45 Life IS A Highway After All
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Here it is, the final installment of Life is a Highway. It's been a long road, but the journey is finally over. Please leave a review, let me know your overall thoughts on the story.
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With the furor of the grand openings finally over, life in Bunnyburrow and at Wild Ride Customs begins to take on a semblance of normality.
With Midnight keeping an eye on a very enthusiastic Thomas, who is doing excellent work while asking advice of nearly everyone in the shop.
With each passing day, the young(ish) lynx gains more confidence in his work and abilities and the requests for assistance begin to get less annoying and more technical.
Planning the work on a whiteboard like Midnight showed him, Thomas meticulously works his new ride into the vehicle of his dreams, while taking into account the need for Sylvia to be able to drive it as well, thus the adjustable controls needed to be a top priority.
Going through first the drivetrain, then the brakes was next on the list, while interior and bodywork was scheduled for completion after the suspension upgrades were finished. Of course, those items would be left to the more skilled members of the shop.
Going over everything with Midnight and getting his stamp of approval, Thomas tells Nick that the project is finished and is awaiting his approval.
Walking around the finished product, Nick likes what he sees. Outwardly, the car has slight nose-down appearance, harkening back to the old time hotrodder days. The burnished copper appearing paint set off by the S/S mags and raised white letter tires shines like a new penny in the early morning sun.
The earthy brown leather interior contrasted by the dark tan carpet and headliner plus the wood grained sport steering wheel give the car a more elegant look.
Starting the car, Nick is impressed with the sound of the very healthy and more than slightly modified 318 cubic motor and the 4-speed Competition Plus Hurts shifter feels solid in his paw.
"Get in …" he tells Thomas.
Taking the little car to a section of highway that most of the local have been using as a make-shift drag strip/race track for years, Nick opens the car up at full throttle.
Quickly putting the 'Cuda through it paces, Nick throttles down and takes a leisurely drive back to the shop, where he pulls into Thomas's bay and shuts it down.
With Nick having a thoughtful expression on his face, Thomas is understandably a bit nervous, so he remains quiet, not daring to say a word.
"Let's go to the office for a minute." Nick tells the now very nervous mammal
Entering the office, Nick walks over to a filing cabinet and takes out a sheet of paper, lays it on his desk and scribbles something on the bottom of the sheet, finally pawing it to Thomas.
Looking at the paper, the lynx realizes that it's the title to the car. His car!
"Congratulations Strong Heart, the car's officially yours. Now, park it in one of the employees spots outside and bring in the El Camino parked in the build portion of the lot, that's your next project. Midnight will give you the build specs."
Stunned, Thomas is almost brought to tears. "How can anyone be so generous, so kind, to a mammal who barely knows him? Still …."
"Y-yes sir …" and immediately heads into the work area.
"Well?" asks a smiling Judy.
"It's perfect Fluff, I'm glad you let him do it."
"It would have just sat there forever if I hadn't."
"True. How are you feeling today by the way? Ya look a bit tired."
"These kits are beginning to wear me out a bit more every day." as she gently rubs her now swollen belly.
…
After moving his new car, Thomas brings in a '73 El Camino that doesn't seem to be in too bad of shape.
After taking a picture of the completed whiteboard, Midnight erases it and has Thomas write all of the expected work to be completed on the vehicle.
Satisfied that the lynx understands everything, the tells him "Take the rest of the day off, go spend some time with your doe."
"Really? Won't Nick be put out?"
"As shop foreman I'm giving you the time off. Nick won't dispute it so go on, git! Give your girl a ride in your new car."
As Thomas heads out, he wonders how he's going to give Sylvia a ride when she's the only one at the store. He stops wondering when he enters through the front door when he notices two of her sisters, Claudia and Estelle, dressed in simple regalia being instructed on how to do what when working the store.
Looking up when the tiny bell over the door tinkles, Sylvia is first delighted then suddenly concerned to see her prospective mate enter.
"Strong Heart! Wh-why are you here? is everything okay?"
Giving his beloved a large smile, Thomas explains that Midnight had given him the rest of the day off so he could spend time with her.
"So, that must be why mom has been pushing me so hard to get others trained to run the store."
"So it would seem. Anyway, I finished the project that Nick gave me and I'd like to treat you to lunch."
"Really? I'd love to see the finished car …"
Stepping outside, Sylvia is totally blown away with the beauty of the car and the quality of work.
"And Nick just gave you the car?"
