Stolen Identity: Mute Heiress

Evelyn was the first to alight, while Josh, who was still sleeping was snuggled against Jamal.

Abigail's hand was safely tucked in Jamal's other hand and leaned close to Jamal and whispered. "I can't believe they all came here."

Jamal's lips curved into a proud smile. "Of course they did. This is family." He leaned over and kissed Abigail's temple. "Come on, baby. It's time to meet the rest of the family."

Josh stirred in Jamal's hand. He blinked at the sunlight and then yawned, still half-asleep. Jamal kissed the top of his head and whispered, "Wake up, champ, everyone is here to welcome you."

Josh rubbed his eyes and looked around at all the strangers with wide eyes. "They're the people in the pictures," he said in a small voice.

"Yes, baby," Abigail said softly. "They're here to welcome us."

Abigail's heart pounded as they slowly approached the small crowd.

"Dawn! It's so good to see you again in person after all these years," Jamal's mom, Candace, greeted pleasantly.

Abigail's lips parted but she didn't know what to say. Her throat felt too tight. Thankfully she didn't have to say a word as Candace pulled her into a warm hug.

Josh looked at Candace and then at Jamal, "That's grandma," he said, and Jamal smiled and nodded.

"Yes, that's your grandma."

Candace, who had heard that, turned to look at Josh as she pulled away from Abigail, "You got that right, darling," she said as she held out her arms to Josh, and he happily let her take him.

Jamal stood back, smiling as he watched everyone else come forward to welcome Abigail and Josh.

They all took turns embracing Abigail. After Jamal's mom, came his Dad, Matt.

"I'm Matt. Jamal's Dad. Welcome home, Dawn. I look forward to getting to know you better," he said, and she smiled.

"I've always enjoyed your movies. It's nice to meet you in person. And I look forward to getting to know you too," she said as he embraced her briefly before stepping away.

Next came Jamal's uncle, Harry. He spread his arms wide. "Our little fire cracker. After that fire you caused, I know we will get along just fine," he said with a wink, his voice deep and amused, and Abigail found herself giggling as she embraced him.

"Thanks for taking care of it," she murmured.

"I have my hands full already with stopping the rest of you from causing trouble. Do not encourage her," Jade muttered, slapping her husband's arm as he stepped aside.

"You are always so fun at parties, Jade," Sonia said dryly making everyone laugh, including Abigail.

Jade cupped Abigail's face, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "Welcome home, Dawn. You look so much like Tom. I hope you don't share his penchant for trouble."

"That's no way to speak to your aunt, Jade," Candace teased, and Jade shot her a playful scowl.

Abigail smiled at Jade, "Seeing how successful he is, and how he is Jamal's mentor, I hope I do."

Everyone laughed at that, including Jade as she stepped aside.

Jamal didn't need to ask about his grandfather. He knew that the old man was probably waiting for them at home with the rest of the family.

Next on the hugging queue was Tom's younger brother, Bryan, and his wife, Sonia, followed.

"Welcome home, aunt Dawn." His tone was warm and teasing as he hugged her.

Once he stepped away, Sonia grinned as she faced Abigail, "The others have welcomed you home. So, I'm just going to embrace you," she said as she pulled her into a warm hug.

Soon they all gathered around Candace, fussing over Josh, who happily soaked up all the attention they lavished on him.

Lucy's eyes burned as she watched the scene before them. "I'm so happy she's home," she whispered to Tom.

Tom's hand which was around her shoulder patted her softly. "Yeah. Me too."

Tom cleared his throat. "Alright," he said, his voice warm but commanding. "Everyone's had their turn. Let's get them home. They need to get some rest after the long flight."

The family parted, ushering them toward the waiting cars. Abigail walked with Jamal and Josh, to Jamal's car which was waiting, while Lucy, Tom, and grandma Evelyn got into Tom's car which was waiting.

As they all got into their cars, all Abigail could feel was the love that surrounded her. Love she had never known she could have.

"How do you feel?" Jamal asked Abigail, smiling softly at her.

Abigail grinned. "I thought it'd be awkward but it was fine. Really, great."

Jamal chuckled, "Not overwhelming?"

She shook her head. "Nah. It was just perfect."

