"This is IMPOSSIBLE!" Abby yelled in frustration, hurling the classifieds into the air. "Our baby is going to be here in a week and we STILL can't find our own place!"
"Something will turn up lass."
Kim truly did have to marvel at her life. Four months ago, she'd been held prisoner along with her brother by an international evil organization. She could still visualize the eerie blue light of her cell and the feel of the cool grip of…of the sword as she fought Bonnie Rockwaller; and now? Now she was enjoying a lazy spring Saturday morning at home. Gracie was in the backyard with the twins, helping them practice for a Pixie scout badge at their meeting next week. Shego was upstairs with her coffee, getting an early start on finishing the quilt she was making for the new Baby O'Sullivan. And Kim herself? Well despite her best efforts, Nicky inevitably wound up wearing most of the bananas that made up his breakfast instead of eating them. Still…she still found it to be vastly better than before Nicky could have solid food. Now at least only one of them wound up wearing the food…except for those damned chicken nuggets that Shego had made…and that dreaded honey mustard. Nggghhh; even the thought of that dinner sent a shiver down Kim's spine.
"You, Nicholas Andrew Possibe, are a little mess bug," Kim accused as Nicky grabbed the spoon's contents and missed his mouth once again. "Well I guess my little messy monkey has enough in his belly." She hefted him out of the high chair and wiped his face with his bib, planting a kiss on his now clean face. "There's Mommy's handsome baby boy. Let's you and me go find Momma. I think I know a way we can help Abby and Seamus…if Mommy can talk Momma into it."
Kim casually slipped by the now moaning Abby, her head on Seamus's lap while he massaged her temples, and headed up the stairs towards her bedroom. Kim had been thrilled her friends had made the first step and tied the knot. And it had been a remarkably spankin bachelorette party given the fact that there wasn't a drop of alcohol served. With the bride having an extra passenger, everyone was fine with it. But if she could sway Shego, the couple's housing problems would officially be OVER. When Shego had first built the Palace, she'd purchased a good fifteen acres of land along with it. Most of it was forests but there were a few acres that were open field. Kim and Shego had talked off and on about developing a small part of it later down the line. But with Abby and Seamus's housing problems, unbeknownst to the rest of the family, Kim had been assembling estimates and quotes on building a house on part of it.
"OUCH," Kim heard Shego cry out as she opened the door. "Son of a…"
"Little pitcher coming in," Kim interrupted.
"…Biscuit," Shego finished, sucking on her freshly pricked finger.
"Who did I marry, a longshoreman?" Kim chided, laying Nicky down on the bed with a few of his toys. "How's it coming?"
"Should be finished by tomorrow," Shego replied, satisfied that the finger wasn't bleeding. "I should be finished in the nick of time. What's up Princess?"
"Well," Kim pulled the office chair at her desk over and sat next to Shego. "I've got something I want to run by you."
"Okay; fire away."
"Now I'm not sure how this will sound but here it goes. You know how you and I have been kicking around the idea of maybe turning that three acres of open field into something?" Shego nodded for Kim to continue. "Well…I think Abs and Seamus might be trying to reinvent the wheel here. What if we were to slice off an acre of that property, build a house, and rent it out to them?"
Shego's eyebrows rose in surprise. "Kim…uh…that's…kind of out of nowhere. I mean…let's say that I agree with you, which I'm not saying one way or the other at this point, Abby's never going to accept something like that."
And I've thought about that," Kim assured her wife. "I'm not suggesting that we give them the house. I said we rent it out to them. I mean, I've looked through the same classifieds and even with what we pay Abby, there really isn't much for a new family within their price range, not without going at least another county away."
"Can we afford something like this?"
"I've done the math," Kim promised. Shego was beginning to look like she was seeing the merit; Kim could see it in her eyes. "All told, we're looking at a little over $200000 and that's a drop in the bucket for us. And in terms of length of time, if we use the same crew that you used on the Palace, we're looking at five, maybe six months. We can put them up until it's finished. I think I can convince them to stay for that long. But…what do you think?"
"Kimmie…I…" Shego heaved a sigh and hung her head in defeat. "Oh brother; they should put your mouth in the circus. I guess I'm in."