"Actually, I think it was probably Judy's idea, she's the one that wanted me to work on it. I understand that it was hers when she first got with Nick."
"Makes sense I guess, that certainly sounds like Judy, plus it keeps it in the family – you know for when we finally marry …"
"I guess. if your sisters can handle the store-" he begins.
"They can, I think." Getting thumbs up from both does, Sylvia leads he boyfriend to the door.
…
As the days turn to weeks and the weeks turn into months, the volume of work at the shop takes a massive upturn so Nick manages to not only hire a few mammals of various species from the Tri-Burrow area, but a couple of mammals from the Pines Ridge reservation as well.
The store in town has a sharp increase in business as well, with customers coming from all over the region and even from Zootopia. Sales slow a bit when the store in the old shop in Zootopia finally opens with Laverne and Shirley at the helm, solely due to the sharing of stock.
Demand for anything and everything then gets so bad that both stores end up sold out of almost everything within days of getting new shipments from the reservation.
Not knowing what to do for sure, Nick calls Michael and has a very long conversation and in-depth conversation with him.
Calling a sort of staff meeting with Sylvia in furson at the Bunnyburrow store, and Laverne and Shirley in Zootopia (video conference call), Nick gives them the information that he and Michael discussed.
"Okay … here's what I know … after speaking with Michael, I've learned that there are several more villages that want to get on board with what we're doing here and in Zootown. Come Friday, there will be more and different items for both stores arriving. When the stuff arrives, I'm going to have Skye make the trip to the Zootopia store with half of whatever comes in, any questions?"
"Ummm …" comes from Sylvia.
"Yes, you may go with Skye to the city. I know you want to check up on the store, and have probably never been to Zootopia. Just as long as you have someone reliable to run the store here."
"Well, Claudia and Estelle are more than capab-"
Just then, Nick's phone rings.
"It's Judy … hell-" he begins.
"NICK … GET HERE … I'M …"
Then Sabine's voice comes over the speaker "Nick, Judy's water just broke. Skye's loading her up an taking her to the hospital as we speak!"
"SHIT!" as the todd heads for the door.
…
Arriving at the hospital, Nick is ushered into the clean room where he is quickly dressed in sterile garb and escorted into the delivery room where Judy is currently in full-blown labor.
"Nick …." comes the strong, yet strangely desperate plea from the doe.
"I'm here Fluff, we both know everything will be okay remember?" as he takes her paw in his own.
A quick nod comes from Judy, just before she crushes Nick's paw and lets out a blood curdling scream as a powerful contraction hits.
…
Roughly an hour later, Judy has delivered two beautiful kits and is pawed her first born.
"Do you have names yet?" asks one of the nurses. "And since they are mixed species, what information should we put on their birth certificates?"
"The female is Byonica Rose Wilde and is to be called a Lagomorpha/Vulpine hybrid or Rabbox for short. And her sex is to be recorded as a Doe." responds Judy firmly.
"The male is Johnathan Aaron Wilde and is to be called a Vulpine/Lagomorpha hybrid or a Fobbit for short. His sex is to be recorded as a Todd."
"As you wish Mrs. Wilde." says the smiling nurse, leaving two small bundles in Judy's arms.
Judy then opens the swaddling blankets to admire her newborn kits while Nick looks on in amazement.
Byonica, or Bonnie, is a happy mixture of Lagomorpha and Vulpine genes. While her body seems to be mostly rabbit shaped, she has slightly shorter ears which are slightly pointed at their tips with a bit longer tail. Her snout is a bit more elongated than a normal rabbit snout. The amazing thing to Judy is that Bonnie is covered in a soft, grey and white downy like fur with specks of red fur showing. Short incisors with actual tiny canine teeth also add to the surprise that Judy encounters.
"This is amazing!" she murmurs as she marvels at the appearance of her daughter, "bunnies are never born with fur …"
Johnathan, of course, is a mixture of Vulpine and Lagomorpha genes, with Nick's genes showing through. Slightly longer than his sister but shorter than a normal red fox kit, John has slightly longer than normal fox-like ears which are rounded at their tips and a shorter black tipped tail. His snout is a bit shorter than a normal fox kit and his mostly predator like teeth are accentuated by longer incisors, much like a bunnies. His slightly coarser reddish fur has grey specks making their appearance known.
"Well done sweetheart." croons Nick softly as he kisses his totally worn-out wife between her ears.
"They … they're beautiful …" as Judy begins to cry.
