Wolves of the Pacific

by greenpeach20

In 1902, Renesmee Cullen grew tired of the tedious life of moving around with her family and decided to make the journey west as a mail order bride. Yet a chance encounter with a reddish brown wolf would change her life forever.

136. Chapter 136

Chapter 136

In the morning, Lilianna started crying bright and early which woke Tristan. Anatoli heard the twins from downstairs, so he got himself off the couch and walked upstairs just as Amber was walking into the twins' room. By the time he joined her, Amber was already attending to cleaning the twins before she would proceed with breast feeding.

"You need I help, mama?" Anatoli asked.

"I'll take care of the twins. Can you get some coffee brewing and make something for breakfast? Are you coming with to the synagogue today?"

"Not today; I need ensure Ivory get home," Anatoli said.

"Ivory stayed the night?" Amber asked.

"Yes, by time we finish at diner it was very late so I offer she spend night," Anatoli said. "We see Goldfinger and then get dinner."

"Who else went with you?" Amber asked while she was securing Tristan's fresh diaper.

"Just Ivory and I go," Anatoli said.

"Oh," Amber said appearing a little surprised, "so the two of you were on a date?"

"I think is date, yes," Anatoli answered and looked down with a silly smile. "Ivory is very nice. I like her a lot." Amber didn't answer initially and instead focused on attending to the twins. But soon Anatoli noticed Amber's silence and it concerned him. "She stay in my room while I stay on couch. I'm sorry to not ask first; I did not think was a problem."

"No, no, Anatoli, it's no problem," Amber finally said. "I just didn't realize….never mind. Really, Anatoli, it's not a problem. It was good of you to let her use your room. It was very gentlemanly of you to sleep on the couch." Seeing that Amber still appeared slightly uncomfortably, Anatoli just nodded absently and stood straight.

"I will make coffee and start breakfast," he said and walked downstairs. Once the twins were changed, Amber got them situated so she could feed them together. While she did so, Kevin eventually came out of their room and down the hall.

"Kevin," Amber said as he walked by. He stopped and came into the twins' room. "Did you know Anatoli and Ivory went on a date?"

"Yeah, I know," Kevin said. "He told you they were going out didn't he?"

"Well, yes, but I didn't realize they'd gone on a date," Amber said quietly and appeared forlorn.

"What's wrong?" Kevin asked as he approached her.

"It feels too soon," Amber admitted. "Anatoli said he liked her a lot. Do you know if they're serious?"

"Ivory imprinted on him, so I'd say serious is an appropriate word," Kevin said, hoping the affirmation was reassuring, but it seemed to only make her seem all the more disheartened. "Amber, I know it feels a little sudden, but the relationship isn't shallow or anything."

"It's not that," Amber mumbled. "He's only been with us six months and already…."

"Amber, I know he's not been with us long and I know it feels sudden, but you need to remember he's not a boy. He hasn't been for a very long time. He'll always be our son but he's a grown man. We need to remember that and treat him like a grown man." While brief, Amber smiled at Kevin's referring to Anatoli as 'their son' but the warm feeling didn't last given their point of conversation. Kevin came close enough to lean down and give her a tender kiss. "It'll be alright, Amber."

Amber only nodded and looked down at the twins, both still nursing. Kevin stayed with her so he could help with the twins once they'd finished having their milk. He helped her get them dressed and by the time the four of them were downstairs, Anatoli had already brewed some coffee and was making eggs and potatoes that Heather and Levi were eagerly awaiting.

"Dad, I made your coffee. Is on the table," Anatoli said when he saw Kevin.

"Thanks, Anatoli," Kevin answered. He put Tristan beside Lilliana in their little bassinette by the table and sat at his usual seat to drink his coffee. When he was finished cooking, Anatoli brought everything to the table so Kevin, Heather and Levi could grab from the plates what they wanted.

"Are you going into the office today?" Amber asked Kevin.

"I have everything I need for tomorrow, so I'll just work from home," Kevin said.

"You have court tomorrow?" Anatoli asked.

Kevin nodded, "I'll likely be in court all day tomorrow so I'll be late coming home."

Amber and Kevin continued to talk while Anatoli walked over to his room to let Ivory know breakfast was ready. He grabbed his coat from the couch first so he could put it away. As he did so, Anatoli reached into the pocket for the picture that Ivory gave him. He looked at it a moment smiling and admiring Ivory's costume before folding the picture so that Ivory was the only one visible. Once folded, he pulled out his wallet from his back pocket and tucked the folded picture into the fold where he kept his money. Once he replaced his wallet into his back pocket, he went to his room and gently knocked on his door. When there was no answer, he slowly opened the door to see Ivory still in his bed sound asleep. She was clearly wearing one of his shirts and her clothes were folded on a chair next to a small desk he had in his room. The sight of her bra atop all her clothes made him blush a little. He quietly backed out and closed the door and then returned to the dining table with everyone.

"Ivory still in bed?" Kevin asked.

"Yes, she was still asleep," Anatoli said.

"She tends to sleep in," Kevin smiled a little. "If I remember correctly, when she's working, she doesn't start work until 1 or 2 in the afternoon. Maybe later actually; she works until 1 in the morning."

"Does she?" Amber asked.

"Yeah, she does. The casino she works at is open until either 1 or 2 in the morning."

For the remainder of breakfast, Ivory remained in Anatoli's room so once Amber, Heather and Levi finished breakfast and left for the Synagogue and Kevin retreated to his office to work, Anatoli made up a plate of food for Ivory. He cooked fresh eggs for her to put atop the last of the potatoes and then brought it to his room. When he stepped in, she was still in his bed sprawled out and comfortable. Not wanting to bother her, Anatoli gently and quietly moved aside a few things on his nightstand so he could put down the plate so it would be there when she woke up. But just as he was about to leave the room again, he heard Ivory start groaning a little and turned to her side so she was facing the plate of food. She opened her eyes to see the eggs and potatoes and smiled.

"You made me breakfast?"

"Mama ask I make breakfast this morning. I make sure to cook enough. There is still coffee if you like."

"I would love coffee," Ivory said and sat up on the edge of the bed.

"How do you take coffee?"

"Cream," Ivory said. "And honey. Not sugar. Honey."

"If you like," Anatoli smiled and left the room to get her coffee made and prepared his own additional cup. "Dad, you want more coffee?" Anatoli called from the kitchen.

"That'd be great," Kevin answered from his office.

"Just black?"

"Yeah," Kevin replied.

Since there wasn't enough, Anatoli poured the last of the coffee in a mug for Kevin and brought that to his office for him and placed it on his desk. After Kevin thanked him, Anatoli returned to the kitchen and brewed more coffee. Once brewed, he made Ivory's coffee as she'd requested, poured himself a cup leaving it black and finally brought the coffee back to his room placing her cup on his nightstand.

"Cream with honey like you ask," Anatoli said. Ivory took her coffee and blew on it before sniffing it and then sipping it.

"It's perfect," Ivory said.

"Did you sleep well?"

"Very much, thank you," Ivory smiled. "Do you use cologne? Your pillow smells really good."

"Cologne?"

"Perfume," Ivory clarified. "Something that smells nice."

"Oh – No I do not use," Anatoli said. "Is just my soap. Old Spice."

"That's what that is," Ivory said with a nod. "I love that smell. Did you sleep alright?"

"I sleep fine," Anatoli smiled. "I used to sleep on couch before this made into my room." Anatoli glanced down at his shirt that Ivory wore and smiled. "Was my shirt comfortable?"

"I found it on the floor; it was free to use," Ivory smiled back.

"It should have been in basket," Anatoli pointed at the basket in the corner. "Is dirty."

"I figured," Ivory said. "It smells like your sweat and that Old Spice soap. I like it." Anatoli blushed a little and looked down at his coffee with a light smile. "Am I being too forward?" Anatoli looked up at her when she asked her question. She was smiling at him. It wasn't seductive. Rather is was sweet and pleasant which Anatoli found alluring.

"I prefer," he finally answered and then sipped his coffee. Ivory's smile turned ever so slightly seductive with his affirmation and she took a sip of her own coffee while they maintained eye contact.

"You don't need to work today do you?" Ivory asked after putting down her coffee.

"No; is Sunday," Anatoli chuckled.

"Just making sure. I usually work Sunday nights. I have Mondays and Tuesdays off."

"I work Saturday sometimes but always have Sunday off. If we work on Sunday, is usually in the afternoon when church over."

"You said you'll go to the Synagogue with Aunt Amber sometimes right?"

"I go to Synagogue with Mama sometimes," Anatoli nodded. "I know of no Orthodox church near here so even if I were devout, I have nowhere to go for that. I suppose Catholic Church close enough, but is very different." Anatoli took a sip of his coffee. "Is breakfast okay?"

"It's very good, thank you," Ivory said after finishing off her eggs. "I haven't been to the park in so long and I haven't actually gotten to see that Space Needle thing since it was opened. How about you and I go for a walk together after breakfast and go see the Space Needle?"

"Will Nathan be alright without his car?" Anatoli asked. "Is his car you used to get here, yes?"

"He'll be fine," Ivory said confidently.

Ivory quickly finished her breakfast and coffee so they could go about the plan for the day. She ran to the downstairs bathroom to freshen up and then returned to Anatoli's room. He was gathering the dishes as Ivory grabbed her bra first. He had not intended to watch, but when she pulled his shirt up and her arms out of the sleeves, he couldn't look away. Her back was to him but he could still see the curve of her breast just before she put on her bra. Then she grabbed her pants and bent down so she could put her feet into her pants first, leaving her more intimate region, albeit covered by her panties, in full view. By the time she pulled up her pants, secured them and then put Anatoli's shirt back on properly, he'd watched her mouth slightly ajar the whole time. She turned around to look at him and when she did, Anatoli snapped out of it realizing he'd just gawked and watched her dress causing him to blush.

"I'm sorry," he said, "I didn't mean to stare."

