Published: 30 Jul 2026

From the Previous Chapter:

“So, this court rules that the parental rights of Grace Turnsten to her son, Matthew Turnsten, are hereby terminated, as of this date, and that Matthew Turnsten be made a ward of the State of Texas.

“And, as this court understands that the boy’s biological father had already given up his parental rights to his son, this court also rules that Matthew Turnsten is to be made immediately available for adoption at the earliest date. This hearing is adjourned!” announced the judge.

Matthew jumped into his ‘dads’ arms and the two hugged. Grace Turnsten had some choice words for her son and told him that she would look him up when she gets out of prison, and that she would make good on her words, as the guard took her back to the holding cell until the state prison sent a vehicle to retrieve her.

When ‘dad’ Ken and Matthew exited the courthouse, the man asked his ‘son’ if he wanted to celebrate by stopping by DQ for a banana split, or sundae. But Matthew told his ‘dad’ that he wanted to go home and tell his ‘brothers’ the good news first. So, that was what the two Covers did.

When the victorious Covers arrived back at The Cove, they were greeted not only by the Cover boys, Mr. Wayne, Mr. Dennis and Mr. Chris, but Chief and Sarge, as well. But Matthew’s big ‘brother’ Collin was also there, putting a big smile on the new teenager.

And during that colossal greeting Matthew’s ‘brothers’ kept asking him what happened at the hearing. So, Matthew told them to settle down and that he’d tell them.

And then the teen told them, “We Won! I’m now a ward of the State of Texas and I am immediately available for adoption!” Upon hearing that, all of Matthew’s ‘brothers’ grabbed him in a big group hug and they danced around in the Foyer.

The men all smiled, at the joyous occasion of Matthew being freed from his mother’s clutches, and that he would no longer have to be afraid of ever having to be reunited with her.

After a few minutes of celebrating, Mr. Ken asked everyone to assemble in the Great Room for the staff Christmas Party. Phillip was sent to bring Momma Maria to join everyone in the Great Room. And while everyone was gathering in the Great Room, Robert and Charles were getting the staff presents from their dad’s closet, and were bringing them down to where everyone was.

“Here we are together again during another Christmas at The Cove,” began Ken Thomas, the staff’s employer. “I really appreciate all the hard work you do for me, and the boys, and at this time the boys and I would like to present you with your Christmas presents from us.

“We, the boys and I … we collectively discussed what we all thought would be ideal gifts for you. We shopped and shopped and debated different ideas and … and then we finally came up with what we are going to present you here today. Phillip … will you give Momma one of her presents?” announced Mr. Ken.

After the youngest Cover gave Momma Maria a gift, the woman began to delicately open it. But the boys, in their usual hurry-it-up form, told her to,” Just rip it off!” Everyone laughed.

When Momma opened the box, she found inside a new green apron and she giggled when she read the writing, which said, ‘I’m the Cover’s One And Only Cook‘. The woman then thanked all of the Cover’s for the wonderful gift saying that she loved it, as the other aprons were getting well worn.

Charles was asked to give Mr. Chris his gift. The small box didn’t portend what could be inside. The Estate Manager made some guesses, as to what it might be. He guessed a new watch, a Three Finger Keychain, a Magic Eight ball, which the boys had no idea of what that was.

The boys got antsy with the man and told him to hurry it up and to open the present. So, Chris Dominions, The Cove’s Estate Manager, ripped off the wrappings and upon doing so he found he had a top-of-the-line dash camera for his car.

Billy spoke up and told the Estate Manager that if it weren’t for the dash camera that Momma had given him, he wouldn’t have been able to prove that the flagger was the one who sent him forward that caused that accident, where the car was crushed and he and Phillip were injured.

Hearing that Billy and Phillip had been in a car accident, where they were both injured and the car that they were in was crushed caused Darrin to take notice. He knew that wasn’t the time or the place to start asking questions, but he told himself to ask his ‘brothers’ for the 411 later on.

