Chapter 43
Tanner Home ~ Wednesday February 28th- ~7:00am
The last four weeks had flown by. Between kids, wedding preparations for Ezra and Barbara, court appearances, and repairing the damage to their home, Vin could not believe that it was time for the big event. Today Kelli was scheduled for another ultrasound, and if their children cooperated, they would know whether to expect boys, girls, or one of each. Not that it mattered to either of them. All they wanted were healthy babies and a problem free delivery; however it would calm down the running argument between Jason and Andi. As the Texan stood by the coffeepot to pour himself a second cup, the disagreement began again.
"They'll listen to me Andi, I am their older brother." Jason stated firmly before taking another bite of eggs.
"Uh uh, you're not the boss." Andi yelled. "Daaad! Make him stop tellin' the babies to be boys."
"I can tell 'em if I want to. Right Dad?"
"Y'all can talk to 'em all you want, but boys or girls, we're all gonna love 'em just the same." Vin sighed; this had been going on since Jason had heard Kelli say the babies responded to voices. He had been 'talking' to them every chance he got, and then Andi picked up on it and the verbal battle had commenced. Of course Jason wanted more boys, while Andi was insistent on the babies being girls. Neither of them comprehended that there was no choice, whatever sex the new arrivals were to be had already been predestined. "Jason, get a move on it, Aunt Casey will be here any minute to pick you up for class. Hopefully by the time Aunt Rain finishes with your studies today we'll all know whether the babies are boys, or girls."
Casey walked in on the tail end of the conversation with Lilah, and Daisy, "Morning gang."
"Mornin' Casey," Vin took a sip of coffee. "I take it that Nettie is still in Arizona. How is her sister?"
"Yep, her sister is better, but Nettie decided to stay for a while, said she had some things to catch up on." Casey laughed. "I think she just likes the warmer weather, she is really tired of all the cold we've had this year."
Max entered the room with Grace to greet the Dunnes. "Hello girls. Are you ready to join me, and Grace for some morning stories?"
Watching her daughters toddle over to Max, Casey sighed. "HelpingRain with this home schooling has convinced me that I needed to practice leaving the girls. I'm glad you and Chris decided to keep it going the rest of the semester Vin."
"The last thing we need is to be worried about the kids in school. It makes me and Kel feel better, at least 'till this trial is over, to have the kids here on the ranch. Dr. Weeks said Kel has to reduce stress in her life, and knowin' that Jason is with you and Rain every day helps."
"Speaking of Kel, how is she doing?"
"She is tired, and her back aches, but she's ready for another day." Kelli said as she walked into the kitchen. Vin was waiting for her with an outstretched arm, and she went straight over to take advantage of the offered hug."
"Morning Mom," Jason grabbed his book bag, hugged Kelli, and whispered loudly to her stomach. "Think boys."
Kelli laughed. "I know they heard you Jason, they move when you talk to them. You have a good day at Aunt Rain's." She kissed him and he joined Casey.
"I empathize with you Kel. You're almost half-way there, but don't worry, it gets more miserable. "Casey laughed as she walked out with Jason.
"Mama, can you tell the babies not to listen to Jason?" Andi turned her big blue eyes onto Kelli.
"Aw Andi, it doesn't matter what Jason says to 'em." Kelli moved over to hug her daughter. "Sugar, if they are boys, then you and I get to me surrounded by males that love us, and if they're girls we get to teach them about their great brother, and fantastic Dad. Either way you and I come out winners."
Andi jumped up, but before she ran off to join Max and the other kids she stopped long enough to give a message to her unborn siblings. "Jason may be a boy, but he is the bestest brother."
Travis's Office ~9:00am
"It's been almost a month Chris, since Chambers was arrested and the prosecutors agreed to drop the protective custody order on Tanner. When is he coming back to work?" Orrin was questioning the MCAT Commander. "He is coming back to work, isn't he?" Travis recalled a conversation he had with Tanner about his hesitancy to return to MCAT.