"It's alright," Ivory smiled and winked at him. She walked over to take the dishes from Anatoli. "I'll get these cleaned."

"Is okay; I can do it."

"No, no, they're my dishes so I'll clean them. Thank you for offering though," Ivory said and then went on her toes to press a kiss to his lips before leaving his room.

Eventually, the two of them left the house together and made the drive further into the city so they could go to Schmitz Preserve Park together. Although it was snow covered and a little icy, Anatoli kept a hold of her wrapping his arm around her waist as he'd done the night before. Ivory did the same partially to keep herself from slipping but mostly because she wanted to hold Anatoli. Due to the cold, it seemed people were preferring to be inside though a number of children dressed in their winter clothes and snow pants were outside building snowmen and making snow angles. They walked around the park for about two hours just talking. Still wanting to see the Space Needle, they left the park and made the long walk to the water taxi north east of the park. Thankfully, the water was of a state where the water taxi was still working alright and they were able to take that further into downtown Seattle. Once off the water taxi, they made the remaining walk to the Space Needle.

"What do you think?" Anatoli asked once they'd made it to the Space Needle.

"It's alright I guess," Ivory said. "Which do you prefer? This thing or the Eifel Tower?"

"Space Needle," Anatoli said. "You can enjoy top of needle. The Eifel Tower top is too narrow. Is only good to stare at."

"Does Lithuania have its own tower like this or the Eifel Tower?"

"No," Anatoli said. "We have a Hill of Crosses though."

"A Hill of Crosses?"

"Yes, is a holy place according to the church, but is very creepy. Is a hill filled with crosses of several sizes and design. No one know how it come to be but is land mark. I take Baba there before as gift for her birthday."

"Interesting gift," Ivory said. "Can't say that would be on my bucket list but to each their own. You want to try going to the top of the tower?"

"Sure," he said with a smile.

Hand in hand, the two of them took the elevator to the top of the Space Needle to enjoy the view of the city. While taking in the view, Ivory rested her head against Anatoli's shoulder and he rested his head on hers. By the time they finally returned back to the house, it was afternoon and Levi was outside building a snowman with one of the neighbor kids.

"Anatoli," Levi said when they pulled up and got out of the car, "Mom said to tell you Uncle Nathan called about an hour ago saying Ivory needed to get home. He needs the car back."

"Oh, shit," Ivory groaned, "I just remembered Jaedynn's dress."

"You want we clean it and send back later?" Anatoli asked.

"I think I may just take you up on that offer," Ivory smiled. "It's not like she needs it any time soon."

"The dress is still in my room. I'll put in laundry and we bring next week go to Forks," Anatoli said.

"I appreciate it," Ivory said and went on her toes to give Anatoli a kiss. "When will that be now that we're on the subject?"

"I think we are driving down Christmas Eve," Anatoli said.

"That's a ways away," Ivory said. "When do I get to see you again? I know you have to work, but maybe you could drive down to Forks this week and we can go to Ada's bar for drinks?"

"I'll see what evening I can," Anatoli smiled and kissed her back. "I have very good time today."

"Me too," Ivory said, kissed him one more time and then got back in the car and started the drive back to Forks.

"Isn't she your cousin or something?" Levi's friend asked.

"Is Levi's cousin, yes, but not my cousin," Anatoli said with a silly smile. As he walked past Levi, he ruffled the boy's winter hat and chuckled when Levi started swatting at Anatoli's hand. He went inside the house and as soon as he came into the house, he overheard Lilliana start crying. "Tai gyvena," (It lives) Anatoli said in a joking tone all the while going straight to the bassinet where Tristan and Lilliana were situated. Tristan was asleep even with his sister crying, but she calmed as soon as Anatoli was holding her.

"Anatoli?" Amber said, standing up from the couch in the family room. "Did you have fun today?" she asked. Anatoli noticed the hesitancy in her voice.

"Yes, we had a lot of fun. We walk through park and go see Space Needle together. Oh, mama, do you know how to remove ketchup stain? She wear Jaedynn's dress and got ketchup on it. I offer to clean it."

"It'll need to soak for a while for how long that stain's likely been sitting," Amber said. "I'd recommend letting it soak in cold water and a little detergent for a few hours and then run it through the wash with the other clothes."

"Thank you," Anatoli said. "I will do my laundry today and do the dress once is soaked." Amber smiled lightly and nodded. "Is everything okay, mama?"

"Yes, everything's fine," Amber said but it looked like she was trying to convince herself of that. "Don't worry about the laundry. I'll take care of it."

"Are you sure?" Anatoli asked.

"Absolutely," Amber answered and leaned up to kiss Anatoli's cheek. Then she gently pinched that same cheek with a loving smile. "I'll only ask you look after the twins."

"Of course there's a catch," Anatoli joked.

While Amber got all the laundry done including Jaedynn's dress that Ivory had burrowed, Anatoli took care of the twins and started getting dinner ready as well. When Jaedynn made it back home, she still had a little smile on her face thinking about hers and Anatoli's date. Nathan was in the living room with Jaedynn watching a movie on TV and Cindy perked up from the floor and ran right to Ivory to welcome her home.

"I missed you too, Cindy," Ivory smiled and petted Cindy's head.

"How'd your date with Anatoli go?" Nathan asked.

"Seeing as she spent the night, I'd say it went just fine," Jaedynn said.

"Nothing happened, Jaedynn, so don't try to start something," Ivory said. "We got back to Uncle Kevin's house late so he let me sleep in his room and he slept on the couch."

"Otherwise it was fun?"

"It was a lot of fun," Ivory grinned and plopped down on the couch beside Nathan. Cindy hopped onto the couch so she could lie down on Ivory's lap.

"Where's my dress?" Jaedynn asked.

"It's still at Uncle Kevin's house. I spilled ketchup on it and Anatoli offered to clean it."

"You spilled ketchup on it?!" Jaedynn yelled.

"Yes, Jaedynn, and I'm sorry but it's getting cleaned."

"You made your boyfriend clean it!" Jaedynn said.

"He offered," Ivory said while she admittedly smirked just a little. "He was kind enough to offer to clean your dress and I did not want to be rude by refusing him."

"Oh, fuck you," Jaedynn muttered irritably. Nathan smacked her knee for the utterance. "No, daddy, I'm allowed. She wasn't 'being polite' she was being lazy."

"Fine, I'm being lazy. So sue me," Ivory giggled and started scratching Cindy's big head which she eagerly accepted with a big Pit smile and her tongue hanging out. "She's just such a sourpuss. Isn't she Cindy? Yes, she's such a sourpuss."

"Don't you drag Cindy into this," Jaedynn said. "Daddy, tell Ivory to stop stealing my clothes."

"I didn't steal your dress. I burrowed it; big difference."

"Until my dress is back in my closet safe and sound and clean, you stole it," Jaedynn glowered.

"Oh calm down. I'll get it back next I see Anatoli," Ivory said.

"And when will that be?"

"I don't know yet. He needs to check when next he's free and then he'll come here so we can drink at Ada's bar. Worst case scenario you'll get your dress back Christmas Eve."

Jaedynn, though far from pleased with the answer, dropped it and crossed her arms as she returned her attention to the TV. The following day, after reviewing his schedule for that week with Gaeli, Anatoli called Nathan's house to speak with Ivory. She was alone at the house so she was the one to answer the phone and she took full advantage of the privacy to keep Anatoli on the phone for at least an hour and a half until he absolutely had to get off the phone. However he did ask if they could go to the bar in Forks come Wednesday evening. While he'd be on site for something, he wasn't due to be there until noon and Embry gave him to okay to go straight to the client's location instead of going into the office first.

Come Wednesday, getting permission from Levi Sr. to burrow his car, Anatoli drove down to Forks after work and made it to the tribe around seven in the evening. Before leaving he'd taken a shower, changed into something nicer though stayed casual and while he'd not had time to go out and get flowers, he did bring Jaedynn's cleaned dress folded neatly in a box. He took a moment to make sure his collar was straight and once he was certain he looked just right, Anatoli knocked on the door. Nathan opened the door but Anatoli could see Ivory standing behind him trying to get in front of Nathan. He saw the box Anatoli was holding and smirked a little.

"So what's in the box?" Nathan asked.

"Is Jaedynn's dress," Anatoli said. "It was clean so I bring it back for her."

"You brought my dress?" Jaedynn said from inside and came to the door to take the box. She opened it and inspected the dress to make sure the aforementioned stain was gone and when she saw no stain she looked relieved. "Thank you for that Anatoli. It's very nice of you to clean up Ivory's mess," Jaedynn said, glancing right at Ivory with a mean look.

"To be fair, mama clean it. She better know how to clean ketchup from clothing."

"Then tell Aunt Amber thank you," Jaedynn said and left the door to put her dress away. Ivory stepped passed Nathan so she could step outside.

"Have fun you two," Nathan said to Ivory and Anatoli. They waved goodbye while walking to the car and Nathan closed the door just as Anatoli opened the door for Ivory to get in. Then he walked around to the driver's side to get in himself. Once he was in the car, Ivory leaned over just in time for Anatoli to turn his head to face her so they could give one another a kiss.

"How has your week been so far?" Ivory asked.

"Well, thank you," Anatoli answered and pressed one more kiss to her lips before starting the car so they could leave. "How has your week been?"

"Boring," Ivory said. "It's too early in December for everyone to be off work, so when everyone's at work, I'm all alone at the house. When will you officially be off for Christmas?"

"Christmas Eve and Day," Anatoli answered with a chuckle. "We have three project we need to finish before Christmas all involve kitchen or family room. One house we build a fireplace. We are almost done with that. Other house we put down hard wood floor and last one is kitchen that we put down marble counter top. This woman's kitchen we have been working on for months. First it was floors, then we paint, and now we put down marble countertop. We had to wait for new appliance to be installed first. She get new oven and fridge."