"I love everyone," Josh chirped in excitedly.

Jamal and Abigail laughed. "They all love you, too," Jamal assured him.

As the car drove through the city, Jamal pointed out buildings and landmarks, telling them about important places they should note.

And when they arrived at the gate of Tom's estate, Jamal smiled. "This is Tom's estate."

"Wow!" Abigail said, as she looked at the sprawling estate.

Abigail thought the warm welcome was over, until the car pulled into Tom's estate a while later, and she saw the others waiting.

Jamal's grandparents, his siblings, Lucy's triplets, as well as Sonia's kids and Jade's kids.

Bella and Brenda were holding a large banner that read, "Welcome home, Dawn." While the others were holding balloons.

"Okay. Now I think it's a little overwhelming," she confessed, making Jamal laugh out loud.

"You're lucky Mari and Emily aren't here at the moment. Mari especially," Jamal said before getting out of the car.

Immediately, his siblings, Presley and Mila, as well as the other kids all ran towards him.

"Jamal!"

"I've missed you, Jamal!"

"I can't believe you didn't tell me what was going on," they were all talking at the same time as they stopped in front of him.

Jamal laughed as he looked at them. "Can you all relax? Why don't we catch up after we have settled in? I missed you all."

"Wow! You look so beautiful," Branden said, looking at Abigail as she stepped out of the car.

"Hello, Branden," Abigail greeted with a sweet smile.

"You know Branden?" Presley, Jamal's kid brother asked, then turned to Jamal, "Why does she know Branden, and she doesn't know me?"

"I know you, Presley," Abigail said, and his face lit up.

"You look really pretty," Mila, Jamal's younger sister said, as she looked at Abigail with admiration.

"Thanks, Mila. You look pretty, too," Abigail said.

While they were talking, Josh looked at all the grown up kids, but his gaze was mostly on Brenda and Bella, who were identical twins.

"Alright, kids, give them room to go say hello to grandpa Aaron," Lucy said, clapping her hands to get their attention.

Bella reached into the car and lifted Josh out. "You're a cute little one."

Josh giggled happily as the girls all reached out to touch his cheek and shake his hands as they all approached Jamal's grandparents.

"I finally got to meet Pete the driver," Aaron teased when Jamal embraced him and everyone laughed.

"This is Dawn, my girlfriend…."

"Jamal, I know her. Kindly step aside," Aaron said dryly, and Abigail giggled as Jamal scowled at his grandfather before stepping out of the away.

Aaron's eyes softened as they landed on Abigail. He stepped closer, his cane tapping gently against the ground, and cupped her cheek with one hand. "I know you've been through a lot. I hope you can find the courage and strength to put the unpleasant past behind you. I'm happy he found you and brought you home."

"Thank you," Abigail said softly.

Josh peeked shyly from Brenda's arms, and Jamal's grandmother, Debby, turned her full attention to him. "And this must be our great-grandson." She reached out, and Brenda transferred Josh into her arms.

Josh wrapped his little arms around her neck without hesitation. "You smell like cookies," he said, making everyone laugh warmly.

"That's because I've been busy making cookies for you. I hope you like them."

Jamal's grandparents led them inside, and the rest of the family trooped in behind them.

Jamal slipped his hand around Abigail's waist as they walked behind his grandparents. His voice was low, only for her. "So? Still overwhelming?"

Abigail leaned closer, whispering back, "Yes… but not in a bad way."

Josh turned his head from Debby's shoulder and grinned at his parents. "This is the best family ever!"

Everyone laughed, amused by how outspoken and smart he was.

As they entered the living room, Josh's eyes widened with awe at how beautiful the house looked.

The place looked bigger and far more homely than Ryan's mansion. Portrait pictures of the family decorated the walls.

"Are we going to live here?" Josh asked his mom.

"Yes, darling. For the time being," she added, since she knew Jamal wouldn't let that happen for too long.

"I love it!" He said excitedly.

"I'm glad you do, honey," Lucy said, happily as she took Josh from Debby's arms.

"Come with me, Dawn. I'll show you to your bedroom so you can freshen up, and then you can come down for dinner," Lucy said, taking Abigail and Josh up the grand stairs.