Papa's making breakfast, and the coffee is ready. Go downstairs and relax. We'll all be down soon.
Thanks, Aunt Bree. Caleb said.
You're welcome, Caleb. I tiptoed and kissed his cheek. He smiled. I entered our bedroom, and as I went to close the door, Carol walked in.
Thanks for the backup Sister!
What? I said.
I heard that out there. Caleb is a good boy, he's misguided by the super macho bullshit that gets drummed into most men.
Caleb could be a good alpha male if he was around men like Keith, Charles, and Rick. Maybe you two should consider hiring him as a lawyer in the SF office. Work with Rick and Keith a bit. Let him see what a real man is like.
Maybe Cathy would take a shine to him. I said.
We could only hope he gets that lucky. But he needs to tone it down first said Becky.
Just a thought ladies, I said.
But it has to be his free will that brings him around, said Carol.
Agreed, said Becky.
I said, let's see if he apologizes at Breakfast. If he does there's hope, said Carol
I wear a nice sundress and wedge sandals. Terri and Steve come down; Terri's in a sundress, too. The men are all in T-shirts and shorts. Charles and Sophia were chatting and smiling with my Dad and Danielle.
Charles and Dad love classic muscle cars and are both foodies! Danielle and Sophia were intrigued by the idea of seeing my Dad's Christmas tree farm. Dad and Danielle served us all breakfast.
We all raved about breakfast. As with all meals it was a family style. Laughing chatting, passing things around. When the coffee pot was emptied Caleb got up and made another. He poured cups for Amber and Sara first. When everyone's cup was filled he made another pot.
I thought to myself, the boy listened.
Carol suggested a morning dip in the pool. Great idea, Said Becky.
I'll get towels said Ian. Let me help said Caleb. Carol and Becky smiled at me.
Charles said I need to do a few laps myself.
The boys were all hanging out waiting for us girls to come out. Charles waited for our bathing suit parade. We came out with Becky and the Mistresses in the lead.
It felt great watching them stare with approving eyes as we strutted in bikinis. Us sissy girls wore thongs this time. Amber and Sara were trying to tempt Caleb into foolish behavior again.
Caleb took Both Amber and Sara's hands as they sat in their chase lounges. He was their personal waiter, bringing iced tea and towels and applying sun oil.
We saw Caleb kneel between them. By the looks of things, he did apologize because they each kissed a cheek. They asked him to sit between them. Charles did his laps as the rest of us relaxed in and around the pool.
I didn't notice until lunchtime rolled around, but Amber and Sara had disappeared with Caleb. I went upstairs to fix my makeup. I could soft moans of the three of them.
Thinking to myself maybe there's hope for Caleb. As I walked downstairs, Terri and Steve were coming up.
Changing for lunch? I asked.
Yes said Terri smiling and blushing. Go girl I thought to myself.
After lunch, everyone began getting ready to leave. Charles and Sophia had surgery in the morning. Charles needed to drop his mother at his city condo. Lisa and Amber had early appointments.
Matt, Carol, and Caleb had a long drive home. Danielle invited my Dad to stay with her until his flight on Wednesday and offered to drop him at the airport. Steve had the first shift on Monday, and Terri and I had lots of work to finish at the firm.
We hugged and kissed goodbyes in the driveway. As the four of us returned to the house, it felt quiet. Becky went to run a bath. Terri, Ian, and I made quick work of cleaning up. After that was a small dinner of steak salad and bread sticks. We just lounged around relaxing. It was nice doing almost nothing.
We all went to bed early. My typical day for Monday morning. Terri and I drove to the firm early to get started. Ian agreed to drive Mistress in. We made lots of headway. Sharon proved herself by handling everything without hardly falling behind.
Tuesday
Tuesday started the same as Monday. But everything changed right at lunchtime. I walked into Becky's office. She said in a panting tone close th, the door, eh, ah!
Are you alright?
Cramps come and go. Becky said.
How often?
I had two so far, about every 10 to 12 minutes! For the last 30 minutes.
Having had 4 children, I knew it was labor.
Sweetheart, you're in labor! But I'm barely 38 weeks she said. 37 weeks 6 days I corrected her. Terri, get to Becky's office now! Steve was with her.
Perfect! Steve, do you have a police car?
Yeah, why? Uh ah, Becky Cries.
Ohh shit! Steve says.
Here's my pass. Bring it to the garage. We gotta go.
I'm on it. Said Steve.
Terri and I take her down in the elevator. Rick is just returning to the office. Uhhhh!!!
Rick says Okay let me take her! Rick lays her out in Steve's Crown Victoria. I hope you can keep up said, Steve. Just hit the lights and drive like hell, a young man, and be careful.
Steve thunders through the streets, lights flashing, siren whaling. He's on the radio as he drives. Rick's right on his ass. Steve drifts the car into the emergency room entrance with precision.
