Cris' POV

What is Courtney doing here? That little boy is definitely Reed's son. I'm curious as to how old he is. He looks like maybe 2 or 3 years old.

Too bad Reed is not here to watch his son grow up. What was done had to be done to protect my family.

Courtney saw Kamea and she did her best to avoid her. Kamea went back to dancing with the family. I don't feel bad for Courtney, but I do feel bad for their child. His father is dead, and I have no clue what Courtney does for a living. The little boy looks well dressed, so she must be living right.

Kekoa and Isabella were both asleep in one of the upstairs bedrooms. Día and Rocco were running around in the yard with their cousins.

I sat on the patio watching them run around. Kamea must need a break because I see her walking over.

"I need to sit for a minute." First, she grabbed a bottle of water, then sat down next to me.

We saw Avery, Marylyn, and Laurence walking our way. Kamea was not happy. And, neither was I.

She stopped right in front of Kamea. "Avery, what do you have to say to Kamea?" Marylyn had to force her to speak.

"I crossed the line with my comments earlier and I am sorry. It is not up to me to decide who should be their stepmother. It is up to Cris. "

Kam's POV

"Now that I am baby-free, Marylyn and Laurence please forgive me for what I am about to do."

My hand went right across her face. It was so loud the whole state of California probably heard it. I heard Aunt Jackie say, "Thank you because I sure did want to do that."

"Listen to me loud and clear, I know I could never take Alicia's place as their mother. I have so much respect for her. Cris and I tell the kids about their mom every day. And, they know I am not their real mother. But you know what? Día and Rocco love me, and they call me their mother. Those sweet little kids have given me their hearts and I have given them mine. I did not make them or force them. They called me mom on their own. Now, as for your little crush on Cris, that is all it is going to be. Cris is mine and will always be mine. Even if I should die, Cris will be mine. Do you get the hint? Cris Fiore is mine! People just need to respect others' choices when it comes to relationships. I was hoping we could be friends, but that will be up to you. Now, excuse me so I can feed my kids because I can hear them crying."

I excused myself and went into the house to get Isabella and Kekoa. Cris followed me because I heard his footsteps. He picked up Kekoa and I picked up Isabella. Then, we went downstairs to get two bottles from the refrigerator.

After we grabbed the bottles, we walked back outside to the patio.

Día and Rocco were having a ball playing with their cousins. Marylyn came to join us on the patio couch. "Kamea honey, you don't have to apologize. You had every right to smack that child of mine. Maybe she will learn how to think before she speaks from now on. I was not offended at all. Cris, you have a good woman here. Don't ever let her get away. And, Kamea, don't ever let anyone talk down to you. I just love your twins. They are too cute. Come to grandma Marylyn."

Isabella sure did. My babies surprise me more and more every day. "Thank you, Marylyn." Her words put a smile on my face because I thought she would have been mad at me. A huge sigh of relief came over me.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Courtney coming over with her son. I got something for her too if she tries anything.

"Hi, Courtney. Let me introduce you to Kamea and Cris."

Cris started coughing.

"Marylyn, I am just going to come out and say it. Courtney and I had been best friends for years until I found out 2 years ago she cheated with my ex-boyfriend, Reed. We no longer speak to each other. They threw their relationship in my face every chance they got. And, at a night club, early last year when I first met Cris, both Courtney and my ex threw in my face that they were engaged to get married. I have no idea what purpose that served of telling me that. But, that night turned out to be one of the best nights of my life. I met my husband and love of my life, Cris."

She gave Courtney a look of displeasure. "Did you really do that, Courtney?! Your mother raised you better than that."

"Yes, Aunt Marylyn. I have regretted it because I lost a best friend."

Cris and I looked at each other and said in unison, "Aunt Marylyn?!"

"Courtney's mom, Lauren is my sister. She was supposed to come by the house today."

Courtney's mom was really sweet. I hope she does come. I haven't seen her in a while, since those two were caught cheating on me.

