Chapter 55

"Those two kids could pass for being actually yours, dude," Brian joked as they all watched the twins and Danny playing in the spacious backyard as Emily entertained herself in the playpen. "You sure you aren't holding out on us about something?"

Lana began to laugh. "Brian!"

Paul smacked his head. "Very fucking funny."

"Another case in point that my husband has absolutely no shame," Kim replied, cradling Briana.

"Damn right." Brian lit a cigarette.

"Dude," Paul reminded him, "Ningún fumar alrededor de los niños."

"What? They're clear out in the yard."

"But Emmy and your own mini midget are right here. Were you born in a barn?"

"Well, apparently Jesus was."

"Don't get smart unless you want another crack on the head, Midget."

"Okay, okay, I'll put it out."

"You know, I've noticed Jorge and Danny are getting along so well," Kim spoke as she observed the two boys play wrestling, squeals and laughter coming from both of them.

"Yes, after the initial stare down at the airport when Jorge and Juliana first came here, I was a little concerned at first," Lana responded. "But then some kids down the street were teasing Danny the other morning and Jorge went after them. Of course, he told them off in Spanish, but I was able to catch some of what was said; basically if they knew better, to leave his little brother alone."

"Judging from Jorge's size, I think they'll know better from now on," Kim nodded.

"That and he and Danny have been practically inseperable since," Lana added. "I was thinking Danny was getting bored with his sister, even if she is big enough to do cute things now. Now if he'd quit poking at her, I may accomplish something."

"I've been working on that," Paul spoke up. "Of course, it doesn't help having Juli poke him back when he pokes Emmy. So now I have two pokers to deal with."

"Sounds like Emily's got a big sister to stick up for her huh?" Kim asked.

"Yeah, but Juli needs to learn a better way of doing it. 'Papi, Danny's poking the baby again', 'Papi, Juli poked me too!', 'Papi, Juli keeps looking at me,' and 'Papi, Danny's pulling my hair!' gets a little old after awhile. And don't get me started on how the two of them and Jorge chase each other through the house before Lana has to remind them to do that shit outside. Jesus. When do preschool and kindergarten start again?"

"September," Lana answered. "And while you're sitting there complaining, remember you wanted to have these kids."

"What the hell was I thinking?"

"Add to the fact I'm also stuck with them more often than you are."

"Too late now, dude," Brian added. "You're basically stuck with them until they're at least eighteen."

"As are you with the mini midget over there," Paul pointed out, indicating Briana.

"Yeah, and I'm stopping at that little shit factory. I made the decision the other day after she pissed on me that she's going to be an only child."

"Bullshit," Kim replied. "In another few years, you'll be running your trap that Briana needs a brother or sister."

Lana nodded. "Danny was going to be an only child too, and now look at us. First me having Emily, and then this one getting the idea of adopting Jorge and Juliana."

"You agreed to it," Paul said with a slight whine.

"And you know Mexicans tend to like large families," Brian grinned.

"You know you're getting closer to having your ass kicked, right, Spanky?"

"Shit. I can whoop yours right back. That's hardly a threat."

"Right. Just like I kicked your ass in Beat the Clock last year."

"Fuck you, PL," Brian replied. "That match ended in a draw."

"Oh God, here we go again. It's like being married to two overgrown boys. 'I can kick your ass.' 'No, I can kick yours.' And yes, that match did end in a draw," Lana said. "Sometimes you two are worse than the kids."

They were then interrupted by a loud screech coming from Danny.

"Speaking of wrestling matches, I think some big boy is getting a bit rough," Kim said with a grimace.

"Jorge!" Paul bellowed. "Easy, bub. Dan's little. Sea apacible."

"Lo siento, Papi," Jorge called back, letting up on Danny. "Are you okay, Danny? I didn't mean to hurt you."

"Uh huh," Danny nodded. "Let's go play in the sandbox!"

Juliana skipped up. "Mami, can I take Emmy in the yard?"

"All right, but only if you watch her and no horseplay," Lana answered, pulling Emily from the playpen.

"I will. Gracias, Mami."

"She's also too big for you to be carrying around. Let her walk a bit and make sure the boys don't get rough around her."

"And no poking your little brother," Paul warned. "We're not going through this again tonight."

"Okay. Come on, Emmy, let's go play."

"Ah, the joy of parenthood," he groaned, leaning his head back.

"Dude, phone's ringing," Brian said.

"Shit. Who the hell would be calling this time of day?"

"Answer it and you'll find out," Lana quipped.

He did, speaking to the person on the other end for a few minutes before hanging up.

"Well what do you know," he said. "I haven't been forgotten about after all. I have a dark match tomorrow night. Guess it's back to hell, but it beats counting floor tiles over and over."