A.N.: In order not to be completely confused about how things have come to this point, it is advisable that you read the novel "Attached Meant" and its sequel "De-Tached: Story One and Story Two: Life With Beverly".
Of course, if you'd rather just go with the flow without reading my earlier efforts, that's okay too. The situation isn't that difficult to understand.
Synopsis: Jean-Luc and Beverly are happily married and living in the house that he'd inherited from his Aunt Adele in San Francisco. Picard is the Superintendent of Starfleet Academy now. Beverly is the temporary head of Starfleet Medical, though in a few months, by order of the head of Starfleet - Fleet Admiral Winston Holt Wiley - she's about to become the admiral in charge of Starfleet's new Hospital Fleet. Oh, and Beverly is pregnant. And thanks to an aftereffect of their psychic bond from the KesPrytt incident, Jean-Luc can feel everything that Beverly feels during their pregnancy including morning sickness. Because Beverly sensed that her unborn twins were psychically 'different', she asked Deanna for help. Deanna sent Lwaxana who has now moved in - temporarily - with the Picards. Guinan shows up too, to be a temporary nanny. Both ladies are going to teach Jean-Luc and Beverly how to deal with or communicate with their twins, in utero. Also, Lwaxana is still romancing the head of Starfleet, much to Jean-Luc's dismay. Jean-Luc and Beverly are going to LaBarre to spend Christmas with Marie and Robert.
All of this is set in an alternate universe that takes place immediately after the episode "Attached". Therefore, nothing that happened after "Attached" exists in this a/u. Riker is now captain of the Enterprise. Captain Dr. Kate Pulaski is Riker's CMO. Robert and Rene are alive. Admiral Nechayev is a good guy, Etc.
All the usual disclaimers apply. STAR TREK is Paramount's property. But it is fandom's playground.
This author would greatly appreciate any reviews or comments.
De-Tached: Story 3: Life with Beverly
Chapter One: Joyeaux Noel
Beverly slowly walked about the freshly painted nursery, inspecting everything. So far, she had found nothing about which to complain. The aquamarine walls with the white ceiling and trim, was cheery; fresh-looking. But, it was not too energizing. Beverly remembered what life had been like when Jack had painted Wesley's nursery walls fire engine red. The last thing that Beverly had needed was a another baby bouncing off of red walls. This time around, she hoped that her choice of blue would have a more calming influence. She wanted the nursery to be a peaceful haven - at least when the babies-to-be were placed down for their naps.
She instantly sensed Jean-Luc was standing in the doorway the moment he approached. There were certain advantages to being psychically connected to the father of her children. She was coming to truly appreciate their connection.
"Come," she softly said.
Standing behind her, he wrapped his arms around her waist, and gently rested his left hand on her abdomen.
He felt as well as sensed some sort of almost-silent gurgling. "They're sleeping." He sounded almost surprised by what he was feeling.
"It's your son. He's the one that is snoring."
To pay her back for that comment, Jean-Luc just had to place a kiss behind his bride's earlobe. He was rather pleased as he felt her shudder in his arms.
"Jean-Luc, we have to be in LaBarre in a few hours. Don't start anything we don't have time to finish," Beverly warned.
"If you but give me the chance, mon coeur…," he chuckled. And then he released her, inspecting the room. "I'm pleased with the way that things have turned out, for now with the nursery. Of course, if they don't work out, we can always make changes."
"Yes. I'm glad that we went with Guinan's suggestion of keeping the nursemaid's room on this side of the nursery." Beverly suddenly smiled, pressing her own hand against her stomach. "Jean-Luc, do you realize that with our emotional connection to our babies, we're going to actually know why they are crying? We'll know if they're hungry, or sleepy, or itchy, or whatever."
"We can even encourage them to sleep through the night," Jean-Luc suggested.
She elbowed him. "Eventually," she agreed. And then she lightly kissed him on his cheek. "Come, it's almost time to leave for LaBarre."
