10: Sarah Acts Out

XxX

I guess I need to remind my readers that in the author's note at the beginning of the first chapter that the pace of this story would move forward rather quickly, and that would include the relationships of Nick, Judy and Sarah. I have done this because of the multitude of stories out there that drag on for 20 or 30 or more chapters because they're so unsure of everything.
Also mentioned that there seems to be a LOT of hugging…bunnies are huggers…..

This chapter is going to be a bit longer than most have been, but I just couldn't find a good place to cut it off, so enjoy….

…

"Hold up a second," yells Judy as she runs onto the stage "I've got something to say before this gets started!"

"Judy, what on earth-"

"Zip it Nick, this is important!"

"…"

"As I was trying to say …," shooting Nick a 'you'd better keep quiet or else' look "last night Nick and I missed the concert because we had some personal issues to work through, and I'm glad to say that I think we've pretty much got them ironed out. After speaking with his sister and a close friend and employee of his and with my daughter, I feel that there is something that needs to be addressed, right here and right now in front of everyone.'
'Sarah honey, come on out."

As Sarah somewhat shyly joins everyone on stage, guitar in paw, Judy continues "Last night at the concert, George Thorogood presented this guitar, which has been autographed personally by himself and the rest of the band, to my daughter Sarah to give to Nick. He gave it to her to give to him to honor all military and first responders in the audience and because firstly, Nick is a combat vet. Secondly because I was a member of the ZPD, and because Nick and Sarah and I have all had a tough go of it all of our lives. He gave it to her to give to Nick because Nick's sister told George that Nick and I are seeing each other, and that Nick is the only male in her life that has ever given an actual damn about either one of us, let alone both of us at the same time.'
'I told you all of that to tell you this … Sarah has something important to tell Nick, and she wants to tell him and ask him in front of everyone here so that he'll know that it comes from the heart! Go ahead honey…"

"Nick, I asked you earlier this week if you'd be my dad 'cause I love you and I know that you love me. Mom and auntie Nickie told me about how things are between fox couples, and I already know how things are between bunny couples, so I'm gonna mix the two up a bit. To start with, I know that vixens are s'posed to take charge in a relationship, and I'm taking charge right now, even though I ain't one (which draws a laugh from everyone) and I'm also taking this opportunity to do the bunny thing by giving you this guitar as a token of my love for you and ... and I'm asking you if you'll marry my mom and be my dad for real!"

Totally shocked by the sudden happening for a few heartbeats, Nick does the only thing that he can … he steps forward, kneels and gathers his soon to be step-daughter in a tearful hug as he gratefully accepts the guitar with the other paw.

"Sarah, my darling Chocolate, I accept this guitar as a token of your love and accept your proposal of marriage to your mother!"

Looking squarely at Judy who is now only an arm's length away, he opens his arms as an invitation for her to join in a group family hug, which she quickly, and tearfully, accepts.

…

As everyone on stage gathers around to wish the publicly newly minted couple well, the assembled crowd cheers and whistles, throwing Mardi-Grass beads and other items of well-wishing onto the stage.

After several minutes of semi-controlled bedlam, Kings takes a semblance of control: "Ok, everyone, settle down please! How about we let the contestants get back to the business of building motorcycles?'
'So to be clear, here will be the new parameters as set forth by the builders themselves: they are to use the bikes presented to them for the build-off as a foundation for their build bikes. They can use anything that they brought with them for parts and have a purchase limit of ten thousand dollars! In addition, since there are only two builders this year, the builder that does not win the competition will receive the left-over build bike as a consolation prize! Gentlemammals, start your builds!"

…

Setting both Judy and Sarah back down on the stage, Nick calls out his build team, but asks Judy and Sarah to stay put.

