Chapter 8

Tim opened his mouth and then closed it before saying, "Have to think about that. Two more kids. Kids who don't know us, who aren't ours."

"Yes but we have a young family, they'd have a good time. We'll take them to Ruidoso with us; they could go to Lara's, to day camp with Ty and Brynie. Then when we go to San Diego, they'll go home. Think of them as foster children. I know you wouldn't turn down CPS if they called and asked to place them with us for a couple of months."

Tim nodded with a sigh, "You're right about that. They could Skype with Avery, Tessa and their grandparents, maybe even with their dad. We could put them in one of the guestrooms, change it up so it looks more like a kids' room."

"Yes. So, what questions or concerns would we have?"

"Medical, need their records sent to Kelly or Rob. Allergies, anything like that. When does their school start? And when will Ken be back? What are their personalities, likes and dislikes; how are they disciplined? It would be great if some of their stuff could come with them, their bikes, skates, sports equipment, toys, books, electronics."

Ellie's eyes bulged and he nodded, "Ok, maybe we limit electronics to 2 hours a day and only in their room."

"How?"

"We keep them somewhere, locked up. They have to ask for them and then they can have them for a max of 2 hours."

"You're mean! How come you're on them all the time?"

Tim tucked his lips in, trying not to laugh at her attempt at playing the part of a 10-year-old boy. "I'm an adult and if they think that's mean, tough. Our kids do well without having their noses buried in phones or tablets and I don't want to change that. You know we want them to have actual memories of their childhoods. They'll be locked in soon enough."

"TV in their room?"

"No. They can watch with the rest of us or watch on their tablets. Huh, we need to know what shows they're allowed to watch and for how long per day."

"Honey, these are city kids."

"Ellie, I'm willing to have them come stay with us, I'm willing to take care of them. I am not willing to change our lifestyle to accommodate them unless they have special needs. That's different."

"Ok, I see your point. What if they hate the ranch?"

"There are plenty of activities in Albuquerque, with any luck we'll find things they like to do. Bowling, movies, baseball games, the water park."

"Ooh, we all like those!"

"Maybe Jim and Claire will have some ideas. And Cal, Ainsley and Matt Crane."

"More good ideas!"

Tim pulled her in for a kiss. "Let's wait a day or so, let this sink in, see how it feels before we call them. Did Avery say when Ken has to leave?"

She sighed, leaning into him, "No and we need to talk with our parents and the family before we do this. They live here, too."

"Good idea. Family dinner is this Sunday, right?"

"Yes, it was pushed back so Ty and Brynie would be home."

"Hmm, we'd better talk with them first."

"Okay. And we'll need to have some sort of legal custody arrangement between us and the Mays. Geez, we'd better start making a list of questions and concerns. The ones for the Mays and the ones to ask Jim, Claire and the older kids."

Tim opened his mouth to say something, yawned and looked at his watch. "But not tonight. I'm tired and I've had my quote of caffeine today. We go with this, we'll let our attorney and theirs hash out the legal stuff."

She smiled, "Good. I'm done, too."

NCIS NCIS NCIS NCIS

The next morning, the idea still seemed like a good one. Before they left the pool after dinner, they asked the Hubbards if they had some time to talk. Ellie took Mackie and Joselyn inside to put them to bed while Ainsley, Hannah and Cal played with Lia and Henry.

Tim quickly explained the problem, their idea and their hope that Jim, Claire and their kids would have some ideas. Cal and Ainsley grinned when they heard that, they loved being consulted. Both liked the ideas the Gibbses already had and suggested a few more. Cal volunteered to spend time with the boys and Ty, saying he was sure Matt would do the same.

Claire told them that one of Cal's friends had stayed with them for a month while his father was deployed and his mother was ill. That gave her some ideas and questions to add to Tim's list.

Feeling much better about the whole thing, he finally gathered his wiggly toddlers, carrying them inside for their nighttime routine.

Once the children were asleep, they sat down together to compile their questions and concerns. After they got as far as possible, they thought there would probably be more to add after the family dinner on Sunday.

Ty and Brynie were coming home Saturday afternoon; the bus would arrive at the church by 4:00 PM. The couple did the regular laundry that day, knowing that everything in the duffel bags would need laundering once the kids were home. They'd had another postcard, this one signed by both kids with a cramped list of all the things each had been doing.

As Poppy and Nonny were taking care of Sarah's twins that afternoon, Mackie and Joselyn went to the bus with their parents while Henry and Lia visited Uncle Dave, Aunty Liz and cousin Matt.

They were early for the bus, that was a given, but they felt better when they saw several other parents trying to look nonchalant. When they spotted the bus, it was almost laughable as the first-time parents worked hard to appear casual getting out of their cars. Watching a couple who Tim and Ellie knew had older campers, they timed their exit to theirs, forgetting they had two babies to get out of car seats and into a stroller. Still, the bus went around the parking lot so that it was facing out and that gave them the extra minute they needed.

What really mattered was that their two seasoned campers nearly jumped off the bus into their arms. "Mommy, Daddy, we had so much fun! Hi, Mackie, hi, Jossie!" They kissed their parents, little brother and sister. "We missed you all!"

