February 20th, 1971

Laughter echoed out into the street as Coran and Gale hurried out the door laughing, just ahead of Rake, who was shouting at Coran.

"You didn't have to set him off like that," Gale chuckled, pulling Coran to a walk by grabbing hold of his hand.

"What? It's his fault he leaves his room door open."

"You didn't have to say that about his boxers in public."

"Why…. Patty likes them."

"Coran Elric, I think you've had too much to drink," Gale sniffed, though she was still smiling as she shoved him in the arm.

"Not at all," he disagreed, enjoying the feel of her warm hand against the chill of desert winter night. "Unless you mean I'm intoxicated by your beauty?"

She shook her head, then leaned in and kissed his cheek. "If not, you're in a very odd mood."

"I'm not allowed to be playful?" Coran pouted, pulling her closer against him. Drunk, no. A little tipsy… probably. But it was what was on his mind tonight that made him giddy with nervous excitement.

"Depends on what you intend to play with," Gale reminded him. "Or who."

"Just word play, promise," Coran kissed her cheek as they walked slowly back towards her place. "Or maybe not play at all," he said, stopping and stepping around in front of her as they came under a street lamp.

Now Gale was giving him a perplexed look. "Coran, what are you—"

Coran shushed her with a finger to her lips. His heart was pounding. "Let me speak," he replied softly, "before I lose my nerve. Gale I… I love you, everything about you; your mind, your sense of humor, and your good looks don't hurt."

Gale chuckled, but she had gone still.

So, she'd figured it out. That was fine. She hadn't stopped him yet. Coran felt in his back pocket, for the ring he'd kept back there all evening, hoping for the right moment. "You're more than any woman I could have ever dreamed up. You're better. You're real, and I want you to be my wife."

In the light, the ring glistened, a tiny, brilliant star: four small diamonds set flush in metal that looked silver, but was much, much harder. A ring he'd had especially made to be strong enough not to get destroyed in an auto-mail shop.

Gale's kiss caught him off guard, as she pulled him close. Coran went with it, enjoying the heat inside and out. It was quite some time before they parted. "So, is that a yes?" he gasped, grinning.

"That, or the most amazing no you'll ever get. Of course it's a yes," Gale laughed, cuffing him playfully on the ear. She stepped back then, and put the ring on her finger. "It's beautiful and practical. I love it, and I love you."

Coran hugged her tightly, wishing he didn't have to take her home… not tonight. But he'd waited this long, he could wait a little longer. Beautiful and practical, that was Gale. "Let's not end this evening yet," he whispered in her ear. "I know it's a bit chilly, but how about a walk in the park?"

Gale leaned back and smiled up at him. "With you, I'm never cold."

April 1st, 1971

The sudden roll of thunder shook the house, and Ethan woke. Blinking, he looked down the edge of the bed towards the window, where lightning flicked and flashed, highlight the trees outside almost as bright as day. A moment later, the deluge began, rain falling in thick, silver sheets.

Ethan didn't have to count between the strikes to know the storm was thundering right over their house. He waited, listening for the sounds of small footsteps in the hallway. He couldn't imagine that the sound hadn't woken up the twins. Though sometimes they surprised him. After a minute, he decided that either they had slept through it, or they weren't scared.

Another peal of thunder crashed, this one shaking the house. Beside him, Lia jumped.

Ethan rolled over, and smiled into the darkness. "Surprised?" he asked. For a moment he got no immediate response other than listening to her breathe. "Lia?"

The next flash of lightning lit up her face, wide-eyed. She glanced over at him as the light faded away again. "My water broke."

"What?" Ethan sat bolt upright. "When? Now?"

The lamp on Lia's side of the bed came on, and he could see her in the warm glow. "Just now, I think. My contractions are much more regular than they were at bedtime."

"What time is it?" Ethan turned around and blinked at the clock, which showed it was about two in the morning. Turning back to his wife, he reached out and laid a hand gently on her shoulder. "You all right?" His heart was pounding now, and it had nothing to do with the storm. His parents were asleep downstairs. They'd come up to be there for the delivery, but it seemed too early to wake everyone if things were going well.

"I think so," she replied, offering him a small smile. "They're intense but… not too bad. Oh my…." She grimaced and her hand tightened on the covers.

