Thirty-Eight
Plum Family
It's been a few weeks since the reveal party and Frank and I are still over the moon knowing we will be welcoming two boys and one girl to our family tree. I love all my grandchildren and Julie, Emma Belle, and Anna Grace have been a wonderful addition. I think the reason we're even more excited about our three newest grand-babies is because they've been created by Stephanie and Carlos. Even though Stephanie's not carrying them, they are still a part of her.
"Frank, can you believe that we're going to have nine grandchildren? It's so exciting."
"We're truly blessed Helen. Our youngest daughter has become the woman I knew she'd always be."
"You know Frank, everything happens for a reason."
"How so?"
"All that happened between Stephanie and me, my therapy sessions, and everything in between has given me a new lease on life. It took some time, but I've finally come to realize that Stephanie would never have become the woman she is today if my plans for her to marry Joe had come to fruition." I put my hand over my heart thinking of Joseph. "May God rest his soul."
"I know what you mean. I'm proud of you for continuing your sessions. To be honest with you Helen, had you continued down that path, I would have left you. I actually had Albert start the paperwork for a divorce."
"Frank, I'm so sorry I had to bring you to that level. The Burg is such a dysfunctional place and I got sucked into its way of life. "
'Well, thankfully you were able to overcome the Burg mentality and we got the hell out of there." He paused as if a heavy thought had struck him. "I wish your mother could see the new you."
"Thank you for the kind words sweetheart. I, too, wish my mother was here with us."
"Thanks to Stephanie and Carlos we've become friends with some wonderful people. Especially Ricardo and Isabella. They're good people."
"Yes, they are. The other day when Isabella and I were out shopping we stopped off for lunch. The subject of her visiting me in the hospital came up and we laughed hysterically. She said, 'you know, Helen, being able to laugh at that situation speaks volumes about our relationship.' And she's right Frank, we've been brought together through Stephanie and Carlos, but friendship is something that we've developed ourselves."
"Men don't need a lot of friends. My small group of buddies is all I need. Ricardo is a good man and he and Isabella have raised wonderful children. Are we going to their house tonight or are they coming here?"
"They're coming here with Rosa and Maria."
"Now those two ladies have an elegance that I admire in older women and they are two of the sweetest ladies I've had the pleasure of meeting. What time is everyone coming?"
"You're right about that sweetheart. I told them to come about seven."
"Well my love, we've got plenty of time to go upstairs for some fun."
"Oh Frank. You devil."
Manoso Family
"Ricardo, Honey, why is it that I am so excited about our newest additions to our family? I mean it's not like we don't have any grandchildren. After these babies are born, we will be the proud grandparents to fourteen kids."
"I'm not sure, Issi, but it is exciting."
"Maria and I will be great-grandmothers to fourteen beautiful Manoso children. I'm thankful that the Lord has allowed me to live long enough to see this all happen."
"Rosa, you and I are two of the luckiest Abuelas aren't we? I am also thankful to be here to experience it all."
"Mama Rosa, I feel so guilty that I feel extra excitement over Carlos and Stephanie's babies."
"Sweetheart, there's no reason for you to feel guilty. It's a natural reaction."
"What do you mean?"
"Well Carlos was quite the handful during his younger years, which were the most impressionable years of his life. We didn't know what would happen to him or what kind of life he would have."
"I shudder to think of what would have happened had you not taken him in and nurtured him during his most vulnerable years."
"Isabella, sweetheart, we are a family, we take care of one another. We Manoso's do not turn our backs on those we love, no matter how troubled they may be."
"Mama, Carlos is the man he is today because of what you instilled in him. For that we are greatly indebted to you."
"Children, you don't owe any debt. You've taken Maria and me into your home all these years and you take very good care of us. Isabella, you left your job to take care of your mother while she was ill. Most would have taken us to a home to live our old lives."
"Isabella, Ricardo, I agree with Rosa. You have gone above and beyond taking care of two old women. I am the one indebted to you for the sacrifice that you made to take care of me. And Ricardo, you are the son I've always wanted."
"Thank you, Mama Maria,"
"How did we get on such an emotional topic?"
"Issi, I think the reason the new babies are extra special is because of all that Carlos and Stephanie have gone through in their lives. Whether it's Steph or the surrogates carrying or giving birth, our newest grandchildren are still the product of our own flesh and blood."
"Isabella, what can Rosa and I help you prepare for tonight?"
"I told Helen I'd bring a couple of traditional Cuban dishes with some dessert. She's preparing Hungarian dishes."
"Well let's get started, shall we?"
