Baby Fever, Part Nine
If you had to choose.
Choose? Choose what?
Chance Furlong refused to answer Dr. Coon's question. He had followed the nurse, got scrubbed in and went to the surgical theater done the largest set of clean scrubs he could borrow.
While he was only a few feet away behind a divider, it felt like an ocean separated them.
His 'Lina was on an island, drifting away...
She laid still on the gurney, oxygen hooked to her nose, thousands of tubes and wires and beeps going on as the medical team worked. The mix of green scrubs moving in concert. Dr. Coon had her assistant passing the scalpel.
He pressed himself against the wall on his low stool. No, he had to see it.
Don't blink.
After several minutes, he felt his nerves settle. Strange how Dr. Coon looked like an artist instead of a butcher. She had made her cuts, pulled skin, fur and muscles back. Reaching inside with the long gloves, the doctor pulled something out what was this wet ball of fur that cried.
Chance pressed his face to the divider.
That wet ball of fur had black stripes going through orange fur, a pink nose and brunette hair.
A nurse collected the fur ball and started cleaning gently with a towel.
Soon, the little fur ball cried out and announced that yes, it made it into the world.
The nurse pressed the fur ball against Felina's face for several minutes. She twitched, one of her trademark smiles appearing.
He couldn't quite speak, feeling his breath taken.
She was awake! And the kit was crying too!
Dr. Coon made more come closer motions and reached inside the opening to pull out a second wet ball of fur. This kit had dark fur like hers, perhaps closer to her uncle's fur, wips of white hair mixed with the lighter brown coloring for hair.
Another sharp cry followed from kit number two.
A second nurse had the second ball of fur up to Felina's cheek.
Her head turned toward it, a smile visible in her eyes.
He released a tight breath.
She's okay, she's okay, she's okay...
By the time number three cane out, he figured they would be sewing Felina up and she could finally sleep. He flopped back on the stool.
Number three little fur ball was tiny, tinier than the first two with a shocking mix of his orange fur and her darker fur like a little tabby. Like Mama, the smallest reminded him of his mama.
A mix of ebony hair, white streaks and possibly red in that wild hair.
This one, this last one was still. So still. No crying. His eyes shot to Felina whose eyes crinkled in a way that crinkled his very heart muscles.
Something's off.
Dr. Coon had waved a nurse toward her and dealt orders. "Get a unit here and I need fluids. I gotta stop the bleeding..."
Bleeding? What was bleeding?
He quickly stood. He had to know.
"Mr. Furlong, ready to meet the twins?"
He spun around to find the nurse from before Becky, scrubbed up with a bundle in her arms.
"This is the first one out and he is a big boy!" She chimed in that syrupy tone he hated on she-kats. "Kaylee has little brother."
Then, he saw the face. Good Lord, he spit this one out!
His first son was a copy of him, like 'Lina needed no work to make him.
Chance immediately dropped back to the stool, overwhelmed.
And number one wasn't quiet.
The second kit followed in the arms of the second nurse, a little quieter than older brother, but making himself known, as if to say you see me too.
Two kits. Two sons.
Two heartbeats already.
"Dad, you follow me and Kaylee to the other room so we can get them cleaned up and snuggled next to you. Mama already rubbed her face on them both. Then, we'll give them their little shots."
Like a dream, he floated out the surgical theater, his legs suddenly finding the power.
In a smaller room next door, both nurses worked as if on cars: efficiently getting the twins cleaned up, vaccinated, eyes and ears wiped free of gunk.
He had to take another seat so he could have a twin in each arm.
Their little cries died down as they snuggled against his warmth. He figured they'll be hungry soon, but for now...his mind was completely void of anything else.
"You two are perfect." He mused, studying their tiny pink claws and bellies peeking out of blankets.
"Here's a pacifier for the two little toms. Let's see if we can wrangle these two to make room for their little sister." The nurses Becky and Kaylee each took a boy from his ear.
"Sister?" Chance wondered if he even had a mouth with the way words failed to form.
"Number three is a girl!" Becky exclaimed. "
Girl?
A third nurse was cleaning his daughter up and lightly pinching her foot. "Come on sugar, let's us hear you."
When number three landed in his arms, the biggest cry erupted from her tiny body.
