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mall. Putting his hand on Bozz's shoulder. “I need to
make a little detour across the way.” He pointed to
the jewelry, store he wanted to go into. “Go ahead
bro, I think we have it covered.” “Thanks, I will be
right back.”
Dean headed over to the jewelry store. Just as he
stepped inside a notification alarm went off alerting
the employees that someone was in the store. “My
name is, Robert how may I help you?” “Hi Robert, I
am looking for something for my girlfriend I want to
give her tonight.” Robert walked him over to the
counter and showed him some watches. “No Robert,
this isn't what I had in mind. Something a little
more personal.”
Robert looked Dean over and took him to the ring
counter. “How about something like this?” Dean
looked them over he really didn't see anything he
cared for.“Don't you have anything in the vault
room?” “Yes, we do, but those come with a large
price tag on them.” Dean was insistent on going in
there. “Follow me.” The man punched in the code
and the door slowly opened. Both men walked
inside. There was a large table with a light that
hung over it. Robert pulled out several different ring
displays and set them in front of Dean on the table
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in the room. Dean picked up one after another he
didn't like many of them. Finally, he came upon a
ring it was rectangular in shape and had tiny
diamonds surrounding it and on the band itself. “Ah,
nice choice that one is really expensive.” “How
much is this one?” “This one is one million dollars, It
is a flawless, twenty-two karats and is surrounded
with thirty-eight of the most flawless diamonds.”
“Perfect I will take it.” “You realize that it is a million
dollars? Dean reached in his pocket, pulled out his
wallet and threw his credit card on the table that
should cover it. Robert picked up the card Dean
Alexander Brandston. “I am sorry Mr. Brandston I
didn't realize it was you, I will take care of this right
away.” “Oh, Robert can you gift wrap it for me?”
“Right away sir.” They headed out of the vaulted
room. Dean walked over to the counter to get his
paper work on the ring, his credit card and the ring
itself. When the ladies in the store realized who
Dean was, they began to talking and whispering
among themselves, giggling and staring as if he
were a celebrity. “Thank you, Mr. Brandston and
congratulations on your engagement.” Dean
smiled“Thank you, Robert, ladies. Dean picked up
his paperwork and his gift in the bag, smiled at the
ladies as he thought to himself, “So it begins.”
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When Dean got back to the toy store, they had
three carts full of wrapped toys and some over sized
stuffed animals. Bozz saw Dean was heading
towards them. “Are you ready?”“Let's get out of
here.” By the odd look on Dean's face, Bozz knew
someone recognized him.
The missing Brandston heir. They hurried out to the
van fast as they could and loaded it up and headed
back to the manor. Back at the manor Ana was
waiting for them patiently wondering what they
picked up for the kids. Bozz looking over at Dean in
the passenger seat.“You were recognized weren't
you?”
“Soon as I laid the credit card on the table they
began to fall all over themselves.” Bozz laughed.
“It's the price you pay for being this wealthy.” Dean
smiled to himself, it's been a while since he could
really do something like that, is being himself.
CHAPTER~THIRTEEN
Heading for the front door, James said.”They're
back.” Punching in the code the door unlocked.
She walked over to the door and waited with James.
The men pulled out several large bags and some
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huge stuff animals. Ana couldn't believe her eyes.
All the men came walking in the door and rushed to
the Christmas tree and placed the gifts in the bags
around the tree. Dean saw Ana and grabbed her
and kissed her. Pulling her by the hand, he took her
into the bedroom. “Dean, are you alright?” “I have
never been better.” Standing in front of Ana holding
her hand “Normally it wouldn't go this way, but I am
limited on time.” “Dean you're scaring me.”“Yes,
actually I am scaring myself, I have never been
married before either.”“Wait, what?”
Ana was shocked. “You want to marry me?” Dean
a bit confused. “No, wait, that wasn't suppose to
come out like that.” “So, you don't want to marry
me?” Now Ana was really confused. “I do want to
marry you.” Dean a little shaken over all the
confusion. Ana smiled and said “Yes, I will marry
you.” “You will!” Dean scooped Ana up into his arms
and spun her around. Dean stood Ana on the floor
in front of him, he reached in the bag he brought in
and took out the small package containing the ring.
He handed her the box. “Open it!” Ana looked at
Dean“I didn't get you anything.” “You have given
me so much you have no clue.” “Go on, open it.”
Ana unwrapped the package quickly and there was
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a white box with gold trim. Popping the lid open
Ana's mouth flew open. Taking the box from her
hand, he removed the ring out of the slot and “Will
you Ana, I don't know your last name.” “Adkins!”
