Power Ranger Triad
Chapter 21
As expected at six o' clock Jason, Bill and Kevin arrived at the Scott's house, almost as soon as the guys stepped in the door Linda pulled them aside and asked "Are you sure Dr. Gaston said Danni was alright?"
"Why? What's happened mom?" asked Jason. Neither he nor Bill had picked up anything wrong with Danni since they had left her at Dr. Gaston's office. Right now Danni was sleeping peacefully in the backyard.
"Nothing, she just seems awfully tired for someone who is only seven weeks pregnant?" said Linda
"Well as you know Linda, each pregnancy is different and she has had a lot of trouble with nausea this time around and you know how hard that is on her." reminded Bill
"I guess you're right Bill, I'm just worried about her."
"Well don't be Mom, we'll let you know if there is a problem. We promise" said Jason.
"Thank you. I'm really happy for you all but Danni has been through so much. She deserves something to be easy for once." said Linda with a sigh.
"Well that's our plan, make this pregnancy the easiest we can on Danni. We know she told us that she didn't want to be pampered except when she asked to be, but we're going to do everything in our power to pamper her as much as she will let us." said Bill.
"Well just don't upset her so much that she leaves. She's always welcome here but her place is with the two of you." reminded Linda.
"We know Mom, we're learning her limits" said Jason.
Linda hugged them both they both headed towards the backyard to check on their wife. Danni was sleeping lightly in a lawn chair with Ian and Mackenzie playing in the backyard close by. Bill sat down gently on the edge of Danni's chair and leaned over her and kissed her lightly on the lips. At first Danni was still, then slowly she awoke to the passion that Bill was stirring in her. Soon her arms wound around Bill's shoulders and her eyes opened to see the smiling face of one of her husbands.
"Hiya, Beautiful" smiled Bill.
"Hiya, Handsome" answered Danni.
"Linda's worried about you" Bill told her.
Danni looked over at Linda, who was trying, but not succeeding, to discreetly watch Danni, Bill and Jason. Danni smiled at Linda and then mouthed "I'm fine Linda."
At Danni's words Linda released the breath she had been holding, smiled and then returned to the kitchen.
"You know she means well Danni" said Jason.
"I know, Jas. I'm not even really upset. You know why?" asked Danni.
"Why?"
"Because I've come to realize that I not only deprived both of you the early growth and development of the triplets, but I deprived Jack, Linda and Kevin as well. I could've really used their support during that time but I was too damn stubborn to admit it even to myself. But I'm trying guys...I really am"
"We know Danni, and so do they. That's all any of us could ask for." said Jason as he leaned down and kissed her on the lips.
"Then how about you let us get dinner ready while you sit here and rest, Ok?" asked Bill.
"Deal, but can I at least have my computer? There's a project that I've been working on I'd like to finish up if possible" asked Danni.
"Do you have your laptop in the car?" asked Jason.
"Yes, under the front seat."
"Alright, promise not to move and I'll go get it for you?"
"I promise," answered Danni and then sealed it with a kiss.
With a smile Jason replied "Be right back," he was going to like this compliant Danni.
"Well don't get used to it, I just don't want to upset Linda." answered Danni through their link.
At Bill's chuckle Jason left the backyard and went it the house.
"Jas?" asked Linda as she saw Jason heading towards the front door.
"She's alright mom, she's going to rest while we get dinner ready. I'm just getting her computer, but she's promised not to move from the lawn chair."
"Oh good, do you think Danni could eat a hamburgers or do I need to fix some boiled chicken for her?" asked Linda.
"I'll ask, when I give her the laptop. Be right back." said Jason as he closed the front door.
Danni's minivan was park in the driveway just behind Linda and Jack's car. Jason remembered when they had gone shopping for the van. Every salesman had talked to strictly Jason or Bill, almost totally ignoring Danni. But oh had they gotten a shock when Danni signed the papers and paid for the van with a cashier's check. The van was totally in Danni's named, title, license, and insurance. They had gone from the dealership to a store to buy three car seats. That had been the first of many shopping trips that the Triad would have together, slowly rebuilding their relationship. Jason found Danni's laptop easily and returned to the house to find Danni watching Ian and Mackenzie from the lawn chair. Jason handed her the laptop then leaned down to kiss her again.
"Mom wants to know if you feel up to hamburgers or want some boiled chicken."
"I think I'll try a hamburger tonight please" answered Danni.
"Are you sure, Danni?"
"Jas!"
"Just checking, love. She said she wants a hamburger mom!" yelled Jason
"Jason Cranston-Scott, don't yell at your mother! Go see if she needs anything!" said Danni as she swatted his butt.
