Cassandra couldn't believe it. Never in her life would she have imagined giving birth to that many babies. Oh, they were separate—first little Joshua and Michelle came along, then Matthew and Nicholas. What—what would Mary-Sue think? Darren couldn't believe it, either. He thought of Dirk off at college. What—what would he think of having so many brothers—and one lone sister?

Joshua and Michelle had just become children, and that was good—maybe once they became teenagers they could help with Matthew and Nicholas. But he realized that perhaps he was right. What would Dirk think, especially having not been there for anyone's birthday?

Just then, the phone rang. "I'll get it," Cassandra said. "Hello?"

"Hi, Cassandra."

"It's so good to hear from you, Dirk. How's school?"

"Fine—Lilith and I are anxious to graduate and tie the knot. How—how are you two?"

"Your dad and I—we're surviving," Cassandra said. "Joshua and Michelle have just had their birthday."

"I'm sorry I haven't been able to make it," Dirk said, "for either one. I bet they look just like the two of you."

"Actually," Cassandra laughed—she could sense Darren standing nearby, "they say Michelle is the spitting image of me when I was little—I can't know for sure about Joshua, though."

Then Darren took a turn talking to Dirk. "Hi, son."

"Hey, Dad. Sorry I haven't come by lately."

"It's ok," Darren said, "especially since—" He paused at this point—did he want to worry Dirk about Matthew and Nicholas?

Then he realized—perhaps when Dirk and Lilith graduated from college, he and Cassandra could always invite them to move in and be extra help, "—since Cassandra's given birth to two more—your brothers, Matthew and Nicholas."

Dirk couldn't believe it. "Four kids? Dad, are you sure you can handle it? Do—do you need us to move in?"

"We may try hiring a butler," Darren said. "I don't know what we would've done if we hadn't had one for Joshua and Michelle."

"Well, if you need anything," Dirk said, "don't hesitate to give us a call, and we'll be right over."

Then another voice came on the line. "Hello?"

"Hi, Lilith," Darren said.

"I couldn't help overhearing about your brood," Lilith laughed. "Dirk's right—if there's anything we can do, don't hesitate to ask."

"Maybe that would help sometime," Darren admitted.

"Besides," Cassandra, who had found another extension, said, "that'll let you both practice being parents yourselves someday."

"Well, we just wanted you to know we were thinking about you," Dirk said. "Take care—and do let us know when the next birthday is—we really do want to be there."

"And if there's anything we can do to make taking care of them easier," Lilith added. "We wish we could stay and chat, but we've got to get to class. Bye."

"I think I'm going to like having Lilith for a daughter-in-law," Cassandra admitted, as Darren hung up. "She seems—changed—since she went to college."

Darren nodded. "I agree," he said. "Maybe being away from Angela has done her a world of good."

Suddenly, the doorbell rang. "I'll get it," Cassandra said.

Opening the door, she was surprised to see Mortimer! "Hi, Dad," she said, giving him a peck on the cheek. "What brings you here?"

Of course, that attracted Joshua and Michelle. "Grandpa!"

"They're growing up so fast," Mortimer chuckled.

"Actually," Cassandra said, sensing the crying of the new babies, "there are some more grandchildren who'd like to meet you."

"More?" Mortimer raised an eyebrow. "Sweetheart, are you sure you can handle so many?"

"At first, I wasn't sure," Cassandra admitted, "but as you can see, Joshua and Michelle are kids now, so they'll be able to help out some with Matthew and Nicholas when they're older."

"Dirk wondered the same thing," Darren said, as Cassandra went to tend to Matthew and Nicholas.

"Looks like they're being a help already," Mortimer noticed, as he saw Joshua and Michelle at the diaper bag, getting out two sets of bottles and diapers.

A little help from the grownups to determine the real need, and Matthew and Nicholas were once again happy campers.

"Well, if you need anything," Mortimer said, giving everyone one last hug, "you know where I am—and I'd be glad to take everyone off your hands for a while—even Joshua and Michelle."

"You know," Mortimer said, taking Darren aside, "I never did approve of Cassandra's relationship with Don, so while I was sad on the surface to see him run off at the altar, in reality, I was hopeful for you—that you might be the one to heal my little girl's heart—and it seems you have more than done that. I am honored—no, blessed—to have you for a son-in-law." He chuckled again. "I can only hope Alexander has the same luck."

"I must apologize, though," Darren said, laughing, "speaking of luck, for being so ambitious in the baby department. I would've gladly split the difference with Alexander."

"You love your kids, don't you?"

"Well, of course we do," Darren replied. "We wouldn't trade them for the world."

"Well, don't worry about it," Mortimer smiled. "You're going to have some good help with the younger ones in the years to come—toddlerhood always seems to be the hardest stage to get through."

No sooner had Mortimer left than the phone rang. "I'll get it," Cassandra said. "Hello?"

"Hi, Cassie," was the answer on the other end.

"Hi, Alex," Cassandra said, smiling. "How are you?"

"That's what I called to ask you," Alexander said, and Cassandra could almost hear the concern in his voice. "Dad tells me you've got quite a gathering at your place."

Cassandra was obviously embarrassed—Mortimer had just left, and Alexander already knew? "He—he told you?"

"Oh, yeah," Alexander laughed. "I wish I were there to help—I'm just waiting on Mary to graduate."

"Who—who's Mary?" Now it was Cassandra's turn to express concern, as only a sister can.

"You remember Mary, my fiancée, from my graduation party?"

"Oh, that Mary," Cassandra laughed. "So that's why you're waiting."

"You will come to our wedding, won't you?"

"Of course," Cassandra smiled. "I might even talk Darren and the kids into joining us."

"I can't wait to see them," Alexander said. "I'm just sorry I haven't made it for any birthdays."

"You and Dirk must think alike," Cassandra laughed. "That's what he said."

"Well, if you need anything," Alexander said, "just give me a call, and I'll be right over. I might even bring Mary if she'd like to come."

"Does—does she know—" Cassandra started to ask.

"—that she's going to be an aunt?" Alexander finished. "I'll be sure to tell her."