Chapter 64
Sadly, Kyle and Kevin had to return to Connecticut immediately following Nathan's and Tomoeh's wedding, but they would return again come Christmas; Kyle sooner than Kevin unfortunately. While he'd been in Washington, Kevin obtained a few materials such as the cuttlebone and some seashells and Nathan helped him make a centerpiece for a bracelet. It was diamond shaped and in the middle Kevin put a clam shell. When he returned to Connecticut, he obtained the assistance of a jeweler the strengthen the pendant as well as secure it with white gold so there would be a band. Kevin resisted the urge to engrave Amber's bracelet, worried Anna or Levi might see it. So, rather, Kevin wrote his usual letter as well as a love letter than he would hide in the jewelry box so that only she would find it. He sent that bracelet hoping it would arrive in Germany by December and awaited her next letter. He also confirmed with Anna and Levi that he would like to come visit again in June assuming they approved.
Come December, Kyle returned to Washington first following the completion of his school semester and testing. A lot of his work that he did was growing to be extremely hands on with numerous classes in medical science both old, that being science that was since considered worthless such as the study of humors, and new. It would not be the upcoming semester, but the one at that in the fall when they would be studying actual cadavers; a prospect that had sounded enlightening and would remain so, however they were mostly robbed from graves save for a few that the university actually paid for. The skeleton his current teacher had was stolen, though he'd not told a soul about it. He'd apparently obtained it ten years prior thanks to the assistance of some rather generously paid hooligans. To which, upon learning that story, Nathan answered, 'Well, shit, that's not so hard'. Jacob gave Nathan a firm bite for the comment and they all continued with patrol that night. That following morning when Nathan returned from patrol, Tomoeh was up rather early and already making him breakfast.
"What are you doing up so early?" Nathan smiled as he walked into the house. Then he looked around, noticing there was no other footsteps. "And where's Roxanne?" Just then, Roxanne let herself into the house with a half-eaten bird in her mouth. Nathan hurried to put a blanket on the floor and Roxanne laid on it to finish eating her bird.
"I have good news and wanted to make you breakfast," Tomoeh smiled regarding his original question.
"Are you saying spring has sprung?" Nathan asked with a smile.
"Well, thanks for ruining the surprise," Tomoeh giggled and pouted. "Yes, spring has sprung."
"When did you find out?"
"I've suspected the last few days and I was planning to see your mom about it this morning, but I got really sick this morning and just put two and two together. I'll still go see Renesmee but I think it's pretty certain."
"Mom will be happy to hear it," Nathan smiled. "So if my math's right, we can expect Spring in Summer?" he continued the joke.
"Yes, but its name won't be spring," Tomoeh smiled.
"No," Nathan agreed. As they spoke, he ran upstairs to get dressed and returned downstairs. "Do you think it's a boy or a girl?"
"I don't know," Tomoeh giggled. "We'll just have to wait and see. We'll have to think of names for both. Any thoughts?"
"Um," Nathan said, trying to think rather on the spot. "I don't really know. I haven't had a chance to think about this."
"Well, daddy's already named every son he has after him in one fashion or another."
"I don't know if I can stand another T," Nathan chuckled.
"Okay, nothing with a T," Tomoeh said. "Any other ideas?"
"I'll have to think about it and get back to you," Nathan said. "Maybe I'll go to my grandparents' house and rummage through their books for some names."
"Why don't you hold off until I talk to your mom and we'll go together?"
"Alright," Nathan agreed. When they ate breakfast, Nathan and Tomoeh walked down the hill to his parents' house where Renesmee was already getting things set up with Kyle helping her. Tomoeh had a standard examination and Renesmee confirmed she was in fact pregnant. "So are you excited mom?" Nathan asked.
"Sure I am," Renesmee smiled. "It's my first grandchild. Have you been feeling alright since this morning?"
"Much better," Tomoeh smiled.
"Good. You'll likely experience that a lot the first few months. I'll want to give you checkups regularly, so be sure to come see me every two weeks and I'll monitor the baby. Just remember to eat healthy and try not to exert yourself too much, especially in later months. Although, it's best to still move around."
"Don't worry, I will," Tomoeh smiled. "Nathan and I were going to walk up to his grandparents' house to look through their books and find some good names."
"That will be nice," Renesmee smiled. "It'll give you two some good ideas. Although, Nathan, if it's a boy, you could always name the baby Edward Jacob."
"No," Tomoeh shook her head and Nathan chuckled.
"I guess that's a no," Nathan said. "Don't worry, mom, we'll come up with something. We've got nine months to do it."
"That's true," Renesmee smiled. "You two go on ahead. I'll make sure word about the pregnancy spreads."
"There isn't going to be an announcement?" Tomoeh asked.
"Not for us, no," Nathan smiled. "That'll be for when Kevin has his first kid."
"So it'll be a while," Kyle mumbled while he was working on something. "What about Heath for a boy?" Kyle asked.
"Heath?" Tomoeh said.
"It's a flower," Nathan said. "It's where the name Heathcliff comes from actually."
"I'm not familiar with Heathcliff," Tomoeh sighed. "Although, Heath is a nice name. I'd like to see the flower, though." Unexpectedly, Renesmee brought her hand to Tomoeh's and showed her heath flowers. She seemed a little unimpressed. "They're so feminine."
"Most flowers are, dear," Renesmee giggled. "I'm sure you'll find names that you like. Just be patient and go through a few sources until something sounds right?"
"How did you decide on your children's names?" Tomoeh asked.
"I just liked them," Renesmee said. "Sometimes, you just know when a name fits and for some, that's all you need. Just now, when I suggested Edward Jacob, you instantly shot it down either because you didn't like it or it wasn't right. When you see the right name, you'll know."
"Thank you for the suggestions," Tomoeh smiled. Then she hoped down from the little bed and looked at Nathan. "Let's get up to your grandparents' house."
Nathan smiled and they left Renesmee's home and made the long walk up to the Cullen House. Normally, if Nathan ran, such a trip took him no time, but on foot it unfortunately took a few hours. Once they made it up the large hill and to the Cullen house, they walked in and said hello to everyone before going to the library they had to look through some books for names. While Tomoeh's reading wasn't quite so advanced as Nathan's, she did have basic reading skills. So the two just grabbed books off the shelves and started skimming through. Nathan did, however, specifically request any Jane Austen novels be overlooked. Upon asking why, Nathan just explained they were loaded with very common English names like Anne, Robert, Edward, Margaret, Elizabeth and so on and he wasn't crazy about those names. Tomoeh decided she wasn't either.
Tomoeh was a little taken aback by how excited Alice and Rosalie were. Alice was already talking about making dresses hoping they'd have a girl and Rosalie was talking about getting a hold of a camera so they could all take an update family photo now that one of the kids was having a kid. They'd even offered to help look for names and, seeing how excited they were, Tomoeh didn't have the heart to decline. Going on a hunch, Nathan pulled out a book on botany and just started looking through. A number of the names of flowers were too long, though. He happened upon Heath again and suggested it to Tomoeh, having started to like it a little. Tomoeh just said they'd think about it and they kept reading. Alice and Rosalie tossed out name after name, but nothing sounded good to them. They even brought out the Greek and Roman tragedies and started reading off character names.
Nathan had more luck when he got to a section on trees and herbs. Tomoeh noticed Thyme and hated it first when she read how to was spelled. But Nathan let her know how it's supposed to be pronounced and she found she liked it quite a bit more. She also liked Sage and she fell in love with Tarragon. If they were to go that route, though, Nathan preferred Sage. They agreed to talk about it and keep both names in mind. While Nathan looked through the book, he also happened upon the name Willow. He suggested it and showed the picture from the book to Tomoeh. She was very happy with that name and they kept it in mind. Nathan looked at titles of books and found a few with colors in them. He came across The Scarlet Letter. Then he happened upon The Scarlet Pimpernel.
"What about Scarlet?" Nathan asked Tomoeh. "It's another way to say red. There's Crimson too."
"Scarlet's pretty," Tomoeh said. "Oh! Scarlet Willow for a girl."
