Chapter 5:
Molly looked up from the book that she had found beside the bed when she
heard a soft knock on the door.
Arching her brow, wondering who had come to visit her, she said, "Um.. come in?"
Julie stuck her head in, "Nick is going to tell us some stories downstairs and he thought you might like to join us."
She glanced at the book and then up at the ceiling as she thought for a moment. Finally, she sighed and nodded. "I guess so."
"Do you want to take Kendra down too?"
She glanced at the baby, who was sleeping peacefully in her cradle and shook her head. "Not now anyway..."
"Alright, come on then, we're waiting on you."
Molly tried not to glare at Julie, got up, and followed her out of the room and down the stairs to where the others were waiting with Nick.
Nick made her sit on the couch and tucked a quilt around her thin frame before he sat in the overstuffed chair across the room, with Ann on one knee and Andy on the other.
* * *
As the sun set, Rae and Spot sat in the rocker on the front porch. Rae was turned sideways, leaning against Spot, her legs draped over the side of the chair. "It's so beautiful out here," she mused quietly.
"And so wonderfully quiet," he added.
"As crazy as it sounds, I miss the noise."
He smiled at her. "True.... I don't think we've ever lived AWAY from noise... Before here it was New York... and the lodging house... and everyone..."
"Spot?" she asked quietly.
He glanced at her. "Yes?"
"Do you miss living in Brooklyn and being the Great Spot Conlon?"
"Sometimes, yes. But then I probably wouldn't have been able to marry you, with all the duties I had to take care of to REMAIN the Great Spot Conlon."
She rested her head on his shoulder, "You know, I really didn't like the Great Spot Conlon all that much. It wasn't until we were out here after the accident that I fell in love with you."
He laughed. "Well I must say, I don't think I fell in love with you until after the accident either. I guess some good did come from it, hmm?"
"It sure did. Once you didn't have every girl falling at your feet and inflating your ego, I got a chance to know the real you."
He smirked. "And I think you've inflated my ego even more... marrying me."
She leaned back further so that she was looking up at him. "But now I don't have to worry about all those other girls. You're all mine."
"And you, my dear, are all mine... well.... mostly mine... I have to share your attention with the kids most of the day."
She snuggled up in his arms, "Do you regret our keeping them?"
"Only when I don't get to spend time with you. Otherwise I'm okay with it." He kissed the top of her head gently.
"With that many people in the house, we aren't going to get that much time together."
"It'll probably calm down eventually.... We're just getting used to this ... and new people are adding themselves to our family everyday..." He paused and smirked. "I'll bet tomorrow we'll have at least two more kids... we seem to collect them in twos."
"Nah, we haven't had Molly and Kendra long enough."
He laughed. "You never know."
She smiled, "Well I sure hope not!"
"You and me both."
She sighed and rested her head against his chest.
"What's the matter?" he asked, stroking her hair.
"We came out here to get away and spend time by ourselves, but I can't thinking about them and worrying."
With a sigh, he hugged her tightly. "They'll be okay."
"I'm sorry, Spot," she whispered.
"It's all right. I know you can't help worrying."
"I don't deserve you."
"Yes you do, stop saying that."
She tilted her head back to look at him, "You're too good for me, Spot Conlon."
He smiled a bit. "That's the first time anyone has said that -I- am too good for them... usually they're too good for me."
She smiled at him. "I guess I'll just have to say it more often."
He laughed. "Don't even... it's not true."
"I beg to differ."
"Well then, beg to differ all you want. You're still wrong."
She put one hand on his scarred cheek and leaned up to kiss him.
* * *
As Spot and Rae entered the clearing, hand in hand, two little figures burst from the house and came running toward them.
"You're BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACK!" Ann and Andy screamed, barreling into them.
Rae lost her balance and was soon sitting on the ground with both of them clinging to her. She laughed. "Miss us that much?"
"YES!!" They both squealed in her ears.
"Not in my ears, not in my ears! Go hug Spot too now!"
They quickly let go of her and swarmed around Spot. Rae just sat on the ground holding her head.
Spot laughed. "Glad you two are so happy to see us! Why don't you let us get inside, hmm?"
"Alright!" they said, running back toward the house.
Spot turned to see Rae still sitting on the ground, her head in her hands. He crouched beside her and rubbed her back gently. "You okay sweetheart?"
"My head hurts and my ears are ringing."
"Are you sick?" He scooped her up in his arms.
"I wasn't until they screamed in my ears."
He smiled, picked her up, and carried her into the house. "That's excited kids for you, I guess."
"Uh huh," she said, resting her aching head on his shoulder.
Nick glanced over when they entered the house and stood with a smile. "You're back earlier than I expected."
"We told Ann and Andy that we would be back right after breakfast," Spot said, dropping the knapsack and basket beside the door.
He smiled. "Well, you could have slept in longer and had a later breakfast, no?" His eyes twinkled a bit and he picked up their things and left the room. "They were all quite well-behaved," he added.
"Come on, Rae, I'm taking you upstairs," Spot said.
"Spot, I want to see all the kids," she protested.
"Once I get you tucked into bed, I'll let them see you, if you promise to take a nap."
She sighed. "You always do this... I don't to take a nap!"
He smirked. "Now you're sounding like Ann."
"I'm beginning to know how she feels."
"I just don't want you to get sick on me again. You had me pretty scared the last two times."
"You were pretty sick yourself the last time." She kissed his cheek. "I think I'll be fine."
"Humor me?"
With a sigh, she consented. "I guess I could..."
"At least stay in the bed and read for a while. I bet I could find at least one book that you haven't read yet."