"How far apart is that?" Ethan blurted out. It couldn't have been long at all.

Lia motioned for him to be quiet, and they waited, while the thunder grumbled outside and the house creaked in the wind and rain. Less than three minutes later, she let out a startled little gasp of air.

"Let me have a look," Ethan sighed, taking a few deep breaths to settle himself. He'd delivered plenty of babies, and yes this was Lia… but she was healthy and fine and it was another delivery. He certainly wasn't taking her out in the pouring rain, not if she was progressing quickly.

And…indeed, it seemed to be quickly, though the baby was in the right position and everything was going smoothly. "Wow… this one's in a hurry," Ethan gasped in quiet awe. "Do you want to try to get to the hospital or stay here?"

"Here, please," Lia replied. "It looks miserable outside, and if you say I'm fine, I'd rather do it here, at home this time."

"Of course, my love," Ethan kissed her forehead. "Can I get you anything?"

"I'd like to lean back, but I don't want to lay flat."

"Easily solved." Ethan gave up his pillows to make her comfortable. "There we go."

Another contraction later, she asked for ice water.

"I'll be back soon," Ethan promised. He stood and slipped out into the hallway. Other than the bit of nightlight coming out from under the twins' door it was empty and quiet. Ethan slipped quietly downstairs. The living room lit up as brightly from the flashes outside, and Brigitte's little eyes glowed as she raised her head from the couch and gave a little yip.

"Just me, girl," Ethan assured her quietly. He went into the kitchen, filled a glass with ice water, and then thought to fill a pitcher, to save running back and forth. He was on his way back to the stairs when he heard a creak and his father's silhouette appeared in the downstairs hall from their bedroom.

Ed's eyes fell on the pitcher. "Lia?"

Ethan nodded. "Yeah. Things are moving pretty quickly, considering."

"You want your mom?"

Ethan smiled at the question. "If she's awake, she's welcome, but I think we're all right for now. If that changes, you'll hear it."

"I'm sure I will," Ed smiled. "All right. We're here when you need us."

Ethan went back upstairs, grateful the kids hadn't budged. The storm outside was raging enough to wake a deaf man.

Lia didn't seem to have moved. She lay there, already sweating, one hand resting lightly on her belly. She managed another smile for him. "This is going a lot faster than last time."

"There were two of them last time," Ethan reminded her as he came around and gave her the glass.

She took it with her other hand and sipped. "That's much better," she said after she had drained half the glass.

Ethan took it back and set it down, keeping a hold of her hand and giving it a reassuring squeeze. "Good. Now we just wait a bit, and the little guy will be here."

"You make it sound so easy," Lia gave him a dirty look.

Ethan kissed her cheek. "Only because you do it so well."

Despite the reassurance, Ed did not fall asleep again after his brief conversation with Ethan. Winry was still asleep, so he let her be, dozing fitfully through the storm. He didn't bother to tell Ethan the reason he'd been up was the rain had awakened the usual old aches in his stumps – and now his other joints as well. At least it was even, and not the nauseating pain it used to be.

Around dawn the rain slacked off, and Ed got up again and put on the tea and coffee pots, not sure who would prefer what, but suspected Ethan would need the latter. Then he started breakfast. Nothing complicated; just toast, scrambled eggs, and bacon.

"Well, aren't you helpful this morning?" Winry replied, stifling a yawn as she appeared in the kitchen doorway in her house-robe.

"Lia's in labor," Ed told her. "I figured no one would get to eat if I didn't cook."
"What! And you didn't wake me?"

Ed almost laughed at her irritated expression. "Ethan said you can go up when you're awake. You're awake. So go."

Winry shook her head and vanished again. "Fine, when they get up, you can wrangle the twins too."

Ed poked at the bacon with a spatula. "It'll be my pleasure."

"You have great timing, Mom," Ethan smiled as his mother knocked and peeked her head in. "Want to help deliver another grandchild?"

"Of course I do," Winry smiled, coming in dressed for the day. "How're you feeling?" she asked Lia as she closed the door behind her.

"I've been more comfortable," Lia replied. "We're… close."

"We're about ready to start pushing," Ethan clarified.

"Already?" His mother looked surprised.

"I know," Lia nodded. "Moving fast, this one."