"Scarlet Willow," Nathan said to himself and smiled. "I like it. If we have a boy, we can name him Crimson Ash. It's another tree."
"So either way, our child's name is red tree?" Tomoeh giggled. "I like it."
"I do too," Nathan smiled.
"Well," Rosalie said, a little speechless. "That's certainly different."
"That's the point," Nathan smiled. "Did you want to keep looking for more names or are we decided?"
"We're decided," Tomoeh smiled. "Crimson Ash or Scarlet Willow. They're both so pretty."
"Depending on how many we have, we can start a theme. Most of Embry's brothers and sisters have names with ae in them. Not all, but more of them. Maybe our theme can be a color and plant."
"I guess just do so…discerningly," Alice said. "Crimson and Scarlet work, but something like Purple Lilac might be stretching it."
"I don't like that," Tomoeh said.
"There is a deeper color red called Mahogany," Nathan said.
"I prefer Crimson and Scarlet," Tomoeh said.
Having the names chosen, they remained at the Cullen house a little longer talking to relatives before making the walk back to the tribe together. By the time they arrived back, knowledge of the new pregnancy had become common knowledge and everyone offered their congratulations to the new couple and, after given permission, rubbing Tomoeh's belly for luck and good wishes on the baby. It was also announced the following day that Rae and Toroeh were also expecting their first child. So Renesmee and Caevia both looked forward to the joys of their first grandchild. However, this did mean that Rae and Toroeh could not remain among the tribe and had to return home. The Makka, much like the Quileute, believed in the necessity of a child being born within the home. Embry and Jacob assisted Toroeh and Rae back to the Makka tribe and Embry promised he would visit regularly so as to ensure he and Caevia could be with Rae when the baby came. It was then that they also announced to Tokoruchei and his wife that Nathan and Tomoeh were also expecting their first child and promised to make them aware the moment she was to give birth, no matter the hour.
The news of both pregnancies reached Kyle and Kevin their next time with the pack the following days. Upon returning, the two began their usual routine in getting ready for work or school and as they were enjoying their breakfast and coffee, they discussed the matter further.
"Both kids are expected around summer," Kyle said.
"I know," Kevin said.
"Were you still planning to go to Germany or do you plan to come home?"
"I think I can manage both," Kevin said. "They're both due in June, so I'll arrange for the month of July to be the month I go to Germany and when the babies are born, I'll rush home to meet them before getting back to Connecticut. I think it'll work out well."
"Sounds like a decent plan," Kyle said. "When are you sending her parents a letter letting them know you're coming in July?"
"I'll send it in January," Kevin answered. "Don't worry, Kyle, I'll be home for Nathan's kid's birth and I'll go to Germany. I'll make it happen."
"Alright," Kyle said. "Have you heard from Amber about that bracelet you'd sent?"
"No," Kevin said, but he smiled. "I look forward to it, though. I know she'll love it."
Back in Germany, Amber returned from school and waved goodbye to her friends before stepping into the shop. Her mother welcomed her home and asked her to grab a few new candles from the back to restock the shelves. Amber went back to the house and grabbed some candles, but as she was walking back, she noticed a package. She looked at it and saw it was from Kevin and smiled eagerly. She went up from to put away the candles and returned into the house to open her package. Anna stepped inside with her a moment.
"So what did you send you?" Anna asked curiously.
"I have to open it before I know," Amber smiled and cut open the package to reveal a letter and a box. She opened the box and saw the bracelet Kevin made for her. She felt as though she was lost of breath. It was so beautiful. The shells pressed into the carved cuttlebone and the ringlets of white gold made it unique and she knew instantly he'd made it himself. She also knew exactly what that made this bracelet. Her assumption was confirmed when she noticed there was a small opening beneath the box where she saw a wad of paper, but she didn't draw attention to it. She knew it was strictly personal.
"Oh my God, it's beautiful," Anna praised and gently took the bracelet out of its box to look at it. "I assume it's this year's Christmas present?"
"Yes," Amber hurried to agree. "It is getting to be that time of year."
"I would love for him to spend Hanukkah with us," Anna said. "It might be nice for him to experience something so different."
"I'll try to convince him to come for Hanukkah one year," Amber affirmed. "Mom, do you mind if I go upstairs and ready my letter?"
"Go right ahead, dear, but when you're done, do me a favor and carve out 10 more rose soaps. We're down to two left."
"I will. I'm glad to see they sold so well this week," Amber said. "I'll have ten done by the end of the night."
"Thank you, Amber," Anna said and kissed Amber on the cheek and handed her back the bracelet before returning to the shop, closing the door to the house behind her.
Finally alone, Amber took the bracelet and placed it on her left wrist like Kevin had said before that it was supposed to go. Once it was secure, she went upstairs and closed the door to her room so she was alone. She started with Kevin's unconcealed letter which spoke of his trip back from Germany and how he couldn't wait to come back again next summer. He promised he'd write again soon once he received her letter and also promised he'd specify what month in summer he'd return to ask when would be best for her. After reading that letter, she went to the letter she really wanted to read. She pulled up the corner of the box where the velvet was loose and revealed a concealed note that she pulled out. It was only one page, but it was another love letter written, as always, in French.
Amber,
I've made you this bracelet in hopes that it can be a promise to you. In my tribe, such a bracelet is given to a woman in hopes that she will agree to marry the man that offers it. I know we can't go forward with such plans now, but I still want to offer you my promise that, one day, I will go to your father with my head held high and chest out and ask for his permission to marry you.
I love you, Amber, with all my heart. Every day that we are apart is a day made harder by your absence. Yet knowledge that I will see you again always helps push me forward day after day. I look forward to when we see each other again and, when we are alone with no prying eyes upon us, I can kiss you and hold you tight and tell you how much I love you.
Until I see you again my dearest, my heart, my soul, the love of my life.
With All My Love,
Kevin
Amber sighed and read the note a few more times. Her only reason for sadness was that Kevin had not given her the bracelet in person. However, she was happy to receive the gift, all the more knowing what it's meaning entailed. She gave the letter a kiss and placed it in the envelope with the other letter before taking it to her little purple box to rest with the remainder of her letters he'd sent. She wanted desperately to write her letter now, however she returned downstairs to work on the soap roses her mother had requested. She would write her reply as soon as she had completed those.
Kyle returned home that following December sooner than Kevin. By then, Tomoeh was showing a little, but she went about her day as if she felt no discomfort at all. Kyle joined Embry and the remainder of the family one day to visit Rae, who was in much the same condition. She and Toroeh had, sadly, not come to such a swift conclusion of a name however. Kevin finally arrived the week of Christmas, running back home right after his last day of work for the year. Jae took Natalie and Sharisa to the Makka tribe Christmas Eve to, once again, visit Rae and see how she was doing. It was strange for the triplets. It was the first time in their whole lives the three of them had been separated this way. Sharisa was sad to be without her sister and Jae found he missed her terribly as well. Seeing her only one season a year simply would not be tolerated and Jae and Sharisa promised they would visit far more often than that. Rae was delighted with that. While she was happy with Toroeh and his family, she found she missed her brother and sister as well as all the others.
Jae, Sharisa and Natalie returned to the tribe by the end of the day. Natalie and Jae joined the pack for the night, Kyle and Kevin included, and were ready for Christmas at the Cullen house the following day. Travis preferred to spend the day with his family at the Hou tribe but had promised to be back for Christmas dinner. The family eagerly asked Kyle and Kevin over dinner how life was for them in the East Coast. They asked Kevin of his job and how things were as well as how Alfonse was doing, and they asked Kyle about school. Carlisle eagerly listened as Kyle spoke about his instructors, his classes and all the new medical techniques that he was being taught and was intrigued by what practices and studies were now considered obsolete. It was a welcomed time with the family that Kevin and Kyle both missed a lot. Kevin began to tease Kyle to graduate from school sooner so they could all finally come back home. Although, really, Kevin coming home would have to be coordinated with his future business partner. After Christmas, Kevin had to return east for work as well as to attend the 'mandatory' New Year's party the Law Firm was hosting. Business had boomed that year and Mr. Huntington had decided to throw a party for all the firm's clients, lawyers, and their families. When Kevin returned east, he didn't have much in the way of time to prepare for the event. He had to buy a tuxedo last minute and he had no one to bring. In a perfect world, he would take Amber, but sadly it appeared he would be going alone.