That was what Kim wanted to here! This was a fantastic idea on the face of it and Shego had never turned Kim down when she was logically right! Kim and Shego Possible were Abby's friends, charges, employers…what was wrong with adding landlords to the list? Now she just had to march down there and give the pair the good news.
"Nicky," Shego spun around and looked at the little tike playing with his toys. "Your Mommy's mouth goes faster than a speeding bullet Nicky!" Nicky must've found that funny, letting loose with a chorus of giggles. "Awww, who's Momma's little snuggle bug?" Shego hefted Nicky into her arms and spun around, showing Nicky her work. "What do you think buddy? You think you're cousin's going to like it?"
"Uh…Shego?"
"Yeah Kimmie?"
"I…uh…was about to talk to them and tell them the news and…if you have a minute…uh…Abby's water just broke."
KPKPKPKPKPKPKPKPKP
How…how had Kim done this…three…flipping…TIMES? ARRRRGGGGHHHH! Abby felt like she was pushing a Christmas ham out between her legs. It was Seamus! That Irish sneak had been the one who'd done this to her! If she got out of this alive, she was going to…
"You're almost there Abby; just one more big push."
One MORE? She'd felt like she'd been pushing for the better part of a month and it couldn't have been more than a few hours. But she…she had to push. She was so close…so close to holding her baby in her arms. She would NOT be denied. But dammit; this kid had BETTER appreciate this!
"AAARRRRRRGGGGHHHHH!"
"There we GO," Dr. Mortenson cheered as a loud wailing began echoing through the room.
"You did it Abs," Kim dabbed at Abby's forehead with a cold cloth. "You did it!"
"I love ye so much Abigail," Seamus held her by the hand, hugging her tightly.
She…she had done it? She…was a mother! Abby felt like she'd been dragged through a meat grinder. She felt sore in places that she didn't even know she COULD feel sore in. Literally every inch of her hurt…but…but that crying was like music to her thoroughly exhausted ears.
"What…what is it?" Abby gasped.
"Mr. and Mrs. O'Sullivan, it's a boy," Dr. Mortenson smiled as she returned a blanket wrapped bundle to Abby's arms. "Seven pounds even."
It…it was a boy! They had a beautiful baby boy! Abby pulled aside the blanket and gazed longingly into the tiny little face. Those eyes…those beautiful blue eyes were hers! And those tiny wisps of black hair…those belonged to her beloved Irish Prince. "Seamus…he's…he's perfect! I…I love you so much! He's…perfect!"
"Do we have a name yet?" Dr. Mortenson inquired, lowering her mask.
A name? Abby had completely lost track of the fact that they'd be naming their precious bundle of joy. She looked at Seamus and…in that glance she knew. They'd batted around a few names, asked Kim and Shego for their input. But in that instance, in that single glance with the man she loved, Abby knew what the name should be.
"Brady," She breathed, snuggling close to her son. "His name is Brady Michael O'Sullivan."
KPKPKPKPKPKPKPKP
Shego and the kids were quickly ushered to the birthing ward by the orderly and were greeted by a smiling Kim. It had been quite an eventful 24 hours. Upon hearing that Abby's water had broken, Shego did a backflip with a half gainer off the balcony and landed at the foot of the couch. Kim and Seamus were in the process of helping Abby to the car and the kids were running all over the place, trying to figure out what to do. Okay…her first task was to get a hold of the younger set.
Things had calmed down once they'd gotten Abby safely out the door but the topic of conversation was set. Shego telephoned Abby's parents in Oregon and ran the gauntlet contacting each of her brothers. The moment school had let out Monday afternoon, everyone piled into the car and drove directly to Middleton Hospital.
"It's a boy," Kim cheered as she wrapped her arms around her wife.
"Oooooh, can we see him Mommy?" Emily gasped.
"Gracie, would you mind taking the girls to see Little Brady? Abby's in room 117 and you can head there afterward."
The girls scampered off, leaving Kim and Shego holding Nicky. "How is she doing?"
"Wiped out," Kim sighed as she took Nicky into her own arms and settled him in the crook of her arms. "The trooper was in labor for close to 19 hours." Kim knocked on the door to the room and was ushered in by Seamus, looking like he'd died and gone to Heaven. The smile plastered across his face was priceless. Had Shego really looked like that when the girls were born…or when they adopted Nicky? She pulled the big lug into an embrace and voiced her congratulations.
