Judy had just entered her seventh month. She had taken maternity leave early on her doctor's advice. Her blood pressure had alarmed him on her last visit, and he had told her toxemia was a very real possibility. Then, he questioned her about her lifestyle. Was she under a lot of stress at work? Did she have a good relationship with her baby's father? yada, yada, yada! He advised her to go on maternity leave now rather than waiting a few more weeks! That's when he dropped the bomb! She was having twins and would probably go into labor early.
Her boss agreed it would be best for her to leave now rather than risk her health and the babies. "Let me know if you need anything!" He'd said as she left his office. The drive home was a long one, as she digested this latest bit of news.
Judy poured a glass of iced tea, then, carrying the cordless phone, went outside to sit near her flower garden and enjoy the late after noon breeze. The sun felt good on her face! She hadn't heard from Kali in a few days and intended to call her in a few minutes. At that moment, the phone rang, nearly scaring her to death.
"Hello!" She said, answering the phone. Bees swarming nearby, had a soothing effect on her frazzled nerves.
"Judy! How are you! How do you feel?" Kali's tense voice alerted Judy that something was wrong.
"I'm fine! What's up?" She replied brightly!
"Oh, you know! Same old shit, just another day! Would it be too much of a bother, if I came to visit for a few days?" Kali was wiping tears as she waited for Judy's answer!
"No problem! I'd love the company! Stay as long as you like! When will you be coming?" Judy couldn't wait to see her best friend. Her eyes fell on a momma bird feeding her young. A soft smile touched her lips as she watched their progress, even as her free hand gently rubbed her huge belly.
"Will an hour be too soon!" Kali's voice quivered with unshed tears.
"No problem! I'll order pizza!" Judy wondered what happened, but had no doubts Taker was involved in some way.
"Then Taker said to ask Kane about the bet. OH, Judy, I have never been so pissed in my LIFE! What the hell am I to do?" Kali was completely miserable! She had shredded half a dozen napkins all over the table!
Judy sighed angrily! Taker again! When was he going to mind his own damn business?
"Did you talk to Kane?" She asked, watching Kali closely. She toyed with her fork while waiting for her friend to reply.
"Yes! He said all the guys were involved! They bet who was going to be the first to score with the women they met after the matches!" Kali lit a cigarette, completely dejected! Tears glittered brightly, in her sad blue eyes.
"Kali! Did it occur to you that Taker may have been playing mind games with you?" Judy studied her friend closely. "And unless I'm TOTALLY wrong, Kane loves you very much! You two never would have gotten married if he didn't really care! Taker is just fucking with your mind, that's all. It's what he likes to do!" Judy shifted to a more comfortable position.
Kali thought about what Judy said and knew she was probably right! Looking over at her friend, Kali realized something was wrong! Concern for the VERY pregnant woman before her took presidence over her own troubles.
"Are you ok? You look terribly uncomfortable!" Kali eyed her closely.
Grinning slightly, the woman said "Yeah! The twins are rather active tonight!" Judy grimaced as she shifted her position yet again.
"TWINS! My GOD! When did you find that out? You sure you're ok?" Kali was surprised by this bit of news. The flicker of pain that occasionally crossed Judy's face worried her.
A faint smile curved Judy's lips as she recognized the propose behind Kali's questions. "I found out just this morning, as a matter of fact! And NOBODY was more surprised than me! I thought my "sweet tooth" was responsible for my sudden girth! The doctor said I could expect to have them in the next few weeks. He said twins usually came early!" Again, she shifted positions. Kali merely shook her head in amazement, as she watched her friend. "Kali...I want you to promise me something! I want you to talk to Kane! Work this thing out! Taker is playing games with you both cuz it amuses him to do so! Don't sink to his level, don't let him win!" Judy held Kali's eyes. The disgust she felt for Taker came through loud and clear!
"I know...you're right! I shouldn't have let my temper get the best of me!! After Taker said what he did, I went back to our room, called Kane a son of a bitch, picked up my bags and started to leave. Kane stopped me and explained about the bet, but you know me when I'm PISSED! All this took place about thirty minutes after checking in." Kali had begun to regret her hasty departure.
Judy laughed softly. "Go on and call him! I think I'm going to take a hot bath!" Judy hoisted herself up, out of the chair, and walked heavily down the hall. Kali was on the phone even before she reached the bathroom.