"Sounds like someone's beefing up her kitchen for the holidays," Ivory said.

"She say her husband get new job that pay well. She hear how Embry specialty to remodel houses so she ask help her remodel house she have. She say house belong to grandma before she die and house is sentimental to her."

"I can understand that," Ivory said. "So really you guys are just updating the house and getting it back in good shape?"

"Exactly," Anatoli said. "Thankfully foundation of house is still solid so she did not need us work on that, but Embry say may want to do in 10 year I think he recommend."

"So you'll be going back in ten years to fix the foundation of the house?"

"Maybe," Anatoli said. "We lay down the marble on Friday, so once that is done she can entertain in new kitchen."

"Good for her," Ivory said. "So you're going to be really busy until Christmas then?"

"During the day, yes, but evenings I can be free," Anatoli said.

"Evening's always fun," Ivory smiled. "So have you ever had Ariel's eggnog? He's started serving it at the bar starting December."

"I was saving for Christmas," Anatoli said. "Is free at Christmas." Ivory's response was to giggle and cover her mouth so she wouldn't laugh too hard. "What?"

"Nothing. I just like the way you think," Ivory finally said. "When I got into town, Ariel let me have one free glass of eggnog and after that he charged me for it. His own sister. Can you believe that?"

"What an asshole," Anatoli joked and Ivory laughed again.

"I'll be honest, I don't appreciate the sarcastic answer," Ivory smiled.

"I tell you what: I convince Ariel give you free drinks," he said. "I buy you drink at least."

"That's very sweet of you, Anatoli. Thank you," Ivory said and then leaned over so she could kiss Anatoli's cheek while he kept his eyes on the road.

When they arrived at the bar, Gabriel was at the door like he normally was. It was still early in the night so there wasn't likely to be anyone so drunk that they were causing trouble. He said hello to them and pointed out two seats at the bar that were still free, so they took their seats at the bar before someone else could take them. When they took their seats, Ariel was in the middle of filling a drink order for a large group near the stage so he didn't get to them right away. Only once that table's orders had been filled did Ariel come over to them.

"Hey Anatoli," Ariel said. "The Kwass sold well. We ran out beginning of this evening."

"You need I make more?" Anatoli asked.

"We'll talk about it later. We can pasteurize and bottle it but that'll be a big project I think. For now, what can I get you?"

"I take a beer. Maybe for sister you give free glass of eggnog?"

"If she wants free eggnog, she can wait until Christmas like the rest of the family," Ariel chuckled.

"Put on my bill then," Anatoli said.

"Being a gentleman for her, eh Anatoli?" Ariel teased and then said, "One beer and a glass of eggnog coming right up." Ariel mixed Ivory's eggnog first and then popped the cap off the beer Ariel knew Anatoli preferred and handed them over.

"All drink tonight on my tab, okay?" Anatoli said.

"You don't have to do that, Anatoli," Ivory smiled sweetly.

"Is okay; I insist," Anatoli said.

"Did you want to order anything to eat while you're at it?" Ariel asked.

"I'm fine with food. Did you want?" Anatoli asked Ivory.

"The usual is fine," Ivory said. "You do remember my usual, right Ariel?"

"Yes, Ivory," Ariel sighed with a light smile. "So unless you want something different, Anatoli, cheese pizza and spinach artichoke dip."

"That sounds good," Anatoli agreed. Ariel left to enter their orders for them. In the meantime, they enjoyed their drinks. "You say your mother is coming to visit yes?"

"Yeah, she'll be here by Christmas," Ivory said. "I can't wait for you to meet her. I think you'll like her."

"I hear good things about her from Nathan," Anatoli said. "He always speak very highly of Tamara."

"Yeah, my parents have a really good relationship. They even tell each other 'I love you' sometimes, but it's platonic at this point. Don't worry; I know mom will like you."

The two continued to talk over food and numerous drinks. By the time the two of them finally called it a night, they were far too drunk for either of them to drive. Though it initially took some convincing, Gabriel was able to reprimand the keys to Levi Sr. car from Anatoli and showed them the way to an inn that was really close by that they could stay the night at to sleep off their inebriation. Anatoli got them a room for the night and the two of them fumbled their way up the stairs and to their room. Once they closed the door, Anatoli barely managed to lock it before Ivory wrapped her arms around his neck suddenly and started kissing his cheek and neck over and over.

"I had a lot of fun tonight, Anatoli," Ivory slurred with a grin.

"Me too," Anatoli answered in a slur that caused his thick accent to be near indistinguishable.

"God, your accent's so sexy," Ivory continued and kept kissing his neck. "I could listen to you talk all day."

"Man reikia atsigulti. Aš jaučiuosi apsvaigęs," (I need to lie down. I feel dizzy) Anatoli mumbled and started pulling them towards the bed in the room.

"Right back at you, Anatoli," Ivory giggled, assuming he was saying something sexual to her. When they landed on the bed, Anatoli landed face first onto the pillow ready to go right to sleep with Ivory under his arm on her back. Ivory rolled onto her side under Anatoli's arm to face him and started pressing more kisses against his cheek.

Anatoli turned his head so he could reciprocate her affections as best he could in his drunkenly sleepy state. He rolled backwards so he could be on his side to face her without realizing how close he was to the edge of the bed. When he rolled back, he fell off the bed landing on his back on the floor with a loud grunt.

"Anatoli, are you okay?!"

"Yeah, fine," Anatoli groaned, now wide awake. He got himself sitting upright and rubbed his still spinning head. Ivory fumbled her way to the floor and got herself in his lap, but when she did, she accidently kneed him in the groin making Anatoli release a loud yell and string of curses in Lithuanian.

"I'm sorry! I'm so sorry, are you alright?"

This time, Anatoli couldn't answer her. He was trying to keep himself from vomiting and that required him to take deep breaths and to not speak. He was able to nod his head but the groan he released made it clear to Ivory he wasn't okay. Ivory hugged his head and started rocking him gently back and forth which helped to alleviate his nausea, so she wrapped an arm around her waist to keep her close to him. When the wave of nausea finally passed and he could breathe normally, he patted Ivory's back.

"Okay," he said, "Better. I am better now."

"I'm really sorry about that," Ivory said sincerely.

"Is okay. Not first time I've taken hit to the balls in my life," Anatoli managed to joke. When he looked up at her, Ivory was smiling for a moment, but then started to look green in the face.

"Shit," Ivory moaned and started moving as fast as she could to the bathroom. Knowing what was about to happen, Anatoli followed after her and gently as possible took a hold of her hair keeping it out of her face while she vomited. Keeping her hair in one hand, he used his free hand to gently rub her back. Once she seemed to be done, he waited one moment just to be sure and then stood up to get Ivory a glass of water from the sink. Ivory leaned against the wall and managed to flush just before Anatoli kneeled back down to hand her the water. "Thank you," she moaned.

"I think we drank too much," Anatoli smiled and kissed her head.

"Yeah, I think so too," Ivory managed to smile back.

She managed to scoot herself to his side so she could wrap her arms around his neck. Anatoli stood up, taking her with him and getting her to her feet so the two of them could walk to the bed together. He helped Ivory get into bed under the covers helping her get her shoes off. Anatoli took off his shoes and then got under the covers right beside her. Ivory snuggled up to Anatoli against his chest and he hugged her close. In no time, the two of them fell asleep in each other's arms. The peace, sadly, did not last as Anatoli woke the next morning to a splitting headache he'd not experienced since last he'd been drinking with Boris. The sun shined through the window painfully so with the snow intensifying the light. His head was pounding so painfully he could barely force himself out of bed. He did eventually, however, and when he did it took him all of a minute to finally stand from the bed. Ivory stayed asleep another hour while Anatoli went downstairs to get some desperately needed food and coffee and brought them up to the room. He finally thought to look at the clock when he got back upstairs and, as luck would have it, it was already 10:00 in the morning.

"Blet," (fuck) he grumbled. He hated to do so, but he went to the bed and leaned down with his elbows on the mattress so he could gently press on Ivory's shoulder. She groaned and rubbed her face, not willing to wake up. "Ivory," Anatoli said. Ivory's answer was to groan. "I brought up food and coffee."

"Not yet," she mumbled.

"I need to leave soon. I need be back in city by twelve and is already ten," Anatoli said.

"Are you serious?" Ivory whimpered and finally opened her eyes. She glanced down briefly to see she was still in her clothes. "I take it nothing happened last night?"

"If memory serves right: no nothing happen," Anatoli said.

"Damn it," Ivory said and finally sat up. "I was really hoping something happened."

"If we did, you not seem to remember," Anatoli teased.

"I suppose that's true," Ivory said. "You said you brought up coffee?" Anatoli nodded. "I'd love some."

"I will get travel cup downstairs and I drop you off home," Anatoli said. "How your head feel?"

"Like I got sideswiped with a sledgehammer. You?"

"Same," Anatoli said. "I get you home; you can go back to sleep."

"Are you okay to drive and go to work?" Ivory said.

"I work through worse hangover. Is fine," Anatoli reassured and kissed her.

Afterwards, he went back downstairs to retrieve to-go cups so he could drink his coffee on his way back home and so Ivory had a cup to take with her. Once they were ready, Anatoli and Ivory made the short walk back to the bar where the car was parked and drove to Nathan's house to drop Ivory off. She was more or less sleeping through the whole short ride and once they were in front of the house, Anatoli walked Ivory to the door.

"Despite the headache, I really did have a wonderful time. The parts of the night I remember were a lot of fun," Ivory said.

"Next I take you out, we not drink so much; remember the whole night."

"Exactly," Ivory giggled. She was about to lean up to give him a kiss when the front door opened.

"There you are," Nathan said, surprising Ivory and making her face him.

"Nathan, I'm so sorry to bring home like this. We drink too much and have to spend night in town," Anatoli said.

"Yeah, I know, Gabriel called and let me know," Nathan said. "Get yourself upstairs and get some sleep Ivory."