Mr. Chris thanked Mr. Ken and the boys for the very thoughtful gift. He told them that he knew that the dash camera was Bill’s saving grace, and that he and Sandra had talked about getting one and now that he has one, he needs to get another one for the other vehicle.

Mr. Dennis would get his Christmas present next and Matthew was the one who brought it over to him. The man got the large and somewhat heavy box, and he couldn’t fathom what it could be. Mr. Wayne saw the size of the present and he thought he knew what it was, as he’d gotten a similar one last year.

The Assistant Estate Master knew from how the boys encouraged Momma and Chris to open their present, so he knew not to take his time opening his. So, Mr. Dennis tore the gift wrap off the big box to see that he had a set of new suitcases.

“Oh, this is exactly what I needed. How did you know?” expressed Denis Florkert.

The boys knew why he needed them, but none of them said a word.

With that gift out of the way, Mr. Ken then asked Charles to give Momma another of her presents. Momma was surprised that she was getting another gift and when she received it, she quickly ripped off the wrappings only to find she had another apron. This one was blue and on it was written, ‘The Covers Say That Momma’s Meals are the Best‘.

“Ohs, Iess loves deess,” offered Momma Maria. “Ies thanka youse alls so muchos.”

Mr. Wayne received the next present, which was brought over to him by Billy. His present was quite large, but not as big as Mr. Dennis’s. The man had no idea what they could have gotten him this time around. So, knowing the boy’s penchant for the gifts being open quickly, the man went at it with gusto.

But as Mr. Wayne opened the box, he found that there was another wrapped gift inside it. And this time he saw that it was the same size as the one that Chris had received earlier. He figured what the gift was, but he knew he had to act surprised and when he tore the wrappings off the smaller box. Seeing what the gift was, the man told the boys and his employer that he was considering getting a dash camera, and this will definitely go into his car when he leaves there today.

There was one Christmas present remaining and it was for Momma Maria. Darrin was chosen to take it to the woman who was totally surprised that she was singled out to get so many presents.

When the woman opened the present, she saw that she had some Spa Certificates that would allow her to be pampered, as she loved to be. She thanked all of the boys and especially Mr. Ken for giving her those special gifts she could use at any time during the year.

With the last Christmas present given out, everyone wanted to take a better look at the dash cameras that both Mr. Chris and Mr. Wayne had gotten. And while the boys were talking to the men about the dash cameras, Mr. Ken brought out envelopes for each of the four Cover employees and he presented them as their Christmas Bonus.

None of the employees opened their envelope, as they all knew exactly what the envelope represented, since they all received one the past few years that they’ve worked for the owner of The Cove.

Momma, as she thanked her employer for her Christmas Bonus, hugged the man and then told him that she needed to get up to the Kitchen Nook to help her amiga, Sophia, put the finishing touches on tonight’s meal for when his guests arrived.

Collin had watched how his Big Bro orchestrated the Staff Christmas. The young man always watched what his Big Bro did because he never got the chance to watch how his dad did anything. That was not because he was killed, but because Collin’s father didn’t include his son on anything he did, especially with his businesses.

When everyone began to get up and talk, Phillip took the opportunity to talk to his ‘dad’ about when he could give his Christmas presents to his mom and grandmother.

“‘Dad’,” began the youngest Cover, “when do you think I will be able to give my mom and my grandmother their Christmas presents? I already asked Mr. Wayne, but he told me to ask you.”

‘Dad’ Ken smiled and thought about the question. He then told Phillip, “‘Son’, maybe Sunday would be a good time. Why don’t you call them and ask them to stop by Sunday afternoon. If they say they have other plans, tell them … tell them that you are going on a trip beginning Tuesday, and would like to get them their presents before Christmas.

“And add that you won’t be back until late Friday night and that you really would like to give them their presents … that you bought them with the money that you earned playing at the Four Corners Amusement Park. Will that work you for, Phillip?” finished a smiling ‘dad’ Ken.