"And what a noisy girl!" The third nurse laughed. "We know you are here, sugar."
You are here. You made it, princess.
The third nurse supplied his girl with a pacifier. "And Mama did not want to stop nuzzling you-"
"My wife," Chance searched this nurse's face. "What about my wife?"
"They're still closing her up."
He heard the off tone. What weren't they telling him?
"Please, please tell me Felina's okay-"
Overly cheerful Becky made a beeline for him. "We got her, Mr. Furlong. Now let's get your family settled in the suite, okay?"
Felina had been taken back to a larger suite. She was out, the only sign she was okay were the steady beats from a monitor.
Chance had resumed his position next to her, holding her paw in his two larger ones.
"Don't leave me, 'Lina. God knows Snugglebear needs you. I can't make that choice."
He buried his face in the mattress, begging God.
Can confirm. Still not Heaven.
Felina groaned.
Felina found herself starting into Chance's face as he sat next to her bed. "Who knocked me out?"
He shook himself and gathered her in a careful hug. "'Lina-"
No words seemed appropriate for their embrace. She sensed relief mixed into his hold. "Give me the good news."
"Don't try to talk. The surgery took a lot out of you."
"Surgery?" She asked, hearing how weak she did sound. Felina couldn't deny that wiped feeling as her hand instinctively went to her belly. And it was flatter.
Felina almost shot out the bed when he gently pressed her back to the mattress. "It's okay, the kits are in the nursery. They wanted you to wake up on your own."
"Kits?"
"There wasn't just one." He smiled despite seeming so down, chattering about their looks. Three kits. A trio of suprises.
"I gotta see them-"
"I'll get one of the nurses-"
The soft knock at the closed door interrupted them.
"Come in." Chance answered then turned to her. "Maybe it's the kits with the nurses."
Dr. Coon let herself in with a tiny pink blanket in her arms.
Her face, however, was not happy doctor has good news face as she walked up to the new parents.
"They're coming back in a moment." Dr. Coon held the last bundle out to them. "Felina, you had actually four kits...but this one... this one was already quiet when she came out. If you like, I'll give you and Chance a moment before bringing in any one else in the room or even the other kits."
"A moment?" She choked.
Dr. Coon nodded her head. "Please take a moment. Don't be noble today, kitten."
Felina pushed back the blanket covering the last little lady's face, her paws shaking. The little angel was gonna look like Melinda's, but so still. No crying.
Chance stared down at the bundle also wordless as he squeezed her free paw.
Despite the emptiness of the gesture, she rubbed her face against the quiet bundle and kissed her kit's little paws.
Chance touched the tiny digits himself, his face falling.
Once Dr. Coon took the tiny still bundle, she gave them a sympathetic look. "I am sorry we were not able to do more. Please know you two also did nothing wrong to cause it."
He pulled his wife into a careful hug, his tears mixing in with her own crying.
Number four was a whisper, now a breath for Heaven.
As innocent as the white roses her husband sent her.
When she heard the footsteps, Callie shook Jake.
"What? What?" Jake struggled to right himself.
"Someone's coming."
Sure enough, a very drawn looking Dr. Coon came down the hall.
"Doctor Coon!" Callie waved her down.
The doctor, while looking in no mood to talk, did pause for Callie. "Mayor Clawson, Mr. Clawson, have you two been here all night?"
"Can confirm the hospital needs funding for better chairs." Callie teased.
"Is there anything to share?" Jake had appeared next to her side, just as anxious.
"Well, there are three little Furlongs in the world."
They whooped despite themselves.
The doctor grinned. "Mom and Dad need a little bonding time, but I suggest you two go home and clean up. Be fresh to meet them."
"Thanks for the news." Callie beamed. She was right-they should give their friends a moment before barging in. The million phone calls could wait another hour or two.
"Looks like..." the doctor sniffed the air. "Smells like I should go home too. Three surgeries in seven hours is no fun."
Jake and Callie played hookey from their respective careers today.
Being godparents was gonna win this week over everything.
Besides, a bridge dedication and more R&D could go on without them. Callie had a new young and hungry she-kat for deputy mayor, this would be her test.
At their house, he called Chance to ask if they wanted them to come back.