"He is Orrin, but not now. I don't blame him for being concerned about the long wait for Chambers's trial." Chris stood up and walked over to the window, staring at the view as he spoke. "You saw what happened at the arraignment with all the protesters. Chambers is like some damn cult hero to those people. Dragging out the trial date to August was not a good move by our federal attorneys, not to mention all those preliminary hearings that will require Vin's presence. He is still receiving threats from Karl's followers, and that damn $50,000 bounty has not been withdrawn. Tanner feels like his place is with his family, and right now I have to agree with him."
Travis nodded thoughtfully. "Karl Chambers is nothing more than a criminal who used his white power movement to disguise his activities. To date, investigators have uncovered ten bank accounts with combined deposits of over a half a billion dollars. With the evidence Tanner found plus what you recovered from the compound, the man is headed for a long stretch in jail or even death row. Making himself a martyr is keeping his people stirred up, and I can understand Tanner's concern". Orrin stood up and joined Larabee by the window. "Is this current situation the only thing holding him back?"
Chris turned to look at Orrin. "Vin and I have worked out our problems sir. We're good." Larabee sighed. "Although that Texan would be the last one to admit it, I think the entirety of the last year's events; plus the stress of the last few months combined, have all contributed to a slight case of burn-out. Although in Tanner's case maybe brown out is a better word. He's tired Orrin, and the man has not had near enough downtime over the last year. Now with the threat of retaliations from Chambers' followers looming over his head, concern for his family, and the new babies on the way, he just needs some time to reorient himself. Personally, I think he's more than earned it."
Orrin went back to his desk, sat down, and began to write." I cannot give Tanner time-off because he will be testifying as an active MCAT agent; however I can place him on administrative duty only, keeping him available to the U.S .Attorney's office pending Chambers's trial." The Director handed Chris a piece of paper. "These are my official orders Commander; you are not to assign Captain Tanner to an active case until resolution of his status as a witness against Chambers. I do expect him to be available to the prosecutors when necessary; otherwise I leave his unit assignments to your discretion."
Larabee grinned, the Director had just given him all he needed to protect Vin's MCAT status, and allow the Texan the time he needed to regroup. "Thank you sir, I'll make certain your orders are followed to the letter."
"You do that Chris, and you tell Tanner not to get lazy, I expect him to return to his duties well rested and in top mental form…after the trial." Orrin chuckled. "Amazing that the time period coincides with the birth of their babies, isn't it?"
"Yes it is." Chris smiled, and then added seriously. "This means a lot Orrin. Vin came through for me and for the unit when we needed him, now it's his turn."
"You have come through too, Chris. Your preliminary plans for shadow ops are promising, and I'm anxious to see more. I am also pleased with how you have handled your personal challenges, and stepped back into your leadership role." The Director handed him another folder." This is for you."
Chris opened the file and swallowed hard. Inside was the original order Travis had made placing him on six-month probation status upon his return to MCAT. The stamp across it read 'rescinded' in bold red letters. *You made it all the way back Larabee.* "Thank you Orrin…"
Travis waved his hand in the air. "No thanks necessary. You've earned it, now get the hell out of here and get to work." Orrin grinned as he watched the Commander pick up the new case files, and walk out of the room. He whispered to himself. "Welcome back Chris."
Dr. Weeks Office~ 11:00am
Vin signed them in, and was told by the receptionist that the doctor was running late and would be here in about twenty minutes. She was at the hospital, and has just delivered another baby. He nodded and then joined Kelli in the waiting area.
The Texan knew that Kelli had been nervous about today and he took her hand. "You okay baby?"
"Yes…no…hell. I don't know. I'll just be glad when this is over. If the woman wants me to reduce stress, why in the hell did she make us wait to hear the results of last week's blood test?"
"Maybe it was because she didn't have the results until now." Tanner squeezed her hand. "Relax Kel, you're fine, I'm fine and the babies are gonna be fine too."
"Mrs. Tanner?" The nurse said, coming to stand at the inner doorway with Kelli's file in her hands. "I'll see you into a room and get you ready for Dr. Weeks. She should be here in about ten minutes or so."
