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Bo's Journey Home - Chapter 34   Nigel had been given one job the morning of the wedding. Commissioner Buchanan had asked him to keep his eye on his son Matthew. His instructions had been simple but direct; keep him out of trouble, keep him clean, and make sure he had no junk food; at least until his mother arrived. Now Nigel was frantic. He had lost Matthew. Well, lost might be a strong word; more like misplaced. He had left Matthew in the ballroom and gone into the kitchen for seconds. When he got back, Matthew was nowhere in sight. How could Nigel have lost a child in this house? He knew this house better than anyone. He knew Matthew had to be in the mansion somewhere. But for Nigel to go room to room looking for the boy would take more time than Nigel had. How was he going to find one small boy, without his father, his grandfather, and everyone else on staff knowing that he had lost him.   Nigel took a deep breath. He had to calm himself. He would find the boy. As he passed the front door, the Buchanan children were just arriving. Kevin was there with his new wife Blair. Joey had Marcie attached to his arm. Jessica was courting Ron Walsh, Marcie’s brother, while Natalie was with her date Paul Cramer. They were all dressed in blue jeans, white shirts and cowboy’s hats. This was going to be a Texan wedding. They greeted Nigel warmly.   “Happy Thanksgiving, Nigel,” Jessica smiled, holding Ron’s arm loosely. “Are my father and mother here yet?”   Nigel nodded nervously, looking past them, hoping to catch a glimpse of Matthew in the hallway beyond them. “Happy Thanksgiving,” he returned to all of them. And yes, Miss Jessica. I believe they are in the ballroom. You know the way. I’m in a bit of a hurry, if you don’t mind.”   Natalie looked at him a bit concerned. “Nigel. Is everything all right? You look a bit flustered.”   Nigel was still moving his head from side to side, not making eye contact with her. “Flustered, you say? No, just very busy. Please, excuse me.” Nigel left them quickly and they moved into the ballroom.   Meanwhile, the youngest heir to the Buchanan Empire sat huddled in his out of the way place. If he had to keep clean and stay out of the way of the house staff at the same time, he couldn’t think of a better place to do it. When Nigel had not come back from the kitchen, Matthew had gone to see the dogs in the kennel. His favorite one was just begging to be let out so Matthew had unlatched the gate. But before he could get a leash on the dog’s collar, the dog had pushed past Matthew and sprinted across the yard towards the house.   Matthew had chased the dog across the lawn and through the open Florida room doors, into the ballroom and down the long hall that had led to the kitchen. And then disaster stuck. The dog he was chasing had knocked over one of the maids carrying silverware and linen into the ballroom. Dog, maid and flatware flew everywhere. The clatter of noise had brought everyone out of the kitchen. By the time everything had been sorted, the cook was holding the dog by the collar and the kitchen staff was retrieving all of the flatware to be taken into the kitchen to be rewashed. The staff member he had crashed into had scolded him and told him the dog was to go out to the kennel and he was to go sit in the library and stay out of the way until the wedding started. A lot of fun that was. Instead, Matthew took the dog from the cook and went off to hide.   As he sat in his hiding place, he thought back to the beginning of the summer. He had been lost and lonely, Sam’s death leaving him feeling empty inside his heart. Then suddenly, in the middle of all that, that emptiness had been filled by Bo. And just as quickly, the emptiness had returned with the knowledge that Bo was his real father. He didn’t like remembering all of it, all the hurt and acheness that had weighted down his heart at first. But the weight had been lifted by the love of a man who Matthew had only known for a few months but he had been connected to since birth.   