"We'd better double check the luggage," he suggested.
"Well, if I've forgotten to pack anything, we can always replicate it."
Jean-Luc raised an incredulous eyebrow. "Beverly, have I failed to mention that my brother is a Luddite? There is no replicator at the Château."
"Jean-Luc, well, we're only going to be gone for thirty-six hours."
"Beverly, I was actually thinking about that. Maybe you should stay in LaBarre and let just me come back for the open house party on Christmas day. Once it is over, then I can transport back to LaBarre so that we can spend a few more days with Marie and my brother."
Beverly abruptly sat down on the edge of the daybed in the nursery. "You'll really would do anything to avoid spending more time with Lwaxana than is absolutely necessary, won't you? Including spending more time with Robert. I'll have to remember your preferences for future reference."
=/\= ='/\'= =/\=
As their shuttlecraft approached Paris, Beverly casually asked, "You haven't told them, yet, about our twins, have you?"
Jean-Luc continued to hold his wife's hands, even as he automatically checked the pilot's approach into French air space. They'd be landing in the Château's paddock in about seven minutes. Glancing about the private shuttlecraft that Starfleet automatically provided for any admiral, he did have to admit that it was a pleasant way to travel.
"Er, no. I have yet to inform Robert or Marie about the babies. I thought that we'd do that tonight."
Beverly eyed the crates that were aft of their lounge chairs. "Don't tell me your gift to Robert is wine?"
He chuckled. "Actually, I've got a case of Risian brandy back there, a case of Klingon blood wine, half-a case of Vulcan ta'liah wine and a full case of Château Chantal eiswein from the Leelenau Peninsula by Grand Traverse Bay."
"You're bringing your brother a case of wine from Michigan? You like to live dangerously, don't you, Jean-Luc."
"He needs to broaden his horizons," Jean-Luc grumped.
Beverly chuckled. "Well, if Robert won't touch it, I can assure you that Marie will. I have noticed that she likes her sweet after-dinner wines."
Jean-Luc smiled. "I have, too."
"Maybe you should have brought some beer. Taking wine to a vintner is a bit of a cliché."
"Beverly, beer would be pushing my brother too far. Besides, he brews his own beer too. There is only so much brotherly criticism that I can stand." Suddenly he leaned forward, looking out the viewport. "We're almost at LaBarre," he announced as Beverly looked out the port as well. The mid-afternoon sun was glinting off the snow. The view below them was almost post-card picture perfect of a French country village and estate.
"It looks like there's a few feet of snow on the ground."
"Snow has been known to happen in December," Jean-Luc observed.
She swatted his arm. "I thought that you checked the weather reports."
"I did. It's cold," he explained.
"Oh, you…" She swatted his arm again. "It's a good thing that I brought my new winter coat."
Jean-Luc laughed. "I am looking forward to seeing it." He paused for a moment. "Will you be well enough to attend midnight mass?"
Beverly chuckled. "I remember one of Jack's old jokes about what time is midnight mass, since so many churches, at least where I was stationed, never actually had the Christmas mass at midnight." She picked up her gloves and put on her hat. "And I'd like to go if I feel up to it." She patted her pocket. "I've brought plenty of anti-nausea hyposprays."
Jean-Luc looked back out the view port. "Just think. A year ago I spent Christmas Eve by myself. Alone, reading Charles Dickens. And now, this year, I have you. And the babies-to-be. And I know that I have been truly blessed."
"Me, too," she whispered as she pressed a kiss against her husband's cheek.
He held Beverly close and kissed her temple as his family home came into view. At this moment, he considered himself to be a very lucky man.
=/\= ='/\'= =/\=
"Calissons…," he whispered, gazing upon the thirteen desserts of Christmas. A long-held Provence tradition, the desserts representing Christ and the twelve apostles, were spread about on a table credence after Christmas Eve dinner and left there to be enjoyed for the next three days. Reaching out, he picked up the frosted lemon candy and held it almost with reverence. "I haven't had one of these since I was a teenager."