“Ana Adkins, will you be my wife, my friend ,the one
I adore?” “Yes, I will.”“As I will honor and love you
all the days of our lives, my husband.” Dean slid the
ring down her dainty finger. Dean and Ana went
back into the living room to tell everyone. Dean
blurted out.“She, said, yes!” “Really, seriously?”
Bozz was excited for them both. Zane and
Sebastian also got up to congratulate them. Bozz
headed to the bar, grabbed a couple bottles of
champagne.“Let's do some celebrating” There was
bottle popping going. The kids heard the corks
flying and came to see what all the excitement was.
Dean picked up Peyton. Ana said “Dean and I are
getting married kids what do you say.” Peyton threw
her little arms around his neck Daddy. She didn't
fully understand.“You really mean it?”Joaquin
said.“Dean will officially be your new dad.” Joaquin
threw his arms around Dean and hugged him. Ana
ran and grabbed the baby out of the playpen. They
all stood by the well lit Christmas tree. Everyone
took out their cell phones and started taking
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pictures.“Here is to the Brandston's the next royal
family.” Dean was beaming with pride.
They all clapped. Dean and Ana kissed. Bozz
jumped in, “Sorry to break up this occasion.” “Kids,
would you like to open some gifts?” The kids were
excited. “Yay!” Bozz and Zane handed the gifts to
the children, according to whose gift it was. This
was all exciting for the kids gifts and a new dad this
was the best Christmas ever. The kids began to
open the gifts. Dean held Jake in his lap helping him
open his gifts. Peyton got a tricycle, some dolls with
accessories along with some ballet stuff. Joaquin got
a cool dirt bike, a skateboard and some baseball
gear. “Awesome!” He was thrilled. Jake got a saucer
bouncer that lit up, teething toys and toys that
made sounds. Everyone was happy. Ana was so
overwhelmed that she began to cry. Getting up
before anyone noticed, she headed to the bathroom
that was right down the hall.
Dean watched her as she did. He knew that there
were a lot of changes going on in her life, so he
gave her a moment to herself. Peyton sat on the
floor playing with her dolls. Dean puts Jake in the
bouncer. Bozz looked at Dean and shrugged his
shoulders. “Come on Joaquin let's go test the bike,
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skateboard and all that baseball equipment, out in
the back.” Bozz and they guys took Joaquin out
back, all except Dean who was a little concerned for
Ana. Getting up he headed to the bathroom to
check on her. Knocking at the door. “Ana, are you
alright?” “Fine, I am fine Dean.” “Can I come in?”
Wiping her eyes “Yes, of course you can.” He went
in and held Ana in his arms for a moment, to
comfort her. After a few moments he stood away
from her and looked at her. “Sweetheart,you're not
happy?” “No, Dean I am very happy.” Ana looked a
little different she did beam.“Good babe, I am glad,
all I want is your happiness and to make you happy
as you have made me.” Ana smiled. “Let's wipe that
beautiful face of yours and get back to the
festivities.” “Alright.” Ana dropped the tissue in the
trash can and went out the door. Dean headed out
back to see what the boys were up to.
They were throwing the baseball around with
Joaquin. He was having the time of his life. Bozz
saw Dean walking over to them. “Hey man, you
have yourself a Barry Bond here.” “Well of course I
do, he's my son.” Joaquin had never been prouder.
Bozz walked up to Dean. “How's Ana?” “She's a bit
overwhelmed from everything, she will be fine.” A
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few minutes went by and James came outside.
“Dinner is served.” The men made their way into the
house. They all sat around the table with hunger in
their eyes. There was a beautiful ham prepared at
the center of the table with all the trimmings
around it. Bozz just looked around his table and for
the first time it wasn't empty. “Now that we are all
together at this table, let me take a minute and say
something.” “This is the first Christmas in a long
time that I don't have to spend Christmas alone. I
have old friends and I have new friends. You all are
my family. Thank you for sharing this occasion with
me.” Dean held up his glass, “To friends and family.”
Everyone else repeated. “To friends and family.”
After dinner was over and everyone was full they all
settled around the tree. Bozz brought out a book it
was The Night Before Christmas. He sat in front of
everyone and began to read. Dean and Ana cuddled
with the kids, Jake sat on Ana's lap and Peyton on
Dean's. Joaquin sat next to Dean, Dean had placed
his arm around him. It was silent in the house as
Bozz began to read.