The Tanners walked hand in hand across the room to join Nurse Patsy at the door. She led them into a room, where she proceeded to take Kelli's vitals and mark down the results in the file. She next moved to one of the cabinets and extracted a gown for Kelli to put on, as well as a blanket.
"You know the routine Kelli. Dr. Weeks will be in to see you the as soon as she arrives." Patsy told the Tanners before she left the room and closed the door behind her.
Vin helped his wife change out of her clothes and into the gown. Once she was settled on the examination table, he covered her with a blanket the nurse had provided. He had just settled himself back into a chair when the door opened and Dr. Weeks walked in.
"Kelli, Vin, I'm sorry about the delay." She said as she flipped through Kelli's file." All your vitals seem just fine, except your blood pressure is slightly elevated, but not enough to be concerned about. I'm sure you are both anxious to hear the results of the Multiple Marker Screening or what we call the triple test that we did last week."
"We have been a little anxious to learn what the results were." The Texan told her, and felt Kelli give his hand a hard squeeze. She was the one who had been anxious, not him. Kelli sucked in a breath as Vin tightened his hold on her hand.
"Everything looks good. No, genetic disorders detected, and your babies are at the normal level of growth that they should be in this stage of pregnancy."
Kelli let out the breath she was holding, and felt a smile begin to form as Vin exclaimed, "Thanks, Doc...You don't know how much hearin' that means to us."
Dr. Weeks smiled." Oh, I think I do...now, let's get on with the sonogram."
It took the doctor a couple of minutes to position the monitor where all three of them could see it, turn on the sonogram machine and place gel onto the paddle she would use to get the picture of the babies. "You'll notice that this is a little different than the last ultrasound we did. This one is more detailed, and we should get a really good 3D look at the babies"
Tanner leaned forward, eager to get another view of his and Kelli's babies, as Dr. Weeks began to point out features to them. "Here is one of your babies… head, face...torso."
Kelli felt moisture fill her eyes as she took in the sight of their first baby, and was able to pick out the features of the other one without the doctor having to tell them. A lump formed in Vin's throat as the doctor finished pointing out features to him and Kelli of both babies.
"It appears that there is one placenta, and that tells us that they will be identical instead of fraternal. Are you ready to find out the sex of the babies?" Dr. Weeks waited for their answer.
The Tanners exchanged a look, before Kelli said, "Yes."
Dr. Weeks moved the paddle around on Kelli's stomach for a few moments, hoping to get a better image of the babies' genital region and finally succeeded. "Your babies are definitely boys."
"Boys, "Vin whispered, unable to say more. He looked down at Kelli and saw her still staring at the screen as if she were memorizing each tiny detail she could see. "Kel?"
"They are beautiful Vin…our two boys." Tears rolled down her face and Vin gently wiped them away. "Jason will be thrilled… now we have three sons."
"We're goin' to have an upset little girl when she finds out all of her 'special talk' to the babies, didn't convince them to be girls." Tanner chuckled softly.
Dr. Weeks cocked an eyebrow at the Texan's comment. Vin was quick to explain. "A couple of weeks ago, Jason caught me talkin' to the twins. I explained to him, and Andi both, that the babies liked to be talked to, so ever since they've had an ongoin' argument tryin' to convince the babies that they should either be boys or girls."
The doctor laughed. "You've got your work cut out for you then. I wouldn't be surprised though, that once Andi sets her eyes on the babies that she forgets all about being mad that they weren't girls."
"Do we get to keep a copy of this one too?" Kelli asked.
"Absolutely, I'll have it for you before you leave today." Dr. Weeks stated to turn off the machine.
"Wait, "Vin stopped her. "Can we have just a few more minutes?"
Helen Weeks smiled. "I think that can be arranged." She moved the paddle to give the parents another look at their boys. After an extra fifteen minutes she turned off the machine and told Kelli to dress and then meet in her office in ten minutes. The doctor left then room, closing the door behind her.
