Cael Holland was buckled in the back seat of the lady’s car, staring out the window. Clutching his small Teddy bear, he felt sick to his stomach and wondered, if he threw up, would she still take him to their destination? Before he had a chance to ponder any further, the car turned down a residential street, houses standing guard on either side of the sidewalks.

The yards were trimmed, some with flowerbeds lining front walks. Others had big bushes near their porches. Massive trees were in every yard, some with swings hanging from their lower branches. Curious, he pressed his nose against the window. The car slowed as it approached the house at the end, and his heart began to pound even harder. Swallowing back the tears that threatened to slide over his cheeks, he thought of his sister and their goodbye.

“Why can’t I live with you?” he had cried, clinging to her legs. She was eight years older than he was and in his mind, she was old enough to take care of him.

“Oh, Cael,” Kathy said. “I’m just not old enough. I wish I was.”

“How old do you have to be to keep me?” he whined.

“I’d have to be a grownup. That won’t be for another two years and then I still won’t be able to take care of you like you should be taken care of. I’m so sorry.”

“Then why can’t I stay here with you and Granny?”

A grimace crossed her face, as she admitted, “Granny’s old and says she can only keep me since I’m almost grown anyway and can get a summer job to help out. She says she don’t got no energy to raise a boy.”

Crying harder, he had clung tightly as she wrapped her arms around him.

“Cael, don’t cry,” she had begged. “Granny says we can stay in touch.”

“What if where they take me they don’t let me come see you?”

“Then I’ll get Granny to bring me to you.” Wiping his tears, she held his hand as the social worker approached. Her eyes had been kind but her mannerism hurried. Putting her arm around his shoulders, she guided him to the car and into the back seat, in one fell swoop taking him away from his sister, the only person he had left in the world.

Now, she pulled the car to a stop outside the house at the end of the street. Getting out, she opened his door, motioning for him to follow. “Come along, Cael. Let’s go meet your new family.” Bending low, she smiled as she said, “You’re very lucky. Miss Ethel is the best foster mom we have. You’ll like it here.”

He knew she was lying to him to get his cooperation, but he pinched his lips together, saying nothing. Climbing out of the seat, he clutched his bear to his chest as she grabbed his suitcase. Following her up the front walk, he spied an older woman coming onto the porch. Tall and thin, she wore a yellow dress with a little black belt, shoes like his granny wore, wire-rim glasses perched on her nose, and her grey hair pulled back in a bun. His feet stumbled and he tripped on the first step, staring up at her.

She smiled, bending low to greet him. “Cael, I’m so glad to have you come to my home. I’m Miss Ethel.”

Her smile made his stomach hurt a little less but, as he looked behind her, he spied four little faces plastered against the screen door, all staring at him. His stomach knotted again and he wondered if now was when he would finally throw up.

Miss Ethel glanced behind her and shooed the other boys away. Turning back to him, she smiled once more, saying, “My other boys are so excited to meet you. Let me talk to Ms. Traynor for a moment and then we’ll go inside.” Patting his shoulder, she stood and took the suitcase from the social worker.

He looked up at the two women conversing, before sliding his gaze back to the door. He could no longer see the other faces, but he heard the slight sounds of whispering coming from inside the house.

“Come along, Cael,” Miss Ethel said. “Let’s go in. I’ve got some chocolate chip cookies, fresh out of the oven.”

As she opened the screen, the delightful scent of homemade cookies wafted by and his stomach growled. Turning, he watched the social worker walk back to her car. Without a way to escape, he took a deep breath and followed Miss Ethel into the house, curiosity taking over fear.

With her hand on his shoulder, she stepped into the living room, where he could now clearly see the other boys.

“Boys this is Cael. He’s eight years old and I want you to make sure to welcome him as you wanted to be welcomed when you first came to me. Cael, this is the oldest, Zander. He’s ten years old.”

Cael watched as a tall, dark blond boy with piercing blue eyes stepped forward. His face, hard at first, broke into a grin. “That your bear?”

Holding it tighter, in case Zander chose to take it, he just nodded.

“Cool,” Zander said, his smile still in place.

Another boy, dark haired, walked up next. “I’m Rafe,” he said. “I’m eight too.”

Before he had time to process that there was another boy his age, two younger boys bounded up, both so close in appearance, he had to blink to tell them apart.

“I’m Jayden. This is Jaxon.”

“Boys,” Miss Ethel said, drawing out the word while lifting her eyebrow. “Behave.”

Cael looked up at her in confusion, not understanding what they had done that she needed to correct.