"I'm so happy for you Seamus," Shego sighed as she let him go.
Seamus ducked over to the bed and woke up the mother. Apparently she'd insisted on being woken up the moment everyone else had gotten here. "Hey…yawn…Shego."
"Hey Abs," Shego pulled her friend into a tight embrace, pouring every scrap of compassion she possessed. "I'm so happy for you both. That boy is going to have two of the best parents I know."
"Thanks Shego," Abby yawned again, trying to prop herself up. "I feel like I've been hit by a truck but…you know." Abby flashed a contented smile.
"Well now that Shego's here and the happy parents are both awake, we've got something we want to talk to you about," Kim slid one of the chairs over and plopped down. "Shego and I have talked it over and we think we might have come up with a solution."
"What's yer plan?" Seamus asked, taking a seat on the bed and snaking his hand into Abby's.
"Well…we've been talking for a while about developing some of our property and we want to build a house on the far acre plot…and rent it out. We want to give you first crack at it."
There was a deafening silence and a pair of dumbfounded looks in the room. Mother and Father looked as if they'd just been clubbed over the head. Both began stuttering almost in unison, word for word, but Abby was the first to be able to assemble the stutters into coherent words.
"Kim…I…that…building a house is…we could never accept something like that."
"I dinna know if…"
"'Dinna know' nothing Seamus," Kim pleaded. "Come on guys. This is most definitely not charity. You both know us better than that. Besides, I've seen the same house listings you have. We'll pay to have the house built and you'll pay rent at a fair price."
"Kim…I…"
"Look at her you two," Shego held back a laugh. "I sure can't do anything. The house is going to be built one way or another."
Abby looked at Kim, taking in her friend's face. Shego could see the wheels turning and finally click into place. It was indeed inevitable to fight it. Kim was in that zone where you could fight against her…but that would end like fighting against a force of nature.
"I…Kim…I…I just don't know what to say," Abby joyously gasped. "This is so much…"
"Abby, this is nothing," Kim assured, taking Abby's free hand. "You've saved my life, Shego's life, and our children's. You've taken more bullets for us than either of us can count. You're as much a part of this family as anyone…and you always will be."
KPKPKPKPKPKPKPKPKP
It wasn't the hovercraft but the modified Chinook helicopter Aunt Betty had lent them while Momma hunted up the parts for a new hovercraft was still pretty good. It was from a line that GJ frequently used for transporting big wigs or politicians in relative comfort through areas where they might need a little extra muscle. Unlike the hovercraft though, the Chinook had been further modified to include a respectable amount of offensive and defensive tech, sporting four Browning .50-cal machine guns, two on each side of the main body. It took a good deal of PDP but Mom and Momma had finally relented, offering the compromise of letting Gracie man the co-pilot's seat. She was after all only a few weeks away from her helicopter qualifications.
They touched down on the crop dusting airfield just outside of Eden, New South Wales. Gracie had been looking forward to this for months. Her wounds had long since healed and Gracie felt so good it was like the crash had never happened. The meta-human powers that she'd inherited from Momma really were awesome sauce. But during her recovery, and in the weeks that followed, Gracie hadn't been able to shake those memories of the Iwi Moana. The doctor in New Zealand as well as Doc Thomas and Grandma back home had cautioned that there might be a small degree of memory loss or some unusual delusions Gracie might "remember", as was usual for a concussion of the magnitude that Gracie had suffered, but all involved assured her and the family that the effects were only temporary and wouldn't last. But four months after the fact, and Gracie still couldn't get the Iwi Moana out of her head...and…did she even want to? It…it sure didn't feel like a delusion to her and she was GOING to find out more!
As with any myth or conspiracy, the internet proved a wealth of information, both quite interesting and just plain ridiculous. As it turned out, the Iwi Moana was actually a popular part of Maori mythology, sort of their own personal mermaid myth. According to legend, the Iwi Moana were the guardians of the sea and sightings were frequently reported by fisherman lost during a storm. It…it had to be real! This was the first time she'd come across the name and…and…what did this mean?