"Issi, when you're finished in the kitchen join me upstairs." I whispered in my wife's ear. She blushed. I love that I can still make her blush after all these years.
Lula
"Baby, you have such stamina." I said to Martin after a few rounds of sex.
"You're pretty full of stamina yourself, my sexy boo."
"You know, I've been thinking about having kids of our own." I said as I rolled into his arms.
"Well, where did that come from?" He asked.
"It's been on my mind since the reveal party. What do you think?"
"We could start trying."
"Baby, I can't have our own kids on account of that damn boxer. He pretty much tore me apart."
"I'm so sorry you had to go through all that, sweetheart."
"If it wasn't for Stephanie, I'd have died."
"I'm glad you have her in your life."
"So, I was thinking maybe we could have a surrogate ourselves."
"That's a good thought honey, but that's a pretty costly process."
"Yeah, I've been doing research. Prices start at twenty-thousand and go up."
"I'll check into our insurance and see if it's covered. Does that make you happy? You know adoption is also an option.."
"Yeah." I rolled him on his back and began to ride him like the thoroughbred that he is. "Whew, you are one heck of a lover baby. I could do this all day long."
"Well, we don't have any plans today so keep it coming, girl."
After the day in my sexy man's arms, I was beat. I never expected that from me, of all people. When it comes to sex, I'm like the energizer bunny. We fell asleep at some point until Martin's phone woke us up.
"Yeah. This better be serious." He answered sternly. "Okay, I'll be there as soon as I can." He put the phone on the nightstand. "Boo, I have to go into work. I'm sorry. I'll be back as soon as I can."
"You know Baby, Joe used to pull that on Stephanie all the time and he'd go off and fuck the mob chick. You better not be doing the same."
"Lula, seriously? You're enough woman for me. I certainly wouldn't leave our bed for some other woman. I love you and only you."
"Okay, I just wanted to make sure. I love you, too." He took a shower and headed out the door. I wish I could go visit with Steph. I sure do miss my girl. I think it's time we arrange for a girl's weekend cos when the babies get here, Stephanie will be too busy.
"Hey white girl, how are you? I'm good. Martin and I just spent the entire day making love until he got called into work. Listen, I was thinking, how about we plan a girl's long weekend. I miss my girls."
"That sounds good, when and what were you thinking?" Stephanie answered on the other end of the phone.
"Well, how about we go to Vegas? Leave Thursday and come back Sunday. How does that sound?"
"Sounds good to me, who did you have in mind?"
"Connie, you, Val, Alecia, Melissa, and of course yours truly."
"Have you talked to anyone else?" She asked.
"No, not yet. Martin and I spent the day in bed, and I began to miss you."
"Wait, what? That doesn't sound good at all."
"No girl, I didn't mean it that way. We fell asleep after several rounds of hot sex and my man got called into work. That's when I began to miss you."
"Ha, ha, thanks for clarifying that for me. I miss you too. Our lives have changed so much haven't they?"
"Yeah, they sure have. But in a good way, White girl."
"I'll check Ranger's calendar for his training schedule, and I'll come up with some dates."
"Okay girl, that sounds good. So, tell me what else is going on in your busy life?" We talked for a long time about our lives and Trenton before her younger girls called out for their Mama. "Go take care of your baby girls. I'll get in touch with the rest of the gang. Love you." I sure do miss my girls. It's hard to make friends in the DC area. Martin and I have been out with his co-workers and their partners but it's not the same.
Stephanie
"Everything okay with Lula, Babe?"
"Yeah, she wants to plan a girl's weekend in Vegas."
"That'll be good for you. I hope you're planning on going."
"I'd like to go. We just need to coordinate dates. I can pick a weekend that you're in town. You know, I just came up with a great idea. Our parents are going to New York in a few weeks. Your grandmothers were going to come and stay here. How about I go then?"
"That sounds good. How long will you be gone?"
"Thursday to Sunday."
"Works for me."
"You're pretty quick to get rid of me. Are you getting tired of me?"
"Hell no." Our kissing was interrupted when our phones alerted us with a text. "Oh crap, let's go."
I quickly got up and headed to Julie's room while Carlos went upstairs to the girl's room.
"Jules, your dad and I have to go. Samantha has been rushed to the hospital."
"Oh no, what's wrong? Is everything okay?"
"We don't know yet. Can you hang out with the girls? Ella and Luis will be here soon."
"I will mom." I kissed my oldest daughter and ran upstairs.
"Bye girls, I love you. We'll be back soon." We were out the door in seconds. Carlos was barking out orders to the control room and security team. We instructed Julie to text us as soon as the security team arrived. I won't be comfortable until I know my girls are safe and secure. I still worry even though there are plenty of eyes on them and the house is as secure as Fort Knox.
