Chapter 132

AJ stopped by the shop for lunch that day and had spent most of the meal trying to talk Krista into seeing an OBGYN and having the babies born at the hospital. But he was having no success. "Albert, Amie is a wonderful woman and I've have all the confidence in the world in her," argued Krista.

"What if something goes wrong, darling? You could bleed to death or the twins could come breech. So many things could happen," AJ tried yet again to warn her. He had so many fears of losing her and the babies that he couldn't think straight at work or home.

"Yes, darling, but Amie is equipped to handle most things. What she can't take care of she'll call an ambulance and send me to the hospital. Please have a little faith in my judgment, I trust this woman, so please stop worrying," pleaded Krista once again. If this went on throughout her pregnancy she might have to take some drastic measures to shock Albert.

Just then the bell tinkled downstairs and a cheerful voice shouted, "Hello, honey anyone home?"

"Albert, it's Amie. You'll get to meet her at last," Krista laughed, she always felt better when Amie visited. "Hello, Amie, we're upstairs."

Going up the stairs she found not only Krista, but her handsome husband as well. "We meet at last, Admiral Chegwidden. I'm America the mid-wife. I hear you're not happy Krista is using me instead of going to the hospital?"

"I'm sorry America, but I feel there is too much that could go wrong." AJ looked at the 5'4" inch, l60 lb woman that seemed like a packed bundle of energy as she went about her work. "I assure it has nothing to do with you personally."

Laughing, the woman replied, "You've just never been around mid-wives before, so have no idea of our ability."

"Yes, Ma'am, I sure that is what it is," AJ said watching as she examined his wife. "Still I would prefer to learn much more about your art at a much later date."

"Why don't you come out to meet my wonderful family and decide if I'm capable of delivering your twins? I delivered three of my children myself," she laughed. "There was no one else available at the time so it was me or no one. I figured I was better than one of my sons doing the job so actually it was a breeze. Come out tomorrow and we'll make a day of it. Picnic with my family."

"AJ, can we please go, I'd love to meet Amie's children and visit her home," Krista pleaded as she readjusted her clothing. "I'd actually enjoy a day away from the shop if you could get away from that stuffy office of yours."

"Well then, Amie, we accept your graceful invitation and will see you about what time?"

"How about 11 AM that will give you time to see the old farm house and meet the children. They will want you to play baseball with them, but if they get on your nerves just tell them to go play in the creek. That will make them so excited they will forget everything else."

"We'll be looking forward to meeting the children and your husband. Thank you again for the invitation," AJ said, putting his arm around Krista.

"Sorry, you'll be the only father there Admiral. The old ball and chain left a few months ago. He decided he couldn't handle the children so told me goodbye and hit the road," replied Amie looking sad for a moment before looking up and smiling. "Personally I think the children are better without him. He never did know how to be a real father to them anyway."

Tuesday, July 27, 2004

1130 EST

Amie's house

McLean, Virginia

The next day Krista was so excited she could barely contain herself. She had heard Amie speak of her children and she was so excited to be meeting them. A day in the country was something she was also looking forward to.

AJ was just a bit leery of the trip but seeing Krista's enthusiasm, decided to make the best of the day.

Upon arriving at the two-story farmhouse that definitely needed a coat of paint, he helped Krista out. Amie rushed to meet them with a baby of about five months in her arms. "Hello, you two, I was worried you'd decide not to come."

To be continued…