"Here's what we're gonna do … Midnight, go over the bike and come up with some sort of radical ideas for the build. I don't care how radical, if there's any way that they might work given the time frame, I wanna see 'em. Take Bolo, Skye and Lefty with ya to help with the design.'
'When ya get a couple of ideas finalized, bring 'em to me and everyone can start lookin' for the parts we might need. Then I want Nickie to go back to the shop and get Adelle, so she can accompany whoever goes and buys parts. Might as well put her to good use while we're at it."

Turning to the small doe "Sarah, I've got a special job for you."

"Y-you do?"

"Yup. Once we get a bike design figured out, I want you to figure out the paint job for it! Can you do that for me honey?"

"Really? What if I mess it up? You might lose the contest!"

"Look sweetheart, the last thing I'm worried about is the competition. What I really want is for you to be confident in what you do, in everything you do. If you're confident in your design, it doesn't matter if I win the competition or not, it's the fact that you give it your best shot. Nobody wins all the time. In fact, according to one of my paw to paw instructors when I was in the military, a master fails more times than most students even try… do you understand?"

"I-I think so. If you really want me to design the paint, I'll do it. I promise to do my best."

"And that's all anyone can ever ask of you."

"Thanks dad …" gathering Nick into a tight hug "for being here for me and mom. And for showing so much confidence in me … no one has ever believed in me before, 'cept for mom…"

"Well, that's all changed, because I think I can speak for everyone in the shop, when I say that we all believe in you. Your ability speaks for itself with the job you did on the trike.'
'In the meantime, how about some breakfast? With the rally in town, I think BillieBob's delivers earlier than normal. I'll order a bunch of breakfast wraps and drinks for everyone so we can at least get started on this and not lose a lot of time."

After calling in a large order of wraps and assorted drinks for everyone, pred and prey alike, Nick sees Nickie pulling a small cart onto the stage where Midnight and the rest of the mechanics are going over the bike, coming up with ideas for the build.

"What's up sis?"

"I just thought that maybe we'd throw some of these out to the crowd, good advertising for the shop and all. That's why ya ordered 'em ain't it?"

"It is indeed. I kinda forgot about 'em with all that's been goin' on the last few days… how about havin' Sarah and Judy givin' you a paw with that? That way you can sorta vary how far you can throw 'em. Not much else to do while we're waitin' for Skye and the guys to come up with some ideas for the build."

Shortly after the girls threw all of the t-shirts out into the crowd, the wraps arrived, and everyone dug in.

Noticing Sarah shyly peeking at him while he was enjoying a chicken wrap, Nick asks "What is it honey?"

"Umm … what does that taste like? The chicken I mean."

After mulling the question over for a few seconds "It's difficult to describe really. How would you describe how a carrot tastes to someone who's never had one? Or better yet … how would you describe your nickname to someone who's never tasted chocolate before?"

"I … don't … know?"

"Would you like to try a small piece?"

"NICK!"

"What? It won't hurt her. Worst case is she might get a slightly upset stomach or a bit of diarrhea. Let's let her decide, especially now that she knows the risks…'
'How about it, do you still want to try a small bite?"

Looking at her mom and getting a small shoulder shrug "Yes … please?"

Leaning over and holding out his wrap for Sara, Nick offers her a bit of his wrap.

"NICK, really?"

"What now? Are you afraid she'll get fox cooties or sumpin'? It never seemed to bother you…"

"Shush you, that's not it at all!" says Judy, blushing a bit, mainly because of Sarah's knowing grin.

"Ok, at worst it's like a second-paw kiss. She's already admitted to kissing a few bucks at school, so what's the harm?"

Rolling her eyes "Fine, but don't come to me when she gets a bellyache. At some point in time you're gonna have to stop spoiling her, you know that, right?"

"Tell you what, I'll stop spoiling her as soon as I stop spoiling you … deal?"

"Dang it Nick, that's just plain not fair…" says Judy feigning anger, including the balled fists perched on her hips.

Ignoring her mom, Sarah leans in and takes a small bite of Nick's roll-up, being sure to get at least a little bit of chicken. Chewing slowly and thoughtfully "It's really good!"