Vin helped Kelli off the table and to dress. Neither had much to say, but both of them grinned each time the looked at one another. Now the work of fixing up the nursery had taken on a whole new outlook. It was not just the babies anymore, it was the boys.
Tanner Home~ 1:00pm
Vin and Kelli had decided over lunch to keep their new knowledge to themselves, at least until they told their older children. It was driving Max crazy, but they stood firm. After the last attack on the ranch, the childcare arrangements had changed while the Tanner home was being repaired. Inez was keeping Adam during the day, and Joanne joined him there after school. Terrell stayed with Rain even during school hours, and Andi usually ended up with Maria sometime later in the morning either here or at the Wilmington's. Today was no exception and they were playing at Maria's house. Jason was due home in a few minutes, and Casey had promised to pick up Andi when she dropped Joanne off at the Wilmington's. The Tanners still had no idea how they were going to console Andi.
"Will you at least tell me whether or not everything is alright with the babies?" Max asked the Tanners as they all waited.
"I'm sorry, Max...We should have told you that right away." Kelli said." Dr. Weeks said that everythin' is just fine. Babies are growin' like they should be an' they are from all indications they are goin' to be identical. You'll have to see the video Max, they are absolutely beautiful."
Vin was carefully monitoring the words Kelli was using, ready to step in and cover for her if she started to slip. Kelli, in turn, cocked and eyebrow at him in silent admonishment for him not trusting her to keep from making a slip about the sex of the twins before Jason and Andi were told.
Max was visibly relieved to hear the news." That's great news. I know that the two of you were worried about how the stress Kelli has been under the past several weeks might have affected the babies."
There wasn't any more time for them to talk, because the children arrived home. Andi was a miniature whirlwind entering the house, throwing herself at Vin first for a hug, before bouncing over to receive another one from Kelli. Jason followed after her at a more sedate pace, but with a wide smile on his face when he saw his parents. Casey came in and was greeted much the same way by Lilah and Daisy. As she hugged her girls, she gave Kelli a questioning look.
"Everythin' is fine. We'll talk later okay?" Kelli nodded to the kids, and Casey received her unspoken message.
"I'll see you guys later. It's time for me to take these two little imps home. Call me." Casey helped each of the girls on with their jackets and then left.
Jason was excited. "Do we know yet?"
"Yeah, do we Daddy?' Andi yelled.
Until this moment Tanner was not certain how they were going to tell the kids, and then Kelli's words about Max seeing the babies repeated in his head. "We are goin' to watch a movie." He stood up. "Come on Max, you too."
Kelli realized what Vin was talking about and thought it was an excellent idea. "The best way we know how to introduce you to our new family members is by seein' for yourself."
Jason looked at Andi and shrugged his shoulders. "Okay, but then will y'all tell us?"
"I promise." Vin herded everyone into the family room and turned on the television. While he set up the video, he explained to the children what they would be seeing. "Through the miracle of modern technology, we were able to actually see the babies while they are still inside your mama. The machine is called an ultrasound and gives us a three dimensional picture of the babies. Now you can see them too." He inserted the tape and pushed play.
Andi sat on Kelli's lap, and watched intently as the pictures appeared on the screen. "That's our babies?"
"Yep, see this is baby A." Vin outlined the head and heard Max gasps as she clearly saw the face.
"Lord, they have come a long way on these things. I can even see the facial features on that one." Max was riveted to the screen.
"They have. This is baby B and according to the doctor they are identical." Vin explained.
"Denicle? What does that mean?" Andi studied the movie she was seeing.
"It means they will both look alike, right dad?" Jason tentatively answered.
"That's right Jason." The Texan noticed that Kelli was studying the images just as intently as Andi.
"They look like baby dolls." Andi said as she looked from the television to her mama's tummy in awe.
"They do don't they Sugar?" Kelli hugged her daughter closer and looked over to Vin as he encouraged her to keep talking. "These two are gonna be boys, but I promise that you are gonna love havin' them around, and they are gonna love their big sister."
