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Chapter 49:
Later that night the three brothers settled in. Taylor had just gotten out of the shower and Zac was watching a program on the Discovery channel.
Tay asked "Where's Ike?"
"Last time I check he was in the kitchen." Zac answered.
Tay entered the kitchen. Ike was sitting at the table looking through a family photo album.
"Hey whatca up to?" Tay questioned. "You know what Tay, almost every page has a picture of Kat in it." Ike replied.
"Is that grandma's picture book?" Tay asked. "Yeah, I found in on top of the fireplace." He replied.
The two sat looking through the pages, recalling each memory revealed in the pictures before them. .
"Remember this one?" Tay said holding up a picture of Zac covered in snow and Kat standing next to him laughing.
"How could I forget. That was the time Zac fell into that snowman we had built for Jessie, Ave and Mackie" Ike smiled.
Entering the room Zac heard his brothers recalling events of snow covered afternoon. "That's not how it happened. If you remember correctly dear Tay, you tripped me and sent me flying into the snowman" Zac recalled.
"Either way it was the funniest thing ever." Tay laughed.
The three sat talking and drinking hot chocolate and reminiscing about the past and their dearest friend. Knowing this was the last Christmas they would have with her.
"I wonder when the hospital was going to let Kat come to the cabin?" Zac asked.
"Well getting her out of the hospital is one thing, getting her up here is another. We flew here with no problems, but Kat has a medical condition." Ike informed them.
"Do you think they can fly her up here in a helicopter?" Tay asked.
"I think that's what Dad and Mr. Martin were working on last time I called the hospital." Ike told them.
Man it's like 2 a.m. already. We have lots to do tomorrow to get this place ready for her." Tay said as he headed off to bed. "See you in the morning." He said as left the room.
The papers were signed for the release of Kat from the hospital. The Martin's had hired a home nurse to attend to Kat's medical needs while at the cabin.
"Are we ready?" Sarah asked looking around the room.
Diana and Jack were anxious to get Kat onto the helicopter. "I think so. Walker is getting the younger children ready for their flight." Diana said.
"Kat honey, we are on our way to the cabin." Jack said as he kissed her forehead.
Smiling at her father Kat squeezed his hand. "Are you ready?" he asked her.
"Yes." Kat mumbled.
Dr. Alexander entered into the room to check in on Kat. "Good morning everyone."
"How are you feeling today Kat." She asked leaning over to hear her response.
"Good, tired, sad." Kat said.
"Why are you sad Kat." The doctor asked.
"Lonely, friends." She replied.
"Kat were here" Sarah reached for her hand.
"No Tay, no Ike, no Zacky" Kat began to cry.
"Oh sweetie the boys are not here because they're at the cabin getting it ready for you." Diana reassured her.
"Kat, you'll be out of here today and you'll be with everyone real soon" Dr. Alexander said.
"I'll go check on the status of Life Flight" Dr. Alexander told the family.
Chapter 50:
Waking up early Taylor headed outside to chop firewood for the family arriving later that day.
Hearing the noise Zac woke up. "Man does he have to do that so early in the morning" he said looking out the window at Taylor.
"Hey now that your awake you can help" Ike said as he walked past Zac's door. "Gee thanks" Zac shot back.
The snow had been falling down throughout the night and the cold would have bothered just about anyone, except for Taylor. His thoughts were focused on Kat this morning.
"I am so not a morning person" Zac said as he passed his brother in the hallway.
"Poor baby, we have a lot to do today." Ike said. "I made somewhat of a list." He said handing a piece of paper to Zac.
Looking over the list Zac named 3 things that he would be more than happy to complete. "Are we all going to pick out the tree?" Zac asked.
"I thought we'd do it later on before dinner, Kat won't be here until early tomorrow morning" Ike replied.
"I'll go see if Tay needs any help." Ike said as he exited the backdoor.
Tay felt better with every swing of the axe. His thoughts were lost in memories of Kat.
Ike stood watching his brother take his anger out on the helpless piece of wood. "Remind me never to get you mad while holding an axe." Ike said hoping to snap his brother out of his blank stare.
"Uh what did you say Ike?" Tay answered as he came out of his trance.
"I just asked why are you beating up on that piece of wood, there Tay." Ike answered.
"Oh, I was just thinking." Tay told him.
"Well Zac's up and I gave him a list of stuff to work on and I have a few things to do. Once we get these chores done do you want to go into town and get the tree?" Ike asked.
"Of course, I'm not letting you two pick out the Christmas tree." Tay smiled.
"Hey remember that sad looking Charlie Brown tree you guys got 2 years ago?" Ike reminded Tay.
Taylor grabbed his side that began aching after the enormous laughter began. "Oh yeah, I had forgotten about that one." He said between giggles.
Ike joined in on the laughter that his brother was consumed by. "Those were good times."
"All times were good until Kat got sick", Tay sadly replied.
Ike stood motionless, "I know, this is the hardest thing any of us have ever been through."
"I guess like mom said, god heals the pain with time." Tay said picking up the firewood.