And love
Chap 51 No room in the Inn
A/N: Caution: I have never liked the Daniel Reagan character, as portrayed on BB. He will not come off very likeable here; and I am not of a mind to 'fix' him, neuter, maybe . You've been forewarned.
UPSTAIRS BEDROOM
Cassie is laying prone on her bed sobbing, when her mom dashes into the girl's bedroom. Eddie kneels beside the bed and starts to gently massage Cassie's back.
"What's the matter, baby?" Eddie softly asks.
"He is going to be so mad at me! Don't let him hit me, please!" She croaks out.
"Who, what?" Her mother is shocked.
"Daddy, or uncle Danny! I'm sorry! I messed up!"
Eddie holds her place, and gradually gets the story of the phone call; Danny hanging up too soon and not letting Cassie explain that the house is full, Mal's shout about the horse's arrival and her forgetting the phone call in all the excitement.
"I'm in so much trouble, aren't I?" She continues to cry, her shoulders shaking with sobs.
"Sssh, easy Cass. Dad will understand," her mother softly assures her daughter.
"But my father, Johnny, you know, would get so mad. He'd get red in the face and slap mother or me – I was afraid of him," she gets out between hiccoughs.
"Cassie, your new daddy isn't like that. Yes, he will be disappointed, but he will understand when we explain it to him. He will never lash out at you. Trust me."
"Will you help me tell dad what happened, please?"
"Yes, of course. I will be right there with you."
"Thank you, I love you, mommy!"
"I love you too, Cassie! Let's go see what dad is up to." They get up and walk down the stairs, arm in arm.
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MEANWHILE, OUT FRONT
"I'm sorry, Danny. There really is no room. We have-
"What do you mean no room? This house is huge, and is our house too, kid!"
"Well, you helped Eddie and me purchase it – and we appreciate that, we really do."
Everyone sets down what they are carrying. It seems that a storm is brewing. Linda has a downcast look, mirrored by Jack. Sean has an 'I can't believe this' look; Danny looks like he is about to explode.
"Danny, we have 3 families plus our own – a total of 14 people*. All the bedrooms are full! There really is NO ROOM!"
"So, you want us to bunk in the barn, with Joseph? Huh?" Danny shouts!
Jamie covers his mouth, suppressing a grin. "Actually, the barn is full too. Our friends from Saddle Rock Ranch brought 6 riding animals; the weekend activities include riding. I'm really sorry, Danny. I don't know what else to tell you." He looks rather sheepish.
Linda takes charge, "I've got my keys. Jack, Sean come with me. Daniel, we are leaving in 3." She picks up the picnic basket, turns and strides to the car. She puts the basket in the trunk, slides into the driver's seat and starts the car. The boys hustle to follow their mom; placing their loads in the trunk and sliding into the back seat.
"You're gonna pay for this kid!" Danny snorts as he picks up the big cooler, spins around and stomps off. He places the big cooler in the trunk, slams it shut and gets in the passenger seat just as Linda drives off. This will be an interesting drive.
Jamie is sure he sees steam puffing out his elder brother's ears. 'Oh boy, what's next?' He unlocks both doors and slips inside. He locks the front door behind him and looks around for Eddie. He sees her & Cassie standing at the foot of the stairs. His wife motions for him to follow herself and Cassie back up to the girl's bedroom.
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LINDA DRIVING
"Lin, he can't do that. Wehave rights to that house! We should have pressed him."
"And where should he have put us? Huh? And rights? Do you intend to just walk in any day, any time, and make yourself at home? Huh, Daniel?"
Jack & Sean are wishing they could hide, maybe under the seat?
Danny doesn't answer his wife. He is planning his next move.
She drives back home.
The best laid plans-
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UPSTAIRS
"Is everything ok down there?" Jamie asks Eddie.
"Yes, I told the ladies to carry on. They will proceed with supper; we will join them shortly. You really need to hear Cassie's story." She grips one of Cassie's hands, Jamie takes the other. Cassie starts, she is trembling.
"Uncle Danny called-
She recounts the phone call; Danny not waiting for her to tell him the situation; Mal shouting about the horse's arrival; her getting caught up in the excitement and forgetting all about the call. She drops her head, starting to cry.
"Sweetie, don't cry. I'm not angry with you-
"You aren't?" Cassie whispers.
"No, I'm sorry that happened. And you need to be more careful to follow through on things like that call. But I think you have learned a lesson here."
"She has," Eddie adds.
Jamie takes his girls into a group hug. They head down the stairs, to join their guests.