I started crying during the drive. I was scared, not only for our babies but for Samantha too. "Babe, our boys will be fine, as will Samantha." He held my hand to comfort me.
We arrived at the hospital on two wheels and ran straight into the ER. We were escorted into the waiting area beside Samantha's room. Carlos was pacing while I was sitting with my leg shaking like crazy. I almost fell flat on my face trying to stand up when Alex came into the room.
"What's going on?" Carlos asked.
"She's fine. She has developed what's called Hyperemesis….
"Don't give us medical jargon. Explain in terms we can understand." Carlos barked.
"Sorry. Hyperemesis affects women who experience nausea that doesn't go away. She's lost weight and is extremely dehydrated. She was feeling faint and light headed. We're going to keep her hospitalized for a few days."
"When did all this start?" I asked with worry. "Will she be okay?"
"Samantha has been complaining about an increase in nausea and major loss of appetite. She'll be fine after a few days of fluids and monitoring. Carrying twins is more concerning so we just want to make sure everyone is fine."
"And what about the babies?" Carlos asked.
"Your boys are in fine health. A little hungry maybe, but with fluids and rest they'll be even better."
"Can we go see her?"
"Yes of course. Follow me." He led us to the room "How's she doing Mari?"
"She'll be herself pretty quick. Some of her color is beginning to re-appear."
"Samantha, oh my goodness how long have you been experiencing an increase of nausea? I wish you would have let us know."
"I'm sorry, Steph. I know I'm carrying your babies, but I just didn't think it was that bad."
"We worry about you too. We want to make sure you are also in good health." I said, holding her hand.
"Babe, do you want some coffee? I spotted a coffee shop."
"Yeah, I could use some coffee and a little something extra." I replied with a smile.
"I certainly know what the "something extra" is that you're referring to. Alex, Mari, coffee?"
"Yes. I'll come with you Carlos." Alex replied as they walked out together. I sat watching Mari do her thing. Samantha was slowly drifting off to sleep.
"Mari, are you sure Samantha is okay? It's not too serious?"
"Yes, I promise Steph. Her blood pressure is extremely high from her vomiting and being nervous. I've given her Benadryl to help her sleep and get the rest she needs."
"Is the Benadryl safe for the boys?"
"Yes, don't worry it's just for a few days."
"How long will she have to stay here?"
"Oh two, maybe three days max. We just want to make sure she and the boys are doing well before we send her home."
"Will she need someone to care for her at home?"
"It's not medically necessary but if it makes you and Carlos feel better, I can arrange for a nurse to stay with Samantha."
"That sounds good, Carlos and I will talk to Samantha to see if she will agree."
"Steph, sit down and relax, there's no reason for you to be nervous. I promise, your boys and their host will be just fine." Mari said, putting her arm around me.
"I don't want anything to happen to our boys and I certainly want Samantha to be in excellent health. I don't want her thinking we don't care about her."
"Oh sweetie, I'm sure she doesn't think anything of the sort. She knows you care about her."
Carlos
I was worried when Alex decided to come with me. I thought for sure he was going to give me bad news. "So, you're sure my boys and Samantha will be fine?"
"Yes Carlos, you have nothing to worry about. You are a typical father-to-be." He said, laughing as he tapped my shoulder.
"Thank the Lord." I said as we headed back to the room with coffee and something extra which consisted of chocolate croissants, blueberry scones and pecan tarts.
"Bro, how many people do you think will eat all this dessert?" My brother-in-law asked.
"Ha-ha. You don't know Stephanie. When I walk in, she'll say "Who's gonna eat all this?"
And without even realizing, she'll polish off half the box. She's worried and nervous so if she lets us have a bite it'll be a miracle."
"Carlos, you have your hands full with that woman." He laughed. "Don't get me wrong, that wife of yours is a gold mine but definitely a handful."
"You're so right." We were laughing as we walked into the room. We put the coffee and desserts on the table. Steph grabbed a cup of coffee and opened the box.
"Um Carlos, who's gonna eat all that dessert?" she said licking her lips. Alex tried holding in his laughter but lost the battle. "What's so funny?" She asked, stuffing her mouth with the chocolate croissant.
"Nothing, I was laughing at something a guy said." He was watching Steph intently as she enjoyed her sweets.
"Carlos, what do you think about having a nurse for Samantha when she leaves the hospital?"
"I'm okay with it as long as Samantha agrees." I watched my wife pick at her croissant. I guess she was debating whether to have another one. Samantha began stirring as she was slowly waking up.
