn't put into words, then it can't be true, no matter what anyone thinks. I just wanted you to know for Augie's sake. She is really fond of him and protects him as much as she does me and Danny. Of course, you know how I feel. Even if it was Dad, I'd tell him what I thought and let him explain. But we have to follow Mum's lead on this."

Leslie looked out the window, as the car stopped, and saw they had reached her grocery. "Thank you for trusting me, Allison. Let's hope there is an answer for all of you. I think I'm learning to keep my silence. If I can help, let me know." She got out of the car as she said, "See you tonight and don't forget those decorations."

The store was so busy that Leslie had no time to think about anything but stocking shelves and helping customers with their groceries. Just before her shift was over, Jarred came into the store and said he would be waiting for her in the parking lot.

"Now what?" she wondered.

She didn't have to wait long to find out. When she got in his car, Danny's question seemed to gush from his mouth. "Should I ask Mum if Jarred could come for Thanksgiving dinner? His sister was in an accident up north and his mother had to fly up there."

Leslie didn't know what to say but hedged with , "What about his Dad?"

"I thought I told you. He left the years ago. What do you think about asking Mum if Jarred can come?"

Leslie had heard the anxiety in his voice, but decided to stand her ground. "I think you will have to decide that by yourself, Danny."

"But I thought you liked Jarred and if you asked Mum.." he pleaded.

She put her hand over his mouth."I do like Jarred, but I love Florence, and I'm just a guest in your house, because of her invitation. Besides, you'll have to face up to her sooner or later. She might surprise you."

Danny sank back in his seat. "I know but…" He started the car. "Allison told me the same thing when I asked her.

Leslie laughed. "I was just your backup," she accused him.

He was quiet for the rest of the way home and Leslie couldn't think of anything to say. When they pulled into the driveway, they both went into the house without another word to each other.

Allison must have found the decorations because there were miniature turkeys, pumpkins and other holiday things, in every room. She was still finding places for more in the kitchenwhens Danny and Leslie entered. Florence was busy getting dinner ready. The aroma of Coq de Vin filled the air.

Leslie started to compliment her when Danny asked, "Could you two give me some time with Mum?" Florence looked at him. Her furrowed brow and tilted head questioned him.

The girls looked at each other, then nodded in unison and left. When they reached the top of the stairs, Leslie was afraid that Allison might want to chat. "I think I'll go right to bed. We were really busy at the store today."

Allison looked at her sympathetically. "You look tired," she told her. "I'll see you in the morning. Maybe we'll find out if Jarred is coming for dinner tomorrow."

Leslie smiled. "I hope Danny was going to ask. See you in the morning." She went to bed without e-mailing her mother.

Thanksgiving Day had dawned long before she woke up. Seeing the time, Leslie bathed and dressed as fast as she could. When she came down the stairs, Allison was waiting for her in the living room. "Good news," she whispered and nodded toward the kitchen

When Allison found Florence in the kitchen putting the turkey in the oven, she apologized. "Sorry I'm so late, Florence."

"That's fine, Leslie. Daniel said all the stores were very busy. You must have been tired. By the way, you and Allison are in charge of setting the table. There will be one more to add. Jarred will be coming for dinner."

Leslie couldn't help herself. She hugged Florence who responded, "Danny said he would be all alone. We couldn't have that now could we, not on Thanksgiving. Besides, we won't have so much turkey left over with two big boys helping us to get rid of it. I'm planning on having dinner at 4:30 so you and Allison can have the table ready." Florence seemed almost happy although there was just a trace of the Jarred look on her face.

The family spent the day in their usual pursuits, Daniel and Augie watching a game, Danny playing his guitar in his room,Florence and the girls sitting in the kitchen talking. Lunch was a snatch and catch affair with everyone being warned that dinner would be early so they shouldn't eat too much at lunch. Of course, every time the warning was given it was followed by a big laugh. The smell of the turkey and the lingering smell of the pies would be a constant reminder.

Dottie and her husband came about three. Dottie wanted to be sure she could help with the preparations, so, she joined the Florence and the girls in the kitchen while Chuck joined Daniel and Augie. Chuck brought a bottle of wine. "I made sure it was a good one to have after such a great meal," he informed Daniel.

About 3:30 Jarred came. Allison went to the door to let him in then called up the stairs, "Danny, Jarred's here." By time Danny came down, Florence had come to the living room. She held out her hand to the boy. "I'm Danny's mother. You can call me Florence.'

Jarred took her hand . "Danny didn't tell me how beautiful you are," he said as he kissed the hand he had been holding.