"Alright," Ivory answered and then looked at Anatoli. "I'll talk to you later?"

"I call you tonight after work," Anatoli said, leaned down to give Ivory a quick kiss and then left for the car. He waived to her briefly as he drove off and Ivory waived back with a smile, her headache not bothering her nearly so much at the moment. Once his car was no longer in view, Ivory stepped inside and Nathan closed the door behind them.

"Look who finally decided to come home," Jaedynn said from the kitchen where she was pouring herself more coffee.

"Daddy, do we have any headache medicine? It was getting better than then I heard a horrible screeching sound come from the kitchen," Ivory said.

"That's enough, Ivory," Nathan said. "There's some medicine in the linen closet upstairs."

"Thanks daddy," Ivory answered and went upstairs with her food and coffee. She found the medicine in the linen closet where Nathan had said it was and gulped it down with her coffee. She went into the bedroom she and Jaedynn were sharing and collected some clean clothes.

"How'd your date with Anatoli go?" Jaedynn asked as she entered the room.

"Great," Ivory said. "He paid for our dinner and drinks and even paid for a room for the night. Next we go out, I'll insist on paying for our drinks, though. He thinks because he's a guy it's his 'responsibility' to pay for our dates. He's so sweet though. Last night, I remember he held my hair back for me when I got sick and made sure I got to bed."

"Glad you two had a good time," Jaedynn said. "What will you two do once you go back to Vegas?"

"We actually haven't talked about that yet," Ivory said forlornly. "I know we really need to talk about it but I keep putting it off."

"Honestly, the sooner you two talk about it, the easier it'll be on you both," Jaedynn shrugged. "I mean, you imprinted on him so you obviously want to keep things going after Christmas. I don't know how the shoe fits on the other foot, but I would assume that he feels the same way you do."

"Well, yeah. I mean, I would hope so."

"Don't worry too much about that. He likes you; I can tell. Are you excited for him to meet your mom?"

"Yeah, I am," Ivory said. "I don't think I've ever been eager to introduce a guy to my mom. Usually it's just incidental because I still live at home."

"At least daddy already knows him so that's one less stressful introduction to worry about. Have you ever even dated anyone worth introducing to daddy?"

"Christ, no," Ivory said with a humorless laugh. "Every guy I've ever dated was for fun. I don't think any of the guys I dated wanted to take me home to mom either. Most of their moms already knew me anyway, but that's beside the point."

"Do you think you'd move up here to Washington? For good I mean?"

"Would that make you happy if I did? I mean, I know your life's empty without me, but it's not always about you," Ivory teased.

"Fuck you," Jaedynn laughed. "Maybe you should make him move to Vegas with you. That way we won't have to deal with you every day."

"That hurts, Jaedynn. Why do you say such horrible things to me?" Ivory asked with humor, feigning offense.

"Because it's fun," Jaedynn answered. "So when are you seeing him again?"

"I guess we'll decide when we talk tonight," Ivory said.

Eventually, Anatoli made it back into the city. Since he was already running late, he drove Levi's car to the construction site so he could get to work on the marble laying they had scheduled for that day. After that appointment was another project that he needed to get to, but he was able to return home by 6:30.

"There you are," Kevin said. "You dropped off Levi's car?"

"Yeah, is parked in their driveway," Anatoli said. "Sorry to come home so late. We drink too much and need to spend night in Forks."

"Yeah, we know. Gabriel called and told us," Kevin said.

"Where is mama?" Anatoli asked.

"She's at the synagogue with your grandparents. The Synagogue has a fundraiser going on and they're helping with that."

"She take kids?"

"Yeah, they went with her," Kevin said. "Amber's a little upset you were gone overnight so I've been tasked with scolding you. Though I did argue its better you spent the night at forks rather than drive Ivory and yourself home drunk so she's calmed down. Just don't do that again. She's having a hard time adjusting to this whole thing enough as it is. Try to be more mindful."

"Mother upset that I am dating Ivory? Does she not like her?"

"No, it's not that she doesn't like Ivory. She's just not ready for you to start dating yet. She missed your whole life and she's really not ready for you to live your life as a normal adult to tell it plainly. She'd never say that's what's wrong, but that's what's wrong."

"Is there anything I can do?"

"Just don't pull that kind of shit again," Kevin said. "Don't be out all hours of the night. It upsets your mother."

"Yes, sir," Anatoli answered and Kevin sighed a little.

"Look, I know you didn't mean anything by it and I'm sure so long as you let Amber know you're sorry and it won't happen again, you should be fine."

"Yes, sir," Anatoli said.

"Good," Kevin said. "Won't hurt to give your mother a hug when she gets home too."

"I will," Anatoli said. He glanced at the kitchen seeing that some dishes were still out drying. "I dry and put away dishes."

"Good start," Kevin said encouragingly.

Anatoli got to work drying the dishes and getting them all put away. Then he cleaned the stove, countertops and dining table for good measure. It was another few hours before Amber returned home with the kids. When she came in, she told the kids to get upstairs and get ready for bed. Anatoli walked up to her and took the carrier holding the twins from her so her hands were free. Anatoli gave Amber a hug, surprising her a little, and she hugged him back.

"Sorry about yesterday, mama," Anatoli said. "I did not mean to upset you."

Amber smiled a little and patted Anatoli's back, "It's okay. You did the right thing staying in town for the night. Just don't put yourself in that position again okay? When you go out, make sure you always come home safe and within a reasonable time."

"Of course, mama," Anatoli answered. "I put away dishes and cleaned kitchen. I take care of the twins tonight so you can relax."

"That's very sweet of you, Anatoli, thank you," Amber smiled and kissed Anatoli's cheek. While Kevin watched, he couldn't resist a small chuckle under his breath.

Anatoli did as he promised and looked after the twins while Amber went upstairs to take a shower. He also made sure Heather and Levi went to bed on time and got the twins cleaned up, Amber fed them and then Anatoli got them tucked in and in bed for the night. After all the kids were in bed and Kevin and Amber had gone to bed for the night, Anatoli realized he'd not called Ivory like he'd promised to. He took a hold of one of the phones and carried it into his room so he wouldn't bother anyone and dialed the number to Nathan's house. It rang for a moment until he heard the receiver being picked up.

"Hello?" Nathan answered.

"Hello, Nathan It Anatoli," Anatoli said. "Sorry to call so late; I just want to speak with Ivory."

"Hold on," Nathan said but Anatoli could already overhear Ivory trying to get the phone.

"Hey, Anatoli," Ivory said.

"Hello, Ivory," Anatoli said. "Sorry to call so late. I found out mama was upset that we were out so late so I do some cleaning."

"I'm sorry," Ivory said. "Is she still upset?"

"No, I think she is better now," Anatoli said. "She say looking back is good that we stay the night instead of drive home but she ask we not put ourselves in that position again."

"Okay, I understand. I didn't mean to get you in trouble."

"Is okay, she is not mad anymore. We just need be more careful is all."

"I think we can manage that. When should we test our luck next?"

"If I have no project Saturday, why not you and I have dinner together Friday night? If we have too much fun, we can come back home to my house."

"Did you want to go to the same burger place from before?"

"That would be fun," Anatoli said.

Nathan didn't allow them to talk for too long since it was so late but they talked long enough to decide on a time for Ivory to get into the city so they could go on their date. For the remainder of the week, Anatoli made a point to continue making up for coming home so late by doing chores around the house, insisting on cooking for the family (unless it was a late work day) and taking care of the twins so Amber could relax or carve soaps and candles. When Friday came, instead of going out for dinner as they'd originally intended, Anatoli suggested they have dinner with the family and Ivory was happy to comply. After dinner, they lingered long enough for Anatoli to help with the twins and helped get them to bed, but then Anatoli and Ivory left to go see a movie together.

"Are you feeling a little better about Anatoli and Ivory seeing each other?" Kevin asked. Amber breathed calmly while she undressed getting ready to take a shower.

"I know I'm being silly-"

"You're not," Kevin reassured. "I told Anatoli he needs to be more mindful and to his credit he's been making a point of it since the other night."

"No, I am being silly," Amber insisted. "I need to let him enjoy life and that means dating."

"He never meant to upset you."

"I know," Amber said as the two of them got into the shower together. "I know he didn't. I just need time to adjust to Anatoli dating. Ivory's a good girl so it'll be alright. You said she imprinted on him?" Kevin nodded. "Do you think Anatoli likes her that way too?"

"He does," Kevin said.

"Okay," Amber managed to smile.

By the time Anatoli and Ivory returned to his house, the house was asleep so they had to be really quiet. As before, Anatoli slept on the couch while he insisted Ivory could use his bed. She had suggested he could sleep in bed with her but he refused stating he didn't want to risk them being caught that way. Ivory agreed despite her disappointment and made sure to share a prolonged kiss with him before they finally went to bed. The following day, Anatoli and Ivory drove back to the tribe and he spent the day with her there walking up and down the beach together withstanding the cold and just talking. Not wanting it to end, Ivory begged Nathan to take her with when he was driving Anatoli back into the city. After calling Kevin first to make sure it was okay and then Heather begging in the background that Evalynn and Caleb be able to come over, Nathan drove everyone up to the city and stayed long enough to have a beer with Kevin and Levi and Ivory wound up staying until the following day getting a ride back from Gabriel. Then, finally, it was the 22nd when Tamara was due to arrive. Nathan and Ivory made the drive to the airport to wait for her plane to land. Tamara wasn't off the plane ten minutes before Ivory started gushing.

"Mom, I finally met Anatoli," Ivory said.

"Anatoli's Amber's son right?" Tamara asked Nathan who nodded.

"Mom, I can't wait for you to meet him. He's such a sweetheart and such a gentleman. We went to see Goldfinger together – you know, the James Bond Movie? – and as a gift he got me a bouquet of white dahlias."

"You and Anatoli went on a date?" Tamara asked.