Phillip smiled at his ‘dad’ for the answer he gave him and then hugged him. The boy then ran off to call his mom and grandmother.

As the young Cover ran off, Mr. Ken’s cell phone rang. When he looked at the Caller ID, he saw that it was Kate calling.

“Yes, Kate?” was how Ken answered the call.

… … …

“OK, so at this time of day with traffic, let me see, you should be here around five o’clock. We’ll see you then. I Love You!” And then Ken Thomas ended his call.

Collin was still with his Big Bro, and he smiled at what he said to his fiancée. Big Bro Ken smiled back and then asked the young man to join him in his Study to talk.

With the Staff Christmas over, and their presents delivered, Darrin figured it was as good a time as any to ask his older ‘brother’ Billy about the accident he and Phillip were in.

“Billy,” began Darrin, “could you tell me … can you tell me about the accident that you and Phillip were in? Please?”

Charles heard what Darrin asked Billy, so he went over to both ‘brothers’ and asked them to follow him up to his room. Once there, Charles went to his computer and then he called up a file. As the file began to play, Darrin was seeing what Charles’ quadcopter caught of the accident scene.

Darrin couldn’t believe what he was seeing. As he watched the video, he had questions, but he didn’t want to ask them. He figured he could ask them after the file was finished. He was surprised that the video was so long.

When that video was over, and before Darrin could ask his questions, Charles started a new file. He told Darrin that the file he was now watching was the dashcam file of the accident. Darrin watched this new video intently, as he knew this would show the accident from the inside of the vehicle.

When Darrin finished watching both videos, Phillip had joined the trio. Billy then asked his ‘brother’ if he had any questions. Darrin said that he thought he did, but after seeing the video of the accident scene and then how it happened from inside the car, he didn’t know what he could ask. Then the teen asked what injuries did he and Phillip have.

Phillip spoke up and told his ‘brother’ that he had a mild concussion and dislocated shoulder and had to spend the night in the hospital. The youngster added that he couldn’t play his guitar very well for about two weeks and that he couldn’t ride his ‘dad’s’ rides at his parks. Billy told Darrin that they checked him for a concussion, since he had one the previous summer, but he was found not to have had one due to the accident.

Darrin told his two ‘brothers’, “Guys, that had to have been a harrowing experience, especially after having a 12-ton front-end loader crush the top of the car down on you.”

“Yea, I guess so, but … but what about you?” offered Phillip. “We at least survived, but you … you were in a house that … that burned to the ground and you … you lost … you lost your entire family. I don’t know how I’d feel if I’d lost my mom in something like that.”

The room got eerily quiet after what the youngest Cover said. Darrin felt a bit exposed, and on display. He figured he needed to say something, so the teen, said, “I was in the hospital for about three days with doctors, clergy and psychologists, like Doctor Doug talking to me what seemed like constantly. They helped me get through the worst part of losing my family.

“And after being sent here, you guys … you, my ‘brothers’, you helped me too. I, again, had a family. I big family where I had ‘brothers’ whom I could talk with, play with, interact with. It helped me. Believe me it helped me get over the loss of my family, especially the loss of my older brother, Dawson, who was more than a brother to me. He was … he was my … my friend. We did loads of things together. You all helped me get through that part of my loss.”

Charles, Billy and Phillip saw the tears form as their teen ‘brother’ stopped talking. They all formed a group hug which is what they did when one of them was hurting from something they remembered.

All of the Covers, Chief and Sarge, too, were all outside the house when Kate, Edith, Rusty and Jessy arrived at The Cove. The travelers were met enthusiastically, with Mr. Ken and Ms. Kate sharing a hug and a kiss there in front of everyone.

The boys quickly took all of the suitcases inside and delivered the women’s belongings to the guest’s bedrooms and Rusty’s to Matthew’s room and Jessy’s to Phillip’s. Then, after the women freshened up, after their long day of travel, Momma Maria announced that dinner would be served in the Dining Room.