"I can't make you miss work, buddy."
"Yeah, kinda own part of the company and she kinda runs the city." Jake slipped into a t-shirt and some jeans, thankful for a break from suits and ties.
Chance's voice was raw. "I miss you, buddy. I could use a friend."
A weak, but determined female voice cut it. "Please come, then help us get the grandparents here. This trio won't let me wait."
"Save your energy, captain, we'll see you...and see you with a cheeseburger."
"You are Heaven sent." Felina affirmed. "Extra pickles."
Callie came into the living room, wearing cute leggings and a long sleeve shirt, questions in her eyes.
"Better hit a drive thur. Mama Felina wants a number five combo." Jake gave a thumbs up.
Callie grinned and grabbed her purse.
Chance had gathered himself in the bathroom then came back to find Felina appearing more alert.
She insisted on company, feeling at peace with the few hours they took alone to cry and mourn.
Their smallest angel was up there with the ones that passed.
They still had her brothers and older sister on Earth to "whip in shape."
He sat next to her, brushing the loose hair from her face. "They're coming back."
"Thank you." She smiled, less pale looking. A bag of fluids and a bag of blood running to her other arm. On the side he sat near, the nurses had helped her lay on her side so the trio could nurse.
"They're noisy when they're hungry."
"You're noisy when you're hungry." She teased, her voice still weak.
He kissed her on the lips. "I mean it, captain, don't strain yourself. You are able to have a crew of kats on you helping. Just relax and snuggle these three."
"Chance," Her eyes wrote out the inquiry. "Please don't..."
"'Lina, you didn't do anything wrong. I know you fought like hell." He made sure to repeat that. "Our daughter would want us to make sure we know that."
She looked down at the trio, brushing her free paw over each kit's head. "That I fought like hell while looking like it."
"If by that you mean still beautiful." He fluffed her pillows up. "Put your head back down. The burger will be here soon."
Felina gave him a huge grin just as a well timed knock came.
The door opened slowly as he heard Jake's voice. "We come bearing gifts."
"Get in here, Sureshot, she's about to gnaw my arm off."
"Yuck, not that arm." Felina stuck her tongue out. "You need a shower."
Callie slapped a paw to her mouth, probably to contain her squealing. "Kats alive, they're perfect!"
Jake came closer with a larger food bag. "The Burger Pit toss some extra fries in."
"Thanks, buddy." He took the food from Jake.
He made it a point to feed Felina despite her obvious annoyance. "What? It frees your paws up."
She rolled her eyes, but accepted the offered pieces of fries and hamburger.
Jake leaned against the wall then look down. "...ahh, captain, if you need me to step out."
"Jake, they're nursing." Callie grabbed a free chair and sat near the bed.
"I know that...I have three sisters."
"If you haven't seen them by now, I can't help you." Felina teased between bits, causing a blush to paint Jake's face.
His friend coughed in his paw to recover. "Chance, grab a burger. There's plenty."
"I'm good, buddy, I'm good."
"Chance, don't be bull headed." Callie wagged a finger at him. "Both of you have to have energy."
"Fine, since you're the mayor and all." He huffed.
Once Felina gave the okay, she had them wash up then pick up the twins, Jake grabbed the first born while Callie snuggled with the second.
"So, what are we calling these handsome fellas." Callie tickled the kit under his chin.
Jake smiled down at Chance's copy. "Yeah, Chance Jr?"
"Blech. Even I can't stomach that one." Chance shook his head. "I'm letting Mama Kat her order me around."
Felina shot him a glare.
Jake passed kit number one back to him carefully. "So Callie's phone is going nuts. Who comes next?"
Chance looked at Felina. "What say you, captain?"
"Mom. Uncle. Aida." Felina then indicated she wanted to nuzzle the kits before letting anyone else pick them up.
Callie helped her do so, making sure each little tom pressed his face to mom's as she kissed girl of the group got an extra kiss and nuzzle from Mama Felina.
"So she's gonna be spoiled." Jake joked.
"By you, Uncle Jake." Callie helped arrange the kits with the same skill as the nurses next to their mama. "And none of that 'she'll never date' business."
Chance felt something by his chair.
Jake was shoving a burger in his paw and narrowing his eyes. Eat was the silent demand.