"I'm gonna be a big sister? You mean I get to boss them the way Jason does me?" Andi grinned. "I get to boss two little brothers! Wow!" Andi looked over at the video again, and as she absorbed her new knowledge. She forgot all about wanting the babies to be girls. "When do we get them?"
It won't be for a while, but you can talk to them anytime you want to." Vin added, as he meet Kelli's eyes, both were relieved that Andi was not upset.
"Brothers…I'm gonna have two brothers." Jason grinned." Can I tell Caleb? He only has sisters."
"I reckon you can tell him, and anyone else you want to" Vin smiled, very pleased by the children's reaction. He shut off the video and moved over to sit beside Jason. "Of course you know that it will be up to you and me to teach them about how special their sister is…and their mama."
"Congratulations on your new sons, and thank you for sharing this with me. I hope you will let Walter see it, too." Max said as she wiped her eyes.
"Of course we will. Walter, Dad … shoot, I bet Vin will be showin' it to everyone sooner or later." Kelli replied, purposely ignoring Max's obvious tears. She knew Max did not like to show emotion, and would never embarrass the older woman by commenting on her reaction.
Max stood up. "While Grace is still napping, I am going to feed these two little ones. You get some rest too, Missy." A happy Jason and Andi left the room with Max, while Kelli moved over to where Vin sat.
The Texan put an arm around her and drew her close to his side. "I think we just avoided another potential catastrophe." Vin chuckled. "Nice move with the big sister angle. How did you know Andi would latch onto it?"
"I didn't, but it seemed like the natural thing to point out." Kelli leaned into her husband and yawned. "Andi will be a wonderful big sister"
"Yeah she will. Our baby boys are lucky to have Jason and Andi waiting for 'em." Tanner shifted and grabbed Kelli's hand. "Five minutes and you'll be asleep right here. Come on love, I think you'll be more comfortable on our bed." He helped her up and wrapped an arm around her waist as they walked. "I bet that you and I won't have a chance to tell anyone about the boys, by nightfall everyone in the family should know, thanks to Jason, and Andi."
"No bet Tanner, and forget nightfall, I only give it two hours before the entire Wild Bunch knows."
5:30pm
It took a little longer than two hours, only because Jason and Andi had limited use of the phone. They were however waiting for their Uncle Chris when he came to the house after work to pick up Grace. Watching out the window their both yelled when they saw the black Ram pull in front of the house, and would have run outside, if Vin had not stopped them.
"Whoa there, it's too cold for y'all to be runnin' outside with no jackets or shoes on. He'll be inside in a minute, and then you can spring on him." Vin leaned back against the kitchen counter to watch the fun.
Chris barely had the door opened before he was attacked by the two little Tanners. "Uncle Chris, guess what?" Jason started.
Catching Andi as she jumped up, Chris placed his arm around Jason's shoulder Chris smiled. "What?"
"I'm a big sister!" Andi shrieked while nodding her head affirmatively.
"Yeah she is and we're havin' two new brothers!" Jason grinned, delighted that he was the one to tell his Uncle.
Larabee looked over Jason's head at Tanner. *Boys?*
*Yep, and they're identical.* The Texan grinned.*Mama and babies are fine.*
*Kel?*
*Asleep, and worn out.*
"You wanna see?" Andi tugged of Chris's shirt. "We got pictures."
"Sure, lead on Sugar." Larabee set her down and she led him to the family room, and then waited for her daddy to turn on the VCR.
"This is cool, Uncle Chris, we can see 'em and they're not even born yet." Jason explained to his uncle. "It's a miracle of modern…tec… what that word Dad?"
"Technology Jason," Tanner pushed play, and then moved to sit down while the kids narrated for their Uncle Chris. Vin was impressed with how much of what he had said that they remembered.