For dinner that Thursday evening there would be fifteen seated at the table. And Momma, along with Sophia, made for them something that they never had before. Tonight, they made Margarita Chicken infused with the flavors of garlic and lime along with roasted corn on the cob.

As a second choice that evening, there was Blue-Ribbon Beef Nachos made with a zesty mixture of chili powder and sassy salsa infused into the cooked ground beef and then along with refried beans are generously sprinkled with green onions and tomatoes over tortilla chips.

Steak and chicken fajitas were also on the table, along with fresh guacamole, sour cream, shredded cheese, diced tomatoes and warm tortillas. Of course, those side items could also be used on the other entrees.

As the Covers and their guests sat and ate, the conversation at the table was very subdued, as everyone was enjoying the wonderful Mexican dinners that Momma and Sophia had created for them that evening. Even Rusty and Jessy, the youngest at the table, and usually the fussiest when it came to foods, were enjoying the awesome flavors they were experiencing that night.

When everyone was finished with dinner, the boys quickly helped Momma with clearing the table. Even Rusty and Jessy helped. Then for dessert, the women brought out another new treat that the Covers never had before, Churro Cheesecake Bars.

These delicious churro cheesecake bars were combination of a churro and cheesecake, topped with a cinnamon sugar and. served with Mexican Cajeta, which is a gooey Mexican caramel sauce, or dulce de leche, a thick and creamy caramelized milk. There was also vanilla ice cream and cut-up strawberries for a topping. Everyone at the table were in awe at the flavors they were again experiencing that night.

After dinner the boys, again, helped clear the table and then they got in line and gave both Momma Maria and Sophia big hugs for the wonderful meal they just experienced. Even Mr. Wayne and Mr. Dennis joined the boys at the end of the line and thanked the women with big hugs, as well. The two men then thanked their host for the dinner invite and then they departed The Cove for the night.

Mr. Ken held an evening meeting in the Study with Rusty and Jessy sitting on one of their big ‘brothers’ laps. He wanted Kate and Edith to know the schedule of events for the next few days, so they could plan around them.

“Ladies, tomorrow, I have my business Group Christmas Party that begins at twelve, noon, and I am hoping that Kate will join me. There she will get to meet the people who she will eventually get to know who actually run my many businesses. And I really do need to make an appearance.

“The boys will have their friends over tomorrow, but they are to leave by three, so the boys can relax some and get their showers before getting dressed for the Holiday Party that begins at six. Kate, Edith, boys, this party is mainly for my neighbors and the boys’ friends’ families. The buffet will suffice as your dinner, so eat up, and don’t be afraid to mingle. The party normally lasts until after nine, but goes no later than ten.

“On Saturday, Phillip … he will have his guitar lesson at nine o’clock,” began ‘dad’ Ken, who was interrupted by Jessy.

“Mr. Ken … can I watch?” asked the young boy.

Mr. Ken smiled and told Jessy that he wouldn’t think it would be a problem. But he added that since Mr. Bindy was the instructor that it would be up to him, so he would have to ask him when he arrives. Jessy looked to his mom and asked her if he could do that. Kate told him that she had no problem, as long as Mr. Bindy was OK with him sitting in and watching. Jessy had great big smile on his face after hearing what his mother said.

Mr. Ken continued with the weekends schedule. He told the women that he and Bill needed to visit their bank after breakfast and that the boy’s friends would again visit until three o’clock when the boys needed to rest some before getting cleaned up, dressed and downstairs before six o’clock when the Holiday party began.

“Ladies … Saturday’s Holiday Party … it is one of my biggest parties of the year. The people who will attend this one will be people from the local government, they will be the major contacts in all my businesses, the people who I do business with and my business partners on the lakeside development project.

“Oh, and there is one thing I forgot to tell you. Santa Claus … he will make a visit during both parties. He’ll arrive around eight o’clock and he’ll pass out presents to good little boys and girls, and a few adult boys and girls, too,” finished a smiling Mr. Ken.