"I'm pretty sure your digestive system can't handle a lot of any kind of meat, but I'm glad you like it nonetheless."

"Thanks dad…" and leans over to plant a small kiss on Nick's cheek.

…

Just then, Midnight and Bolo approach and begin to show Nick several ideas for the build-off bike.

While most are rejected immediately, mainly because they are a bit to involved for such a short build time, one seems to catch Nick's fancy.

"I kinda like this one" he says, showing it to Judy and Sarah to get their opinion "Old school looks with a new school twist! Wadda ya think?"

The plan was basically simple enough: replace the stock front-end with a new style springer, complete with a floating Sportster style fender and a pair of stacked rectangular headlights. Short double pullback handlebars set on a pair of dog-bone risers would top off the main controls. A foot clutch and jockey shift would take care of the tranny and shifting, while the fuel tank would be carefully concaved on each side, unless a suitable tank of that design could be found in the vendor or swap meet areas.

The rear suspension would be the focal point of the build … converting the standard swing arm style suspension that originally came on the bike to a modern soft-tail suspension would help retain an old school hard tail look while providing maximum rider comfort, while a hidden support bobbed rear fender would complete the look.

"That sounds great." Says Judy

"And then there's the matter of paint…"

"Daaaaad!"

"Look honey, it'll be at least a day or most likely two or more before they get the bike in any kind of shape to even begin worry about what the paint would look like, so don't stress it. There's literally nothing else to do now 'cause most of the crew is gonna be out lookin' for parts for a good bit of the day, so what say we load up on the trike and do some tourist action? Maybe you can draw some inspiration during the ride."

Drawing a deep breath, then letting out a deep sigh "Ok, dad, I guess you're right. C'mon, let's go."

…

Heading east (which is actually mostly south) on I90, our trio then makes a right turn at Rapids City and follows old highway 16 to the Mount Rush More memorial. Totally enamored by the towering pine trees and the slightly mountainous area that makes up part of the Hills and Badlands regions, Judy and Sarah are speechless throughout the fifty-one-mile ride.

At the memorial, the does are suitably impressed, staring at the four past presidents of Animalia who are memorialized in granite on the mountainside.

Loading back onto the trike, the next stop is a short half hour ride along state route 244 to the Crazy Horses memorial.

While only partially completed, the memorial is (arguably) a tribute to one of the greatest Indigenous Animalian leaders of his time.

Taking old highway 16 back towards Stergis, Nick, Judy and Sarah take the scenic route and end up passing through Deadwoods with the does chatting away, and Sarah doing something on her phone.

Riding through town, Judy notices the jewelry shop where Nick purchased their heart necklaces: "Nick. Nick, ya gotta stop there for a sec. Please?" she asks.

Although a bit puzzled, Nick is more than willing to honor his bunny's request.

Finding a parking spot for the trike only a half-block down the street, the three dismount and walk the short distance to the store.

Upon entering the store, the same black tailed mule deer doe that waited on them a few days earlier greeted the trio.

"And how may I help you today?" she asks.

"Just looking for now" answers Judy "but if we see something we like, we'll let you know."

While each mammal perused the various display cases, Sarah found exactly what she was looking for.

Upon finding said item, she has Judy ask Nick "Would you be a dear and get something cold for us to drink?"

Taking the hint that she was just trying to get rid of him for a couple minutes for whatever reason "Sure thing, I think I saw a sno-cone stand just up the street. I'll be back in a jiff. Any particular flavor?"

"Strawberry?" asks Judy

"Make mine-" began Sarah.

"Let me guess … chocolate." Says Nick with a grin.

"No silly, blueberry!"

With a bit of a nostalgic smile, Nick left for the refreshments, only to be joined by Judy a few steps down the street.

Noticing the confused look on Nick's muzzle "Don't ask me, Sarah wanted me to join you getting the cones. Big secret of some kind. I'm sure we'll find out before too long…"

After Nick and Judy return with the sno-cones, they all sat on a bench just outside of the store and enjoyed the cold treats.

