7: Bonding
XxX
Parking the bike in a designated motorcycle parking area (even though it takes up three spots) Nick and Judy arrive in the unloading area just in time to see Sarah coming down the ramp.
"Mom, Nick" she yells, running down the ramp, then collecting Judy in a tight hug.
"Umm" she begins, giving first Judy, then Nick quick glances.
"Go ahead sweetie" says Judy quietly as Nick waits expectantly.
"Ok" came the equally soft answer, just before launching herself at Nick.
"Ufff" While hoping for at least a cautious hug, Nick was not expecting a full-on assault by Sarah.
Feeling the young doe clinging to him as if her life depended on it, shaking slightly, and with his shirt and fur becoming a bit wet, Nick is concerned…
"Chocolate … Sarah … what's wrong sweetie?"
"I-I'm sorry Nick" she finally chokes out into Nick's chest "... it's just that … I'm-I'm so happy … th-that you and-and mom got together … and-and that you like me … and-and you think I'm pretty …"
"Chocolate … Sarah … Sarah please look at me." coaxed Nick softly, gently stroking the small does lowered ears.
Slowly loosening her tight hug, Sarah allows herself to look into Nick's emerald eyes.
"Sweetheart, you never need to apologize for being happy, but I think I understand."
"Y-You do?"
"Sure do. I'm happy to be reunited with your mom, happy that we're gonna be together, happy to see, then to finally get to meet you…"
"Really?"
"Really. Say, are you hungry?" trying to lighten the mood.
"Maybe a little?" she replies a bit shakily.
"Then what say we all load up and go to Stergis and get something to eat then go over and I'll show you my shop? Sound good to you?"
"Sure. Thank you Nick, for … understanding."
Still holding Sarah, Nick looks at Judy, who's trying to dry happy tears of her own "Wadda ya think Fluff, could ya eat a bite?"
Knowing that they had a bit of a late breakfast, but not willing to spoil the moment "Sure, let's go get something. What cha got in mind?"
Sporting his signature smirk "How about something a bit … offbeat?"
Before Judy can answer, Sarah does "YES! …. Please?" drawing a laugh from both adults.
Heading out to were the bike was parked, Sarah openly gawked at the machine when she sees it.
"You came here in this? It's beautiful! Is it yours?"
"No sweetie, it belongs to one of my employees. I really didn't have anything that would hold the three of us at the same time, so I borrowed it.
"So, how are we all gonna get around while I'm here?"
"Not to worry, I'll figure something out. In the meantime, here, put this on" as he paws Sarah her very own shop t-shirt.
After helping both does get situated in the sidecar with Judy in first, Sarah sitting on her lap with the backpack in her lap, Nick starts the bike.
Hearing the bike start, Sarah's ears went full erect and her eyes were as wide open as they could possibly be!
"This is totally awesome!" was all she could say.
The slow, easy ride back to Stergis was relatively uneventful, with Sarah catching Judy up on the happenings around Deerbrook, few as they were, all the while looking around and admiring the countryside.
Arriving in Stergis, they had a slow go heading east on Lazalle due to ever increasing traffic, then a couple of quick right pawed turns brought the trio to what amounts to the main drag of Stergis during bike week.
Finding a spot just a short way from their destination, Nick backs the side-car laden bike up to the curb.
Stopping in front of a certain café, Nick opens the door and gestures to the does to enter.
"Nick, are you shittin' me?" asks Judy.
"Mother, language" admonishes Sarah sternly.
"Yea mom, language" mocks Nick in a playful tone.
"Ok, fine. But really Nick? I mean, what kind of place is this?"
"It's called a café Fluff, surely you've heard of them." says Nick, smirk firmly in place, with Sarah giggling just behind her mother.
"But for real? 'The Road Killed Café'?"
"Just … listen, the food is good and the prices are reasonable. The name is a bit wonky and the menu is even more so … but everyone knows it's all in fun. I know you've got to have seen the menu on t-shirts."
"Well yea, but I had no idea that there actually was such a place!"