Ken Thomas told the women that there was more for Sunday, but he didn’t want to confuse them. He did tell them that Momma, and one of her amigas, would be there every morning to feed them breakfast, but that they were on their own for lunch and dinner.

The whole time Mr. Ken was talking about what was going to happen the next two days, Rusty and Jessy were yawning. So, Kate, saying that they all had a long day, suggested that she get them ready for bed. ‘Dad’ Ken then suggested to his ‘boys’ that they head up to their rooms and relax before going to bed themselves, and he told them that he’ll be up in a little while to say good night.

But Rusty and Jessy complained saying that they wanted to go outside and look at the moving decorations. Bill quickly spoke up and said that he and his ‘brothers’ could take them outside for a few minutes, so they could see them up close because the next two nights there will be loads of people all around. The two boys then simultaneously said, “Please?”

Kate went to get her sons jackets and she also got hers. The older boys went and got theirs and when Ken Thomas saw that his fiancée had her jacket he went and got his and then the whole bunch went outside. They did asked Edith if she wanted to walk with them, but the older woman told them that she could see them alright from the Great Room windows.

The two younger boys rushed right out to the closest animated figure, with Phillip close behind. Ken and Kate walked hand-in-hand and caught up to the group of boys. The two adults talked and Ken thanked his fiancée for being there with him for the Holidays. He then apologized if everything seems or feels rushed, but that was how it has always been with his Holiday parties and then with Christmas and then he and the boys going to visit the parks.

As they walked and followed the boys, the adults could hear Rusty and Jessy talking about the animated figures and how good they looked so close up, as they ran from one to the other. Kate then asked Ken about the Christmas Party tomorrow and how elaborate it would be.

Ken told her that it would be the people from all of the Group’s offices, eating lots of food and drinking way too much and just enjoying themselves. He told her that he needed to make an appearance and thank them for all the hard work that they’ve done. He added that he hoped to spend no more than ninety minutes there talking to the Groups managers and a few other people.

Kate thought to herself about what the day would be like for her and who would watch the boys. But then she knew the boy’s big ‘brothers’ would take care of Rusty and Jessy and they wouldn’t even know she was gone if she hadn’t told them. So, she told her fiancé that she would go with him tomorrow.

After letting her boys look at the animated decorations for about fifteen minutes, Kate called out to the boys that it was time to go in and get ready for bed. Of course, the boys complained, but Billy spoke up and told them that they needed to listen to their mom.

Hearing Billy say what he did put a smile on both adult faces. But Kate was even more pleased at how much her boys looked up to their older ‘brothers’ but, most importantly, that they would listen to them.

All the boys went inside and up to their rooms. Edith was already in hers when everyone went inside, and Kate made sure Rusty and Jessy got into their pajamas and then walked them to where they were staying with either Matthew or Phillip.

‘Dad’ Ken also went upstairs to say good night to the boys, as they got themselves ready for bed. He started in Bill’s room and he thanked the teenager for taking the lead and being the big ‘brother’ that Rusty and Jessy needed. Billy told his foster dad that he really missed not having brothers and sisters and with Rusty and Jessy he feels he is getting that opportunity.

Then the Big Bro said good night to Collin, who was bunking in with Billy during the Holidays, as the guest bedrooms were being used by Kate and Edith. He told the young man, again, that he was happy he was there to spend the Holidays with them. He also apologized for not having as much time for him, as he knew he would like, but he did say that they did have a nice chat earlier and that he hoped they’d get the chance to do that again.

The two hugged as Billy looked on. The teen smiled and then said to himself that he could tell by the way they acted towards one another that there was a special bond between his foster dad and the man’s first foster son, Collin. He added that he could only wish that he could have something like that one day.

Robert and Charles had their dad stop in their rooms and say good night to them. There wasn’t anything special that the man had to say to them, so after a good night hug the teen’s dad was off to Matthew’s room.