"Yes, Master" whispered Jason in Danni's ear as he quickly moved out of her reach again.
"Ohhhh...you!" growled Danni with a smile.
Jason entered the kitchen to find Linda seasoning the hamburger meat before making the patties.
"Danni said she would like a hamburger tonight, Mom" said Jason as he leaned his chin on Linda's shoulder.
"Stop that you!" said Linda as he swatted at his head. "Then in that case we are going to need some more things from the grocery store if everyone is eating hamburgers. Here's a list." as she handed him a piece of paper.
"Sure thing, mom. Alright rugrats, who wants to go to the store with me?" asked Jason as came back into the backyard.
"I do!" called Bryan.
"I do!" said Ian.
"Jas, can you get me some more Ginger Ale please?" asked Danni.
"I've already got it on the list Danni" called Linda from the kitchen.
"Thank you, Linda" answered Danni.
"Dan?" said Bill as he came over beside her.
"I'm fine Bill, really. I just don't want to run Linda out of Ginger Ale and I never know when this nausea is going to hit again."
"You'll let us know when you need something, right?" asked Bill.
Danni wiggled her finger at him and Bill leaned down, Danni whispered something is his ear. As Bill stood up there was a noticeable redness to his face, and a growing bulge in his pants. Linda looked out to the backyard and noticed Bill's discomfort, along with Danielle's smile.
"Danielle Cranston-Scott! You need to behave you're self-young lady. There are children present."
"I'm aware of that Linda, how do you think we got them" replied Danni as she returned to her computer with a smile.
"Ohhhhhh...You!" growled Linda,
"Now you know how we feel" laughed Bill as he came into the kitchen and kissed her on the cheek, then grabbed a drink from the refrigerator.
It was about an hour and a half later when Linda finally called everyone to dinner. Danni had finished her project and then shut down her computer and was now laying back with her eyes closed. Jason came up beside her and stood for a minute staring down at her. He was continuously amazed that she had chosen him for this Triad, and now once again she was going to give them the amazing gift of another child.
"You're staring at me, Jas." said Danni softly as she opened her eyes to look at the man standing over her. If truth be told Danni was the one that was constantly amazed that the fates or whoever had given her these two men to complete her Triad. She knew that she wasn't by far the easiest person to always get along with, but still they stayed with her. She was truly blessed or something to have these two men and their children in her life.
Jason had sat down on the edge of the chair, pulling Danni into his arms. "Do you know how much we love you, Danielle Guadalupe Francesca Cranston-Scott"
"What brought this on, Jas?" asked Danni.
"Nothing really in particular Danni, just realizing that you're our wife and the mother of our children."
"Well I feel the same way about the both of you, you know that right?" asked Danni.
"Yes, beautiful" said Jason.
"Of course, beautiful" replied Bill through their link.
"Well I hate to put a damper on this but I think we are wanted at the dinner table." whispered Danni against Jason's neck.
"Ohhhh...yeah, I think you're right." answered Jason as he cleared his throat. "My lady, may I escort you into dinner?" said Jason as he held out his hand to Danni.
"Why of course, my lord. How very kind of you" replied Danni as she took offered hand and Jason helped her rise from the lawn chair.
They made their way to the picnic table where the others were waiting, and Danni sat down beside Bill, with Jason taking the seat on the other side of her. The rest of the evening was spent eating and making plans for another family barbeque but this one including their extended family of the Universal Power Rangers and their parents. It was decided that they would try and have the picnic that weekend in the Compound's Park which was really the only place big enough of everyone to get together.
Danni was in charge of sending out the invitations and RSVP's, Linda and Mackenzie, were in charge of the food, while the men were in charge of making sure the Park was ready for the mob. So they didn't feel left out Danni put Ian and Bryan in charge of coming up with toys and games for the kids to play.
At about eight-thirty Danni called an end to their celebration picnic due to the fact that all three of the youngest Cranston-Scotts were sacked out in someone's lap or on their shoulder. Ian was curled up in Jason's lap, while Bill had Bryan. Mackenzie was firmly wrapped in her Grandpa Kevin's arms with no signs of letting go.
"I hate to end this guys, but I think we need to get these rugrats to bed guys" said Danni as she looked over at Ian and Bryan.
"You are all welcome to spend the night Danni, you know that" said Jack as he too looked at the little ones, they were all sleeping so peacefully that it was a shame to disturb them.
"I'd love to Jack, but Bill and I've a group of new interns arriving at the Compound tomorrow so we need to get up early and finish getting ready for them." said Danni
"But what about the kids, they're already asleep it's a shame to wake them up." said Linda
"You're right about that Linda but I don't see any other way."