"Is Ana going?" Kevin asked Alphonse the day of the event, standing beside his desk in his office.
"No," Alphonse answered bluntly. "I'd like to enjoy myself."
"Fair enough," Kevin chuckled. "I suppose I can be your date."
"I'd be the happiest princess at the ball," Alphonse joked and the two laughed. "I suppose we can just meet there."
"That seems reasonable," Kevin answered. "Are you looking forward to the party?"
"Absolutely," Alphonse said. "It'll be the first party I'll have attended that wasn't thrown by my mother or a relative."
"That's not fair," Kevin smiled. "You can with when our classmates took me out for drinks when my brother was accepted to Yale."
"I suppose that's true," Alphonse smiled. "It's a shame I can't bring Anastasia."
"Yes, she might make a better date than me," Kevin joked.
"That's true. At least she'd dance with me," Alphonse continued. "Also, Kevin, I've been thinking we need to get an assistant. Everyone else in the office seems to have one but we don't."
"I wasn't aware we had a need for one," Kevin said. "Lord knows I'm the one that takes calls and sets appointments. Hell, I should be paid my usual salary plus that assistant's salary."
"Yes, and when you're gone, that responsibility falls on me and I'm none too pleased to be so inconvenienced."
Kevin laughed, "Inconvenienced, you say?"
"Yes, inconvenienced. I didn't attend university for 10 years to be a damn secretary. I've already put an ad out and we've already started receiving resumes."
"And you would like me to conduct the interviews?" Kevin asked knowingly.
Alphonse smiled, "If you would be so kind. I'm not great with new people. You, on the other hand, are very good with people. I imagine anyone we hire will also do well to deal mostly with you. I imagine you'll bring out the best in them while I'd bring out the worst."
"And Mr. Huntington approved for us to hire an assistant?"
"Yes, after I begged," Alphonse chuckled. "I can give you the resumes I have now. I put the cutoff date to apply as being January first."
"I can't imagine we'll get more by tomorrow," Kevin said. "But then, you never know. I'll review all the resumes when we return to work Monday."
"Sounds good," Alphonse said.
Later that night, Kevin and Alphonse met at the large banquet hall where the party was held. Appetizers were being served as were water and some 'unseemly' beverages that the authorities were kind enough to turn a blind eye to. The crowd was baffling with people Kevin recognized as either current clients, clients he'd had before, people he'd seen at the office before and people he'd never met a day in his life. Of course, he still went around the room speaking with people. Alphonse joined when it was to his liking to do so. Eventually, Kevin and Alphonse happened upon Mr. Huntington who, upon seeing Kevin, waved him over immediately. Kevin and Alphonse walked over to the group Mr. Huntington was speaking with. There was a man with him, roughly Mr. Huntington's age, and a woman that Kevin assumed to be the man's wife. Mrs. Huntington was also by Mr. Huntington's side.
"Kevin, there you are. I've been searching for you all night. Darling, this is the red I'd told you about. You remember of course." Kevin smiled at Mrs. Huntington despite her husband's less than polite introduction.
"Naturally, my dear," Mrs. Huntington answered. "My name is Helen."
"It's a pleasure to meet you Mrs. Huntington," Kevin smiled back, taking her hand and kissing it politely. Mrs. Huntington smiled brightly and even blushed just a little.
"I've heard quite a lot about you, Mr. Black. My husband tells me you're a war hero with a medal and all."
"I'm pleased to know your husband speaks so highly of me, Mrs. Huntington," Kevin said.
"Helen, please," she said. "And my husband says nothing but good things about you."
"Evening, Mr. Black," the other man said, extending his hand which Kevin accepted. "I'm Roger Hamilton. I'm a good friend of ol' Geoff here. This is my wife Katherine."
"It's a pleasure to meet you," Katherine smiled. "You are a Sergeant are you not?"
"Yes ma'am, I reached the rank of sergeant and won a Medal of Honor by 15."
"My God, you're quite the hero," Katherine smiled. "I never thought an Indian could be capable of such a thing."
"I assure, Mrs. Hamilton, we're capable of that and more," Kevin smiled proudly. "In fact, my younger brother is studying medicine at Yale."
"My goodness," Katherine answered, impressed. "Did he fight in the Great War as well?"
"No, just me, a good friend, and a cousin. That friend and I lied about our age to join the army."
"A noble thing to serve one's country and going to any length to do so," Mr. Hamilton praised.
"You'll have been working for my husband how long now? Two years?" Mrs. Huntington asked.
"Two years in the summer," Kevin smiled. "Your husband is a most generous employer."
"I would certainly say so," Mrs. Huntington said implicitly.
"Please, Sergeant, do tell us more about yourself," Mrs. Hamilton said. "My husband bores me enough with his legal talk and I'll not tolerate it from you when you've clearly got more interesting stories to tell. I can't say I've personally met a veteran of the Great War. Was it dreadful? I hear such terrible things."
Kevin smiled politely, "It was a frightening time in my life. I joined the war so my cousin wouldn't be alone, but also so I could map out a path for myself. Of course, my intentions don't make the journey any less horrifying."
"Oh, I can imagine," Mrs. Huntington said.
"What a miracle you've not lost a limb or your mind," Mrs. Hamilton said.
"I can't guarantee I haven't lost a little of my mind," Kevin joked. "Though I'm proud to say all my limbs remain intact. That in itself is a miracle. When I saw a grenade I would catch it and throw it back at the Germans."
"Good Lord," Mr. Hamilton said. "Geoff, you did not tell me the boy had done such a thing. One thing is certain: if you're not a hero, you're most definitely a fool."
"My commanding officer used to say something to that effect," Kevin smiled. "I still keep in touch with Henry in fact. Or Sergeant Stanley I should say. He was like a second father to me while I was at the front."
"To have such kinship and comradery," Mrs. Hamilton smiled. "Surely your race caused problems for you. Why, even blacks aren't permitted to fight."
"Darling," Mr. Hamilton said. "Blacks can fight, they're just properly segregated."
"Oh, yes, you're right," Mrs. Hamilton smiled. "All the same, I can't imagine you were treated well."
"I had to prove myself more so than most," Kevin agreed. "I remember when my friend and I signed up. The man that was enlisting the men argued that Embry, that's my friend, would make an excellent 'meat shield'. He didn't appreciate that."
"One must know their purpose in a group," Mr. Huntington said.
"Embry was a great soldier, just as I was," Kevin defended while trying to keep his composure. "He's braver than most people I know and he followed me through hell and back. Quite literally. He's just as much a hero as I."
"You're certainly right," Mrs. Huntington spoke up. "Oh, how relieved I am that our son was too young. Our Charles was just 12 at the time. In fact, I dare say he's your age is he not?"
"He's a year Mr. Black's junior," Mr. Huntington corrected.
"Ah, yes, that's right. Our dear boy attends Harvard."
"Why not Yale?" Kevin asked with a smile.
"Well, my husband attended Harvard, so it was appropriate," Mrs. Huntington said. "Though I hear Yale is a most adequate school of higher education."
"The finest school in the country, dear Helen," Kevin said and Mrs. Huntington smiled.
"I told you all," Mr. Huntington said. "He's a charmer."
"Indeed he is," Mrs. Hamilton said. "I notice you have no ring, Sergeant. Am I to understand a fine young man like yourself isn't married?"
"Oh, nonsense," Mrs. Huntington said. "Surely he forgot to wear his ring. You had best be careful not to be so careless, young Sergeant. Why, where is your wife?"
"I fear Mrs. Hamilton is correct. I'm not married."
"Good heavens, how is such a thing possible?" Mrs. Huntington asked, alarmed. "The way my husband speaks of you, I would think there were no shortage of young ladies that would want nothing more than to marry you."