"Dad before we go back to town, can go visit Devils Tower again?" asks Sarah. "It's not what you think, I promise" she adds "no bad news or forgotten confessions of terrible past events."

"Ok, your wish is my command milady," says Nick with an overly dramatic bow as he then loads the does onto the trike and heads towards Stergis on state route 14 instead of going through Rapids City as originally planned.

Turning north at Stergis and continuing on towards Devils Tower, the trio arrive at the same pullover that has been used several times in the recent past.

…

"Ok you two" he remarks as they all disembark "what's the special reason for visiting this particular spot? You promised no bad news or terrible reveals, so … what's up?"

"First of all," begins Sarah "I want you to know that this was all my idea, mom just helped me with a few things … I-I know that this morning was a bit of a shock to you, and if you really don't really wanna marry mom or be my dad, I'll understand."

Kneeling so he can look straight into Sarah's ice blue eyes "Honey, nothing could be farther from the truth. I've waited almost twenty years to be with your mom, and you are just a bonus that made it well worth the wait."

"… Ok" taking a deep breath "… here goes …" holding out a small black box to Nick and one to Judy "I got this for you, and one just about like it for mom. Mom helped me pay for yours so it's from me and her to you. The one I got for her I paid for with my allowance. Will you both open them now please?"

As Judy and Nick each open their boxes, they are amazed to find signature red and green Hills Gold rings, sized to fit their fingers.

While Judy's ring has a small emerald setting, the same color as Nick's eyes, Nick's was exactly the same design with an amethyst stone, just the same as Judy's eyes.

"I got the idea the other night after I saw the necklaces that you're wearing, and the gold on my pendant. They're called promise rings, an' you wear 'em like wedding rings until you get married… I-I hope you like 'em. I wasn't sure who would get the ring because of the difference between fox and bunny traditions, so I got each of you one, just in case."

Not even trying to hide a tear, Nick knelt and took his new daughter into tight hug, joined almost immediately by and equally tearful Judy.

"You beautiful, beautiful kit you" he manages to choke out "You have no idea how much joy you've brought this old fox do you?"

"Dad … are-are you ok?"

"Never better sweetheart, never better."

"But you're crying-"

"Tears of joy. Like you and your mom, I've never had anyone be this nice to me, be this close to me, to actually love me like this before."

"Foxes" says Judy "so emotional."

"I love you too furball." Says Nick, kissing her soundly.

"Ewwww…"

"C'mere you" says Nick looking directly at Sarah "you're next…" as Sarah escapes his grasp.

Running just slow enough to make the chase last several minutes, Nick finally catches his laughing, giggling, soon to be step-daughter and first blows raspberries on her neck, then kisses her soundly between the ears.

"Oh, no … now I've got fox cooties" she gasps, dramatically bringing the back of her paw to her forehead "whatever shall I do?"

"I'm told it'll most likely be a slow, lingering death, of say, sixty or seventy more years," says a thoroughly amused Judy.

Making a show of mock disgust, with paws on hips "Well, I might as well make the most of it then" and kisses Nick squarely on the nose, causing him to look cross-eyed at his nose and blink rapidly.

With all three mammals finally getting over a giggle fit, Sarah asks "Ok, what's next?"

"Well, we've all been here several times, what say we go down to the base of the Tower for a bit and play tourist, just like we set out to do?" suggests Judy.

"Sounds like a plan," says Nick as he heads for the trike.

…

Taking the short five-minute ride to the base of the Tower proper, our trio is amazed at how large and imposing the natural object is. Since there were no remaining tours scheduled for the day, they simply worked their way through the gift shop and picked up a few souvenirs, which almost showed a perfect view from where they were standing just a shot time ago.

As they were about to leave for Stergis, Nick receives a call.

Recognizing the sender from the caller ID, he answers "Yea, what's up Midnight? … ok … yea … yea …really? You're sure? … Ok, perfect, go with it. In fact, go with it all. I'll talk to you about it when we get back in a bit. Bye." and ends the call.

