The Gathering

It was dinner time in the North Woods and the evening gathering was beginning. The city's inhabitants ate dinner together communally most of the time. It was a good time for ideas to be shared and for families and visitors to socialize.

Logan carried Tessa nearly all the way to the dining area, but she made him put her down before they got there. Jacob held Marissa but Tessa took his and Logan’s hands and proudly walked into the gathering with her men.

Tessa and Eliza’s parents waited for them at a table and happily took Marissa from Jacob’s arm when they got there. Logan reached out his hand to Ben Logan and said, “Good to meet you Ben”. Logan wasn’t particularly happy about eating meals with strangers but the menu tonight was pork loin and mashed potatoes , his favorite.

Tessa sat between her husbands as Logan put his arm around her back and Jacob took her hand and kissed it before placing it on his lap. “I’m finally glad to be able to meet you Ben. I’ve heard so much about you,” said Tessa.

Ben Logan was a huge man, even bigger than Logan or Jacob. He looked like a dark prince. Ruggedly handsome, but not pretty like a model. Manly. He had thick, wavy black hair that he kept pushed off his face and his eyes were nearly black. He had a large nose that suited him and ears that poked out a bit. He was an oppressive presence but kind at the same time.

“I’m glad you’re feeling better Tessa. Happy you all are here . It will be good to see a bunch of youngins around here again.”

“Thank you but I don’t know about a bunch. I’m going to take a little break after these fellas get here.”

“You sure about that?” said Logan with a side grin.

Jacob chuckled and said, “ Logan has foresight Tessa. Looks like I might get that pup after all.”

“Oh boy,” she said.

Ben smiled and then said, “That’s true, I do and you will Jacob but that’s not what I’m talking about.”

Then Ben nodded his head and motion behind them.

As the three of them turned to see what he was pointing to, Tessa heard Erik say, “Hey Momma.”

Tessa gasped and then started laughing as she stood up and walked to Erik. He hugged his mother and then rubbed her belly. “How are my little brothers?”

“Oh they’re wonderful, everything is just wonderful,” she said as she hugged him again. Then she noticed Eliza walking towards them.

She pulled Erik into her side and brought Eliza in to her other for a hug.”What happened?”

Eliza smiled at her with tears in her eyes and said, “I just wanted to come home, I missed my parents. I missed all this.”

Tessa ran her fingers through Eliza’s hair and gave her a knowing smile. After being reunited with Jacob and her parents, she knew exactly what she was talking about.

“Don’t worry Tessa.It was on good terms. He understood. I want him to be happy.”

Tessa smiled and gave her another quick hug.

Ben said, “ Do you mind if I steal my sweetpea away from you Tessa?”

Tessa said, “By all means, sir.”

Then Tessa let Eliza go and she jumped up into her father's arms. “Oh I missed you so much daddy,” Eliza said as she sucked back her tears. “I missed you more sweetpea. I’m so happy you’re home again,” said Ben as he rocked his daughter in his arms and kissed the top of her head.

Erik helped Tessa back to the table then pulled out her chair for her.

“What’s that?” Ben asked as he looked to the cradle that sat beside Eliza’s bag.

“That’s mine daddy. Tessa’s son Jacob brought it back to me from the cabin.”

Ben set Eliza down then crouched down to pick up the cradle and then he flipped it over, checking out his handiwork.

“Hmm...could use some work,” he said as he put it down and stood to face Eliza.”C’mon sweetpea,” he said as he wrapped his arm around her and walked her to the table.

When Erik got to his dad, Logan stood and hugged him, lifting him up into the air. “I’ve missed you son. Thank you for coming.”

“I missed you both too.” Then Erik looked wide eyed at the man sitting on the other side of Tessa. He looked just like his brother. "Is that uncle Jacob?’ he said.

Jacob stood and put out his hand to Erik. “Hi Erik, I’m so goddamned happy to meet you. Your mom and dad have told me so much about you.” Erik shook his hand and said, “Wow. This is weird.” Jacob laughed out loud, “Yeah. You have no idea Erik. It’s all good though, you’ll see.”

Then Tessa’s father stood, went to Erik and shook his hand. “Erik I’m Jasper, your grandfather. And this lovely young lady sitting beside me is Isabelle, your grandma.” Isabelle picked up Marissa and went to Erik. Erik said, “Hi Marissa, I’ve missed you,” as he rubbed her head. She giggled and put her arms out to him, so he took her from Isabelle. Isabelle put her arms around the both of them, hugged them and said, “I’m happy to meet you finally Erik.”

Erik smiled as Isabelle kissed his cheek.

Once they were all seated and served, Eliza spoke up and said, “Haldir and I brought some more of your things, he took everything to your house. Stella sent a bunch of clothing for Marissa and all the things you had got her for her birthday.”

Tessa said, “Thank you Eliza. That was really sweet.” Then Tessa slapped her forehead, “Dammit, I’m such an idiot. We completely forgot about Marissa’s birthday.”

Logan said, “Don’t be silly Tessa. You were a little busy nearly dying and all. Marissa doesn’t even know she had a birthday anyway.”

Isabelle spoke up and said, “Tessa don’t worry about a thing dear. We will throw her a great party. We’d all love to pitch in and make her day wonderful.”

“Oh, that would be so great,” Tessa said as she wiped the tears from her eyes.

“Oh darlin, why are you crying? Everythings going to be great, ” said Jacob as he rubbed her leg.

Logan rubbed Tessa’s back and said, “Get used to it Jacob. She does this. It’s going to be a long couple of months.”

“I can’t wait,” said Jacob as he kissed Tessa’s cheek.