"C'mon mom, lighten up a bit…"
Rolling her eyes, Judy gives in "Fine, let's go find a place to sit down!"
Heading towards an empty booth, Nick, who waits for Judy to enter one side and just as he is going to sit across from her, being the polite tod that he is, is beaten to the seat by Sarah.
"What" asks Judy in mock surprise "do you think you're doing young lady?"
"You've had Nick all to yourself all week, now ya gotta share!"
"You little scamp" returns Judy, picking up a menu "but only for a … what the holy-"
"What now Fluff?" asks a grinning Nick.
"You can't be serious! Have you seen this menu?"
"Hmm, let's see … Possum Pot Pie, Chunk 'A Skunk, Poodles 'N Noodles, Chicken That Didn't Make It Across The Road, and what I'm sure is probably your favorite, Busted Bunny! Yup, it's all here, just like last year!"
"But-"
"Fluff, relax, the meat's all chicken or turkey or fish or bugs or what have you. And anything for prey is strictly made with vegies or fruit! If you look below the item on the menu, you'll see the actual ingredients."
"I wanna try the-" began a totally enthused Sarah, who is cut off by—
"Well, if it ain't the famous 'Nightstalker'. Since when were you a prey chaser Wilde?" came an accusation with a cockney accent.
Holding back a suddenly enraged Sarah by force and a totally pissed Judy with a withering gaze, Nick stands to face his detractor - a full-grown kangaroo joey …
"Look who's calling who names but the original Predophile himself, 'One Eyed Jack'…" says Nick exiting the booth.
Locking together in a deep 'bro-hug' Nick turns and explains things to the two does before things get out of paw.
"Ok, I guess introductions are in order … Judy, Sarah, this is an old buddy I served with back in the day, Johnny Longtail. Johnny, my girlfriend Judy Hopps and her darling daughter Sarah."
"So, you were in the military?" asks Sarah of Nick.
"Yes sweetheart, I was. I hope that's not a problem …"
"… I don't think so?" she replies a bit hesitantly.
"Nick …" begins Judy.
"Yea, I know, a trip to the Tower is probably in order sometime tomorrow."
Nodding in agreement, Judy poses a question to Johnny "Umm, if you don't mind, why did Nick call you One Eyed Jack if your name is Johnny?"
"Funny story that! Every time I'd win at cards, I'd send the money back to the island to me mum. The only time I ever lost was to this cheatin' tod, an' every time it would be with a straight flush or sumpin' with a one-eyed jack in it. You know how Nick is with nicknames. The rest as they say, is history."
"Ok, I kinda get why you call Nick the Nightstalker being a nocturn and all, but where did you ever get tagged with being a predophile?"
"Another of this ass-I mean clown's antics really. After we rotated home after a certain mission, I started dating this lovely kit fox vixen. Yea, I know, strange pair an' all. Anyway, I caught grief from everyone in the unit 'cause she didn't look a day over fi'teen, e'en though she was goin' on twenty-five. Got married we did. Still together and still trying for…"
"I think we get the picture" interrupts Judy, who with a quick glance catches Sarah stifling a giggle and rolling her eyes.
"Anyway, once I saw Nick, I had to give him some grief after all these years. So, what'll ya 'ave, it's on the house …"
"We couldn't possibly-" protested Judy.
"Look, Nick saved me worthless arse so many times I could feed y'all from now 'til 'ell freezes over and the debt still wun't be paid. So please ... humor me … ok?"
"So" interrupts Sarah, trying to bring the conversation down a notch "the Busted Bunny is actually a garden salad?"
"Yes ma'am, and all you can eat by the way."
"I'll have that, and can I have some strawberries to go with it?"
"Sure can, no problem. And for you ma'am?"
"I guess I'll have the same."
"Nick?"
"I guess the usual."
"Possum Pot Pie it is. Anything to drink?"
"Water for everyone?" asks Nick.
"Umm, may I have a strawberry shake … please?" asks Sarah.
"If you want, yes." says Nick.
"NICK!"