Chance decided to let Callie take his spot while he stood next to Jake, his eyes never leaving his growing family between bits of food.
Felina swore she was losing it.
Chance hadn't left the room for hours. She dozed off only to find her uncle looking down at her. "Uncle?"
Sure enough, her uncle had taken the chair Chance sat most of the day and night. "Kats alive, these are some good drugs then."
"Feeling better, kitten?" He asked, his coat tossed on the back of the chair. She noticed his lack of a weapon.
"One step above being hit by a freight train, less like hit by a tank." Her eyes instantly went to the isolettes each with a sleeping kit inside. "Do you want to hold them? They should be stirring soon."
"I will, but not too much. I heard all the horror stories of kits being over handled then mothers going crazy."
Her fur stood up. "Where's Chance?"
"Clawson wrestled him out of here to shower and change clothes." The commander reassured her. "Guy's short, but has the upper body."
"Uncle, don't tease. He's just worried."
Her uncle squeezed her paws with his. "Don't tell Furlong this, but I know he's already miles ahead better than his father. The boy wouldn't leave you until I came."
"Uncle-" She had zero strength to play peacekeeper.
"I'm serious, I was about to call for backup." Her uncle had a serious stare. "I know he's reckless, but I see it in his manner, he would die protecting you and your kits. "
Felina looked down. "You know about number four?"
He nodded solemnly.
"They think I started bleeding on the table and..."
"Evelyn-I mean, Dr. Coon, gave me the short version you approved of sharing." He patted her paw again. "I know she did everything she can."
"Evelyn, huh?" Now, Felina noticed how his eyes lit up. "So, you two are on a first name basis."
"You were the reason our dinner date got canceled..."
"Oh really?" She teased.
Her uncle murmured under his breath. "Kats alive. It was just dinner."
"Well, I think she should be off a few days. Rain check?"
"She might..." Her uncle cleared his throat. "Felina..." He scolded.
"I'm just saying."
"Now that you're out of the woods, Captain Furlong, do you want your mother here?"
"She's here?" Felina wanted to jump up, but the tenderness of emergency surgery made her remain still.
Her uncle went to the door and opened it. "Permission granted to enter."
The door burst opened. "Yes, I'm here and Ulysses was going to talk your ears off." Melinda appeared in a smart peacoat and boots from outside the door.
Aida bought up the rear always looking like a grandmother to Felina. "I tried to distract her by keeping your house neat, but mothers can't be deterred."
"I have to make sure my baby is fine, Aida." Melinda huffed.
"Yes, Mom, I am happy to see you and yes, you're lucky I like you enough to barge in my room." Felina laughed. "Uncle, how long did they torture you for information?"
The lone adult tom in the room mumbled under his breath.
"Wash your paws ladies and snuggle them. But, watch Miss Bossy Pants there." She pointed at the only girl. "She's opinionated."
"Wonder what she-kat she got that from?" Her uncle teased as the ladies washed at the sink.
"I can still take you, Feral." Melinda picked up one of the boys once her paws were dry. "Oh myyy, you look like my Grant."
"Handsomeness comes from good genes." Ulysses folded his arms and grinned.
Aida cooed at the tiny tom that resembled Chance. "My Lord, if you aren't my son all over."
The grandmother walked and talked to the tiny toms around the room as Felina watched them, equal parts of her content with them being spoiled and parts of her feeling murderous rage if any kat dared harm them.
And the princess woke up with a demanding cry so loud, everyone turned in her direction.
"Well, well, little one, jealous of your brothers?" Felina nodded to her uncle. "Can you hand me the opinionated one?"
The commander hesitated for a moment, "Ummm, are you sure?"
"I've seen you disarm bombs, You got this."
With more care than she had ever seen him have, the commander picked up her daughter and bought her over.
Felina couldn't hide her smile. It was like her Dad being here holding her. This hunking tall tom cradling the smallest of creatures and the small one was winning.
"Felina, are you ready for her?"
"Uncle, I'm surprised you don't have more practice doing this." She couldn't resist a quick barb as she took the kit from him. "I mean, you certainly handsome enough."
He growled at her, his arms folded as he allowed Melinda to take his chair.