Her burden was heavy! Tonight her back was killing her! Maybe a hot shower would relieve the spasms that had plagued her for the last two hours. Slowly she stripped off her clothes and stepped into the shower. Judy adjusted the water to a comfortable temperature, then stepped beneath the hot spray. Quickly she lather up her hair, working the fragrant shampoo through her long, thick hair. As she rinsed her hair, the first of the pains hit her.
Judy turned off the water, and carefully got out of the shower. She wrung the excess water out of her hair, combed it back into a wet pony tail, then quickly dried off. As she put on her night gown, another pain hit her, stronger and harder than the last one.
"NO! It can't be! It's too soon!" She thought fearfully. Holding onto the sink, she stared at her wide-eyed reflection in the mirror. She knew she was in labor. She started out of the bathroom to tell Kali, when another one hit her,followed by her water breaking!
"Kali! Help me!" Judy called out to her friend breathlessly, holding on to the door frame for support!
Kali was on the phone with Kane when she thought she heard Judy calling her. Stepping through the doorway, she was listening to something Kane was saying, as she watched her friend slowly sink to the floor, having fainted.
"JUDY! GOD, Kane, something's wrong with Judy!" Kali dropped the phone and ran down the hall to where the very pregnant woman lay.
"Oh my GOD! Judy!" Kali knelt down by her, feeling for a pulse, then felt her belly. Another hard contraction made her belly completely rigid.
Kali had to get her to the hospital FAST! Running back to the phone, she told Kane she had to call an ambulance. "She's in labor! I'll call you later!" After hanging up, she dialed 9-1-1-!
"I need an ambulance NOW! My friend is in labor!" Kali gave the address, then went back to Judy's side. "Hang on! An ambulance is on the way!"
"It's too early for the babies to be born. We've got her contractions stopped for now. She needs to hold on for about two more weeks! Can you tell me if she's been under any strain lately?" Her doctor asked. His brown eyes warm and compassionate, and right now very concerned about the woman sleeping less than three feet away.
"Yes! The babies father and her have not been getting along very well! Tell me...is Judy going to be alright?" Kali was scared to death. Judy was family! And so were her unborn babies.
"It's touch and go right now! She has toxemia! This is probably what brought on her labor. Right now, her chances are 50/50! The fact that her water broke has put the babies at risk. Unfortunately, they will have to be delivered SOON! Everything that can be done for her and them, is being done!" The doctor was being brutally honest. They talked a few more minutes, then he left to see to his other patients.
Kali sat beside her, watching her friend sleep, tears streaming down her face. Some time later, she quietly left the room. She needed a cup of coffee, and had to call Kane. As she made her way back down the hall to Judy's room, the elevator doors opened and Kane stepped out. Taker was right behind him.
"OH HELL NO! He is NOT going in there! It's his fault she's here!" Kali was furious! Her blue eyes glittered with her fury! She threw her coffee away when the men first stepped off the elevator! Now she faced them with hands on hips, glaring angrily at the taller of the two men!
"Kali, now you can't know that!" Kane was trying desperately to play peace maker between the two. Taker merely glared back.
At his words, Kali turned her angry gaze on him. "I know Judy told me what he said! I know he's used and abused her to the point where her very LIFE is now in danger! Not to mention the lives of the twins she's pregnant with! BY him, I might remind you!" Her softly spoken words were underlined with steel!
"TWINS!" Both men exclaimed at the same time! Each wore identical looks of surprised amazement at this news!
"Yes, twins! The doctor said they were both at risk right now! He also said stress was what put her here!" She was still angry, but now concern for her friend softened her heated words, somewhat!
"Ok, Kali! You win! Taker, maybe you better wait back at the hotel! I'll meet you there later!" Kane said to the big man! He watched as his best friend angrily got back on the elevator, leaving the hospital. Kane knew he would have a time with Taker later. Never had Kane seen such a cold, murderous look in Taker's green eyes.
"Kali, you and I need to talk! SERIOUSLY! After seeing Judy, let's go get something to eat!" He quietly implored her.
"I'd like that!" She said just as softly! Then she led her husband in to see Judy. They stayed just a few minutes. Judy was still asleep! She told the nurses where she would be if needed!
About three in the morning, Judy went into labor, and this time it couldn't be stopped. Then 45 minutes later, the babies were delivered by C-section. Kali was alone at the time. Kane had gone back to the hotel about two hours earlier. She called Kane a short time later.
"How is she? How are the babies?" Kane was awake instantly when the phone rang.
Taking a shaky breath, Kali told him what happened.