"That" says Nick "was obviously from Midnight, stuff for the build bike that he wanted to run by me. Let's head back."

Knowing the smirk, Judy figured that something else was also going on, but didn't want to say anything in case it involved a surprise for Sarah.

…

Arriving at the fairgrounds, Nick heads over to confer with Midnight, while Judy and Sarah head over to tell Nickie and Skye about Sarah's ring presentation at Devils Tower.

While the vixens are keeping Sarah busy with all kinds of questions, Judy takes a few minutes to sneak off and speak to Nick.

"Ok Slick, what's up? I know that smirk when I see it, and it was all over your face at the Tower.

Not even bothering to hide it at the moment "Midnight just happened to find another Knucklehead almost exactly like yours while he and Skye were out scrounging for build parts. I told him to go ahead and buy it regardless of the cost so I can have it fixed up for Sarah to ride. Mom and daughter with nearly identical bikes, neat huh? We can teach her to ride together, starting with a smaller, less powerful bike of course, ok? Which brings me to another point … I know that your grandpa's bike has a lot of sentimental value, but … I, that is we, were wondering if you would mind a kind of drastic modification to it?"

"Like what … exactly?"

"Well, you know that we're gonna be converting the old police bike, which is a Panhead, to a softail right? So, we thought that maybe, we could convert your bike to a softail as well if everything works out! It'll look just like the traditional hardtail that you're currently riding, but it'll have that comfortable softail ride. Wadda ya think Fluff?"

"Let me get this straight … it'll still mostly be Pop-Pop's old bike, and look pretty much like Pop-Pop's but ride like yours?"

"Yup. All we'll do to the bike besides restore it to its original condition, including the paint, is upgrade the suspension. We'll keep all of the old original parts and restore them as well, just in case you ever wanna change it back for whatever reason."

"In that case, I don't see why not. Sure, go ahead."

"And we'll do the same to Sarah's bike for the same reason, ok?"

"Now that's a good idea, Slick…."

"We'll get 'em back to ya as soon as we can right after the rally. But … let's not say anything, save it for a surprise…"

"Great. In the meantime, let's go rescue those poor vixens from Sarah …"

…

As they head backstage to talk to Sarah, Nickie and Skye, Judy notices Nick give a slight nod to Midnight out of the corner of her eye. Not in the least bit concerned, she figures it just had something to do with the build so she quickly forgets about it.

"So, how're things goin' back here?" she asks "everything ok?"

"Let's see 'em!" demands Nickie, excited to see the objects of attention that the three females' conversation has been centered on for the last fifteen or so minutes.

"Oh my gods, they're beautiful!" remark Skye and Nickie together as Nick and Judy show off the matching rings.

"Ya did good Lil' Bit!" says Nickie, leaning down to give Sarah a well-deserved hug.

"And, just think of the fun we're gonna have planning a wedding" gushes Skye.

"Don't forget the bridal shower" includes Nickie.

"But-" begins Judy, who is summarily interrupted when her phone rings.

Noticing that it's from her cousin Nadine "I gotta take this, quiet please I'm sure it's important!"

Listening intently, Judy's smile starts small then slowly spreads from ear to ear (quite a feat for a bunny).

Thanking her cousin, Judy terminates the call and makes an announcement of her own: "In addition to everything else, how about we make plans for an adoption party? Nadine spoke with my lawyer and a judge earlier yesterday. She just told me that because of the stipulation in our divorce decree that Gerald demanded be in included, there is absolutely nothing standing in the way of Nick adopting Sarah if he really wants to, Gerald has absolutely no say in the matter whatsoever. All Sarah and I have to do is testify in front of Judge Bunz when we get back, and Nick needs to provide proof that he can provide a stable and loving home and the deal is done…"

"Ok" says Nick gathering his bunnies into a group hug "this is the best news I've had in a very long time … but let's save the celebration for later please. We've still got a build going on and we need to focus-" and is promptly interrupted when his phone rigs.