"What? Cut the kit a break, please. From the sound of it, you've both had a tough go of it, so let me spoil her a bit, like I've been spoiling you, ok?"
Knowing that Nick was right, and knowing how much he and Sarah needed to actually bond, Judy relented.
"Ok, fine. But you'd better eat everything on your plate young lady!"
"I will I promise. And … thanks Nick."
"I'll be back with yer order in a jiff." Remarked Johnny as he headed towards the kitchen.
Only a few minutes later, Johnny reappears with two waters and a strawberry shake. As the three wait for their food, Judy asks "So what's the plan for the rest of the day?"
"Well, Olie gets finished at around five or so, so I figured we should get the bike back by no later than three thirty or four so my detailer can get it cleaned up for him. I thought that a quick stroll through the vendor areas in the meantime with Sarah to show her some of the neat stuff would be ok before we head back. After that, we'll get the Stergis Inn to send a van to pick us up if we need a lift. I'm sure we'll figure something out for transportation, there are lots of bikes around … in case you hadn't noticed" he adds with a wink, which brings smiles to both does lips.
"Then back to the motel and chill in the hot tub."
While Nick and Judy nibbled on their meals, Sarah actually ordered and finished off a second helping of her salad, and made slurping sounds with her straw when she finished her shake, much to Judy's minor annoyance and Nick's ear to ear grin.
…
Wishing their host well after finishing their meals and promising to return, the trio started a quick stroll through the open-air shops and merchants that line both sides of the main drag of Stergis.
While Sarah ogled a lot of the items for sale, Judy spotted something that interested her.
"Nick, look at that!"
"Hmm?"
"Over there, between the t-shirt stall and the tattoo place."
"Really? That's not a bad idea at all, brilliant in fact! Good eye Fluff!"
As the three head towards the direction that Judy had indicated, Sarah's curiosity is piked.
Arriving at the stall, Sarah notices not a regular motorcycle, but a trike for sale. A very ugly trike.
Greeting the stall's owner, a male aardvark, Nick asked permission to closely inspect the trike, which was of course, granted.
Starting and listening to the engine, checking for leaks and making sure that all of the gears, including reverse, were in good condition, Nick seemed satisfied that the machine was mechanically sound.
Finding nothing drastically wrong mechanically, Nick haggled a price with the owner while Judy and Sarah stood back a bit and watched.
"Is Nick actually thinking about buying that … thing?" Sarah asked.
Giving her daughter a rueful smile and brushing her cheek gently with the back of her paw "Sarah, you of all mammals should know better than to judge something on its outward appearance. Nick does this kinda thing for a livin', and if he's thinkin' about buyin' it, I'm sure that he already has a plan."
After paying the mammal, Nick approaches the two does with a call in progress: "Yea Midnight … right, right. Have Snow bring Lefty to the 'Clean Sting' tattoo place on Main, we'll be waiting there. Right … ok, thanks."
Grinning (smirking?) like he's just made the deal of the century, he addresses the does "Ok, here's the plan … I got a really good deal on the trike. I'm having it taken back to the shop and gone over with a fine-toothed comb. New tires, oil change in the motor and trans, the whole deal. Then …" looking straight at Sarah "I'm going to have my in-house painter work his magic on a paint job that a certain blue eyed, chocolate furred bunny doe that we all know and love, will design for it!"
"Wait … what?" asks a stunned Sarah, while Judy simply stares open mouthed for several seconds.
Quick to recover, Judy comments "You sly fox you. You combined the fact that the bike, err trike, is ugly as sin as is, with what I told you about Sarah liking art didn't you?"
"Yup. The reason that I got such a good deal on it is the fact that it is as ugly as sin. There seems to be nothing mechanically wrong with it that a few hours in the shop won't fix. The only real issue is the paint! If Sarah's willing to work on a good layout, my painter will fix it up asap."
"You really want me to come up with an idea for that … thing?"
"Unless you really don't want to, I sure do. Anything you want to put on it is ok, it's your project. Wadda ya say Chocolate, you up to it?"