"Judy is still not out of danger. All this shit she's been through the last year has taken it's toll on her. Stress is what the doctor is saying. They are keeping her sedated for the time being. As for the babies, she had one of each. The girl weighs 4 pounds even and is 16 inches long, she was delivered first! The boy was delivered two minutes later. He weighs just under 5 pounds and is 21 inches long. Considering how small they are, they are remarkably healthy! The doctor is worried about their lung development, but seems to think they will be ok. Both children look like Taker! I just hope they grow out of that!" She finished grumpily. She was tired as she finished her report.
"I'll see you in a couple of hours! What about Taker?" He asked.
"Well... he has to be told, that's the right thing to do! What he does after that, is up to him. BUT!!!! I will not let him upset her any more!" She spoke quietly, hating having to give him EVEN that much curtsey!
"I'll go tell him shortly!" Kane looked at the clock, seeing it was nearly 6. Swinging his long legs over the side of the bed, Kane was going to shower then go wake up Taker. "I can't wait to see you! I've missed you, Babe!" His husky voice sent ripples of desire racing through her veins.
"Me too! I love you!" She whispered, gripping the phone tightly. They loved talked for a few more minutes, then hung up.
They had made piece with each other. Kali believed Kane, and also believed Taker was just messing with her out of spite! Kane promised to deal with Taker in his own way, in his own time! She would ALMOST feel sorry for the man when Kane dealt with him!
Before facing Taker, Kane went down to get a cup of coffee. The restaurant was nearly deserted at this early hour, but a few others drifted in after Kane sat down. After three cups of coffee and putting away a HUGE breakfast, Kane made his way to Taker's room!
Kane knocked loudly on the door. He waited several minutes, then knocked again. Taker jerked the door open angrily. He wasn't alone and didn't appreciate being disturbed right now. Kane's eyes froze over as he caught sight of the big breasted bimbo laying on the bed, not bothering to cover her nakedness.
"WHAT!" Taker asked angrily, staring at Kane, daring him to say anything!
"Your children were born a few hours ago, in case you're interested!" The sarcasm in his voice let Taker know exactly what Kane thought of his actions!
"OK! I guess Judy's pleased!" Taker said in the same tone!
"I wouldn't know! Kali says she STILL may not make it!" Kane was getting angrier by the moment!
"What's that suppose to mean? Women don't die during child-birth! That ruse won't work!" Taker sneered, daring Kane to contradict him.
Kane was dumbfounded! How could he EVER have considered someone so CALLOUS, a friend! Kane could only look at him in disgust!
"I kept my promise! I told you about the babies! Now it's up to you!" Kane turned away going back to his room to pack. He'd gone about two feet when his cell phone rang.
"Hello!" He answered rather testily.
"Kane! Judy has slipped into a coma! Can you come NOW! Please, I need you!" Kali was nearly hysterical.
"I'll be right there!" Kane hung up the phone, then re-traced his steps, with hell in his eyes! Once again, he beat on Taker's door.
The door was opened almost immediately. Taker looked pissed!
"She's in a coma, you son of a bitch!" Kane growled tightly, just before he laid the other man out cold...with one punch!
~Chapter 24!~ Kaliegh
Kane’s heart broke when he arrived at the hospital and found Kali. She had not yet stopped crying and her body shook with the force of her anguish. She was scared to death for Judy and she was blaming herself for the condition that her friend was in. Kane knew this. He could see it in her eyes.
Walking over to her, he pulled her into his arms, giving her what comfort he could. He talked softly to her as he gently rubbed her back. He pulled away and looked deep into her eyes when his words and actions failed to console her.
“I’ll be right back.” He said softly as he sat her down again. She didn’t protest and she did not to even seem to notice that he had left the room.
Kane talked quietly to the head nurse for several minutes and then waited while she paged one of the doctors and talked with him briefly. Ten minutes later he returned back to Judy’s room along with the nurse. Kali looked up at him when he walked through the door. He took her again into is arms and looked down at her with concern shining in his eyes.
“Kal, this nurse is going to give you a sedative and then I’m taking you back to the hotel so you can get some sleep…” He was cut off before he could finish.
“No! You are not giving me a sedative, I am not going to sleep and I am definitely not leaving here. You can’t make me, Kane!” She glared up at her husband, daring him to go against her wishes.
Kane sighed deeply. He had hoped she would go willingly and he wouldn’t have to force her. He knew how stubborn she could be though, and he would force her if given no other choice. He knew she was at her limit and he needed to get her out of there for awhile.
