After leaving Mousefield College, the large group had made their way back to Baker Street and were now enjoying party to celebrate Olivia's graduation, apart from Sally, Clara and their families, who had to go back to their homes. Despite the parlour not being very big, everyone somehow managed to squeeze in.
''I know I've already said this,'' Marianne said, ''but I'm actually looking forward to attending Mousefield College, Miss Callahan was pleased when I told her I wanted to become a doctor, like Dawson.''
''I'm, glad you do,'' Emmett said to his niece. ''It's a nice way of helping others, isn't it?''
''Indeed, it is,'' Dawson agreed. ''That's why I became a doctor myself.''
''Speaking of which,'' Pauline piped up, holding up Eric, ''he's only almost three months old, but Eric is showing real fascination with his father's stethoscope, aren't you? Yes you are,'' she cooed, and Eric giggled.
Dawson rubbed his son's head. ''That is true, every time he sees it or another one of my medical equipment, he reaches out to it. It would make me happy if Eric was to follow in my footsteps.''
Eric grabbed his father's hand and sucked on a finger, which made everyone gush. Baiks couldn't help but look a little envious, which Olivia noticed.
''So,'' Juliet then said to Olivia, ''now that you've finished college, what next?''
''Well, firstly,'' Olivia said, turning to her father, ''at some point in the next few days I will need to go my father's toyshop and pack up all of my remaining belongings, seeing as I now live here permanently.''
Hiram smiled sadly. ''I'd been waiting for this, dear. It was difficult enough you leaving for college, but finally being told that you won't be living with me at home ever again …''
''Empty nest syndrome,'' Mrs Judson said empathetically.
''I'll be the same when both Juliet and Marianne leave the house,'' Priscilla sighed, and Victor comforted her.
''I felt like that with Annabel, even more than our parents did,'' Malcolm said solemnly. ''We were always really close growing up, but when she married Hiram and they moved here to London, it greatly upset me. I even tried to get her to leave Hiram so she would stay, something I'm not proud of,'' he added, looking at his brother-in-law in shame. ''It was really selfish of me.''
Hiram nodded but didn't look too stern, then suddenly burst into tears, and Aileen and Rory comforted their brother. ''This is just how I reacted when my son moved to study in Germany,'' Aileen said, rubbing her brother's back. ''He's slightly older than Olivia.''
''I still live at home, but Mother and Father have discussed it with me,'' Finlay said. ''They just want what's best for me.''
''Let it all out, Hiram,'' Rory said soothingly. ''We Flavershams are feisty, but even we get emotional once in a while.''
''I remember when all of my siblings apart from the twins moved out of our bakery,'' Fidget said. ''Mamma practically turned the house into the sea with all of the tears she shed.''
Everyone laughed.
''Oh, Daddy.'' Olivia hugged her father. ''You know I'll be here at Baker Street so it's not as if you'll never see me again.''
''You can visit us anytime you want, Hiram,'' Basil said, placing a hand on his father-in-law's shoulder. ''The door will always be open for you, day or night.''
''Bless you, William. It's just, apart from those two years at college, my wee bairn has been in my life every day since she was born so … You two will be the same when your children grow up.''
Olivia tried to avoid looking at her stomach. Unable to say it just yet, she coughed and said to Beatrice, ''Glad you taking over Ruby's work has gone okay.''
Mrs Judson and Vera, meanwhile, were giving Olivia shrewd looks.
''Me, too. All of those ladies who worked for her were really happy and thankful to have their jobs back, and parents with children's clothes. Apparently, it has never been more popular! Remember the other week, when I told you that rodents had come here to commend me? They even said my designs are a lot better than Ruby's ever were.''
''Hmmm … Maybe the popularity is partly because you're the sister of the famous detective Basil of Baker Street?'' Finlay suggested, winking.
Beatrice blushed slightly. ''Probably,'' she said slowly, ''but I think it's also because everyone now knows the truth about the old boss.''
Again, everyone laughed and started to chat amongst themselves as they drank Mrs Judon's blueberry juice. Olivia was looking around, smiling around at her guests. She loved all of these rodents, and bat in Fidget's case, her friends and family, and she stared at them as though she had only just realised how lucky she was to have them all in her life. She debated if she should make her announcement now or later just before everyone went home. Mrs Judson could sense her mistress was conflicted so she walked over to her and took her hand, and Olivia realised her housekeeper had also guessed along with Vera, who gave the young woman a hug. After waiting a few good fifteen minutes everyone had simmered down, and Mrs Judson then clapped her hands, causing everyone to look in her direction.
''Pardon me for interrupting,'' the housekeeper said suddenly, placing her arm around her mistress, ''but Miss Olivia has something she wants with us.''
''Oh, what is it darling?'' Basil asked his wife, and everyone went quiet, eager to hear what Olivia had to say.
Olivia looked around the parlour with a big smile and cleared her throat. ''Well …'' she began slowly, ''you know how I've been getting sick recently? Most of you have probably guessed it, particularly after we see Pauline go through it, so I'll just say it: I'm pregnant.''
There was a moment's silence before Basil chuckled and said slowly: ''Livy, can you say that again? It sounded as though you just said that you're –''
''Pregnant. Aye. Carrying your child.''
Immediately, Basil scooped his wife into his arms as a roar of celebration broke out around the parlour. Olivia giggled when Basil plastered kisses all over her face. ''I'm going to be a father,'' he said faintly, as though he had never heard anything so wonderful.
''And me a grandfather,'' Hiram said, beaming. ''I can finally have little ones to spoil again.''
