17 Alice's Restaurant
XxX
Thankfully, somehow, someone had enough presence of mind in the middle of the night to actually lock their bedroom door, because there came a light but persistent knocking at their bedroom door at around seven-thirty am.
Tap, tap, tap, tap, tap, tap, tap, tap, tap, tap ….
"Mom, dad, will you two please quit foolin' around? Mister Nick and I are hungry!"
"Yea, yea, ok, we'll be there in a few…" mumbles Judy more asleep than awake.
"Has she always been this … umm …"
"Persistent? You have NO idea. Impatient? I actually have no idea since I've never slept in this late before…"
"Well, I guess that's understa-wait, Mister Nick?"
Letting out a soft sight and rolling her eyes "Yea, Mister Nick. I was so torn up when I couldn't find you that I had to have somethin' to help me through the all of the shit in my life. Couldn't eat, couldn't sleep… when I saw that red fox plushie in a store I decided to use it as a sort of substitute since I couldn't seem to have the real thing.'
'After I unintentionally hooked up with Jack, Mister Nick had his own place on the dresser by my ... our bed the short time we were together. Jack didn't like it but I didn't care'
'When I finally tried to settle down with Gerald, Mister Nick was discretely relegated to my part of the bedroom closet. After Gerald and I separated, I took to sleepin' with the only thing I had that comforted me even a little … Mister Nick. I can't begin to count the number of times that Sarah found me curled up with Mister Nick after cryin' myself to sleep.'
'I had even brought him to the rally with me, believe it or not."
"So, you figured that since ya had the real thing now that Sarah might get a bit of comfort from him?"
'Yea, I guess so… Do you mind?"
"Hell no, I'm flattered actually."
Tap, tap, tap, tap, tap, tap, tap, tap, tap, tap
"Let's go ahead and get up before your daughter busts the door down."
"Oh, so that's how it's gonna be? Your daughter when she's good and mine when she's not?"
"Part of the deal Slick, ya got a problem with that?"
"Nope, wouldn't have it any other way" and with a quick kiss to Judy's nose, got out of bed and heads towards the shower. "If we hurry, we can get a quickie … I mean a quick shower in before breakfast…"
"After everything we did last night, you still want a quickie?"
"Never hurts to ask…"
…
As Nick and Judy finally hit the bottom of the stairs they're greeted by "'Bout time you two."
Seeing Sarah sitting at the center island, on an adult stool, with not one but three large phone books under her, and Mister Nick propped up against her glass of water, it was all either could do not to bust out laughing.
"I'd ground you two again, but I'm afraid that's exactly what you'd want!" as she tried and failed to sound angry and scold the pair.
While Sarah's eyes followed Judy as she sits at the island, Nick creeps up behind the young doe, grabs her in a tight hug and blows raspberries into her neck before planting a wet, sloppy kiss between her ears.
"Oh, ick dad… really? Yuck." Complains Sarah laughing, no longer to control herself while wiping fox slobber from her fur.
"So" interrupts Judy, "what's fer breakfast?"
"How 'bout some omelets? There are a few turkey eggs in the fridge, along with what's left of the fresh veggies and the last of the turkey sausage. We can get some groceries later today when we go into Aweston to look at the shop."
"Good call.
"Maybe I'll put on one of my sets of fatigues after we get back since a certain someone seems to want a fashion show.
"As long as it's not one of those god-awful Pawaiian things you were wearin' when I met ya…"
Pressing one paw over his heart "Fluff, I'll have you know that those were the height of fashion back then…"
"Then why were you the only one wearin' 'em?"
"Maybe I was the only one with the correct fashion sense?"
"Will you two please chill and get me and Mister Nick somthin' ta eat?" asks a slightly frustrated Sarah.
Rolling his eyes Nick decides that enough is enough … sort of "Yes dear!" as he heads towards the fridge.