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The weekend goes splendidly. Under close supervision everyone who desires gets a chance to ride – twice in most cases. They play parlor and board games. There was lots of delicious food, much conversation. Friendships were formed. Mary Rose was in her element; she was constantly assisting with the animals. So much so that her parents looked at each other – an idea in that glance. A glimpse of the future? Maybe. Probably.
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FLASHBACK
EARLY MARCH
Master Bedroom
"Jamie, isn't it wonderful watching the relationship between Mary Rose and Josph grow?"
"Yes, it is. I can guess what she will do when she grows up. Can't you?"
"Veterinarian?" Eddie surmises.
"I think so. That is admirable profession. We need to look toward getting more riding animals for our barn." Jamie is right there with her.
"That's expensive though," Eddie is realistic.
"Yes, I know. I'll talk with Palmer about a way to do it as economically as possible. Maybe making our barn available for boarding horses, or donkeys?"
"Good idea. But you know, there are other ways to grow our family, right? Other than animals."
"I suppose."
Silence.
"That was a hint, sport." She is amazed how dense Harvard can be.
"It was?" He's not catching on.
"Yes, shall I draw you a picture?"
"What are you talking about, Eddie?"
"I'm late." She raises an eyebrow.
"Late? For what?"
Silence. She is having a hard time not laughing.
"Eddie? . . . Oh . . .. OH! Really?" He rolls over, laying half on her. "Have you taken a test yet?"
"No, I need to pick a couple up tomorrow. Shall I TXT you the results?"
"No, let's wait until I get home to do the tests, ok?" He caught on and is excited!
"Ok, just for you. I'll be on pins and needles all day. That'll cost you, lover boy!"
"I'll pay, whatever the price!"
"Hm . . . ok – I like that!"
She snuggles under him, and pays the price.
NEXT EVENING
"How long do we wait?"
"3 minutes."
"What? I can make mashed potatoes quicker than that!"
She glares at her impatient husband. She waited all day; he can wait 3 minutes!
DING
"So, what does it say?" He's driving her crazy!
"Baby makes 4!" She squeals!
"YES! I'm rooting for a boy!" Jamie is ever hopeful. But he's not unhappy with their 3 lovely daughters. No sir.
"Me too. I am not sure we can go through the teenage years 4X with girls." Eddie sighs. That would test the patience of Job.
"When do we tell the girls?" Jamie is nervous about that. It may be like telling the world.
"Not until we confirm it with the doctor. Don't you think?" After all she has done this twice.
"I agree, babe. Do you know an Ob-Gyn doc out here?" He knows that a high comfort level is paramount when dealing with these issues.
"I don't. Maybe I'll talk with Debofah or Charlene. They may have a recommendation."
"Excellent idea. If so, schedule an appointment and let me know the details. I'll come along."
"Damn straight you will!"
DOCTOR NELSON'S OFFICE MAFCH 30
"Mr. and Mrs. Reagan. Welcome to our practice," nurse Debbie extends a warm welcome. After taking Eddie's OB history and checking vital signs, she instructs Eddie as to how to prepare for the doctor and exits the exam room.
Doctor Casey Nelson soon enters and introduces herself. After the initial questions, Eddie is quite comfortable with Casey, and relaxes. Jamie can tell, and relaxes himself. Casey is Charlene's Ob-Gyn physician.
After the physical exam, Casey calls the nurse back in. Debbie rolls an ultrasound machine in with her and sets it up. The doc does the U/S exam, clicks some pictures and excuses Debbie.
"Well, everything looks good," Dr. Nelson starts. "It looks like you are approximately 9 weeks along."
"So, baby and I are good?" Eddie remains a little anxious.
"Yes, there is one issue though."
Eddie and Jamie immediately tense up.
"Not a problem, relax. It looks like you may be carrying twins."
"What?" Eddie explodes. She almost crushes Jamie's hand.
"We won't be able to tell for certain until your next visit. So don't advertise that possibility, please."
The expectant parents look at each other and nod. "Wow," Jamie whispers. "Twins? Really?"
"Yes, probably. That will make a family of 5, if I'm, correct?" Casey smiles.
"Good thing we have that big house!" Eddie mutters.
"Oh, you have that drug king pin's house? My husband and I were looking at that. It just dropped off the market suddenly. Rather mysterious."
Jamie & Eddie wince. "I guess it's who you know," Jamie mutters. Eddie is mum.
"I guess it is," Casey winks at them. "Be sure you talk to Debbie and make your next appointment for 4 weeks. I'll see you then."
BEDTIME
"So, now when do we tell the girls?" Eddie grins.
"After the next appointment?" Jamie suggests.
"I'm good with that. Unless I start showing. Or tossing my cookies, the girls will get suspicious fast you know."
