Baby Fever, Part Ten

It could have been hours or days or minutes, but Chance did not care.

They weren't leaving until she felt ready to go.

Felina had thrown herself on the ground and wailed, her sobs tearing into him.

Felina needs you to catch her when she falls.

Feral's words burned his memory. He gathered her in his arms and allowed her to cry out all the emotions pinned back during the week-long stay at the hospital.

The few times she broke down-Melinda's return, the truth behind Buff Ragdollfella, the pregnancy.

That was a cake walk compared to this.

Chance rocked back and forth with her.

If she's falling, God, please don't let me drop her.

The caravan of cars made their way to the beach house.

Home.

Felina missed being home.

During the car ride, she reflected on the bittersweet day that was her discharge.

This morning held the bitter: saying goodbye to her littlest angel had proven harder than she thought. Such a small kit whose life was this whisper in the world had an officer of the law and an vigilante on the ground in tears. She wasn't sure what possessed her to fall on the ground in the first place.

Maybe the weight of the grief, maybe it was being so tired, maybe finally seeing the casket.

Felina stared out the car window. The trio didn't even stir as they slept in the middle row, all lined up and facing her as she sat in the third row in the back.

Jake and Callie had traded cars with James "Jimmy" Cornish and Deanna. Now, Jake guided the Tahoe toward her home with Callie in the passenger side seat.

Mom rode with her officers behind them in the town car, possibly to chat, possibly to pump them for information about possible baby names.

Chance stared out the other window, their white clothing ruined by dirt stains. But, his grip on her waist never wavered.

She knew why everyone was carrying, even Jake.

Bast may have been rotting in a brig somewhere with Shorts, but who could guess when they would try to retaliate.

Her husband didn't opt for any weapons, but Felina swore if some kat crossed him this day, he would snap a neck with just his paws.

A shudder ran through Felina as she placed her head on his shoulder.

His eyebrows raised as if to ask if she were okay.

"We need to come up with some names, Fly Boy. Calling numbers one through three is getting old."

His small smile washed over her as he buried his face in her hair. "I still got you, 'Lina, please know that."

"I know, Snugglebear." Felina allowed herself to doze off.

The sweet finally showed up when they pulled up to the house.

The smell of home cooking and beach air soothed Felina.

Once the Tahoe stopped, Jake jumped out and walked to her side. Chance had gotten out and headed in the same direction.

Felina let them help her out the car, standing to her feet.

Jake went back to help Callie out.

"I guess everyone grab a car seat and go inside." Chance announced. Felina led the way to the front door with the trio being carried by the two SKs and their mayor.

The front door opened to reveal Aida wielding a wooden spoon in an arpon. "It's ready upstairs unless you need everything moved."

Felina grabbed her side. Stairs felt daunting, but she had to get back to form. Dr. Coon admonished her to walk even a little. "I can make it. Just need to change."

Aida nodded then went to drill sergeant on the rest of the crew. The sleeping kits went to their nursery then she finally escaped all the social interactions to change.

The benefits of having her mother-in-law there holding their fort down was a spotless house ("you could eat off the floor"), scents of food ("how does she make fried chicken and colllard greens smell so lustful"), and the longest three minutes to herself as the toms attacked plates of Aida's offerings.

Callie had been appointed guard outside of her door. "So Aida thinks I should stay close."

Felina took her time to peel off the dress and underclothes, thankful some she-kay had laid out clean items for her.

Two knocks later and Callie peeked in. "You did it."

"Gotta start somewhere." She used the dresser to pull herself up. "I'm about to manage a trio of kits alone."

The leggings were a blessing under the large shirt. Soft fabrics felt so great. She noticed the purple gift bag in her bathroom. "What's that?"

"From me." Callie smiled.

"This isn't something else that'll lead to more kittens?" She remembered her wedding night and the last gift their mayor left for her in the bathroom.

"No," Callie held her paws up in protest. "It's a mommy only gift. Once we all clear out and you get a chance to take a bath, that stuff will help."

"Hmmm." Felina felt her equilibrium return.

"Let's go before a makeshift SEAL team comes for us."

The ladies peaked in on the sleeping babies in their seats then trekked downstairs. (Why move them when they looked so peaceful?)

There at the newly installed dinning room table were the toms tearing into food, sounding more primitive than refined kats.

"This is the bestttt..." Jake's eyes rolled in the back of his head.

"Aida's cooking is tasty as always." Her uncle complimented.

