Chapter 20 Meeting Carry On Tour
“Mr. G.” Tilly said softly as she tapped his foot while he was stretched out on the couch. “Genevieve wants to know if you’re going to eat in the dining room today or out here in your living room yet again?”
“Huh?” Greg shook his head as he woke up. “Oh, Tilly. I’m sorry, I wasn’t quite awake.”
“That’s okay Mr. G. After being shot last year, surviving being poisoned this year gives you the right to be a little sluggish.” Jill and Susan giggled. Greg just smiled. “Genevieve wants to know if you are eating here or in the dining room?”
“Let me see,” he said wiping his face then sitting up. “Is Norikuko back?”
“She just came in a few minutes ago,” Jill replied. “I believe she went up to her room.”
“What about Aunt Janet? Has she arrived?” he asked.
Susan moved over next to Greg then gave him a soft hug. “Yes, Mr. G. She told me to give you that when you woke up. She went to the bathroom to freshen up from her trip in from Lawrence.”
“Also, Harry is here with Thomas. They are supposed to update you on things,” Tilly confirmed.
“Then I guess we better eat at the dining table,” Greg concluded. “And tonight, you girls join us. I’m not taking No for an answer and that’s final.”
“Well,” Genevieve called as she entered the room.
“You heard Mr. G. Let’s get the plates ready.
Greta just called and said she’s only a few minutes away.
” She waved the girls toward the dining room archway.
“Let’s get set up for this meal, and tonight we are joining them.
This might be his last night of convalescence.
He’s got a big day tomorrow at The General Clinic. ”
“Right,” Tilly replied. “The physical follow up exam. Good luck on that Mr. G.”
“I’ve been nursed quite well, thank you, so I should do fine and be cleared…”
“Greg Garrelson!” Aunt Janet exclaimed, cutting him off. “Get your lazy bones off that couch my boy. We’ve got a trip to discuss.”
“Yes ma’am,” Greg said standing up. “Let me just usher these lovely young ladies off to their duties,” he said in a playful tone using a double arm wave from the hips up like a cowboy moving the herd along.
He turned and wrapped his arms around Aunt Janet.
“I’ve missed you,” he said softly then continued, “Susan gave me your hug in absentia, but I prefer this one.”
“I’ve missed you too, my child.” Aunt Janet hugged him back tightly. “Now, shall be head into the dining room?”
“Let me go check on Norikuko,” he started when he heard the door upstairs open. Norikuko emerged in a classic kimono in red and white. “I’ve not seen you wear that since you came last with Nobuko,” Greg said with a smile. “I really miss him.”
“So do I, Greg,” Norikuko said as she started descending the stairs. “I thought this would be fitting given the occasion.”
“It looks great,” Aunt Janet confirmed. “I didn’t realize that you were still here.”
“Greg?” Norikuko said with shock.
“I didn’t even think about it,” he said sheepishly.
“It’s been so common these past weeks to see you that I’d forgotten that Aunt Janet didn’t know.
” He ran a hand through his hair. “I know that the girls prepared steak tips, beef broth, mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli and dinner rolls for tonight.”
“And they did the cherry pie that I requested?” Norikuko asked as she stepped off the final stair.
“We did indeed, Norikuko-Sama. The cherries you had brought from your home in Japan smelled so good, and the juices made a perfect jelly filling,” Genevieve called from the archway. “The plates are served; we’re just waiting for Greta to arrive.”
“Thanks, Genevieve. We’re coming,” Greg confirmed and started to usher Aunt Janet and Norikuko toward the dining room with his right arm.
They had just started moving when the doorbell rang.
Greg hopped over to the door and opened it up.
“GRETA!” he exclaimed and gave her a huge hug. “I’m glad you made it.”
“I hope you don’t mind that I brought another guest with me,” she whispered in his ear. “I know it might be a bit of a shock for you.”
“Erica?” Greg said as he looked up from his embrace of Greta, slightly stunned.
“Hello Greg,” she said softly. “I don’t want to intrude,” she started and saw Greg reacting by moving around Greta toward her. “I can leave…”
“Nonsense,” he said happily. “You’re welcome here anytime,” he said and reached out his hand for hers. She looked down and smiled then took his hand. “Come on in. I’ll have Genevieve fix another plate,” he was saying as he walked in the door.
“We already have her plate ready, Greg,” Genevieve said with a smile. “She has always been welcome here.”
“For nearly ten years you’ve grown up in my home, helping your mom clean up and then going through all your experiments in my kitchen as you developed your culinary skills.