Tim felt his whole body relax, his chicks were home safe. Ellie told him later how proud she was of him, knowing that with his background allowing his babies to leave him had been a monumental stretch. He smiled at her, "You told me about those guys at the ranch by your parents. That did it!"

They heard about all the fun stuff, from the cabins they slept in to the horses they rode, the paddleboarding and canoeing they learned, the trails they hiked, the campfires they'd had. Tim and Ellie smiled at each other when Brynie said, "It's really pretty at the camp. It's a little like our lake but it's not Ruidoso. I'm glad we're going there, too!"

Ty nodded, "Me too! I liked the guys in the cabin with me and Stewart but I really like it when we're all in our own cabin."

They laughed as the kids told of someone's attempt to grill chicken on an open fire. Brynie shook her head, "Some of it was burned and some of it was all pink and icky; they threw it out and we had hot dogs that night. I wanted to tell them to call you or Poppy to tell them how to cook the chicken but Ty said they might not like that."

Their parents listened fondly while Ty and Brynie took turns telling them of their wonderful week. It was Sunday morning before either child had settled enough to hear about the plans for the Mays twins.

Both kids were excited and a little nervous about the idea and asked several questions that their parents answered. Ty relaxed a little when told about the Hubbards' experience. One of his questions, though, was a good one. "What if their dad doesn't come home in time for them to go to school? Will they stay here and go to school?"

"That's a great question, Tyler. Tessa's 100 days will be finished soon after our school starts here so the boys should be able to return to living with their mother and go to their own school. We'll bring it up with their parents."

Ty nodded, trusting his parents and deciding not to worry about it. They wouldn't be in the same class with him even if they did stay.

Brynie wanted to know about the cabin in Ruidoso. "Where will they sleep? Ty will share with Mackie and Henry and I'll share with Lia. Or can we all sleep in the same room? And what about Joselyn? She's too little to share with us. Will those boys sleep in the extra bedroom?"

"Joselyn will sleep in our room, sweetie. You're right; she's too little to share a room yet. Ty, do you mind sharing with your brothers?"

He shook his head, "No, it'll be extra fun because it'll be Henry's first time and Mackie's bigger!"

"That's right. Is there a problem if Sean and Mark take the extra room?"

Brynie looked at her brother and Tim suddenly remembered, "Oh, that's always been your playroom, right?"

They nodded and their parents smiled, "We'll figure something out."

Tim took a chance, "Other than the playroom, how do you two feel about the twins staying with us?"

Ty looked at him sadly, "I feel sorry for them with their father away and Tessa so sick. They can't even see their sister, their mother or their grandmother! I think it would be good if they stay with us, I hope it'll make them happy."

Brynie nodded, "We don't mind sharing. It's all right with me, too."

"Thank you both. You're very kind and generous. If their parents agree they can come and stay, would you like to help us fix up their room so it looks like a kids' room?"

"Yay!" They did the happy dance that still made their parents' hearts sing.

"Okay. Here's our plan…" Ty and Brynie listened intently as their parents told them about talking with the family at dinner that afternoon. They both thought that was a good idea. When Ty asked if they could meet the boys on Skype before they came to the ranch, Ellie added that to their list of questions for Avery and Ken.

When they brought up the topic at the family dinner that afternoon, explaining everything, the family agreed with them and promised to help with the boys.

Tim woke, sitting straight up in bed at 0200 Monday morning, "Oh my God, we have to tell the kids!"

Ellie opened one eye, "Wha..?"

"The kids!"

She sat up, "What's wrong with them?"

"Nothing but they don't know about Tessa, Sean or Mark, or Henry, being my donor kids."

"Boys aren't here yet, we'll tell our kids before the Skype call."

"Ok."

"Sleep now, sweetie."

"Ok."

NCIS NCIS NCIS NCIS

After having warned the kids, each other and the rest of the family that their offer might not be accepted by Avery and Ken, Tim admitted he was a little nervous as they sat down after their children were in bed Tuesday evening. They'd asked for a Skype call with both parents and were encouraged to find them on one screen, in the same room together.

Tessa was also on screen and waved to them. "Hi, Thom, hi, Ellie."

They laughed and Tim said, "You had the first name right, Tessa. There was no way you could know I'd changed my last name after I created the anagram."

She grinned, "Are you saying I was right?"

"Yes, I am. Want a new inscription?"

She thought about it before saying, "How about you put a note under the other one?"

"Consider it done!"

Avery smiled, "All right, Tessa, how about you go finish that essay?"

"Ok, Mom. Bye!" She waved and they waved back, smiling. Ellie looked at her parents, "She looks so much better!"

"She has her ups and downs but right now she's doing well. She's finishing up with the school work she missed in the spring."

Tim nodded to Ken, "Ken, before Ellie and I present our idea to you, I just want to, I don't know, put things right between us. What happened was Delilah's choice."

"I could argue with you about that but thank you for your generosity."

Ellie shook her head, "I know it was difficult but in the end, Tim's right, it was her choice. This probably sounds mean but I've always been happy about their breakup. Gave me a chance to get to know Tim better and look where we are now!"