"Everything looks great, honey," Ethan replied as he finished his examination. "You can push whenever you feel the urge."
"That's so very reassuring," Lia quipped.

Ethan ignored the irritation in her tone. It was understandable given the pain. He returned to the spot by her head, and laid a hand on her belly. "I know it hurts more than last time, Lia. We'll get through it." The alchemical pain technique they had used last time helped, though the contractions this time were more intense, and with her choice to not have another doctor, he couldn't do it constantly. "All right, relax now. We're almost done. Mom?"

"I've got this end," his mother smiled, as if she did this every day.

Ed had breakfast on the table when Eamon and Lily came bouncing down the stairs in their pajamas.

"Where's Mom?" Eamon looked surprised to see his grandfather standing in the kitchen with breakfast.

Ed smiled. "Your parents are upstairs. Your little brother or sister is coming."

"Really?" Lily squealed, grinning. "Soon?"

"Right now," Ed chuckled. "So you can be a big help by sitting down and eating your breakfast, and then you can feed Brigitte and play with her in the yard a bit before you get ready for school, okay?"

"That'll help?" Eamon looked doubtful, though they both took seats at the table.

"A lot," Ed nodded.

"Will the baby come before the school bus?" Lily looked hopeful.

"Maybe." Ed didn't want to lie as he served up breakfast on the plates. "But I can't promise. They come when they want to."

Lily nodded. "That's what Daddy said."

Ed served himself, but saved plenty for the rest of the family. He had no doubt that once it was all done, everyone would be hungry.

"It's a… boy," Winry said from the foot of the bed as soft whimpering that turned quickly to a healthy cry filled the air.

Ethan felt his heart well with pride and joy as he got his first glimpse of his newest son. Then he turned back to Lia. "Great work, honey. Almost done now. You want more ice?"

Lia shook her head, panting heavily. "No. I'm okay for the moment. Can I hold him?"

"Of course. Just a minute."

Ethan was grateful that his mother was there to handle the tasks of cutting the cord and clipping it off, and bringing the baby around to place on Lia's chest. It meant he didn't have to leave his wife's side.

"He's a handsome little guy," his mother smiled.

"Hi there, Aeddan," Lia cooed as she laid one hand lightly on the wriggling newborn. It was the only boy's name they had managed to agree on. "I'm sorry if that was difficult. My you're a big boy."

"Might be why it was difficult," Ethan smiled. "At least you've been feeding him well." The little boy was definitely bigger than Eamon and Lily had been.

"He didn't have to share," Lia pointed out. "And if you recall, the twins weren't exactly small."

"No they weren't," Ethan chuckled. "He's so handsome." He reached out a hand, gently touching his son's cheek. "I never get tired of looking at newborns."

"Then you can go to the hospital and stare at the nursery when Aeddan grows out of it," Lia replied, though she too looked enamored with their newest baby. It had been a long time since the twins were that little.

"Or wait until Aldon's boys start having kids," Ethan chuckled. With two weddings coming that summer, he doubted it would be too long before one or both of the oldest made Aldon a grandpa.

"Resembool will overflow," Lia chuckled. "My sweet baby…"

Lying there, Aeddan's cries had settled, and he sniffed and cooed, his eyes closed even in the dim light of cloudy morning.

Ethan settled on the bed at a better angle to cuddle up next to Lia and still reach his new son. "I love you," he said softly in her ear. "All of you, so much."

"Does that mean I can let them in?"

Ethan looked up and saw his father's nose poked through the door. He chuckled. "Of course. This is definitely time for the whole family."

Eamon and Lily tumbled into the room, crowding around to their mother's side of the best next to Winry. "So little!" Lily exclaimed. "Is it a boy or a girl?"

"He's a boy," Ethan chuckled. "His name is Aeddan."

"Yay, it's a brother!" Eamon cheered.

"Yeah, which means you have to share your stuff," Lily chuckled.

"Our stuff," Eamon replied, though he looked less sure.

"We'll all share," Ethan assured them, heart-warmed at their response. It felt amazing to have Aeddan there. Their family felt fully complete.

