Out of the Ashes-12

ONE YEAR LATER

John looked at all the gathered friends and family in his backyard. This was his official housewarming, after being blessed, the party started. He watched as children played on the slip and slide, guys tossed footballs around and just people talking and eating around the loaded with food on the deck. After the party died down he had plans to make use of the hot tub. The sun was shining, birds were chirping and cotton candy white clouds filled the blue sky.

Everyone he invited came, all the crews from his and Roy's station and their respective wives/girlfriends, the old gang from 51 along with their respective wives/girlfriends and kids, Barney Olson and even the McConkiee. He listened to the laughter and watched as everyone was having a good time.

"Hey Johnny." Chet came over, his loud Hawaiian shirt arriving a few minutes before him. "Great party." Chet took a sip of his beer, "and nice cold beer too."

"Glad you're enjoying the party, I'll get the steaks, burgers and hot dogs on in a bit." Johnny informed him.

Chet shook his head.

"Johnny, there's enough food to feed an army and you're going to bar-b-que too? Man you're crazy." Chet laughed.

"Yeah well…." Johnny grinned and shrugged.

"Well I'm going in for seconds, talk to you later." Chet said, turned and headed back to the tables on the deck.

Johnny crossed his arms and still couldn't believe he lived here. His house had doubled in size; he had a larger stable, a large deck and an expansive lawn. The acre property was now complete.

John watched as Roy approached him carrying a long neck.

"Here," Roy said and handed him a beer. "Great party."

"Great friends." Johnny replied back.

"So how does it feel to be mortgage free?" Roy smirked. "Let's see we still have another ten years before we can have a mortgage burning party."

"Well, Barney did that." Johnny grinned. "Man he's a real good lawyer," as he waved to Barney, who was talking to Hank.

"Uh huh, so what exactly did he do?" Roy said and rocked back and forth on his heels.

"I'm not exactly sure, but he worked out a deal with the fire department, the TV station and the insurance company. Man, like I said he is some lawyer and he did for me for free. That's the part I don't get. "Johnny said and scratched his head with his free hand.

"Well just be glad he did." Roy grinned. "So your life is complete now." He stated.

"No Roy it isn't." Johnny said and frowned. "Look I appreciate what I have, but you know I would really like to share this with someone and maybe have a few kids. I mean what am I going to do with all this room, huh?"

"Have more parties?" Roy grinned.

Johnny laughed.

"So guess I should get the grill ready otherwise everyone will be filled up on appetizers." Johnny shrugged as he and Roy walked towards the party.

Johnny found Marco at the grill and cooking.

"Hey man, I'm the host remember?" Johnny smirked.

"Yes amigo I know you are but I remember you're cooking skills. So tell me what does your crew do when it's your time to cook?" Marco asked in all seriousness.

"We order pizza." Hanna said walking up to them.

"Very funny." Johnny said and pressed his hand into his chest. "I happen to be a very good cook. I took lessons and got a few dates out of it."

Roy shook his head.

"What?" Johnny asked confused.

"Anyway let's get this party started!" Johnny proclaimed.

The End