"I'll behave, uncle." She shifted so she and the princess were comfortable. "You've already got him around your paw, little kit. Daddy and Uncle Jake and great uncle Ulysses."
Grumbles of protest came. "Kats' alive, I'm outnumbered."
Someone knocked and the door opened slowly. "Everybody decent?"
"Chance!" Aida hurried over to her son. "Why didn't you tell me he looks like you?"
"Mama, I think it's pretty obvious." He gave her a kiss on the cheek. "How's he doing?"
"Sleeping. Like you did as a kit." Aida held the kit to him. "Ready for him?"
Chance scratched the kit under the chin. "Not until Mama says so. I want to make sure they get their snuggles first and that you grandmas get yours."
Felina's heart skipped a little. He did look handsome in a clean t-shirt and black jeans. "Hello, Mr. Furlong."
Chance hurried to her. "You okay, 'Lina?"
"Missed you a little." She tried to sound casual, but gathered he picked up on the deeper meaning.
He gave her a quick kiss then gave the princess one on the forehead. "Everybody was out when I left. Where did all the activity come from?"
"They woke up just in time for attention." Felina commented, feeling better knowing Chance was in the room. "Between these three, they won't miss any of it."
"Sounds about right." Chance smiled then studied Melinda holding the second born. "This kit remind you of anyone?"
"Well, this young tom reminds me of someone we both know." Melinda nodded at her uncle. "I see both Feral brothers there."
Chance brushed the cheek of the tiny tom with darker fur. "I think he cries to make us remember he's here too, but not too demanding like the others. He's a quiet boy."
"Like Ulysses." Melinda winked at Chance.
"I mean...I'm not that quiet." Her uncle fought the grin growing there.
Melinda made a sad face. "Aida, we should head back. I think Evelyn said Felina has a few more days here. Let's give Kitten her kittens so they can eat."
Felina groaned. "Can't you three break me out? I hate being laid up like this."
"No." Chance folded her arms, looking very much T-Bone like in this moment. "I also have a counter team on the ready if you try any funny business."
"Crud, you called Persiano." Felina sucked her teeth. He must have really called her second in command to appear so serious.
"By the way, Auntie Deanna wants to drop some stuff off later when she's not working detail for the commander." Chance nodded at her uncle. "Apparently, the recruits chipped in and got you more baby stuff."
"It better not be a gag gift or all of Enforcer headquarters is getting a toothbrush scrub."
"No, it sounded nice." Chance asserted.
Both grandmothers arranged a kitten next to her, kissing each bundle heartily then gave the new dad a kiss on the cheek.
"Mama," He sighed. "We're okay. And I'm sure my house is clean. I just left it."
"And it better stay that way. Melinda and I worked hard to get it nice looking. We're going with Ulysses to make sure he eats."
"Relentless." Her uncle commented. "I'll have Persiano meet you ladies downstairs. I need a minute."
"I love you Kitten" Her mother squeezed her lightly. "You did good."
"Mom," was the only word she managed, feeling hormones and emotions catching her tongue.
"Get your rest dear." Aida patted her paws, gave the kits another loving glance then followed Melinda out the door.
Her uncle cleared his throat. "Mind grabbing a few things from my car? Couple of the brass sent gifts."
Chance shot her a glance as if asking for her permission. "If Felina's okay being alone for a few minutes."
Felina nodded as she settled in the bed. There was a B movie on the television and nursing to be had. "Go on. I'm good and the call button is next to me. I'm fine."
With one more parting glance, he reluctantly left as if he wouldn't see her again. She prayed his fear would quell for her sake.
Chance felt some type of dressing down coming from Felina's uncle and wasn't having it.
Once they were down the hall, he stopped Feral. "Look, if you have something to say, make it quick. I'm running on fumes here and I don't want to waste that energy on you."
Ulysses Feral held up a paw. "Not that type of conversation. I do have gifts in the cruiser, but I wanted to talk to you without Kit-I mean, Felina being present."
Chance stood there, glowering.
"I have a friend who can make the arrangements for the littlest one. This isn't charity, it's my way of saying thank you and I understand that part of this whole situation will be the hardest."
