It was always a joy to see the Curtis'. Even though Two-Bit and Iris had planned that we'd all go out the babysitter called it quits earlier that evening and before we could protest Iris had made dinner.

"Sweet!" Coca walked with his fast legs in my direction.

I picked him up, "Hey, Coca! How you doin'?"

"He hasn't stopped talking about you since he could speak." Iris smiled at me.

"So, I'm just chopped liver, huh?" Two-Bit joked.

Darry gave him a hug, "Never, man. Oh, I've missed the two of you!"

Two-Bit hugged back, "I think I've missed you too."

A cry came from a near by room, Iris standing, "I have to check on Cola. Dinner will be ready in a bit."

She leaves the room, Two-Bit getting comfortable on the couch next to me, Darry sitting in the big chair across.

"Man," Two-Bit chuckles, "two kids in four years? You a busy fool."

He smiled, "Two-Bit it's called twins. And besides, I love her."

"And that's all that matters," I added, "Ain't it?"

"Yea," he leaned back in his chair, "it is."

Two-Bit whipped out his switch, "How's Pony doin', man?"

"We haven't spoken since Monday," Darry replied, "I don't know. He just seems edgy. I've considered going over there, but I know he likes his privacy. 'Sides, I got two boys to tend to."

" 'Edgy'?" I cocked an eyebrow, "What you mean?"

He took a minute, "I don't know. Startled in a sense. Shock. Like he was unsettled…" he sat up, "but he's an adult now, and I can't do anything about it really."

"Is it weird," Two-Bit picked his nails with the blade, "not seeing him every day?"

Darry smiled, "Was at first, but then I got used to it. Sure, we'd call each day, but recently he seems to want some distance. I respect that, I'm just a tad worried, is all."

With no indication that he had wanted to change the subject he did, smiling at me, "Sweet, your cupcakes are amazing."

"Thanks a million, Darry," I was flattered, "Business is booming these days."

"Don't blame 'em," he grinned, "Iris can't spend one day without talking about going to the bakery, but until Coca and Cola grow up or until we both get some sleep it's a no go."

"Someone talking about me?" Iris came in putting her hand on Darry's shoulder, "All good things I would hope."

"What ain't good about you?" Darry looked up at her. She ruffled his hair and kissed his head.

"Dinner's done, Cola is asleep," she clapped her hands together, "thus, let's eat!"

We all stood, obviously Two-Bit making it to the table first, and Coca getting the high chair.

Iris quickly said her silent prayer, Darry feeding his son with a spoon.

Two-Bit poured him some noodles, soon reaching over me for the sauce.

"Everything looks amazing, Iris," I smiled, "Absolutely delicious."

"Darry did the casserole," she chirped, getting her plate some of it, "I guess all those years of cooking for his brothers really paid off."

"I agree," Darry began eating his pasta, "All those years definitely did pay off. And thus, Iris doesn't always have to worry about dinner, and I don't always have to worry about the kids and when I'm being fed. It's great."

She smiled at him, the casserole melting in my own mouth.

"Same thing with me and Sweet," Two-Bit sipped his water, "Even though I don't know nothin' 'bout cooking, he has a cookbook, and usually one of us starts dinner and the other finishes once we arrive from work."

"He just likes the desserts." I smiled, Andy playing with his apricots.

"That too." Two-Bit said with a mouthful of spaghetti.

Iris grinned, "I pass by your bakery on my stroll with Coca and Cola everyday, but I never get the chance to go in. I hear it's to die for!"

I blush- I can't help it, "Thank you, Iris. Baking is a passion of mine, and I pursue it with a surprisingly high demand. I didn't expect to get a job my first week in Maryland, nor see the business up in less than a month."

"And I didn't expect to meet and marry the most beautiful woman in the world," Darry beamed at Iris, "and have two gorgeous sons."

Iris rose her glass, "And I didn't expect to run into the most handsome, kind man I've ever known at the supermarket that Tuesday morning, soon to be married to him with the start of a marvelous family and miraculous new friends."

"To the unexpected!" Two-Bit rose his glass.

We all toasted, "To the unexpected."

If it was just the boys- and we were in Tulsa- we would've splashed the water on one another.

There are aspects of being with all the guys that I miss, but I wouldn't give up my present life for the world.

Not a chance.