April 13th, 1971

The next couple of weeks were mild chaos in the Elric house. Ed was glad that Aeddan had arrived in a timely fashion, because Tore and Charisa had requested that they have their little, private wedding ceremony in the Elrics' back yard. Naturally neither Ed nor Winry, Ethan nor Lia, had wanted to turn down that request and the wedding had been in planning for a couple of months. It was a beautiful yard, and already a bit of a traditional spot for small weddings.

It wasn't expected to be a large ceremony; made easier by the fact not everyone from Resembool could make it.

"We'll have a party when you come visit next," Ed had assured Tore.

So the guest list was narrowed to a few close friends, Charisa's family, and any of the Elric clan who could make it. Which still made for a reasonably sized group, but was highly manageable for experienced party planners.

For it was really more of a large family gathering with a wedding in the middle than a formal event, and that was the way Tore and Charisa insisted they wanted it. Given their pasts, Ed heartily agreed with the idea. Of course, given how small his and Winry's had been, he was hardly one to talk.

The wedding day dawned cool and sunny, promising to warm up nicely. The whole house was up early – as much because Aeddan liked to get everyone up when he got up as because it was a busy day ahead.

Family started arriving after breakfast and within an hour the house was spotless, food preparation was under way, and the back yard was well on its way to being a romantic haven, as Alyse directed decorating with simple fabric bunting and early-spring flowers.

"Looks like the beds will all be nicely planted this year," Ethan chuckled as he stepped up beside Ed, who was looking out the back windows. Ethan had Aeddan on his shoulder, in the middle of burping him.

"Best they've looked in a while," Ed chuckled. The beds were now full of white and yellow and pink early-spring flowers. The flowering trees in the corners were a riot of pink and white blossoms.

Simple white cloths had gone on the tables already laid out for food and for guests. There wasn't room to feed everyone indoors.

"Wow."

Ed looked back and saw that Tore had arrived. He was looking out the large windows as well, a bit stunned. Ed chuckled. "Well if it isn't the man of the day? How're you feeling this morning?"

"Good," Tore smiled. He looked tired, but no worse for wear. Ed decided Cal and the guys must have gone easy on him last night. "Everything looks like it's getting done. Should I be doing anything?"

"Nope," Ethan shook his head. "Other than getting ready and getting married. As long as you do that today, you've done all you need to."

"I'll change later." Tore replied. "I don't suppose there's coffee?"

"In the kitchen," Ed assured him. "Where's Dare?"

"He's already gone upstairs," Tore replied. "He heard Eamon and Lily. Is Charisa here yet?"

"Nah," Ed smiled. "Denise called and said they'd be here in a little bit. Why, getting nervous?"

"I'd be crazy if I wasn't," Tore admitted. "I spent half of last night having nightmares that it wasn't happening." He shuddered.

"I'll get you that coffee." Ed placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Now relax and enjoy yourself. Today is going to be awesome."

Tore wasn't sure about relax, but he did begin to enjoy himself. The day was just what he'd hoped, busy but laid back, like most family gatherings for special occasions with the Elric house. There was minimal special fuss over him specifically, unless having his favorite coffee additives available counted.

There hadn't been a big bachelor party either, and he was good with that. He'd hung out with Cal and some of the guys at the pub, had a couple of beers and played pool, and been home at a reasonable hour.

Everything was beautiful, and natural, and unpretentious. Tore had elected to get married in uniform. It was the only 'suit' he owned. He knew that Charisa had said she would dress to match, but he didn't know what she had chosen to wear, other than he was certain it would not be fancy and white.

"You look like a man who needs something to do."

Tore turned and found Winry smiling at him. He smiled back. "It would help."

"How do you feel about folding napkins?"

Tore laughed. "Well, at least it's something to do."

Winry smiled and gave him a brief hug. "It's better than having nothing to keep your mind on. Ren suggested a fairly simple Xingese-paper folding style, so it requires a little thought."

"I think I can handle that." Tore followed her to the dining table, where there was a large pile of napkins transforming into simple white flowers. Ren, Minxia, and Michio were heading up the effort. "Hey, that's really neat."

"I'm glad you think so," Ren chuckled. "Have a few." She offered him several napkins as he sat down.

"I can show you how," Michio replied, the seven-year-old demonstrating that he was fully capable of doing just that.

"Thanks, Mich." It didn't take Tore long to get the hang of them. He could hear the younger kids thudding around upstairs, squealing and laughing, and he was glad he hadn't put Dare in his outfit for the wedding early. Three-and-a-half years as a single father had taught him better than that.