…
While Nick prepares the omelets, veggie for Judy and Sarah and a veggie and turkey sausage for himself, the does laugh and shake their heads.
While Judy is doing her best to explain to Sarah the hideous shirts that Nick used to wear, Nick can't help commenting from the stove "You know, I've actually got a few of those around here yet…"
"Oh god no, please don't traumatize our daughter with those ugly things…"
"Please show me dad … pleeeease!"
Setting the plates of fresh omelets on the table, Nick readily agrees.
"Of course sweetheart, anything for you." winking at Judy who just hangs her head and mutters "Why me? Why couldn't those damned things have just rotted away?"
"I heard that!"
…
After the leisurely breakfast, Nick, Judy and Sarah pile into the Nomad and make the short twenty-minute ride into Aweston where Nick's shop is located.
Entering the shop, which was only slightly busy since not all of Nick's employees wanted to make the trip to Stergis, Judy and Sarah are amazed at the sheer size and scope of Wilde Rides.
The first thing that Nick did was call a short meeting of the few employees left in the building.
"Ok, everyone listen up, I've got a few announcements! To begin with, I'd like to introduce my blushing bride (Judy is actually blushing from the sudden unwanted attention) Judy, and her daughter Sarah whom I plan on adoptin.'
'Next, I wanna let y'all know that as of today I'm selling a good portion of the shop ta Nickie and Skye who were by the way, married while at the rally as well. That bein' said, I'm gonna maintain a fifty-one percent share of the company, so yea, I'll still be in control!'
'Even though Nickie and Skye will be kinda in charge here being part owners, Midnight will still be in charge overall so things will go on pretty much as usual. I'll be by from time to time to check up on things.' since I plan to be movin' to a small town named Aurora, to the north-east of here ta live.'
'As an added bonus, the paint shop will be busier than ever thanks to a burgeoning designer named Sarah Hopps-"
"Wilde dad, it's Wilde, remember?" interrupts Sarah, which causes Judy to giggle just a bit.
"My bad, I stand corrected, Sarah Leigh Wilde." He adds with a smirk.
"DAD!"
"What?"
"Now I understand why mom gets so … infuriated with you sometimes…"
Reaching out and ruffling the fur between Sarah's ears, (which earns him a playful swat from said bunny) Nick decides that discretion seems to be the better part of valor … at least for now.
"Anyway, the paint and fab shops will be quite a bit busier because Sarah here has been signed on as a paint and design consultant, and will work closely with Ramone in designing custom paint schemes for potential customers beginning as soon as the rest of the crew returns from the rally. That's it for now, everybody, back to work."
"C'mon you two, I'll show you around the shop."
…
The large shop houses multiple bays where the employees work on various stages of motorcycle repair and rebuild.
From the engine department, to the transmission section, and metal fabrication, Nick finally ends up at the paint booth.
"This is where Ramone usually works his magic. He normally don't do a lot of airbrush work, but it seems like he's gettin' pretty good at it thanks to you" Nick comments, complementing Sarah. "If it picks up a lot, I'll probably need to hire another painter … or two."
"Don't you mean auntie Nickie or auntie Skye?" asks Sarah.
"Since I'll still own the majority of the shop, I'll have final say, but yea, they'll get to do the majority of the legwork so to speak."
"What's that space over there?" asks Judy, motioning to a well-used and slightly cluttered bay.
"That" indicated Nick "is my personal work area. It's the same place I had when I first opened the shop."
And that's your custom that you were talkin' about?"
"Yup, whadda ya think?"
Walking around the bike, Judy takes it all in: four inch over stock springer front end, five-gallon tear-drop fuel tank, saddle style solo seat, hidden support rear fender, panhead style motor and a softail rear suspension. The paint is a gorgeous Hurley Davison Black Cherry.
"It's beautiful…"
Thanks Fluff, almost as beautiful as my wife…"
"Flatterer…"
"So Sarah whadda ya think?"