"And whose fault is that, Jean-Luc?" Marie teased as she placed a Quimper platter with nougat blanc and nougat noir arranged on it, down upon the lace covered buffet. "You know you were always welcome, especially after I married Robert. I personally invited you every year. You were the one who always seemed to have something more important to do than to share Christmas with your family."
He had the good grace to look embarrassed as he realized that his lack of familial contact with his brother and his family was still a sore point with Marie - and most definitely with Robert.
"For that, I do apologize, Marie. At the time, doing my duty seemed important to me. Now, I wonder about the wisdom of my decisions."
"Having a home now, will do that to you," Robert's acerbic voice boomed across the dining room. "Reconsidering old decisions in the face of making the new traditions is something that you must decide."
Sensing that old arguments might be rearing their ugly heads, Beverly tried a diversionary tactic. She pointed. "What is that? I've never seen anything quite like this dessert before. At least, not on earth that is."
"It's quince cheese," Marie quickly explained. "It's tart but sweet. All it contains is quince and sugar boiled down into a loaf form."
"I love quince. My Nana's garden had a golden quince tree growing in the apple orchard. She used to make a stew of apples and quince, sweetened with brandy and wild honey…"
"That sound delicious…" Marie nodded toward her kitchen. "Come and help me make the tea, and you can tell me more. All I've ever done with quince is make this dessert." Their voices trailed off as they went into the kitchen.
"Care to join me in the salon, Jean-Luc? I'd like your opinion on my latest efforts with the chardonnay…"
As Jean-Luc followed his brother into the grand salon, all he said was, "Chardonnay after dinner? You're standards are slipping, Robert."
"Never, Jean-Luc." Robert stood before a small table and carefully filled five sherry glasses with a pale amber wine. "I thought that we'd try some of the eiswein that you brought. And then you can taste the chardonnay." Robert suddenly turned and glared at the Christmas tree. "Come out, Rene. And taste this wine."
Trying not to chuckle as he watched his nephew appear from behind an armchair that had been placed close to the tree, he watched as Rene handed his father a green ornament."
"I found our pickle," Rene proudly announced. "I get to open a present!"
"Let me see that, uncle" Jean-Luc suddenly asked. Robert handed him the glass ornament. "Mon Dieu, is this our old one? I remember…"
"Believe me, I have heard those stories," a voice from the doorway called out. "Rene, since you are the only child present - this year - you didn't have to go searching for the pickle ornament. I was actually hoping that I could persuade your father and your uncle to hunt for it…"
Standing behind Marie, Beverly laughed. "When I was a child, we went looking for a coin in flaming bundt cake. The person who was lucky enough to find it got first dibs at a present and was granted at least one wish. Or so legend has it." A sad expression suddenly appeared and then quickly disappeared on her countenance as she remembered a Christmas with her grandmother from oh so long ago…
Jean-Luc walked over to his bride and simply embraced her.
Marie placed the silver tea service that she was carrying on a tea table.
But it was Jean-Luc who noticed the speculative gleam in Marie's eyes. He turned to his wife. "Beverly, did you…"
It took Beverly a moment to figure out what he was asking. "No. Of course not, Jean-Luc."
Picard bestowed upon Marie one of his more intimidating captainly stares. "Then why did you say…"
She came over to both of them and hugged them and kissed them on the cheek. "One doesn't have to be a starship captain or the head of Starfleet Medical to notice things and deduce a thing or two."
"What the devil are you talking about?" Robert complained.
"Aunt Beverly is getting fat," Rene loudly announced.
Everyone froze for a moment. Then with laughter, Beverly bent down and kissed Rene's forehead. "Indeed I am gaining weight, my observant little nephew."
Now Robert was thoroughly confused for when his wife gained weight it was not a laughing matter.
"We're expecting twins in the spring," Jean-Luc announced even as he kissed his wife again.