In the end, Bo had won his heart and had given him the greatest gift of all when he had managed to convince his mother that they should all live together, like a real family. But something was missing. He knew his mother loved Bo. He knew Bo loved his mother. And he knew they both loved him. But something didn’t feel right. Matthew just couldn’t put his finger on it. Every time there was a Buchanan family gathering, Matthew felt uneasy, uncomfortable. Like today. Matthew felt more in the way than he had felt a part of the day. And the dog incident certainly hadn’t won him any points with the house staff. Matthew heaved a heavy sigh. With the way everyone reacted, you would think he had let the dog in on purpose. Well, he would stay right where he was until it was time to eat. It’s not like anyone in the Buchanan family would miss him. They barely knew him. He heaved a heavy sigh. Today he felt as lost and lonely as he did at the beginning of the summer. He wished he was home.   From his hiding place, he could hear different members of the house staff moving about and exchanging instructions to one another. Matthew stayed quietly where he was. He was out of the way. He pulled off his clip-on neck tie and shoved it into his suit jacket pocket, unbuttoning the collar of his shirt. He just wished it was time to eat; he was starving. The smell of food had begun to move throughout the mansion making his stomach growl. He pulled out the cookie he had hidden in his suit jacket pocket for emergencies, breaking off a piece and giving some to his four legged partner in crime sitting next to him. Matthew munched on the cookie, listening to the new voices that had broken through the sounds of the staff.   “I heard your grandfather was well off but this is overwhelming,” Ron said to Jessica as they entered the ballroom. “I feel a bit out of place.” There was a huge banquet table set up and the older Buchanan children made their way over to it, picking at the finger foods that had been placed there.   Jessica smiled at Ron. “Don’t. It’s just a house with a lot of rooms.”   Marcie raised her eyebrows. “The house Ron and I grew up in could fit in this ballroom.”   Ron shrugged his shoulders. “From what I’ve read about your grandfather in the papers, he certainly is a shrewd businessman. But I guess he’d have to be,” Ron spread his arms out, “to have all of this.”   Paul heaved a sarcastic snort. “More like mean and ruthless.”   Jessica shook her head slightly. “My grandfather’s reputation is a bit over exaggerated.”   Paul’s voice was still filled with sarcasm and disbelief. “I don’t know about that Jessica.” He glanced over at Kevin as he continued. “Wouldn’t he have to be more than shrewd to get this far in life? Isn’t that how Asa built the Buchanan Empire, by being somewhat mean and ruthless?”   Natalie pulled at Paul’s arm, seeing the look in Kevin’s eye. “Not all Buchanan’s are mean and ruthless to get what they want in life.”   Jessica added to Natalie’s comment. “There’s another side to Asa that many people don’t get to see. He gives a lot of money away to charity and stuff like that and the gossips don’t mention that when they talk about him in the papers. Of course, he wouldn’t talk about it either. Would make him seem human.”   That comment broke the ice a bit and had them all laughing nervously.   Joey shrugged, putting his arm around Marcie and looking over at Paul. “My grandfather is a totally different guy when he’s around family, especially Renee. We Buchanan men just need the love of a good woman, I guess, to balance out that mean and ruthless streak you seem to think we all have.”   Natalie laughed nervously, nodding her agreement. “Take my father for example. He’s very successful and he’s one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet. There’s nothing mean or ruthless about him.”   Marcie added her two cents. “And don’t forget about the Commissioner. He’s one of the most caring people I’ve ever met.”   Joey laughed at her. “Nah. You’re both wrong. I’m telling you, both my father and my Uncle can be just as ornery as Asa. It’s the women in their lives that keep them in line. My grandfather has Renee, my father has my mother and his wife Dallas to keep him in tow and my Uncle has Nora back in his life harnessing him.”   Paul shrugged, popping some food into his mouth. “They’re still Buchanan’s. A bit more polish to them maybe, but they are still Asa’s sons, born from wealth.”   Kevin responded quickly to Paul, his anger showing. “The Buchanan Family is not about the wealth Paul. There is genuine affection and loyalty and a deep love among us that money just can’t buy. It’s about family and tradition, something you know nothing about. And even though Joe has a point about my grandfather and Renee, it’s really us grandchildren that keep him going. Everything he does, he does for us; from my brother Cord, right down to the youngest grandchild; Matthew.” Ron looked confused. “Matthew? I didn’t know Matthew was a Buchanan. I thought his name was Rappaport.”   