Kane ran his long fingers through his hair and tried one more time to convince her. “Kal, please. Just for a little bit. You need to eat something and get some rest.”
His request fell on deaf ears. “No, Kane! I am not leaving Judy!” She would not budge an inch an inch. Her body had begun shaking uncontrollably again while tears fell in a steady stream from her eyes.
Kane tightened his hold on her and when Kali realized what he was doing, she began to struggle against him, trying to break free from his hold. Kane glanced over at the nurse, who had been waiting for his signal. With one efficient motion, she moved beside him. Kali felt the prick of the needle in her arm and then a few moments later, everything went black.
******
Several hours later, Kali slowly woke up and opened her eyes. She looked around the darkened hotel room in panic. She was still disoriented from the drugs that had been given to her. Her mind was all fuzzy and she didn’t remember right away everything that had happened in the last twenty-four hours. She tried to sit up, but her whole body felt numb and didn’t seem to want to function properly. She was so tired, barely able to keep her eyes open. And she couldn’t understand why she was sleeping in her clothes. Nothing made any sense to her.
“Kane?” She asked, wondering where her husband was. When she didn’t receive an answer, she asked for him again. Again, there was no answer. She laid her head back on the pillow and closed her eyes. It was then that she remembered everything that had taken place.
She sat straight up this time with little effort, only to collapse back down as a wave of dizziness washed over her. “God, what the hell did they give me?” She thought to herself as she waited for the room to stop spinning. She waited a few moments and then tried again. She was successful this time. Intent on getting back to the hospital and to her friend she crawled out of bed and stood on shaky legs. She slowly made her way to the door. She had her hand on the doorknob, ready to open it when someone on the other side took care of that for her.
Kane looked down at her, surprised to see her up. Then he became angry, but only because he was so worried about her. “Where in the hell do you think you are going?” he demanded to know as he stepped through the door and backed her into the room.
“I am going back to the hospital whether you like it or not, Kane.” She told him, not able to understand why he was so angry.
Kane sighed and pulled her into his arms after seeing the confused look in her eyes. “I’m sorry, Kal. I didn’t mean to yell at you like that, and I’m really not angry like I seem to be. I’m just concerned about you. I don’t want you to get run down staying long hours at the hospital. I know you’re worried about Judy and the babies, and so am I, but there is really nothing you can do and if you’re all worn out and tired when she does wake up, you won’t be of any help anyway.”
Kali saw the hard look in his eye soften as he looked down at her and she found her own defiance towards him abating. The next thing she knew, Kane scooped her up in his massive arms and carried her back to the bed. It was a long time before they left the room, or their bed for that matter.
~Chapter 25!~Judy!
Kane watched as she slept! Faint purple smudges were still visible beneath her eyes! She was laying on her back, one small hand resting beside her cheek on the pillow, the other laying across her flat belly. Kali was worn out, physically and emotionally.
The big man felt guilty over the way he tricked her to get her here, away from the hospital. He knew she had been running on pure instinct and that was RAPIDLY running out! But she was resting at last!
He knew she would be pissed at him when she woke up! A wicked grin curved his lips as he thought about it! He would calm he ruffled feathers, then they would return to the hospital. This room had been paid for, for the next week! And she WOULD be using it! Every night for the next three, anyway!
This thought, brought Taker to mind! Kane's temper surfaced rapidly! How could he use, then abandon a defenseless woman? He was going to pay for his actions! Kane intended to be the one to dish out the punishment! At that thought, the phone rang! Kane grabbed it, before the thing could wake Kali!
"Hello!!" Kane said quietly, getting up and walking around the partition that divided the huge room!
"How's Judy?" Taker's restrained tone only served to piss Kane off again!
"You got some damn nerve, you son of a bitch! The bimbo still there?" Kane could BARELY restrain himself! The muscle in his cheek twitched rapidly, his teeth tightly clenched!
"I'm in no mood for a lecture! All I asked was a simple question!" Taker was getting ready to hang up, when Kane's voice stopped him.
"She's still in a coma! And the babies are fine!" Kane said tightly, barely able to suppress his anger.
"I'll see you in a couple of hours!" Then Taker quietly hung up the phone!
Kali and Kane ate a huge breakfast then headed back to the hospital. Surprisingly, she wasn't a bit angry with him. She even went so far as to say she understood why he tricked her the way he had!