"How about we keep the kids overnight, that way it'll save you the time of having to drop them off tomorrow. You're going to have to bring them over anyway right?" asked Linda
"Yes, but I just hate to inconvenience you both this way." said Danni
"It's no inconvenience dear, and this way you three can continue you're celebration alone if you wish" said Linda with a wink at her son and his partner.
Linda could tell that both Jason and Bill were dying to get Danni alone to celebrate her pregnancy in a more private way, and except for a few incidents they all had been very good. It was the least she could do for the Triad. With their schedules, the children and Danni's pregnancy it was going to get harder and hard for the three of them to find quality time alone together so the least she could do was help them out every once in a while.
"Thanks mom, come on Bill. Let's put these two to bed." said Jason as he pulled Ian into his arms.
"I'll take him, Jas" offered Jack as he came over and took Ian from Jason's arms.
"And I'll get Bryan, Bill. You two take your wife home and celebrate you're new arrivals privately." said Linda.
Bill shifted Bryan onto the bench of the picnic table and then each man taking one of Danni's arms marched her out the door saying "Thanks guys, we owe you one!" They heard the door close and soon heard a car engine start up and then a car pulling out of the driveway. They all must have taken one of the guys cars, which meant they had left Danni's and at least one other car at the Scott's which they intended to pick up tomorrow at a later time.
"Well, now I know where Jason gets his mischievous streak from" smiled Kevin as he stood up with Mackenzie in his arms.
"Not just me Kevin, I suspect you were trying to think of some way to keep the kids so the guys and Danni could have some time alone yourself." replied Linda with a smile.
"Guilty as charged I'm afraid, do you think that was wrong of us?" asked Kevin.
"Of course not, Kevin. Considering everything those three have been through they deserve all the happiness they can get. If we just happen to instigate some of it, then so be it"
"Well said my love, well said." said Jack as he came over and kissed his wife. "Now as Jason said, let's get these rugrats to bed"
Laughing, all three of the older Scott's and Cranston carried their little bundles to the Scott's guest bedroom and placing them in their beds. Removed their shoes and socks, then tucked each of them under the blankets kissing each small forehead.
"Good night, Angels. Sleep tight and sweet dreams" said Linda.
"Good night, sweethearts" said Kevin.
"Night, night, our handsome and beautiful" said Jack as he turned out the light and closed the door.
The next several days were busy with everyone getting their assigned jobs, and by the time Saturday rolled around everything was ready. Jason, Bill, Jack & Kevin had decorated the park simply, reusing the archway that was used during their wedding as the entrance way to the picnic. It was simply decorated with pastel colored streamers and balloons intertwined through the archway. Each table had a simple table centerpiece of pastel colored balloons stuck into a small cake made of diapers.
Everyone had arrived by noontime and as usual they were waiting on Jason, Bill and Danni to arrive. Danni was finishing up the last minute details of the new internship when Jason and Bill found her in the Command Center of the Compound.
"Danni, everyone is waiting" said Jason as he came up behind her and put his hands on her shoulders. They were tight and all knotted up because for the last few days she had been dividing her time between the new interns and the party invitations.
They'd recently gotten two new requests from University's to send interns to study the Compound's water reclamation system, and solar power system. So Danni and Bill had been working very hard to get ready for the interns to arrive.
"Sweetheart, are you sure you're feeling up to all this?" asked Bill as he came up behind her. He could feel the tension emanating off of her and was a little worried that she was over doing it again.
"Honestly, no. I'm feeling very tired and a little nauseous right now. But we've all put too much into this to back out right now." said Danni as she leaned back against Jason.
"I'm sure everyone will understand if you need to postpone the picnic Danni" said Bill as he moved in front of Danni and put his hand on her neck. She leaned into his hands, slowly closing her eyes.
They both stood their looking at their wife, Jason slowly rubbing her shoulders while Bill's thumb made gentle circles on Danni's neck. They were worried about her and just about the call Jack or Kevin at the park to let them know that Danni wasn't coming when she pulled away from both of their hands and stood up.
"Alright guys, let's go do this?" said Danni as she moved towards the door.
"Are you sure, Dan?" started Bill and then stopped at the look on Danni's face
"William Cranston-Scott, do you remember what I said? I am pregnant, not an invalid. I don't expect to be pampered unless I ask to be, and right now I want to go to our extent family picnic."
"Yes ma'am" said Bill as he wrapped his arm around Danni's waist.
"Are you coming Jas?" asked Danni as she looked back at her second husband.
Jason was still standing beside the main console with a frown on his face as he watched Danni and Bill. Danni kissed Bill and then moved back to her second husband.