Paul gave a smug smile. “Rappaport? Why isn’t his name Buchanan? Where does the name Rappaport come from? Or is that a family secret, based on your loyalty and tradition?”   The four Buchanan children made eye contact quickly before Kevin spoke, glaring at Paul. “There’s no secret. He’s Bo son. Just leave it at that.”   Ron apologized quickly for even mentioning Matthew in the first place. “Sorry. I wasn’t trying to make Matthew an issue.”   Jessica glared over at Paul as well, responding to Ron. “I know that, Ron.” She then glanced at her sister. What was Natalie thinking bringing Paul here? She chose to ignore him and smiled quickly at Ron. “It’s a long story, Ron. I’ll tell you about it another time. Just know that Matthew has gone through a lot this past year, not to mention what Bo and Nora have survived. Matthew deserves all of the happiness that Nora and Bo can give him, as his parents and as a family.”   Blair nodded her agreement. “I never thought those two would get past all of the hurt. Its like they’ve come full circle, first finding out that Matthew is Bo’s son, and then finding each other and living back at the barn house.”   Kevin added a sarcastic comment. “And they didn’t have to be mean and ruthless to have it all; their son and each other.”   Paul smiled softly. “I didn’t mean to imply that all of the Buchanans get what they want by being mean and ruthless.”   Natalie held Paul’s arm a little tighter. “Kevin knows that.”   Blair looked over at Kevin, trying to change the subject. “Speaking of your Uncle, what’s going on with Bo and Nora? Anyone know?”   Kevin shrugged, his temper subsiding, glad for the change in subject. “We couldn’t get anything out of Bo last night.”   Natalie nodded. “Same for us with Nora.”   Jessica spoke quietly. “Well, I don’t care if they don’t want to tell us. After everything they’ve been through, they deserve a happy ending. Or beginning, depending on how you look at it.”   Kevin nodded. “Matthew being a Buchanan was a dream come true for Bo. That little boy means the world to him.”   Jessica pulled at Ron’s arm, seeing her parents by the Florida room. “Come on; let me introduce you to my father.”   Natalie pulled at Paul’s arm as well, wanting to get him away from Kevin’s glare. “We’ll go with you.” She looked over at Joey. “Come on Joe, bring Marcie over to meet dad.”   Joey looked at Marcie. “You want to meet my father?” Marcie nodded, giggling. “Of course, silly.”   All but Kevin and Blair headed over to the Florida room. Blair spoke first. “Don’t let Paul Cramer get to you. He’s just trying to goad you because of your past with Kelly. Besides, he doesn’t know Asa or any of the Buchanans that well to make judgments.”   Kevin shook his head. “I know that. I just don’t like him. And I don’t like him making generalizations about Asa. He doesn’t know him or my father or my Uncle. They are some of the best men I know. If I turn out to be half the man my father is, I’ll consider myself lucky. And Matthew will feel the same way about Bo some day; proud to be his son and a third generation Buchanan.”   Blair leaned up and kissed Kevin softly. “And I’m proud I married one.” They moved away from the table, unaware of the small ears taking it all in.   Meanwhile, after Nigel had left the four Buchanans at the front door, he continued his search of the downstairs. He had all ready been informed of the dog incident and was trying desperately to locate Matthew. He tried to appear casual as he went room to room, looking for his young charge. But at each room, he was met with emptiness and silence. “Oh, where was that boy?” Nigel stopped in the long hall, thinking. Matthew was like his father, the commissioner or his grandfather, the business tycoon. Nigel had to try and think like them and then he would probably find the boy.   