As a now confused Nick begins to worry, a soothing female voice comforts him.
"It's okay Nick," comments Bonnie as she pats his arm to calm him "It's called post-partum blues. It's perfectly normal, upsetting but normal, especially for a doe's first litter."
"How about we let mom nurse her little ones for the first time while she's being cleaned up …" prompts a nurse.
"Yes, lets." agrees Bonnie as she takes Nick by the arm and leads him towards the door. "We can wait for Judy and the kits in her room."
…
After a short bit, Judy and kits are wheeled into her private room, where Nick and her parents are waiting.
"The kits are fed and asleep, so I'll take them to the nursery and change them, they'll be back in a couple of hours for another feeding okay?" quietly asks a nurse.
"I … guess /" answers Judy, a bit reluctant to give up her kits.
"How ya doin' Fluff?" the todd asks gently.
"I'm … we're fine dad …" answers the still tired doe, which causes the situation to finally sink in to the new father.
"I – I'm a dad … I'm really a father now …"
"Yes Nick, you're really a father …"
"So …"
"Nick, they're … different … than my visions …"
"Except for the fur color, they're pretty much the same as what I saw … is that what's bothering you?" he asks.
"Yeah, I guess …"
"Does it really matter? They're here and appear to be healthy, so who really cares?"
"I guess you're right. Oh, sorry, hey mom … dad …"
"It's okay Judes." returns Bonnie. "We just needed to know that you and the kits are okay, so we'll take off and come back later."
"Okay, I am a bit tired, so I'll see you later. Nick, are you gonna stay?"
"Of course sweetheart. I aint goin' anywhere."
"Thanks Niiii …." as Judy falls gently to sleep.
…
Later that day during regular visiting hours, Judy's family (all over 200 of them by now), and the shop crew filter through to offer their congratulations.
Toward the end of the visitation period, Laverne, Jason and Shirley from Zootopia pay their respects, and last but not least (with Judy wondering where they were) Midnight and Sabine and Thomas and Sylvia make their appearance.
"Hey you guys, why so late?" asks the doe.
"Well … begins Midnight "umm …"
"We wanted to be last, or at least close to last because … we're getting married next week! Friday actually" Sabine tells her.
"Wow, that's a bit unexpected! Why so soon?" Judy asks, already suspecting the answer.
"I'm pregnant!" the feline admits.
"So" Judy asks Nick "who wins the pot?"
"Well … I guess you win both of 'em." Nick tells her.
"Wait, what? You guys had a betting pool on us?" asks Midnight.
"Two actually." admits Nick with a signature smirk "Judy accurately guessed when you'd admit that Sabine was preggo and when you'd get married."
"Judy! How did you know I was pregnant?" asks an astounded Sabine.
Pointing at Nick, Judy grins "Nick told me. Have you both forgotten how sensitive a predator's noise is? Pretty much the entire shop knew, so putting together a pool was easy. The hard part was keeping you two out of the loop."
"Well just … damn …" murmurs Sabine.
"And how are Kimba and Kitara taking the news?" asks Judy.
"Believe it or not, they both seem to be thrilled about getting new sisters or brothers or one of each …" admits Midnight.
"And what about Nadine?"
"I'm sure she knows, but with that being said, not a word from her. To be honest, I'm sure the cubs will politely tell her to piss off."
"And what about you two?" Judy asks Sylvia and Thomas as she turns her attention to the smaller couple "Please don't tell me that you're-"
"NO! absolutely not!" almost screeches Sylvia "We've never even thought about … well okay we've actually thought about doing that, but we've never acted on it. But we did want to tell you both that we're engaged. Strong Heart proposed yesterday, last night actually, and no, we haven't set a date yet."
"Then I guess congratulations are in order … for all four of you!" says Nick.
…
After a slightly extended stay in the hospital to make sure that both Judy and the hybrid kits are all perfectly healthy, Judy is allowed to go home.
The proud parents are amazed to see the kits eyes when they finally open.
Bonnie's eyes are similar to her mother's – a beautiful lavender with green speckles, while Johnathan's are emerald green with lavender speckles, mostly like Nick's.
Even though Michael and another tribal member dropped off new merchandise for both stores and Sylvia made the trip to Zootopia with Skye to deliver stuff to that store, Michael and Yvonne stopped by unexpectedly to visit with the proud new parents to share some exciting news.
"We're pregnant!" exclaims Yvonne.
"I wonder how that happened!" snarks Nick as usual.