Rolling his eyes at the continued interruptions "Yea, what's up Leena?"

As Nick listens, his expressions are difficult to read, but finally the assemble females hear "Here's what I want you to do: get ahold to everyone who wants to sign up and have them show up here no earlier than seven tomorrow morning. I'll talk with Ramone and Sarah to help set up a pricing system that everyone can live with, and I'll get Adelle in on the pricing as well. And please let everyone know that there'll be absolutely no porn or showing of genitals in the artwork. If anyone has issues with that, they can go to one of the artists on the strip. Got all that? That's it then? Ok, see you in the morning, thanks."

Seeing the questioning looks "Obviously that was Leena. She's got well over a dozen customers for Sarah's art designs there at the shop. I figured that this would be a better idea to have mammals come here to present their pitches to Sarah for designs than at the shop, for several reasons; more atmosphere here, we have better control of the designs, and being able to make sure that no one tries to bully her into doing something she's not comfortable with as well.'
'That ok with you Sarah?"

"This is for real, right?"

Kneeling so he's eye to eye with the diminutive doe "Sure is, as long as you really want to. If you don't want to, that's ok too. I'm not going to force you to do something that you're not comfortable with.'
'You, your mom and Raoul can get together with Adelle to figure prices out. Don't forget, you get a forty percent cut of the final price, with at least ninety percent of that going towards college, art school, or however you want to continue your education after high school.'
'The question is this … do you really want to do this?"

"I've actually thought about it a lot, and yes, I want to do this. To at least try."

"That's my big girl!" says Judy, beginning to tear up.

"No matter what, your mom and I'll be proud of you. I know you'll do a great job, way to go Chocolate!"

Grabbing Nick in yet another tight hug, followed almost instantly by Judy, Sarah can only quietly sob tears of happiness.

"Ok, enough with the waterworks" says Nick after several minutes "you two go find Ramone and Adelle and get busy with those prices and maybe a sign of some kind, while I go have a few words with Midnight and Bolo, ok?"

…

Watching the two does head off to find Adelle and Ramone, with Nickie and Skye following close behind, still yacking about the wedding and other 'girl' things, Nick turns his attention to Midnight and Bolo who are forming a pile of parts into a sort of physical blueprint for the build.

"What's up Boss?" asks Bolo, noticing Nick's approach.

"Just a few words with you two about the Knuckleheads if ya got a minute."

Giving his boss a crooked grin, Midnight updates Nick "We've got Judy's old bike torn down and almost have the engine and tranny ready to put back together. What's the word on the suspension?"

"Converting them both to softails' is a definite go."

"And the paint?"

"I think we'll just have Ramone clean the tins really good and clear coat 'em, the patina on both is perfect. Judy wants her grandad's bike to look as authentic as possible, so I figure that's the best thing to do with both bikes. I know I told Judy that we'd repaint hers, but I want to keep the original look as best we can. Repaint the frames and other stuff and keep all of the old parts after you rebuild 'em. Oh, and upgrade ignitions to electronic, as well as the old generators on both bikes to the new alternators that look like the stock ones while you're at it, and put those gear reducers in the kickers (kick starters) too. Above all else, they've gotta be done, paint and all by Saturday morning! I wanna reveal them before the build-off bike."

"You're sure Judy has no idea what we're up to?"

"Possible, but doubtful. You guys sure you don't mind doing this on your off hours?"

"Boss, we've ridden the Hills enough the last few years so that nothin's really new anymore, so doin' this for Judy and Sarah is well worth the time and effort. And congrats on the announcement, you've deserved this for along time. The whole shop is pullin' for ya."

"Damn it 'Night …" says Nick, tearing up a bit

"It's ok bro … now, go take care of yer does before they get nosey and head to the shop lookin' fer ya!"

