Conclusion [Next Morning]

Doc Plante placed his stethoscope back into the black bag. Satisfaction beamed across his face. He'd just finished checking Penny, Victoria and James over. "Victoria and Trinidad most certainly did a fine job."

"So…everything's all right, Doc?" Caution edged at Penny's mood. "There ain't nothin' to cause crib death or anything? Is there?"

"Not that I can see. You and your babies seem fine! Congratulations on two healthy twins!" Plante shook her hand. Then he turned to Blue. "I'm heading for your Pa's ranch next. I'm going to tell them what I told you. I'm also going to tell Trinidad what I just said here. I sure can use a skilled midwife round these parts."

"Please tell her, Doc. Trinidad's a nice lady. She'd really like that." Blue picked Victoria up. "Hi, Missy. Doc treated you nice. Didn't he?"

"It's really nice to see you take to being a Pa so quick, Blue. You'll be just fine." Plante sized Blue up. He remembered when Blue could barely ride a horse straight, shoot a gun or chase a stray cow. Now he saw a father and a foreman standing in front of him. The years sure do go by! Don't they? "I think Padre Miguel's waiting to meet his nephew and niece downstairs? I'll send him up on my way out. Take care. Remember, Penny, you rest for two more days. Take it easy. Blue…"

"Yes, sir. I'll watch her real close." Blue sighed. He knew she wouldn't like the enforced bed rest. Then again, if it made her better sooner, he'd keep Penny right there.

She folded her arms. "Doc, I can do it now."

"And you can hurt yourself real serious. Just rest for a few more days. Then you can do some chores. Martha and Mercedes can help you with the rest of them. You'll be back up to speed in no time. Besides those two will keep you busy. You'll need help with the rest of the house."

"We're all pitching in." Blue shrugged. "I'm kind of looking forward to it."

Plante nodded. Appreciation and Respect regarded Blue more so than before. "A lot of men wouldn't see it that way. That's really great of you, Blue." He tipped his hat and walked out.

"You sure like me being here." Penny griped.

"I like you healing and being around." Blue rubbed her shoulder. "I love the three of you."

"I know." Penny rolled her eyes. "I sure feel like I'm lettin' you down."

"Lettin' me…that's nuts! You just gave birth and you're worried about lettin' me down? Dang! You just take the time you need. We'll figure it out." Blue kissed her on the cheek. "Martha and Mercedes are right downstairs. You help everyone else out plenty! Now let us take care of you. You can catch up with the kids."

"All right." Concession rolled Penny's eyes. "I can do that." She gazed at the sleeping James. "Look at them, Blue! Ain't they the prettiest sight!"

"They sure are!" Blue heard a knock at the door. He saw Miguel and Angelica waiting there. "Hey, you two! Come on in!"

"Mercie did not do them justice! Look at them! ¡Alabado sea el Señor!" Miguel picked each one up in turn. "Victoria, mi sobrina." He kissed her forehead. "James, mi sobrino." He kissed his nephew's brow as well. "I could not be more proud. I am sorry I missed your birth. I was in Tubac. I rode all night to see you two." He squeezed both of their hands. "May you all be blessed. In the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit."

"Amen." The adults chorused.

"There sure were enough people here yesterday. I wanted to stay back and let them have their time. I'm here now to see mis primitos." Angelica considered the babies. "They are beautiful! Ricardo couldn't stop talking about them. I understand."

"Thanks! I'm sure glad we can talk like family now! Hey you see the portraits downstairs?" Blue bounced Victoria on his arm. "We'd best set you down next to Mama. Okay?" He put her down on the bed.

"I sure did! I was so worried that the Granadas burned them with everything else! ¡Ay! I am glad they are safe with you. Mercedes said you have the Fantasma Guillermo's sketches from before the Battle of Los Angeles?" Interest quirked Angelica's brow.

"Sure…" Blue had to think fast. "Yeah I've got 'em. Actually I'm learning to paint. Figure after all them years, it'd be nice to have 'em as paintings."

"That would be very nice! I will like to see them! Mercedes and Ricardo are downstairs. If you will excuse me?" Angelica kissed each of the sleeping babies. "I will see you all soon." She headed out.

"I wish we could go to Sonora with the others." Lament hung heavily over Blue's shoulders.

"Everyone understands. It is better that Penny and the twins stay here. Don Sebastian would understand and approve." Miguel turned to Penny. "As Dr. Plante told you, please rest. I will pray for you." He smiled at the twins once more. Then he departed as well.

"Guess you three can use some bonding time. I'll talk to Mercedes and Ricardo. Then I'll send 'em on up. You three be okay if I ride out to the meadow? I'll be right back." Blue rubbed his wife's shoulder.

"Blue Cannon, of course it is!" Penny shook her head. "We'll be fine. I love you for worrying and your sensitivity. We do have a rancho going on. Manolito needs your help."

"Yes'm. I'll still worry about you three." Blue kissed her forehead. Then he did the same for the kids. "Sleep well. I'll be back." He tipped his hat to her. Then he left.

Penny bit her lip. "You sure are lucky. You know that?" She couldn't believe their blessings. She just hoped that Fortune would favor them more.

Of course there was the trip coming up for the other Cannons, Montoyas and De la Vegas. Funeral and Proposition would dominate those affairs.

But let's allow the vibe to remain positive for now. Shall we?

THE END (for now)