"Well," begins Michael "when two mammals love each other-"
"Really Michael?" interrupts Yvonne "I think you've been a bad influence on my husband Nick!" she accuses the todd.
"Hey! It ain't my fault that you're-"
"That's NOT what I meant and you know it!" she returns, barely able to not laugh in the process.
"Aaaanyway." chimes in Judy, "Congratulations."
"Thanks. We've decided to name the kits … or cubs, after you two, if you give us permission." admits Michael solemnly.
"Us? Why us?" asks Nick.
"You gave us hope, and hope can be a powerful thing." Yvonne tells Nick.
"Grandfather actually suggested it, and we both agree." Michael tells the todd.
"I – we don't know what to say …" stammers Nick.
"I … we accept. I only hope that we can live up to the honor you've given us." says Judy humbly.
"The hope that you've given not only us, but everyone in the nearby villages and even the entire reservation has more than deserved the honor." admits Michael. "We have several things that members of all of the villages have sent to you both in appreciation of your gift of hope."
Following the couple outside, Nick and Judy observe pawmade gifts made with care and with love as they are carefully unloaded from the van. Darling little outfits of regalia, quilts, and even a couplie of appropriately sized backboards for carrying the young kits are among the items.
"I – we surely don't deserve all of this …" chokes a now emotional Nick.
"You deserve these and more," states Michael with conviction "You have given selflessly and in a good way for the betterment of all on the rez. "We can never truly repay you for what you have given us, but we can at least offer these small things …"
"Then we accept. And we thank you from the bottom of our hearts." Judy tells the pair.
…
The wedding between Midnight and Sabine is a fairly demur affair, with Sabine insisting that her sister Fabine NOT bring a news crew to cover the affair.
While small by Bunnyburrow standards, the wedding guest list was mainly comprised of Hopps family, shop employees and a few other notables such as Nick's family in Zootopia and few from the reservation that wanted or could spare the time and/or resources to attend.
As the months roll by, things return to more or less normal in Bunnyburrow.
A set of twins is born to Midnight and Sabine, with the male, Geralt, being born first and his sister Yennefer born just a few minutes later. Geralt and Yennefer were nearly identical with a sort of muddy white, almost cream-colored fur with tiny black spots and beautiful ice blue eyes. Since the cubs were the product of both parents be of basically the same species, their bodies were typically feline.
When Judy finds out that she's suddenly pregnant with her second set of kits, she's at a bit of a loss, since she had been taking her prescribed meds.
"Fluff, we knew it could happen, especially after the last time!" as Nick tries to console his mate.
"But Nick, what if-"
"Listen … we've had no visions indicating that something bad might happen, and I'm sure that everything's fine. If you want, I'll ask Bolo to do lodge, okay?"
"Okay fine … please …"
…
After a successful lodge with no appearance by any of the spirits or of Judy and Nick's soon to be born kits (which was kind of anticipated), Judy finally settled down especially after she got the news that Sylvia and Thomas had set a wedding date. This was compounded when Bolo told her and Nick that he and Renee would be wed as well.
In order to minimize confusion, both wedding were set to take place on the same date and would be held in the same Hopps field that Midnight and Sabine's wedding was held, with the same guest list, minus Sabine's sister and anyone from the reservation.
…
When Nicholle and Stuart are born, the twins are amazingly similar in appearance to their older siblings.
Nicholle, is mostly fox like, a vixen, with reddish fur shot through with grey and white strands of hair. A slightly shorter body, snout and tail are the physical appearances she shares with her mostly vulpine brother and her green eyes (once they're finally open) are emerald green with lavender specks. Of course her ears are slightly longer and rounded at the tips.
Stuart on the other paw is more rabbit like. Longer body with shorter ears pointed at the tips like his elder sister with grayish and white fur and red hairs have the expected traits also like his older sister, while lavender eyes with green specks, a slightly longer snout and tail complete the visage.
…
As time marches on, more weddings take place. Duane and Tiffany and Josh and Skye are soon married but hold off on having kits.
The cubs from the reservation graduate from high school and become engaged. With plans to attend classes at Tri-Burrow Community College, raising cubs is farther off than actual wedding plans.
Bright Eyes application to the fashion design school was accepted in part due to her artistic ability and partly due to her blending of traditional Lakota regalia with modern fashion.
Short Tail's application was accepted and fast-tracked because of a recommendation from Nick. The photos of his work that Nick sent the review board were of superior quality, far better than anyone who had attended the graphic arts classes in years past.