The younger tom swallowed. Their little angel...the body was in the morgue according to the nurse. Once he and Felina had a plan, they would tackle that...if they could tackle it… he ran a paw through his short hair...crud, Feral had him pegged there...the wound ripped open again as his chest got tighter. "I'll talk to her after she gets the kits settled."
"I didn't want to bulldoze her with that, especially without talking to you first."
"The doctor told you, didn't she?"
"Yes, Evelyn...Dr. Coon, with Felina's approval, told me the story. Course, Dr. Coon gave me an earful after she had to cancel our plans. Rightfully pissed. Can't believe that idiot has a job."
Our plans? Chance clicked his tongue. His wife speculated there was history between her uncle and the good doctor that went back to the days the doctor was a corporal and he was just getting his start in the Enforcers. Chance resumed following the commander to the parking garage where the Enforcer cruiser was parked.
"No backup?" Chance changed topics from that, noting how some kat hadn't tackled him yet and the commander was alone most of the time in the hospital.
"Birmie's around here somewhere with Mau. I have them in plain clothes knowing your captain's orders." Feral opened the trunk to reveal three colorful bags. "Clawson said he drove a Tahoe here, so I figured your truck had room."
"Wow. I think the house's about to be nothing but baby stuff."
"Got some more carseats coming, now that we know there's more than one. The recruits chipped in on that."
"Tell everyone thanks from us."
"They're excited for their captain too, but they also know how she is about her privacy and keeping a low profile."
"Yeah, she's already got suicides set up for them day one she reports back."
"Anybody ask how you are doing, Furlong?"
Chance paused. Were they having a moment here or something? "I mean...I'm not worried or anything. The kits and Felina's my concern right now."
"Get some sleep yourself. You're no good to anyone if you aren't okay."
"I'll keep that in mind." Awkward silence followed. "Better get this stuff unloaded."
Given that the Tahoe was parked closer to the maternity side, both toms made a trip from the cruiser to the Tahoe. They loaded the gifts, made sure there was room for three car seats then locked both vehicles.
"I should make sure the ladies made it back to the house."
"Yeah, I'll ask Jake to run me to the beach house for a couple hours when he leaves Pumadyne."
The toms walked to the entrance. Once the commander verified the new grandmothers were taking over Feral's brownstone, the commander spoke again. "I checked your junkyard: the kit you got there has it under control."
Dylan! In all the madness, he had forgotten him since he let him drive the Mustang.
"Crud, I gotta call him later."
"No need. He said tell the boss nothing burned down."
"I...I don't even think I can process that." Chance hoped to God Dylan had not stumbled on the Turbokat or their SK lockets or did something stupid.
"Charles stopped by the building last night."
Ice ran in his veins. "Bastard has his nerve."
"We were nice enough to show him the door. Somehow, he knows he's a grandpa."
"My mother doesn't waste her breath on him and hasn't in years. She wouldn't have told him."
"Some of the ancient brass still keep him posted, I'm sure some excited recruit spilled the beans and word got out." Feral looked him in the eye. "I'll drop him myself if he tries anything."
"There's a baby gift I can appreciate."
"Just keep an eye on Felina, everything after the birth can be harder than having it from what she-kats tell me." Feral clasped him by the shoulders. "Despite how my niece postures, Felina needs you to catch her when she falls."
Chance sombered with these words, too shocked to even react at a kat like an enemy being fatherly. "See you around, Feral."
The commander nodded then took his leave.
Callie stood up at the table to signal the end of this latest city council meeting. "We'll reconvene at another time." Then, she made eye contact with everyone in the room. "And, if anyone would like to personally question my whereabouts during this week as I help a friend who is burying her baby kit today, then please do now so instead of sneaking to my assistant for my schedule."
The room grew quiet as kats shared uncomfortable glances.
While Callie Clawson continued on as a great mayor, some kat seemed to think joking about her schedule being like Manx's was appropriate this week.
"We will honor the late mayor's legacy as we start a new one."
Callie left the room once they adjourned to go find her security detail downstairs. Jake was sitting in a nondescript black town car with Persiano up front. She hoped her white pants suit completed his white dress shirt and dark slacks.
"Ready?" Jake asked. Who could be ready for this?
"Yes. My deputy mayor will take over for me for the rest of the day. The Youngs are very understanding why I won't be there at the meeting."
