A few days later Chris entered the living room at his ranch and smiled at Mary rocking little Adam.

Chris' ranch was always bustling with activity as different ones took turns watching over the children, cleaning, cooking and doing anything that needed to be done.

Nettie had left for her treatment and rest, content with the promises of all seven to care for the babies, who were now two months old.

Chris was torn between sadness at hearing Adam's name; and happiness at seeing the infant who was named in honor of his son and the knowledge that Sarah would have been honored as well to have the baby named after her two favorite boys. Mary had been a big help, as had the other women, and as she looked up, smiling, he smiled.

She shared his joy, then with a smile, nodded to the comfortable rocker where Buck sat, mouth open as he snored with a tiny blue blanket and the smallest of the babies cradled in his loving arms.

Inez, exasperated, came in from the kitchen and scolded Buck softly in Spanish as she stood beside him, hands on hips.

Ezra, following behind along with Vin. was hard pressed not to laugh as he followed most of her scolding more by expression than actual words.

"Here, Inez, let me," Ezra stepped forward and tenderly lifted the tiny baby as Vin and Inez held their breaths.

Buck, not fully awake, snorted, gazed around and then opened his mouth to protest.

"Uh, uh, uh," Vin chided. "You've been hogging baby John for days. His other uncles and aunts barely get to see the little guy."

"And what a sight he is," Ezra beamed, staring at the big hazel eyes and rocking gently. "It's your Uncle Ezra, little one."

Baby John kept his eyes on Ezra, then moved his right hand into his mouth and suckled.

"Oh, little one, are you hungry?" Inez crooned as she started for the baby.

"No, no, no, Inez, he's not crying and I just got him!" Ezra protested, turning away.

Josiah and Nathan, entering the room, burst out in laughter as they watched Ezra gently maneuver away from Inez to keep ahold of his most precious treasure.

"Shhhhhh!" Raine scolded, coming down the stairs. "I just got Casey to sleep!"

"Babies need noises so they don't get startled," Mary explained. "Sounds in the womb are very loud." Seeing Chris raise an eyebrow, "Well, I've been studying. When I think of all the times I shushed Steven when Billy was sleeping . . ." and a momentary sadness appeared in her eyes, but she blinked and then smiled down at Adam.

"Sarah, too," Chris said, meeting her gaze. "She made me take my boots off in the house, but I kept forgetting to fix the third stair step that creaked . . ."

"Creaked?" Buck questioned. "Sounded more like a freight train! Hey, Ezra, if you're getting tired . . ."

"I insist on having my special time with this beautiful baby," Ezra frowned. "You, my dear Sir, are in violation of the injunction of monopolizing and therefore corrupting this most innocent and adorable infant . . . "

Buck rubbed his ear. "Injunction. What?"

"We all want more time with baby John!" the others said together.

Ezra nodded. "That's just what I said, little one. Your Uncle Ezra will teach you refinement."

Buck tried not to twitch as little John made the rounds of his adoring throng of aunts and uncles. Finally, Mary gave baby Adam to Buck and he was charmed at the smiles and coos the baby made.

"I'll be damned at how much he reminds me of Adam," Buck exclaimed, meeting Chris's gaze and Chris gave a nod to Buck.

Little Casey had a short nap and even with three babies downstairs, everyone complained they never got enough time holding each one.

Nettie Wells, during her last visit, commented tartly it was a wonder any of the babies were put down to sleep and said they would spoil the babies by holding them all of the time. But it was said with a smile and she was very pleased to see how happy the group was with the little ones and left for her treatment content. She had, however, made a suggestion Vin had not forgotten. His eyes met Josiah's and then Vin said. "I think it is time the babies met their father."

TBC