"Yes, and mom it was amazing. After the movie, we went to a burger joint together and just talked for hours. I accidently spilled ketchup on my dress and he let me wear his dress shirt. Good thing I was wearing pants. He even got my dress washed for me! Then we went out walking in the park and saw the Space Needle together, then we went out drinking and when we were too drunk to go home, he bought us a room so we could sleep – don't worry mom, nothing happened –," Ivory was quick to say when she saw her mother gawk. "We were both so drunk we could barely stand. He even held my hair back when I vomited. Then we spent all of four days together this past weekend."

"Sounds like you've had quite the whirlwind romance," Tamara said.

"It's more than that mom," Ivory said. "I can't wait for you to meet him, mom. He's wonderful."

"Is he?" Tamara asked and then looked at Nathan.

"Don't worry, Tamara, Anatoli's a good kid. Hard working and responsible."

"I like hard working and responsible," Tamara said.

"He works for Embry as a contractor and he specializes as an electrician," Ivory bragged with a big smile.

"Yes, I recall Nathan mentioning that," Tamara said. "So I take it you like this boy?" she joked.

"I love him, mom," Ivory said.

"Oh my; that serious eh?" Tamara said. "What say you about this, Nathan?"

"She could do worse," Nathan joked.

"Daddy!" Ivory pouted and gently swatted Nathan's arm after which Nathan grabbed a hold of her around the shoulder and hugged her.

"In all seriousness, Tamara, you'll like Anatoli."

"I can't wait to meet him."

They brought Tamara straight to the Cullen home so she could get her things situated and then went with Nathan and Ivory to his house so she could visit with everyone. Tamara had not anticipated meeting Anatoli until that Thursday come Christmas Eve, but the following day after she arrived, it was nearing dinner when Ivory had come downstairs dolled up and looking a little fancier than she would normally be dressed for dinner.

"What's the occasion?" Tamara asked Ivory.

"Anatoli's coming over for dinner," Ivory answered with a big smile. Tamara raised a brow and looked at Ada María.

"This kid the second coming of Jesus or something?" Tamara joked and Ada María laughed under her breath.

A few minutes later there was a knock at the door that Ivory rushed to answer and Tamara couldn't help but giggle a little. Ivory talked with Anatoli at the door for a moment before she walked him into the house. When Tamara saw Anatoli, she noticed right away that he was dressed very nice and looked a little nervous but was smiling kindly at Tamara. Tamara stood from her spot to greet him.

"Anatoli, this is my mom Tamara. Mom, this is Anatoli," Ivory introduced.

"Good evening, Anatoli," Tamara said and shook Anatoli's hand. "I've heard quite a lot about you so it's a pleasure to finally meet."

"Yes, Ivory tell me a lot about you too," Anatoli said. "She tells me you are teacher yes?"

"Yes, I'm a high school teacher," Tamara said. "And you work in construction?"

"Yes, ma'am," Anatoli said.

"He also invests in flipping old homes," Ivory said.

"I heard that's made Embry a pretty penny over the years too," Tamara said. "So you're living with Kevin and Amber right now?"

"Yes, I am."

"Saving up for your own place?"

"A car first," Anatoli said. "Dad say I have enough for down payment on good car, so we do that after Christmas. He say dealers are having New Year sale."

"What kind of car are you in the market for?"

"A truck," Anatoli said.

Tamara giggled a little, "A very practical choice for you by the sounds of it. What about your own place?"

"That I think is good to wait a little while; at least for twins to grow a little older," Anatoli answered.

"Oh, so you take a big role in helping with the twins?"

"Lilly especially," Anatoli chuckled. "Lilliana very fussy and sometimes will only sleep if I hold her."

"Ah. Then yes, please stay home as long as possible," Tamara smiled.

"Guys, dinner is ready," Ada María said from the kitchen as Jaedynn helped get the table set and the food out.

Since it was the whole point of Anatoli being there, Anatoli and Tamara sat near one another at the table so they could talk more. Naturally, Tamara asked about his childhood. Particularly about what it was like to grow up in a Soviet state and Anatoli answered honestly but did his best to stay light hearted about it. Ivory was sitting to his other side so if he seemed like he was getting a little uncomfortable she would rub her foot against his ankle and that seemed to help him relax. Ivory moved the conversation to Anatoli's time in the United States which had him far more animated and eager to talk.

"So do you like kids, Anatoli?" Tamara asked.

"I like kids fine," he said. "In Vilnius I live with couple that had several kids and I used to help with them a lot."

"So helping with Lilliana and Tristan is nothing new I take it?"

"I never help with child as needy as Lilliana; otherwise yes," Anatoli joked.

"And how do you like being a big brother?"

"Is nice to have a family of my own," Anatoli answered honestly and Tamara smiled kindly at him.

Anatoli and Tamara talked throughout dinner and Anatoli stayed for some coffee so the two of them could talk a little longer. However, once it was starting to get late, Anatoli said goodnight, having work the next day, and left after a polite exchange with Tamara and then a kiss with Ivory. Once he'd left, Ivory turned to face Tamara with a big smile.

"Didn't I tell you he's amazing, mom?" Ivory asked.

"He's definitely a very sweet boy," Tamara agreed. "So serious question: what's the plan after Christmas? Are you two planning to have a long distance relationship?"

Ivory's face fell a little, "I guess we'll have to for now. We really haven't talked about that at all."

"You may want to make a point of it if the two of you are planning to continue seeing one another, honey," Tamara said.

"I know, I know," Ivory grumbled. "I promise I'll bring it up with him tomorrow."

"The sooner the better," Tamara agreed.

"That's what I've been saying," Jaedynn said.

"Shut up, Jaedynn," Ivory muttered grumpily and went upstairs to change for bed.

The following day, Forks was more or less completely shut down save for the General Store and the gas station. JJ went into work early so people could come in for some last minute items and closed shop by one that afternoon. In the meantime, Eun Mi had the children occupied with helping her wrap presents for the family (excluding their presents that were already wrapped and at the Cullen house) while she got some food prepared that JJ and Natalie could eat. Popo napped at the top of his cat tree near the fireplace while everyone was working but everything was done by the time JJ returned home. Everyone met up at the Cullen house for Christmas Eve. That day was used for prepping everything for Christmas including Jae Sun's birthday Ox Bone Stew. Everyone smiled while they watched Jae Sun hover over Eun Mi watching her prep the stew for tomorrow.

"Jae Sun," JJ called when he noticed Eun Mi was beginning to get frustrated with Jae Sun's hovering, though it had more to do with her desperately needing to sit down. Jae Sun looked at JJ and came running as soon as JJ motioned for him to come over. Eun Mi smiled appreciatively at JJ before finally sitting down and getting some work done with her ghostly extensions. Once Jae Sun was in front of him, JJ leaned over. "Did you bring some paper to write on? I know for a fact your grandparents and Akihiko sent you something for your birthday so you need to be ready to write them thank you letters?"

"Of course I brought paper," Jae Sun said.

"Good. Why don't you go outside with the others and play? Your mother's not going to stop cooking just because you're not watching her."

"Okay," Jae Sun grumbled and went to get his winter clothes back on to go outside and play with the other kids. "I can't believe that little squirt's turning 12," JJ said to Salem while staring off as Jae Sun went outside.

"Neither can I," Salem said. "Seems like just yesterday Eun Mi was pregnant with him."

"I know," JJ said. Then he looked at Eun Mi watching her work with those ghostly hands while her visible hands rubbed her belly. One of the twins kicked and when they did, Eun Mi smiled and rubbed her hand where the kick had occurred and started talking to her belly in Korean. "I hope we're having twin girls. She wants a girl so badly."

"I'll keep my fingers crossed for you," Salem chuckled.

"So still January is when you're transferring?" JJ asked, making sure they spoke quietly so Natalie wouldn't hear.

"Yup. Still January," Salem said. "I don't have to go until the 22nd at least but I'll tell mom day after New Years. I don't want to ruin anyone's good time."

"I get it," JJ said. "And after this, you're retiring?"

"Yeah," Salem said. "Arturo and I can start a business venture. We'll both get a liquor license and sell rum. Either that or we'll open our own tattoo shop."

"Are you planning to get a tattoo once you land?" JJ asked.

"We'll see," Salem said. "After everything I'm hearing from people that have been there, I don't know if I want a reminder on my body. It'd be like you getting a tiger cage tattooed on you."

"Just hope that doesn't happen to you," JJ said.

"It's one of my many goals," Salem joked. "I'm sure I'll be fine." They were quiet a moment when Salem thought about the dream he'd had. "Dad said I'd find something there."

"Yeah, I remember," JJ said solemnly.

"It'd better be good; that's all I'll say," Salem said.

When it was really late, everyone finally went to bed for the night and the children as usual were up bright and early the next morning to the smell of Esme, Bella and Renesmee making cinnamon rolls while Edward was playing Christmas music on the piano. After everyone was awake and had their cinnamon roll and coffee, they passed out gifts like normal and Anatoli was stunned by how many gifts he received. Then when it was the afternoon, it shifted to Jae Sun's birthday with all new presents just for him as well as his Ox Bone Stew and a big birthday cake. After Jae Sun blew out the candles and the cake was cut, Ivory discreetly pulled Anatoli outside with her and asked him to walk with her back to Nathan's house so they could be alone. Once they made it to Nathan's house, they got off their shoes and Ivory went to the kitchen to make them some coffee.

"Is it okay that we are here?" Anatoli asked.

"It'll be fine," Ivory said as she got the coffee pot started. "I wanted us to have some time alone. There was something I wanted to talk to you about."

"What's that?" Anatoli asked.

"Well, I go back to Las Vegas in two days. I was hoping that you and I could keep in contact," Ivory said.

"I actually wanted to talk about that," Anatoli said nervously and rubbed the back of his neck. "My spelling is awful, but I thought maybe I write you."

"I can give you the phone number to my house so you can call me too," Ivory said. "Maybe over the summer you can come see me?"