What was Matthew’s favorite thing to do?” Nigel asked himself. Nigel suddenly panicked. The horses; Matthew loved the horses. Nigel said a quick prayer as he headed quickly to the door that would take him directly to the stables. Please let Matthew NOT be in the stables. Nigel began muttering aloud to himself. “Oh please, oh please, oh please.” Being at the stables would go against one of Commissioner Buchanan’s instructions; keep Matthew clean. Nigel passed the entrance to the ballroom and quickly turned the other direction. Commissioner Buchanan was a few feet from the entrance. Thankfully, his back was to the hallway. Nigel made his escape quickly. He would have to go the long way to the stables; through the kitchen and out the kitchen service entrance.   Bo stood in the doorway of the ballroom, watching the members of his family, assembled in various small groups. It had been a long time since the entire Buchanan family had been together and he was enjoying the familiarity of it all. Clint had flown in from London with his son Cord. They were standing by the Florida room doors, speaking with Viki. The third generation; Kevin, Joey, Jessica and Natalie were huddled in various groups out in the Florida room, each standing with their perspective spouse and/or date. Matthew was in the care of Nigel. Bo had asked Nigel to keep his eye on Matthew so Bo would be free to oversee the preparations for the wedding. Bo smiled to himself as he remembered the look on Nigel’s face when Bo had made his request. He looked down at his watch. He wondered where the two of them where now. Nora and Renee would be here shortly and this wedding would be starting. He left the ballroom to go in search of his son.   As Nigel entered the kitchen, the kitchen staff was on overdrive, preparing all of the food for the day’s festivities. As he passed some of the longtime members of the staff, he whispered to each if they had seen young, Master Matthew. Each response left him more frantic than the previous. No one had seen him since the dog disaster. Nigel headed out the back door; a feeling of dread at what he would find when he got to the stables. If Matthew was in the stables, Nigel knew he would be in trouble for sure. He could just imagine having to clean the boy up, picking hay, dirt and other unthinkables from his hair and clothes. But surprisingly, when Nigel checked the stables, Matthew was no where to be found. However, Nigel’s shoes had found a few unthinkables themselves. He wiped his shoes on the grass and returned quickly to the house in a panic. He had lost the Commissioner’s son.   He removed his shoes in the mudroom of the staff area before going into the house, entering though the kitchen. Again, he spoke to a few members of the staff, each glancing down at his socked feet and crinkling their noses before shaking their head slightly at him. Nigel had to finally admit defeat and headed to the ballroom to inform Commissioner Buchanan he had lost his son. When Nigel entered the ballroom, the Commissioner was not there. The young Buchanan’s were in the Florida room, just off the ballroom. As Nigel turned to leave, Kevin saw him and called out to him. “Nigel. Who are you looking for?”   Nigel bent his head in failure, walking towards them. “Commissioner Buchanan.”   Kevin and Blair met Nigel half way across the room. “What’s the problem?”   Nigel lifted his arms in despair and let them fall back onto his legs. “I’ve seemed to have misplaced, um, Master Matthew.”   Kevin and Blair raised their eyebrows at him. Blair spoke first. “Misplaced him?”   Nigel nodded. “I was given the one responsibility today of keeping an eye on Master Matthew, and I have failed miserably. I got called to the kitchen and only left him alone in the ballroom for a second, but when I got back, he was gone.”   Kevin smiled. “I’m sure he’s in the house somewhere. I’ll round up the crew and we’ll help you look.”   Nigel fretted. “I’ve searched this house top to bottom. He’s nowhere.”   Kevin chuckled. “Yeah, but you have never been a small boy in this house. I have.” Kevin shook Nigel’s shoulder lightly. “We’ll find him.”   Kevin went over to his brother and sisters, whispering the problem and search instructions to each of them. They each in turn moved slowly from the ballroom, on the guise of a tour for their wedding companion. Kevin returned to Nigel and Blair. “Nigel, go and check the upstairs again. Blair and I will check the kennels and stables. Meet us back here in 10 minutes.”   Nigel started to protest but Kevin stopped him. “Just go. And have a little faith. We Buchanans won’t let you down. We’ll find Matthew.” Kevin took Blair’s hand and headed out of the ballroom.   