"Steele actually has a decent hold on security at the building. Amir found me a great assistant in Lily Rex. She's doing well running my designs in R&D." .
As they headed for the memorial gardens, she noticed the flash of steel on his hip. "Is that permanent?"
"No, just borrowed it given what occurred the last time they went there." He reminded Callie about the sniper who took aim at Felina the last time when she visited the Feral markers and Chance happen to be there in the guise of T-Bone.
Persiano snorted. "I assure you, Mr. Clawson, we won't be having that problem."
Callie nodded at the she-kat driving, forging an alliance of sorts with the Enforcer soon-to-be promoted once Felina took over Steele's old position.
Fifteen minutes later, they pulled up behind the black Tahoe with an Enfoncer cruiser parked in front of it. Callie saw two of the toms from Felina's team, but failed to remember their names as they stood silently on watch by the cruiser.
Once they parked, the others got out: The commander and Officer Cornish stepped out the cruiser in the more dressy Enforcer uniforms. From the parked black Tahoe came Chance in one of the nicest dress shirts she had ever seen him have on and black dress slacks. Chance walked around to the other side and helped Felina step out in a white dress, something simple Callie picked for Felina. The spring weather was perfect for it as it also served to prevent rubbing against her new stitches.
Callie let Jake open her door as Persiano smiled at Cornish quickly then saluted the commander. Both toms nodded in acknowledgement at the soon-to-be captain. Callie walked by the Tahoe to catch a glance at Melinda in the car with the trio in their car seats, all sleeping soundly. She gathered a few reasons why Felina's mom would want to keep guard of the grandkits.
When a fourth car pulled up, she recognized Minister Softpaw with his clerical collar on and a white suit and a she-kat she guessed was Lady Softpaw dressed in white as well.
Commander Feral spoke to the toms by the cruiser. "Mau, Birmie. Take your positions."
"Yes sir." They answered as spread out to keep guard, one tom stood near the Tahoe as the other walked a few feet closer to the gravesite, both armed and watching their surroundings.
Persiano stayed near the Tahoe, allowing Officer Cornish to bring up the rear of the solemn procession: Minister Softpaw led the new parents, the Commander, her and Jake to a tiny plot by Felina's grandmother. It was simple: a little headstone with a framed picture of the new parents holding the bundle with a face similar to Melinda's, a picture that hid any traces of Death's grip, just another family photo.
She heard the conversation between Chance and Felina about honoring their youngest kit this way and offered to find them a photographer both discrete and compassionate enough to do the photos a day before Felina's discharge.
Early this morning, they cut mom and trio loose from the hospital. Melinda assured Callie she would help her dress and make her face up. Aida was absent today, happy to make camp at the beach house where everyone would end up later today for food and opportunity to help the new parents settle in.
Calico, I know my son. He needs to be there and I don't. I know he's hurt, but he's pushing himself for her and those babies. I know you and Jacob will look out for them. God blessed them with you two.
Minister Softpaw cleared his throat and said a few words.
Callie kept her eyes on the cloudless blue sky, not the tiny white casket as she leaned on her husband.
God, what if that had been Dylan all those years ago…
All the law enforcement types and Jake had their sunglasses on. She guessed their emotions were as visible as her own so the sunglasses came in handy to block out the sun (tears).
She snuck a glance at Chance. His face stony as he kept his grip on his wife's shoulders.
Felina sat in the only chair near the marker, her sunglasses hiding what she knew everyone else knew: the young mother was wrecked, but was going to press on with the bravest of faces.
When Lady Softpaw said a prayer and released a white dove to signify the transition, all kats bowed their head. Callie peeked up to see the toms guarding Melinda Feral had dropped their heads briefly also before resuming her silent prayer.
Jake touched her arm to look up then nodded toward the commander. It was a silent signal.
Everyone with the exception of the parents walked back toward the cars, each kat leaving a single white rose on the casket.
Even with some distance between the group and the parents, they heard the wail…
And it gutted them.
Callie turned toward Jake, wiping her eyes.
He pulled her closer to him in an embrace.
Respectfully, they all turned their backs to the sound of Felina's crying as she broke down by the grave, Chance on the ground with her as he held her.