Chance said nothing.

Her guess was he finally felt safe enough not to stress, thus his appetite returned in full force.

Birmie and Mau made no short showing of their "sadness" at being assigned to their soon-to-be lieutenant-commander's security detail.

"If this is the future of our next assignments," Mau started what appeared to be a second plate of food. "I'm game."

"Ditto." Birmie affirmed between bites.

Cornish leaned back in his chair. "Pretend the Commander's killing us when they ask, then no one else will want it."

Callie and Felina traded looks. Some strange male bonding had occurred while they were upstairs.

Melinda motioned for them to hide in the kitchen with the other she-kats. Aida had plates ready for them at the smaller breakfast table.

"Too many toms for our taste." Aida snorted.

"Let them be boys." Melinda laughed as she sipped tea. "We can talk and eat without sounding like pigs at least."

She and Callie ate their meal. This was good after days of blank hospital faire.

"So, I heard Vic may stop by." Callie introduced the topic after a beat.

Felina saw Aida's smile come and go. "If Felina doesn't mind another tom crowding her space, he can. He is usually a phone call-or plane ride away. "

"Sure. I'll love to see him."

"Told you." Melinda's grin caused Aida a blush.

"I wanted to make sure. This is Felina's house. I am a guest." The other two females grinned more. "And I already asked my son. His home too."

"Oh, well then," Melinda winked. "He'll definitely be here."

Felina pointed at Callie. "Even after my birth, you haven't stopped meddling."

Callie just wiped her mouth with a napkin. "I have no clue what you are talking about."

Before she could interrogate the mayor, her ears turned toward the upstairs. Somebody was stirring. "Excuse me ladies. Gotta go."

Like air going out a tire, Jake felt all the stress seep out.

Chance appeared to have his guard down.

Days of being on edge had taken their tow.

He knew his buddy was ready for his own bed in his own house, alone with the kits and Felina.

They'll talk closer to the weekend he predicted.

Jake wanted his own bed with his own wife in it. Alone.

Felina disappeared back upstairs in a rush. His eye fell on Chance. Sure enough, his friend had been in tuned with his mate, his eyes following her.

Callie suddenly appeared by the table to interrupt their Enforcer "war stories" of old. "Aida wants to know if any of you have room for pound cake. She'll bring you a piece."

While the others raised their paws in agreement, Callie went by Chance. "She's upstairs. I'm taking her water. Lots of it."

Chance's tension appeared to drop again. "Guess I'll take a piece too."

Callie's skills extended beyond wheeling and dealing, she knew how to handle kats and diffuse situations.

When she passed him, Jake snaked her by the waist and smiled. "Thanks."

He had her plan figured out. She worked to keep Chance from freaking out and fed while Felina tended to the babies.

Callie swatted his shoulder. "I do what I can."

Wolf whistles followed from the others as his wife disappeared upstairs.

"Working on your own litter there, Clawson." Officer Mau snickered.

Jake was too full to feel offended.

"Now, now." The commander scolded, even as he bit back a smile. "Aida will get on all of us."

A new voice interrupted them. "What's this about Aida getting on us? We're in trouble already?" Vic Samuels appeared, aviator jacket and worn jeans.

"Vic!" The commander grinned broadly. "These young toms don't know the Aida we know."

"Don't let her lack of height fool you, boys." Vic removed his shades. "What's shaking, bacon?"

"The new momma's upstairs while we cause trouble down here." Jake filled the pilot in.

Vic walked over to Chance. "Congrats. Sorry I wasn't in town. Had some rich kits flying to a mountain resort. Snow's tricky."

"Forgiven." Chance nodded. "In fact, let me shoo her out of the kitchen. Maybe this bunch left you a few scraps."

"I only had two plates!" Birmie threw his paws up.

Mau rolled his eyes. "Two times two is more like it."

Officer Cornish, largely silent save a chuckle here and there, offered Vic his seat. "Dea-I mean, newly promoted Captain Persiano has been on the phone forever."

His fellow officers snickered more, earning a death glare from Cornish Jake picked up on.

He was sure one of the ladies had insight on this little exchange.

Jake then kept his eye on the kitchen door. Vic had been here a few minutes and Chance had been cordial. There was hope for the rest of the day to turn out smoother.

Callie kept the conversation easy between her and Felina while the trio had their lunch. Shipping couples was always a favorite past time as she sat on the floor Indian style while Felina had a new easy chair to rest in. "Aida and Vic seem very serious."

