He gave her a small, loving smile, "no, I am right here; but, we do need to actually tell Steve. You know that right?"

"Okay, I totally agree; but, please, can we do it AFTER the party?"

"Of course," he cleared his throat, "umm, you did say you hard something harder than beer?"

"Yes, Jack Daniels, care to share a shot with me?"

"Ohhhh yes…please and let's make it two."

Congratulations, it's Triplets!

An hour into the party everyone invited had shown. Jago had still yet to arrive home. Amanda just put her cell phone back in her pocket after attempting to call her missing son yet again. Danny noticed the worried look on her face.

"What's wrong?"

"Jago was supposed to be back close to two hours ago, I'm getting really worried."

"Do you know where he usually surfs?"

Amanda was about to answer him when she saw her son walking up the back porch off from the beach. The expression on her face went from terrifyingly concerned to truly livid in a matter of .02 seconds.

"Excuse me Danny," she says as she passed him by and headed out the back to greet her overdue son.

Jago just reached the top of the steps as Amanda stepped out and shut the thick, sliding glass door behind her. The last thing everyone witnessed was a very upset mother grabbing the arm of one of her beautifully tanned, 15 year old boys and having him follow her to the side of the house; out of view from the company inside.

"Jago Raphiel Peyton I told you to be home TWO HOURS ago. What do you have to say for yourself?"

"Mom, I'm sorry, I lost track of time."

She grabbed his wrist and held it up showing the waterproof watch, "and that is what THIS is for!"

"I…well…the waves…."he sighed, "they were too perfect."

Amanda flashed the young boy a look that told him he was in really big trouble. She grabbed his arm again and walked him over to a wooden bench that sat against the side of the house. She sat down.

"Let's go Jago, over my lap."

"Mom, come on, we're outside," he whined.

"Look around, no one is out here; but, if you prefer we can go inside where there are plenty of people you haven't even met yet and I can spank you in there."

He thought about it for a minute and with the look on his mother's face he knew it would not be wise to push his luck. He placed himself over her lap with his wet swimming trunks and body. She immediately pulled down his shorts and displayed a youthful, firm, rounded, comparatively stark white bottom. She started with her hand without any reluctance. Due to Jago's wet skin, the sting hit even more than usual.

"Ahhhh MOM! Shhhhiiiiii, I'm sorry! Come on!"

"This is JUST the beginning little boy! Just the beginning!"

She spanked him long and hard with most of the focus on his sit spot and upper thighs. It wasn't until he started crying from the use of her hand did she stop just long enough to pick up an implement. She took off one of Jago's flip flops to use. It was a strong flip flop with a very sturdy rubber sole. She lifted it high and brought it down hard on his upper thigh before alternating to the next.

5-0

Ainsley walked in with Grace and both were in process of fixing themselves a small plate from the table displayed of food. Ainsley reached for the last devil's egg as Grace picked up one and she had yet to have any. Kashiel swooped in, grabbed it and stuffed it in his mouth knowing full well his sister wanted it. Ainsley made a fist and was just about to punch her brother.

"You big jerk!"

In mid swing her attempted punch was blocked. She looked over to see that it had been stopped by Steve. Whether or not he knew they were his children, it was his training and his nature to keep peace.

"You weren't REALLY going to just punch your brother were you?"

"Ummm, yes, yes I was. Did you see what he just did?"

"Yes," Steve looks at Kashiel and raises his eyebrow, "it was very rude," he said directly to the boy before he turned back to Ainsley, "but it doesn't make it okay to punch him."

"Mmm, can we just agree to disagree on that?" She asks.

"Umm, No, no we cannot," Steve said with a look of true authority.

"Sooo I can't punch him?"

"No, you can't."

"Okay, fiiinne I won't punch him."

He looked at her for a moment then let go of her arm. He turned his back and started to walk away when he hears Kashiel call out.

"OWW! SON OF A B!"

Steve turned around quickly, "Tell me you did NOT just punch your brother!"

Ainsley looked at him simply, "I didn't, honest," she paused, "I just pinched him."

Steve shook his head; but, couldn't help but smirk. The look she had displayed was so exaggeratingly innocent yet sincere. Bottom line, Steve found her to be adorable. He turned to Danny and chuckled.

"What? What is so funny?" Danny asked.

"Ohh nothing, I just have a strong feeling that you are going to really have your hands full in just a matter of time."

Danny shook his head, "you have no idea."

5-0

Amanda walked back in the house with Jago. His eyes showed evidence that he had been crying heavily.

"Jago," said Amanda, "from right to left, this is Chin, Kono, Steve and of course Danny," she said with a bright smile.