…
When Judy becomes pregnant for the third time, several hard decisions needed to be made.
After the birth of Laverne, for the first time that anyone could remember, Nick held a cook-out at his and Judy's place with mandatory attendance being required by all employees, including the Lakota Creations bunch both from Bunnyburrow and Zootopia.
Even though Nick had politely requested that Michael and Yvonne attend, no one was prepared when not only they showed up, but all of the village leaders from all of the villages that were sending merchandise for the two stores came as well.
While all of the kits, cubs, pups, etc. were busy playing in the freshly cut alfalfa fields that had piles of bales to play on, a couple of bouncy houses and a few other thing to keep younger kits occupied, the adults were busy in a meeting.
Getting everyone's attention, Nick begins: "All right … I know most of you have been wondering why Judy and I have been acting a bit … weird … since Laverne's birth."
Wrapping his arms and tail around his beloved wife, both to comfort her and to steady himself, Nick continues: "In case no one else has been keeping track, I need to clarify a few things. Laverne appears to be a slightly smaller than normal silver fox, and rumors have gotten out of paw. Thanks to some digging by mom and Shirley, it seems like a great-great-great …"
"One more." prompts Laverne (Nick's mom of course).
"Great grandfather married a silver fox and I seemingly carried a recessive gene, hence our daughter's fur color. As to why Judy and I have been depressed and happy at the more or less same time, is because Laverne was born exactly five years to the day after we lost Aaron and Rose."
Waiting for the mummers to subside, Nick tightens his grip in Judy just a bit.
"Now that that's out of the way, Judy and I have been talking and we believe that it's time that we, mainly I, retire from taking an active part in the day-to-day operations of not only Wilde Ride Customs, but of Lakota Creations as well. I'm not selling the businesses; I'm simply turning over operations to a few trusted employees.
"Midnight and Bolo will share duties in the main shop with Strong Heart, that is Thomas, controlling building two, that being fit and finish and detailing set-up.
"Sylvia - Morning Sun, will have complete control of the two Lakota Creations stores, and yes I talked it over with mom and aunt Shirley, and it's totally okay with them.
"Judy and I have talked it over and between us we've missed some important firsts with our first four kits, and we don't want to miss anything with Laverne. We have the utmost confidence in everyone so we've decided to be stay at home parents.
"Are there any questions or concerns?"
With total silence reigning for several moments, a certain fox and rabbit began to worry.
Then, almost the entire company present slowly moved in and gave quiet condolences and congratulation to the stunned couple.
…
After a while, the crowd thinned and left, young in tow, while a few remained.
Nick …" begins Sylvia with Thomas at her side "you didn't have to do what you did for us …"
"Smiling at his sister-in-law, Nick had to admit "Sure I did. I only want the best mammals for the job in certain positions and you two are absolutely the most qualified. In addition, instead of the shop gaining a bit of revenue from the sales, it's yours to do with as you please. Save up for a home. Sooner or later you two and gonna have kits, and an upstairs apartment is no place for kits."
Suddenly enveloped in a Hopps hug, Nick can only smirk at Thomas.
"Ok, off with you two, enjoy the weekend."
…
Later in the evening, with only the delegation from the reservation remaining, Nick is unsure what to expect.
Stepping forward, Kicking Bird begins: "Iron Eyes, Wolf Spirit, when you first came to the reservation I was unsure what to make of you and of your request to do Inipi, even though Sees Far assured me that you were reputable mammals. The incident where Wolf Spirit protected the young ones convinced me that you were indeed honorable mammals. The events during and after Inipi, and of our talk later, added to my feeling that you would stand by your words.
"Your commitment to making sure that the things we sent to you to sell for us, and the way that not only the cubs but She Always Laughs and others were accepted into your community, have gained you much respect throughout the reservation and the villages that you are helping. Your actions have brought not only hope to the mammals that look to myself and others for guidance, but also pride in who they are and what they can do when given a chance to better themselves.
"When Sees Far told me that your invitation to this event was open-ended, I decided to see if the spirits would offer any advice, so I had Sees Far conduct Inipi. The spirits revealed that your kit would be of questionable parentage to many, but also that she was indeed of your blood.
"After pondering the events of Inipi, I gathered the leaders of all of the villages that you have dealt with and we all decided to accept your invitation so that we could thank you as a group for what you have done for us, as we know that it has been done in a good way.