"I think they have been for a while according to Mom." Felina got one little tom fed and snuggled a second one, both arms full. "Speaking of toms, these two needs some names."

"You two still haven't decided? Poor little kits would be numbers one to three forever." Callie pushed the mobile crib closer to the easy chair to keep Felina from moving so much.

"No, I really want us to think about this. I'm going for more honoring the families. Chance's...getting creative."

"No to Chancenetta and anything like it."

"Exactly." Felina rubbed her oldest behind the ears. "You look like an...Anthony...I always wanted to call your Dad that once he told me his middle name."

"And this one." Callie pointed at the tom that resembled Commander Feral who now laid in his mother's arms. "You are so serious, little cutie." Callie felt an idea form. "Quick! What's your uncle's middle name?"

"Aaron. Ulysses Aaron Feral."

"Aaron." Felina tapped the side of her cheek. "These suggestions sound good."

"Anthony and Aaron. It's working. I can dig it."

"Going for the triple A threat with our lady here?"

"She…" Felina glanced over at the sleeping girl who started coming around. "...needs a royal name granted that she is getting the royal treatment."

"Alice? Ada? Alberta?" Callie unhooked the last tiny Furlong from her carseat.

"Princess Layla." The officer declared.

"The princess warrior from the nerdy movies Jake watches?" Callie deadpanned.

"Hey, that made for a good eight hour distraction while in recovery." Felina patted Aaron on the back and laid him down next to his brother in the crib. "Layla…. Alayla if I'm feeling fancy."

Callie removed the sole lady of the trio and passed her to her mother. "I think it works."

"Took us females to come up with it too."

"She-kat power."

Felina looked down at her. "Callie, all of this, being around my kits...is any of it bothering you?"

Callie blinked. "Why would it be?"

Felina made a twirling motion. "I mean, Dylan and all… is it triggering?"

Callie rocked on her heels. "Well, I mean, it certain brings up memories, but there are some fundamental differences like the fact you are a consenting adult female without evil parents."

"I'm...Callie, I'm sorry. I feel like I've taken away from you getting to know Dylan…"

"Felina," Callie insisted. "Dylan and I have talked over the phone and we still plan on meeting next month. And next month will come. Jake's drilled that in my head. A mantra to ground me. Yes, I'm nervous and scared...okay...not helping myself…." Callie shook herself. "I get to start over, you get to start new. Does that make sense?"

Felina rubbed the top of Layla's head in thought. "In an odd metaphysical way, yes."

"To sum it up: don't sweat it."

"Fair enough."

The ladies watched Princess Layla nurse her fill, blup then doze right back off.

"She's got the right idea." Felina watched her daughter, sounding amused. "Callie, go home after this."

"Yeah, that's the plan." The mayor stiffened a yawn.

"I mean it, madam. Go home, take a bath and only have a sheet between you and your tom."

Callie fell over double in laughter. "Excuse me, the she-kat formerly known as Captain Furlong, did you just tell me to go home and sleep with Jake?"

"Didn't stutter. One of us should be enjoying ourselves here."

Callie took her glasses off, tears of amusement blurring her vision. This was not the modest captain from months ago. "If that's an order and all-"

"It is. I have four weeks, three days and seventeen hours. Not that I'm counting."

"My entire day has been made." Callie got up and smoothed the wrinkles from her pants suit. Placing her glasses on her face, she smoothed her hair and looked at the new mommy. "I better get into politician mode before some sneaky tom comes to inquire about what we are talking."

"Worse yet, my mother-in-law who I swear knows about the cake dish...I'll die with that story." Felina covered her face with a paw.

"I don't know that story." Callie placed both paws on her hips and teased the other she-kat.

Her friend rolled her eyes, "We got adventurous. That's all you need to know."

"Adventurous led to these three and the angel?"

"It led to something."

"Well, usually you have to be very relaxed to make kits. Your job isn't relaxing. Hence, relaxing behavior after work."

"Kats alive. That was it." Felina spoke horrified. "That night. The chocolate cake she made. I ate a slice and took a bath and we..."

"Relaxed?"

"Yes."

Callie had to thank God in that moment. She'll rather her friend sounding crazy over figuring out the exact moment of conception than being the broken mother dealing with the biggest heartbreak.

"Lieutenant Commander Furlong, I plan on acting on your orders." Callie walked over and gave her a hug.

"This hugging business needs to be eighty-sixed." Felina allowed it despite her severe tone.