Jago shook each of their hands, "I'm sorry for being late, it was rude and I apologize," he said humbly as he sniffled a few sniffles.

Amanda looked around, "where did Cat go?" she asked Steve.

"Oh, she was called in to work."

Jago looked at Amanda, "Mom, may I please change my clothes now?"

She gives him a nod, "yes, go ahead, don't take too long."

"I won't," he said and off he went.

5-0

Chin and Kono left while Steve stayed behind due to Danny asking him earlier. All of the kids were in the game room and it was just Amanda, Danny and Steve in the living room.

"So Mandy," said Steve, "this was certainly a surprise. I never thought I would see you again; especially like this."

"I know, I was, I mean I am just as surprised as you. I owe you an explanation."

"It's okay; it was a very long time ago, I'm sure you had a very valid reason."

"Steve, we dated for over a year and I left you a note saying nothing much more than just goodbye and I would…," Mandy paused to look over at Danny.

"Let me guess," said Danny, "that you would always love him? It's okay, he can have a tiny piece of your heart as long as I get a really huge piece," he smiled sweetly.

Amanda smiled at him and gave him a small kiss on his lips.

"Okay, I admit I am a bit curious as to what happened," said Steve.

She took a deep breath, "Okay, well, just to clear the air, I didn't have much of a choice. My father told me I had to just leave without telling you anything."

"Why? I thought your dad liked me?"

"Liked you? No, he LOVED you."

"Really?"

"Yes, really. I found out something that weekend and my father gave me the choice to stay and tell you or leave and he would pay for everything and help me finish my college education."

Steve started to get nervous as he started to put the pieces together about the kids and they don't know their father and she had to suddenly leave.

"What are you trying to tell me Mandy?"

"Steve, I found out I was pregnant. My dad didn't want us both to have our careers altered. He wanted you to stay in the Navy and that is why he offered to help me raise the triplets and pay for everything until I graduated and got my own career started."

"So you are telling me that I am the father to not one but three fifteen year olds and the mother of my children is my partner and best friend's girlfriend? Did I miss anything?"

"No, that's all of it; and please don't think I need help with child support or anything. We are honestly doing just fine financially."

"Well, good to hear that you are comfortable; but, I hope you don't possibly expect me to just walk away now that I know."

"No, I had a feeling."

Steve looked over at Danny, "how are you with all of this?"

"Well, it was certainly not what I expected; but, if I have to deal with any of my girlfriend's ex's, I'm glad it's you."

"GRACIE WATCH OUT!"

CRASH! BAM!

"What the hell?"

Amanda said out loud and shot up and ran into the game room. Steve and Danny were right behind her. They ran into the room and found Grace away from the others and on the floor. Ainsley had fallen into a glass table and the boys were scurrying around her, trying to help her.

"Jago! Kash! Move please," said Amanda as she rushed over to inspect her daughter's injuries.

Danny rushed over to Grace first and picked her up right away, "sweetheart, are you okay?"

"I'm fine, Ainsley saved me."

"Ainsley saved you?" Said Danny then he looked up at Steve and over at the others.

Steve observed the situation then went to also inspect Ainsley's injuries. She was cut up but nothing as bad as having to need stitches.

"Where is your first aid kit?" Steve asked Amanda.

"Downstairs bathroom, I'll get it."

While Amanda went to get the first aid kit, Danny questioned everyone. He started with his own daughter.

"So Gracie, what happened here?"

She looked at the boys then over at Ainsley. They looked back at her.

"Ohh, did you see that Danny? The "telepathic" look that kids make when they are desperately trying to keep a secret," said Steve, "Something defiantly went down here."

Amanda walked back in and opened up the kit next to Steve as he continued to wipe away all of the small pieces of glass.

"Grace," Danny repeated, "what happened? You said Ainsley saved you, how did she do that?"

"It's our fault," Kashiel quickly said, "well, mine and Jago's. We were fighting over the controller and we didn't see Grace. Ainsley pushed her out of the way and we both fell over onto Ainsley and then into the glass end table."

"How many times have I told both of you about fighting over things; and ESPECIALLY when you're sister is around? Every time you two fight, SHE gets hurt. And how horrible would it have been if Ainsley wasn't able to get to Grace on time? Grace is even smaller."

"I know," said Jago, "we're really sorry Grace."

"Sorry Danny," Kashiel added.

"You're both grounded for the weekend," spat Amanda.

"Just the weekend?" Steve asked without thinking and before the boys could complain.

"You think it should be longer?" Amanda asked.

"Oh, sorry, I didn't mean to say anything, it's not my decision."

The boys stood there wide eyed, gob smacked that their mother was asking a stranger about how they should be disciplined.