The two boys broke into giggles, before the one who spoke, said, “Sorry, Miss Ethel.” Looking back at him, he said, “I’m actually Jaxon and this is my twin, Jayden.”

Their snaggle-toothed grins beamed as they asked Miss Ethel if it was time for cookies.

Laughing, she said, “Bring Cael with you.”

Grabbing him by the arm, Zander led them into the dining room. The big table had lots of chairs around it and he climbed into the one next to Zander. The other boys quickly scrambled into their seats and eagerly awaited Miss Ethel’s return to the room, her hands full with a tray with glasses of milk and a platter of still-warm cookies.

Looking at the others, not wanting to be left out, he grabbed two cookies to put on his napkin, licking the melted chocolate from his fingers. It had been a long time since he had had cookies this good. His mom used to make them, but that was before. Before his dad died and his mom became so sad she stopped taking care of them. Shoving one delectable treat into his mouth, the warm flavors tickled his tongue and his stomach stopped hurting.

Miss Ethel smiled around the table and made sure the milk glasses were refilled if needed. Licking his lips, he stared in unabashed interest at the other boys. They were all laughing and joking with each other.

Jaxon looked over and cocked his head to the side. “Your hair’s kind of funny.”

Before he had a chance to react, Miss Ethel’s voice rang out. “Jaxon.” He watched as the boys immediately quieted and he figured that, when she spoke, they listened.

“I’m sorry. I don’t mean nothing bad. It’s just a different color.”

He had heard his sister talk about his hair being strawberry-blond but never really knew what that meant. Her hair was yellowish and his was kind of orangey-blond, like their dads’ had been. “I got my daddy’s hair,” he said, his words proud, but his stomach clenching again.

“I like it,” Jaxon pronounced, an easy grin in place, going back to his cookie.

By the time they were ready for bed, he had finally relaxed somewhat…at least his stomach felt better with dinner and some games afterwards. When they walked upstairs, Miss Ethel took him to the side and spoke to him quietly.

“Cael, in my house, the boys share rooms because that way you all get to know each other real good, like brothers. But, I know this is a big change and can be very scary.”

He looked up at her kind face and asked, “Will I ever be able to see my sister again?”

“Oh, sweet boy,” she exclaimed, kneeling in front of him. “Yes, of course. She may visit here anytime and I will work with your grandmother to make sure you can visit her there as well.”

His shoulders visibly relaxed and he offered her a tremulous smile.

“Cael, remember that nothing’s as important as family. Of course, family is not just those we are born into, but the families that we make as well. Your sister is your family, but then so will we become family too. We have room in our hearts to love lots of people.”

She cocked her head to the side, peering at him. “Cael. That’s an unusual name. Did your parents ever tell you the meaning of your name?”

Shaking his head, he peered up at her in interest.

“The name has a connection to Irish mythology, but is also the name of the archangel associated with the astrological sign of Cancer. From this perspective, Cael is an angel of domestic bliss and nurturing love.”

He scrunched his nose in confusion, not understanding her words.

Laughing, she patted his shoulder. “All that means is that you’re a very sweet boy who likes to take care of those around him. We’re lucky to have you with us.”

With that, she stood, pointing out the three bedrooms, giving him a chance to look inside. “Jaxon and Jayden share this room, but there is an extra bed here also.” Opening up the other door, she said, “This is where Zander and Rafe sleep. There’s a bunk bed in here, so there’s room for another person. I’d like to think that one day, I’ll have a full house with all the beds filled. The bathroom is right here,” she motioned, showing him the big bathroom at the end of the hall.

“Now, for someone who is more afraid and would like some time alone, I have a smaller bedroom with a little bathroom attached, if you would prefer. I want you to be comfortable.”

He peeked into that room, a single bed and dresser taking up the space. He could see a small sink and toilet through the door on the other side of the room. Staring, he considered his options. This room would let me be by myself, but… Glancing back down the hall, he spied Zander peering around the corner of the stairs, his eyes piercing but a grin on his face. Zander pointed a finger at his chest, opened his eyes wider, and his smile became bigger.

Taking a chance, Cael realized he did not want to be alone. Looking up at Miss Ethel, he said, “I’d like to be in the room with Zander and Rafe, if that’s okay.”

“Of course, it is,” she exclaimed, taking his suitcase into the room.

He caught Zander’s celebratory fist bump in the air, and his heart lightened for the first time in days.