"The bike's beautiful, but the work area …it's kinda messy …" accuses Sarah.
"Says the doe who never cleans her room" pipes up Judy.
"MOM!"
"Well it's true…ain't it?"
"Yea, I guess…" quietly says a slightly despondent Sarah.
"It's ok Sarah" says Nick kneeling in front of the doe "this way folks know I at least do something from time to time. I'm sure that your room is just lived in, and not a total disaster … right?"
Pausing for a brief moment to consider, Sarah confesses "No, it really is a bit of a mess. I promise to keep it clean from now on … ok?" looking at Judy.
"I doubt it you'll have much of an opportunity for that" says Nick.
With both does giving him a questioning look, he continues "If everything goes accordin' to plan, we'll be movin' to Aurora, won't we?"
"Fine, then I'll keep my new room cleaned up … ok?" asks Sarah rolling her eyes.
"I think that'll work" admits Judy.
"So … unless ya want a tour of the town, what say we get an early lunch, do some grocery shoppin', then head back out to the house and chill!"
Looking at each other, the two does nod their heads "Lunch sounds great" says Judy.
…
Walking down the street two blocks, Nick opens the door to the shop's favorite eating place.
"You're kiddin' right?" asks Judy as she sees the name of the restaurant.
"What?" asks Nick, smirk firmly in place.
"Alice's Restaurant? For real?"
"They named it after an old song, and their motto does it's best to live up to the song."
"And that is?"
"You can get anything you want…."
"I'll believe it when I see it…"
"Suit yourself Fluff…"
Just then, an attractive vixen approaches the trio "Good afternoon mister Wilde … seating for three?"
"Yes please, Joyce."
Showing them to a table, Joyce adds "Just hold on a sec, I'll get a couple of booster sea… umm-"
"It's ok" interrupts Judy, rolling her eyes "My daughter and I get that a lot."
"We do?" pipes up a confused Sarah.
"Sarah…" says Judy, trying her best to help not create a scene by making the waitress uncomfortable.
"What? Dad, what is mom talkin' about? And please don't just say grown-up stuff…."
With the waitress now totally confused, all she can do is helplessly look towards Nick.
As Judy manages to facepawlm herself, Nick tells Joyce "Please bring a couple of seats for the girls, I promise to explain when you get a few minutes" looking at Judy "If that's ok with you?"
"O-ok, umm, I'll be right back…."
…
After returning with the booster seats, Joyce tells the does "If you don't see what you'd like, just ask and we'll do our best to accommodate you." then promptly leaves menus for them to ponder the choices.
Returning a few minutes later, Joyce asks if everyone has made their choices.
"Umm" begins Judy "I don't see an Iceberg salad with watercress on the menu, do you by chance have that?"
"Yes, we can certainly accommodate you with that choice. Will there be anything else?"
"Perhaps some fresh asparagus on the side and a beer to drink please."
"Perfect. And for you young miss?" indicating Sarah.
"I think a small chef salad with some asparagus and a strawberry shake…?" looking at first Judy and then Nick.
Judy simply shrugs, knowing full well that Nick will let her order whatever she wants.
Nick simply nods and gives his order "I'll have the turkey burger classic with a large order of fries and a red beer please."
Seeing Judy's questioning gaze "I'll explain in a minit."
"Ok then, I'll be right back with your drinks and the salad dressing set, thank you."
Addressing Judy "I've been drinkin' red beer for some time, it's kind of a thing around here… beer with tomata juice, but I use Bloody Marry Mix instead. It gives it a bit of a kick. Wanna try some?"
"Sure" say both does at the same time…
…
Returning with the drink orders, Joyce begins to place the drinks in front of each of the patrons.
"If you've got a few minutes" says Nick "I'd like to clarify a few things for ya."
Looking around and seeing that there is only one other customer in the café, Joyce replies "I'll let Thomas know I'm gonna take a quick break, then I'll be right back."