She smiled. "All right, all right."
"Good girl," he said, kissing the side of her head, as he carried her into their room.
"Hurry up and bring the kids to see me," she demanded after she settled into bed.
He laughed. "Yes Ma'am," he said with a salute.
She smiled and watched him leave, calling out each child's name.
After a moment Ann, Andy and Julie came running in, Chris following at a slower pace. Spot followed them in with Kendra.
"Hi everyone!" They exchanged hugs. "I missed you so much!"
Chris arched a brow. "Uh... you were only gone a day..."
She threw a pillow at him. "That doesn't mean we can't miss you."
He ducked it and shrugged. "Okay, okay!"
She laughed and pulled Ann and Andy onto the bed. "So...did you two behave for Nick?"
They nodded vigorously.
"We behaved very good!" Ann said seriously.
"And he pulled a NICKEL out of my ear!" Andy exclaimed, bouncing on the bed and showing her the nickel.
She grinned at him and placed one hand on either side of his head. "Have any more money in there?" she asked, shaking his head gently. "No rattles, so I guess not."
He grinned and bounced on the bed again. "And it was really neat! He told us all kinds of stories... and... and EVERYTHING!"
"Settle down, Andy," Spot said, nearing the bed.
Rae sighed and shook her head, waving her hand at him. "It's okay. Let him have a little fun."
Spot sighed and adjusted Kendra in his arms.
Then she held out her arms. "Let me see little Kendra."
He handed her the baby, "Alright, but Andy has to settle down."
She patted the boy's head. "Calm down sweetheart. You can't bounce the baby around."
Andy pouted, "That baby gets all the attention."
"Is that what you think?"
Andy nodded.
"Well, it's not true. The only reason she gets any extra attention is because she's a baby... she can't take care of herself at all, so we have to take care of her for her."
"It's not fair," Ann whined
"Why is it not fair?"
"Because, you so busy with her that you don't play with us no more."
Rae patted the spot on the bed closest to her for Ann to crawl up. She put her arm around Ann's shoulders and hugged her tightly. "Is that why you two ran away?"
Ann nodded and snuggled up against Rae.
She kissed the top of her head. "Well, I want you to know that Spot and I love you and Andy very much. If you are upset about something, come tell us. We were so worried when you ran away...."
"We thought you didn't want us no more."
"Of course we want you! We always wanted you!"
"Even when we be bad?"
"Yes, even when you ARE bad."
"And when you have to 'pank me?"
She kissed her head. "We still love you... we just don't love it when you misbehave."
Ann snuggled up against her and looked down at the baby. "Are we going to keep her forever and ever?" she asked.
Rae shrugged. "I don't know."
"Is she always going to take so much of your 'tention?"
"Only 'til she can start taking care of herself more."
Ann nodded and reached her hand out toward the baby's face. Before Rae or Spot could reprimand her, Kendra latched onto one of Ann's fingers.
Ann squeaked in surprise. "She's STRONG!"
Spot laughed and sat on the bed beside them. "I think she likes you, Ann."
"Really?"
"Sure do," he said, messing her hair.
"I think she knows who her big sister is," a voice said from the door. They all turned to see Molly leaning against the doorframe.
"What do you mean?" Rae asked after a moment.
"She's your daughter. Not mine."
"But... you're her mother..."
"I don't want her. You two do. She's yours."
"You're certain?"
"You don't want her? After all this time, still?" Spot added.
"I don't want her! How many times do I have to tell you people that?" she yelled, before turning and running from the room, her door slamming shut a moment later.
He arched his brow. "It was only a question...."
"Well, that girl is just waiting to blow..." Rae said with a sigh. She looked him in the eye and then looked at the twins who were staring at them with confused looks. "Later," she whispered.
He nodded and leaned against the end of her bed.
Julie crawled up onto the bed, leaning over Ann's shoulder to look at the baby. "May I hold her?"
Rae nodded. "Just be careful with her."
"I will," she said, gently cradling the baby in her arms. "Come see Chris, you haven't been near her yet."
He frowned a little and crept closer a step or two. "She smells funny."
"She smells like a baby, muttonhead."
"Shut up..."
"Watch your mouths, you two," Rae said, hugging Ann closer to her, "I don't want them picking up those names that you call each other."
"They probably already have," Spot remarked dryly. Neither of them noticed Andy blushing and hanging his head. He slipped off the bed and out of the room without a word. Spot arched his brow. "What's wrong with him?"
"I don't know," Rae said, reaching to shove the covers aside, "I'll go talk to him."
He put his hand on hers. "No, you stay here. I'll go find him."
With a sigh she slumped back against her pillow. "You'd think I was an invalid," she murmured as he trotted off.
Spot found Andy sitting at the top of the stairs, his chin resting in his hands, his elbows propped up on his knees. "What's wrong, buddy?" Spot asked sitting next to the little boy.
"Nothin'..." he muttered, folding his arms over his chest.
Spot took his arm. "Uh uh. What's the matter? Something's the matter, I can tell."
"You'll get mad at me if I tell you and then you'll beat me like they do at the orphanage." Andy said.
"They did WHAT?!"
"If you did something wrong they beat ya."
He sighed in disgust. "I can't believe that..."
"But they did," Andy sniffled. "I saw them. They beat Pat, 'cause he was nice to me."
With another sigh, Spot put his arm around Andy and pulled him close. "Nobody's gonna beat you here, understand?"
"You promise?" Andy asked, wiping his nose on Spot's sleeve.
"I promise."
Andy looked up at Spot, "Can I call you Daddy like Ann does?"