"If there are, I take no notice," Kevin said. "You see, when I was in France for the war, I met a young woman. A Miss Amber Dymek. Her mother, sadly, passed away during the war and she went to live with relatives in Germany. I fear I've been spoken for since the end of the war."
"Surely that is not fair, dear Sergeant," Mrs. Hamilton said. "To be so far away and for you to still love her so. Why, she must be an angel."
"She's far more," Kevin said. "I hope to one day bring her to America."
"The sooner the better!" Mrs. Huntington said. "I simply must meet the young lady that's won your heart. It's a shame. My husband and I have a daughter about your age."
"I've no doubt she's the most beautiful young woman to grace the streets of Connecticut. Though I'm afraid she could be so beautiful as Queen Cleopatra and I would still love Amber."
"You had best be careful, Kevin," Alphonse said, trying to joke. "It's enough my wife adores you more than me."
"Indeed," Mrs. Huntington said. "Oh, darling, you simply must take notes from the Sergeant. Were you so charming, I'd fall in love all over again."
"You do not love me already?" Mr. Huntington pouted just a bit.
"Oh, dearest, don't be absurd. I only mean I wish you to be just a little more romantic. Why, Sergeant, I bet you write her love letters don't you."
"I've been known to write her a few," Kevin smiled.
"Oh, do tell me you're poetic," Mrs. Huntington said. "I'll wager you write to rival Shakespeare."
"You flatter me, Helen," Kevin smiled, "but I'm not so talented a writer. I only write what's on my mind."
"See, darling? I would love for you to write me a love letter."
"I would think your weekly allowance a decent love letter," Mr. Huntington said.
"Perhaps you could write how much you love me next you provide that," Mrs. Huntington protested. "Those dollars say nothing of love on their pages."
"If you say so, darling," Mr. Huntington said.
"Oh, and Sergeant," Mrs. Huntington said. "I also hear you're a prince of sorts."
"I suppose that's one way to think of it," Kevin said. "Though my title is not so lofty. My father is the Chief apparent. I'm merely his son and future Chief apparent. My grandfather is still chief of the tribe."
"But your tribe does follow a monarchy structure?" Mr. Hamilton asked.
"More or less. My grandpa has final say in all decisions regarding the tribe and his position is passed down from father to son."
"Well, that's very exciting," Mrs. Hamilton said. "Were your parents proud when you returned home a Sergeant with a medal?"
"They were very proud," Kevin smiled. "Prouder still when I'd earned a spot at Yale."
"Oh, to be expected," Mrs. Huntington said.
"Darling," Mr. Huntington said after glancing across the room. "Over there is Mr. Taft. He's the gentleman I told you about that the Firm had defended against his former business partner over fraud."
"Geoffrey, if you told me, I'm quite sure I forgot," Mrs. Huntington said. "But regardless, what of him?"
"We need to say hello to him," Mr. Huntington replied. "The commission off his lawsuit bought you that lovely fur coat you're currently wearing."
"Oh!" Mrs. Huntington's eyes sparkled. "Well, in that case, please. We must say hello. And dear Sergeant, you had best make yourself easy for me to find. I suspect I will want to speak to you again before the night is over."
"I look forward to our next chat, Helen." Both couples walked away to go say hello to Mr. Taft leaving Kevin alone with Alphonse once again.
"Defaulting to poor Amber again," Alphonse chuckled. "The way you speak of her, you may have to actually marry her one day."
"She's grown up quite a bit since we first met. You never know," Kevin said bluntly. "I had not realized it bothered you that your wife liked me."
"Of course not," Alphonse laughed almost condescendingly. "If anything, I pity you to have her affections."
"So long as I'm not married to her," Kevin answered and Alphonse grimaced.
"Count your blessings," Alphonse said. "Have you heard from your family?"
"Yes, I have. Nathan and Tomoeh are already expecting a baby."
"Congratulations," Alphonse said. "Are you looking forward to being an Uncle?"
"I'm sure it'll be more exciting when the baby's born. I'm told if it's a boy it'll be Crimson Ash and if it's a girl, it'll be Scarlet Willow." Alphonse was quiet and when Kevin looked at him, he appeared almost horrified.
"They're really planning to name their children that?"
"I don't see what's wrong with it. I think it's cute."
"It's strange," Alphonse said.
"Well, not everyone can be named Alphonse or Anastasia," Kevin joked.
"They're not the only respectable names out there," Alphonse said. "Though I suppose a 'traditional' name would be more to their preference. That's what this is I assume?"
"I suppose it could be," Kevin shrugged. "Nathan picked them because he liked them and Tomoeh agreed. As far as I'm aware, the two of them just looked through books until they came up with something they liked."
"Interesting," Alphonse said. "So how is Anastasia doing?" Kevin asked. "She turned two this year didn't she?"
"Yes, she did," Alphonse finally smiled. "She's getting so big."
"She hasn't been to work in a while," Kevin said, earning a chuckle from Alphonse. "Is everything okay?"
"She's upstate with her mother visiting my parents in the Hamptons. Her parents came in from France, so she's just visiting. They'll be back in January."
"Why didn't you go with?"
"Because I have work," Alphonse said. "Besides, I'm not much in the mood for visiting this year. And the idea of being stuck in a car with Ana for five hours makes my skin crawl."
"It's up to you," Kevin said. "How has Ana been out of curiosity?"
"Same as she always is," Alphonse said. "She's still upset with me because she said Papa instead of Mama first."
"It suits the kid to learn how to address her boss," Kevin joked. "Wasn't that back in February?"
"Ana holds a grudge. What can I say? It's a good thing she learned Mama before Diane's name otherwise the poor woman would be fired and on the streets."
"Seeing as you're the one that signs her checks, I'm not sure that's for Ana to call. Did Diane go with them?"
"Of course," Alphonse said. "Ana's not capable of looking after Anastasia without Diane." Kevin was quiet and stared at Alphonse a moment.
"Is everything alright? You're being harder on her than usual."
"She's demanding we move to New York," Alphonse said after a brief silence. "I told her the answer's no and she's been a harpy ever since. More so than is typical for her nature at least."
"I assume she doesn't know we're starting a business in Washington?"
"No," Alphonse answered. "She'll not know until the last minute quite frankly. If I had my way, Anastasia would be coming with me, Diane would come as her nanny and everyone could be happy."
"Ana would never go for that," Kevin said.
"The root of the problem with my plan," Alphonse said. "Let's talk about something else."
"Alright," Kevin said. "I grabbed those resumes like you asked. I'll look at them over the weekend."
"Okay, good," Alphonse said. "I haven't really looked at them."
"That's what I'm for," Kevin said. "I'd actually been under the impression Anastasia was our assistant and was paid a salary of candy."
"She's my executive assistant," Alphonse corrected with a chuckle. "She has other things to do that don't involve such menial tasks."
"You're right, I'm sorry," Kevin smiled. "I can't promise any of these applicants will agree to work for candy."
"They will if they want the job badly enough."
Kevin and Alphonse remained at the party well into the early morning following the collective countdown to the New Year. They said their goodbyes eventually and agreed they'd see one another at work. Kevin returned home to an empty house. He heard Mrs. Croft upstairs with a group of friends and family, so Kevin walked upstairs to say hello. The person that opened the door was a slightly older man he'd never met before.
"Good morning," Kevin joked with a smile. "You wouldn't happen to be Mr. Croft would you?"
"Yes, that's me," Mr. Croft smiled. "My wife says you think I'm a ghost."
"I'm left to make no other assumption. I hear you make noise sometimes, but I never see you."
"Yes, I do have a rather ghostly presence that she tells me drives her a little crazy. We've already counted down obviously, but would you like to come in? My wife pointed you out to me on graduation day but I didn't get to meet you."
"Thank you, I'd love to," Kevin said and walked into the loft. Mrs. Croft greeting him with kisses on his cheeks. Lillian was already long sent to bed, but Mr. and Mrs. Croft and their friends were still awake and happy to socialize.