"I seriously doubt you regretted it and save your lame apology because I don't want to hear it. Let me guess, that adorable little boy you are holding is your son with Reed and he is two years old. And, I must be correct because you have a look of shock on your face."

I felt like I was on a roll today. First Avery, now Courtney. I'm ready for them. Bring it on.

"Yes, he is Reed's son. His name is Devin." She mumbled what age he was. "He is three years old."

"What did you just say?!"

She sighed and said, "He is three years old."

"I thought that was what you said. Marylyn or Aunt Jackie, can you hold Devin please?"

I heard Cris say, "Uh-oh." Uh-oh is right.

I stood up, cracked my neck, and walked over to Courtney. I didn't care who hears or is watching what I am about to do and say.

"I thought I would NEVER see you again, And trust me, I was content. but, now that you are here, I have wanted to do this since that night at the club."

I sure did punch her right in her mouth. "Ten darn years of friendship down the drain because of a guy. I do not pity you or Reed, but I do pity Devin because he has two, horrible parents. And, where is Reed at?"

Cris started coughing again. I knew where he was - his ashes or whatever was left is scattered across California. But, Courtney will never know that. Reed was warned about messing with our family. He didn't listen and paid a hefty price.

"While we are in California, stay away from me, and my family! Self-conscious Kamea flew out the window when Cris came into my life. Welcome to Kick Your _______ Kamea. Don't test me, Courtney. I could make your life a nightmare."

I really could. All I would need to do is snap my fingers and Cris would make her disappear, just like that.

I did a yoga pose to calm myself down. "Woo, now that I got that off my chest, I am hungry again. Would anyone like anything while I am up?"

I saw Cris smirking. What he wants will have to wait until later. I blew him a kiss to tell him, "Wait until we get home."

Nobody answered and I am guessing they are in shock. So, I went to get some food because I am going to need some energy for 'Hurricane Cristiano.'

*****************

An hour later, we noticed all four kids were getting sleepy. Cris and I looked at each other and said, "YES!"

"Marylyn and Laurence, we are going to say good night. Thank you both so much for your hospitality today. We will be in California for about a week. We can bring the twins over to spend some more time with the family."

"We would love that, Kamea. You have a very beautiful heart. You remind me of myself when I was about your age - full of life and protective of your family. Avery, Courtney, and I are going to have a very long chat. I would like to keep in touch with you, not just as the twins' grandma, but as a friend."

"I would like that a lot." I hugged Marylyn like I would hug my mom. I also gave her my phone number and she gave me hers. "Thank you."

"You're welcome, honey. You all get home safe."

We buckled the kids' in their seats, then made our way home.

************************

Cris looked down at me while going to work on my body. "I win this wrestling match tonight, doll face."

I tried to gain the upper hand. With a boost of energy, I now had him pinned to the bed while enjoying the view and ride from the top. "Not tonight, stallion. 'Hurricane Kamea' is dominating this round. Don't tire out now stud. Kamea is just getting started." I did my arch and dance and good night, it has been a while since a session like this.

"Woman, you are wearing me out."

"Well, thank Avery and Courtney for this aggression. Now, less talking and more riding."

30 minutes, later, "WAAH!!"

Cris' POV

Thank you, Isabella, because your mommy was wearing me out. After putting some clothes on and thoroughly washing my hands, I went to get Isabella.

"Come to daddy, baby girl."

I picked her up and bounced her in my arms. The twins' are starting to get teeth and that is probably what is bothering her. So, we brought some baby Orajel for the baby twins.

I sat Isabella on our bed, then I went to thoroughly wash my hands, especially after what Kamea and I just finished doing. Once my hands were thoroughly washed again, I grabbed the tube of Orajel and put a little on two of my fingers. Then, I spread the gel on her gums.

She must have felt instant relief because she stopped crying. She crawled on the bed over to Kamea. Then, she fell asleep on top of Kamea. I thoroughly washed my hands again.

"You know that was savage what you did at the cookout. But, they both deserved it. I never knew that Avery had a crush on me. I always thought of Avery as a younger sister."