In just a few hours, he would no longer be a single parent, and that was going to feel really good.

Charisa swallowed, trying to stay calm as she sat in front of the mirror in the Elrics' guest room, which had been transformed into the preparation-suite for the day. Denise stood behind her, putting the last touches on Charisa's red curls, so they fell just-so around her face and shoulders. Today felt different than the last time she had gotten married. While she was nervous, and happy, there was something a little less grandiose about it, less momentous, though just as special, of not more so.

In an hour, everything would change, and yet most of her life wouldn't. The best parts would stay, and get better. She and Tore and Dare would be a family, and Tore had agreed that, for the time being, he and Dare should move in with Charisa in her father's house. As much better as her father was these days, Charisa didn't want to leave him alone. Tore's willingness to move in with Breda had touched her. He got along so well with her father since he'd started helping her take care of him. There was nothing being forced, and there were no gaping unknowns. She knew Tore almost as well as she knew herself. It was comforting.

"You look fabulous," Denise beamed. "Tore won't be able to take his eyes off you. Not that that's new," she chuckled, stepping back. "Okay, stand up and get the full effect."

As Charisa stood, Denise pulled the chair out of the way. Charisa took several steps back so she could see herself, full length. For a second wedding, she hadn't wanted anything white or close to it. Instead, she had chosen a dress nearly the same shade of blue at Tore's uniform. The medium navy-blue fabric had a dull-satin finished, textured with tiny embroidered dots all over it, up from the flared skirt that came just below the knees and up to under the bust, which was gathered in the same plain blue, coming up to a simple neckline and open-capped sleeves. Stylish and elegant, but modest and sensible.

A knock at the door made her turn away from the image. "Who is it?"

"Alyse. Can I come in? I've got the flowers."

"Sure."

The door opened and Alyse came in with the simple bouquet made from flowers planted in the yard, whites and yellows. Alyse grinned. "You look great! These will go perfectly."

"They're lovely," Charisa smiled, taking the small round bouquet. The colors went nicely with the dress. "And thanks."

"You need anything else?" Alyse asked. "Drink, snack? You have eaten today right?" Her tone said clearly that there would be scolding if she hadn't.

"I'm fine," Charisa chuckled, feeling a bit of tension release from her shoulders. "I had a light lunch. I'm just ready to get going."

"That's good," Alyse replied. "Don't worry. It's not long now. I saw Tore and Dare a few minutes ago," she added with a coy smile. "They look good."

"I'm sure they do." Charisa couldn't wait to see them for herself.

Edward wasn't one to cry at weddings, but as Charisa and Tore took hands in front of the gazebo in the back yard, and looked into each other's eyes, he felt a little misty-eyed. There were a very few times in the past nearly fifteen years that he had seen that pure joy on Tore's face. He couldn't help but think about the scruffy boy who'd tried to pick his pocket on the streets. A day Ed couldn't have expected, with any idea of how it would change his life, or Tore's, or the entire family. In some ways, even Amestris.

Still, most importantly, from that fortuitous moment, Tore had become another son to him; his most argumentative to be sure, but no less dear or loved than any of the others. There was always room in their family for another person.
In front of friends and family, Tore and Charisa vowed loyalty, patience, love, and devotion; open communication, honor, and to always do their best by each other and as a couple; to not stifle each others individuality, and to support each others endeavors.

Dare stood up there beside his father, beaming and holding the rings for both. The four-and-a-half year old watched in awe, as the vows were exchanged and then he was asked to bring forward the rings.

Rings exchanged, and a passionate kiss later, Tore and Charisa were pronounced man and wife.

Ed was one of the few seated close enough to hear clearly what happened next.

As they waited for the applause and cheering to die down, Dare tugged gently at Charisa's skirt, and she and Tore both bent forward to hear him.

Dare looked up at Charisa with wide, hopeful eyes. "Does this mean now I can call you mommy?"

For a moment, Charisa looked startled, then her eyes welled with happy tears and she smiled and hugged Dare tightly, as Tore hugged them both. "Of course, Dare. You can always call me mommy."

Author's Note: 9/19/2011 Finis! Another story starting next week. :)