With a pleased smile, he nodded. "Of course you can."
Andy grinned and hugged his neck. "Thank you, Mr...Daddy!"
Spot laughed and hugged him back. "You're welcome." Then he sat the boy in his lap. "Now, tell why you got up and left."
"Um..." He looked down. "I uh... called Ann and Pat muttonheads..."
"I'm not mad at you, Andy. Just don't call anyone that again, alright? It hurts peoples feeling when we call them names."
"Yessir..." He nodded solemnly.
"Andy, did Nick tell you what those papers that he told you to give me were about?" Spot asked.
"No." Andy said, shaking his head.
"Well, they're adoption papers... Do you know what that means?" Andy shook his head. "It means that you and Ann get to stay with me and Miss Rae forever. No one can take you away from us."
"Really?!"
"Yep. You and Ann belong to us now. Your name is now Andy Conlon...Just like me and Rae."
"Wow... Andy Conlon.... That's ME!"
Spot laughed. "Yep. That's you."
"Wow! I wanna go tell Ann! Can I? Can I?"
"Sure, son," Spot said, placing the boy on the floor.
"Wow! Wow! And you're my real daddy now!"
"Sure am. Now run tell Ann. She'll be excited too."
Away he scampered, shouting, "Ann! Ann! Guess what!"
With another laugh, Spot followed him to the room where the others were and leaned against the doorframe.
Andy had just told her the good news and Ann was shrieking, "You're my real mommy and daddy now?!"
"Yes sweetheart," Rae said, catching the little girl as Ann threw herself at Rae.
"Thank you, thank you!"
"Your welcome, Ann." Rae said, hugging the girl. "How about going and giving your daddy a hug and kiss?"
Leaping off the bed, she ran over to Spot and threw her arms around his waist.
He scooped her up in his arms. "So you're happy?" he asked.
"Yes yes yes!"
She threw her arms around his neck, hugging him tightly and kissing his cheek. "Thank you, Daddy."
He kissed her forehead. "You're welcome, pumpkin."
"Are you gonna 'dopt Chris and Julie too?" Ann asked.
"If they want to be, if we can't find their Daddy."
"What about the baby?"
"We'll see about the baby."
She hugged him again. "I love you, Daddy."
"I love you too."
She wiggled to get down and he set her down. She ran over to Chris. "Where's your daddy?"
Chris frowned deeply. "Uh... we don't know... he may be in London...."
She cocked her head to the side, "Why don't you know?"
"I don't know... because we don't!" He sighed and leaned against the wall, scowling.
"Ann, leave Chris alone," Rae reprimanded gently.
"But I just wanted to know..." she whimpered.
"Ann!" Spot warned. She pouted and sat down on the floor.
He walked over to the bed and took Kendra from Rae. "Alright, everyone out...Rae needs to rest."
With slight grumbling from Rae, the children gave her hugs and left the room.
He bent down and gave her a quick kiss. "I'll be right back."
"All right," she said, gave him a small glare, softened with a slight grin. "Bring me a book back," she said, as he headed for the door. "I plan on spending the day reading, since you won't let me do anything else."
He smiled. "Certainly..."
* * *
Molly was in her room pretending to read, but she was actually planning her getaway. If she could get away from town then she could go look for her older brother. The door creaked open and Ann slipped in. She stared at the little girl for a long time before asking, "What are you doing up here?"
"Momma's resting, and Daddy's working...and I don't have nothing to do."
"So?"
"I came to talk to you."
"How come?"
Ann shrugged. "I don't know. I just thought you might be lonely."
"I'm fine," she replied with a dull voice, but she had to admit she was touched the little girl cared.
Ann jumped onto the bed. "Did you know that Mr. Spot and Miss Rae are really my Momma and Daddy?"
"Yeah, now that they adopted you," she replied, thumbing the book's binding absently.
"Yep. I don't 'member my real Momma and Daddy too good."
"How did you end up here?"
Ann shrugged. "Don't 'member. Mr. Spot found us in the barn. He scared me and Andy real bad."
"How?"
"We was hiding in the barn and it was dark. He yelled at us."
"I would have thought it was his face."
"That scared us too." Ann scratched his head. "Did you know that he got hurt in a factory?"
Slightly intrigued, but trying not to show it- she was planning on leaving, not staying with these... people...- she closed her book. "That so?"
Ann nodded. "There was a 'splosion."
"Really?" Now she was positively fascinated. "How did you learn about this?"
"I listened when Daddy told Momma one night. They thought I was in bed."
"Impish little scamp, aren't you?" Molly smirked. "What happened?"
Ann thought for a moment. "Daddy sold papers, but then he went to work in a factory. The 'chines 'sploded. Daddy was trying to get the kids out. I think."
Maybe Spot wasn't such a jerk- nah.. She shook her head slightly. "That's nice," she muttered, opening her book.
Ann sighed and leaned back on the bed. "Where's your Momma and Daddy?"
"Just... just go away, okay?!" Molly snapped testily.
Ann sat up, tears filling her eyes. "I was just trying to be nice...." she said, her lip quivering.
"Well stop it! Just go play with your brother or something!"
Ann jumped from the bed and ran from the room crying.
Molly sighed, rolling her eyes. 'Little kids... They get so upset over nothing...'
Ann slipped into her parents' room and crawled onto the bed next to Rae. She lay down next to Rae, crying.
"What's the matter sweetheart?" Rae asked, setting her book aside and stroking Ann's hair gently.
"I was being nice to Molly and she yelled at me," Ann sniffled.
"She's just in a grumpy mood right now... She probably has a lot on her mind, and I'm sure she didn't mean it."