And so she stewed about it, constantly trying to puzzle out where to go next; Abby going into labor in May had been a welcome distraction. Her little cousin was absolutely adorable and she'd almost forgotten about her current quest…ALMOST. After school let out, talk began shifting back towards the ceremony and the Gang from Galway's coming performance, at least among her friends. But oddly enough, it had been Mom who had broached the subject of meeting with the Andersons, the ones who'd saved Gracie in the first place. Why hadn't Gracie thought about that before? Momma had said that the one who'd actually pulled her out of the water was a Maori. If nothing else, Gracie needed to thank that woman. They had a week before the wedding and that left more than enough time for a day trip to Australia.
And so the Possible family found themselves descending the ramp and coming face to face with the smiling faces of the Andersons.
"Thank you so much for having us," Mom greeted, accepting the offered hug from Izzy Anderson.
"Oh its most certainly our pleasure," Izzy assured, releasing Mom and gesturing towards the van waiting to take them to the Anderson's residence. Everyone piled in and once Nicky's car seat was secure, they pulled onto the main road. Looking at her surroundings, Gracie couldn't help but notice the differences in the two countries in which she'd resided the past few months. Where New Zealand was lush and very green, Eastern Australia reminded her a good deal of Great Uncle Slim's ranch back in Montana. The grassy plains and the rolling hills seemed really calming, especially with the ocean just on the horizon. As they approached the residence, the Possibles oohed and ahhed at the location, right on the pacific. The van pulled to a stop and within minutes of vacating the van, everyone was feeling right at home. Momma and Izzy quickly bonded over the grill and Mom kept an eye on the twins and the Anderson boys while playing with Nicky, leaving Gracie alone in the kitchen with her rescuer.
"Now's your chance," George squeaked from her shoulder.
Man, she'd rehearsed what she was going to say at least a dozen times on the way over here but…argh; the words were like peanut butter, sticking to the roof of her mouth. This was nuts! Gracie believed with every fiber of her being that what she saw was real and not some nutball dream but…was she really about to ask what amounted to a complete stranger if she'd seen any mermaids when she'd pulled Gracie out of the water?
"Uh…Mrs. Anderson?"
"Whatcha need Gracie?" She turned from the salad she was preparing.
"Well…I…I never got a chance to say thank you for…you know."
"Well from what yer mums said, you'd have done exactly the same," She smiled warmly. "Did yer mum tell you we'd actually shared a few pints when you first got to the island?"
"She'd mentioned that, yeah," Gracie gave her a light chuckle. Okay…she could do this. "Talk about coincidence. But…oh I wish I could say this better. You're going to think I'm a total nut."
Mrs. Anderson's steady chopping ceased and Gracie looked up. Mrs. Anderson was looking directly at Gracie as if waiting for…something. She…she looked like she seriously wanted Gracie to finish her sentence. Mrs. Anderson put her knife down in the sink and slid over to the table and took the seat next to her. Taking Gracie's hands, she smiled reassuringly.
"Do ye remember something?" She asked. "Do you remember seeing something?"
She…she KNEW? Gracie could see it in her eyes that…oh God! Gracie was RIGHT! It wasn't just some brain scramble from the mother of all crashes; it was REAL! She'd really seen them!
"It weren't just me that pulled ye out of the water. Ye remember her, don't ye?"
"She…she was beautiful," Gracie breathed, staring slack jawed at her new confidant. "It…it was like…like music."
"And it was real," Mrs. Anderson confirmed. "I've been searching for the Iwi Moana my whole life. A lot of me family has. And that day…one of them brought ye to me. They call us Hoa, friend. And if we are ever in trouble, they'll find us…or we'll find each other…and always be there to help."
KPKPKPKPKPKPKP
As Kim looked out across the main hall of St. Peter's Church, across all the faces of those that mattered the most to her, her heart was truly aflutter. It was finally happening! After fifteen years and all the months of planning, she was finally here, standing in a beautiful church, wearing the Chanel wedding dress she'd dreamed of. And standing at the head of the aisle with the priest and the rest of the wedding party was Shego. She…she was utterly stunning in that lavender gown! Every…everything was perfect. Everything was exactly like she'd imagined it would be.
"Are you ready Kimmie?"
The church organ flared to life and Kim took her Dad's arm. She heaved a deep and contented sigh. "I'm ready Daddy."