"Jason, I'm alright really. What's wrong?" asked Danni as her hands cupped his face.
"I'm worried about you Danni, both of you. You and Bill have been working almost nonstop since we got that request for the new interns, and then with you getting pregnant, and the picnic. I'm just worried, you know how Bill internalizes everything and you still haven't gotten him back for those episodes at Dr. Gaston's office. I think he's afraid you're mad at him?"
"Oh gods, with everything going on I'd almost forgotten about those. And of course I'm not mad at him, just getting forgetful in my old age." said Danni.
"Well I don't know about the forgetful part, but you are definitely not old!" said Jason forcefully with a smile.
"Maybe not in earth years, but remember I'm on the backside of middle aged for a Time-Lord. I'll make a deal with you; Dr. Gaston and Stuart are at the picnic right now. How about, if their willing, I let them check me out and then after the picnic and the interns are all settled I'll take Bill somewhere and spoil him?"
"Deal, should we tell him?" asked Jason as he leaned his forehead against Danni's.
Danni looked over at her other husband and then smiled "No, let him squirm a little bit longer. I'll make it up to him while we're gone." said Danni as she kissed Jason and then wrapped her arm around his waist.
They walked over to Bill, including him in their arm embrace and then all three of them walked to the Compound's Park. When the Triad finally entered the Park area they were greeted with loud applause and cheers. As the Triad made their way through the assembled group, Jason quietly pulled Dr. Gaston and Stuart to the side and made their request. Each readily agreed and Jason nodded to Danny and she started making her way towards the Medical Bay.
"Where is Mommy going?" asked Ian as he saw Danni head back out of the Park.
"Mommy's not feeling well right now, so Dr. Gaston and Stuart are going to check her out to make sure she's not getting sick again. She will be back as soon as they are done" answered Jason as he led Ian back to the tables.
About thirty minutes later all three returned and Dr. Gaston and Stuart lead Danni directly to one of the lawn chairs. Jason and Bill converged on the two and after a few minutes talking they both smiled and thanked both Dr.'s. Jason and Bill both came to stand behind Danni's chair calling "Can I have everyone's attention please!"
Everyone quieted down and moved to stand in front of the Triad.
"As the invitations told you this is a celebration, and I'm sure most of you have figured out from the decorations and centerpieces what kind of celebration this is. But just to make it official, I would like to announce that in approximately seven and a half months there will be at least one addition to the Cranston-Scott family." announced Jason.
Everyone quickly converged on the Triad offering their congratulations and concerns. They'd seen all three enter the Park and then almost immediately Danni leaving again.
"I'm fine, everyone. I've been feeling very tired and nausea lately and Jason and Bill wanted Dr. Gaston and Stuart to check me out. My blood pressures a little low and I'm running a low grade fever, other than that I'm fine. They want me to rest for a few days." said Danni.
"And of course you will!" said Andrea Hillard.
"Which you had better follow Dr's orders" said Trini.
"Alright, alright! I've already promised Dr. Gaston that I would or she's threatening to confine me to my quarters for a few days."
"Good for her, Danielle. You need to rest. Do you know if there are triplets again?" asked Carmella De Santos.
"Not yet, Carmella. Dr. Gaston said it will be another two weeks or so before we can tell if there is more than one." said Danni.
"Well no matter how many there are I'm sure they will be beautiful just like their mother." said Aisha.
"Thank you Aisha, now stop worrying about me guys and have fun. How much longer before the food is ready Jack?" asked Danni.
"About another twenty minutes Danni" answered Jack as he headed back towards the grill.
Everyone went back to what they were doing but Linda and several of the ladies gathered around Danni talking about her pregnancy and the new baby. Twenty minutes later Bill came over and helped Danni to one of the tables in the patio area. Linda had made some boiled chicken for Danni just in case she wasn't able to eat the hamburgers and hot dogs and sure enough as soon as Danni sat down at the table Linda was beside her putting the plate in front of her. "Oh thank you, Linda" said Danni as she looked down at the plate. Her stomach was a little better but she wasn't sure if she could handle a hamburger right now.
Bill came over and handed Danni a glass, which she gratefully took a drink, and then kissed Bill "Oh thank you handsome!" whispered Danni.
"Now, now you two. That's what got you into this situation remember?" said Dr. Gaston from a few tables away.
"Oh were very well aware of how this all happened Dr. Gaston" smiled Danni.
The rest of the meal was eaten is relative quiet, when Danni finished Bill helped her back to the lawn chair where she curled up and within a few minutes was asleep. Linda went to retrieve a blanket and covered her, then moved everyone away from Danni to give her some peace and quiet but still able to kept a watchful eye on her. Danni slept for about two hours and then awoke to find Bill sitting on the edge of the chair her watching her. "Hiya handsome," said Danni as she reached up and pulled him down to her, kissing him deeply on the lips.