Kevin found out that, since graduating, Mr. Croft had continued his work at the church full time and was working to become a parishioner and even acted as a bookkeeper for the church. Sadly, his time that had freed up from no longer attending University was immediately filled up by work at the church. Kevin made the comment that he must love his job to which Mr. Croft answered that it was 'his calling'. Kevin inevitably did return downstairs and went right to bed, exhausted. He woke up nearing noon the following day and made himself coffee before he got to work on the resumes. There were at least forty applicants, but Kevin looked through each resume thoroughly. Alphonse had given him the add that had been run so Kevin would have a point of reference and immediately disregarded all that didn't meet minimum requirements. He located all the resumes that stuck out to him, reducing the number of applicants to ten. One in particular stood out to him: a young woman who listed one of her unique qualifications as being fluent in German. She met all the other credentials as well which, being that she was a woman, impressed Kevin all the more. After weighing the pros and cons of the applicants he had left, he reduced that final pile to three, including the woman that had applied. That Monday when he returned to work, Kevin called each applicant and scheduled them each for a day and time to meet with him. Kevin had wanted to get them all done in one day, but one of the applicants needed to wait until the following day.
"How did you like the resumes?" Alphonse asked later in the afternoon.
"Save for a few that were under qualified, they were good. One of them speaks German."
"Yes, I remember seeing one like that. It's the only reason her resume stayed."
"I thought you said you hadn't had a chance to look through them."
"I didn't, but I'd glanced at them whenever they were handed to me. I'd seen that one for a young woman and had planned to discard it, but I noticed she spoke German so I thought we might humor her."
"Well, she's scheduled for Wednesday for an interview, so I plan to humor her."
"Do you recall her name?"
"Olga Von Buren," Kevin said. "She's very well educated I must say. I look forward to speaking with her."
"I'm sure she's a doll," Alphonse said.
"Are you alright?"
"Ana hasn't come back yet. I plan to call mother later to tell Andrew to get that woman home. Or at least Diane and Anastasia. If Ana wants to stay in New York, that's fine, but she's not staying there with my daughter."
"Did you speak to them during our time off?"
"I spoke with mother briefly and she said today was Ana's parents' last day in New York. Apparently, they're returning by boat to France tomorrow."
"That's probably why she hasn't come home yet," Kevin said. "Grandparents like seeing their grandkids I hear."
"I just wouldn't put it past her to dilly dally," Alphonse said. "Sweet Jesus, what if she decided last minute she wants to take Anastasia to France for a 'visit'?"
"Wouldn't your mother have mentioned that?"
"I would like to think so, but seeing as mother loves Ana so damned much, I don't doubt she'd keep her mouth shut for Ana's sake." Alphonse grabbed the phone and began dialing. "Do you mind?"
"I'll leave you be," Kevin said and walked out of the office to return to his own.
As suspected, Alphonse overreacted. Ana was due to arrive back in Connecticut on Wednesday with Diane and Anastasia. The Lady Heidelberg affirmed this until both she and Alphonse were blue in the face. The following day, Ana made her way back to Connecticut with their daughter and Diane as promised. The following day was when Kevin started interviewing the remaining applicants. All of them either had previous experience in a law firm or had a minor education in law to some degree but were not lawyers. Only one was from a completely different field, bookkeeping, but he had good credentials. He told each of them he had one more applicant to meet with and they could all expect notification from him by the end of the week. The following day, Kevin's last applicant stepped into his office; a young woman with brown hair, pale skin and green eyes. Short as could be, but she was very nicely dressed and smiled pleasantly as she stepped into Kevin's office and offered him her hand. Kevin stood from his desk and accepted.
"You're Mr. Black, right?" the young woman asked in a very light German accent.
"Yes, Kevin Black. You must be Olga Van Buren?"
"Yes, sir," she smiled. "I was so happy when you called and scheduled me for an interview."
"Well, take a seat there and we'll get started," Kevin smiled and motioned for her to sit in the chair across from his desk. Olga sat down, sat up straight and had her copy of her resume on her lap and ready. "So, Ms. Van Buren," Kevin started and glanced over her resume again. "One thing that caught my attention is you speak German?"
"Yes, sir," Olga nodded. "I was born in Linz, Austria. We came to America in 1914 after the Archduke was assassinated. My mother was scared my brother would be enlisted, so we came to America to avoid the war. My parents did what they could to ensure my brother and I had the best education possible when we got here and I was able to study business at the University."
"I saw that," Kevin smiled. "So you would have been…9 when the war started, am I right?"
"Correct," Olga nodded. "My brother Hans was 18 at the time."
"I see," Kevin said. "He didn't have to fight when America joined the war?"
"We were not citizens at the time, so no," Olga said. "I obtained my citizenship while I was in school."
"Herzliche Glückwünsche, Frauline Van Buren," (Congratulations) Kevin smiled and Olga's smiled brightened even more.
"Sprichst Deutsch?" (You speak German?)
"Fließend," (fluently) Kevin affirmed. "I also speak French and Quileute fluently."
"Quileute? I'm afraid I'm not familiar with that language."
"It's a Native American language from a tribe far out west in Washington. My father is Quileute and my mother is white. My mother's family ensured myself and my siblings were well educated and after the war, I developed an interest in learning German. The Baronet Heidelberg that put out the ad for the position is originally from Austria as well and he taught me German."
"You fought in the war?" Olga asked.
"Yes, ma'am. Earned a Medal of Honor and rose to the rank of Sergeant. That time in France is the reason I'm here today."
"That's incredible," Olga smiled. "I feel a little silly bringing up our family running away to America."
"Don't," Kevin smiled back. "Given the outcome, your parents did the right thing in my opinion. So, anyway, back to your credentials. According to your resume, you've just graduated from school?"
"Yes, sir," Olga nodded. "I graduated with a 4.0 GPA and I also have a minor in mathematics."
"And have you had any prior work experience?"
"Only volunteer work," Olga said. "I assisted the school's nurse with secretarial duties during my time and those credits applied to my degree."
"So you do have clerical experience?"
"Yes, sir," Olga nodded. He noticed she had her hands cupped in her lap. She was smiling confidently, but her hand movement betrayed that she was very nervous.
"What made you decide this was the position for you?" Kevin asked.
"Well, I have experience working with people both from school and my time helping the nurse that I had mentioned. I also have a great knowledge of business and I have had classes reviewing legal proceedings with regard to businesses, such as disputes of ownership."
"You don't have any former legal training however?" Kevin asked.
"No, sir," Olga answered, losing her smile just a little. "However, I am a fast learner and I will be able to handle anything the job entails."
"I've no doubt, Miss Van Buren," Kevin smiled. "Well, now that I've had a chance to speak to all the applicants, I'll review my notes and see who I'll bring in for a second interview. You'll hear from me either way, alright?"
"Yes sir," Olga nodded, appearing slightly dejected. The interview had felt rather short to her. She stood from her chair, but didn't walk away. "Might I speak freely, Mr. Black?"
"Of course," Kevin said, standing from his desk preparing to walk her out.
"I realize I'm not as….let's say 'experienced' as some of the other applicants and I realize it's not conventional to hire a woman to this position, but I promise you that I'm a harder worker than anyone else you've interviewed. If you give me a chance to prove that, I promise you won't be disappointed or regret your choice Mr. Black."
Kevin smiled realizing he liked Olga just a little more now. "I promise, Miss Van Buren, your being a woman will not affect my decision. I know what it's like to fight an uphill battle like that. I've been doing that since I'd joined the army at 13. I selected you and three others out of a pile of forty applicants. So you rest assured: the only way you'd not get this job would have only to do with whether or not someone was more qualified."
Olga blushed a little and looked like she was nervous. "I'm sorry, I meant no disrespect, Mr. Black."
"Not at all," Kevin said. "I'll be reviewing my notes for everyone. How about this? I should really consider holding second interviews, so why don't you come in again tomorrow. Same time?"
"Yes," Olga said, her bright smile returning. "I can be here again tomorrow."
"Excellent. Be prepared with some questions if you have any and think about a salary that you wish to argue for. If there's one thing we appreciate here, it's a command of rhetoric and persuasiveness."