All heads turned as the pair began marching down the aisle, focusing squarely on Kim. But Kim's eyes were riveted forward, focused entirely on the green goddess before her. Okay…she could do this. It was all just mind over matter. She was NOT going to cry. She'd withstood torture so this…this should be a breeze. They made the last few steps and came to a halt before the altar. Daddy guided her…dammit; her hand was trembling…hand to Shego's. Daddy quickly returned to his seat next to the rest of the family and Shego led her bride back to the Father. They turned to face each other and Shego lifted Kim's veil. She…she could…no; no, she couldn't do this. Kim could feel herself losing her grip. Shego was just…just the most wonderful and courageous and brave and funny…she was the greatest person Kim knew. And she'd chosen Kim. That rainy night, she could've let Kim be but…she chose her and had hardly left her side since then. And here she was, eager to make a promise to Kim that she would continue to stay by her side? What…what had Kim ever done to deserve a woman such as this?
"Dearly beloved," Father Mitch began. "We are gathered here today to celebrate the love between these two people. I've known these women for many years. I've watched their children grow up but more than that, I've watched these two grow as adults. With every victory, with every challenge they face, the special bond that they share and their compassion for each other grows. In my experience, I can't think of many more examples of love in its truest form. So today, let us join together in celebration of that love."
Father Mitch began the sermon. It had involved a good deal of discussion but after a great deal of convincing from Shego, the pair had agreed upon Genesis 29, the story of Jacob's love for Rachel, as their sermon. Hearing the words echoing through the church hall, Kim was swept away. "For Jacob served seven years to get Rachel but they seemed only a few days to him because of his love for her"; that…that was…Kim and Shego in a nutshell.
"And now," Father Mitch gestured to Kim and Shego. "Kimberly and Shego have written their own vows."
Shego took a deep breath and held Kim's hand. "Kimberly, I…I never had an easy life growing up. Things were bad, very bad. But…then one day I met this…this spunky little redheaded cheerleader who wanted to try her hand at saving the world. But unbeknownst to all of us at the time…she saved me. She became a salve for my troubled soul. And on a stormy day, when you took me into your room, gave me the chance to not just be a part of our daughter's life…but to be a part of a family again…and who'd have thought that out of something so terrible…I'd find my soul mate? Kim, I promise that I will always be there for you, for the good times and the bad, for the tears and the laughter. With my last my last breath and everything I possess, I am your wife, body and soul, forever and eternity."
The tears were flowing freely now and Kim…Kim wasn't at all ashamed; to utter Hell with stoicism. "Shego, I…sniff…growing up, I always thought I knew who I was, or at least who I thought I was supposed to be. But then my world was…sniff…turned upside down. I was thrown into circumstances I could barely comprehend. I…I didn't know what to…sniff…do. But in that dark and stormy night fifteen years ago, there you were, the last person I'd…sniff…ever expected but…the very one that I needed. In the months that followed and still today, you are what gives me strength. You are the bravest, sweetest, most courageous person I've ever known and…sniff…you're my hero. I love you with all my heart, forever and a day. I vow to spend every moment of my life trying to be worthy of a wife like you."
"Kim, Shego, all the words in the world don't make a marriage meaningful," Father Mitch continued, nodding to both women. "Only you can do that. But if you remain true to each other, you can't go wrong." He took a pause and surveyed the crowd. "Then if none assembled object, by the power vested in me by God and the State of Pennsylvania, I declare you wedded in Holy Matrimony. You may now kiss the bride."
The entire room was silent, at least to Kim. She was engulfed in Shego's tender embrace and her luscious lips collided with hers. Ohhhhh…Shego tasted…wonderful. It was…intoxicating! Then, like a tremendous thunder clap, the sound of applause began ringing in her ears.
"Well Kimmie," Shego gasped over the cheering. "I guess it's too late to elope now."
"Oh shut up and kiss me again," Kim laughed, pulling her wife into a tight embrace and eliciting a fresh round of cheers.
"It's a little loud in here. Besides…if you can make it to the limo, I've got SO much more planed for you."
The guests lined the path out to the limo. Joining hands, Kim and Shego took off through the ensuing shower of bird seed. The pair paused to wave goodbye to the crowd and clambered into the back of the limo.
"Ha…where in that pile of frosting is the woman that I just married?" Shego giggled as she smoothed down the ruffles and fluff. "Wow, did I just marry Kim Possible or a giant cupcake?"
Kim popped her head out and smooched Shego on the nose. "Less talk; more kisses."