''Oh, the joy of having little feet crawling around this floor again after so many years,'' Mrs Judson said, dabbing her eyes with hankie. ''I look forward to that.''
''A new Flaversham in the making,'' Rory said.
Marianne tried to go over to her friend and give her her usual bear hugs, but Victor held his daughter back, saying it wouldn't be good to be rough with a pregnant woman.
''I'm going to an auntie again,'' said Beatrice, and turned to Roger. ''And you an uncle at long last.''
''How long are you?'' Roger asked his sister-in-law, looking down at her stomach, not yet showing.
''Shortly I'll be two months long,'' Olivia replied, Basil having finally put her down, but he was looking at her as though she might break.
''So that means you conceived happened mid-March,'' Dawson said, looking from Olivia to Basil.
Olivia explained that after Pauline had given birth to Eric, she started to feel broody, but because of her studies she wanted to hold it off a little longer, until one of her fellow college students had received the news that her grandfather had passed away, and she had never got to say goodbye to him. ''This made me think about Toby, and what if something happened to William while he was working on a case? I did some calculating and reasoned that I wouldn't be showing at the graduation, so one night in March I told him I wanted to try for a baby and he agreed so …'' Olivia trailed off, blushing furiously, as did her husband.
''Oh, my dear,'' Vera said, hugging her. ''I probably would have done the same if it was me.''
''And now that I have graduated, I can be sick as much as I want,'' Olivia added with a grimaced smile – then came over with nausea and ran to the bathroom. Basil and Mrs Judson followed after her.
''My poor wee bairn,'' Hiram crooned, and looked at Malcolm. ''I remember how Annabel was in the early stages. She stayed in bed for two whole days the sickness was that bad.''
''Same here,'' Pauline said, looking down at her son, who was now asleep. ''It's not the most glamourous part of pregnancy.''
Vera, Mrs Judson, Priscilla and Aileen all chirped in agreement.
Olivia eventually returned from the bathroom, shivering, but otherwise fine. Basil held her and Mrs Judson gave her mistress a drink of water. ''Let's get back to celebrating, everyone!'' Olivia then said, not letting anything get her down, and everyone resumed partying.
''Speaking of pregnancies,'' Priscilla said to Pauline, ''how are things going for Clara and Alonzo? Are they still trying to conceive? I forgot to ask them earlier.''
''Well,'' Pauline said with a sly smile, ''I suspect Clara is already pregnant, perhaps a month behind Olivia, but they want to keep it a secret. Just like Olivia, Clara was sick the other morning, and when Sally and I asked her about it she was twiddling her thumbs.''
''She does that when she's lying,'' Dawson added, and everyone chuckled.
Eventually, it started to get dark so the Richmonds departed as did Fidget. ''Mamma has never liked any of us being out after dark,'' he said. After saying their goodbyes, the Richmonds and Fidget departed, leaving only the immediate family, who wanted to stay a bit longer.
''Wait until I tell Amanda and the children,'' Roger said. ''They'll be delighted.''
''As will Sally and Clara and their families,'' Pauline added.
''Although,'' Roger continued, looking at his brother and sister-in-law, ''considering William is one himself, there's the chance it could be twins. I remember both times Amanda was pregnant, we thought it might be twins until the doctor said he could only hear one heartbeat. But, of course, if one of was going to have twins of his own, it would be you, William, you've always been the special one.''
'' 'Special One'! I wouldn't go that far, Roger,'' Basil said, waving hand dismissively. ''It does touch me to hear it from you, though,'' he added, hugging his twin. ''And you're right; it is a possibility that Olivia is carrying twins, but we will see.''
''Have the Flavershams ever had twins?'' Beatrice asked Hiram and his family curiously.
''That's a good question,'' said Rory.
''I've never seen any in my generation,'' Finlay replied, shaking his head.
''I think there might have been a few twins here and there,'' Hiram said thoughtfully, ''but if there was, it was long ago.''
''But if Olivia is having twins,'' Aileen said, grinning, ''it could make them more common in our family.''
''It would be an honour for me to start a new family trait,'' Olivia said, ''just as one of our ancestors started the trait of us being feisty.''
Everyone laughed.
''Once I'm three months in we'll have Dawson check me over and then we will know,'' the pregnant woman added, rubbing her stomach. ''I read in many medical books that three months is the best time to start checking the baby's progress.''
Dawson nodded in agreement.
''And now that I know,'' Basil said to his wife, ''I insist on no cases for you until the birth, darling. Furthermore, I know you can handle yourself, Livy, but I am going to be protective of you of like never before. I am not letting you out of my sight if I can help it, but if I must go on a case, I insist someone stays with you at all times, such as Mrs Judson or the Richmonds. I might even ask the king if Olivia can stay at the palace if needs be, or at least have a few guards, and since it's me I'm sure he wouldn't object.''
Olivia giggled. ''Why am I not surprised?''
Dawson decided to risk saying out loud what he had thought about at the wedding and said: ''Well, at least you haven't mentioned doing anything drastic, such as chaining Olivia to the bed for the next few months.''
''Say, that's a thought, Dawson.''
''Basil!'' Dawson looked shocked.
''I'm just joking, old fellow. But I meant what I said: I am going to protect Olivia like never before, and that is final.''
''Well, I trust my daughter and grandchild – or grandchildren potentially – are in safe hands with you William,'' Hiram said. ''In fact, I think I will join you.''
