"Hey, the place looks nice," Ron notes as he pulls the car into the garage. "Did you hire a gardener?"
"No, Guillermo's been working on the landscaping," Sharon replies from the back seat. "Though we did have to hire someone to come out and paint the outside of the house and window washers to get all the grime off of the windows."
A short time later, they're climbing out of the car and Ron starts pulling luggage from the trunk. As he goes to reach for Cavendish's bag, he's intercepted by the older woman as she grabs the strap and pulls the bag out. With a stiff back, the older woman marches towards the house past the well manicured lawn and flowering planter boxes towards the front door.
"Well, this is going to be a fun vacation," Ron quietly mutters to his wife as she walks past him with a struggling Vicki.
"I had hoped that maybe she'd see that people don't like being used as doormats," Sharon sighs as she puts the toddler down. "Instead she's now in this snit that no one can get her out of."
"Maybe Maggie can get through to her," Ron suggests with a shrug.
"Maybe, but that would have to require Maggie to stop wallowing in self pity about her bed rest, not to mention the snit she's in over Abe," Sharon replies as they follow Vicki towards the front door.
By the time they get inside, Cavendish is half way up the staircase, stomping the entire way. Vicki gleefully runs inside ahead of her parents towards a figure that's just come into the entrance way. It's not until Vicki gets scooped up by the person that it dawns on Sharon who it is.
"MAGGIE!" Sharon exclaim in surprise causing her grandmother to spin around and nearly lose her balance. "What are you doing down here?"
"Eating lunch," Maggie replies with a silly grin on her face as she gives Vicki a hug. "Care to join us? We just sat down and Abe's made a wonderful meal."
"But…but…," Sharon stutters and then finally looks down at Maggie's slightly deflated belly. "Where are they?"
"In the dining room," Maggie replies as she puts the little girl down and then turns and leads the way.
She doesn't need to look back to see if the others are following, even little Vicki is curious. When they enter, Steven stands while Margaret, Hodson and Guillermo nod their greetings. Abe has already gone to get more plates from the kitchen. Ron is quickly introduced to the Margaret and Steven as Maggie leads the newcomers over to a bassinette by her seat. Ever so carefully, Maggie picks up first Dylan, hands him to her grandmother and then picks up Morgan before handing her over to Sharon.
"Oh, my goodness," Sharon breaths. "They're very…colorful."
Abe comes in with plates, glasses and cutlery and he and Maggie laugh as the others snicker. Ron picks up Vicki and she looks at the little bundle sleeping in her mother's arms.
"Bay-bee?" Vicki asks as she turns and looks up at her father with questioning eyes.
"That's right, sweetheart," Ron replies. "That's your baby cousin."
"The blue one is Dylan," Maggie tells them. "And the green one is Morgan."
"Is Morgan a boy or a girl?" Ron asks, looking over Sharon's shoulder.
"She's a girl," Maggie answers. "We're not sure why she's green, but we think it's because she's a girl."
"But I thought you weren't going to deliver them until next week?" a very confused Cavendish asks Hodson in a tone of voice that's part accusing part hurt. "And I thought it was agreed that I would be allowed to be there."
"I had planned on delivering them next week," Hodson confirms. "And I said you could be there if Maggie had no problems with it. But as for those two, they had other plans. I was stuck in rush hour traffic on the Golden Gate Bridge when I got the call from Red that Maggie had gone into labor. I couldn't make a U-turn on the Golden Gate Bridge so I had to wait until I got off the bridge before heading back. I just thank god that I didn't get pulled over after I did get turned around. I'm pretty sure I set a new land record on that car."
The others chuckle as Abe places lunch on the table for the others. After everyone takes their seats, Maggie, Abe, Steven and Margaret take turns telling what happened a little over twenty-four hours ago as the others eat their lunch.
"You certainly chose rather unusual names," Cavendish states as she hands Dylan to Ron and then takes Morgan from Sharon. "Is there any special reason for them?"
"Well, Morgan means 'circling sea' and Dylan means 'son of the sea,'" Maggie replies, blushing slightly.
"I don't remember you two ever discussing names," Sharon muses as she looks at the small blue bundle Ron's holding.
"We didn't," Abe confirms.
