134 Winona arrives

The next day everyone goes back to work. Crystal goes back to school leaving Remi in the loving hand of Salali,Maureen and HeJin. The days were calm and peaceful while the women took care of things for the house the men began to cut the trees near the tree house. Steve broached the subject that Aisling brought up just after Christmas. Looking at Onacona he asks his opinion.

"Aisling wants to gift you back the thirty acres and build you a house there. That way you have what rightfully yours back. If that is what you wish I can have the land attorney start the process?" Steve understands what Aisling is thinking,  but for most in the family . Onacona is a stranger and he doesn't want her to have anymore drama.

"I am grateful that she wants things to be as they were in the past. For now I want to keep things as they are. I know that people who don't know our connection would think we are just strangers mooching off of her. I don't want that. We love Aisling more than life that is why we chose this life . Neither of us want to be far from her . I know that sounds strange but we have watched over her since the moment she took her first breath. I don't know if things will change when our child is born. I just know that we want to be close by. Instead of transferring the property how about we talk to her about just building a guest house. That way who ever is visiting can use it. " Steve likes that idea since it will be beneficial to everyone.

"You know that HeJin and I have to  go back early next week. I will be deploying for six months. When the twins come HeJin will be the only one to come. What I hate most is missing out on these moments. "

Onacona looks at him with compassion.he knows his heart here is a great man who has loved his country and family to the fullest. Onacona tried to comfort him by letting him know how he sees him.

"You know you are a great man . I have always been proud of you. You have loved your family and country to the fullest of your abilities. You are a great warrior and have been loved by many. I always knew that you would be there for them. I remember going with you to a place far away once. It's the only time I left Aisling she was just a year old. You were in a jungle and under heavy fire. They were trying to isolate your unit to take you out. I remember telling you how to get behind them and take them out first. As soon as that battle was over and you were safe I was back beside Aisling. I was beside John when he was being tormented by the spirits he released when he was dabbling. Keeping them from completely possessing him. I am at peace in my life now because I had such wonderful descendants to carry our line. " when he described the time he was with him Steve remembered hearing a voice and what felt like a hand on his shoulder pushing him.

"I remember the voice telling me which way to go. I was so afraid at that time . I prayed and begged God to send me guidance to get my unit out. He sent you thank you I have had a good life because I made it out. I promised to always do what was right to the best of my ability. " they continue to talk as the clean up the trees the cut. As they head back towards the house. They see a truck pulling in. A short woman with a son about Crystal's age get out. As they get closer Steve sees its Winona. He waves and greets her and Braydon .

"Winona it's good to see you. How was the drive ?I know it's a long one from Texas. " he and Onacona gets their bags while Inola goes to let the others know they have arrived.

"it wasn't too bad, the weather was good. My what a beautiful place."

Winona is overwhelmed by her welcome. All of the ladies hug her as a welcome. Salali tells them to put her in Debra's room. They get her and Braydon settled at the table and begin to set it up for lunch. Winona asks Maureen.

"I know Salali and HeJin  but are you Remi?" They all begin to laugh .

"oh no dear I am Maureen . I am Onacona's wife and we are Aisling's family. Remi is resting right now she should be getting up soon. Salali can you go check on her for me?" Salali leaves to check on Remi. HeJin wants the scoop on what happened with Cody.

"So how is it that the snake lady was here and not you?"  Winona chuckled and started to spill.

"As soon as she heard that Astila requested me to come. She went and bemoaned how hard it would be for a single mom to drive that far. She convinced him to let her come. She didn't even know why she was coming. So imagine my surprise when Salali called and demanded to know why I was not here. I started to get things ready the moment she got off the phone. Well the best part was that when Cody showed up on Tuesday to see the director. She looked worn out and had both eyes blackened. It turned out that a Jonathan from the FBI called and wanted all the information he had on her . He wanted to know exactly how many officers she had blackmailed or implicated in wrong doing. I left the same day so here I am." The ladies began to laugh and told her what happened when she arrived .

Winona meets Remi over lunch noticing that she doesn't speak . Though everyone seems to know exactly what she wants. To Winona the woman it's touching how well they care for her. As the psychiatrist she sees how they have made it easy for her to retreat and not get better. She will need to talk to the family to make changes . Starting with the commander who knew he was such a push over.

when lunch was over Winona went to her room to get her and Braydon settled. Salali showed her the nursery .

"Crystal is in here for now but she can move in with me or we can make room for her with her mom. The twins are not here except during family gatherings. This way Braydon can be close to you. Winona looks at the nursery it's not as small one would think. With some arranging they could actually just put a set of bunk beds in. The children are young enough to still share a room. She will ask Astila who she needs to discuss it with. Salali shows her the balcony at the end of the hall . Winona looks at how large the property is and how beautiful. Wow she thinks it's amazing. Wanting to know more about the family she asks some questions.

"How long has the family lived here?" She asked Salali as they walked back into the house.

"it has been in the family since before the revolutionary war . It belonged to Molls family then it was passed down to Maureen's . After some time they sold it to Aisling's Cherokee family . Then Aisling's great gran married Maureen's ancestors son so it was then back to the Irish family's. It was passed to the Cherokee and Irish descents which was her great gran then to her grandparents then her parents and finally Aisling. " Salali wonders if she got it right because to an outsider it can be confusing.

"who is Moll?" Salali smiles

" She is Aisling's family and my new aunt. Oh you know what is even cooler . Aisling actually shares a mutual ancestor of ours . It's amazing how interwoven our families are. "

Winona is intrigued since she loves tracing ancestry it must be so nice to know so much of your own. They look out and see Aisling pulling in . Salali points to the car driving up and tells Winona.

" Aisling is home from work. Come on you are going to love her. " the two of them head down stairs. By the time they reach the bottom step they hear Crystal telling Braydon about school and how she hopes he stays for awhile. She asked him if he would like to see their room. Racing passed the two grown ups they run upstairs to the nursery.

Aisling comes into the living room. She isn't exactly how Winona was expecting. By the way everyone talked and after seeing Cody's face . She expected someone much bigger.

Reaching out her hand to Winona Aisling introduces herself.

"Hi I'm Aisling Astila's wife welcome to our home . I hope that you find everything ok . If you need anything just let me know." They shake hands and Aisling gets a warm feeling from her. She smiles brightly at the welcome.