Launching herself at Nick for the second time today, Sarah holds Nick in a second tight hug "I can't begin to tell you how much this means to me" she says softly "… thank you Nick…"
"Anything for you sweetheart" he replies "anything, anytime."
"Damn it Nick" says a sniffling Judy "there you go again!"
"C'mere you … bunnies, so-"
"Don't. You. Dare…" comes from both does.
Collecting Judy into a group hug, Nick has never felt so complete in his life…
…
"Ok, enough with the mushy stuff already" comes a recognizable voice, slightly startling the group.
"Shit Snow," says Nick "warn a mammal will ya?"
"Language Nick" lightly scolds Sarah.
"Yea, language Nick" pipes up Judy, with both does giggling.
"You wouldn't kiss my mom with that mouth, would you?" asks Sarah jokingly.
"Umm …"
"Never mind Nick!"interruptsJudy,blushingterribly as she tries to hide behind her ears.
"Aaaanywho" interrupts a laughing Skye "where's the bike we're supposed to pick up?"
"Right there" says Nick motioning to the trike.
"You're kidding, right?"
"Nope. I told Midnight to give it the onceover mechanically and strip off all of the tins (fuel tank, oil tank, fenders) off it while he's at it. Then this little darling here" indicating Sarah "is gonna design a paint scheme for it. Raoul volunteered to stay late and work on the paint it so it'd be ready to ride as soon as possible. After a few necessary modifications that is."
Staring at both does, especially Sarah, for a long second "So this is the little beauty that you've been raving about huh?"
Seeing Sarah blush and try to hid behind her ears, much like her mother does from time to time, was a sight to behold, and got everyone smiling at the diminutive doe.
"Yep. Listen, since we're about to head for the shop, we'll follow you and get Olie's bike back. Then we can get everyone working on the trike while Sarah figures out her paint job. Let's get rollin'."
…
Arriving at the shop, Nick turns the bike over to his detailing animals.
When Lefty arrives with the trike, Nick explains to Midnight the modifications that he wants performed after the services that were outlined on the phone earlier.
But before Midnight could get started, he was interrupted by a pint-sized doe who wanted to wanted to take a couple of pictures first and do several quick sketches of the trike to be used as reference for her highly anticipated art project.
"Nick" Sarah asks after a few minutes "Where's your painter? I wanna talk to him for a minute."
Pointing to a chihuahua in one of the far bays "That's Ramone, go have a word with him if ya want."
Skipping over to the small dog, Sarah spends around ten minutes showing him several pictures that she took earlier, as well as the quick sketches on a sheet of computer paper and outlining her ideas.
Motioning to Nick to come over, Ramone has a single question for him: "Boss, thes little one (who actually stands taller than the chihuahua by the way) says that she has an idea for a paint yob on the trike that Midnight is workin' on, es that ok with you?"
"Whatever she wants, she gets. So, I take it she has something put together for an idea already?"
"Si, but I tole her that I probly won' hav it ready 'til late Mañana at the earliest."
"Is late tomorrow ok with you Sarah?"
"Yea, I guess. I'd really like it sooner, but I want it done right, so that's fine."
"I cn get the stuff ready tonite an' paint it in the mornin', it'll be ready to t'moro afternoon. Tha' be ok?"
"Yes sir."
"Ok, thanks Ramone, I'll be sure to make it worth your while" says Nick.
"You yus 'splain it to Flo please, ok?"
"I'll do that, thanks" and with that the trio head for the office to arrange transportation to the motel.
Entering the office, Nick greets Skye, Midnight and several other employees "Hey y'all, what's up?"
"Not much besides catching up on paperwork" replies Midnight "what's up with yo-woah, now I see why you wanted to finally meet this youngn'. She's every bit as pretty as you let on."
"Yea, I know. Anyway, here's the deal … we need to figure out some transportation issues for at least tonight. The three of us ain't gonna fit on one bike, so I was wondering if that old Scout is in good enough shape to get us to the motel and back?"
"Sure is boss. We finished the overhaul on it just before we left."