The medics are outside moments later. The doctor comes out asking questions. I tell him 37 weeks, 6 days, and he asks about contractions every 5 minutes now, and the gap is shrinking fast.
Okay, Ms Stapleton, she said to me I'll take it from her! I called Sophia first, then Carol, then my Dad. After everyone was called, I called my Mom.
My Mom said she couldn't afford a ticket or a hotel. I told her she could stay at the house and bought her a first-class ticket from West Palm Beach Airport San Francisco. The first class was all I could get, but the ticket had an adjustable date.
Steve was a godsend. He shuttled everyone from the airport. Lisa let him use her Escalade. Dad changed his flight date by a week. Becky was in labor for 4 hours.
The emergency room doctor called our OBGYN. When Sophia, Lisa, and Charles showed up it was a breath of fresh air.
They asked Doctor Turner if they could observe. Doctor Turner said she'd be honored as long as they stayed out of the way. They agreed.
Dr Angelica Turner. Was in full command as I sat back and watched. Sophia and Lisa stood beside me as Doctor Turner worked her Magic.
Dr. Turner performed a C-Section with fluid efficiency. My late wife had 4 C-sections. I knew the procedure well. The smell of embryotic fluid smelled awful to Charles, Sophia, and Lisa.
I smelled life! When our girl cried I cried tears of joy. Becky was smiling with tears as well. Becky was put out as she was sewed up.
Sophia said Doctor may I please?
Only if I may assist you.
I would be grateful said Sophia. Sophia trimmed and cleaned the incision. Using a ten-blade scalpel and her sure, steady hands. She made a perfectly straight closure. Sewing the incision with perfection. Doctor Turner assisted, asking questions concerning her procedure. Sophia explained never missing a beat. Doctor Turner made the last 10 stitches matching Sophia's process. Doctor Turner thanked her for the demonstration.
Sophia said, Angelica, you are welcome to watch or assist me in action anytime.
I carried our new baby down the hall right beside Becky as they wheeled her down the hallway to her room. After much discussion, when Becky woke up, we decided to name her Caitlyn Annette Stapleton. Our nickname for her was Kitten.
Everyone held Kitten. My Mom arrived late that very night. Steve playing Chauffer again. Becky and I stayed at the hospital for 3 nights. Becky hated being bedridden for 3 days. The fishnet panties with pads and the catheter were humiliating to her.
I made sure she was never left alone. My mom, Dad, and Danielle all stayed with her when I ran home for a change of clothes. Mom and Danielle seemed to get along.
When we checked out with Caitlyn my Dad installed a car seat in her A-8. We didn't have a baby shower until we got home with Caitlyn. Everyone was there to greet our newest family member.
It was a happy occasion. Caleb, the egotistic Alpha, fell in love with Caitlyn. She cooed in his arms and the big man he was just melted. You could tell from that moment Caleb would die to protect his cousin.
Cathy saw it. Big strong sports star and college Wrestling warrior softened by a newborn baby girl. Caleb called her kitty.
Never meeting Caleb, Cathy sat next to Caleb while he was holding her.
She's taken a shine to you, said Cathy.
The feeling is mutual, said Caleb.
Cathy touched Caleb's hands softly. Caleb looked at Cathy, and when his blue eyes locked in Cathy's Green almond-shaped eyes, I knew my parents were destined for a great-grandchild.
We never made the Rubber Ball. Mary, Sharon, and Amber went. Lisa, Sabine, Alice, Alexis, Sara, and Keith went. Sharon performed flawlessly.
They won first place.
After the hair show business was booming. They added four more chairs. Spilt between 6 stylists. Sara became a fully licensed stylist, masseuse, and piercer as well as MAC makeup certified.
Christmastime
Christmas in Oxford, Michigan was cold. My Dad had the cutting crew go all out with Christmas lights and Decor. He had remodeled the house a bit. He added a 16-foot-high living room addition with a fieldstone fireplace. He had a real blue spruce pine tree decorated with every decoration we had from when Carol and I were kids.
Dad and Danielle were the best of hosts. They even invited my Mom for the week. The neighbor, Mr Jonas, loaned us his snowmobiles for the day to tour the farm.
It brought back a lot of joyful memories for Carol and I. Becky loved it. Between Danielle, Caleb Cathy, and my Mom and Dad, Kitten was always watched. She's such a good baby and super smart too.
Caleb and Steve proposed to Cathy and Terri at Christmas dinner while my Dad was carving the standing rib roast. We immediately called the Mills and face-timed them in on the action.
Mrs Mills cried, and we faced timed the Pambini, too. Mrs Pambini also cried. Turns out Steve asked Matt and my father for permission. Caleb flew up to Napa Valley for 2 hours one day just to ask Mr Pambini. They both said yes.
Home after the Holidays. Becky and I have both been nursing our kitten and as a result, she was growing fast. By June despite all my efforts, my milk dried up.