"Did you get any say in the names, Abe?" Ron asks.
"No, but I don't mind," Abe answers. "I got to pick their middle names."
"Which are?" Sharon prompts.
"Rupert and Selma," Abe replies with a smile.
"Good choices," Cavendish nods, barely looking up.
As Ron repositions Dylan into Sharon's arms, causing Dylan to get upset about the sudden movement but it's both babies that throw their little arms out and let out a squawk in protest, as if they had both been startled by the sudden movement. Their hands open displaying the light colored webbing between their little fingers and the gills flare out a few times before settling back down, flush with their necks. Cavendish, Sharon and Ron stare in wonder at this, especially since Morgan hadn't been jostled like Dylan had.
"They're telepathically linked," Abe explains without anyone asking anything. "If one is hungry, so is the other one. If only one needs to be burped, the other cries until the gas is out. But as near as I can figure, only Dylan is telepathic."
"Are they going to need to live in the water like you do?" Sharon asks.
"No," Abe answers. "They have fully developed lungs, and while their gills also seem fully functional, they usually just lie flat. Unless, of course, they're startled by something. Their skin, however, is another story since it needs to be kept moist. I'm trying to come up with something that will help."
"What color are their eyes?" Cavendish inquires.
"Right now they're blue," Maggie replies. "They look human, though the irises seem a bit big."
"What about hair?" Ron asks as his blond daughter climbs up and stands on his lap to get a better view of Dylan.
"There are hair follicles on their heads, but none on the rest of their bodies," Abe responds. "They will have a regular head of hair, eyebrows and eyelashes, but nothing else."
The others seem satisfied for now and the meal continues in peace after Vicki is convinced to return to her own seat. As Maggie and Abe finish their meals, the babies start to fuss causing Maggie to sigh with resignation and Abe to smile as he lays a kiss on her temple. The two of them collect the twins and head back upstairs to feed the babies.
"I'm so glad those two finally made up," Sharon sighs as she leans against Ron and he wraps his arm around her shoulders.
"Yes, I suppose it is for the best," Cavendish grumbles, still eyeing the door with a scowl plastered on her face.
"Yes, it is for the best," Guillermo growls as he frowns at the woman. "The twins are going to need both of their parents if they're going to be well adjusted adults."
"STOP IT! BOTH OF YOU!" Sharon yells before her grandmother can even open her mouth to retort to Guillermo. "I don't know about everyone else, but I'm sick and tired of you two constantly going at each other like a couple of yappy dogs! Now give it a rest!"
With that, Sharon gets up and storms out of the room and Vicki crawls into her father's lap. She hides in his arms and starts to cry. Ron pets her hair and talks softly to her, trying to calm her.
"Here, give her to me," Cavendish all but orders Ron as she reaches for Vicki.
"No, that's ok," Ron says as he wraps his arms around his daughter and stands up. "She probably just needs a nap."
With that, Ron exits the room with the still whimpering child in his arms. Cavendish looks around and sees that most everyone has vacated the area; the only person who remains is Guillermo. Cavendish pushes away from the table and starts to remove herself from the room, leaving her dishes where they are.
"We're not your servants, you know," Guillermo growls at her. "You can at least take your dishes into the kitchen."
"Why should I?" she snips back. "Sharon and Ron didn't pick up theirs and neither have you."
"True, but the fact they've had to put up with you for the past day is enough for me to cut them slack," he snaps at her. "And I haven't gotten up yet."
"How dare you?" she howls indignantly.
"Wow, Sharon was right," Steven interrupts as he reenters the room. "You two do sound like a couple of yappy dogs. We could hear you all the way in the kitchen. Here's a novel idea, why don't you both get up and help clean."
Steven then grabs a couple of the half filled serving bowls from the side board before disappearing back through the door that leads towards the kitchen. The two combatants stare at the empty doorway for a moment before Guillermo starts chuckling. Cavendish stares at him incredulously as the chuckle turns into a full bellied laugh.
"And what's so funny?" she demands, jamming her hands onto her hips.
"They're right," he sniggers, wiping the tears of mirth from his eyes. "We do go at each other like a couple of those stupid little dogs that are more bark then common sense. When have we had a real argument over anything of importance?"
