Page 4 of A Kind Wedding: Christian & Charleigh

Christian

We all gathered for a short service at the funeral home before heading to the cemetery. David had convinced Kathryn that burying Celeste where Uncle Henry was buried, was the right thing to do, especially for Nora’s sake.

“How’s Nora doing?” I asked Sam as Simon stood a few feet from the casket holding her.

“She’s been crying for Celeste all week. She doesn’t understand what’s happening.” He sighed.

Once the service was over, we all headed to the cemetery to say our final goodbyes. After the service, my brothers, their wives, Charleigh, and I walked over and stood before our mother’s and father’s graves. Conner hooked his arm around me.

“I wish you could have known them,” he said.

“So do I. But I feel like I do from all the photos and the stories you’ve all told me about them.”

“Things could have been so different,” Nathan said.

“They could have, but everything turned out just fine,” Charlotte said. “Let’s not get stuck in the past with what could have been.”

“Charlotte’s right,” Jackson said. “The most important thing is that we were reunited with our brother, and we get to spend the rest of our lives making memories with him.”

After visiting Uncle Henry, we all went to Four Kinds for the luncheon. As my brothers, cousins, and I stood at the bar talking, Kathryn walked over.

“David and I talked it over, and we’re going to take custody of Nora,” she said. “That’s what Celeste would have wanted.”

“Nora isn’t going anywhere with you,” Simon said. “And how do you know what Celeste wanted? She didn’t have a will. Also, do I need to point out the fact that Nora is our sister? If anyone is taking custody of her, it’s one of us.”

“I want to take her home right after the luncheon,” Kathryn spoke sternly.

“I don’t give a fuck what you want, lady. She’s our sister, and she stays with us.” Simon pointed at her.

“I agree with Simon,” Sam said. “You’re only her aunt. We’re her brothers, and her home is with us.”

“Okay. If that’s how you want to play, fine. You’ll be hearing from my lawyer.” She walked away.

“What was that all about?” Aunt Barb walked over.

“She wants custody of Nora,” Stefan said.

“Why?” Her brows furrowed. “The five of you are Nora’s brothers. If anyone gets custody of that child, it’s you.”

“She said we’ll be hearing from her attorney,” Sebastian said.

“She doesn’t have a leg to stand on,” Shaun spoke. “Just in case, I’m going to give my attorney a call. I’ll be right back.”

Charlotte walked over with Nora, who was crying.

“Give her to me,” Conner said as he took her from Charlotte. “I can calm any kid down.”

Nora cried harder and held her arms out to Simon.

“Come here.” He took her from Conner and held her tightly against him. Instantly, she stopped crying.

“I will say that I’m a little insulted,” Conner said, and I chuckled.

We all stared at Simon as he walked away with Nora.

“Look at that. Instant dad.” I smiled.

Shaun walked over and placed his phone in his pocket. “I spoke to Bill. He said not to worry about Kathryn, but one of us must file for legal custody with the court immediately before she does. He said to let him know.”

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