“Okay, gentlemen, if y'all would let me through so I can check the fit real quick.” Margot moves past us and kneels next to the boys and gets to work measuring and pinning the hems.
“Okay, theirs look great other than the pants needing to be hemmed. Let’s get them out of these, then y’all can take turns with trying y’alls on.” She takes the boys’ coats to hang them up.
The guys and I alternate trying on our suits and entertaining the boys. I can’t believe how much my life has changed in such a short amount of time. We went from a house full of bachelors to soon-to-be husbands and fathers to five kids. I don’t think I’ve ever been more happy and content with how my life is turning out.
ISLA
We have thirteen days until the wedding but only ten until Christmas, so after dress shopping, the guys met us at a cute little pizza shop, then Maw-Maw took the kids home so we could finish Christmas shopping. I ordered all of the guys’ stuff online and have it all hidden in my grandmother’s safe room. Silas seems to like trying to find his presents like the child he is.
I got Bodie a really fancy knife set that all of the big name master chefs use, along with some fancy kitchen tools he’s been talking about wanting. Silas, the man child, has been wanting new games for his Xbox, an Oculus, and a new paintball set up.
Odin, my ever practical man, wanted a new jacket like Rip from Yellowstone. I also got him a gift certificate for a day session for a new tattoo. Orin also got a session for a tattoo along with the last couple books in the series he’s currently reading.
Callum got an easel with paints and a set of brushes. I found out that he loves to draw and has been wanting to get into painting. He also mentioned liking Rip’s jacket so he got one too. This is our first Christmas together, and we really wanted to make it great for the kids and decided to not go overboard with each other.
However, this is my first Christmas that I have money, people other than my children to buy for, and had a real family to celebrate Christmas with, so I completely went overboard, and I’m not even a little sorry.
However, since the six of us–and of course my grandmother–may have been going a little crazy with spoiling the kids, yesterday we gave them a big trash bag and explained to them if they fill the bag up with all the toys they don’t want or play with anymore and put them under the tree, Santa will take them to kids who might not get a lot of presents.
I amazingly raised three selfless and caring children even after everything they have been through. The boys had no issues filling up their bags, Vivian on the other hand had to have a little more coaching, but in the end, she did really well and was excited to get to help other kids.
We are currently in a toy store, a mom and pop shop type thing. This place is ridiculous. It’s like Toys“R”Us on crack. I’m in the Barbie and baby doll aisle, looking for the doctor Barbie and the Baby Alive doll Vivian wants, when I feel a presence come up behind me.
“Hello, Isla.” I’d know that nasally voice anywhere.
I turn around and low and behold, I’m right. Standing behind me is none other than Stefanie.
“Does a restraining order mean nothing to you? I don’t know what you’re hoping to accomplish by cornering me at a fucking toy store, but your son isn’t here to keep me from beating your ass if you start on your bullshit.” Of course she waits until I’m pregnant and can’t just beat the hell out of her like I want to.
“I want my grandsons, you stupid fucking whore. You have no right to keep them from me. They belong to my son, and I will get them. You won’t stop me. You were never good enough for him, and it's your fault he’s dead. It’s you and that mistake of a daughter that should have died. Not my son and husband.” She takes a menacing step toward me, and right as she gets within reach a very large tattooed arm reaches between us.
Callum moves to where he’s standing in the middle us. “I suggest you take a huge step back and get the fuck away from my fiance. My mom taught me never to put my hands on a woman, unlike you and the piece of shit you raised, but touch her and see how fast I lose my manners.”
Stefanie’s wrinkled face turns red, not even a little bit scared of the hulking man threatening her. I mean, I guess she married and birthed pure evil, so why should he worry her?
“I’m not scared of her or her band of perverts. What kind of men share one woman? I always knew she was a whore, so it’s not surprising she’s fucking everything she can get her hands on. I’m glad those demonic little parasites she’s carrying don’t belong to my son. And for your information, youcannotkeep those boys from me. Theywillbe mine. They will pass on the White name.” She steps forward again, trying to get into my face. How did this bitch find out I was pregnant? We haven’t posted it anywhere or anything.
I put a hand on Callum’s arm with the rest of the guys now lined up beside me. I step around to where I can stand toe to toe with this vile woman.
“First off, you insufferable fucking cunt, they no longer have y’all’s last name anyway. Secondly, they will share not only my last name, but the last name of theirrealdads. The ones who actually love them and cherish them. They will know what it’s like to be raised by real men, which is something you wouldn’t know anything about considering you raised the worst kind of human being possible. What kind of fucking woman is proud of a man who beats his wife, causing her to lose multiple pregnancies?
“What kind of grandmother is proud of a son who beats his children and uses them as pawns? It’syourfault he and Ricky are dead. You condoned their behavior, and you knew they were planning on killing me and your fucking granddaughter. I’m not some scared, broke, single mom anymore. I have the money, support, and power to fucking destroy you.” I’m panting by the time I’m done, and before she can reply, someone else steps in the aisle.
“Isla, that will be enough. I’m sure Mrs. White.. I’m sorry Ms. White, will find out how much can change when you have real money, power, and family to back you.” Will comes storming over to where he’s standing between us as he finishes. He holds his hand out for her to shake, politely civil despite his previous tone.
“I’m Mr. Norestung, Mrs. Aaron’s attorney. I believe your counsel received the order of protection, the cease and desist, and the other various court orders I filed. I suggest you call them soon, because we will be taking action against you for violating them, threatening my client, and threatening to kidnap her children.” He reaches into his jacket pocket and hands her a business card.
“Oh, and these police officers are here to arrest you for violating the restraining order, so you will have to call your counsel from the station.” He waves over two officers. Odin shakes their hands, then they arrest the vile bitch as she spews more and more bullshit while being led away.
Will goes to follow the cops out, but stops to shake Silas’s hand. “Thanks for calling me. Luckily, my office is just down the street. I’ll get this taken care of, and I’ll see y’all on Christmas!”
Isla
After the complete shit show, I decided I wanted to finish shopping because I wasn’t going to let that bitch take away my Christmas cheer. However, the guilt of knowing the kids had to deal with her bullshit for so long made me go a little crazy, so now one of the spare rooms in the same hall as the playroom is being turned into an indoor jungle gym. I also bought a bunch of new stuff to add to their pretend play centers, new games for all of their consoles, and of course, Vivian got a ton of new dress up stuff.
Once we got home, I snuck all the bags into the safe room. We had dinner as a family, which I can’t even express how much I love, and I just finished tucking the kids into bed. I’m so tired, and my whole body hurts, so I’m thinking a hot shower sounds amazing.
Once I get to the bathroom, I’m blown away. I find all five of my amazing men standing around the luxurious room. The lights are off, but there are dozens of candles that light up the space. They have the water running and the jets going. The tub is full of bubbles, and they have a snack tray with my favorite munchies and a huge glass filled with what I'm sure is sweet tea.