Cavendish opens her mouth, ready to verbally blast him only to stand there with her mouth hanging open for a good minute before she finally shuts her mouth with an audible snap. In a very unlady like maneuver, she plops down in the nearest seat with a stunned look on her face.
"Dear heavens," she whispers. "You're right."
"What was that? I didn't quite hear you," he teases as he leans forward with his hand cupped around his ear.
"You heard me perfectly well, you old codger," she scolds without any real malice.
"Maybe, but I just want to hear it again to be sure, you old bat," he jokes back.
At that she starts to smile. She bites her lips closed as laughter tries to escape her mouth, but it's obvious she's fighting a losing battle. The more she fights it the harder the laughter tries to get out. Eventually she just gives in and the laughter comes pouring out until she's gasping for breath. And as the pent up emotions are released, the tears of fear and frustration follow on the heels of the merriment. As she sobs out the pain, she's barely aware of the comforting hand on her shoulder that she covers with her own.
When the tears have stopped and she's able to think clearly once more she look at the owner of the comforting hand on her shoulder and is given quite the shock. Guillermo stares back at her as his other hand holding out a handkerchief out to her. She takes the offered bit of cloth and works on regaining her composure as she dabs her eyes and wipes her nose.
"That girl can sure take a lot out of you, can't she?" he idly muses as he takes a seat next to her.
"Yes, she can," she quietly replies.
"I tell ya, one of these days she's going to drive me to drink," Guillermo admits. "Let's hope she's just going to be too busy with the twins to pull any more insane stunts."
"Oh, I doubt that," she states. "I remember when she was about twelve there was a bad thunder storm one night, and you know how she hates those, and a bird's nest had been blown down out of the tree that was outside her room. So what does she do? She goes out her bedroom window in the middle of the night and puts the blasted nest back and makes the tree grow a shelter for it."
"Wasn't her bedroom on the second floor?" he asks.
"Yes it was," she confirms.
"I remember Abe telling me on their honeymoon how he found her climbing out of that oak tree in front of her house when she was already pregnant," he chuckles. "About scared him half to death."
"I swear that girl thinks she's part monkey," she exclaims. "But now someone else can have a heart attack every time she does something crazy."
"Oh, I don't think we're going to stop worrying about her," he replies. "I just think we'll have more company when we have to sit in the waiting room after her latest stunt."
"At least we'll be in good company," she admits as she looks at him.
"Yes, we will," he admits.
"You know, this has been really lovely, but could you two please get up and help now?" Hodson asks.
Both Guillermo and Cavendish smile with embarrassed looks on their faces as they get up and help clear away the rest of the lunch dishes. A while later, after the last pan is put back in the cupboard and the dish washer is happily humming away; the five remaining adults finally take a break in the parlor.
"I guess I better go upstairs and make amends with Sharon," Cavendish sighs as she looks up at the ceiling.
"I wouldn't do that right now," Guillermo warns her a few seconds later.
"And why not?" she demands, her old huffy self starting to reemerge.
"Let's just say that she and Ron are busy," Guillermo answers as he starts to redden.
"What could they be so busy doing that she can't accept my apology?" she asks.
"How long has it been since Sharon and Ron have seen each other?" Steven asks as his face starts to flush.
"He was here a few weeks ago, but I don't see what that has…," she starts until comprehension dawns on her and she turns an incredible shade of scarlet. "Oh for goodness sake, it's the middle of the day!"
"So?" Guillermo chuckles. "When did it become law that you can only enjoy your spouse's company at night? Just leave them be. You can grovel when they come down."
"Well, I kind of hoped to go shopping," she admits. "I guess I'll just have to wait."
"Why do you need to wait until Sharon's done?" Margaret asks.
"Because I don't have a driver's license," Cavendish admits.
"Then I'll drive you," Margaret offers.
"You would do that?" Cavendish asks, perplexed. "After the way I treated you the last time you were here?"
"Yes, I would," Margaret answers. "You didn't do anything different than I would have done had our roles been reversed. So, what are you shopping for?"
"Baby clothes," Cavendish replies. "I can finally go and buy those frilly little dresses I've been wanting to."
"Sounds good to me," Margaret laughs. "Let me get my purse and then we'll leave."