"Great. Set my springer up for Judy and Sarah, and I'll take the Scout back to-"
"Umm, unless you have a problem with it, how about you and Sarah take the springer and I ride the Scout? She seems to want to hog you for herself, so why not let her enjoy the trip with you?"
"You good with that Sarah?"
"YES! … I mean yes please?"
With everyone laughing up a storm, and having suitable embarrassed herself, again, Sarah tries hiding behind her ears … again.
While Midnight makes a few modifications to the Scout, Sarah makes a few more quick notes on her sketches and runs them over to Raoul for his approval.
By the time she returns to Nick's side, the Scout is ready for Judy to ride, and the three head out to the Stergis Inn.
…
Arriving at the motel and passing by the front desk, Nick orders a fruit and vegetable platter for the three of them to munch on, as well as a bottle of wine for he and Judy and some soda for Sarah. There's always plenty of bottled water in the room for them so there's no need to order that.
Entering the spacious room and taking it all in, Sarah is suitably impressed.
"Woah, this is so cool! So, this is why you wanted your suit…"
Eyeing the couple and then the hot tub suspiciously "You two didn't … pollute the water in the hot tub, did you?"
"Pollute the-WHAT? NO! You little scamp! No, we didn't 'pollute' the water there if you must know!" answers a mortified Judy.
As Judy realizes the fact that she was just hustled by her teenaged daughter, she joins Nick and Sarah in laughter.
"She hustled you good!" laughs Nick, using Finnick's old line from decades ago.
Giving Nick a playful scowl "I gotta admit, I never expected that from her of all mammals. How can you be corrupting my sweet innocent daughter already?"
"Mom, just because I'm still a virgin, doesn't necessarily mean I'm all that innocent…"
"WHAT!"
"Will you calm down a sec! For crying out loud, all I've done is kiss a buck or two, and no cheap 'feelies' either by the way. I may only be fourteen but I'm not stupid. I have plans to do other things with my life other than raise a couple hundred kits!"
"Fine. Just …don't do that again … please …"
Rolling her eyes and wrinkling her nose, Sarah heads for the spacious bathroom, backpack in paw "I'm gonna change and sit in the hot tub for a while … mom, you gonna join me or what?"
"After that last stunt of yours, I otta tan your tail … but yea. Nick?"
"I doubt if you both need me in there at the same time, so I'll wait until you're finished changing, ok?"
Rolling her eyes, Judy comments: "I don't know if I'm gonna be able to handle two of you wise acres for a week or not … c'mon Sarah, let's change."
While Judy and Sarah change, the wine, soda and food platter arrive, so Nick sets it all close to the hot tub and turns the bubbles and circulation on to comfortable settings.
After the does exit the bathroom and head for the relaxing waters, Nick quickly changes and joins them.
Quickly noticing Nick's scars and running a small paw over one of the larger scars Sarah asks "Do they hurt?"
"Not now sweetie, but at the time, yea, a lot."
Nick is quick to explain "You already know I was in the military Sarah, sometimes bad things happen, even during training. I promise to explain a few things to you later. Your mom and I have already decided that you and I need to take a quick ride to a special place sometime tomorrow, so how about then? Between now and then, let's just relax, ok?"
"Ok."
The quiet calm of just relaxing is broken after only a few minutes when Judy's phone suddenly rings.
Looking at the caller ID, Judy is shocked "What the literal hell?" she exclaims, and quickly holds up a finger effectively silencing snide remarks from both her kit and boyfriend.
Muzzletime call:
HOPPS: What do you want Jack?
SAVAGE: To the point as always, I see.
H: I'm busy Jack, what do you want?
S: You can't be that busy at the store that you can't talk to-
"CLICK" ends the call.
Almost immediately, the phone rings again:
H: What Jack?
S: What the fuck Jud-
"CLICK" ends the call.
Again the phone rings:
H: Third time's a charm Jack. Be nice and get to the point or I'll block you!
S: Ok, ok, I get it already. Jack junior and Jill are here and upset as hell.
H: And I should care … why?