Avery looked a little smug. Ken turned, smiling at her. "We're getting married again, before I leave."

The Gibbses grinned at them, "That's wonderful, congratulations!"

Avery smiled, "Thank you. Tessa's illness has showed us that we're still us, that we love each other and our family. We've been working on our relationship and now it's time to make our re-commitment public."

"Great!" Tim smiled at Ellie and then turned back to the screen, "Avery, other than moving closer to you we were stumped as to how we could provide help while Ken's away. But then my brilliant wife had an idea."

Ellie blushed before saying, "We'd like you to consider allowing the boys to stay with us while Ken's gone. We have plenty of room, our kids are fine with the idea and we already have a lot of fun plans for the summer, there would be no problem including Sean and Mark." She leaned forward, whispering. "Can you still hear me?"

Puzzled, they nodded and Ellie continued, telling them about the beach rental in San Diego before the start of the Albuquerque school term. She added that they figured they could leave a day or so early to get the boys home in time for the start of their school year.

Ken looked at Avery who was giving it some deep thought. Because he would be away, he felt this was ultimately her decision. Finally, she nodded. "It'll be difficult but it'll be less stressful for the boys and my dad. And Ken and me, knowing they're in good hands. How, when…?"

The Gibbses smiled, outlining their plans before tackling the questions and issues. Once they had all those settled they went back to the how and when.

"Ken, when are you leaving?"

"In three weeks."

"Good, then we have a little wiggle room. What we're hoping is that the boys will bring their bikes, skates, toys, books and any other play or sports equipment with them. They'll feel more at home and while we have a lot of all that, it's generally in use. We live in a cul-de-sac made up of 7 homes on two acres each. In the center, here, it's easier to show you."

Ellie pulled up recent photos showing kids and adults in the pool, other kids riding their bikes and roller-skating around the cul-de-sac.

"One of our tenants, they all live on the next property over and there are kids there too, has sheep and goats who are working on clearing a softball field for us."

"Sheep and goats?" Beside Ken, Avery was trying not to laugh.

Tim laughed, "We are in a rural area, although there's a grocery store, medical clinic and gas station across the road. Yes, we rent the animals to clear the property of weeds, much cheaper and environmentally better than having someone come in with a tractor. There are also llamas to guard them."

"Wow! I do like the medical clinic being close."

Tim nodded, explaining that.

Ken returned to the practical, thinking aloud, "Ok, so the kids' stuff and their clothes. I have a friend who has a travel trailer. Maybe we can borrow it to put all their stuff in and tow it to you. My SUV has a tow bar."

"Good! It's an 11-hour drive from you to us, is that going to be a problem?"

"No, we've done long car trips before. We used to wait until the kids were asleep and then carry them out to the car; by the time they woke, we'd be at least partway to wherever we were going. We drove from here to Yosemite and Yellowstone that way."

Tim's eyes lit up and Ellie mentally added Yellowstone and Yosemite to their list of vacation ideas. He was already campaigning to drive to San Diego by way of the Grand Canyon and she thought that would be fun if they went in an RV and had places to run around when they stopped. Just not until they were done with diapers.

Ken continued, "Besides, I'm curious about your ranch, can't wait to see it all."

"Great, then plan on staying over at least one night."

"Huh, that will be tight but yeah, we'll figure it out. Too bad Tessa and Avery can't come."

Ellie smiled, "We'll still be here when Tessa's healthy again."

After going over a few more details, including the exchange of contact information for their respective family attorneys, they agreed Ken would bring the boys that weekend. He'd take Friday off so he wouldn't have to worry about working late. They'd leave San Diego between 1 and 2 AM Saturday morning so the kids could sleep and they'd avoid the heat and traffic. He added that he'd ask his friend with the trailer to come with them.

Tim had one more question, "Did the boys know Colonel Fielding?"

"They met him a couple of times, yes. Why?"

"I forgot to mention that he's living here on the ranch now. Turns out he's my grandfather's nephew, I think he's first cousin once removed to me."

"Uh, Tim?"

"Yeah, Delilah and I are second cousins. Didn't know, would have been a huge shock. But my grandfather's sure we would have discovered everything before we married."

"Kind of a moot point anyway."

After discussing all the issues, the Gibbses said good night to the Mays and then sat, looking at each other. Tim shook his head, "8 kids, unbelievable!" He held up a hand, "I know, it's not permanent and we have plenty of room and many plans to keep them all occupied. But that number is a bit staggering!"

Ellie chuckled, "It can be, if we think of the kids as numbers. And you know we don't do that. When do we want to tell them?"

"Mm, tomorrow, get it out there and they'll have a couple of days to absorb the news and ask questions. I've been thinking about what to tell them, I'm going to leave it as general as possible."

Ellie nodded, "Good idea. Especially since you and Ty have already talked about how a baby grows. Now we need to give that a bit of background."

The conversation with Ty took place the previous year after they told the kids a new baby, who turned out to be Joselyn, was on the way. Ty wanted to know how the baby would grow inside his mother and Tim explained it, drawing a picture of a baby in a womb with an umbilical cord. Aunty Kelly had reinforced that knowledge recently when she explained Joselyn's cord blood donation to Tessa.