It took Robert a moment to process this information. "Babies? Babies!" He pulled Beverly out of her husband's arms and lifted her up, giving her a great bear hug. Then he twirled her about so that her ruby velvet suit skirt flared. "BABIES!" he joyously cried.
Suddenly Jean-Luc dashed up the stairs to his old bedroom.
Still holding Beverly, Robert asked, "Was it something I said?"
"Put me down," Beverly gasped.
It was difficult to tell with the Christmas lights, candles and firelight that lit the salon, the color of Beverly's complexion. Somehow, though, Marie thought that the mother-to-be might be turning slightly green. "I think that it would be best if you placed Beverly back down," Marie observed, for she knew her husband. One of his bear hugs could last for quite a while.
Robert carefully placed Beverly down, right in front of the wing back chair by the Christmas tree. Beverly sat down, suddenly feeling rather weak.
Jean-Luc came running back with a hypospray and handed it to Beverly, kneeling by her side. She gave herself an anti-nausea shot, adjusted the hypospray and then pressed it against her husband's neck.
"Huh?" Robert asked.
"Long story," Jean-Luc muttered as he waited for the medicine to take effect. It took a few moments for Jean-Luc and Beverly to starting feeling normal again.
Beverly suddenly stood. In spite of the traditional meatless dinner that they'd just had, she felt hunger pangs. "I feel in the mood for some of that quince. And those cakes…" She strode off toward the dining room.
"I wouldn't mind some of the Kouglof," Jean-Luc called after his foraging wife.
Jean-Luc positioned himself in the wing back chair. It was big enough that he'd be able to share it with Beverly. He suddenly remembered his father seated in this chair, with his mother seated on his lap from a Christmas long ago. He looked over at Robert, who still had a very big grin on his face.
"Ah, I remember too, little brother. Those were happy times."
"Yes, they were," Jean-Luc softly agreed.
Rene suddenly stood in front of his uncle holding an ornament. "Did you make this?" He held up a miniature starship.
"Indeed I did," Jean-Luc whispered, amazed that the ornament still even existed, much less that it had been hung on Robert's Christmas tree. He took the starship from his nephew. "I made this when I was about your age, Rene. It was a project that I'd had from school. So I built the first U.S.S. Enterprise, 1701. I used to dream of captaining a starship like her. And one day I actually did get my Christmas wish. Maybe one day, you will get your Christmas wish too, uncle."
"But that wish took you away from your family," Robert acerbically pointed out.
"That was my path, Robert," Jean-Luc reminded Robert. "You were destined to be a man of the earth. I became a man of the stars."
"But we're here now, together again, and that is what counts," Robert observed.
"True," Jean-Luc agreed, as he accepted a glass of the eiswein from Robert.
"And for your information, little brother, our Mother hung your starship ornament every year in spite of Father's objections." Robert suddenly looked away to surreptitiously wipe away a tear. "After she died, Father made sure that your ship hung on the tree. And I've placed it there every year since Father died."
Jean-Luc didn't know what to say.
But Robert did. "And next year, we will hang that ornament - and the pickle, to continue that tradition with your children."
Suddenly very loud, uproarious laughter was heard coming from the direction of the dining room.
"What?" Robert asked, for he knew the sound of his wife's laughter.
"Nothing good," Jean-Luc sighed, and then drank his eiswein. He was not overly fond of sweet wines, but this one was pleasant enough. "I believe the ladies must be talking about us. Or, at least, my wife is talking about me."
"What did you do?" Robert worriedly asked. He didn't like the way the laughter sounded that was coming from the dining room. His marital instinct for self-preservation in the ageless war of wives versus husbands told him that the women held a winning hand at the moment.
"It's not what I did, that is the cause of their merriment," Jean-Luc observed. "It's what happened to Beverly and I. In fact, it was an impetus for Beverly and I. It forced us to finally reveal our feelings to each other. Which did lead to our marriage."