"I just asked her where her Momma and Daddy are..."
"Mm, I don't think you should ask people that anymore... Some people get very grumpy when you ask them that. Sometimes it makes them think very sad thoughts that they don't want to think."
Ann sat up, "Why?"
"Because... because maybe something bad happened to their parents... or maybe their parents were mean to them. You never know what happened... and unless they start talking, it's probably best not to ask until you know the person better."
"Is that why you and Daddy never talk about your parents?"
After a moment, she nodded. "Yes, that's why."
Ann looked down at the quilt for a moment, and then back up at Rae, tears shining in her eyes. "Momma? Why don't I 'member my real Momma and Daddy?"
"You were probably very little when they went away, sweetheart," she whispered, kissing Ann's forehead gently.
"But Andy 'members them."
"Well, you also got sick and lost some of your memories."
Ann nodded and snuggled up against Rae. "Will I get my remembories back?"
"I don't know," she replied truthfully. "Maybe."
Again, Ann nodded. "Can I take a nap here by you, Momma? I'm tired."
"Of course." Moving over, she pulled the covers over Ann.
"I love you Momma," Ann said with a yawn.
"I love you too, little Ann." Rae stared at Ann as she fell asleep. As she reached for her book, she noticed Spot leaning against the doorframe, watching them. "You just gonna stand there?" she asked, lifting a brow.
"Someone's in my place," he said with a smirk.
She smiled. "Well, I have another side." She patted the other side of the bed. "Care to jump up and read with me?"
He smiled as he walked over to the bed. He sat beside her and gave her a kiss. "She looks like you, ya know."
She laughed. "That's something I didn't think I'd ever hear." Looking down at the little girl, she stroked her hair gently. "Now, if you said she acted like me... I think I could agree to that sometimes."
"Oh, she acts like you too."
Again, she laughed and kissed his cheek. She sighed and placed her hand on his cheek, "Have you gotten over being angry at yourself for not being able to give me children?"
"Mm, not really. But I've gotten good at hiding it, don't you think?"
She nodded. "I wish you would get over it, Spot. It doesn't change the way I love you."
"I know... But it still makes me feel awful..."
"I still would have married you if you had told me before we got married."
"It still doesn't change how I feel..." With a sigh, he kissed her gently. "But... no more on it, okay?"
She nodded and leaned against him, "I love you, Spot."
With a smile, he pulled her close and kissed her again. "I know you do. I love you too."
* * *
Chris was trying to keep Andy occupied building a tower with some blocks while Julie was making some doll dresses for Ann. They were sitting on the porch, enjoying the warm afternoon. Chris looked up and saw two people coming down the drive.
"Hi!" the boy in the pair called out cheerfully to the group sitting on the porch. "Are Spot and Rae home?"
Chris stuck his head in the front door and yelled, "Spot! Rae! You have company!"
Leaving the house, covered in splotches of flour, Rae stared at their company and then ran over to them and embraced them tightly. "Blank! Shadow! I'm so happy to see you!"
Blank laughed and held her at arms length. "What has Conlon done to you, Rae?"
With a laugh, she tried to dust the flour from her clothes, "He's attempting to teach me to cook."
"Stop the presses! Rae Kelly- I mean, Conlon now, is learning to cook!" he teased.
"Where's Conlon?" Shadow asked, glancing around in awe. "And... wow... I never thought you guys had a place like this!"
"Spot went to check on the baby. She was crying." Rae looked around. "Yeah, this place shocked us too when we first got here."
"Baby? BABY?! Rae, you had a baby?!" Shadow squeaked. "Let me see!"
"We haven't been married that long, Shadow, only two months. Kendra's not ours. Her mother gave her to us," Rae explained, leading them into the house, Chris, Julie and Andy left forgotten on the porch.
"That's weird," Blank remarked. "Shadow was right, this place is amazing!"
"Did... did you tell her?" Rae glanced at Shadow and then at him.
"That he's my brother? Yeah... Finally... though he still drives me nuts," Shadow muttered. "Wow! A dining room! With matching furniture!"
"You should see the furniture in the bedrooms. And the size of them. Almost the size of the entire bunkroom in Brooklyn."
"Wow..." Shadow and Blank breathed simultaneously.
Just then Spot came down the stairs, holding Kendra in one arm, Ann's hand with the other. "Blank, Shadow, what in the world are you two doing here?"
Blank sent Shadow a look, "My sister ran into a little bit of trouble with some Harlem thugs."
"It was their fault," she muttered, digging her toe into the carpet.
"Yeah... right..." He ignored her glare and then continued. "Hades told us we could stop by... if that's okay."
"Yeah, that's fine," Spot said handing the baby to Rae. "You are welcome here as long as you like."
Shadow flopped back on the couch and stared at the ceiling. "I think I could stay here forever."
Spot and Rae exchanged a glance and started laughing. "Once you spend a few days with all these kids you'll be more than ready to leave."
"HER more than me," Blank remarked dryly, pointing to his sister.
Rae shifted the baby in her arms and looked at Spot. "Blank can bunk with the boys. We can pull a mattress down from the third floor. And Shadow can room with..."
"Surely you aren't going to torture Shadow by putting her with the brat?"
"Well, I don't know... I guess it would be up to her... She'll probably choose bunking with Julie and Ann over Molly and the baby..."
"Baby? Hey, babies are cute, but I don't want to room with any..." Shadow said firmly.
"Alright, you can bunk with the girls," Rae said.
Molly entered the room. "I heard the baby crying and figured she might be hungry..." she trailed off as she caught sight of the visitors.