"Crap, that reminds me, when you guys come in in the mornin', stop by the shop and bring a couple of long tables and a few chairs, the girls are gonna need to make a stand for Sarah to schedule her art commissions. Ramone can make a sign of some sort in a hurry I'm sure."

"You got it Nick, now get movin'…"

…

Finding all five females, including Adelle, trying to carry on three different conversations with Ramone at the same time, Nick intervenes by offering to take his does to an early supper, while suggesting that Ramone and the vixens plus one work on making a presentable sign for Sarah's design stand tomorrow.

"So" he begins "where do you want to eat?"

"Road Killed!" immediately suggests Sarah.

"How about the Stergis Inn?" counters Judy "I think a good solid meal would top off the day quite nicely."

"We've got almost a week to eat at the Road Killed again plus several of the other sidewalk vendors, but let's go all out and really celebrate tonight, ok?" asks Nick.

Letting out a slightly disappointed sigh, Sarah relents "Ok, but I can get anything I want? It's a celebration, right?"

Knowing that Nick is going to let Sarah have her way no matter what, Judy simply rolls her eyes and agrees "Fine, whatever you want … but just remember, what ya order, ya gotta eat. Even if ya don't like it…"

"No problem mom, I promise to stick to something I like."

"Good thinking. Let's go before the place gets crowded." Urges Nick.

…

Entering the Stergis Inn, Nick and his does are seated by the same greeter who comments "My, your little family seems to have grown in the past few days. And just who is this darling little kit?"

"Annabelle, this is Judy's kit Sarah. Sarah, Annabelle."

"Nick's gonna be my dad!" adds Sara, slightly miffed at being called little.

"Well, that's … nice…"

"Sarah, manners." chides Nick.

"Yes sir … sorry Annabelle …"

Kneeling so she can look the disgruntled kit straight on "It's ok Sarah, I was called little until well after I was out of high school, so I understand perfectly."

"Really? Umm, I 'pologize for being a bit snippy."

"Already forgotten. Now, let's get you seated."

Taking their seats, Nick and Judy are amazed that their server is none other than Charlette "Good evening mister and missus Wilde, good to see you again. And I take it this is your kit? Now I'm really jealous!"

Noticing the questioning gaze coming from Sarah, all the while seeing the giggle that Judy was trying to hide, Nick elaborates "Charlette, we seem to have unintentionally misled you the other night because of the umm, incident, but Judy and I aren't married … yet. We are engaged though, and yes, Sarah is Judy's kit and soon to be my adopted daughter."

"Well, nonetheless I stand by what I said earlier, and you do make a beautiful family. Would you like to order something to drink while you look over the menus?"

"Sweet tea with lemon please" begins Judy.

"Same here" enjoins Nick "Sarah?"

"Umm … could I have-"

"A strawberry shake?" interrupts Nick.

"Dad!"

"What?"

Looking at Charlette, but giving a smirking Nick her form of a stink eye "Yes, a strawberry shake … please."

Unable to withhold a giggle at the does antics, Charlette simply thanked them for their order and left to fill it.

"Daaaaad, are you gonna make a practice of embarrassing me?"

"Probably, yea…"

"Ok, fine. I guess it's war then…"

As Charlette returns with their drink order just minutes later "So dad, tell me again what you did to mom last night that I had to stay with my aunties…?

As Judy tries to hide behind her ears and Nick's mouth drops open from shock, the most embarrassed mammal turned out to actually be Charlette!

Realizing her mistake, Sarah quickly apologizes "I-I'm sorry Charlette, I was just trying to get back at my dad…"

"….. I-I'll be back in just a second" she stammers, trying and failing to not laugh at the looks on Nick and Judy's faces.

"Sarah, Wh-what on earth has gotten into you lately?" asks Judy.