Stephanie and I stepped off to the side so that Alex and Mari could examine their patient. I watched my nervous wife pick at a blueberry scone. "Well, my dear, you're doing much better but not enough to send you home just yet." Mari said as she finished taking Samantha's blood pressure.
"How long am I going to be stuck in here?"
"A couple of days. You'll need more fluids and rest. Tomorrow we'll try you on solid food, hopefully you'll be able to keep that down. I'm going to order more Benadryl to help you sleep. We need you to rest and lower your BP."
Mari and Alex went outside to talk to the nursing staff and enter the information in the computer.
"Would you like some….Oh sorry, you can't eat food yet." Stephanie said as she finished eating her blueberry scone.
"Samantha…" Stephanie was interrupted.
"Please call me Sam."
"Okay Sam. Just like in Bewitched. Ha,ha. How do you feel now that you've had a little bit of rest?"
"Better, thanks." Alec and Mari walked back into the room to give Samantha and us the results from the tests.
"Your test results are clean, with the exception of your BP. Our concern is your blood glucose levels, the numbers are slightly high. Not enough to worry about, but we do need to keep an eye on it. You'll need to exercise, and follow a healthy diet."
"So, are you talking bedrest?" Samantha asked.
"Not complete, but enough to help you get over this hurdle." Alex went on to explain about healthy diet and exercising. A thought came to me.
"Steph, let's go outside for a few minutes." I held out my hand.
"What's wrong?" She asked with worry.
"No need to worry, Babe. I just had an idea. I think maybe we should have Samantha and Azuree under medical care by staying at Rangeman where Bobby and the medical team can monitor them."
"I agree with you Carlos but Rangeman is so sterile, not cozy at all. Why not go with our original thought and have nurses? We can move them into my parents' old duplex. It's been renovated and modernized. Mrs. Morelli is looking to keep herself busy so how about we ask her to help a few days a week and we can hire nurses to stay at the house. They can take care of both of them."
"That's a good idea, Babe. We'll talk to Samantha and see how she feels about it all. Bobby and Ella can work on the exercise and meal program. Let's go talk to her."
We joined everyone in the room. "Listen Sam, Carlos and I have been talking and we'd like to help you during your bed rest. We want to make sure you're healthy, not just for our babies' sake but yours also." My wife is an amazing business woman, she does a fantastic job with our clients and is a force of nature. She is quite the opposite when it comes to personal issues such as this current situation. She was picking on the pecan tart as she was talking. I certainly didn't miss Alex giving me a smirk as he noticed her picking on the dessert.
"We'd like to have you and Azuree move into a duplex and have Bobby and Ella take care of your exercise and meals. We will have help for you such as nurses and someone to come in a few days a week to help you with chores etc. How does that sound?"
"That sounds like a plan, when would all this start?" She asked.
"When you leave the hospital. You and Azuree are doing something so incredibly special for us and we want to make sure you're both in the best of health before, during and after the pregnancy."
"I understand. I'm carrying your precious babies. I want to do whatever is necessary to keep them safe and healthy." Stephanie hugged Samantha. We explained our plan and Alex and Mari were in full agreement. They would enlist the services of their nurses who are familiar with both of our surrogates.
"Carlos, your security team is here. We've discussed the security issue with the hospital, and they are in full agreement. The staff will be here shortly to escort Samantha to a room on the VIP floor until she is discharged." Mari explained.
I went out to talk to my men who were standing outside. "I've instructed my men to go check the room."
Alex and I watched as Stephanie talked and laughed with Samantha, all the while picking and nibbling at the desserts. He nudged me with his elbow and smirked. "I told you." I said smiling.
"What are you two smirking about?" Steph asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Nothing, Babe." She didn't believe me, and I doubt for one second she'd let it go. She'll be questioning me all the way home. I'll need to keep her mind occupied with the upcoming Vegas trip.
"Sir, the room is clear." Alex went out to talk to the staff to have the transfer made.
The nurse helped Samantha into her wheelchair, and we made our way to her private room.
The VIP wing is on the top floor of the hospital which houses offices for doctors, sixty percent was empty. It was an idea Bobby came up with in order to have a safe place for our family and Rangeman staff, and at times a few high-profile executives have been admitted. Rangeman paid for the additional wing to ensure the hospital didn't use the money to line the executive's pockets. Vince was the point man in the project since his background is construction. He's damn good in that area.
Once Samantha was settled comfortably in her new room, I gave my men a few last minute instructions. "We'll see you tomorrow Sam." Stephanie said as we made our way to the door. "Take care of my friend." She ordered and we walked down to the nurse's station to say goodbye to Alex and Mari.