"I'm just tired of being the brunt of someone's wrath. That is why I smacked both Avery and Courtney. I am already dealing with enough on this trip with visiting my mom's gravesite. The sooner we go, the sooner it can be over."

"How about we go around noon, so we can get the kids dressed and fed?"

"Okay. That sounds like a plan."

"Looks like a certain little girl fell asleep. I'll take her back to her crib." After getting up off the bed, I walked over to Kamea's side, picked up Isabella, and carried her back to her room.

By the time I walked back to our room, 'Hurricane Kamea' had fallen asleep. I caught a break. I turned off the bedroom light, laid down on the bed, scooted closer to Kamea so we could cuddle, then fell asleep.

*****************

Monday, August 5th, 2019

Kam's POV

Boy, trying to give Isabella a bath is a chore and a half. This little girl is splashing water and bubbles in my face. And, she seems to think it is funny.

"Okay Bella, time to get you out of the water. Splash mommy time is over." I grabbed the towel that was beside the kiddie tub, wrapped it around my baby girl and we exited the bathroom to get dressed.

I bought similar outfits for Día and Bella so we can match and be the Fiore Triplets.

"Mommy, can I help with Isabella?"

"Yes, you can princess. Pass mommy Bella's dress."

"Mommy." My baby girl said her first word!

"Princess, Isabella said her first word! Go run and tell daddy."

"Okay, mommy." Día took off to find Cris. A few minutes later, I heard running up the stairs, so she must have found Cris.

"Is it true?" Cris said with the biggest grin on his face.

Isabella was clapping her hands and this time she said it for her daddy to hear. "Mommy." Cris picked her up and swung her around. "Good girl." Well, at least we had something to cheer about today.

"I'm going to get a shower then, get dressed."

"Okay. I'll take the girls to get something to eat."

***************

After I showered and got dressed, I went downstairs to join the family. Cris gave me my shot. "Ouch!" He snickered as usual.

"Not funny," I told him while I fixed a plate of breakfast.

Twenty minutes later, I was finished eating.

"Ready to go, love?" Cris lovingly asks me.

"No, not really. But, I need to do this." I got up and placed my dishes in the sink. Then, I grabbed my purse and Isabella. Cris grabbed Kekoa, and we left the house for the gravesite.

******************

We stopped by a flower shop to buy a bouquet of flowers for everyone before we went to the gravesite. We even got one for Isabella and Kekoa. Cris paid for the flowers, then we got back in the truck.

We made it to my mom's gravesite in 20 minutes. "Princess, can you help your daddy with the flowers?"

"Yes, mommy." I grabbed Kekoa and Isabella's strollers out of the trunk, then picked them up out of their car seats. Once they were strapped in their strollers, Cris locked the Escalade and we walked to my mom's space.

"Día and Rocco, would you like to put your bouquet of flowers down first?" Cris gave them their flowers and they placed them down on mom's stone.

"We miss you, grandma." They said in unison as they placed the flowers down. I already started crying. The twins also put down the bouquets for the babies.

Cris took his turn next.

Cris' POV

I placed the bouquet of roses down on Jayde's headstone. "I know you can't hear me, but we miss you so much. We show the babies pictures of their Nonna every chance we get. You may be gone, but you are never forgotten. We all love you very much."

After I finished, I wrapped my arms around Kamea because I know this is hard for her. She placed her bouquet of roses down, then took a deep breath before she spoke.

Kam's POV

"Mom, I miss you so much. Isabela has helped me so much - she was at the hospital, along with Cris when I gave birth to the twins. And, I love her dearly. She is a special lady. Today, my baby girl said her first word and it was 'mommy.' That was special and a very memorable moment. Daddy even named a restaurant in your honor and it is amazing. Like Cris said, 'You may be gone, but never, ever forgotten. Goodbye, mom, and I love you."

"Mommy." Cris and I have smart babies because Isabella said it again. I picked her up and held her tight. "That's right, mini-me, mommy loves you, Día, Rocco, and Kekoa."

