Page 89 of Heart of a Hero

Still squished together in a tight huddle, the kids beamed at their parents. For a moment, the fear, the blood, the chaos—all of it melted away. They wrapped their arms around each other, wide and protective, pulling Mark and Karen into their circle of love and relief.

As Mark stood there, holding Karen and his son, surrounded by the four other children who now felt like his own, his heart swelled. This time, the pounding in his chest wasn’t from fear but from an overwhelming sense of love and gratitude.

He looked at Karen, his gaze tender and full of emotion. The woman he loved… his son… and the family they had somehow created together. The storm might not be over, but they had weathered it at this moment. And that was enough.

37

Mark walked up the stairs in his house, and the sounds of laughter and chattering finally gave way to quiet. The first room he stopped in was the large room belonging to Benji… and now Marty. At first, he’d worried about his son giving up his individual space—after all, Benji had been an only child for ten years. But with Benji’s typical kindness inherited from his mother, he immediately welcomed Marty into his heart as a brother and roommate.

The room was large enough that two twin beds and nightstands fit in the back corners with plenty of space for two desks with chairs, two chests of drawers, and a wide closet that was easily shared. Marty had been overwhelmed and grateful, still trying to make himself small enough that no one would want to “toss him back.” It didn’t matter how often he and Karen assured the now ten-year-old that he was there to stay, but they were slowly chipping away at the little boy’s insecurities.

Marty and Zannie continued to live in Karen’s house during the arrest, trials, and incarceration of their mom and Alan. Miles had also been arrested, but the kids had never met him, so the only ones who struggled with his involvement were Karen and her coworkers. During the investigation, it came out thatMiles, constantly needing more money to support the lifestyle he thought he should have, had been easily persuaded by his cousin. Alan was a longtime criminal, always looking for the next hit. Miles had felt safe since he only provided the information but quickly learned that he was equally culpable in the eyes of the law.

After serving only a few months, Carla was released and ordered substance abuse counseling before she was allowed supervised visits with the children. But after a few missed visits and falling off the wagon when she met a new boyfriend who was just as much trouble as Alan, the courts took away her rights.

Mark scrubbed his hand over his face. Actually, Carla had signed away her rights, and the judge accepted. Karen petitioned the county for continued, long-term foster care of both children, and it had been easily approved. That was while she and he continued to date.

Some people would have considered their tale to end in woe… newly together, three natural children between them, two foster children added into the mix, a live-in grandfather, two homes, and very little privacy. But just like Sue had been the first wife of his heart and Jeffrey had been Karen’s first loving husband, they knew the human heart had the capacity to be as open and loving as possible. As Karen liked to say, “There is no limit on the love we have to give or receive.”

Mark and Karen had both lived through unbearable grief, losing the person they thought would be their forever. They knew what was important. And when they found that forever person again, they didn’t waste time.

They married four months ago. The weather was warm, and the bay was a breathtaking backdrop. Then they adopted Marty and Zannie.

Karen sold her house, and they all moved into Mark’s.

His dad still lived in the in-law suite on the first floor that was off from the back family room. Richard relished his grandpa duties to their extended family. He was often found helping any one of them with homework, picking them up from school or activities, or just sneaking them snacks before dinner. Marty and Zannie had never had that in their lives, and they quickly adapted to having one more person to show them love.

The huge bonus room over the double garage had been turned into the owner’s suite when big closets and a large bathroom had been added. Karen had helped design the space, laughing when she placed few clothes into the closet.“I wear scrubs to work, Mark, not designer clothes!”But he never wanted her to scrimp on anything, so it didn’t matter that much of the closet was used as storage.

That left four bedrooms for the kids. The former owner’s suite went to now fifteen-year-old Laura. He’d insisted, knowing she needed her privacy during her last years at home before college. The two smaller bedrooms held Olivia and Zannie, with a bathroom between their rooms that they shared. They could run back and forth between their rooms easily but also had doors to close when needed. The other large bedroom was occupied by Benji and Marty, with the hall bathroom for their use.

Now, looking into the boys’ bedroom, he spied both in their beds with the lamps on next to them. Both boys appeared so similar, it would be hard for someone to think they weren’t brothers. Each lay back against their pillows with their books in their hands. Neither talked as they were both absorbed in the stories.

He walked to Benji, kissed the top of his head, and welcomed the hug he received. Feeling those days might be numbered, he was glad his now middle schooler was still affectionate. “Good night, Son. Sleep tight.” Benji looked up and smiled, and just like the first time Mark held his son in his arms, he was filled withlove. Benji’s attention moved back to his book as Mark walked over to Marty.

In a similar manner, he bent and kissed the top of Marty’s head. “Good night, Son. Sleep tight.” And just like every night, Marty stared up at Mark as though he was the hero in his story. Mark held no illusions… he wasn’t a larger-than-life hero.

He was just a man who had been blessed. First, having been raised in a loving home. Second, being part of a loving family with Sue and Benji. And now, in a loving blended family with the woman who meant the world to him and all the children of his heart.

As he walked out of the room, he passed Karen as she walked in. They smiled, and their hands connected, fingers trailing until the last second of separation as she approached Benji’s bed. He couldn’t hear what she was saying, but from the look of adoration on his son's face, he knew it was special. She did the same with Marty, holding him tightly as she whispered her good nights. And just like with Benji, the expression on Marty’s face as he stared at Karen gave evidence that she was truly his hero.

They made their way together into Zannie’s room, where Olivia also sat as they read together. As he gave hugs and said his good nights, Karen looked down at the book of fairy tales they were reading.

“A good story?” Karen asked.

“Oh, I love it so much!” Zannie gushed, her eyes bright.

“Mom, you know everyone deserves a happily ever after,” Olivia said with a smile.

Karen chuckled and kissed both girls, also bending to whisper her special good nights in each one’s ear.

Now, Mark wrapped his arm around Karen’s shoulder as they knocked on the doorframe and entered when Laura beckoned them in. His beautiful stepdaughter was a miniature version of Karen, and at fifteen, he was already having to dealwith her planning on dating in another year. And while the thought made him nervous, Laura had always had a good head on her shoulders as well as a kind heart. He just knew that he always wanted to make sure to protect that heart in case some teenage boy didn’t appreciate what he had.

Running cross country had brought him closer to the girls, and whenever they raced, they could always count on Karen and Richard being at the finish line, cheering them on. He grinned at the thought of how Zannie and Marty now ran with the AL teams, giving him something special to share with each of the kids.

And now, with all the good nights said, he and Karen walked back downstairs. He poured their wine, and they moved into the family room, curling up together on the sofa. His dad had already gone back to his suite.

Karen tucked against his side, and they sipped their wine, talking about their day, the activity the kids had coming up, and brainstorming ideas for where they would take everyone on vacation.

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