"Molly?!?!?!" Blank exclaimed.
"Andrew!"
Arching her brow, wondering who had come to visit her, she said, "Um.. come in?"
Julie stuck her head in, "Nick is going to tell us some stories downstairs and he thought you might like to join us."
She glanced at the book and then up at the ceiling as she thought for a moment. Finally, she sighed and nodded. "I guess so."
"Do you want to take Kendra down too?"
She glanced at the baby, who was sleeping peacefully in her cradle and shook her head. "Not now anyway..."
"Alright, come on then, we're waiting on you."
Molly tried not to glare at Julie, got up, and followed her out of the room and down the stairs to where the others were waiting with Nick.
Nick made her sit on the couch and tucked a quilt around her thin frame before he sat in the overstuffed chair across the room, with Ann on one knee and Andy on the other.
* * *
As the sun set, Rae and Spot sat in the rocker on the front porch. Rae was turned sideways, leaning against Spot, her legs draped over the side of the chair. "It's so beautiful out here," she mused quietly.
"And so wonderfully quiet," he added.
"As crazy as it sounds, I miss the noise."
He smiled at her. "True.... I don't think we've ever lived AWAY from noise... Before here it was New York... and the lodging house... and everyone..."
"Spot?" she asked quietly.
He glanced at her. "Yes?"
"Do you miss living in Brooklyn and being the Great Spot Conlon?"
"Sometimes, yes. But then I probably wouldn't have been able to marry you, with all the duties I had to take care of to REMAIN the Great Spot Conlon."
She rested her head on his shoulder, "You know, I really didn't like the Great Spot Conlon all that much. It wasn't until we were out here after the accident that I fell in love with you."
He laughed. "Well I must say, I don't think I fell in love with you until after the accident either. I guess some good did come from it, hmm?"
"It sure did. Once you didn't have every girl falling at your feet and inflating your ego, I got a chance to know the real you."
He smirked. "And I think you've inflated my ego even more... marrying me."
She leaned back further so that she was looking up at him. "But now I don't have to worry about all those other girls. You're all mine."
"And you, my dear, are all mine... well.... mostly mine... I have to share your attention with the kids most of the day."
She snuggled up in his arms, "Do you regret our keeping them?"
"Only when I don't get to spend time with you. Otherwise I'm okay with it." He kissed the top of her head gently.
"With that many people in the house, we aren't going to get that much time together."
"It'll probably calm down eventually.... We're just getting used to this ... and new people are adding themselves to our family everyday..." He paused and smirked. "I'll bet tomorrow we'll have at least two more kids... we seem to collect them in twos."
"Nah, we haven't had Molly and Kendra long enough."
He laughed. "You never know."
She smiled, "Well I sure hope not!"
"You and me both."
She sighed and rested her head against his chest.
"What's the matter?" he asked, stroking her hair.
"We came out here to get away and spend time by ourselves, but I can't thinking about them and worrying."
With a sigh, he hugged her tightly. "They'll be okay."
"I'm sorry, Spot," she whispered.
"It's all right. I know you can't help worrying."
"I don't deserve you."
"Yes you do, stop saying that."
She tilted her head back to look at him, "You're too good for me, Spot Conlon."
He smiled a bit. "That's the first time anyone has said that -I- am too good for them... usually they're too good for me."
She smiled at him. "I guess I'll just have to say it more often."
He laughed. "Don't even... it's not true."
"I beg to differ."
"Well then, beg to differ all you want. You're still wrong."
She put one hand on his scarred cheek and leaned up to kiss him.
* * *
As Spot and Rae entered the clearing, hand in hand, two little figures burst from the house and came running toward them.
"You're BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACK!" Ann and Andy screamed, barreling into them.
Rae lost her balance and was soon sitting on the ground with both of them clinging to her. She laughed. "Miss us that much?"
"YES!!" They both squealed in her ears.
"Not in my ears, not in my ears! Go hug Spot too now!"
They quickly let go of her and swarmed around Spot. Rae just sat on the ground holding her head.
Spot laughed. "Glad you two are so happy to see us! Why don't you let us get inside, hmm?"
"Alright!" they said, running back toward the house.
Spot turned to see Rae still sitting on the ground, her head in her hands. He crouched beside her and rubbed her back gently. "You okay sweetheart?"
"My head hurts and my ears are ringing."
"Are you sick?" He scooped her up in his arms.
"I wasn't until they screamed in my ears."
He smiled, picked her up, and carried her into the house. "That's excited kids for you, I guess."
"Uh huh," she said, resting her aching head on his shoulder.
Nick glanced over when they entered the house and stood with a smile. "You're back earlier than I expected."
"We told Ann and Andy that we would be back right after breakfast," Spot said, dropping the knapsack and basket beside the door.
He smiled. "Well, you could have slept in longer and had a later breakfast, no?" His eyes twinkled a bit and he picked up their things and left the room. "They were all quite well-behaved," he added.
"Come on, Rae, I'm taking you upstairs," Spot said.
"Spot, I want to see all the kids," she protested.
"Once I get you tucked into bed, I'll let them see you, if you promise to take a nap."
She sighed. "You always do this... I don't to take a nap!"
He smirked. "Now you're sounding like Ann."
"I'm beginning to know how she feels."
"I just don't want you to get sick on me again. You had me pretty scared the last two times."
"You were pretty sick yourself the last time." She kissed his cheek. "I think I'll be fine."
"Humor me?"
With a sigh, she consented. "I guess I could..."
"At least stay in the bed and read for a while. I bet I could find at least one book that you haven't read yet."
She smiled. "All right, all right."