Olivia was amused that her husband and father were both acting as though she was a piece of rare and valuable treasure that needed to be kept in a safe vault, but she knew there was no changing their minds so she just shrugged. ''Hear that?'' she said to her unborn child or children. ''Our family and friends are going to act as our guards for the next several months.''
Shortly after this, everyone else left. Finlay wanted to kiss Beatrice's hand but he didn't want to make her uncomfortable so he just shook it instead. ''We'll fly on Ceasar back home tomorrow,'' Aileen said, gesturing to herself, Rory and Finlay.
Once they had departed, Basil closed the door, walked over his wife and placed his hand over her stomach, where life was going inside her. He then knelt down, and began to speak. ''Hello in there,'' he said in a cooing voice. ''This is Daddy. Yes it is, yes it is. You're a mystery right now. Are you one or two angels? You will be born around Christmas time, so you will be the best presents Mummy and Daddy will ever have.''
He kissed his wife's stomach, causing her, Beatrice and Mrs Judson all guffaw. ''My, William, I've never seen you like this,'' Beatrice said to her brother.
Basil grinned. ''Elementary, my dear Beatrice.'' He suddenly scooped Olivia into his arms bridal-style. ''Excuse me, sister, Mrs Judson, my wife and I will be heading off to bed now, so goodnight.''
''Goodnight,'' Beatrice and Mrs Judson said together, still amused.
Basil carried Olivia to their room and gently placed her down on their bed. ''Goodness me, William! Just because I'm pregnant doesn't mean I'm helpless.''
''I know, darling,'' Basil said, placing himself down next to her. ''I'm just looking out for you and our child, or children.'' He gave her a long, passionate kiss. ''Goodnight.'' He placed his hand on her stomach once more. ''I love you,'' he said to the tiny life growing inside its mother, before the couple drifted off to sleep.
It was rather snowy on the morning of the twentieth of December 1907; very cold on the cobbled streets of London, and covered in mist so thick you could cut it. It was the early hours of the morning and it was so silent it was like a ghost town. In the rodents' quarters of 221½ Baker Street, however, it was the total opposite, for Olivia Basil of Baker Street was in bed, holding her husband William Basil and housekeeper Mrs Judson's hands, screaming in agony while she was in labour. Their good friend Doctor Dawson was in front, delivering. ''Another push, Olivia,'' he said to his friend in a soothing tone, looking down.
As his wife was pushing, Basil looked at her, unable to bear that she was in so much pain, but he could see the bravery in her eyes, the bravery he first saw when they met ten years ago. As her grip on his hand tightened, the detective was hit with the reality he was about to become a father, as though he had only just realised it, and thought about the last few months. How had time gone so quickly? It seemed as though it was only yesterday when Olivia had delivered the news of her pregnancy, and when they had found out it was indeed twins as Roger predicted, and now their children were almost here. When Olivia screamed more loudly, he stroked his wife's head and whispered it was alright, but his alarm rate was increasing. He had kept calm for the last several months, but Basil had always had this secret fear of something happening to Olivia or the twins; he had read many stories of women and/or their children dying at childbirth. He couldn't bear that happening, and refused to dwell on it as he put all of his energy into helping his beloved wife with the delivery.
In the parlour downstairs, however, it was a similar story. Roger, Beatrice, Fidget and Hiram were all waiting anxiously as they heard Olivia's screams, and Hiram was pacing so fast it was as though he had become a steam train. ''I know what you're going through, Hiram,'' Roger said, trying to calm the toymaker. ''I was the same the first time Amanda was in labour with Duncan, but –''
''Oh, my poor wee bairn!'' Hiram burst lout suddenly, looking fearful, as if he hadn't heard Roger. ''She sounds just like her mother when she was in labour, and even then I was beside myself. Giving birth to one baby is painful enough, but she's having twins! What if she doesn't make it?'' he added, voicing out loud Basil's fears. ''I can't stand the thought of William being left a widowed parent, just as Aileen and I were. If that happens, I shall close down the shop and move here to help look after the children just as Violet did. But alternatively, what if something happens to one of the twins, or both? Olivia would be heartbroken if –''
''Stop that, Hiram!''
Everyone started in amazement at Fidget, who had spoken so suddenly. He looked fierce. ''It is a scary thought, and I will no doubt in the same position as you and Basil are now when Lavender gets pregnant, but you have nothing to worry about. Olivia and the twins will be absolutely fine.''
''How do you for sure?'' Hiram asked angrily.
Fidget looked him in the eye. ''Because remember nine years ago, when I brought Olivia to Ratigan? The moment I pulled from the sack she was screaming and kicking and giving Ratigan a right mouth full, and she stood up to him in his dirigible after Basil exposed his uncle's scheme, even though he was twice her size, once gain giving him a well-deserved mouthful. Not to mention, she gave Mitchell a right beating a few times, and brawled with someone at the Rat Trap.''
''And what's your point?'' Hiram asked in the same angry tone, raising his eyebrows.
''That Olivia is strong, she fights for those she loves, and if any female can survive anything it's her. She's just like Basil. She even stomped on my only foot just so she could hug you, for bat's sake! And if the twins are anything like their parents, they will be just as stubborn.''
At these words, Hiram's angry expression melted away. ''You're absolutely right, Fidget. You're right. I've been ridiculous. Olivia has always had such fighting spirit, even when she was a little girl. Thinking about it, after being captured twice by Ratigan, the most feared monster Mousedom besides his wife, giving birth is nothing in comparison.''
Hiram stared at Fidget, smiling. It was hard to believe that this was the same bat who had once been in Ratigan's service and assisted him in his depravities, including kidnapping him and his daughter and mocking Basil. He had come a long way, as if he had swapped with a twin, and was now a true friend to the group.