Nigel left the ballroom quickly, heading to the upstairs game room. The room was buzzing from all of the electronics installed but there was no sign of Matthew. He left the game room and walked quickly down the upstairs hall, poking his head into bedrooms, knocking on bathroom doors, quietly calling out Matthew’s name but he was met with emptiness and silence.   The one job he had been given to do, and he had failed miserably. He decided that he would never again complain about keeping Asa in line. He was easy compared to the task he had been given on this day.   When Nigel returned to the ballroom, the other Buchanan children had returned from their own searches, giving Nigel quick shakes of their heads. Kevin and Blair entered the ballroom and were walking over to Nigel when one of the newer members of the staff tapped Nigel’s shoulder, smiled and winked, jerking her head towards the long, dining table, covered with a floor length table cloth. Nigel impulsively grabbed her into a quick hug, before walking to the table, lifting the table cloth, revealing Matthew, sitting cross-legged under the table with Asa’s dog by his side. Kevin had to cover his mouth to keep from laughing.   Nigel heaved a sigh of relief. “Master Matthew, I’ve been looking everywhere for you. What are you doing under that table?”   Matthew shrugged. “I’m just doing what I was told to do; staying out of everyone’s way.”   Nigel beckoned for him to come out from under the table. Matthew crawled out and went to Nigel’s side, the dog scrambling out with him. Nigel took hold of the dog’s collar, waving his hand to the young woman who had led him to Matthew. “Please see that this dog is returned to the kennel, would you?”   The young girl nodded, taking hold of the dog’s collar and leading him away. Nigel took out his lint brush, brushing Matthew’s pants and jacket down. “All we need to do is keep you clean until the wedding.”   The young Buchanans heard the commotion and joined the small group by the dining table all trying to hide their own chuckles.   Kevin shook his head at Matthew, folding his arms across his chest. “This will never do.” Blair started to interrupt, seeing the look of guilt on Matthew’s face but Kevin hushed her with a look.   Joey nodded his head in agreement, folding his arms to stand and match his brother’s stance. “I agree Kevin. This will never do for a Buchanan.”   Matthew still had his head down, Joey’s comment leaving him feeling even more lost and lonely than he had been earlier. Matthew looked up, ready to apologize. But before he had a chance, Joey spoke first, addressing Nigel. “What’s he doing in a suit?” Nigel started to protest but Joey continued. “Matthew can’t be in a suit while they rest of us are in jeans. This is a Texan wedding.” Joey turned to address Matthew, a small smile on his face. “Matthew, my man, you have to have some blue jeans and a white shirt upstairs, doncha?”   Matthew nodded his head, not believing he might not be in trouble after all AND he might be free of his suit. Nigel was still protesting. “The Commissioner will be most displeased if he sees the boy in common blue jeans. This is what I was told to dress him in and to keep him clean.”   Kevin gave a small laugh looking down at Nigel’s shoeless, socked feet. “And you’ve done your job well, Nigel. But now its time for Matthew to join the ranks of the Buchanan men and dress appropriately. We’ll handle our Uncle.”   Nigel tried one more weak protest. “But my job.”   Kevin nodded his head in understanding. “We’ll take things from here, Nigel. You’re off the hook. Go tend to your shoes.”   Kevin reached his hand for Matthew’s hand, looking at Joey. “I’ll take care of this Joe. You stall until we get back. We’ll just be a few minutes.” He looked down at Matthew. “Come on Matthew. Let’s get you changed before grandpa shows up and this wedding starts.” Kevin and Matthew left the ballroom and reached the room where Matthew had been living the past week. Matthew sat down on the bed, pulling off his suit. “Really, Kevin?” Matthew asked. “I’m not in trouble and I can wear blue jeans?”   Kevin nodded, throwing a pair of jeans at Matthew, searching the closet for a white shirt. “Absolutely. You’re not the first Buchanan son to hide under a table with a dog. Us Buchanan men, we got to stick together.” Matthew looked down at the floor. “Even though my name isn’t Buchanan?” Kevin looked over at Matthew alarmed and Matthew spoke quietly. “I heard you all talking before.”   