I was very depressed when my endocrinologist told me I'd never nurse again. I was crying when Becky came home. Ian tried to comfort me but I was beyond his loving care. I was so afraid my wife would be mad at me.
I was in our room curled in a fetal position. Becky spooned me and told me everything would be alright and not to worry.
How can I not worry? I can't feed my kitten I said.
Because, I've great news! What could possibly be so good to cancel this?
Well, two things, Bree. First off, you're going into the spa on Thursday for double D's with Terri.
Second I'm pregnant!
What!!! Seriously?
Yes, Bree, I saw the doctor today. I'm 4 weeks pregnant. You know what that means?
I can finally have my orchiectomy? Yes, Lisa approved it.
Sophia and Charles are going to perform it.
Ohhh Becky I'm so happy, I cried tears of joy.
Epilogue
It's been two years now and a lot has happened. Caleb, Steve, Cathy, and Terri had a big double wedding.
The Mumford family hosted it at their winery. The wedding was at their local church, we booked a big block of rooms at the local Hilton hotel. It was a grand affair.
Herman had a long talk with Mr Mumford about 57 Chevy. Keith mediated it.
Turns out Herman had no love for the 57 and sold it back to him for only 50 thousand dollars. Mr Mumford and Herman became good friends.
Sally Preston is still in prison. She had to be placed in protective custody because many prisoners were victims of her many schemes. She's in solitary confinement for her safety.
Martin Compton was raped, and after several attempts on his life, he was killed by a prisoner because he'd framed a fellow family member for insider trading years ago.
Jason Stapleton was disbarred and got a job teaching history at a community college in Las Vegas, New Mexico where no one knew him. He hasn't been heard from since he picked up his check. Jason has since towed the line and been elected as township supervisor.
Sabine married the doctor she met at Herman's party. They eloped and married in Las Vegas, Nevada. She's pregnant with a baby girl.
Rick and Judy were recently engaged. Work kept getting in the way. But now they have a date set. Cathy, Terri, Sharon, Becky, Carol and I are all going to be bridesmaids.
Becky is the maid of honor. Alan Hadley is Rick's best man. Keith, Ian, Charles, and Herman. And Rick's two brothers are groomsmen. The Mumford's again hosted the wedding
Lt Mills was promoted to Commander and the chief of internal affairs for the state of California. Steven Mills was promoted to Detective Sergeant, and since then, he and his team have solved many high-profile cases.
Terri, with the help of her husband Steve, re-engineered the entire firm's Network. The security at Stapleton and Elgin is now on par with the NSA at all four offices in New York, Boston, L.A., and San Francisco. Terri is scheduled for SRS surgery next month. She and Steve are very excited.
Judge James "Hang'em" Harris was nominated and confirmed to the 9th District Federal Court.
Annie scored a 175 on her LSAT test. She'll be attending Stanford Law School in the fall. Annie has become a valuable member of the firm. Her research and communication skills are top-notch.
Sharon and Mary were married, and Sharon took Mary's last name. Mary is 3 months pregnant with a girl. They want one more child and Sharon agreed to an orchiectomy. Eventually, Sharon will be getting full SRS surgery.
Sharon is attending San Francisco State University. She is majoring in Pre-Law and Business.
Doctor Charles and Doctor Sophia are expecting a baby boy. Sophia and Charles read to her belly every night. They never married, but are deeply in love.
My Dad and Danielle host the 4th of July and Christmas every year. Charles bought my Dad a tow behind a truck smoker for the meats. Danielle shared her recipe for coleslaw with my Dad.
While Dad and Danielle never married. They share time traveling not just to each other's place but world travel too. Danielle spends most of the winter in Florida with my Dad, except when we fly her and Dad or my mom to babysit their granddaughter.
Caleb and Cathy babysit when Becky and I need a break. Caleb is now Working at the firm as a junior partner.
Becky and I sneak off to the Pambini's winery for weekends here and there. We spend our wedding anniversaries there and when we need a reset.
Ian is still a big part of our lives. Becky and I love him dearly. Ian has become a great father to our children and is looking forward to one of his own.
My mother still lives alone but has many friends and flies to SF often to see the girls..
Matt and Carol are still together and in love. Matt did get his tongue split after Carol put her foot down. Sharon, Sara, and Amber had theirs done, too.
The Coven is alive and well. My family has come so far these last 2 years. My head still spins when I think about everything that's transpired since my loss.
One weekend, my Dad and Becky took me to my late wife and girls' plot. I told them about their new sisters and cried.
Afterward, I felt like I could really let go. I think of them often when I look in Kitten's eyes. It no longer pains me as it used to. Kitten has magic hugs like her sisters did. When Becky experienced it for the first time she cried.
Becky is a wonderful mother, proud and as happy as I ever saw her. I'd like to say more but I've got a diaper to change.
The End.
Annah Rourke
2025-04-01 13:00:54 +0000 UTCAmanda
2025-03-31 05:41:45 +0000 UTC