Upstairs, the birth of the first twin was about to commence, for Dawson had said the head was out. ''One more big push,'' he said to Olivia.
The pregnant woman squeezed her husband's and housekeeper's hands harder, braced herself, and let out a long, piercing scream – then a tiny cry filled the room.
''Oh, hello!'' Dawson said to the baby. ''It's a girl!''
''Is – she – alright?'' Olivia asked between breaths before Basil could.
''She's fine, perfectly healthy,'' Dawson assured his friends, and cut the cord.
Mrs Judson then wrapped the baby in a towel. ''Oh, she's such an angel,'' the housekeeper gushed, ''so beautiful, just like her mother – and such spirit!'' she chortled, for the baby was kicking her legs.
Hiram then entered the room, having heard the cry. ''Hiram, your first granddaughter is here,'' Mrs Judson said proudly, and passed the new-born to the toymaker. ''Goodness me! You might be able to calm her down.''
''Oh my …'' Hiram swallowed as he looked down at his kicking granddaughter, fighting back the tears. It was as though he had gone back in time when Olivia was born, she had also been waving her arms and legs around the second she had appeared. ''Hello, dear, I'm your grandfather, it's alright.''
Almost immediately, the new-born stopped flailing and settled down to sleep, making cooing noises. No one was in any doubt she knew her grandfather's voice.
Basil and Olivia smiled, then the latter started screaming again. Basil held his wife's hand as she got into position again. He wanted to hold his daughter, see how beautiful and feisty she was, but he had to make sure her mother and twin were safe first. Mrs Judson and Hiram would look after her.
''Olivia!'' Hiram cried, as if he had almost forgotten his daughter was having twins. He nodded to Mrs Judson and the housekeeper immediately resumed her place at her mistress's side while Hiram went outside with the baby, who had resumed crying.
Olivia pushed with all her might, taking a few breaths every now and then between contractions as she did before, the pain was unbearable but as she had told her family long ago, she would endure it for her babies, and echoing her father's words, she would rather go through the pain of childbirth than face Ratigan and Ruby again. Mrs Judson applied a cold flannel to her forehead. ''It's almost over, dear,'' she said in a soothing tone.
''She's right,'' said Dawson, smiling and looking down. ''The head is out.''
''Ready, darling?'' Basil asked. ''Ow!''
Olivia had squeezed his hand like never before. She took one last long breath then let out another long piercing scream, which was followed by another tiny cry. Olivia then fell back against the pillow, tired and sweating, but relieved it was final over and the twins were fine.
''It's another girl!'' Dawson announced. He cut the cord and Mrs Judson wrapped the new-born in another towel. Unlike her sister, she appeared to be much calmer.
''William, we have two little girls!'' Olivia said happily, looking up at her husband.
Basil looked at the two babies Hiram and Mrs Judson were holding, unable to believe it. His daughters were here and he, Basil of Baker Street the great mouse detective, was now a father. ''Can Livy and I hold them?'' he asked, holding out his arms.
Dawson told his friend the twins needed to be cleaned and thoroughly checked over first, and Basil whined playfully. The good doctor and Mrs Judson cleaned the two babies and wrapped them in nappies, baby shirts and warm cosy blankets.
Roger, Beatrice and Fidget then appeared in the room, and they were informed of the new arrivals. ''See, Hiram? I told you Olivia and the twins would be alright!'' the bat said.
Hiram nodded gratefully. Roger and Beatrice changed the wet sheets with clean ones. Olivia then sat back down in bed with Basil sitting across from her. She insisted her husband hold their daughters first, and so he did.
Basil carefully held his babies, as though they might break. Though both had their eyes closed, they were making baby noises as they slept. ''Olivia, they're beautiful,'' the detective whispered, and kissed his wife's sweaty cheek.
''I know it's five days early, but Merry Christmas, William.''
Basil looked at his family, full of love. ''You two are the best Christmas presents I've ever had, wrapped in the most beautiful paper,'' the detective said to his daughters, who stirred but carried on sleeping.
The girl that was born first had Basil's brown fur with a white middle, and Olivia's cute pink nose. The other girl was the spitting image of Olivia, with her light-beige fur and the same pink nose.
''I guess you won't be naming one of them after Father,'' Beatrice said.
''There's always next time,'' Olivia said, and Basil winked.
''The important thing is that my darling wife and two beautiful little princesses were delivered safely, isn't that, right? Yes, it is,'' Basil cooed to his daughters.
As though hearing their father's voice, the twins opened their eyes and Basil stared. The first twin had his green eyes, but looking at her younger sister's eyes it was as though a replica of Olivia's ring had been created, for her eyes were a beautiful turquoise colour, a perfect mix of her parents' eyes. ''Hello, you two,'' Basil said, and the baby girls giggled, reaching their tiny arms out to their father's face. Basil nuzzled their noses in return.
''I think they understand you,'' Olivia said, then Basil handed the twins to her, and the babies again reached their tiny hands out to their mother's cheeks. ''And they certainly know who we are,'' the young woman added, cuddling her daughters close.
Roger, Beatrice, Hiram, Mrs Judson and Fidget all smiled at the sight of the new family, looking as though they wanted to cry. ''What will you name them?'' Fidget asked curiously.
Basil and Olivia smiled at each other. ''I think we will name our older daughter Annabel,'' Basil said, looking at the baby that was spitting image of him. He looked up at Hiram for approval, and the toymaker said it was perfect while looking deeply moved.