Robert looked down at Rene who was rummaging about under the branches of the Christmas tree. "Make up your mind, Rene. Pick one present to open. We will have to be leaving soon for midnight mass." He looked at his brother. "Then whatever it was, was a good thing."
"Not exactly," Jean-Luc whispered, before he then explained to Robert a simplified version of the KesPrytt curse.
Robert plopped down on the sofa, spilled his eiswein all over his dress shirt, and then laughed and laughed and laughed. "And you're doing this, willingly?" he finally gasped.
Beverly came into the room, carrying two dessert plates filled with cake and quince and fruit and nuts. "Greater love hath no husband more than my husband for me," Beverly delightedly pronounced.
Marie came in as well, promptly sat down next to her husband, and asked, "Would you have done this for me if you could have, when I was carrying Rene? Uhmmm, Robert?"
Suddenly recognizing a question that had to be very carefully considered before answering, Robert leaned over, picked up the decanter with the eiswein, poured himself another glass, drank it swiftly, looked surprised at what he'd just tasted, liked it, and then poured himself another glass which he drank as quickly again. Then he turned toward his wife to answer her question.
Beverly plopped a candied almond on her husband's tongue. She had decided that feeding Jean-Luc this Christmas bounty was almost as much fun as eating it herself. She nuzzled her husband's neck, as she rested most comfortably on his lap.
"Rene," he warned, for he recognized what his senses were telling him about Beverly's hormonal state at the moment. There was little that he could do since about it since they were not alone.
She silenced him with a kiss.
A very nervous sounding Robert decided to try a diversionary tactic of his own. He asked of his sister-in-law, "Where's Wesley?"
Marie simply continued to stare at her husband. She wasn't about to let him off the hook from answering her question - not just yet.
Beverly looked over at them. "Wesley should be coming to mass with us tonight. If he can't make it, he'll be here for sure for dinner tomorrow." She smiled, remembering. "Wesley has never willingly missed getting his Christmas presents."
Marie leaned over and whispered into Robert's ear, "You can answer my question - later. And, you need to change your shirt."
Sighing with relief at his temporary reprieve, Robert stood and passed around the eiswein. He lifted his delicate, finely cut crystal liqueur goblet and toasted, "Joyeaux Noel! To our family!" Everyone, even Rene, echoed this sentiment. And then they sipped the sweet wine.
"It's good!" Rene said, with surprise at its taste. Usually most of the wines that his father let him taste were on the dry side.
"Sometimes, when the weather was freezing, we've made ice wine ourselves." But Robert could see that his son was not focused on the wine this evening. "Have you picked the present that you will open up tonight, Rene?"
The boy lifted up a big square box wrapped with holographic star patterned paper.
"Ah, that one is from us," Jean-Luc announced. Beverly put down their dessert plates on a side table anticipating Rene's reaction to this gift. For she had wrapped it, after all, and knew what was inside.
Rene quickly disposed of the wrapping paper. And then gasped in delight once he figured out what his uncle and aunt had given to him. Squealing with delight, he threw himself on top of Beverly and Jean-Luc. "Merci! Merci! Merci!"
Robert looked down at the box that held some sort of projector and asked, "What the devil is it?"
"It's an astral projector. At night, Rene can direct it at his ceiling. It is programmed to display thousands of official Starfleet astral maps. There are settings with the names every star or planet in many languages that include Standard, Klingon, Vulcan etc. If he wishes, Rene can also choose a holographic setting that will give him a 360 degree overview of any planetary system, star system or galaxy that he chooses," Jean-Luc explained.
"Will it show me the Kessel run?" Rene asked as he started reading the manual padd.
"There are quite a few settings. It will take you a while to go through and learn all of them," his uncle added.
The boy thought for a moment, and then yawned. "Do I have to go to mass?" the boy asked of his mother. "I'm feeling rather sleepy…"
"What do you think, Rene?" his mother countered, smiling.
"I can set up my present after mass," the boy sadly agreed.