Leslie had followed Allison and Florence. Allison came back to stand by her. When Jarred kissed Florence's hand, they both saw every trace of the Jarred look disappear from her face when it was replaced by a broad smile.

Danny, too, had come down in time to see the kiss and the smile on his mother's face. "I always hoped you see for yourself. Now, you have." He told Jarred,to his mother, he remarked. "See, Mum, I told you he was a gentleman."

"I do see. Why don't you go into the "library" and introduce your friend to the men and your brother?' She watched as they went. "He's quite handsome," she remarked as she left to go back to the kitchen. "You girls better start getting the table ready. And, Allison, make sure you put out the best of everything. I saw Chuck brought a bottle of wine. Put the one I set out, away. We'll use the one Chuck brought for our after dinner toast. You know which glasses to put out."

"Methinks I see a change in attitude," Allison said as her mother left. "Let's talk to Danny about learning some of that from Jarred."

"You're his sister. That would be your job, not mine." Leslie was proud of herself for giving up the last vestige of trying to be a counselor.

Allison hugged her. "You bet it is. I think you made it a little easier for me."

The girls thought they had done a good job of the table. Everything was in the right place. Allison had even made name tags for all the places.

When the clock showed the time at 4;30, Florence and Dottie brought all the food to the table. The big turkey, in all its brown, roasted goodness sat at Daniel's place to be carved with the elegant carving knife and fork beside it. Daniel looked like a master as he started to carve. Everyone got what he or she wanted as the potatoes and other vegetables were passed around the table. Leslie had to fight back the tears when she thought how much it reminded her of home. The food and especially the buzz of conversation around the table. Both she and Jarred, newcomers were made to feel welcome

When everyone had finished eating, Daniel stood and rapped a spoon against his water glass. "It's our usual custom to take our dessert later, if that's all right?" He asked, to which he got a chorus of assent. "Then I shall ask Danny and his friend to pour the wine so that we can make a toast." Danny pulled Jarred from his chair and the two of them poured wine for every one except Augie who got non-alcoholic apple-cider in his glass.

When everyone had been served, Daniel raised his glass. "Here's to my beautiful wife and all the lovely ladies who helped her, for a dinner that seems to get better every year." Leslie heard Jarred say "Here, here." It didn't go unnoticed because she saw a smile cross Florence's face as she looked at him before trying to look at everyone while saying, "Thank you from all of us."

Everyone was still at the table when the doorbell rang. Florence asked Danny to go. He was gone just a few minutes when he came in and looked at Daniel, "Dad, I think you and Mum should talk to this man." They looked at him quizzically but got up and went to the living room.

Danny parried questions from some of the others by saying, "I think Mom and Dad will be back. You can ask them."

They did come back in a few minutes with a handsome, red-haired man about Daniel's age.

Daniel put his arm around the newcomer. "Everyone, I'd like you to meet August Watson. He'll be having dessert with us."

Leslie wondered at the look of desperation on Florence's face.

Augie had got out of his chair and went to offer his hand to the man who shook it as he smiled down at the boy. "My name is August, too. But they call me Augie."Leslie was sure she wasn't the only one who saw the resemblance between the two.

The man reached down and took the boy in his arms. "And my father's name was August, too." The boy held out his arms to Daniel who took him from the man. "You see, Augie, this is your birth father," he told him.

Augie looked at him and asked, "If you're my…um…him, were you there when I was born?"

The man shook his head sadly. "I didn't know about you. I didn't know until yesterday." Daniel had put him down and Augie looked up at the man.

"Then, since you weren't there you won't be my "birth father". My birth Father will be Dad, but you can be my 'dopted Father. You could come and watch the games with us sometime."

"Some day. You see I live in a far away country and I don't get back here much. But I'll come when I can." The man looked at Daniel. Leslie saw the worried look disappear from Florence's face and realized she had probably had thoughts of having to fight to keep Augie. The red-haired man was still trying to explain,"I left when Lilly told me she didn't want to see me any more. I got a job in India and was here only to check on something. I ran into Lilly by accident and she told me about Augie."

The look of relief on Florence's face was replaced by one of love, as she looked at both Augie and Daniel. "She was afraid of losing Augie," Leslie thought. "And now she knows for sure that Daniel is not his father." It was great to see Florence give both of them a kiss. The one for Daniel looked like it had a lot more meaning than any other one she had seen.

The girl who had come to the Averys in California to go to school, looked around at the family. Augie would accept his situation with his usual kind of love, Danny and Jarred would work things out, Allison would get her mother's acceptance of Pedro. And, best of all, Florence would love Daniel with her whole heart.

Leslie would have a lot to tell her Mother when she went home at Christmas. Of course, she had already emailed a lot to her, but now she could fill in the details.