"Not summer," Anatoli said, "we are very busy in summer. Is calmer in winter and spring. Maybe I can talk to Embry for time off in Spring."

"I think I can work with that," Ivory smiled. "I can show you around Las Vegas. You'll like it."

"I look forward to it," Anatoli smiled but still looked nervous. "So….what we are doing; is serious yes?"

"I think so," Ivory answered. "I really, really like you, Anatoli. I'd like for us to get to know each other better."

"I like you too," Anatoli replied with a charming smile. His purple eyes made her quiver and his handsome smile made her weak at the knees. Ivory walked over to him so she was standing before him, her hands joined behind her back and batting her eyelashes to look seductive.

"You know…I figure we've got at least a half hour before they miss us," Ivory said in an alluring voice. "How about you and I go up to my room while we wait for our coffee to brew?"

Ivory took Anatoli's hand in hers and, to her relief, he accepted it with an eager grin and followed her up the stairs to the room she shared with Jaedynn. Wanting to make absolutely sure they were not interrupted, Ivory locked the door behind them just before Anatoli picked her up in his arms suddenly making her squeal just before starting to giggle. Anatoli dropped her onto her small bed and climbed on top of her pressing his lips to hers as soon as he was situated and as soon as Ivory wrapped her arms around his neck.

Ivory lifted her knees so she was cradling Anatoli's hips as the two of them kissed for several minutes with Anatoli moving his hands over Ivory's body. He trailed his hands into her hair, over her face, and then down to squeeze her butt before going back up so he could delve under her shirt to her bare skin. He trailed his hand up until he reached her breasts rubbing them through the fabric of her bra. Ivory shivered and trailed her hands from around his neck and down to his belt undoing the buckle and pulling it loose before undoing the button and pulling down the zipper of his pants so his shirt was loosened. She pulled at the hem of his shirt and pulled on it and started undoing the buttons of his shirt. Anatoli pulled away so he was on his knees and pulled his shirt over his head tossing it to the side.

Ivory tugged on the hem of her own shirt and Anatoli reached down to help pull of her shirt and then tossed her shirt in the same direction he'd tossed his own shirt. Ivory listed her chest so she could reach behind to undo her bra and had it off by the time Anatoli came back down so they were kissing again. Soon Anatoli started kissing down her cheek to her ear before pulling away to go down to her breasts. While he did that, Ivory reached down so she could rub his erection through the fabric of his briefs. She grabbed onto him, making him thrust forward causing her to moan both of the force of his thrust and from his mouth on her nipples.

"Anatoli," Ivory moaned and Anatoli's answer was to moan right back, affirming he'd heard her but continuing his ministrations to her breasts. "I have condoms in my purse. Would you grab one?"

"Where is it?" he asked, lifting his head so he could look around. Ivory pointed it out to him and Anatoli went to her purse searching through it. When he didn't find them right away, he brought her purse over so she could take a look and she found the tin box that held the condoms. "Oh, is that thing?"

"I take it condoms don't have this type of packaging in Lithuania?" Ivory teased as she took one out.

"No, is flat in paper package," Anatoli said. "Is in Russian too," he joked.

"Sorry, these were in English," Ivory smiled and finished undoing the packaging. Anatoli came back onto the bed and leaned down to hover over Ivory again.

They smiled at one another before sharing another kiss while Anatoli's hands went down to Ivory's pants undoing them and then pulling them along with her panties and socks off. He got a good look at her when he'd removed her clothes and took a moment to touch her skin trailing his hands up her legs to her waist to touch her breasts again where he started pinching her nipples. Ivory wrapped one arm around Anatoli's neck so she could pull him down on top of her. Once their lips met and Anatoli was back on top of her on the bed, Ivory reached both hands down between them to pull down his brief's and pants to release his erection. She used her toes to pull his clothes further down and while the two of them continued to kiss he kicked his clothes, socks included, the rest of the way off.

Once he was naked, Ivory got their protection in place before Anatoli finally slipped inside her. Once joined, Anatoli grabbed a hold of Ivory's thighs pulling them up roughly so she was cradling his hips before he started moving with a fevered passion. Ivory clutched onto him while he moved inside her and cried out with pleasure louder than was perhaps wise, but she regained enough sense to make sure she wasn't too loud just in case. Anatoli started kissing down to Ivory's neck until he reached her ear and started to nip at the lobe making sure not to pierce her skin. Then he started kissing down her neck and to her chest again. After a while, Ivory pushed Anatoli onto his back so she could ride him with his hands on her hips to help her move that much faster. The tighter his grip became on her hips, the faster she moved before slowing down to rest before immediately speeding up again. Then Anatoli grabbed a hold of her so she was close and sat up so they could kiss one another. Anatoli gripped her to keep her moving until the two of them reached their climax together. They held onto one another while they recovered and continued to kiss tenderly.

Anatoli turned over and brought Ivory on top of him to hold her close to him. Ivory breathed in his scent: Old Spice body wash was ever present, but combined to that was the smell of all the food from the day, Christmas smells and his own masculine scent. His pale chest hair was scratchy against her skin but she loved it and started rubbing her hand back and forth over his chest gently. Anatoli lifted his free arm so he could hug her tightly and kissed the top of her head. When he tightened his hold, Ivory noticed the tilted and warped number on his wrist.

"I don't think I've ever seen Aunt Amber's number," Ivory said in a mumble as she reached up to touch his wrist. He didn't flinch at the touch. Rather he lifted his hand enough so the full number was visible. "Do you remember anything about the camps?"

"No," Anatoli said. "My father took me from the camp same night that I was born. When Niele and Mykolas take me, they bring me to Lithuania."

"Do you know anything about your birth father?"

"Nothing good," Anatoli answered honestly. "When I was little, I ask Niele about my father. She tell me my father is murderer and a monster."

"Do you ever wish you'd known him?"

"No," Anatoli answered bluntly. "I know what my father was. When I was a boy, I was curious. When Niele tell me about him, I hold no love for him. I only feel shame."

"You have nothing to be ashamed of," Ivory said. Anatoli was quiet and turned his wrist so he was looking at the number.

"Salem; he have artwork on his body. Tattoos they are called? I wonder if I should have one. Put it over my number," Anatoli said.

"I don't think so," Ivory said. "It's proof you survived."

"What I suffer nothing by comparison. I was only born in the camps. I did not live them."

"A fact I would think comforting," Ivory said.

"Yes and no," Anatoli said. "When I was a boy, I always wonder about mama. I always feel like I abandon her when I was taken away. I know is silly, but is the way I felt."

"I can understand that," Ivory said. "But you're here now."

"Yes," Anatoli said, finally smiling a little. They shared another kiss and stayed down together for a little while longer. Although she hated to do it, Ivory eventually broke their contented silence.

"I guess we should probably get back," Ivory said.

"But you made coffee," Anatoli said. "We can't just leave it." Ivory heard the joking tone of his voice and giggled.

"That's true, we can't," Ivory said before kissing him again.

"I go clean up and meet you downstairs," Anatoli said and got off her, grabbing his clothes and removing the condom but not throwing it out until he was in the bathroom and could get rid of it discreetly. The two of them met downstairs now dressed and Ivory had a cup of coffee prepared for the both of them.

"I'd offer cream, but daddy never keeps it in the house," Ivory said.

"Yes, he….what is it called?"

"Lactose intolerant, yes," Ivory said. "An affliction I'm relieved to have not been settled with. Do you have any allergies?"

"No," Anatoli said and sipped his coffee. "Except olives."

"You just don't like olives," Ivory smiled.

"And beets. I really don't like beets."

"That I'll agree to," Ivory said. "I hate beets too."

"Baba love beets so when we get beets from friend in the country, she always boil them for hours and smell horrible," Anatoli scrunched his nose. "Unless she put beets in Shuba. Then is okay."

"What's Shuba?"

"Is a salad that use mayonnaise, carrot, onion, potato and beets that go with salted herring," Anatoli said. "We use to eat a lot when Vadim's wife pregnant. She love Shuba."

"I'm not partial to fish truthfully, so I can't say it sounds terribly appealing," Ivory said.

"Yes, it was not my favorite either. I prefer herring on its own," Anatoli said. "When should we go back up to the house?"

"There's no rush," Ivory shrugged. "At this point, all they're going to catch us doing is drinking coffee."

Anatoli chuckled a little, "Thinking the night is over so soon?" Ivory stared at him with teasing smile.

"Now, if you're offering, I certainly won't turn that down," Ivory said, "Although I don't remember if I have any more condoms in my bag. When you come visit me in Vegas, I'll make sure there's plenty."

"I bring some too just in case," Anatoli chuckled and finished his first cup of coffee. "I will miss you when you go home."

"I'll miss you too," Ivory answered, her smile changing to something a little sad. Anatoli returned her smile and leaned over to give her a kiss. Just as their lips touched, the front door opened and they pulled away to see Jaedynn stepping in.

"Hey, now, don't stop on my account," Jaedynn said and kicked the snow off her boots just outside the door. "Everyone's asking where the two of you are and I figured, 'Now if I were Ivory, where would I drag poor Anatoli to have sex with me,' and, of course, lo and behold here the two of you are."

"What I do with my boyfriend in the privacy of my own room is our business," Ivory said indignantly and Jaedynn laughed out loud.

"Given it's my room too, it most certainly is my business, but no judgment."

"You said everyone looking for us?" Anatoli said a little nervously.

"Don't worry too much about it," Jaedynn said. "Jae Sun wasn't too concerned that the two of you aren't there. He's too busy enjoying his birthday cake."

"I should at least go back," Anatoli sighed and looked at Ivory. "Did you want to come with me or stay home?"

"I'll stay home," Ivory said. "You tuckered me out anyway."

"You have company Ivory," Jaedynn said.