''And our younger Emily, after both their grandmothers,'' Olivia added.
''What about middle names?'' Beatrice asked.
''One of them definitely should have Violet's name,'' Olivia said. ''Annabel Violet has a nice ring.''
Basil agreed. ''And I was thinking Maggie, after my grandmother.''
The twins then gurgled, which their parents took to mean they liked their names too. With that it was settled: Annabel Violet Basil and Emily Maggie Basil it was. ''You know,'' Fidget said suddenly, ''the Basils seem to have made it a tradition of naming their children after a deceased one they've known.''
''I think Fidget's right,'' Roger said. ''I mean, Amanda and I named our children after their all their grandparents, Duncan Martin and Lucy Alice they are.''
''Aye,'' said Beatrice, turning to Olivia and Hiram. ''I don't know if you've been told you this, but my brothers here themselves were named after a good friend of our father's, Roger Williams.''
''Really?'' Olivia was surprised, and Basil and Roger looked solemn.
''I'm sure your father's friend would have been flattered,'' Hiram said, then looked expectantly at his daughter and son-in-law, holding out his arms. Olivia smiled and carefully handed the toymaker his granddaughters.
''I'll ring Pauline and let her know,'' Dawson said, and went downstairs. ''Sally has been especially worried.''
Hiram gently held the babies, swallowing again. He hadn't felt his emotional since Olivia had packed up the rest of her belongings and moved to Baker Street for good. ''Hello again, Annabel, and hello, Emily. Silly old granddaddy is here. As your sole grandparent I intend to spoil you as I did with your mother, my girls.''
Hiram smiled at the dream he had had for so long. When Olivia first announced her pregnancy, almost immediately Hiram got work on making an assortment of toys, from soft plushies such as teddy bears, ducks, bunnies and princess dolls, to hard mechanical ones such as carousels, horses and dogs, and he treasured making every one of them.
''You sound like William, Daddy,'' Olivia said. ''Just be sure not to spoil them too much, though, I don't them to grow up vain and self-centred like Ruby did.''
Basil and Hiram assured her they wouldn't.
After a good long cuddle, it was Beatrice's turn with her nieces. Annabel fussed a bit as she wanted her parents, but soon calmed down, while Emily took to her auntie no problem. The same went for Roger. ''Amanda and the children will be here shortly.'' He paused. ''I'm glad we came here; I forgot how Christmas at Baker Street looked.''
Due to the timing of Olivia's pregnancy, she and Basil had been unable to spend Christmas with Roger and his family in Wales like they had planned, so they had come to Baker Street instead.
After they were handed back to their mother, Fidget was invited to greet them. The bat looked nervous. ''I don't want to scare them. I accidently scared Freckles and Fluffy was one when we were playing and –''
''I'm sure it'll be fine, Fidget,'' said Basil.
Fidget swallowed. He was still hesitant but if Basil was confident it would be alright, he had to take his word for it. The bat climbed into the bed and stared down at the twins, who stared back at him. ''Uh, hello little babies,'' he said. ''You can call me Uncle Fidget if you want to.''
Annabel and Emily both smiled up at Fidget and reached their tiny hands out him as though he was a toy. Annabel was particularly fidgety and began to pull on his ear while Emily just looked curious and laughed, but Fidget didn't mind.
''My!'' Dawson said, reappearing in the room, amused. ''I've helped deliver babies before, but I don't think I've seen any newborns act like they are; it is rather curious.''
''I'm not surprised,'' Mrs Judson said with a sly smile, and jerked her thumbs at Basil and Roger. ''These two were exactly the same. I remember it as if it was only yesterday. When they were born Mr Roger was the well-behaved twin, much like Emily, while his brother was flailing about just like Annabel.''
''Really?'' Basil asked.
''Ah, that figures,'' Olivia said, smirking at her husband, who blushed.
''You're one to talk, Olivia,'' Hiram said to his daughter, smiling. ''You were just as fussy.''
It was Olivia's turn to blush as Basil smirked.
Everyone looked outside and saw it was snowing. The twins saw this and Emily again looked curious. Just then, there was a knock at the door. Everyone went downstairs except for Mrs Judson, who Basil instructed to stay with Olivia and the twins. Beatrice answered the door and it was Amanda, Duncan, Lucy, Pauline and Eric. ''Sally was so relieved when I told her,'' said Pauline.
''Are they really here?'' Duncan and Lucy asked eagerly.
Roger said they were upstairs and Amanda and Pauline took the children to see the new arrivals. ''While the little ones are up there, it wouldn't hurt to have a drink of celebration, would it?'' Roger asked his twin.
''Just a small one,'' Basil said reasonably, and got out a glass for his siblings, Fidget and Dawson. ''Before we drink …''
He pulled Dawson into a squeezing hug, so forcefully the doctor was lifted off his feet. ''Goodness me, Basil! You seem to have been doing this to me a lot recently!''
''Well, I'm not going to apologise for any of it,'' Basil said, shaking his head and smiling, placing an arm around his good friend. ''I've had so much to thank you for the last year, old chap, and today is perhaps the most important one so far. Doctor David Q. Dawson, thank you for making sure that my three brave, beautiful girls are alive and healthy.''
''Oh, you're most welcome,'' Dawson said bashfully. ''It's always a joy.''
''Hear to that,'' Fidget said, holding up his drink. ''I can't wait for Lavender to tell me she's pregnant, we've talked about having a family.'' He held up his gold band on his left ring finger; he and Lavender had married over the summer.