Pulling up a chair when she returns, Joyce is treated to the (more or less) short version of the happenings of the past week at the rally.
"So let me get this straight … this" motioning towards Judy "is the doe that you've been fawning over for the last ... what … fifteen years that I've known ya?"
"Yup, sure is. And this is her daughter, Sarah, whom I plan to adopt."
"Which means" with the realization suddenly dawning on Joyce "that you're MARRIED? Well just … damn!"
"Language please." pipes up Sarah.
"Opps, sorry. But, it's such a shock. So, she's why you were never really interested in datin'? You been carryin' a torch for this doe fer so long?"
As Judy opens her mouth to reply to the perceived slight "I knew that you kept talkin' about longin' for some bunny doe, but I had no idea that she was the famous Judy Hopps…"
"Y-you know who I am?"
"A' course hun, ever' one 'round these parts knows who Judy Hopps is. Firstly 'cause of the press conference," which caused Judy more than a little discomfort "but mostly 'cause you made up fer that by catchin' that damned ewe an' puttin' her and her kind b'hind bars. You're more than a little famous 'round these parts. In a good way a 'course."
Looking at Nick "So ya went an' got hitched huh? Well as long as yer happy, I'm happy fer ya. Suzie Q ain't gonna take it too well though, ya know that, right?"
"I guess she'll have ta get over it. I don't know how many times I told her that I wasn't interested in goin' with her. Oh, she's nice enough an' all, but now ya know why and who I was waitin' for."
Seeing a bit of concern on Judy's face (or was it a touch of jealousy?), Joyce explains "Suzie is a fairly attractive civet cat that's been tryin' ta hustle Nick fer years and never got ta first base with him. She's gonna have a conniption fit fer sure ta find out he's done gone an' got married…"
"Speak of the devil…" groans Nick.
"NICK!"
"Suzie …. Please don't-ACK!" as he's grabbed up in an unwanted tight hug.
"Hey! Paws off my dad … bitch!" growled Sarah before Judy could even begin to react.
Recoiling slightly, Suzie turns and looks down at the diminutive doe "… And you are?"
"My name is Sarah Leigh Wilde, and if you don't get away from my dad I'm gonna kick your ass!"
Reaching out and trying to ruffle the fur between Sarah's ears was Suzie's first mistake. The second was to say "Well bless your little heart-"
Suddenly a very fast and precise ura-zuki or uppercut punch thrown by Sarah landed with devastating results, laying the civet cat out cold!
"SARAH!" shouted Nick and Judy at the exact same time.
"What … just … happened?" asks a stunned Joyce.
"Well … she … attacked me …?" asks a stunned Sarah.
"I think that'd work fer me!" remarks Joyce, recovering from her stupor. "In fact, if anyone wants ta know, that's exactly what I'll tell 'em. She's been askin fer somthin' like that fer a looong time. An' ta have a-a-"
"Fourteen-year-old bunny doe." says a grinning Nick, attempting to aid Joyce's thought process.
"Fo-fourten years old?" asks a stunned Joyce.
"Yup. Cool huh?" adds Nick.
"Not exactly what I'd term as cool!" interrupts a highly upset Judy. "What have I told you about using that outside of class?" she asks Sarah, who is only now beginning to realize what has transpired.
"Ta not to?"
"Exactly…!"
"Ease off a bit please Judy" says Nick softly. "She was well within her rights to do what she did. Suzie had no more right to put her paws on Sarah, or me, than that drunk hare at the rally. And as far as I can tell, she's much less the worse for wear than he was."
Realizing that Nick was absolutely correct, Judy apologizes to her daughter.
"Nick's right, I'm sorry Sarah…" and holds her arms out to receive a suddenly shaking and tearful young doe.
"I-it's ok mom … I didn't even realize what I did until afterwards…"
"That's the way it's s'pposed to work" interjects Nick softly "that's why you train so hard. The reason you train so hard is that it has to be instinctual… to do it without thinkin' about it. if you gotta think about it, it's gonna too late."