"With that, we wish to gift some personal items to you and your family."
As each of the tribal leaders came forward, Nick, as head of the home, did his level best to maintain a stoic appearance. Judy on the other paw, failed miserably, tearing up a bit more as each item was gifted to them.
Paw made regalia for each of them and for their youngest kit were brought forth. Medicine wheels and dream catchers, paw made knives for them as well as a smaller version of Judy's obsidian knife for Laverne were presented.
Topping the list were the intricate and beautiful backboard for carrying the young vixen in public (even though it wouldn't be used for very long considering how quickly he more fox-like kits had grown), and the two star quilts, one quite large and the other very small.
"The star quilts were made by the females of all of the villages as a group effort." Kicking Bird comments. "The larger one was made by adults, with the pieces of cloth coming from clothing of family members who have gone to join the ancestors. It was made that way so you will always feel a connection to not only the mammals who made the quilt, but to the spirits as well.
"The smaller one was made by younger females. Although it may lack in the quality that the larger one has, the effort and love put into it was exactly the same, and it was done to honor the kits that you lost, as the clothing used was that of kits that joined the ancestors too soon.
As Nick comforts a now totally broken-down Judy, cuddling her and a sleeping kit in his lap, Kicking Bird finishes his narration.
"Lastly the village elders and myself would like to gift you with this …" as the elder bring out a long object wrapped in a red cloth.
Accepting the object, Nick gently unwraps a "Chanupa … Kicking Bird. I don't understand, you already gifted me a Chanupa …"
"This Chanupa was made by all for the elders from all the villages that you have aided. The bowl, which has the visage of a fox on one side and a rabbit on the other, was carved from virgin pipestone by Three Spots." as a spotted deer inclines his head slightly.
"The stem was carved from a piece of cottonwood tree hat had been used in a Sun Dance ceremony many summers ago by Sun Follower, shortly before he joined the ancestors. The beadwork on the stem was done by his son who could not attend this gathering.
"The Eagle and Red-Tailed Hawk feathers adorning the Chanupa were donated by all of the village elders as a sign of respect, as well as the bag of kinnikinnick. It is our wish that you accept this as a token of our respect as it as well as all items are gifted in a good way."
Totally stunned, Nick pauses for only a moment before accepting the many gifts bestowed upon them.
"We are honored to accept these gifts. I would be honored if you would all join me in a ceremony to honor not only my family but all of you as well, by smoking the Chanupa here, now tonight."
"We would be honored to accept your request, as we know that it is done in a good way." answers Kicking Bird as the other elders nod in ascent.
Being sure to properly pack the Chanupa in the prescribed manner, Nick begins the honoring ceremony by taking a deep draw from the pipe, then exhaling small puffs of smoke in each of the four cardinal directions (north, south, east and west) then to the sky and to the earth. Judy then does the same and passes the pipe to Kicking Bird.
Eventually, all of the elders repeats the ceremony, which requires repacking the pipe an additional two times.
As the ceremony is completed, the northern lights make their appearance.
With everyone looking on, amazed at the coincidence, two very bright streaks appear, one of a brilliant green, the other of a slightly purple hue.
"It seems your kits are looking down on you and approve of it all." comments Kicking Bird.
"As if anything else could complete the evening …" comments Judy, who then notices that Laverne, who she has been cuddling against her chest since the gifting ceremony began, was wide awake, and reaching towards the lights with both of her tiny paws.
"Shew knows …" Judy quietly comments "she knows that her siblings are up there watching over her!"
"The spirits are indeed watching over you …" admits Kicking bird. "With that, we must retire, for we have along journey ahead of us tomorrow. Stay well. Mitakuye Oyasin.
"Mitakuye Oyasin!"
…
With Laverne sleeping soundly again, Judy takes her up and places he in her crib and rejoins her husband on the back porch swing.
"I was listening to the radio for a bit while you put 'Verne to bed, and came across an old song that pretty much sums up our life together."
"Really? And that would be … what?"
Calling up a certain video on EweTube, Nick begins the playback, and begins to sing, with Judy quickly recognizing the song and joining him.
"Life is a highway
I wanna ride it all night long
If you're goin' my way
Well, I wanna drive it all night long …"
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AN: I know this chapter feel like it's a bit rushed in spots (I guess because it kinda is), but I really wanted to finish this story up and at least try to cover any loose ends.
Thanks to Vikings2019 for the suggestion to use Life is a Highway by Rascal Flats in the final chapter.