"Well, we don't have to be to the reception hall for at least an hour," Shego lowered the window. "Driver, how about once around the bay before we head to the hall?"
"Right away Mrs. Possible."
The window rose and Shego turned back to Kim. "Now my little Princess, I believe you wanted more kissy face?"
Without so much as another word, the backseat became a whirlwind of white and lavender fabric, tan and pale flesh, and cries of passion. Thank God Kim had sprung for the sound proof limo. They traveled through every beauty part of Wellington but they could've been in a back alley for all that the pair was aware.
"Water," Kim gasped as she finally managed to disengage herself and grab a bottled water from the mini-fridge. "Must…have…fluids."
"It's…gasp…just as well," Shego replied, popping out from under Kim's gown and grabbing a bottled water for herself. "My hand's starting to cramp up. And Gracie's probably going bonkers right now anyway."
After a quick few minutes to make themselves look presentable and better able to move, the limo driver opened the door and the pair practically skipped hand in hand into the banquet hall. They were greeted by Ron, looking dashing as ever in his Ralph Lauren tux, and looking like he was ready to blow a gasket.
"Well it's about TIME," He gasped, storming over to the door. "Gracie was about ready to hotwire a car and hunt you two up herself."
"When we're right on time?" Kim laughed.
"Something's definitely wrong with your daughter," Shego sighed, snaking her arm around Kim's
"MY daughter? Let me tell you something Shego Possible…"
"Oh please tell her later," Ron replied, fighting back the laugh that Kim knew he was and drew a radio. "Package has arrived. I repeat; package has arrived."
Kim could hear Gracie's voice come over the speaker system. "Everyone, could I have your attention please? I 've just received confirmation. It gives me great pleasure to introduce the happy couple, my Moms, Kim and Shego Possible."
A roar of cheers sounded as Kim and Shego walked arm and arm to the center table, being greeted by the wedding party and receiving a cascade of hugs along with it.
"You know," Kim whispered as the pair took their places. "I just realized that I'm VERY hungry."
KPKPKPKPKPKPKPKPKPKP
Oh God; here it was and Shego's nerves were going crazy. Who'd have thought that THIS would be her nerve wracking moment given all that's happened in the last few months? They'd just finished the cake and…okay, she could do this! Gracie had been more than a little curious last month when Shego had told her she wanted to borrow Billy and Jimmy before they got down to the music; but when Shego had told her that it was for a very special surprise for Mom, Gracie and graciously zipped her lip and kept the secret under pain of death.
After politely excusing herself, Shego met the two boys on the stage and grabbed a microphone. "Hi everyone; Kim and I would just like to thank you all for being here with us. It means so much that you could all be here to share this day with our family. But before we get into full swing with the festivities, could I get a spotlight on my beautiful redheaded bride?" A beam shot out and illuminated Kim. "Kimmie, I've been planning a little wedding surprise behind your back and Billy and Jimmy have graciously agreed to help me. You ready boys?" They both nodded, Jimmy at the drum set and Billy holding the guitar. "Kimmie, this is a song that always makes me think of you."
Jimmy began hammering on the drums, setting the beat. Billy came in with the guitar and Shego took a breath.
Uptown Girl
She's been living in her uptown world
I bet she never had a back street guy
I bet her mother never told her why
There were a few burst of laughter, mostly in response to Kim's face. Even on stage, Shego could see the burning scarlet cheeks Kim was now sporting. But nerves or no, this had been perfect. Shego had caught Kimmie completely by surprise and…oh, that look was absolutely priceless.
She'll see I'm not so tough
Just because I'm in love
With an Uptown Girl
The entire room began clapping along to the music.
Uptown Girl
She's my Uptown Girl
You know I'm in love with
An Uptown Girl
My Uptown Girl
"Kim Possible, you are without a doubt the most beautiful wife anyone could wish for, Kim-ness and all, and I love you more than anything!"
Author's Notes:
And thus we have the end. Writing this story has been a long journey and I've enjoyed every minute of it and I hope you have too. I'm putting Triple Threat on the back burner for a little while I work on A Grimm Possibility but I've already got a concept for my next Triple Threat story but would like some input. Motor Ed or the Seniors as the antagonist? I think the story would work for both and it will be a crossover with another of my favorite series but who would you guys like to see? Message me with your answers.