Suddenly "WILDE!" came an angry, definitely feminine, feline voice…
"Oh, crap!"
"What-who?" asks a confused/concerned Judy.
"That" answers a suddenly timid Nick "would be the owner of the place … Alice herself."
Expecting to see a lioness or tigress exit the kitchen area from the throaty sound of the voice, Judy was more than surprised to see that the owner of the voice was a female Lynx, just about her size.
"Wilde, how many times have I told you to - wait, is that Suzie sleepin' on the floor?"
"Umm" begins Joyce "Suzie ain't exactly sleepin' boss, she got knocked out cold by-"
"Nick, what the hell?" starts Alice, trying to stare a hole through the vulpine.
"No boss" interrupts Joyce, "it wasn't Nick, it was this young doe!" motioning towards Sarah.
"WHAT?"
"She grabbed my dad, an' ruffled my fur an' tried to bless my heart, so I knocked her out!" shot a peeved Sarah. "Nobody messes with my dad … nobody!"
Standing with her mouth wide open in shock, Alice takes a step or two back from the by now totally pissed little doe.
"Well, butter my butt and call me a biscuit, I'm impressed as hell. You got a name little bit?"
"I'm gonna have ta get a diff'ernt nickname … everybody calls me Lil Bit!" moans Sarah.
"Wha…?"
"Ok, let's clear this up!" says Nick. "Alice, meet Sarah Hop-Wilde, my soon to be adopted daughter, and Judy, my brand spankin' new bride. Nickie tagged Sarah with Li' Bit and now she's a bit outed 'cause everyone calls her that."
"Now that's sumthin' we aint tried yet!" blurts out Judy without thinking, immediately covering her mouth with both paws. "Shit!"
"MOM!"
"Judy….?"
Seeing Nick's eyebrows shoot up and his eyes open so far that they threatened to fall out of this head "Not a word Nick! Not. A. Word." warns a thoroughly embarrassed Judy through clenched teeth and half-closed eyes.
After spending a few moments digesting the recent conversations, Alice pads over to stand directly in front of Nick "So … this" motioning towards Judy "is the doe that you been pissin' and' moanin' about fer so long! Why the hell din't ya jus' say she was Judy Hopps?"
"Does everybody know who I am?" asks a frustrated Judy. "Hells Bells, that was almost twenty years ago!"
Alice turns to face the doe "When it affects so many of us preds, both the good and the bad, folks 'round here have long mem'ries… we 'member how bad it got fer a while, then the good ya did by straightenin' it all out, good an' proper. Not many folks woulda done that. That said, yer a minor celebrity 'round here, so I'd like ta thank ya personally fer what ya done." and extends a paw towards Judy.
"I really don't deserve any thanks" says Judy returning the pawshake "seein' how bad I screwed things up in the first place, but you're welcome."
"Honey, y'all are welcome at my place anytime, ya' hear?"
"Umm, yes ma'am…?"
…
Just then, a groan gathers everyone's attention as Suzie begins to stir.
"Wha' happn?" was all the groggy Suzie could manage.
"Suz" says Alice, fixing the civet cat with a death stare "how many times were ya warned not ta put yer paws on folks?"
"… Dunno…"
"Get yerself picked up an' get out. I don't wanna see ya back here 'til ya kin learn. Got it?"
"Yes'm." Suzie mumbles as she stumbles out the front door.
Watching the still groggy mammal leave, Alice happened to think "did y'all ever get yer meals?"
"Sorry, no." finally says Nick.
"Sit yerselves right down, I'll rustle 'em right up."
"Yes ma'am!" Immediately answer Nick and the does.
…
After Alice personally brings Nick, Judy and Sarah's meals out, she sits down with the Wilde family and is treated to the long version of the past almost two weeks happenings.