''I think you would make good father, Fidget,'' said Beatrice. ''I know you've got a bad history, but you've managed to turn your life around, and you have matured an awful lot. I mean, look at what how you calmed Hiram down while Olivia was in labour!''
Hiram informed Basil and Dawson of Fidget had said to him and they were impressed.
''Thank you, and you're welcome,'' Fidget said, blushing slightly.
Hiram then phoned up the rest of the Flaversham family to tell them the good news, and they were all delighted and surprised it was twins. Aileen was in Germany visiting her son Hubert, who unfortunately was in bed for he always got nasty colds at winter time, which was why he hadn't come to the wedding.
Upstairs, Duncan and Lucy were gushing over their new cousins. They were sitting on the bed in front of Olivia. ''Awww, they're cute,'' Lucy cooed. ''Hello, Annabel and Emily.''
Duncan reached a curious finger you to Annabel. ''I should warn you –'' Olivia started to say, when Annabel grabbed Duncan's finger.
''Ow!'' the boy cried, stunned by the baby's strong grip, but then smiled weakly. ''She's robust!''
Emily, meanwhile, simply sucked Lucy's finger. Lucy laughed and kissed to top of her cousin's head.
Even Eric wanted to join in, reaching his arms out to the new-borns. Annabel and Emily both reached out to Eric in return. ''I think Eric has two crushes,'' Hiram joked, having joined them.
''Not even one-year-old and already winning girls' hearts,'' Pauline agreed in a teasing voice. ''You really are naughty, young man.''
''Perhaps he will marry one of them someday,'' Duncan suggested.
''Then Uncle William and Auntie Olivia will be related to Dawson,'' Lucy added.
Olivia said that she and Basil would be delighted if that was to happen. Amanda then asked Pauline how Clara was doing. ''She's doing well. She is due next month so Eric will soon have a new cousin to play with. Martha is really excited about becoming a big sister.''
Suddenly, the twins started to cry. Mrs Judson deduced they were hungry so Amanda and Pauline led the children out of the room while Olivia fed her daughters.
As they left Basil appeared, rushing past them to enter the room, looking panicky. Upon entry, the detective's worry melted away at the most beautiful sight: Olivia feeding their daughters. He walked over to his wife as she held the babies close. Once they were finished with their feed, their parents gently burped them. ''Is that better?'' Basil cooed, the twins yawned in reply, resuming their sleep. As he stared lovestruck at his family, the detective thought back to the day he and his wife found out they were having two babies …
Olivia, now three months along, was lying on her and Basil's bed, Basil making sure she was as comfortable as possible, while he sat up next to her with his arm around her. Beatrice and Mrs Judson waited outside to give them some privacy.
Their good friend Dawson placed his stethoscope on Olivia's abdomen, which was now starting to get slightly bigger. He held it there for a moment, frowned at the stethoscope, then placed it back on Olivia's belly and held it for a good long moment – but this was enough to make Basil fly into a frenzy. ''What's the matter?'' the detective asked, his voice high and panicky. ''Is something wrong? Olivia, are you feeling alright? And is the baby –?''
''Calm down, Basil!'' Dawson said hastily, and little loudly, holding up his hands. ''Nothing's wrong, I promise. I wanted to be sure I was hearing right, and there is no mistake – Roger's instincts were right on the shilling, for I am hearing two strong heartbeats.''
''Twins?'' Basil and Olivia asked together.
Dawson nodded, smiling.
The Basil couple shared a long, loving kiss. ''William, twins!'' Olivia said ecstatically.
''I know!'' Basil placed his hand on her belly.
''I understand you being so protective of Olivia, as I was over Pauline, but confound it, Basil!'' Dawson sighed in exasperation, hands on his hips. ''Always so dramatic!''
Outside, Mrs Judson and Beatrice were equally ecstatic. ''Mr Basil is having twins of his own!'' Mrs Judson said blissfully. ''I can't wait to see them, the little dears.''
''Wait until Roger hears he was right,'' Beatrice said, folding her arms and grinning.
Sure enough, they later rung Roger to tell him. ''What did I tell you?'' he said triumphantly. ''I stand by what I said, William, that –''
''That I'm the 'special one','' Basil finished. ''I know. But I don't care about that. All I care about is Olivia and our darlings.''
''Of course. We can't wait to see them.''
Hiram came round later in the evening and couldn't contain his excitement. ''Two grandchildren after all! Oh my, now I'll have to make twice as many toys, but I'm not complaining. William, just promise when it's time for the birth, you will help Olivia through it.''
Basil promised he would.
Later that night in bed, Basil placed his hand on his wife's slightly big stomach. ''Livy, what are you hoping for?''
''It would be nice to name a son after your father, but I really don't care what they are as long as they are born healthy.''
''I feel the same, but I would like at least one girl,'' Basil admitted with a smile. ''To name her after your mother, and I want to spoil her like your father spoiled you.''
''Of course, but I want a daughter to bear your mother's name as well. Perhaps we'll get to name both of them both after our mothers,'' Olivia said, then slightly grimaced. ''The only downside is that it means I will have to give birth twice, which I won't be looking forward to at all, but I will endure it for our children.''
Basil kissed her forehead. ''As I promised Hiram, I will be there for all three of you ...''
Olivia started to get out of bed, carefully balancing the twins, bringing Basil back to the present. ''Darling what are you doing?'' he asked, going round to the bed.
''I've been cooped up in this room for the last few days, William, and I've felt a little isolated from everyone. I want to get out of this room and see the rest of the house for a bit.''