As Miss Ethel tucked the twins in their beds across the hall, Cael sat on his bed, already comfortable with Zander and Rafe. Holding his bear, which he was thankful the other boys did not try to take, he listened as Zander read from a large storybook, skipping around to different stories.

Landing on Snow White, Zander laughed as he read the parts of the seven dwarfs in a silly voice. When he read the part of the Evil Queen, Cael’s eyes grew wide and he snuggled under the covers. Miss Ethel entered the room, ready to tuck the boys into bed. She smiled widely, seeing Zander reading but, with a glance at Cael, she crossed to his bed, sitting next to him.

“Remember, sweet boy, fairy tales are wonderful…not because they tell us that evil exist, but because they tell us that evil can be beaten. So, listen to Zander’s stories, but don’t be afraid. For all my boys are brave.” With a kiss each, she turned out the light, leaving on the nightlight.

He watched her leave, then turned his eyes to Zander, still reading. He listened to the story as long as he could, but exhausted, he soon fell asleep. With his bear tucked close, he slept all night while princes and princesses filled his dreams.

Sixteen-year-old, Cael stood in front of the mirror, staring at himself. Zander came up behind him and laughed.

“Damn, you look good in a monkey suit.”

Throwing a glare his way, he tugged at the tie strangling his neck. The black tux had to be altered because he had left his gangly pre-teen body behind and was now filling out, resembling the pictures he had of his father when he was younger.

“Now, Zander, leave him alone,” Miss Ethel gently scolded. “He looks handsome.” Cael turned to face her and she placed her thin hand on his chest, smoothing his lapel. “It’s an exciting day for your sister and I want you to have a good time. After her wedding, there will be the reception—”

“Where you’ll have to dance with her,” Rafe cut in, a grin on his face.

“Boys.”

Immediately he and Zander threw their hands up in waves and headed back down the stairs, done with their teasing.

“Yes,” she continued, “there will be dancing. And you’ll be just fine.”

“Is it weird that I’ll be giving her away?” he asked, his brow creased with worry. “Won’t people think I’m too young?”

“My dear, we’re never too young to fulfil the roles we are meant to play. Your father’s not alive and so, as the closest male relative, you will do the honor. And, you will not only make your sister very happy, but you’ll make me so proud as well.” She patted his chest and walked downstairs, leaving him to finish getting ready.

A few minutes later, as he prepared to walk out the front door, still nervous, she called out as she came up behind him, “Remember, family is everything, and your sister needs you today. You’re very important to her, just as you are very important to us.”

Turning, he offered her a hug. “Thank you, Miss Ethel—”

“You don’t need to thank me, dear. There’s no thanks needed among family. We’ll be here when you get home, so go and have a good time.”

With those words ringing in his ears, he headed to the car.

Cael hurried into the hospital, anxious to greet his sister and meet his new niece. Honorably discharged from the Army just one week earlier, at age twenty-two, he had made it to Richmond yesterday, enjoying the reunion at Miss Ethel’s house.

Zander, also discharged, had bought a bar he appropriately named Grimm’s. Jaxon and Jayden were still in the Army and had helped Zander get the bar in shape on one of their leaves. Rafe would be home in another few weeks, but his life was about to take a drastic turn. Having been photographed as Mr. July in an Army Hunk calendar, Rafe would be returning to modeling contracts that would send him out to California.

Cael grinned at the thought of Rafe, the model, not envying him at all. He would be starting a construction job next week, anxious to work with his hands. He had promised Zander he would help him finish the last work necessary for Grimm’s opening, but with the early arrival of his niece, he wanted to spend as much time as he could bonding with his sister.

Walking past the nurse’s station, he caught their wide-eyed expressions as they looked up at him. He was used to that reaction. At six feet seven inches and over two-hundred pounds of muscle, he knew that he was an imposing sight. He had not shaved since discharged and the week of scruff on his face gave him a harder appearance.

Entering the room, he saw her sitting in bed, dark circles underneath her eyes, but they twinkled with excitement. Stalking over, he skidded to a stop, seeing the little pink bundle in her arms. His mouth opened, but no words came out as his heart skipped a beat. The tiny rosebud mouth, dot of a nose, and squinty eyes held his rapt attention.

“Hey, brother,” Kathy said, “come meet Cynthia. We’re going to call her Cindy.”

He barely glanced at Tom, his brother-in-law, as he moved forward, his hand automatically reaching out to touch the baby’s petal soft cheek.

As Kathy lifted Cindy, he took the bundle in his arms, love pouring from his heart to the tiny baby, knowing instantly he would do anything to protect his little niece.