"No, I really want to know what you think, please."

"Well, from what you just said to them, this isn't the first time they got in a fight and ended up hurting their sister. Plus, they broke the table here. I would think at least two weeks," said Steve.

"Awww come on," both boys whined.

"Mom, please," said Jago, "he's not even your boyfriend, why are you asking his opinion?" He asked with a pout.

She looked at Steve, Danny and then her children.

"Before I can answer that, we all need to talk."

"That is never good," chimed in Ainsley.

"Well, actually, it's not bad," answered Amanda, "it's just something different and well, it's going to impact our lives; but, I feel and hope in a good way."

Steve smiled at her then he glanced over at Danny who gave him a nod of approval as well.

"So, let me finish patching Ainsley up," said Steve and then we'll meet you all in the living room, sound like a plan Mandy?"

She smiled at him, "Yes, sounds perfect. Come on Gracie, would you like to help me make some hot coco?"

Grace gave her a mile wide smile, "Yes!" She answered as she took Amanda's hand.

5-0

Steve had brought Ainsley into the bathroom for better lighting. He wanted to make sure he got all of the glass out. Danny had followed them in. He gave her a kiss on her cheek.

"What was that for?" She asked.

"That was because I am very grateful to you and proud for what you did to help Grace, thank you."

"Sure, but it's no big deal," she answered humbly.

"Don't sell yourself short kiddo; you did good, very good."

"Thanks Danny."

"No, thank you," he said with a smile then went to join the others.

Danny left and Steve found his self looking into the young girl's eyes and smiled proudly. She smiled back but with a quizzical look.

"Why are you smiling?" She asked.

"Oh nothing, just that everything Danny said is true. I'm proud of you too; plus, I just realized you got banged up pretty bad here yet didn't shed one tear."

"Soooo because I'm a girl you're surprised I'm not crying?"

He chuckled, "no, not exactly, I mean, I think I saw your brother complain a lot more earlier today when you simply pinched him, that's all," he smiled.

She giggled, "True, my brothers do complain a lot but they are actually pretty tough."

"Oh yeah, how so?"

"MMm well last winter they went off skiing on their own without telling my mom. They went on some unknown path and got lost. Jago busted his ankle pretty bad in the process of some stunts they were trying out. Long story short, twelve hours later Kash trailed home carrying Jago on his back. So, that was pretty cool;" she giggled.

"What is so funny?"

"Ohh, because they were all tough and proud of themselves for surviving and making it home and whatnot; but, once my mom was finished hugging and kissing on them," she paused and giggled again, "she beat their asses good!"

Steve gave a concerning look at the use of the word beat and Ainsley caught the look.

"Oh, not like she beat them up. Our Mom never abuses us. She spanked them."

He raised an eyebrow from surprise, "really? Your mom still spanks you?"

"Ya, she says it works better than grounding; which is why I was kinda surprised they just got grounded; but, oh well."

"So do you get in trouble at all? I mean so far it seems like it's always your brothers."

"Oh, ya, on occasion, I'm just a lot smarter than my brothers."

"Meaning, you are not as reckless or something?"

"No, meaning I don't get caught as easily as they do."

"Aww, I see. So the truth of the matter is your mom really needs to focus more attention on to your activities."

"Noooo, you're not going to tell her are you?"

Steve smirked, "No, I won't tell her; but the information you just gave me will be very useful."

"And what is that supposed to mean?"

Steve quickly changed the subject, "Okay, we're all done here. I'm sure it won't leave any scaring. "

"Ummm, thanks; but, why is the information I gave you going to be useful?"

"I really shouldn't say anymore. Let's go in the living room and your mom will explain everything."

She looked at him with an evident face of worry and concern; but, she didn't push the subject and walked into the living room where everyone was waiting. Steve sat near Amanda while Ainsley sat in between both of her brothers. Amanda stood as Ainsley sat and began to pace a bit.

"Mom, please just spit it out," pleaded Kashiel, "You're making us very nervous."

Amanda looked at her children, took a deep breath and proceeded to tell them the story she had earlier told Steve.

"And so in conclusion, Steve here IS your father."

Steve smiled at them, "I would also like to add that this may be a little awkward for all of us at first but, there is no doubt in my mind how much I want to be part of your lives."

Amanda smiled and noticed her children had yet to say anything. She walked over to Danny and he stood up and took her hand in his.

"That wasn't the only thing I wanted to tell you."

Danny looked at his daughter, "this news concerns you too monkey," he smiled.

Amanda put a huge smile on her face due to the excitement of her announcement.

"Danny and I are engaged to be married!"

LOTS OF REVIEWS FROM MY READERS PLEASE! THANK YOU!