Though she looked tired, she also looked defiant. Basil stared at that face and it was as though he was experiencing a rapid rewind through the years, like a play. He was looking right at the bravery she had had just then when in labour, and it was also the same stubbornness she had first shown when they first met all those years ago. His wife was as brave and strong as ever. The detective smiled and helped his wife out of bed without saying a word. After draping his wife's shawl around her, they made their way downstairs and Olivia sat in Basil's red chair, the sleeping twins nestled safely in her arms and her husband stood beside his family. It was wonderful to see a family all snuggled up by the warm fireplace when it was almost Christmas.
''It's a bit nippy in here!'' Mrs Judson said suddenly, rubbing her arms.
Despite them being next to the fireplace, Basil slipped Annabel carefully inside his robe to keep her warm, and Hiram proceeded to do the same with Emily in his coat.
Around mid-afternoon, Fidget left as he had to help his parents with the presents; after all, there were a lot of bats in the family. Pauline also left with Eric as it was his time for his nap, telling Dawson she would see him later. Not long after, there was a knock at the door. It startled the twins a bit but they soon calmed down. Mrs Judson answered the door and saw Helen, Juliet, Marianne, Emmett and Vera.
''Hello, Mrs Judson!'' Marianne said cheerfully.
''We thought we'd came and see how Olivia is doing seeing as it's almost Christmas,'' Vera said.
''Mr Basil and Miss Olivia will certainly appreciate that,'' Mrs Judson said in a sly voice, looking over her shoulder. ''Come on in.''
Helen and the Richmonds entered the parlour. ''Oh, my!'' Vera said, looking around the parlour. ''You've certainly got this place decked up nicely.''
The guests stopped and stared when they saw the blue couch. Olivia was sitting with her husband, each holding a baby that was awake, and they all melted. ''Oh, my!'' Vera said again, putting her hand over her heart.
''Olivia,'' Helen said, walking over to them. ''They're really here?''
''When did they arrive?'' Juliet asked.
''In the early hours of this morning,'' Dawson said through sign language.
''Are you alright?'' Vera asked Olivia in her grandmotherly tone, and Olivia said she was fine.
Even Marianne was usually stationery and quiet, but she smiled down at the babies. ''Awww, they're so adorable.''
''What are they called?'' Emmett asked.
''Annabel and Emily,'' Basil said proudly.
Juliet correctly guessed what Basil had said. She was getting better at lip-reading small sentences, but she wanted to try and practice on longer ones. Annabel tried to chew on Olivia's shawl. ''Shawls are not for eating, young lady,'' Olivia said to her daughter teasingly, and the baby protested, making everyone laugh.
''Can we hold them?'' Marianne asked, and Basil handed her Emily.
''Be careful with her, Miss Marianne,'' Mrs Judson said, and Marianne sat down on Olivia's other side. The new mother herself was a little unsure about letting Juliet hold Annabel due to her fussiness, but when she saw her daughter reach out to her, it was clear to Olivia that she liked Juliet.
''Who am I holding?'' she asked, and read the word ''Annabel''.
''So you must be Emily,'' Marianne said to the baby in her arms. ''Hey, her eyes are a mix of yours,'' she said to Basil and Olivia. ''If they were born this morning, that means they'll get lots of presents. Isn't that right, Emily?''
Emily giggled.
''Hello, Annabel,'' Juliet said, stroking her forehead with her finger. ''You are so beautiful. I think you and Emily will grow up to be like your parents.'' Annabel began to move and reached her tiny hands out to Juliet. ''You're so cute,'' she added, nuzzling her cheek against the baby's.
Basil and Olivia were amazed but happy to see their older daughter being very good with Juliet. ''Despite my profound deafness I really hope to be a mother one day,'' the young woman added, gently rocking the baby girl. ''I want to have a dancing career, but if Olivia can have children and work why can't I? It's not greedy to ask for both, is it?''
Olivia shook her head and let Juliet know she thought she would make wonderful mother, and that her disability should not get in the way. As Juliet continued to rock Annabel, Helen came over and started cooing.
''Your mother is right about Auntie Juliet, isn't she?'' Marianne said to Emily, gently holding the baby over her shoulder. ''Auntie. I like the sound of that, and I intend to be one someday to Juliet's children. Don't get me wrong, Annabel and Emily are cute and I'm not against the idea, but I'm not really all that bothered about starting a family. I want to focus being a doctor and care for others, including the family I already have.''
Basil smiled and informed her that his Aunt Violet was exactly the same – just as Emily was sick on Marianne. The baby started to fuss and Basil took his daughter to change her, asking Dawson to come and check she wasn't coming down with anything. Olivia apologised and wiped the sick of Marianne's shoulder. ''Maybe it's a sign?'' she suggested with a grimaced smile, and everyone laughed.
After Basil changed Emily (and Dawson assured him repeatedly that the baby was fine), carrying her as though she was a priceless vase, it was Vera's turn to see the babies, and just as she did with their mother, she treated them like granddaughters. ''I can't wait for them to wear the clothes I made,'' she said excitedly. Vera had got to work on knitting various baby clothes, teaching Olivia how to knit as well as the young woman had never managed to teach herself.
Emmett, however, was watching from a far distance, as though he was afraid they wouldn't like them. Vera saw and pulled him into the kitchen for a private word. ''What's the matter?'' she asked her son. ''You look as though you don't want to be near them.''
''I do,'' Emmett said, a hint of pleasing voice, looking a bit twitchy. ''They're adorable, Mother, and I'm happy for Basil and Olivia … it's just … I can't help but feel jealous because … because –''
''You still love her,'' his mother finished.