Seeing Nick give a small bite of his turkey burger and a sip of his spicy red beer to Sarah, Alice give a quick questioning look to Judy who simply rolls her eyes and shrugs.
"So, after all this time, and after all you've both been through, you two finally managed to hook up?"
"Yup. And the bonus is that I even have a beautiful daughter to top it all off." which of course manages to get Sarah to blush.
"Ya done good Nick, I'll have ta say. I actually thought about chasin' ya m'sef a time er two…"
"I heard that!" came a comment from the kitchen.
"C'mon Thomas, ya know yer my male, nuthin' 'll ever change that!"
"Yer only say'n that 'cause I herd ya in the first place…"
"Ok, fine. I wanted to jump his bones." returns Alice, winking at Judy who can't help but giggle "There, ya happy?"
"…."
"So, yer plannin' on movin' then?"
"Yea, the move itself 'll prob'ly take a while. We've got a lot to accomplish both at Deerbrook and in Aurora, so we'll most likely take a load of stuff ta start with, then come back on weekends and finish."
Looking at Sarah "I'm sure Sarah can use the time to help Ramone with finalizin' all a the extra work she's gonna be creatin' fer him." giving the young doe a quick wink.
"Hey!"
"Relax baby, I'm sure Nick's just messin' with ya." says Judy.
"Dang it dad…!"
Kneeling to look Sarah in the eyes, Nick asks "You'd be willin' ta help Ramone with the settelin' the designs before he paints 'em wouldn't ya?"
"Well sure, but you din't need ta say it like that…"
"Like what?"
"Like I was jus' dumpin' more work on him!"
"Honey, that's farther from the truth than you c'n imagine. Most of the time, Ramone doen't have a lot of work ta do, he just helps everyone else around the shop. The extra work that you bring in will just keep him busy most of the time doin' what he loves and what he gets paid ta do."
"Oh, ok…"
Taking the doe into a tight hug "What say we go back to the house and get some quality time in."
Feeling her nod, Nick continues "I'll dress up and give yo that fashion show I promised … and maybe I'll even drag out some of my Pawaiian shirts that yer mom likes so much…!" giving Judy a quick wink.
"Nick, really?"
Another nod, almost settles the conversation.
"Right after we get more groceries, right?" Judy reminds Nick.
"Ye, thanks I kinda forgot. There's a Food Lion right down the street. We can get whatever we need there, then head home…"
After getting enough groceries to last the rest of the week, (no one even really noticed the mixed species threesome, with the normal comings and goings of the shops crew being a common everyday occurrence) the Wildes head home.
…
After quickly putting away the groceries, Judy brings up an interesting point…
"Nick…"
"Hmm?"
"We know you play guitar … and you say you have a lot of guns … but…"
"Where's it all at?" he asks.
"Uhhhh, yea…"
Walking over to the large TV, Nick picks up a certain remote… "Alex … open music room."
Suddenly a small door appears on one of the paneled walls.
"Voice activated, keyed only to my voice, and … anyone else I choose to program in. Neat huh?"
Rolling her eyes and shaking her head, Judy allows herself to be led into a completely soundproofed room, with Sarah following close behind. Looking around at the various instruments, mainly guitars and a complete drum set, Sarah says exactly what Judy is thinking "No wonder it looks bigger from the outside…"
With paws behind their backs, the two does slowly and cautiously walk through the room, looking intensely at the instruments.
"You c'n touch 'em, they're only instruments, not bombs, and no you won't set off an alarm or nuthin'."
"You're sure?" asks Sarah as she looks intently at a bunny sized version of a Gene Sammons Punisher Bass guitar.
"Sure, go ahead. You play?"
"I've been tryin' ta learn. Rose has access to some stuff at the orphanage, an' she an' I have been tryin' ta learn t'gether."
"That's cool sweetheart" says Judy "why didn't you say somthin'?"