Chris watched the screen, the kids, and his brother. He had no doubt about how much Vin loved Jason, and Andi, but he knew that the Texan had to be ecstatic to find out that he had fathered two boys of his own blood with the woman he loved. It was a natural reaction, and Larabee well understood the feeling. He also knew that when it came down to it, blood ties were not what it took to make a good dad. Jack had never given those kids what they needed, Tanner had, and much more. Jason, Andi, and their two brothers would truly be a family in all the ways that mattered. Besides, they would still be blood related through Kelli; she was after all their biological cousin, before she became their mom. The video ended, but it was another fifteen minutes before the two young siblings ran out of steam, and left the men alone where they could talk.
"I'm glad to see the kids reacting so well. I thought for sure Andi would be upset if they babies were boys." Chris stated as Vin got up to rewind the tape and put it up.
"You and me both, but she likes the idea of bossin' around two younger brothers." Vin shut off the television. "I think you are one of the last to know. Jason told Caleb, who told Sarah, who told her mother. Inez called Rain, who called Mallory, who, called Casey…well you get the picture."
"Who needs TV and newspapers when the kids are around?" Chris stood up and walked with Vin into the kitchen. "Travis lifted my probation today. It's finally over."
"Damn that's good news. Chris, you worked hard to get you life back, and you deserve it." Tanner grinned. "Course now Kel will have to move the celebration party she planned for you, but I doubt she'll mind."
"I don't need a party; just making it to this point is enough for me."
"You tell her that then, because I won't. One thing I have learned over the last couple of months is not to upset a pregnant woman." Vin laughed. "If you're brave enough, go ahead and tell her, but you had best know she has her mind set."
Chris thought about it and grinned. "I suppose a small party wouldn't hurt anything." Larabee reach in his jacket pocket and handed Vin an envelope." These are your orders Captain Tanner."
Vin hesitantly took the envelope. "Chris I told you…"
"Just read the damn thing." Chris snapped. "You will conduct training classes two days a week, four hours each day from Camp Larabee. You will not be assigned to any active cases, and will be on admin status only until after Chambers's trial."
Tanner nodded, "Thanks Chris."
"You're welcome. Now, where is my baby daughter?"
"Right here," Max walked into the room carrying Grace. The baby squealed with delight when she saw her Daddy and waved her arms excitedly.
"Hey baby girl. "Chris smiled when she did and then looked over to Vin. "Tell my eldest, I'll talk to her later. I'm going home to tell Cody that he is going to have two boy cousins his own age to grow up with."
"Lord help us all, another generation of Larabee and Tanner men." Max laughed. "One thing is for sure, with three new boys coming, in addition to the clan we have already, there won't be many dull moments around the Larabee 7 over the next few years."
Journal Entry ~February 23 ~midnight
Today has been a day to remember. I made it through my 'trial by fire', and I am finally free of the last string that bound me to California. Travis withdrew my probation, and I am one hundred percent back in control of my unit. I know it was just a formality, but I felt the weight of the world lift off my shoulders when Orrin handed me that folder. I am back in total control of my life, admittedly it is a slightly different one than I first imagined it would be, but I have no complaints.
Linda and I have managed to reach a level of understanding. It's almost like living with a part-time girlfriend. We keep separate rooms, but when the mood strikes we have a few hours of wild sex, and then return to our separate lives. She still doesn't take more interest in Grace, and she shows no signs of regret about leaving once Cody is born. Linda has already begun cutting her ties to the ranch, too, and has told all the ladies that she does not want a baby shower. She told me today that her car was shipped to Louisiana this morning, and slowly she has been packing more of her personal items to send there within the next couple of weeks. We have come to an amicable agreement about our divorce, and the only thing left unresolved is how long she will stay once our son is born. That is the one thing she refuses to discuss.
Vin and Kelli found out today that they are expecting boys and everything looks good. I am happy for both of them of course, but especially for Vin. He never believed that having his own family, and planting roots was written in his destiny…he was wrong. I was watching him while the kids replayed the video from the ultrasound and the emotions that showed on his face were truly priceless. I am pleased that Cody will have Vin's sons to grow up with.
I think Max said it best when she said. "Lord help us all, another generation of Larabee and Tanner men."…I believe he already has helped… all of us.
