Daniel took getting clean seriously this time. He took it day by day and it was not easy. He had almost ended up in jail and had lost his wife and children. He had hit rock bottom and didn’t like the place he ended up.

Daniel lived with his parents and brother, Eric. He got a job as a barista. He was happier there than he had been when working for his father. He was sad about the loss of his marriage. He made the best of visits with his sons.

Kendra had moved on. Gilbert had proposed. She shared the news with the boys.

“What about Daddy?” asked Micheal,”When is he going to live with us?”

“Mom and Dad are divorced,” said Brandon,”Dad’s not coming back.”

“Why not? I don’t want Gilbert to live here. I want Daddy,” cried Micheal crossing his arms.

Brandon and Gilbert got along well. Brandon was eager to have a father figure. They went fishing together, played video games, and watched baseball.

Sometimes, Micheal would be included. Gilbert found Micheal whiny and aggravating. Brandon was older and more mature and easier to be around in Gilbert’s opinion. He began to spend more time with Brandon and less with Micheal.

Kendra and Gilbert married and had a son. Micheal felt even more left out. He began to act out in school and home. Gilbert frequently sent him to his room.

Kendra and Gilbert began having frequent fights about Micheal’s behavior. Kendra was feeling overwhelmed. She didn’t want another marriage to fail. She would call Daniel and June and have them talk to Micheal.

June would come visit to spend time with Micheal. Micheal would cry when she left. He missed his grandma, grandpa, and father.

Things only got worse as Micheal became a teen. He and Gilbert fought often. He stayed out late, skipped school, and talked back.

Micheal was a bad influence on their son. He was young and impressionable and he didn’t want his son around Micheal. Kendra and Gilbert argued over Micheal.

Kendra called Daniel and they agreed to have Micheal stay with him for the time being. Kendra didn’t want to send him away, but he wasn’t happy and neither was Gilbert.

Micheal was conflicted. He was happy to get away from Gilbert and to be with his father and grandparents. He, also, felt rejected. His mother had chosen Gilbert over him and he would have to leave his brothers. Besides, his father probably didn’t even want him.

Daniel spent a lot of time with Micheal at first, but he wasn’t used to caring for children and struggled caring for himself. Micheal wasn’t sure he wanted Micheal around any more than his mother and Gilbert had.

Luckily, his parents stepped in. Micheal’s grandfather took him to ball games, showed him the business, and asked about his school work. June baked him cookies to eat after school. They had big family dinners.

The family dinners included Serena. Serena was Kendall’s girlfriend. She was friendly, cheerful, and handy. She wasn’t much of a cook. June liked her instantly.

Kendall and Serena married and moved down the street. June couldn’t wait for more grandchildren. She didn’t have to wait long. Twins, Willow and Wren, were born. They came over often.