"She'll be in good hands, don't worry. I know your instinct is to stay the night, but I promise she'll be well taken care of." Mari said.
"We want to be notified of any changes no matter how small. Understood?" I barked forgetting it was my sister and brother-in-law I was talking too.
"Carlos." Stephanie quickly put me in my place.
"Sorry." I said as I hugged my sister and shook Alex's hand. We walked to the parking lot hand in hand knowing my wife was ready to pounce on me with questions.
I secured her seat belt and kissed her sweet lips as a deterrent. "Okay Mr. Manoso, spill."
"Spill what, Babe?" I replied, hiding my smile.
"What you and Alex found so funny. I know you were both making fun of me about something."
"We weren't making fun of you."
"Yeah, as if I believe that."
"Now, tell me more about this Vegas trip."
"You're not going to get away with it. I'll get it out of you sooner or later." My woman is way too smart for me to pull anything over on her. I'll have plenty of time to distract her later.
As soon as we arrived home, the girls were waiting for us at the garage.
"Dad, Mom. How is Samantha? Are our brothers okay?" Julie asked, worried. Emma Belle and Anna Grace had concerns written all over their faces.
"Girls, let's go inside and we'll tell you everything." I said lifting my girls in my arms.
"Hello Carlos and Stephanie. You must be hungry. Come sit down, dinner is warm and ready for you."
"I'm going upstairs to wash up, I don't trust the hospital cleaning staff." Stephanie said kissing our girls.
"I'll join you." I followed Stephanie upstairs where we washed up and changed into comfortable clothes. "Ready for an evening of questions, Babe?" I asked, taking her hand.
"As ready as I'll ever be." We went downstairs to join our girls. "Something smells good. What's for dinner?" Stephanie asked.
"We helped Tia Ella make Shrimp Empanadas and Cuban Potato Balls." Julie answered.
"Mama, Papi, me, and Em made the Cuban balls. And they're yummy."
Can't wait to eat them." I told my youngest as she jumped in my lap. I smiled at her cuban potato balls comment.
"Samantha and the boys are good?" Ella asked.
"Yes, they're fine."
"Luis and I are going to head home, the girls have eaten, had their baths, laundry is done, folded and put away."
"Thank you, Ella, you are so good to us. Why don't you stay and eat with Carlos and I?" Stephanie suggested.
"My dear, there are a lot of questions that need answering. We ate with the girls. We'll leave you to family time." She hugged our girls and they left through the garage door.
"Everything looks delicious girls. You're all learning some amazing kitchen skills." Stephanie told our girls.
"Mama, the potato balls were so much fun to make." Emma answered grinning from ear to ear.
"Papi, do you want me to say grace before you eat?" Anna Grace announced.
"I sure would sweetheart."
"Dear Jesus, thank you for all you do for us. Please keep Miss Samantha and our little brothers safe. We love them and don't want anything to happen to them. Thank you for Mama and Papi, they are the best. And thank you for Sissy, she's the bestest too. Thank you for our Tia Ella, she's our best friend. Amen." My dramatic daughter clapped her hands and said. "Dig into this delish dinner Papi, Mama."
"Can you tell us about Samantha and our brothers, Papi?" Emma asked. After what felt like hours of explanations from Stephanie and I, the girls were finally able to relax knowing that their little brothers were safe and healthy. There were a few tears shed by our youngest and Julie remained strong for her sisters. We were truthful in telling them what happened in a way that the younger girls could understand. They were worried and concerned for Samantha but scared for the babies. They finally were able to relax and enjoyed nibbling on some potato balls.
"Papi, I'm so glad that our baby brothers are going to be good and Miss Samantha too. I was scared for them." Emma said looking at me with her big brown eyes.
"I know sweetie, but they have the best care at the hospital and both Azuree and Samantha will have nurses at the house helping them. Your mom and I have made all the best arrangements to make sure everyone is in good health."
"Thanks, Papi, Mama, for everything you've done." Emma answered. "Can we go see Miss Samantha tomorrow?"
"Yes, sweeties, we'll pick you up after school. Girls, do we have dessert?" Stephanie asked.
"Babe."
"What?" she replied. I just smiled. Her sweet tooth is one of the many quirks I love about her.
"You girls go relax in the family room; I'll clear the dishes." I instructed as I could sense all three girls needed some time with their mom. I was quite sure they had a few more questions.
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A/N As always, the obvious characters don't belong to me, I'm just borrowing them. The story line and additional characters and errors are all mine.
Thank you for the reviews and messages, I appreciate them all.
Cindy and Ruth, thanks for your help.
The Manoso Family will be back soon.