When ‘dad’ Ken came to say good night to the newest Cover teen, Matthew, he was also there to say good night to Sarge and Rusty. The man started with Sarge who wanted his usual belly rub and he loved every second of it, and wanted more when Mr. Ken stopped and went over to Rusty.

“Welcome back to The Cove, Rusty,” announced Mr. Ken, as he hugged the boy and tickled him a little bit. “I know you’re going to love all the Holiday parties, and especially when Santa Claus comes Christmas Eve. Sleep well, young man,” finished ‘dad’ Ken.

“Matthew, you take care of both of your roommates, you hear,” teased ‘dad’ Ken, who then hugged the teen and then he ruffled Rusty’s hair before he left.

In Phillip’s room, the boy was showing Jessy some more about playing the guitar. Kate was there watching her son strumming the guitar, as his big ‘brother’ was instructing him. Phillip had Jessy changing chords and the boy was doing it quite easily.

“You are doing very well, there, Jessy,” offered Mr. Ken, as he entered the room.

Jessy smiled at hearing the plaudit and continued playing. Phillip told his little ‘brother’ that they had to start singing along with the chords for them to make sense. Jessy said that he doesn’t know how to sing. The young Cover told the little boy that they did it at Thanksgiving and he’ll show him some more, as he’s teaching him to play the guitar.

Kate looked over at Ken after hearing what Phillip said to Jessy. She just smiled knowing his ‘boys’ were changing her two boys for the better.

“Boys … I think it’s time to go to bed,” announced ‘dad’ Ken.

Jessy voiced his displeasure by saying, “Ohhhh, I was just getting good at it.”

Kate and Ken laughed, but Kate told her son it was time to get some rest, as they had a very long day. Ken hugged the boy, who giggled because the man tickled him some. Then ‘dad’ Ken said good night to both boys and then he hugged Phillip. Then before the man left the room, he reminded Phillip to make sure his roommate drains his dragon.

“Drain my dragon? What’s that?” asked Jessy.

‘Dad’ Ken forgot himself when he said that. But Phillip quickly recovered for his ‘dad’ and he told his roommate that he’ll explain it to him when they go and visit the bathroom before they climb into their beds. The two boys then headed down the hall to Phillip’s bathroom.

‘Dad’ Ken’s last stop was Darrin’s room. Kate stayed outside when her fiancé went inside.

“Chief … you are getting fat,” teased the man. “But soon enough you’ll have your next litter of pups, and you’ll be so happy. And remember … during the Holiday parties … please stay away from all those people. I don’t want you hurting those little pups inside of you. OK?”

Chief gave her first master a few doggies kisses and then Ken scratched behind her ears. The man then asked Darrin to make sure he takes good care of his roommate. ‘Dad’ Ken then hugged the teen and said good night to the boy.

Ken walked Kate to her bedroom and the two shared a loving embrace and a kiss. They talked some more and then they hugged some more and kissed again. Then Kate said that she needed to get some rest and then they kissed once more and Ken Thomas headed to his own retreat.

Ken Thomas retired to his retreat and immediately got ready for bed. After doing so, he sat on the edge of his king-sized bed and thought back through his full day.

He was pleased that Matthew’s hearing worked out the way that it did. He knew that the teen could now relax and not have to worry about ever having to be reunited with his mother.

He was also very happy that his fiancée was there with him and that she would also be there to share the entire Christmas and New Year’s Eve Holidays at The Cove and that she would get to meet most, if not all, of his important business contacts.

Ken Thomas then thought about tomorrow’s schedule, which only included the office Christmas Party and then The Cove’s Holiday Party at six o’clock. In between, he would use the free time to talk with Kate about the rest of the Holidays schedule and about their upcoming marriage.

The owner of The Cove decided that he needed to get some sleep, as he did have a long day, and tomorrow would be full, but not as much. He then turned off the lights in his big bedroom and then got under the covers. Before long everyone, including his guests, were all soundly asleep.

The saga of Three Finger Cove continues. Let Chowhound know you are reading his story: Chowhnd at Gmail dot Com

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