S: They told me that you kicked them out of the house. I decided that before I did anything drastic, I'd call and get your side of the story. And yes, they told me that you went to some motorcycle rally in the Badlands Region. From the looks of things, I'd say you must be enjoying yourself.
H: First off, I didn't kick them out, they legally declared themselves adults after I told them I was coming to Stergis.'
'Secondly, they were pissed because they told me that the trip was a waste of their money. Right after that I told them in no uncertain terms that it wasn't their money, it was my money, so they left. I've been supporting them on my own since you stopped paying kit support when they turned sixteen per the divorce agreement. I'm not complaining, just stating a fact. They got mad and left to find you, and from the sound of it, they found you.
Finally, yes I'm enjoying the hell out of myself. Truth be told, Sarah and I are here in this wonderful hot tub, in our beautiful motel room that we happen to be sharing with Nick! Say 'hi' to Jack Sarah. (hands the phone to Sarah)
SARAH: Hi Jack. Mom and I are having a blast with Nick, glad you're not here. (hugs Nick in frame then hands the phone back to Judy)
S: Wait … is that the same Nick that you outed when you were a cop?
H: Yes, it's the same Nick. He and his crew stopped and helped me out of the goodness of their hearts after Pop Pop's old bike broke down on the side of the road on the way here. He's a changed mammal Jack, as am I. We've patched things up and are seeing each other.'
'Sarah thinks the world of him just like I do. He's kind, gentle and selfless to a fault. He's shown both of us more kindness and love than you and Gerald did put together. In fact, he's been more of a supportive father figure to a kit that's not even his than either of you ever were to your own kits, and he's only known her for a few days.'
'Now if there's nothing else you need, we have a lot of serious nothing to do. And do yourself a favor … do NOT call again!"
And with that, Judy terminates the call.
Staring at the phone as if it personally offended her, Judy finally tosses it over her shoulder in the general direction of the bed, not quite getting it there.
"Well!" remarks Sarah after a few moments pause "that was intense!"
"Nick" says Judy, exhaling an exasperated breath "I think I could use a little of that wine now…"
"Ok, here ya go" he says, pouring his bunny a glass.
"Umm" interrupts Sarah "could I … maybe … have a little … please?"
"Absolutely no-"
"Fluff … please?"
"Nick, really?"
"Yea … really. Sooner or later she's gonna try it or something else! So why not under parental control instead of somewhere she might get plastered and something worse happens? One glass, a small glass, can't possibly hurt. Consider it a celebration of sorts. Please."
Letting out a heavy sigh, Judy relents "I guess you're right. Fine, one small glass."
Quickly hugging her mom "Thanks mom … and Nick" the young doe holds out a fluted glass which Nick promptly fills.
…
As the trio finally get a chance to really relax, Judy asks quietly "Nick, the conversation with Jack got me to thinking … you've never ever mentioned your father … can I ask why?"
With a sad face and a small shrug of his shoulders "Short story really. I don't recall ever meeting him. I asked mom several times where he was, what happened to him, that kind of thing, but she never would tell me. 'Adult stuff' was all she ever said when I was younger, and all she did when I was older was curse at the mention of his name so it couldn't have been good."
"Sounds familiar" admits Sarah "only without the cursing part … most of the time…"
"Kinda unpleasant conversation for a celebration ain't it?" Nick asks.
Setting her glass on the edge of the hot tub, Sarah (sort of) wades/walks to stand directly in front of Nick quickly glancing over her shoulder at her mother "Nick, I know this is kinda sudden, … and I've really only kinda known you for a few days, and just met you this morning … but you've been kinder to me than my own biological father, or 'sperm donor' as mom calls him." (which of course draws yet another horrified look from Judy) "I know that you and mom aren't really married or anything, but … would you consider … umm being my dad?'