"I need to go before you tell anything else that'll make me make me wake the trio up."

"Mayor." Felina saluted then leaned her chair back. "Dismissed."

Jake shook his head as they cleaned the dinning room area. "They're giggling too much up there, Clawson."

"Let them have their fun." Chance swept while Jake packed up the leftovers and washed dishes.

The SKs were the only kats left here at the beach house.

The Commander announced his return on another day, the Enforcers still needed their leader. Birmie and Mau morphed into snipper kill mode after their guards had been down so long to escort the Commander back to the city.

Melinda allowed Persiano and Cornish to drive her back to Feral's brownstone to a good movie and sketching. She would return to weekend to be on "grandma duty."

Vic graciously volunteered to drive Aida to her house. Before he took off with Chance's mama, Vic slid Chance a card with some billfolds inside. "I suck at gift giving, young tom."

That left the mayor upstairs with her head of security.

"It's getting late." Jake pointed to the setting sun.

"Yep. Appreciate you, buddy." Chance had hugged him earlier when it was just the two of them. "Sorry I got all touchy feely."

"Hey, given the circumstances." Jake wanted his friend to process this any way healthy. He couldn't deal with Furlong knocking toms out and driving reckless with open containers of milk. Jake had seen that already in their younger years.

The sound of feet coming downstairs got their attention. Callie appeared. "Mama and babies are out, all bellies fed. Including Mama's."

Chance placed a paw on his chest. "Thanks for helping her. I mean...I'm sure she can do it by herself."

"And she will." The mayor affirmed. "But, it's fine. "

Jake dried his paws once the kitchen was clean. "Ready?"

Callie found her clutch. "Chance, I mean it. Call us if you need anything. "

"Actually, I know a tom who's close by."

Jake felt his eyebrows jump. Feral?

Callie pulled the taller tom into one last hug. He gave his buddy one last fist bump. "Night."

"Night you two."

Jake led his wife to the town car, a bag of food courtesy of Aida Neal. She took the keys, citing his need for a break.

Once inside, they both sighed. "Longest day ever."

Callie looked at him from the driver's seat. "Can concur."

The town car purred to life and they zipped down the highway, traffic bearable this time of evening.

Closer to their suburb, he spoke. "You two were giggling like high school kits."

"Oh, we were figuring out names. I can't have my godkits called Things one thur three."

Jake chuckled. He was certain they did more than talk names, but if it meant Felina feeling better, he was all for it.

Back at home, he grabbed the mail as she put the food away in their near empty fridge. "So, grocery trip is needed."

"Badly."

Callie pointed to his side. "Are you keeping that?"

He glanced down. The gun. He totally forgot. "No, I'll get recertified to shoot this week then it goes back to Feral."

"Ahhh."

"I keep the safety on and the lockbox is here."

"Good," she came back to the living room without her heels. "I know you prefer less lethal."

"True. But, I stay ready."

Jake made his way to the office, got the weapon locked up then found a trail of clothing in the bedroom. The shower was going.

He himself stripped off the tie and dress shirt. How did the types like Feral do gun holsters all day? Jake flopped on the bed, exhausted.

"Feeling better?"

Callie stood a few feet away with a towel wrapped her head in a pink robe.

"Some." He smiled at her. "I would scold you for the mess, but that's what tomorrow is for."

"How early do you need to go to the office?" She walked up to the bed.

"Nine. Figured that'll be plenty time to sleep."

"Just sleep?"

Ohhhh. "If you're asking if I'm sleepy, not quite. Though, I can plan on it."

The way her lips curled into a smile. "I figured we could relax."

This was the pound cake moment. Despite being full, leave for dessert. He pulled her closer by the paw. They were in their bed.

As much as Chance wanted to decompress all those heavy feelings to his friend, he got the sense that the weekend would be a better time. Both the Clawsons had high profile things to run.

He had the junkyard to handle and two very involved grandmas.

Tomorrow.

Chance had cleaned his place to Aida's standards after their friends drove off when he remembered Felina was still upstairs.

At least their circle was more respectful than baby kit grabby.

He hated that especially when they dealt with the issue of their angel kit.

He went to the nursery.

Felina was out cold.

The easy chair reclined, her mouth hanging slightly opened.

He snickered. Too funny.

The kits were in the crib by her, all on their little bellies. He studied the rise and falls of their three little backs.

Friday was the first doctor's appointment for all the kits. Dr. Coon wanted mama kitty back in her office next week pronto.