Emmett nodded and looked shameful. ''Basil is lucky to be the one to father her children.'' He sighed. ''I wish I was the one standing by her and her twins, and I feel horrible for thinking that. Olivia is amazing and I want her to be happy but … it's not easy.''
''I know it's not. Remember when your father died? I didn't leave my room and wore my wedding dress day and night for a long time, as if I thought it would bring him back. I couldn't let go for a while, until Olivia's words about your father not wanting me to be miserable got through to me, which finally allowed me release him. If you really love Olivia, Emmett, you will move on. Don't let unrequited love dominate the rest of your life, like Samuel did over Marianne Ratigan.''
As fast as lightning, Emmett shook his head as though he had nits in his hair. ''No way, Mother! I don't want to become Grandfather. I want to be a better person than both him and Gideon. Medical school is really helping. I'm still young so I have plenty of time to find someone else.''
Vera was proud of her son and pointed out he and Olivia can still be friends. Mother and son exited the kitchen and re-entered the parlour. Emmet approached Basil and Olivia with more confidence. ''Sorry about that. Mother and I needed little chat.'' He looked down at the twins and smiled. ''They'll grow up to be just you, I'm sure. Just promise you will take good care of them,'' he said to Basil, holding out his hand.
Basil smiled and shook it. ''I will.''
''You'll find someone, Emmett,'' Olivia said, winking.
Emmett realised they knew and smiled. He should've known, since they were both smart and perceptive. He kissed Olivia cheek and she giggled. Annabel fussed at this action.
The Richmonds stayed with the family for a while until it reached four o'clock, they had to get back. ''We'll let Mother and Father know,'' Marianne said, and with one last goodbye to the new-born twins they left.
''I should get off as well,'' Helen said, standing up. ''I know you're tired. Before I do –'' She pulled out a key and handed it to Olivia. ''Early Christmas present.''
Olivia stared as she realised what it was: the key to Helen's holiday house in Cornwall. ''But, Helen, it's yours, we can't accept this.''
Helen declared she wanted Olivia to have it as she had family of her own now, pointing out if they needed a break from solving cases they could stay there. Olivia was torn; on one hand, Helen's grandfather had given it to her family and it didn't seem right to take it from her. At the same time, however, Helen was being very generous giving it to the Basils and it was purely out of the goodness of her heart. The new mother smiled and relented, on the condition that they shared it once Helen had children of her own. Helen agreed.
The two best friends then hugged, Helen gave the twins one last cuddle and then walked out of the door. Minutes later Olivia yawned as did her children. It was decided they turned in for the rest of the day. After bidding goodnight to everyone, Olivia went into her room with her daughters while Basil stepped into the nursery where the twins would sleep. He looked around the room for a moment and made a decision. He asked Roger and Dawson to help him move the twins' cots into his and Olivia's room. Luckily, they weren't too big so they just about fit. ''You really are protective, Basil,'' Dawson said. ''I did the exact same thing when Eric was born.''
Olivia sat on the edge of the bed and just smiled at her husband's actions. She wasn't at all surprised. ''They'll have to go in the nursery at some point, William.''
''I know, but I insist they sleep in here for a while,'' the detective said, and kissed his daughters' foreheads. ''As soon as their birth becomes public knowledge, I'm not taking any chances in case some scoundrel tries to abduct them.''
''If they do, they will be facing the wrath of Mamma and Papa bear,'' Olivia said with a mischievous grin.
The new parents gently and carefully placed the twins down in their cots and Olivia wrapped them in their blankets protectively. ''Goodnight, my wee bairns,'' she said, using the term of endearment her father often called her, and kissed them goodnight.
Basil leaned down in both cots and caressed his daughters' heads. He gazed down at them, unable to believe he and his wife were finally parents. It was as if he was in a dream. He had his siblings back in his life, had friends, was married to the girl of his dreams and had children of his own. He had everything he had lost the night Ratigan destroyed the Basil family. Throughout the last fourteen years prior, Basil had always secretly wanted to have a family, but the icy barrier he had formed around his heart prevented him from pursuing that want. Whenever he saw Dawson with Pauline or read Roger's letter about his own family, Basil couldn't help but feel jealous. The detective was the happiest he had ever been in a long time, and he would not swap that for anything. Now that had had a family, Basil was going to be fiercely protective of them. No villain or criminal was going to lay a finger on his wife and children.
Basil kissed his daughters' cheeks. ''See you in the morning, darlings, I love you both,'' he whispered. He got into bed and curled up with Olivia. ''I love you too, Olivia, so much.''
''As do I, William,'' she replied. They had a kiss and drifted off to sleep.
Sorry it's a bit late, it's been a busy last few weeks. Hope you all had a good Christmas, and Happy New Year!
It's official: Basil and Olivia are now parents. Once again, I owe thanks entirely to my fellow writer duchessofbooks for inspiration. I always knew Basil and Olivia were going to have twins, and after debating for a while I decided to give them twin girls, because we hadn't really had twin girls yet in the story, and I think Basil and Hiram would like the idea of having two girls to spoil just like Olivia.
Poor Emmett, he still pines for Olivia, but I'm sure he will eventually find someone.
Time to answer some reviews:
MillenniumPrincess: Yep, everyone is moving forward with their paths, such as Juliet and Marianne. The twins are, of course, going to be a handful, especially Annabel, but Basil and Olivia will be great parents to their children.
Next time, a short epilogue will expand on the characters a bit more.
See you soon!