"Good girl," he said, kissing the side of her head, as he carried her into their room.
"Hurry up and bring the kids to see me," she demanded after she settled into bed.
He laughed. "Yes Ma'am," he said with a salute.
She smiled and watched him leave, calling out each child's name.
After a moment Ann, Andy and Julie came running in, Chris following at a slower pace. Spot followed them in with Kendra.
"Hi everyone!" They exchanged hugs. "I missed you so much!"
Chris arched a brow. "Uh... you were only gone a day..."
She threw a pillow at him. "That doesn't mean we can't miss you."
He ducked it and shrugged. "Okay, okay!"
She laughed and pulled Ann and Andy onto the bed. "So...did you two behave for Nick?"
They nodded vigorously.
"We behaved very good!" Ann said seriously.
"And he pulled a NICKEL out of my ear!" Andy exclaimed, bouncing on the bed and showing her the nickel.
She grinned at him and placed one hand on either side of his head. "Have any more money in there?" she asked, shaking his head gently. "No rattles, so I guess not."
He grinned and bounced on the bed again. "And it was really neat! He told us all kinds of stories... and... and EVERYTHING!"
"Settle down, Andy," Spot said, nearing the bed.
Rae sighed and shook her head, waving her hand at him. "It's okay. Let him have a little fun."
Spot sighed and adjusted Kendra in his arms.
Then she held out her arms. "Let me see little Kendra."
He handed her the baby, "Alright, but Andy has to settle down."
She patted the boy's head. "Calm down sweetheart. You can't bounce the baby around."
Andy pouted, "That baby gets all the attention."
"Is that what you think?"
Andy nodded.
"Well, it's not true. The only reason she gets any extra attention is because she's a baby... she can't take care of herself at all, so we have to take care of her for her."
"It's not fair," Ann whined
"Why is it not fair?"
"Because, you so busy with her that you don't play with us no more."
Rae patted the spot on the bed closest to her for Ann to crawl up. She put her arm around Ann's shoulders and hugged her tightly. "Is that why you two ran away?"
Ann nodded and snuggled up against Rae.
She kissed the top of her head. "Well, I want you to know that Spot and I love you and Andy very much. If you are upset about something, come tell us. We were so worried when you ran away...."
"We thought you didn't want us no more."
"Of course we want you! We always wanted you!"
"Even when we be bad?"
"Yes, even when you ARE bad."
"And when you have to 'pank me?"
She kissed her head. "We still love you... we just don't love it when you misbehave."
Ann snuggled up against her and looked down at the baby. "Are we going to keep her forever and ever?" she asked.
Rae shrugged. "I don't know."
"Is she always going to take so much of your 'tention?"
"Only 'til she can start taking care of herself more."
Ann nodded and reached her hand out toward the baby's face. Before Rae or Spot could reprimand her, Kendra latched onto one of Ann's fingers.
Ann squeaked in surprise. "She's STRONG!"
Spot laughed and sat on the bed beside them. "I think she likes you, Ann."
"Really?"
"Sure do," he said, messing her hair.
"I think she knows who her big sister is," a voice said from the door. They all turned to see Molly leaning against the doorframe.
"What do you mean?" Rae asked after a moment.
"She's your daughter. Not mine."
"But... you're her mother..."
"I don't want her. You two do. She's yours."
"You're certain?"
"You don't want her? After all this time, still?" Spot added.
"I don't want her! How many times do I have to tell you people that?" she yelled, before turning and running from the room, her door slamming shut a moment later.
He arched his brow. "It was only a question...."
"Well, that girl is just waiting to blow..." Rae said with a sigh. She looked him in the eye and then looked at the twins who were staring at them with confused looks. "Later," she whispered.
He nodded and leaned against the end of her bed.
Julie crawled up onto the bed, leaning over Ann's shoulder to look at the baby. "May I hold her?"
Rae nodded. "Just be careful with her."
"I will," she said, gently cradling the baby in her arms. "Come see Chris, you haven't been near her yet."
He frowned a little and crept closer a step or two. "She smells funny."
"She smells like a baby, muttonhead."
"Shut up..."
"Watch your mouths, you two," Rae said, hugging Ann closer to her, "I don't want them picking up those names that you call each other."
"They probably already have," Spot remarked dryly. Neither of them noticed Andy blushing and hanging his head. He slipped off the bed and out of the room without a word. Spot arched his brow. "What's wrong with him?"
"I don't know," Rae said, reaching to shove the covers aside, "I'll go talk to him."
He put his hand on hers. "No, you stay here. I'll go find him."
With a sigh she slumped back against her pillow. "You'd think I was an invalid," she murmured as he trotted off.
Spot found Andy sitting at the top of the stairs, his chin resting in his hands, his elbows propped up on his knees. "What's wrong, buddy?" Spot asked sitting next to the little boy.
"Nothin'..." he muttered, folding his arms over his chest.
Spot took his arm. "Uh uh. What's the matter? Something's the matter, I can tell."
"You'll get mad at me if I tell you and then you'll beat me like they do at the orphanage." Andy said.
"They did WHAT?!"
"If you did something wrong they beat ya."
He sighed in disgust. "I can't believe that..."
"But they did," Andy sniffled. "I saw them. They beat Pat, 'cause he was nice to me."
With another sigh, Spot put his arm around Andy and pulled him close. "Nobody's gonna beat you here, understand?"
"You promise?" Andy asked, wiping his nose on Spot's sleeve.
"I promise."
Andy looked up at Spot, "Can I call you Daddy like Ann does?"
With a pleased smile, he nodded. "Of course you can."