Twas the Night Before Christmas. Bozz looked
around as he was reading, the kids were fast
asleep. He looked over and Zane and Sebastian who
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were snoring. “Well, I guess this is it for story time.”
Dean laughed. “I'm beat and we have an early
morning ahead of us.” Dean and Ana took the kids
to their room and laid them down. Bozz stood up,
stretching, he yawned. Looking over at the guys
sleeping on the couch. “Night guys.” Dean pulled
Ana straight into his arms. He wanted to hold her
the rest of the night. All was silent in the house you
could hear a pin drop.
Deans alarm went off, morning came all too quick.
Ana was still in his arms. He leaned over and gave
her a kiss, she opened her eyes. “Today is the day
that I will set out to rescue my mother and bring
her home.” Ana smiled. “I am so happy for you
Dean I can't wait to meet her.” The smell of coffee
filled the air. Jumping out of bed Dean got dressed,
Ana got up with him. They headed out of the
bedroom and into the kitchen for some coffee.
“Morning.” Bozz was already up drinking coffee and
reading the newspaper. Dean poured himself and
Ana a cup of coffee. “Anything good in there?”
“Hardly, wars, Chem-trails, starvation, disease,
disaster, cops out of control, race riots. It's like a
synopsis for a bad movie gone wrong.” Bozz shook
his head and put the newspaper in the trash. “On a
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lighter note, how are you to love birds this
morning?” “We are doing great thank you.” Dean
took a sip of his coffee. Bozz looked over at Ana.
“Remember, while we are gone James is the go to
man. You cannot leave the house until we return. It
is for you and the kid's safety.” “Bozz, we will be
fine. Thank you again for letting us stay here in this
beautiful manor.” Bozz smiled sheepishly, a little
embarrassed. “You are very welcome here. Dean
has been like a brother to me.” With that Bozz got
up and went into the living room, he needed to
wake Zane up and Sebastian, so, that they could
get going soon. The adults were awake in the
kitchen as they kids still slept. They had coffee and
a bite to eat. Bozz stood up. “It's time to go guys.”
They all agreed.
Dean held Ana tight, his eyes were closed. He
leaned down and kissed her. “It's time for us to go.
Don't worry, we will return soon.” “I love you.” Said
Ana. “I love you my soon to be wife.” Ana smiled.
As they headed out of the door Dean turned to Ana.
“Kiss the kids for me tell and them I love them.” Out
to the plane they headed. There was a black van
waiting to take them to the private airport. The men
loaded up. They arrived after a brief ride. There it
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was the Bozzwell airport. The men unloaded out of
the van and loaded in the small plane. The plane
had been checked out they were good to take off.
Zane and Sebastian sat behind Bozz and Dean. A
voice came from over the radio. “You are clear for
take off.” “Copy that, fired up and taking off.” The
plane headed down the runway picking up speed as
it did the nose lifted up. “We have lift off.” It was
heading up in the air. Bozz brought up the map so
that he could keep track of their location “See that
red blip? That's us.” He was showing Dean the map
of their route and their location. This flight showing
the men the information “It's about a thirty-eight
hour flight with two stops,so make yourselves
comfy gentlemen.” Zane asked Bozz. “What's the
inflight movie?” Bozz pointed to a cabin overhead
“See that little door, open it up and there are DVD's
in there, pick out one or several.” Zane picked out
several movies and laid them near the DVD player.
After several hours of travel, Zane and Sebastian
were asleep Dean stayed awake to keep Bozz
company. The snow began to come down heavier on
the windshield making it hard to see. It was coming
down fast. Bozz tried everything, nothing worked.
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“Dean I am going to have to land this plane, I can't
see much.” “There.” Dean pointed there is a small
island can you land it there?” “We have no choice.”
Bozz shouted at Zane and Sebastian “Buckle up we
are going down for an emergency landing!” A little
dazed the men put on their belts. The plane went
down to settle on the island. Back at Brandston
Dahl Corporation, Alexander Brandston open the
bottom drawer to discover that the journal in the
box was gone. “Dean.”Flash ahead to Insel der
verlorenen Seelen past the heavily guarded facility
a room at the end of the hall, with a cigarette pack
size window on a metal door with a light on. A
woman humming from inside.
Back on the plane the men have landed safely. The
men put on their infrared contact lenses, except
Dean. They saw something moving in the distance.
Whatever or whoever it was saw them. Several
pairs of red, reflecting eyes peered back at the
airplane.
To be continued....
Nate Bozzwell aka Nathan C . Bosley © 2015