"Hiya beautiful," answered Bill as soon as he could catch his breath but never moving his head from hers.
"You know I'm not still mad at you don't you Bill?" asked Danni.
"Yes Dan, I was just wondering..." started Bill but then stopped as a red flush started rising in his face.
"What were you wondering my handsome Blondie?" said Danni as she began to rub her hands up and down Bill's chest.
"Well I know that Jas is so much stronger, and a better leader..."
"Now you just hold it right there William Cranston. Don't you dare compare yourself to Jason! Granted he is probably stronger than both of us, and yes he is a wonderful leader but you have done some amazing things yourself. What about the time when the Power Rangers were turned back into kids and you found a way to reverse the process and then took over leadership of the team. And the time you spent in the Green Berets, I know you can't talk about a lot of it because it's still classified but I know what happened and what you went through Bill. You're a damn good man, and a fine leader on your own. Besides if I'd just wanted someone with muscles and no brains I could've chosen Tommy" said Danni.
"Hey! I heard that Danni!" yelled Tommy from the tables in the Patio area.
"You were meant to Oliver. You're cute and all Tommy but you have to admit a little lacking in the brains department." said Danni and when she heard Katherine's giggles she added "No offense Katherine"
"None taken Danni, and she's got you Tommy, even you admitted it. Who was the one who took her on in sparring match after she had already handily beat Jason." reminded Katherine.
"You fought with mommy, Uncle Tommy?" asked Bryan as he came over to where Katherine and Tommy were sitting.
Everyone had stopped what they were doing and turned to listen when Tommy had yelled his reply to Danni.
"Well sport, you see it was years ago, before any of you rugrats were born and your Mommy said that she didn't spar..."
"I never said that Oliver, I said that at my age I chose IF and WHEN I sparred" replied Danni.
"Come on Bro...help me out here?" said Tommy looked over to Jason; he was nearby playing with the other kids in the grass.
"You're on your own Bro...Remember she beat me too" replied Jason with a smile.
"You beat Dad too Mommy!" said Ian.
"Yes dear, once." said Danni with a smile at the memory; they had all learned a lesson that day although hers a little more painful than Jason's.
"Why don't you fight him now, Auntie Danni?" asked Mark Parks, Adam and Kimberly's son
"Mark!" exclaimed Kimberly.
"It's alright Kim, because I am much older and wiser now Mark. And I know that fighting except for in self-defense is wrong." said Danni with a smile at the young boy.
"Oh, I guess you're right. Mommy says fighting is bad" said Mark with a small pout.
"And she's right too. Besides it wouldn't be good for the new baby." whispered Danni with a smile at the young boy.
"Oh yeah, I forgot about that. No fighting Auntie Danni!"
"Yes, sir!" said Danni as she gave Mark a salute and a smile.
At that everyone went back to what they were doing and Danni once again put her arms around Bill's shoulders and placed their foreheads together.
"You see Bill, each of you were chosen for a reason. You mean more to me than just brains my handsome one, and as soon as we get these new interns settled in I am going to take you somewhere and show you just how much." said Danni with a smile and a quick kiss on the lips.
"But Jas..." started Bill.
"Thinks it's a good idea, he's the one that brought it to my attention that we both have been working at least twelve to eighteen hours a day on this. We need some time alone, together. That is unless you..."
At her hesitation Bill pulled Danni into his arms and gave her a passionate kiss that soon had them both gasping for air. "Don't you even consider it Danielle; you mean the world to me. Without you I don't think I could have possible accomplished everything we just went through."
"Well then it's settled. As soon as the interns get settled in..." started Danni.
"And you're feeling better" added Bill.
"And I'm feeling better. Meet me in the Command Center and we will decide together were to go for our time alone. Deal?"
"You got a deal, sweetheart. And Danni, thank you."
"What for handsome?" asked Danni, she had a feeling she knew she was just wondering if he would say it out loud.
"For being there for me, and restoring my confidence in myself." said Bill with a small kiss on her lips.
"Anytime handsome, anytime!"
The rest of the day was spent playing, eating and socializing until finally around eight o'clock the little ones started falling asleep. Danni had eaten and then taken another nap around four o' clock but was soon beginning to feel tired again. So everyone pitched in a cleaned up, then rounded up their brood and said good night heading for the doors. Jack and Kevin carried Mackenzie and Bryan while Jason helped Danni. Ian and Linda carried all the Cranston-Scott's belongs and soon everyone was safely tucked away in their quarters.