"A point I'm most unhappy about," Ivory said to Jaedynn. Anatoli could hear the joking in her voice and the humored smile, otherwise the moment might be uncomfortable. "Are you free tomorrow?" Ivory asked Anatoli.

"I make sure of it," Anatoli said. "Is okay if I go with to say goodbye?"

"You mean when I leave for the airport?"

"Yeah," he said.

"I would like that," Ivory smiled. Anatoli leaned over and kissed her again. "I'll walk you to the door," she said after their lips parted. She walked Anatoli to the door and waited while he got his shoes and coat back on. Once ready, they kissed again.

"I see you tomorrow," he said.

"Tomorrow," Ivory said and they kissed one more time before Anatoli left. After she closed the door, she released on audible, girly sigh.

"I take it you two had a good time?" Jaedynn asked.

"A wonderful time," Ivory smiled and turned so she was facing Jaedynn. Jaedynn went to the kitchen to pour them both some coffee and Ivory joined her. "If I'd known this is what it was like, I'd have been more eager to find my imprint."

"Yes, I hear it's magical," Jaedynn said, a small hint of jealousy poking through in her voice.

"Don't be somber," Ivory said. "Snow White will find her Prince Charming some day. I'd bet on it. Maybe you should visit me in Vegas and I'll take you out to meet people."

"No thanks," Jaedynn said honestly. "If I meet someone, I want him to be 'the one'. You know what I mean?" Ivory smiled at Jaedynn and started humming and when Jaedynn recognized the song she was humming, she giggled and, eventually, the two of them sang together.

"I'm wishing," Jaedynn sang in a lower voice than Adriana Caselotti had done (though neither of them could get their voices that high).

"I'm wishing," Ivory echoed.

"For the one I love to find me," Jaedynn sang.

"To find me."

"Today," Jaedynn sang.

"Today," Ivory echoed and they laughed. "Perhaps we should be doing this outside. I doubt your prince is hiding in the house somewhere to hear you."

"Likely not. Not that I'm all that good a singer anyway," Jaedynn said. "I hope the two of you at least found time to discuss what happens after you go back to Vegas?"

"We'll write and call and he's planning to take time off in the Spring to come visit me," Ivory said proudly.

"At least you two did something more productive than baby making," Jaedynn teased.

"No babies yet," Ivory shuddered. "We used protection."

"Do you still use condoms or are you on birth control pills?"

"No, condoms. I don't trust the pill."

"Fair enough," Jaedynn shrugged.

"Why? Are you on the pill?"

"I'm not dating anyone so it's silly for me to be on it," Jaedynn said. "Besides, even if I wanted to be, you know how Uncle Kyle is. He'd give me a lecture about natural methods being far better for my health and rhythm method works fine as long as you keep track of your cycles and blah, blah, blah."

Ivory giggled, "Always good to reduce a doctor's advice to blah, blah, blah." Jaedynn giggled too.

"Maybe I will visit you over the summer. Instead of going to Brazil with the others, I'll stay in Vegas with you. We can have some girl time I guess."

"Just sweet talk daddy and he'll let you visit me for the month," Ivory smiled. "Paid vacation."

"Sounds nice," Jaedynn agreed.

Anatoli made it back to the house and was relieved no one really confronted him about running off with Ivory. Nathan asked where Ivory was, Anatoli answered him and after a brief silence of Nathan nodding and then sipping his dairy free eggnog, he looked back up at Anatoli with a serious face.

"I'll get to the point," Nathan said. "What's the story with you and Ivory?"

"I…I'm not sure I understand. Are you asking if we are dating?"

"I mean are the two of you serious? Are you planning to see each other after she goes home and if so, what is the plan?"

"Oh," Anatoli said and relaxed. "She and I can write and call each other. I want to talk to Embry; get time off in the spring to visit her in Las Vegas."

"So you're not stringing my daughter along?" Nathan asked.

"I'm sorry?"

"You're not just treating her like a fling. Or a good time over the holidays," Nathan clarified.

"No, sir," Anatoli answered, getting nervous again. Though the answer seemed to ease Nathan's mind and he smiled and patted Anatoli's arm.

"Good," Nathan said. "Remember. You fuck up and you have to deal with me. Clear?"

"Yes, sir," Anatoli answered.

"Good man," Nathan said with a father's friendly yet intimidating smile.

Anatoli stayed at the Cullen house that night as did Amber with the twins. Heather and Levi went home with Kyle and Evalina so they could have a sleepover with Evalynn and Caleb while Kevin drove Levi Sr. and Anna back home. The following day, Anatoli and Ivory spent the day together just as they'd planned, but they stayed at the house with plenty of people around to keep an eye on them. When they could get away with it, they would steal a kiss before returning to whatever topic they'd been talking about. Since Anatoli had asked to join Ivory to the airport to see her off, Anatoli spent the night at Nathan's house that day staying downstairs on the couch. He woke up to the sound of Ivory making coffee in the kitchen and opened his eyes just as she was approaching him with a groggy yet bright smile on her face.

"Morning," Ivory said and offered the coffee.

"Morning," Anatoli said and sat up before accepting the coffee. Ivory sat next to him on the couch making sure she was sitting extremely close and, without really thinking about it, Anatoli put his hand on her knee while he took his first sip of coffee.

"Will you miss me?" Ivory asked.

"I will," Anatoli said. "Will you miss me?"

"Definitely," Ivory said and lifted her head to give him a kiss but they were interrupted by the sound of someone clearing their throat. They looked toward the sound and there was Ada María coming down the stairs hiding a laugh.

"Try to be a little more mindful, you two," Ada María teased and poured a cup of coffee for herself.

Before long, Nathan and Jaedynn came downstairs to get their own coffee and have some breakfast before it was time to leave for the airport. Nathan picked up Tamara from the Cullen house and they made the trip to the airport with Anatoli joining them. Once they arrived at the drop off zone, they all got out of the car to retrieve the luggage from the trunk of the car.

"Call me as soon as you get home, alright?" Nathan said to both Ivory and Tamara.

"We will, Nathan. You return to work tomorrow you said?" Tamara asked.

"Yeah, so I'll be waiting by the phone for the two of you to call me," Nathan said with a smile before Tamara and Nathan kissed on another on the cheek. Then Nathan hugged Ivory. "You be good, alright Ivory? I love you."

"I will. I love you too, daddy," Ivory said. Once Nathan released her, Ivory went to Anatoli and hugged him. "Will I be able to call you tonight?"

"I will be home, yes," Anatoli said. "I will wait for your call."

"Okay. I'll talk to you tonight," Ivory said and they kissed briefly before Ivory and Tamara went inside the airport to make their plane.

"Alright, Anatoli, let's get going. I'll drop you off at Kevin's house," Nathan said.

Once Nathan dropped off Anatoli at the house, the rest of the day was spent helping Anna and Levi Sr. look after the twins, Heather and Levi Jr. who were still off from school. It was late when they finally returned to Vegas and got back home. Once they had, Tamara called Nathan's house to let him know they'd returned home safely and talked for another hour, Ivory talking to Nathan as well, until they disconnected and Ivory immediately called Kevin's house so she could speak with Anatoli. The two of them spoke over the phone for another hour before it was getting late and Tamara insisted they both needed to go to bed. Anatoli promised he'd talk to Embry soon to work something out so he could visit her in the spring and then the two ended their call.

On New Year's Eve, everyone returned to the Cullen house for another celebration. The TV was on to a channel that would perform the countdown as soon as it was nearing midnight and there was sparkling wine for everyone to have to welcome the New Year once it came. Salem, though he wasn't showing it, was not enjoying the merriment as much as everyone. The next morning he knew he had to bite the bullet and tell Natalie and he wasn't looking forward to it in the least. Just thinking about how he was going to tell her was enough to leave him feeling light headed. When they all started to count down, he couldn't really bear to do it nor did he drink his champagne with everyone else. He ended up returning to the house as soon as he possibly could and got into bed not to wake up until nearly one in the afternoon: completely unnatural for him. When he came downstairs, Blu Jae was downstairs playing his little harmonica making coffee and oatmeal for Natalie who was sitting at the table talking to Suerro. When she heard Salem come downstairs, she looked in his direction.

"Are you just getting up?" Natalie asked.

"Yeah," Salem said. "Sorry. It was a long night and by the time I got home, I was really tired."

"You seemed to be," Natalie said and stood to approach him and give him a hug and kiss on the cheek. "Blu Jae's making oatmeal and coffee. There should be enough for you to have some too. We all got up late too, but everyone was eating leftovers from yesterday."

"Nothing you could eat in other words?" Salem teased with a small smile.

"Is everything alright, Salem?" Natalie asked when she saw Salem's slightly strange smile. "You don't seem like yourself today."

"I'm alright, mom," Salem said. He went to the kitchen and poured himself and Natalie coffee and then brought it to the dining table sitting down with Natalie and Suerro. "Look, mom, there's something I need to talk to you about."

"What's that? Is everything alright?"

Salem shrugged, "I got my orders and I'll be transferring on the 22nd."

"Of January?"

"Yeah," Salem nodded.

"Where are you being sent?" Natalie asked. Salem was quiet a moment, bracing himself for Natalie's reaction.

"Da Nang," Salem finally said.

"Where?" Natalie asked.

"Vietnam," Salem said, and Natalie went rigid. "Now mom, before you get upset-"

"You're being sent to Vietnam?" Natalie said as she was becoming visibly upset.

Desperate to make her relax, Salem said, "Mom, really, it's not a big deal. I'm sure I won't even set foot in Vietnam. I'll probably be on the boat the whole time bored out of my mind. I promise you have nothing to worry about."

"Salem, you're being sent overseas to fight! How can you say I have nothing to worry about?" Natalie began crying. Salem scooted his chair the remaining distance so he was right beside Natalie and hugged her.

"Mom, I'll be okay; I promise. If JJ can survive being a POW, I'm sure I can survive being stuck on a sub for two years."

"Salem, that's not funny," Suerro said sternly.