"Cause I knew we din't have the money ta by buy one …"
"Well guess what!" says Nick, "that's now your guitar. And I'll make sure that Rose gets a new one for herself. What does she play?"
"There's an old Fender Strat at the orphanage. It's about shot, but it's good enough ta learn on … she'll be so happy, but …"
"But … what?" Judy asks a suddenly despondent Sarah.
"… If I move ta Aurora, she won't have no one ta play with…" answers Sarah as tears well up in her big blue eyes.
As Judy and Nick's eyes meet, Nick kneels in front of the teary-eyed doe and decides to spoil the surprise.
"Sarah … we were gonna wait and surprise you, buuuut" seeing Judy give a slight nod "your mom and I are actually planning on adoptin' Rose the same time that I adopt you, and - OOFFF!"
"Ilufyodad!" says Sarah, voice muffled by Nick's chest fur.
"Excuse me?"
Pulling away just far enough to speak clearly "…I love you dad … and mom." she manages to choke out.
"We know sweetheart, we know." answers Judy for the both of them as she joins the hug.
"We'll have plenty of time ta mess with the guitars an' stuff, let's get to the other reason we're here…"
Nick then walks over to a small mirror on one wall and places his left paw on the mirror, which triggers a small section of unoccupied floor to slide away revealing a hidden staircase.
"Follow me." As Nick leads the does into a hidden basement.
Mouth open in amazement, Judy recognizes a few of the weapons from her days with the ZPD.
MP5 submachine guns, Uzi's, various shotguns, and the handguns … Sig P226, Glock 19, Kimber, and Ruger are the main large caliber weapons, are all situated in racks. Along another wall are the typical M-4 military rifles, with several Remington 700 bolt action sniper rifles, ranging in caliber from 5.56 to .308, to 338 Lapua and even a pair of Barrett .50 caliber long distance sniper rifles.
"Ho-lee- crap!" was all she could say.
"Judy, I know we agreed about the gun thing, but both you and Sarah need to know what I've got. Some of this stuff will necessarily need to come to Aurora with me, but the bulk of it can remain here."
"So what are ya gonna do with the house while we're in Aurora?"
"Well, I'll most likely let Nickie and Skye use it since they were stayin' in their own places and not livin' together. They know about both the music room and the gun room, and will have access to both. While Nickie hasn't had much training, Skye has … military an' all, and I know they won't use the guns unless absolutely necessary. Which reminds me … be back in a minute… You two go ahead and change, I'll meet ya outside in the glass room." which leaves the does sending questioning glances at Nick as he leads the does back into the house from the gun room.
…
After about fifteen minutes, Nick emerges dressed in his dress blues, which is standard issue for members of the Teams.
Coming to a stop and standing at full attention, Nick salutes and says "Ladies, Lieutenant Junior Grade Nicholas Wilde, reporting for duty…"
"My god" says an awestruck Judy "Nick, you're … beautiful!"
Smirk fully in place "Handsome as hell maybe, but never beautiful my dear" he answers after breaking the salute.
"Dad, you're ... gorgeous…!"
"Thank you both for the boost to my morale, but I think I'll go get changed and join ya in the tub…"
"Ok, fine. but enough of this, I'm ready for some wine, some snacks and a dip in the hot tub…"
"Sounds like a plan. You two go ahead and I'll change into somethin' more appropriate, then we c'n all go get wet."
…
As the three relax in the six medium mammal sized hot tub, Judy gets an unexpected phone call.
"Hey Nadine, what's up?"
Listening attentively for several minutes, Judy's face goes from happy to a bit shocked to very concerned.
"Ok, I'll talk to Nick and get back to you as soon as I can. Thanks for the info … 'bye."
Looking at both Nick and Sarah, Judy gives the bad news "Nick, we have a bit of a problem with adoptin' Rose …"
XxX
AN: for those not in the know "Bless your heart" or any derivative thereof is very Southern and very insulting, unless used in actual sympathy, like the passing of a loved one!