And sleep wanted him pronto.

The thought to move Felina to their bed hit...and died. No way was he losing a digit. The woman had lived on a few hours for that whole week. If the chair allowed her rest, then he would just have room to stretch out.

Finding a shower, Chance washed the day away then crawled in their bed to sleep.

When Felina remembered the purple bag from Callie, a month had already passed.

She had been too busy figuring out how to manage their trio of kits, manage the fun of postpartum life and handling all the "help" from kats in their lives.

Chance had approved of the names once she explained her logic during the doctor's visit they had for the kits.

"Our oldest kit does look like an Anthony." He nodded at their eldest. "And Aaron fits the serious one here." Chance pointed to their middle kit. "Then, there is Layla." He beamed at his only living daughter. "That definitely fits."

"So, I did good?"

"You did great."

Then, she recalled a sour expression coming over him. "She doesn't have a name."

"Who?"

Chance only had to look. Their angel.

"I...I don't know one that's fitting enough."

"Leona."

"Excuse me?"

"Leona. Like your grandmother, Leonora. She made it this far then...God figured Layla was enough of a handful so Leona is hanging with great grandma Leonora..."

Felina had entertained his teasing and the weeks rolled on when one night, she finally had five minutes to herself.

And the purple bag.

"Alright, Callie, I don't wanna be a she-kat with a baker's dozen of kits." Felina ventured to open it. Inside was an expensive bubble bath, epsom salts for soaking, lavender lotion and a gift card for a spa day.

The card read as followed:

Everyone gets the baby stuff, but never momma.

-C.C.

"Oohh, CC, you have done a public service. "

Running warm water and cracking open the bubbles, Felina luxuriated in the tub uninterrupted.

Oh yes, she owed Callie.

A faint knock made her open one eye. "Do I need to come back?" Chance stood in the doorway, an amused expression on his face.

"In ten years."

"Pff. Soak any longer, they'll be in college."

Felina only gave a toothy grin. "Then, it'll be an empty house again."

"All these guests are wearing you out, huh?"

"I was never extroverted. This is forcing my paw like on steroids."

He snorted. "There's my antisocial bride."

"Now, now, we're social."

"Is that what the kits call it these days?"

"Get out, Fly Boy. I have dibs on the tub."

He faked his outrage. "Fine. Make me go make sure our kits are changed and asleep."

She rolled her eyes after he left the room.

When her five minutes ended, she reluctantly got out the bath, thankful that time allowed her the energy to move around more freely.

In a towel with her hair pinned back, Felina felt like a cool million bucks.

The mister of the beach house returned. "All jokes aside, feeling better?"

"Yes." Felina raised an eyebrow. "You really did just change them and put them down to sleep."

"I figured you'll get a few hours until they want to snuggle with you."

"Awww, Chance thank you." Felina clasped her paws together.

"Hope the five minutes were worth it "

The stars dusted the spring night. Life settled into a somewhat routine kept exciting by triplets.

Chance started out the glass doors leading from their bedroom.

"What's wrong?" Felina's voice punctured his thoughts.

Glancing down, he had her head cradled in his arm, the rest of her tangled around him.

The only barriers between them had been a towel and his own irrational fears. Barriers they tackled together steadily.

Thank God they were home alone or someone would have heard her calling his name and colorful encouraging phrases.

"We...never got to the bed."

"Never got on the carpet either if we're being technical. The blanket is soft."

"Stitches okay?"

"Yes. Dr. Coon doesn't have to skin you."

"That she-kat scares me."

"Only when you are an idiot." Felina rubbed behind his ears. "I missed you."

"Oh, I can tell."

"Don't get cute."

He laughed then nuzzled his face in her shoulder. "I counted the minutes, the days, and the hours until I could make love to you again."

"Now, you're milking it."

"Is it working?"

"No."

He kissed her shoulder. "Yes."

"Good night, T-Bone, I have to go back to work some time in this century. "

He grinned, then turned off the jokes. "Do you want more kits?"

"Would you hate me if I'm good with this?"

"No. And I don't care if you have the surgery. We did the fruitful and multiplied part."

She visibly relaxed. "It's hard to explain."

"This may be a perfect number, though I do wish she could have joined us."

Felina nodded. He missed little Leona too.

"Furlong."

"Hmm?"

"Sometimes, I get cabin fever, but you make it bearable."

"I love you."

"Love you too."

She pulled him back down, a long drawn out kiss sealing the deal.