As we walked back to Cris' truck, we saw two black SUV'S parked behind us. So, I assumed they were visiting someone else. Boy was I wrong. I could see out the side of my eye Cris balling his right hand into a fist.

Of all days, they come on the same day as us. It was my grandmother, pathetic excuse of an uncle, my favorite aunt, and several cousins. "Cris, if she starts with me, I will not hesitate to put my grandmother in her place. I am done giving my grandmother respect she does not deserve."

My aunt approached us. "Kamea honey, it is good to see you, my Aunt Valerie says while hugging me.

"And, are these the twins? You guys have two sets of twins, right? My memory isn't like it used to be."

"Yes, Aunt Valerie. The older twins are Día and Rocco. And, the babies are Isabella and Kekoa. Cris and I agreed to name him after his uncle."

"That is sweet, honey. And, it is nice to meet you again, Cris."

"It is nice to meet you too."

Then, my grandmother mumbled, "She probably killed her brother too."

Cris was livid!! So were Aunt Valerie and my cousins. "Grandma, Kamea did not have anything to do with Aunt Jayde or Kekoa dying!" My cousin, Patricia said.

"Aunt Valerie, can you hold my daughter, please? Día and Rocco, cover your eyes."

First, it was Avery. Then it was Courtney. Now, it is my grandmother's turn. I prepared myself for what I am about to do. I calmed myself with my calming pose. Cris once again says, "Uh-oh."

After cracking my neck, I slowly walked over to my grandmother. "Repeat that last sentence you just mumbled."

"I said you probably killed Kekoa too. Are you deaf too?"

I looked over at Cris first, then my hand went right across her face, and I did not care.

"One of these days, you are finally going to stop insulting me. Cris brought me to California to honor my mother, not hear you insult me. Have a great day, Mrs. Johnson because you lost the grandma title."

After that, I walked over to my pervert of an uncle. I am done calling him that too. "Have you no shame?! That is your grandmother!" He had the nerve to say.

"No, I don't have any shame. Why should I be ashamed?"

Then, I slugged him in his face. "That is for all the times you tried to sexually touch me and Noeli. Now, you and Mrs. Johnson need to leave me alone. Aunt Valerie, I am sorry but enough is enough. Please have a safe flight back to Maryland."

I grabbed my baby girl and we left them standing there with their mouths wide open. I am done taking insults from anyone. Anybody else wants to test me, then bring it on. I have something for you.

*******************

Cris and I took the kids to their favorite restaurant - Chuck E. Cheese. Even Kekoa and Isabella nibbled on a slice of cheese pizza.

As Cris and the twins were coming back to the table, we saw Courtney and her son, Devin enter. This trip to California has been drama, drama, and more drama. But that drama had nothing on what we just witnessed. Everyone inside Chuck E. Cheese saw it.

Some blue Suburban came to a screeching halt. Then an extremely angry man approached Courtney and Devin. He said to her, "I told you that you can never run away from me!!"

"POW! POW! POW!" He shot Courtney three times at close range. Then he fled the scene. I immediately called for help.

Cris tried to console the twins because they started crying. As a matter of fact, that is what every parent in Chuck E. Cheese did - tried to console their kids.

I ran right over to Courtney because poor Devin was crying and scared. "Courtney, hang in there!! I called for an ambulance!"

"Kam, I don't think I am going to make it. I'm so sorry for all of the bad things that happened between us. You were the only real friend that I had, and I blew it." She started coughing. Oh gosh, please don't let her die! I could not stop crying because this reminded me of watching my mom at my reception.

She then says, "Kam, please take care of Devin for me? I know he will be well taken care of." With that being her last words, Courtney slumped to the ground and closed her eyes.

The paramedics tried their best to revive her. After 15 minutes, they still could not find a pulse. Then, the paramedics looked up and said, "I'm sorry, but your friend has passed away."

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Thank you all for reading chapter 57.

Thank you all for the votes and comments. 😘