A few minutes later, the two great-grandmothers are climbing in the car that Steven and Margaret drove up in. A customized Honda with all the bells and whistles any young adult would be proud to own. After spending several minute readjusting the seat and mirrors, Margaret starts the car. Shortly after they get going, Cavendish reaches for the radio to turn it on.
"I wouldn't do that, if I were you," Margaret warns. "This is my granddaughter's car and let's just say her choice in music leaves a bit to be desired."
"Let me guess, she has the bass turned so loud that it can rattle your fillings right out of your teeth," Cavendish replies.
"That's right, and the condition to being allowed to borrow this car was that we didn't mess with the stereo settings," Margaret replies.
"So why borrow the car at all?" Cavendish asks.
"Because all of our cars have 'Steele Stables' painted on the sides and we were kind of trying to sneaky," Margaret admits.
"Well, I do admit that I would never expect to see you or your son driving a car like this," Cavendish responds. "So, where are we going Mrs. Steele?"
"Oh, god, please call me Peg," Peg answers. "Mrs. Steele is what my employees call me and when people call me Margaret I always feel like I'm in trouble. What should I call you?"
There's a very long pause before Cavendish finally answers.
"Susan," Susan states. "I'd like you to call me Susan."
"I like that," Peg replies with a smile. "As to where we're going, there's this great little shop called Beleza in San Francisco that has some really cute baby clothes. My granddaughter who's expecting found it. She loves it because all of their clothes are made from organic material. Then there's Citikids and after that we can check out The Children's Place and Gap Kids."
"Now that's my kind of shopping," Susan happily responds. "I do so adore those little boutiques more than those big chains, but the bigger stores do have their points."
"Good," Peg smiles. "With any luck we'll be home in time for dinner."
With that, the two women happily exchange stories about their children and grandchildren with Susan telling many memorable and very embarrassing stories about Maggie. When they get to the first store they descend on the place like ants on a picnic and after a bit of a discussion, they decide who will be buying what. Peg gets to buy outfits for Dylan and Susan buys for Morgan. Some time and shops later, as Susan is picking out dresses, Peg happens to wander by with an arm full of boy clothes.
"I wouldn't get that dress if I were you," Peg warns.
"Why? What's wrong with it?" Susan inquires as she holds up the frilly pink dress with little black polka dots.
"One word: watermelon," Peg answers.
"Oh, dear heavens, you're right," Susan gasps. "She would look like a watermelon. Ok, no pink for Morgan. How are you doing for Dylan?"
"So far, so good, but if we want to be home in time for dinner we should get going soon," Peg points out.
"That sounds good, I'll be done in just a moment," Susan replies.
A short time later, they're piling the last of their purchases in the trunk of the car before heading back to Mill Valley.
As the sound of Peg's granddaughter's car's engine fades into the distance, Abe and Maggie are watching one of the bedroom walls rhythmically shake as loud bangs accompany each shudder. They're snuggled together in bed with babies cuddled up in their arms.
"I'll give them and 'A' for enthusiasm," Abe states.
"Their bed is so being moved before they go to bed tonight," Maggie replies.
"Agreed," he responds. "Do you think she's told him yet?"
"I didn't hear any whooping and hollering, but he could have just gone straight to the, ahem, congratulating," she points out.
"True, are you sure though?" he asks
"I heard her through the bathroom wall yesterday morning," she tells him. "When she stopped by before she left for the party, she didn't seem ill so I'm guessing it's morning sickness."
"Did they want another?" he questions.
"Ron wants a son to carry on the family name," she replies with a shrug. "Sharon said she doesn't mind having another. Vicki's been such an easy child; she doesn't think it'll be too hard to deal with another."
"Every child is different," he replies.
"True," she agrees as she lets out a yawn. "Do you think these two will give us too much trouble?"
"I'm sure they will present their own set of challenges," he answers. "Get some sleep. I'll keep watch."
She settles down more comfortably in her husband's arms with their children nestled between them. Within a few minutes, she's sound asleep as Abe watches over the three people he loves most in the world, barely aware of the sound of a large truck pulling up to the front of the house.
Disclaimer: I don't own or have the rights to Beleza, Citikids, The Children's Place, Gap Kids or Honda and yes, the first two are real stores in San Francisco.