"I know. Hey, I was meaning to ask you about Sunday dinner at dads."
"Yeah, we haven't been since that weekend. Is it about time wemade an appearance?" Eddie surmises.
"I think so. I'm dreading it though." Jamie admits.
"Me too. It's strange though, none of the girls have mentioned it."
"Not even Mary Rose?" He's astounded.
"Nope. We better show up."
"I'll call Pops and warn him. Hey, what about showing up at Sunday dinner after the next visit to Casey?" He spouts.
"Yes, good idea. Then we can share the good news." She likes that idea.
"Then that's the plan." He seals it with a kiss.
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END FLASHBACK
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Last doc appt March 30 – Eddie 9 weeks.
OB APPT APRIL 28
"Hi, good to see you back Eddie & Jamie," nurse Debbie walks them back to an exam room. Debbie does her part of the visit then exits.
"Hello again Eddie and Jamie," Casey Nelson is all smiles. "This will be a big visit; we will learn some exciting things. Let's get started, shall we?" She buzzes for Debbie to return. When she does, she pushes the cart with the U/S machine into the room. She has Eddie lay back, pulls her top up and exposes her tummy. Eddie has just barely begun to show, the girls haven't noticed yet.
Casey squirts some cool blue gel onto Eddie's skin and starts to move the probe around. She nods her head and smiles. "Yes, kids. Definitely twins. Are you happy with that?"
"Well, we've had some time to think about it . . . so, I'd say yes, we are good." Eddie voices. Jamie nods in assent.
"Would you like to hear the heartbeat? Now this may be a little confusing, as there are 2 hearts. So, listen carefully."
She switches to doppler mode. The room is filled with the pitter-patter of little feet. It is so rapid that Jamie and
Eddie cannot count them. They seem erratic, they ask about that.
"Yes, that's because the 2 hearts are not exactly in sync," Casey explains. "Now next visit we can determine the gender. If you'd like. Everything looks very good. Eddie, you should expect more weight gain than with your prior 2 pregnancies. Don't worry about that, ok?"
"Yeah, except I'll be as big as a house sooner. Goodie!"
Jamie smirks, she swats his chest.
"Any questions?"
"None, thanks doc," and they are off."
IN THE CAR
"Let's tell the girls at breakfast!" Eddie can't wait any longer. She thinks Cassie and Mal are suspecting something. For the life of her, she can't believe that no questions have been asked.
"I'm good with that. What about gender at our next visit?" Jamie wants to be surprised.
"I want to know." Eddie is of the opposite opinion.
"Why?"
"Jamie, we have 3 girls. If we have 2 more, we can do a lot of hand-me-down clothes. And decorating will be a cinch. But two boys' changes everything. I'd really like to know!"
"Hm, I see your point. Ok, sex next time." He smirks and sinks. She gets the signal.
Why wait until next time?
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BREAKFAST
After sitting, and the blessing, Eddie starts.
"Daddy and I have some news-
"You're pregnant," Mal blurts out.
Eddie's mouth drops open.
"Oh, please, we've known for weeks," it's Cassie's turn.
"We are pretty smart you know!" Mary Rose's turn.
Mom and dad look at each other. Then around the table.
"Well, smarty pants. There is one thing you don't know. So there," Jamie has to add, triumphantly.
"I'm carrying twins!" Eddie beams.
"Two babies!" The girls erupt. "Two baby sisters!"
"Or brothers," Eddie cautions.
"Oh . . . that would be cool too," Mal admits. Cassie and Mary Rose agree.
"When will we find out?" Cassie wonders.
"At mom's next doctor appointment in 4 weeks."
"NO, we can't wait that long. I'll die," Mary Rose collapses in her chair. Mom and dad try hard go stifle a laugh.
"There is one more thing," Eddie tacks on.
"MORE?" The girls moan.
"Yes, and listen up!" Jamie emphasizes. "We are going to Mass and Sunday dinner at grandpa Frank's this week."
Eddie adds, "We will be telling the family our news. WE DO NOT WANT YOU GIRLS TO SPILL THE BEANS!" (Dream on, Edit!)
"Can we trust you?" Jamie puts on his most stern look. "Or should we leave you home"
"Maybe we should not attend Mass?" Eddie suggests.
"No, we'll all go. You girls realize we don't want you to give away our news, right?" He looks at each one in turn; they nod and say YES.
The meal progresses.
Electricity in the air.
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TBC: Sunday explosion!
Notes: Weekend guests include:
Paula and Joe Hill
Palmer and Deborah
Carroll, Charlene & Marlys (their daughter)
Tim and Sheryl (His girlfriend)
Plus: Jamie, Eddie & 3 daughters.
14 PEOPLE