"Absolutely. Thank you, Mr. Black," she said again and offered her hand which Kevin accepted and shook.
"Thank you, Miss Van Buren. I look forward to seeing you again tomorrow." After saying their goodbyes, Kevin walked Olga out and returned to his desk only to have Alphonse walk into his office.
"That was the last of them?" Alphonse asked.
"Yeah, she was the last. I asked her to come in again tomorrow for a second interview. I think I'll talk to that Maverick gentleman again too."
"Why bother? Either they made an impression or they didn't."
"I would think they'll want to negotiate a wage," Kevin said. "Besides, it'll give me an opportunity to get to know them better and see who's a better fit customer service speaking."
"You talk to customers and schedule their appointments with us. What's so hard about that?"
Kevin chuckled. "I'm relieved you left this to me," Kevin said and picked up his phone to call the other man.
He scheduled them both for the following day, meeting them back to back essentially. Maverick would come in earlier by an hour. When the following day came, Kevin asked a few other general questions, presenting hypothetical scenarios and a few legal questions pertaining to what they generally addressed. When Olga arrived in the office, she was well put together as she'd been the day before and eagerly greeted Kevin with a firm handshake. He asked Olga the same things he'd asked Maverick. He found out that Olga had experience dealing with difficult people thanks to her time working for the nurse. Kevin made a note to ensure he called that reference. She seemed a lot more confident this time around, but what really sold Kevin was the fact that she really wanted the job. She was doing everything in her power to present herself well and make a good impression. Maverick had been more reserved and wasn't quite so eager as Olga. By the end, Kevin told her, as he'd told Maverick, that he'd call their references to learn more and they'd have his answer by Friday.
Kevin started with Maverick as he'd done before. He had plenty of professional references from people that had worked with him previously or currently worked with him. They pressed his legal experience from schooling as well as his current experience working for a bank. Yet when Kevin asked them why he was planning to leave, he got a less than satisfactory answer. To Kevin, a 'change of pace' didn't instill all that much confidence in him. Olga had far fewer references: just two people that worked with the nurse at the school she'd attended. Yet they both spoke well of her and confirmed that she'd displayed the ability to have a cool head in rough spots, going so far as to give examples both that Olga had and had not mentioned during their interview. Altogether, the impression he'd gotten from both was a heightened appreciation and a sadness that she'd left following graduation. Kevin asked why they'd not hired her on full time to which the nurse had advised it wasn't approved by the school. After speaking to all the references, Kevin had his answer. He wrote a letter to be sent that afternoon apologizing to Maverick for his not obtaining the position but thanking him for his interest and his time, and then he called Olga and asked if she could start Monday.
"You hired a woman?" Mr. Huntington asked when Kevin turned in the paperwork for the new hire.
"Yes, a Miss Olga Van Buren."
"Yes, I can read, Kevin," Mr. Huntington sighed. "I'm asking why. Surely there were plenty other applicants that were qualified."
"She's qualified too, sir, but she has positives the others did not. Such as her bilingualism."
"In German I notice," Mr. Huntington said somewhat flippantly.
"Bilingual is bilingual, sir. Besides, Alphonse speaks five languages fluently and I speak three. You really think I'm going to hire someone that only speaks a lowly single language?" Kevin joked.
"Very cute, Kevin," Mr. Huntington said. "She has no legal experience."
"No, but she has studied business at the university and she has firsthand experience dealing with difficult customers. Her references were able to give me specific examples of such instances. And she's taken some courses in business law, so she's not coming in completely blind and she'll be able to learn as she goes."
"I run a law firm, Kevin, not a school for the eager to learn. If I'm hiring someone, I expect them to know what they're doing."
"I completely agree, sir. That's why I hired her. She has the experience and the education to be an asset and she has the drive to succeed and do better. I picked her because I saw long term potential in her." Mr. Huntington looked at Kevin skeptically a moment and then started moving through the paperwork. Though one thing jumped out at him.
"You offered her a $3000 per year salary?!" Mr. Huntington yelled.
"Of course," Kevin said. "That was the wage that had been agreed upon when the position opened up and she agreed that was satisfactory."
"Yes, but.." Mr. Huntington stopped and started rubbing his face. "Listen, Kevin, I get it. You feel she's qualified and want to see her paid well but this is real life. I can't offer a woman a man's pay. Hell, we shouldn't even be offering her the job! She belongs at home! What would her husband say about this debauchery?"
"To my knowledge, sir, she's not married, so I don't imagine he'll have much to say at all."
"Kevin, you-" Mr. Huntington started, but sighed heavily and started rubbing his face again to calm down. "I'll not pay this, Kevin."
"Fine, pay what you're willing and I'll make up the difference."
"You can't be serious," Mr. Huntington said. "You mean to tell me you'd kiss $1000 a year goodbye just to pay a woman $3000 a year? Don't be absurd."
"Sir, when this position opened and had been approved, it was agreed that the wage would be $3000. All our applicants applied with the understand that was the wage to be earned. I can't promise her the intended wage only to pull however much money right out from under her because my superior is a misogynist."
"You-" Mr. Huntington started, then appeared as though he might say more but then tripped over his words. Eventually, he made himself calm down again. "Fine. Just fine, Kevin. I'll approve it, but you mark my words that girl makes one mistake and you're both fired. Am I clear?"
"Crystal, sir," Kevin smiled charmingly and walked out of the office. Kevin took a moment to calculate what that wage would be in the bimonthly increments in which it would be earned to ensure that no foul play went afoot. As he worked, Alphonse stepped into Kevin's office with a chuckle and Anastasia on his hip.
"I heard Mr. Huntington's upset with you," Alphonse chuckled.
"Yes, I'm aware. I've been told that if she makes one mistake she and I are both fired."
"She'd better do a damned good job then," Alphonse said.
"He certainly didn't kick up a fuss when you named Anastasia your Executive Assistant."
"To be fair, Kevin, she doesn't make a $3000 salary. She only expects to be paid in candy."
"Yes, but Miss Van Buren's a grown ass woman, not an easily amused child that's not learned to count yet," Kevin said bitterly. "Frankly, the man should learn to trust my judgment."
"It's not that he doesn't trust your judgment, Kevin. The problem is at times your judgment tends to be a little unconventional to say the least. And with regards to Miss Anastasia, you had best learn to show respect. She's learning to count, is that not true Anastasia?"
"I can count!" Anastasia said a little too loudly and held up her hand holding up two fingers to show how old she is.
"That's very good, Anastasia," Alphonse said and Kevin finally smiled. "Don't worry about it, Kevin. The man won't fire you."
"I'm more worried about making sure he actually pays the girl."
"Cross that bridge when you get there I guess," Alphonse said.
Just to be safe, Kevin went to the accountants personally to work out exactly what Olga's wage would work out to accounting for any taxes that would be automatically removed. He also made a point to advise she was to be paid that agreed upon salary and, as promised, she started that following Monday. A desk was moved from an unused office so that it was in the reception space near Kevin's and Alphonse's offices and set her up with her own appointment calendar, a typewriter and anything else she'd need. She even arrived 15 minutes early while Kevin was getting a few things set up.
"Good morning, Mr. Black. What are you doing here so early? I thought you started at 8?"
"Just getting a few things set up," Kevin said. "And don't worry about calling me Mr. Black. You can call me Kevin. Unless Mr. Huntington's here then address me formally."
"Yes, sir," Olga smiled. "And thank you again for this, Kevin. I know you must have stuck your neck out quite a bit for me."
"Think nothing of it, Olga," Kevin smiled. "To start, I'll get you up to speed on the cases Alphonse and I are currently handling. That should give you a general knowledge of past cases that you can provide to potential clients."
"I'm only scheduling appointments with clients to see you correct? That'll have nothing to do with court dates?"
"We don't determine those, no, but we do receive notifications of those dates. I've gotten in the habit of calling and sending written notification, so I'll ask you to do that for both mine and Alphonse's clients. Just make sure you let me or Alphonse see those appointments first."