Looking down at the table, as forlorn as she could possibly be "I-I'm sorry mom … I just wanted to get back at dad a little, I promise I won't do it again…"

Before anyone could say anything else, Charlette returns "I'm sorry, but I couldn't keep a straight face. The staff and I have picked up the tab for your meals tonight … that has got to be the best 'gotcha' remark we have ever heard.'
'Sarah is it? you just keep up the good work honey, and I'm sure you'll turn out ok. I'll just give you a few more minutes to make your selections ok?"

"What am I gonna do with you young lady?" asks a thoroughly exasperated Judy.

"I-I…" says a tearful Sarah.

"Judy" says Nick softly, touching Judy's paw "she's apologized, you can see that she's truly sorry, leave it be at least for now … please."

Looking at Nick in wonder, Judy asks "How in the world did you ever get to be the common sense member of this family? Especially considering that you've never really had one before? Your mom and sister notwithstanding."

"Other than my first real mistake of walking away from you at the press conference, I guess I made most of my serious mistakes in the service, mistakes that could have cost other mammals their lives. I guess I've just learned to be more mellow. So ok, it's a little embarrassing, but so what?"

Looking at the still tearful Sarah, then reaching out and placing a finger under the young doe's chin, Nick slowly lifts her face so she could see him eye to eye "The only thing you really did wrong was mess up the timing sweetheart. Something like that would have been more or less fine between the three of us, just not in a public setting like here. You understand that now, right?"

Sniffling just a bit "Yes sir …"

"Alright then, what say we get something ordered so we can spend a bit of time in the hot tub?"

"And that's it?" asks Judy.

"What else would you do Judy? You can see that she's genuinely sorry, what punishment would you suggest?"

Letting out a long sigh "I guess you're right … again. Dang it Nick-"

"It's ok, we'll get through this. Things like this are gonna happen from time to time, so we just have ta live and learn. Anywhoooo, Charlette's on her way back, order up and let's eat."

After bringing fresh sweet tea for Nick and Judy, and a fresh, un-melted strawberry shake for Sarah, all ordered, with Nick having a stuffed chicken breast, Judy had a chef's salad, and Sarah had manicotti.

Noting the quick peeks that Sarah was giving him, Nick cut off a small portion of his chicken and placed it on her plate for her to try, knowing all the time and not caring that Judy saw it.

…

Small talk seemed to be at a minimum, mainly due to Sarah's outburst earlier. When the diners excused themselves, Nick left a nice tip for the waitstaff (especially Charlette) and they retired to their room.

Entering the room, Sarah went straight to the bathroom and changed into her pajamas and started to pull out the sleeper sofa.

"What are you doing?" asked Judy.

"I can't go to my room since we're not at home, and I'm sure my aunties aren't in their room, so I'm just gonna go to bed…"

"Sarah, don't be like that-"

"No mom, I was wrong. An-and I know it, so this is my punishment."

"It's ok sweetheart, really. Go change into your swimsuit and join us in the hot tub … ok?"

"You're sure?"

"Yes, I'm sure. Go on and change, I'll be in in a sec."

With Sarah taking her time changing, Judy asks Nick "Do you think I'm being too harsh with Sarah?"

"Let me ask you this … are you normally this harsh?"

Thinking for a second, Judy admits "No, I guess I really ain't. Thanks Nick" and manages to time the kiss perfectly.

"Ewwww …"

"SARAH!"

Giggling, Sarah answers "Got 'cha mom …"

Rolling her eyes, Judy has to wonder out loud "Where did this ornery streak come from anyway? You were never like this back home … but then … you never really had the opportunity to, did you?"

"I guess seeing how happy and comfortable you were-are with Nick, I couldn't help it. You're not still angry with me, are you?"

"No sweetheart I'm not. Thankfully I, that is we, have Nick here to keep and eye on both of us. Thank you, Nick, … for everything."

"It has been and will always be my pleasure. Now, go get changed."

After everyone is finally changed, a relaxing hour or so is spent in the hot tub, and the trio watched the lights and listened to the sounds of thousands of motorcycles going to and fro on the streets of Stergis before finally retiring for the night, with the two does in the large bed and Nick on the pullout.