You’ve seen the best and worst parts of my life, and you know me so well that you knew you could just set another plate,” Greg said proudly as he walked over and pulled Genevieve into a tight hug.
“Oh, if I had a daughter, I’d want her to be just like you. ”
“You’ve been like a second dad to all of us. Jill, Tilly, Susan and I. We all knew that you’d want to celebrate with Erica too,” she said, a tear rolling down her cheek.
“Oh, don’t cry. There’s nothing to be sad about,” Greg said softly.
“I’m not sad,” she said with another tear rolling down her cheek. “I’m happier than I’ve been for weeks. You are back to the man I’ve known and loved for so long.”
“Well, Genevieve,” Greg said embracing her just a touch tighter.
“From now on I’m going to call you my daughter.
” He kissed her forehead softly. “I’m so very proud of you.
” He looked over at the other girls now standing by the dining table.
“I’m proud of all of you, and all of you are now my daughters.
” The girls broke out in tears of joy and rushed over to group hug him.
A moment passed then Greg stood up straight.
“Alright. Let’s enjoy this marvelous meal you’ve prepared.
” They all separated and went to their seats at the table where their meals were already waiting.
Greg looked back at Greta and Erica, smiled bright and waved them over.
“What are you waiting for? A personalized engraved invitation?!”
Erica smiled brighter than she had in over a year, then rushed forward and embraced Greg tightly. “Thank you,” she whispered. “I know that I broke your heart so many times, but I have never stopped loving you. This is why.”
“It’s not that I don’t have feelings for you, Erica,” Greg whispered back. “I just can’t go through the pain of trusting you with my heart again. Not in that way. That doesn’t mean that I will ever stop loving who you are.” She sniffed and held him close for a long second. “I am glad you are here.”
“This meal looks wonderful,” she said pulling back and trying to regain her composure. “So, where am I sitting?”
“On the other side, by Keith,” Tilly directed. Erica moved around the table just as Keith came in from the kitchen entrance. Keith looked at Erica and smiled brightly.
“Perimeter is secure!” Keith announced. “The boys appreciated the snacks.”
“It was our pleasure Mr. Dankard,” Jill replied.
“Keith!” he insisted. “How many times do I have to tell you to just call me Keith, Jill?”
“It’s just that, you remind me of my uncle so much, and he’s very insistent on how I address him,” she said as she lowered her head slightly.
“Well, I’m not your uncle,” he started then turned to look directly at Greg. “Though based on what Greg just said, I might as well be.” He smiled. “I always knew you were dad material.” Everyone laughed. “I’m over there?” he asked for confirmation.
“Beside Erica,” Susan confirmed.
“Excellent. Come on Harry, let’s get a seat at this feast table before King Greg!” Keith said with strong sarcasm, getting another laugh.
“It’s an Oval table, not Round,” Greg objected.
“Oh sit down Greg. I’m just messing with you,” Keith fired back.
“Alright. But tonight, I’d like to ask Harry to give the blessing. He’s been more steadfast and loyal than any man could ever ask. Always doing anything I’ve asked without question or complaint. Harry, I only hope I’m half the man that you are.”
Harry lowered his head and gave a soft short laugh.
“Greg. Why would you say that? I've watched you give away your time, your money, your sleep, and damn near your life for people who couldn't give you a thing in return. If you think you're only half the man I am, then you haven't been paying attention." He looked up. “You are my best friend, I’ll not let you think less of yourself than you deserve. I’ve stood by you because you’ve stood by me. You’ve stood by every one of us here today. So why don’t we celebrate how you have made us a whole family once more.”
“Harry,,,” Greg started and dropped his head.
“You are right. We are family. But it’s not just because of me.
It’s because all of us have chosen each other.
So, let’s tonight celebrate being a whole family, just like Harry has said.
” They were stunned for a moment, then some tears welled in their eyes all around the table.
“I’m thankful that God brought each of you into my life, and I hope you can say the same about me. ”
“Absolutely, dad,” Genevieve said as she wiped tears from her eyes.
“There’s no doubt that God blessed us when He had you hire our parents to take care of your house.
It’s become like home for all of us, and we’re thankful that He preserved your life and brought you back to stay in it.
” The murmurs of agreement around the table brought tears to Greg’s eyes.
“I have to say it on behalf of everyone, Thank God he gave us you.”
Thomas looked over at Greg and gave him a nod. “She’s right about that. And since we all understand that now, how about we let Harry give the prayer so we can actually celebrate being a family?”