"And if that court date doesn't work for the client-"
"They'll have to make it work," Kevin said. "The court systems aren't so lenient as we are. When it's a meeting with myself or Alphonse, offer whatever time we have to spare, but if it's a mandated court date, then there's nothing they or we can do."
"Understood," Olga said.
"And if someone's being difficult, don't be afraid to come get me and I'll help."
"Thank you, I will."
"Good. Now, first order of business, get yourself some coffee. When you've done that, I have some clients that are scheduled for court dates that need to be called and sent letters."
"Yes, sir. Would you like some coffee?"
"I would love some. Oh, and one more thing I need to mention. This summer, I will be off the month of July. So if clients need to be seen during that time, they are handed over to Alphonse."
"I'll make sure to mark that down. What's going on in July?"
"I'm going to Germany," Kevin said.
"Really? Oh, I haven't been to Germany since we left Austria. It was the only time I was in Germany."
"You've not returned to Austria since you came here?"
"No, we could never afford it. Besides, the trip is far too long and we don't really have the time to spare for it. What has you visiting Germany?"
"A young woman I met during the war," Kevin said. "We keep in touch and I'll visit from time to time."
"That's so sweet," Olga smiled. "You must care a great deal for her."
"I really do," Kevin smiled. "Go and get yourself that coffee and I'll let you get to work on these. Once they're done, come and get me and I'll give you something else."
"And how do you take your coffee?"
"Black," Kevin answered and went to his office.
Olga did very well her first day. She completed the calls and letters requested for the day and once those were done, Kevin got her up to speed on their current cases as well as a few past ones. She got to meet the Executive Assistant Anastasia and even had her for part of the day to undergo some 'training'. When Kevin returned home, Kyle had finally come back to return to school the upcoming week. He handed Kevin a box and letter from Germany. He opened the box first realizing it was the box he'd sent with the bracelet he'd made. When he opened it, in place of the bracelet was a tiny sliver of paper with 'Ja' written on it. Kevin chuckled and placed that on his desk next to the flower she'd carved for him his last trip. Then he moved on to her letter.
Olga continued to do well at the firm. Her first pay period, Kevin returned to the accountant to make sure she was being paid her salary which, to his relief, she was. He and Kyle continued to receive updates from Nathan whenever they shifted on Tomoeh's condition. The baby was growing and was already kicking a lot. Rae was doing well too. She and Toroeh had still not agreed on a name as of yet or so Embry Sr. had been told. Since Tomoeh was expecting, Nathan got into a routine of only going on patrol every other night. With the pack consisting of Embry Jr. and Sr., Travis, Jacob, Natalie and Jae, they could spare him every once and a while. Nathan was really excited about the baby and wanted to be as involved as possible. On those nights that he was home, he would tell the baby a story. Tomoeh would sit up a little with a pillow behind her and Nathan would lean on the bed hovering over her belly. The baby was even familiar with the routine by now.
"Baby," Nathan always said before tapping gently on her belly with his finger to get the baby's attention, or what he perceived as being the baby's attention. He would wait until there was a gentle kick before he'd start his story while rubbing her belly in a comforting motion. "I'm going to tell you a story that my dad told me. Once upon a time, there was an evil ogress that lived in the mountains named Dask'iya. She had a magic basket that she carried with her everywhere and when children were bad, she would come down from the mountain and kidnap them in her magic basket. Then she'd bring them up to her dark cave to cook them up. She would take sap from the wood she gathered and would rub their gum on the children's eyes so they couldn't see or run away. One night, she kidnapped a group of young Quileute children. She brought them to her lair and started a fire, putting sap on the children's eyes. She began to sing and dance around the fire excited for her upcoming meal. One little Quileute girl, however, wouldn't go down without a fight. So she warmed her hands on the fire and rubbed the gum from her eyes. When she could see again, she pushed Dask'iya into the fire to burn alive. Then she warmed her hands again and rubbed the sap off the other children and she took them all home. That little girl is the hero that saved the tribe and our allies from the evil Dask'iya."
"That was such a short story," Tomoeh said. "I think you need to tell another one. The baby's not asleep yet."
"How do you know?" Nathan chuckled.
"Because I can feel the baby moving."
"Really," Nathan smiled and started rubbing Tomoeh's belly again and caught the feeling of the baby moving against his hand. "There you are," he whispered.
Tomoeh giggled, "Tell the baby another story. The baby loves it when you do."
"What story should I tell this time?"
"Make one up," Tomoeh smiled. Nathan took a moment to think about a story to tell the baby. When he had a story in mind, he tapped on Tomoeh's belly again until he felt a gentle kick where his finger was tapping.
"How about I tell you the story of how your grandma and grandpa met?" Nathan said to Tomoeh's belly. "Your Grandma Renesmee was born in Ohio if I remember correctly. Her father is a vampire and her mother was human at the time of her conception. To save her life, your Great Grandma Bella was changed into a vampire immediately after Renesmee's birth.
"She has traveled all over the country and lived in so many places, but she always wished to have more. She became tired of moving around pretending to be 18 and having none of the independence that she craved. So she applied to be a mail-order bride. That means she put her name and other information in the newspaper and she was chosen a husband that lived out west. She married a man named Peter. He was a pig farmer with a large orchard.
"Your grandma brought your Auntie Caevia with her and she stayed in that house for three days. But when your grandma had been making the journey here to Washington, your Grandpa Jacob was chasing a vampire and happened upon the caravan your grandma was in. They locked eyes and your grandpa immediately fell in love. He imprinted on your grandma. Right then and there, he decided he needed to find a way to bring Grandma Renesmee back to his home. He found where she had been staying with her new husband and, when the time was right, your grandpa swooped in with Uncle Quil and took your grandma and auntie Caevia back with them to the tribe.
"So scared, your grandma bit your grandpa. He lost his hold and dropped her on the ground causing her to hit her head and lose consciousness. But your grandpa picked her up and ran her back to the tribe. The tribe was so shocked to see your grandma. Our people had terrible relations with the Pale Faces of Forks and the people were apprehensive to start. Your Great Grandpa Kayechiwetchwe was not happy either, but your grandpa begged and pleaded she be allowed to stay. But your grandma was so scared. She didn't know where she was and she was among a people that did not speak her language. Your grandpa didn't speak her language either. Thankfully, Cousin Seth and Leah did and they helped your grandpa to communicate with your grandma and taught him English.
"Your grandpa worked hard to win your grandma's love, but it was a hard battle. She was determined not to like your grandpa because she was a married woman and wished to stay true to her vows. Yet her resolve wavered day by day. Your auntie Caevia, however, fell in love with Uncle Embry and they married. After the wedding, your grandma attempted to run away. However, the closer she came to town, the heavier her feet became and she couldn't go forward anymore. She fell to the ground when she saw the town and began to cry. Thankfully, your grandpa was on patrol and found her. He swore he would bring her back to town himself after she was well again.
"He rushed her to your late Great Uncle Sokajili. He was our medicine man before he passed away, and he looked after your grandma and helped see her through her bout of cold. Your grandpa watched over her for three days while she slept and she awoke to him carving wooden toys for Uncle Embry's and Auntie Caevia's upcoming baby. She resolved after that she would no longer try to run, but she was not happy. The tribe was scared of her. By then, they had discovered her cold lineage and avoided her more than before. But something happened that changed everything. Quil's wife and her brother were shot by a hunter one afternoon and your grandma saved their lives. They would have died were it not for her knowledge of treating bullet wounds. Their parents offered your grandma a freshly killed buck in appreciation and she was accepted at long last. Your Great Uncle Sokajili even took your grandma under his wing as his apprentice after that.
"I wish you could have known Uncle Sokajili, baby. He was a good man and is dearly missed. But you will know your great grandpa. He will help us tell you all about him. After she was accepted, your grandma started teaching your grandpa to read and she began to find it more and more difficult to deny how she felt about your grandpa. One day, she could not deny it anymore and your grandparents professed their love to one another. Your grandpa asked your grandma to marry him the night of the New Year with fireworks going off in the background. Your grandma said yes and they married at long last. Their story doesn't stop there, though.