"You're staying in Vietnam for two years?" Natalie cried, now in Salem's shoulder hugging him back.

"It's my last tour and then I retire," Salem said. "You have my word mom: on my ten year, I'll retire. I'll come home for good and you'll never have to worry about me being away from home again." Despite his attempts at comforting her, Natalie continued to cry. Suerro reached over to rub Natalie's back to help comfort her and Blu Jae came to the table with the finished oatmeal, bowls and spoons.

"Will you be able to call home?" Blu Jae asked.

"If not, I'll write," Salem answered, directing it to Natalie. "I have until the 22nd and I'll make sure by the time I leave, you'll have seen so much of me that you'll be tired of me."

"Don't joke like that, Salem," Natalie whimpered.

"It'll be okay, mom. I promise I'll be okay. JJ even gave me the tooth he wore in Korea, so you know I'll be well taken care of," Salem said.

Salem did his best to console Natalie and although Salem held true to his word that she would see a lot of him in the month of January, it was still extremely hard on her. She often went into the city so she could visit him on base and would even attempt to talk to the superior officers in the hopes that maybe she could find out more about where Salem would be and what would happen, but naturally everything she was asking for was classified information. The commanding officers were as kind and patient with Natalie as was in their nature to be, but Natalie just didn't want Salem to go. Unlike with JJ, she felt like she at least had the opportunity to improve the situation, but it didn't do much good. Then the dreaded day came that Salem had to leave. They all went to the airport together where Salem would get on a plane to California where he'd get on a sub to Da Nang.

"Your collar's uneven," Natalie said as she straightened Salem's shirt. Normally he'd argue, but under the circumstances he just let it go. "You'll write or call the moment you're able?"

"You can count on it, mom," Salem reassured. "I promise, mom, I'll be alright."

"You have the tooth?" JJ asked. Salem smiled and pulled the tooth from under his shirt to show it. "Good. You're as good as bullet proof. Take it from me."

"Don't joke like that," Suerro scolded. "Salem, make a point to call home as soon as you can. If a letter is the best you can do most of the time, but never underestimate the importance of your mother hearing her son's voice."

"I'll do what I can, Suerro," Salem said and then looked at all his nephews. "Come here, squirts, and give me a hug." Jae Sun, Mae Sun, Eun So and Hae Li all came up to Salem and all gave him a big hug all at once. When he let them go, he looked at Eun Mi. "Can I hug my nieces?"

"Of course," Eun Mi smiled and came over so Salem could hug Eun Mi and rub her belly. There was a kick from two spots and Salem chuckled.

"Any day now," Salem joked. "Send me pictures as soon as you can okay?"

"We will," JJ promised and hugged Salem. "Good luck, kid."

"I'll be fine," Salem said again. Nesia came over and gave Salem a hug too as did the rest of the family before Salem had to depart. They all stayed until they saw the plane leave and when it did, Natalie shivered, sniffled and rubbed her eyes.

"It'll be alright, mom. Salem will come home alright," JJ promised.

"What is something happens to him?" Natalie cried.

"Oh, come on mom. If my dumb ass lived through Korea, the son with half a brain will be just fine in Vietnam," JJ said and Jacob swatted JJ over the head.

"Watch how you're talking boy," Jacob said firmly.

"Thanks for that, Jacob," Suerro said. Natalie was still teary eyed so Suerro wrapped his arm around her to hold her close.

It took a little while, but they did eventually leave the airport to return home. By the next day, Salem was on his assigned sub and another three days later, the crew was fully assembled and they were able to set sail for Da Nang. As soon as Salem picked his bunk, he'd gotten a bunch of his pictures from home out and started taping them to the wall and even on the ceiling including a few family photos, some pictures of his nephews, Jae's picture and any other picture he could find room for.

"You comfortable yet?" a voice came and Salem, swearing he knew the voice, turned his head and saw a face he'd not seen in years.

"Alex?" Salem uttered when he saw Aleksander Wojzyk standing beside the bunk beds where Salem was situated on the top bunk.

"Long time no see," Aleksander smiled. "It's good to see a familiar face. We'll need it more than ever now."

"Yeah, no kidding," Salem smiled and shook Aleksander's hand. Since he was there, Aleksander commandeered the top bunk to the left of Salem's. "Best part of getting to the ship early is you get to pick your bunk."

"Damn straight," Salem said. "So how've you been?"

"Not bad. I'll be one of your engineers for this cruise," Aleksander joked.

"And I'll be one of your Sonar Technicians."

"Oh, right, they changed the title," Aleksander chuckled. He saw the tattoos that were visible on Salem's arm and chuckled. "I see getting 'Welcome Aboard' tattooed above your dick wasn't enough?"

"Not nearly," Salem chuckled. "I added a sailor girl to that tattoo. I have a memorial tattoo of my dad on my left pectoral, my alligator – that one's a favorite of mine – I've got my pinup on my right ribcage, an orange blossom on my wrist, a clock on my left shoulder, a super detailed Siamese cat on my right shoulder and my back is filled with little mementos from everywhere I've been. After this trip I'm retiring and I'll be putting the Navy emblem in the middle of it all with my years of service."

"Oh, wow," Aleksander chuckled, "you've certainly been braver than me. Which one's your favorite?"

"My pinup," Salem answered confidently and then lifted his shirt on the side so she was in view. Aleksander whistled, impressed.

"She's a bombshell. Who was she?"

"A dream come true," Salem said. "I told Andy, the artist that put her on me, what I like and he came up with this. I don't know where the blue eyes came from, but I wouldn't change a thing about her."

"Does she have a name?"

"I call her Betty Crocker, but that's just jokingly. I feel like she has a name, but I don't know it," Salem said.

"Shit. So any woman in your life would have to live up to her?"

"Don't be ridiculous," Salem chuckled. "She's too good to be true. Even if she exists, she's too good for me."

"Do Native Americans even get blue eyes?"

"None of the ones I've met," Salem said.

"Well, just keep your shirt on through the trip unless you want the guys following you around cocks in hand," Aleksander joked.

"Someone learned to cuss like a sailor," Salem teased. "Good to have you on board, Alex."

"Likewise, Salem," Aleksander smiled.

Back in Washington, Eun Mi was growing more and more uncomfortable. The twins were downright restless to the point where most times it was too much on her to even stand. Kyle became a frequent visitor checking on her and how she was coming along. By February, Eun Mi was virtually bedbound. Natalie stayed over as much as she could, but Popo made it difficult, especially since the cat had starting napping at Eun Mi's side at all times and even becoming slightly aggressive if someone other than JJ and the kids approached Eun Mi; a behavior she'd never seen out of Popo in all the years they'd had him. The day before Valentine's Day, JJ made a point to ask Natalie if she'd be alright with looking after the boys for the day to which she happily agreed. With the boys out of the house, JJ pampered Eun Mi rubbing her feet and doing his best to make dinner. It wound up being Eun Mi doing most of the cooking with her ghostly hands, but she appreciated that JJ tried.

After dinner, the two of them went to their bedroom and sat in bed together just cuddling. Eun Mi made no mention of her contractions refusing to disrupt their night alone. They fell asleep in each other's arms and the next morning, Eun Mi woke up to JJ in bed beside her with his arm around her, but the comforting gesture was disrupted with a searing pain. Knowing what was coming, Eun Mi left their bed and retreated to the bathroom and got some warm water going hoping to sooth the pain even if only a little. Her water broke in the tub while she was getting some hot water going and most of it went away, but some of it tinted the water. By the time the water was at her hips, JJ was awake and already calling Kyle. Once off the phone, JJ went to her side.

"Is the hot water helping?" JJ asked.

"Very little but I'll take it," Eun Mi whimpered. A contraction hit her and she took a fold of JJ's hand while she cried. JJ breathed with her to help her relax and the contraction had eased a little by the time Kyle and Evalina made it to the house.

Normally they would have helped Eun Mi to the bed, but she simply refused to leave the hot water, that being her only source of even mild pain relief. Since it was easing her stress, Kyle agreed it would be alright to have the baby in that way, but the tub made it extremely difficult for Kyle to get situated where he needed to be. To make it easier, Kyle and JJ helped Eun Mi get maneuvered so Kyle could have easier access to where he needed. There wasn't enough room for JJ to get behind her and, with the tub quickly proving to be far too small, Evalina rushed into town to buy a small pool that could be filled with warm water. She returned as quickly as she could and they got the pool in the bathroom inflated and filled with warm water as quickly as they could. Once filled, JJ helped Eun Mi into the new spot and, having far more room now, got seated behind her in the warm water and Kyle was in front of her. Several hours of labor later after the family had pretty much gathered downstairs in anticipation, Eun Mi was finally able to push.

It took several good, hard pushes, but Eun Mi was eventually able to deliver the first of the twins. As soon as the baby was out from the water, the room filled with a loud cry and Eun Mi saw right away exactly what she'd been longing to see and was crying before Kyle even announced it.

"It's a girl," Kyle said and handed the little girl to Eun Mi so she could hold her.

"It's a girl," Eun Mi repeated with a happy cry. "We have a daughter, JJ."

"Little Eun Mae," JJ smiled and kissed Eun Mi's head and gently petted Eun Mae's little head as she cried. Evalina took Eun Mae so she could get the baby dry and warm while Kyle helped Eun Mi through the second delivery which took another fifteen minutes. When Eun Mi finally delivered the second baby, she felt so much relief that she sighed and whimpered at the same time.

"It's another girl," Kyle announced and handed the baby to Eun Mi who was already crying renewed tears of joy.

"It's another girl, Eun Mi," JJ smiled. "Mae Yon."

"Eun Mae and Mae Yon," Eun Mi cried and kissed the little girl's head. "I told you they were girls."

"I know," JJ smiled and kissed Eun Mi's cheek. He thought he heard something and glanced at the window where he saw a blue bird, Blu, outside watching over and JJ smiled, a little chocked up. "I know."