Mildly shocked, Nick's humbly answers "Sarah, darling, I would love to have you for my daughter, but I don't know if that's even possible. I have no idea if your real dad would allow me to. He'd have to agree to give up all rights to you, to a fox no less-"
"Actually" interrupts a thoughtful Judy "there is a clause in the divorce agreement, which Gerald insisted on by the way, that he be relieved of all parental rights and responsibilities, and that I had to revert to my maiden name and give Sarah my maiden name as well, that's why she's a Hopps. I guess he wanted to sever all legal ties to me and Sarah. So, unless I'm mistaken, as long as Sarah and I both agree to it, there should be no problem with you actually adopting Sarah as your own kit … if you really want to that is.
"Well, there's no harm in finding out about the legality of such a move. If everything plays out the way it's been going so far, there's no telling how we'll end up for sure. Let's not get ahead of ourselves and end up disappointed, ok?"
"I'll have Nadine talk to my lawyer to find out for sure so we don't screw something up."
"Good idea. In the meantime, to address Sarah's question" turning a bit to directly address Sarah "I would love to be your dad. If, or better yet hopefully when, I marry your mom, I would definitely LEGALLY adopt you as my own kit if it's possible. How could I ever love your mom and not love you?'
'In the meantime, yes, if it's ok with your mom I would be proud to be called your dad."
As Nick and Sarah chat, Judy calls Nadine and has her talk to Judy's lawyer about would have to happen for Nick to legally adopt Sarah.
Wrapped up in yet another hug by two tearful does, Nick thought that his heart would surely burst.
…
"Which brings us to another matter" adds Nick as he's finally released by two happy but tearful does "sleeping arrangements…'
'While it may be every male's dream to sleep with two beautiful females at the same time, I hardly think this is the time or place for it!" which garners odd looks from both Judy and Sarah.
Continuing on with his train of thought "There are only two other solutions to this that I can think of … one is that Sarah can sleep with Skye in her room-"
"Absolutely NOT … dad!" came from Sarah immediately, paws on hips and attitude on full display, which sort of shocked Nick but not Judy.
"And the other is that you two get the bed and I sleep on the pull-out."
"How about you and mom on the bed and me on the sofa?" asks Sara.
"Not gonna happen." says Nick quickly. "Until your mom and I get married or at least move in together, this is how it's hasta be. It would be totally inappropriate and irresponsible to do otherwise. Setting a bad example with something like this is absolutely not on my agenda. The same goes for showering together and everything else whenever you're around."
Taking the small doe's face in his paws and gazing into her ice-blue eyes "I'm sorry Sarah, but that's final."
"It's ok Ni-dad, I understand … really."
"It's settled then. Everybody drink up and let's get showered and get to bed. Early day tomorrow and we've got a lot to do. Ladies first in the shower."
…
As the two does shower, the following conversation takes place:
"Mom, how did you let Nick get away the first time?"
Giving her daughter a rueful smile "Long story sweetheart. Actually, it's not as long as it is complicated. Maybe when we get home, I'll explain it to you, ok?"
"It's not gonna be like the way Nick's mom kept putting him off is it?"
"No baby, it's not, I promise. This is supposed to be a happy time for all of us, so let's just wait a bit, ok?"
"Ok, and … thank you."
"What on earth for?"
"Giving Nick a second chance."
"You've got it a bit backwards sweetie, it's Nick that gave me the second chance. He recognized me when I was broken down alongside the road. Any other mammal would probably have ridden right on by and never given me a second thought. In fact, a lot of them did. But that's not the Nick you see now."
"Umm … you really don't mind if I call him dad?"
"Of course not! The fact that you've taken to him so readily, and the fact that he thinks so highly of you, why would I?"
"I dunno, just making sure I guess."
Kissing her kit between the ears "Get your fluffy butt in the fur dryer so I can use it … and so Nick can get his shower and we can all get to bed. Robes are in the small closet by the door when you're finished."
Emerging from the bathroom, Judy grabs Nick and gives him a passionate kiss "Thanks Nick … for everything."
"MOM!"
"No one said anything about no kissing" Judy shot back, sticking out her tongue at Sarah.
After his quick shower, Nick tucks his two does in for the night, kissing each on the cheek "G'night you two, see you in the morning."
"G'night dad"
"Good night Nick."