THE GILTER

EPILOUGE

“I can’t believe that Cathie whispered “Russell!” she shouted.

Russell, his mouth was filled with cakes, he blinked several time and swallowed.

Cathie narrowed her eyes at him, he looked so much like her father and he also had his names she was sure her father must have looked like him when he was young. Then she glared at Alec’s who shrugged innocently then at Cynthia who looked up at her innocently. Cynthia was Gab and Scot’s first child while Alec was David and Angela’s first child and he was older than all of them at seven.

“Grand ma! “they said at the same time Russell four years old said licking his fingers “it was Alec’s idea “He smiled “He said Abigail made some cakes that we should have some.”

Alec glared at him “it's a lie! “He said quietly “Melina said she wanted some cakes, she said Abigail said she would make some.”

Cynthia who was six nodded her head. Cathie looked around the kitchen “I happen not to see Melina here.” She said.

Melina was David and Angela’s second child, she is four too. Then there was Jessica, Melina younger sister just six month old.

“Aunt Angela said she should stay with Jess.”

Russell said “while she and Abigail rushed to town to get some things.”

“I see.” Cathie sighed, she glanced at the damage cake on the kitchen table then looked back at the kids. She shook her head what is she going to do with them. “I will advice you to leave this kitchen now before Abigail comes back, she’s going to kill you if she sees what you’ve done to her cake.”

The children lips spread wide as they looked at each other, they winked at each other and ran out.

Naughty kids, Cathie thought, they took something other than the cake. She smiled, she love this time of year when the family is complete.

Someone hugged her from behind, she knew who it was without turning.

“Merry Christmas, baby.” Herrick murmured, he kissed her check.

“You are just waking up!” Cathie said smiling, she turned to face him.

He nodded his head, “I had a lot to do yesterday.” He said drawing her closer “I missed my morning kiss, baby.”

“Strange, when did I become your baby again, I thought that was for your kids?” Cathie said throwing her hands around his neck.

“Today henceforth.” He said as he kissed her “I see you like it.”

“I like whatever you chose to call me, baby.” Herrick’s eyes widen, Cathie chuckled.

“The kids might hear.” He said

“Who cares?”

Herrick shrugged, releasing his wife’s waist he held her hand “Let’s go for a walk, away from this crazy place.”

They waved as they passed the living room where Gab, Stella, Angela and Mrs. Rose were playing ludo and David, Josh, Scott and Edward were playing Whot. The house was really full.

At the pouch they found the kids playing hide and seek. Herrick and Cathie smiled warmly at them.

“Should we take the horses?” Cathie asked Herrick

He shook his head, “That won’t be a walk anymore, it will be a ride and that is not what we agreed on.”

“Oh!” Cathie moved closer to Herrick, the weather was cold, they walked away from the house with no direction in mind.

Cathie glanced back at the house and smiled, life couldn’t give her a better gift, here she is with the love of her life, her kids and grandkids. She glanced through her life for the past years, she was contented, the only regret she had was that her father didn’t grow old enough to even know his grandchildren.

But, she knew anywhere he was right now hopefully with his beloved wife, they would be proud of her.

She looked up at Herrick and kissed his cheek.

“Like seriously, you don’t even know you are old.” He teased her.

She shook her head “Not with you love, I love you.”

Herrick smiled affectionately at her “I love you too, baby.”