Kevin found a white pull over in the closet and brought it over to Matthew. “You are a Buchanan, Matthew, no matter what your last name says.” Kevin sat on the bed next to Matthew. “You know, my name wasn’t always Buchanan.”   Matthew looked at Kevin with surprise and Kevin nodded, leaning back on the bed next to Matthew. “My real dad died when I was about your age. Clint married my mom and he adopted Joe and me. From that moment on, I was a Buchanan and he was my dad.”   Matthew pulled the white shirt over his head. “So Bo has to adopt me for me to be a real Buchanan?”   Kevin let out a short laugh, helping Matthew was his shirt. “No. He doesn’t have to adopt you. He’s your real father.”   Matthew shrugged, looking away from Kevin. “But I want to be a real Buchanan.” Matthew looked back at Kevin, a pleadingness in his eyes. “Like you and my father and Uncle Clint. Even my mom is a Buchanan.”   Kevin sat upright on the bed, placing his hand on Matthew’s shoulder. “You are a real Buchanan.” Kevin then tapped Matthew’s chest, by his heart. “In there, where it counts.” Matthew turned away from Kevin and Kevin saw Matthew wasn’t buying it. Kevin thought a minute and then spoke out loud. “But you know what? I’m sure between me, you and Grandpa; we can get your name changed to Buchanan. Maybe surprise your dad. How does that sound?”   Matthew’s eyes got big, not quite believing his cousin. “You could do that?”   Kevin got up off the bed, puffing his chest out, nodding. “I’m not the Lieutenant Governor for nothing.”   Matthew smiled gratefully at Kevin. “It would be the best surprise ever.”   Kevin returned his smile. “I’m not making any promises, but let me work on it.” Kevin pointed to the picture of Bo and Nora, sitting on the night stand. “But no matter what happens, just know we all think of you as a Buchanan, especially your dad. You belong to this family. You got that?” Matthew nodded and looked thoughtfully at the picture of Bo, before hopping off the bed and tucking his shirt into his jeans.   “You have a cowboy hat?” Kevin asked. Matthew shook his head a little dejectedly. “No problem. I’ll be right back with one of grandpa’s. We’ll stick some newspapers in it to keep in from falling over your eyes. My dad used to do that for me all of the time. You hurry and finish changing. I’ll meet you at the top of the stairs. And don’t forget your Nikes.”   Matthew pulled his belt from his dress pants, looping it through his jeans but not buckling it. He grabbed his Nikes from off the floor and raced to the door, sliding out into the hall in his socked feet across the hardware floors. He ran to the stairs, sitting down on the top step and pulling on his Nikes. Kevin was there a few seconds later, holding out the cowboy hat. “For starters, let’s see how it looks.” Matthew stood and Kevin set the hat on top of his head. It was a perfect fit, with the newspapers filling most of the space. Kevin smiled. “Now’s there’s a real Buchanan.” Matthew smile grew wide. “It will work,” Kevin said, “as long as you don’t jerk your head around.”   Matthew smiled gratefully. “Thanks Kevin. For everything.”   Kevin returned his smile. “No problem. We Buchanans stick together. Now let’s go. We’re late.” He pointed to Matthew’s waist. “And buckle that belt.”   Matthew quickly buckled the belt and the two started down the stairs. Kevin pulled back on Matthew. “Looks like Renee is there in the foyer. Let’s go down the back stairs. We can join the others in the ballroom that way.” Matthew followed Kevin back up the steps and down the long hallway to the back stairs that would lead them back to the ballroom. Matthew had to trot to keep up with Kevin. When they got there, Bo was there, talking with Joey. “Matthew, son, where have you been? And what happened to your suit?”   Matthew smiled up at his father. “Joey and Kevin said this was a Texan wedding and I had to be dressed a, a,…”   “Appropriately,” Joey finished for him, smiling. He looked at his Uncle. “Come on, Uncle Bo. Lighten up.”   Bo looked alarmingly at Joey. “His mother will kill me.” At that moment, Nora entered the ballroom. She was dressed in a simple red sequined dress, the front dipped low across her chest. Bo’s eyes popped, his mouth dropping open, all but forgetting how Matthew was dressed and focusing on how the woman in front of him was dressed.   Joey noticed Bo’s stare and muttered so only his brother could hear. “Killing Bo is not what Nora has in mind.”   To be Continued...