Andy grinned and hugged his neck. "Thank you, Mr...Daddy!"
Spot laughed and hugged him back. "You're welcome." Then he sat the boy in his lap. "Now, tell why you got up and left."
"Um..." He looked down. "I uh... called Ann and Pat muttonheads..."
"I'm not mad at you, Andy. Just don't call anyone that again, alright? It hurts peoples feeling when we call them names."
"Yessir..." He nodded solemnly.
"Andy, did Nick tell you what those papers that he told you to give me were about?" Spot asked.
"No." Andy said, shaking his head.
"Well, they're adoption papers... Do you know what that means?" Andy shook his head. "It means that you and Ann get to stay with me and Miss Rae forever. No one can take you away from us."
"Really?!"
"Yep. You and Ann belong to us now. Your name is now Andy Conlon...Just like me and Rae."
"Wow... Andy Conlon.... That's ME!"
Spot laughed. "Yep. That's you."
"Wow! I wanna go tell Ann! Can I? Can I?"
"Sure, son," Spot said, placing the boy on the floor.
"Wow! Wow! And you're my real daddy now!"
"Sure am. Now run tell Ann. She'll be excited too."
Away he scampered, shouting, "Ann! Ann! Guess what!"
With another laugh, Spot followed him to the room where the others were and leaned against the doorframe.
Andy had just told her the good news and Ann was shrieking, "You're my real mommy and daddy now?!"
"Yes sweetheart," Rae said, catching the little girl as Ann threw herself at Rae.
"Thank you, thank you!"
"Your welcome, Ann." Rae said, hugging the girl. "How about going and giving your daddy a hug and kiss?"
Leaping off the bed, she ran over to Spot and threw her arms around his waist.
He scooped her up in his arms. "So you're happy?" he asked.
"Yes yes yes!"
She threw her arms around his neck, hugging him tightly and kissing his cheek. "Thank you, Daddy."
He kissed her forehead. "You're welcome, pumpkin."
"Are you gonna 'dopt Chris and Julie too?" Ann asked.
"If they want to be, if we can't find their Daddy."
"What about the baby?"
"We'll see about the baby."
She hugged him again. "I love you, Daddy."
"I love you too."
She wiggled to get down and he set her down. She ran over to Chris. "Where's your daddy?"
Chris frowned deeply. "Uh... we don't know... he may be in London...."
She cocked her head to the side, "Why don't you know?"
"I don't know... because we don't!" He sighed and leaned against the wall, scowling.
"Ann, leave Chris alone," Rae reprimanded gently.
"But I just wanted to know..." she whimpered.
"Ann!" Spot warned. She pouted and sat down on the floor.
He walked over to the bed and took Kendra from Rae. "Alright, everyone out...Rae needs to rest."
With slight grumbling from Rae, the children gave her hugs and left the room.
He bent down and gave her a quick kiss. "I'll be right back."
"All right," she said, gave him a small glare, softened with a slight grin. "Bring me a book back," she said, as he headed for the door. "I plan on spending the day reading, since you won't let me do anything else."
He smiled. "Certainly..."
* * *
Molly was in her room pretending to read, but she was actually planning her getaway. If she could get away from town then she could go look for her older brother. The door creaked open and Ann slipped in. She stared at the little girl for a long time before asking, "What are you doing up here?"
"Momma's resting, and Daddy's working...and I don't have nothing to do."
"So?"
"I came to talk to you."
"How come?"
Ann shrugged. "I don't know. I just thought you might be lonely."
"I'm fine," she replied with a dull voice, but she had to admit she was touched the little girl cared.
Ann jumped onto the bed. "Did you know that Mr. Spot and Miss Rae are really my Momma and Daddy?"
"Yeah, now that they adopted you," she replied, thumbing the book's binding absently.
"Yep. I don't 'member my real Momma and Daddy too good."
"How did you end up here?"
Ann shrugged. "Don't 'member. Mr. Spot found us in the barn. He scared me and Andy real bad."
"How?"
"We was hiding in the barn and it was dark. He yelled at us."
"I would have thought it was his face."
"That scared us too." Ann scratched his head. "Did you know that he got hurt in a factory?"
Slightly intrigued, but trying not to show it- she was planning on leaving, not staying with these... people...- she closed her book. "That so?"
Ann nodded. "There was a 'splosion."
"Really?" Now she was positively fascinated. "How did you learn about this?"
"I listened when Daddy told Momma one night. They thought I was in bed."
"Impish little scamp, aren't you?" Molly smirked. "What happened?"
Ann thought for a moment. "Daddy sold papers, but then he went to work in a factory. The 'chines 'sploded. Daddy was trying to get the kids out. I think."
Maybe Spot wasn't such a jerk- nah.. She shook her head slightly. "That's nice," she muttered, opening her book.
Ann sighed and leaned back on the bed. "Where's your Momma and Daddy?"
"Just... just go away, okay?!" Molly snapped testily.
Ann sat up, tears filling her eyes. "I was just trying to be nice...." she said, her lip quivering.
"Well stop it! Just go play with your brother or something!"
Ann jumped from the bed and ran from the room crying.
Molly sighed, rolling her eyes. 'Little kids... They get so upset over nothing...'
Ann slipped into her parents' room and crawled onto the bed next to Rae. She lay down next to Rae, crying.
"What's the matter sweetheart?" Rae asked, setting her book aside and stroking Ann's hair gently.
"I was being nice to Molly and she yelled at me," Ann sniffled.
"She's just in a grumpy mood right now... She probably has a lot on her mind, and I'm sure she didn't mean it."
"I just asked her where her Momma and Daddy are..."
