CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
After the chaos of families opening gifts, the entire Belle Fleur family gathered for their usual Christmas day meal. Filled with favorites for everyone, it was a time to slow down, laugh, truly have conversations and enjoy the company of those around them.
“We did good,” smirked Gaspar looking at Nine, Ghost, Ian, and Kane. “We did really good last night and I had more fun than I can possibly remember.”
“Same,” laughed Ghost. “I swear, that was seriously the most fun I’ve had in years and we’ve had a lot of fun together.”
“This was different,” said Nine. “Maybe because this year we owned the process. Under the direction of the Matthew, of course, but we had to make it happen. It made me appreciate what my parents did for me. The magic they created that I never understood.”
“I felt the same way,” said Ian. “All the Christmas mornings waking up to those wonderful smells and sounds. The gifts that I’m sure my mother spent hours shopping for and even more hours wrapping, that I just ripped through.”
The men all laughed, nodding as they looked around.
“We’ve done well,” said Gaspar. “We’ve done well by our families, by our brothers and by our country. We’ve earned this retirement.”
“Amen,” nodded Nine. He looked along the wall of the heated tent to see the senior wives together, laughing. “They’ve earned it. Although I suspect they’re scheming about matchmaking.”
“Let them,” said Kane. “Aislinn’s never been happier and I for one am all for that.”
While Bull, Amanda, and the other musical prodigies sang carols and performed for the family, Matthew quietly entered the tent, hugging and kissing each member of the family. When he got to the seniors, he smiled.
“I’ve never been prouder of you. You helped hundreds of families last night. Families that will have a brighter new year because of all of you.”
“Because of you, Matthew,” said Kane. “That isn’t lost on any of us. All of this is because of you and Irene. I’m blessed just for having known you.”
Matthew kissed his forehead and nodded, leaving the men in a ghostly glow.
“Well, how are the old guys feeling?” smirked Cam. Luke, Eric, Hex, and a few of the other ‘new’ seniors were smiling at them.
“You might want to remember that you’re the old guys now. Your sons are taking over Voodoo Guardians.”
“Shadow Warriors,” smirked Eric. “They voted on the new name and that’s what it will be called. Shadow Warriors.”
“Damn, that’s a good name,” laughed Gaspar. “I wish we’d have thought of that.”
“It fits. We want to stay in the shadows, we don’t want to be recognized with a region, and it’s a new start for everyone. Especially all of you,” said Luke. “Will you be okay?”
“I think we’re going to be great,” said Ian. “We’ll be here if you need us, but you won’t. Legacy will continue to do the great work that Gray Wolf did. It’s time for a new year and a new adventure for all of us.”
“Hey everyone!” yelled Ajei. “Trevon and Millicent just delivered a Christmas baby!”
Cheers and applause broke out as they headed toward the home of Trevon and Millicent. Gray and Kennedy met the group on the front porch, smiling as Trevon walked out with a very large bundle in his arms.
“We thought we were having a girl,” he smiled with tears in his eyes. “It’s a boy. A very big boy that his mama delivered beautifully!”
Applause echoed through the trees as he turned his son to face the others. Eleven pounds and four ounces of handsome, beautiful baby boy.
“Everyone, meet Smith Elliott Marks.” The little boy with his chubby cheeks yawned, stretching to break the confines of his blanket as the crowd chuckled, oohing and ahhing at the sight.
“Now, that’s how you start a new year,” said Ghost.