"Your grandma's first husband, Peter, had been looking for her. He'd enlisted the assistance of the American army in order to find her. When they finally did, a man called Sgt. Lovejoy forced your grandma to return with him or have your great grandpa and grandma shot. Your grandma returned with them so the army but only so long as they agreed they wouldn't hurt the tribe and your grandpa ran away in a fit of despair. She was taken in winter and didn't return until the spring. When he returned, eventually so did Sgt. Lovejoy. He wanted to arrest your grandpa for assault against an officer and was going to see him hang. But I'll tell you, baby, your grandpa showed him who's boss. Your grandpa turned into a wolf to scare the Sergeant and he got Quil and Embry to help him put Sgt. Lovejoy on a bucket with a noose around his neck.
"The sergeant told your grandpa, 'You'll rot in hell for this,' and your grandpa told him, 'I'll see you there'. Then your grandpa kicked that bucket right out from under the sergeant until he hanged to death. And that, little Red Tree, is why we have The Hanging Tree."
"Is that true?" Tomoeh asked.
"Every word," Nathan nodded.
"How did he get away with that?"
"He tells us that it was in part because they hid his things so well and they just claimed that he never arrived, so he must have disappeared somehow."
"What happened to the sergeant's things?" Tomoeh asked curiously.
"Dad hid them, but I'm not permitted to say where. The fewer people that know, the better. Supposedly the town continued looking for any trace of him for the better part of two years but could never find him. Regardless, they were never looking in the right place."
"I suppose not," Tomoeh said. "I hope this story ends happily. The baby's still dancing."
Nathan chuckled. "It does. After dad hung the sergeant, he went to get my mom."
"Well, tell the baby," Tomoeh smiled and Nathan returned her smile before looking at her belly again.
"So as I was saying, after the sergeant was hung, your grandpa went after your grandma. Your great grandpa Edward and great grandma Bella were already there with her. Great grandpa Edward heard your grandpa outside and met with him, telling him to remain outside while Uncle Emmett got Peter away. Afterwards, your grandparents had a joyous reunion and your great grandpa worked to have your grandma's marriage to Peter dissolved while your grandpa remained in hiding so Peter would not know he was there. When your grandpa reunited with your grandma, he discovered that she was pregnant with your Uncle Kevin. Kevin was born within their home on tribal grounds the following October. And your grandparents have lived happily ever after."
With a smile, Tomoeh ran her fingers through Nathan's hair. "That's a sweet story. It's very romantic."
"I would say so," Nathan said.
"To think our love story was so simple," Tomoeh giggled.
"I prefer it that way to be honest," Nathan said and rubbed her belly again. He didn't get a kick. "I think the baby's finally asleep."
"I think so too," Tomoeh said. "The baby loves your stories."
"I think little Red Tree just likes the sound of my voice," Nathan shrugged.
"I'm sure that's part of it," Tomoeh smiled. "But really, I think the baby loves hearing you tell stories."
"So long as it puts the baby to sleep when he or she's born."
"I like what you've been calling the baby," Tomoeh smiled. "Little Red Tree."
"It's the baby's name," Nathan chuckled.
"Maybe you should make up a story about that for the baby. I think it'll be nice to have a story you made up."
"I'll start thinking about it," Nathan smiled.
Nathan gave Tomoeh's belly a kiss, crawled up the bed until he was right next to Tomoeh and gave her a kiss before the two fell asleep. Tomoeh was woken up bright and early again when the baby started kicking again. Nathan went on patrol that night, but remained home the following night. He'd had a chance to think about what story he wanted to tell the baby and by that night, he had shaped an idea. So when Nathan and Tomoeh went to bed, Nathan gently tapped on Tomoeh's belly until he felt a gentle kick from the baby indicating it was time to start.
"Once upon a time, there was a behemoth of a tree called Little Red Tree," Nathan began. "Little Red Tree always had big dreams of seeing the world. Yet Little Red Tree had roots in the ground that made it impossible to move. Regardless, Little Red Tree dreamed and dreamed of all the places there were to see and to go. Little Red Tree imagined the beaches of foreign lands and longed to feel the warm sand and cool ocean water in his roots. Little Red Tree pictured what it would be like to see the desert. The spiders that burrowed under the sand, the lizards and snakes that praying upon one another and the cacti that bloomed little pink flowers and red pears. Little Red Tree pictured the forests of the coasts to the south and the Amazon in South America. But no matter how Little Red Tree dreamed, he could never remove his roots from the ground.
"While Little Red Tree dreamed and lamented, a large raven landed on Little Red Tree's branches.
'Why are you so sad?' the Raven asked Little Red Tree.
'Because I wish to see the world, but my roots are stuck in the ground.' The Raven began to laugh at poor Little Red Tree.
'That is awful,' the Raven said. 'I have wings to fly and can go anywhere.'
'Please, Raven, tell me what it is like to fly? Is the world beautiful from all the way up in the sky?'
'More beautiful than anything,' the Raven answered. 'Everything looks so small from the sky and the tress go on forever crawling up the snow peaked mountains.'
Little Red Tree proceeded to cry for the sights he could not see. Then the Raven began to lament with him. 'Don't cry Little Red Tree,' the Raven said. 'It is not so bad how you are. The animals depend on you for shelter and comfort. Where would they be without you?'
'I know, but I have stood here for years and years watching all the animals live their lives. I wish I could do the same.'
Pondering, the Raven hopped closer to Little Red Tree's trunk and smiled. 'Do not despair, Little Red Tree. I have a gift to offer you. If it is the world you wish to see, then I will give you wings to fly. But after ten years, you will return to being a tree. You must return and re-root here otherwise you may find yourself somewhere that cannot sustain you.'
'Yes, oh please Raven. Please give me wings to fly,' Little Red Tree asked and the Raven turned Little Red Tree into a bird. Little Red Tree was red of feather and the size of the Raven with a cheerful song to sing.
After his transformation, the Raven told Little Red Tree, 'Go on. Fly Little Red Tree and see the world you wish to see but remember you must return. For your life may well depend on it.'
Singing his happy song, Little Red Tree took to the skies for the first time and reveled at what he saw. The trees were green and went on for miles just as the Raven had said and Little Red Tree saw the world. He flew over oceans and dipped his toes in the sandy beaches and ocean water. He saw the desert and rested within the bloomed flower of a cactus while eating the most succulent cactus pear. He saw the people and their cities and their marvels until he reached the Amazon. He ate the fruit and played with the other birds, singing into the tree tops like a chorus. For him, then ten years were gone far too quickly. He did not wish to return home. So Little Red Tree remained in the rainforest, singing with the other birds and eating the fruit to his little heart's content. Yet it finally came when the ten years were at an end and while Little Red Tree was eating passion fruit, he changed suddenly back into an Evergreen.
Little Red Tree became sad, fearing he would not last long as a tree and saddened that he could no longer fly. Yet, Little Red Tree realized that he'd seen and done everything he had wanted to do and resolved he could go in peace. But the most amazing thing happened. Little Red Tree began to change. He grew taller and his spiky evergreen leaves turned to vibrant green leaves with red flowers and the animals of the Amazon looked to him once again for comfort and shelter. So you see, Little Red Tree did not die from not returning home. Rather, he adapted and became something better. Little Red Tree learned over those years that if there is but one thing that makes life worth living, it's pursuing your dreams because when you do, you become something that you are proud to be."
After his story, Tomoeh smiled and ran her fingers through Nathan's hair. "I think the baby loved that story."
"Did you?"
"I did," Tomoeh smiled. "I'm happy Little Red Tree lived happily ever after."
"I hope he does," Nathan said. Then he rested his face on Tomoeh's belly again, feeling the smallest little kick. "Do you think it's a boy?"
"I don't know yet, Nathan," Tomoeh giggled. "We won't know until the baby's born. Why? Did you want it to be a boy?"
"I'll be happy with either," Nathan said. "I'm just curious. I don't like calling the baby 'it' but saying 'the baby' gets tiresome."
"I know," Tomoeh said. "We'll know come summer. Just try to be patient."
"I'll try," Nathan smiled.