"Mm, I don't think you should ask people that anymore... Some people get very grumpy when you ask them that. Sometimes it makes them think very sad thoughts that they don't want to think."
Ann sat up, "Why?"
"Because... because maybe something bad happened to their parents... or maybe their parents were mean to them. You never know what happened... and unless they start talking, it's probably best not to ask until you know the person better."
"Is that why you and Daddy never talk about your parents?"
After a moment, she nodded. "Yes, that's why."
Ann looked down at the quilt for a moment, and then back up at Rae, tears shining in her eyes. "Momma? Why don't I 'member my real Momma and Daddy?"
"You were probably very little when they went away, sweetheart," she whispered, kissing Ann's forehead gently.
"But Andy 'members them."
"Well, you also got sick and lost some of your memories."
Ann nodded and snuggled up against Rae. "Will I get my remembories back?"
"I don't know," she replied truthfully. "Maybe."
Again, Ann nodded. "Can I take a nap here by you, Momma? I'm tired."
"Of course." Moving over, she pulled the covers over Ann.
"I love you Momma," Ann said with a yawn.
"I love you too, little Ann." Rae stared at Ann as she fell asleep. As she reached for her book, she noticed Spot leaning against the doorframe, watching them. "You just gonna stand there?" she asked, lifting a brow.
"Someone's in my place," he said with a smirk.
She smiled. "Well, I have another side." She patted the other side of the bed. "Care to jump up and read with me?"
He smiled as he walked over to the bed. He sat beside her and gave her a kiss. "She looks like you, ya know."
She laughed. "That's something I didn't think I'd ever hear." Looking down at the little girl, she stroked her hair gently. "Now, if you said she acted like me... I think I could agree to that sometimes."
"Oh, she acts like you too."
Again, she laughed and kissed his cheek. She sighed and placed her hand on his cheek, "Have you gotten over being angry at yourself for not being able to give me children?"
"Mm, not really. But I've gotten good at hiding it, don't you think?"
She nodded. "I wish you would get over it, Spot. It doesn't change the way I love you."
"I know... But it still makes me feel awful..."
"I still would have married you if you had told me before we got married."
"It still doesn't change how I feel..." With a sigh, he kissed her gently. "But... no more on it, okay?"
She nodded and leaned against him, "I love you, Spot."
With a smile, he pulled her close and kissed her again. "I know you do. I love you too."
* * *
Chris was trying to keep Andy occupied building a tower with some blocks while Julie was making some doll dresses for Ann. They were sitting on the porch, enjoying the warm afternoon. Chris looked up and saw two people coming down the drive.
"Hi!" the boy in the pair called out cheerfully to the group sitting on the porch. "Are Spot and Rae home?"
Chris stuck his head in the front door and yelled, "Spot! Rae! You have company!"
Leaving the house, covered in splotches of flour, Rae stared at their company and then ran over to them and embraced them tightly. "Blank! Shadow! I'm so happy to see you!"
Blank laughed and held her at arms length. "What has Conlon done to you, Rae?"
With a laugh, she tried to dust the flour from her clothes, "He's attempting to teach me to cook."
"Stop the presses! Rae Kelly- I mean, Conlon now, is learning to cook!" he teased.
"Where's Conlon?" Shadow asked, glancing around in awe. "And... wow... I never thought you guys had a place like this!"
"Spot went to check on the baby. She was crying." Rae looked around. "Yeah, this place shocked us too when we first got here."
"Baby? BABY?! Rae, you had a baby?!" Shadow squeaked. "Let me see!"
"We haven't been married that long, Shadow, only two months. Kendra's not ours. Her mother gave her to us," Rae explained, leading them into the house, Chris, Julie and Andy left forgotten on the porch.
"That's weird," Blank remarked. "Shadow was right, this place is amazing!"
"Did... did you tell her?" Rae glanced at Shadow and then at him.
"That he's my brother? Yeah... Finally... though he still drives me nuts," Shadow muttered. "Wow! A dining room! With matching furniture!"
"You should see the furniture in the bedrooms. And the size of them. Almost the size of the entire bunkroom in Brooklyn."
"Wow..." Shadow and Blank breathed simultaneously.
Just then Spot came down the stairs, holding Kendra in one arm, Ann's hand with the other. "Blank, Shadow, what in the world are you two doing here?"
Blank sent Shadow a look, "My sister ran into a little bit of trouble with some Harlem thugs."
"It was their fault," she muttered, digging her toe into the carpet.
"Yeah... right..." He ignored her glare and then continued. "Hades told us we could stop by... if that's okay."
"Yeah, that's fine," Spot said handing the baby to Rae. "You are welcome here as long as you like."
Shadow flopped back on the couch and stared at the ceiling. "I think I could stay here forever."
Spot and Rae exchanged a glance and started laughing. "Once you spend a few days with all these kids you'll be more than ready to leave."
"HER more than me," Blank remarked dryly, pointing to his sister.
Rae shifted the baby in her arms and looked at Spot. "Blank can bunk with the boys. We can pull a mattress down from the third floor. And Shadow can room with..."
"Surely you aren't going to torture Shadow by putting her with the brat?"
"Well, I don't know... I guess it would be up to her... She'll probably choose bunking with Julie and Ann over Molly and the baby..."
"Baby? Hey, babies are cute, but I don't want to room with any..." Shadow said firmly.
"Alright, you can bunk with the girls," Rae said.
Molly entered the room. "I heard the baby crying and figured she might be hungry..." she trailed off as she caught sight of the visitors.
"Molly?!?!?!" Blank exclaimed.
"Andrew!"