"You were on the point of collapsing! I was worried about you! You wouldn't be any help to Judy if you ended up in the bed next to her!" Kane's soft look, and tender, caring voice, made her heart swell with love for her gentle giant!
The look of love in her eyes, as she held his gaze, the caressing way she touched him, told him far better than words ever could, just how deep her feelings for him went. As they stepped off the elevator, the happy expression quickly disappeared from both their faces. Taker was standing at the nurses station asking for Judy's room number, holding a bunch of yellow roses.
Kali's whole demeanor changed. Her whole being went rigid. Kane tightened his hold on her arm. "Not now, love! I'll deal with him!" Kane said quietly, his eyes never leaving the huge man heading in their direction.
Taker caught sight of them! He merely nodded in their direction, as he preceded on in the direction of his desired destination! Quietly, he pushed open the door, and entered the room. His breath caught when he saw the mother of his children laying deathly still on that bed.
Taker laid the roses down on the foot of the bed! He sat down on the edge, then took her small, pale hand in his own. Very gently, he lifted that incredibly small hand to his lips, placing a soft kiss on her fingers.
"Please wake up! I want to try and make it up to you!" Taker's husky voice broke with the emotion he was feeling.
Kali and Kane stood quietly just inside the door, watching the touching scene! They watched as he wiped away the tears that fell, with a trembling hand.
"Taker!" Kane spoke softly as he approached the bed.
Reluctantly, he pulled his eyes away from the motionless figure on the bed. Real grief could be seen on his face. Guilt consumed his massive body as memory of their last meeting came rushing back... as memory of ALL that he had done to this gentle woman, came rushing back!
"Come on! We need to talk!" Kane led the big man from the room, and down to the cafeteria. He poured them both a cup of coffee, then walked over to a table away from the other patrons.
Taker looked miserable! But Kane would reserve judgment on the sincerity of those emotions till a later time. Taker stared down at the hot black brew before him.
"You wanna tell me about it?" Kane's suspicion came through clearly. His hazel eyes were cool as they watched him intently.
"MAN! I have fucked up with her every time we came in contact! I messed up BIG TIME! How in hell can I EVER make this up to her?" The anguish was real! Kane sighed feelingly. He knew Taker well enough to know Taker honestly felt remorse and guilt over his actions in all this!
Kane remained silent, deciding to let Taker talk. Besides, he was curious to hear what the big man had to say. Taker's remorse was genuine. How could he have been such a jerk?
"She's got to come out of this! She just has to! I have too much to try and make right with her!" Guilt was eating the big man up! And for the first time since Kane had met this proud man, Taker was finding it difficult to meet another man's eyes!
"Talk to me, man!" Kane encouraged him.
"MAN! I was hooked the minute she told me off! She put me in my place so damned quick, it wasn't EVEN funny! I was fascinated! No woman had ever responded to me that way before. She worked her magic on me good! Yet every time I got close to her, I got scared too! She is a decent woman! She was honest with me from the beginning! And I treated her like shit!" Taker rubbed a hand over his face! "What do I do?"
"I don't know what to tell you! Right now, the most important thing is that lady upstairs and those babies! If she comes out of this, then you two need to try and work this thing out!" Kane felt for this man! He was still angry with him for the shit he'd told Kali, but he would deal with that later.
"Have you seen the babies? MAN! They are great!" Pride burst out all over Taker!
Kane couldn't help the chuckle that escaped him. Taker sounded just like a new dad! They talked a few more minutes, then went back upstairs. Kali was beaming when the two men re-entered the room.
"She's awake! They took her down for tests!" Kali was relieved her friend had come out of the coma! And for the first time, she noticed Taker's black eye and badly swollen jaw!
She couldn't help the pleased grin that curved her lips. She had no doubts as to WHO and WHY Taker got the shiner from! Glancing at Kane, she didn't miss the small smile of satisfaction that curved that one's lips, nor the slightly guilty blush that stained his cheeks. Pride raced through her, as she gave a satisfied grunt and faint nod of approval.
It took all her strength to move from the gurney back to her bed. By the time the two nurses left the small group alone, Judy was trembling visibly from her efforts. Signs of fatigue were etched deeply around her mouth. She had still not seen Taker standing off in the corner.
They talked quietly for several minutes, bringing her up to date on what had happened. She was glad to see both Kane and Kali together. They belonged together...you could see how much they loved and wanted each other...it showed in their eyes and on their faces. They belonged together! The thought pleased Judy!
As her eyes touched on his, she was at first, surprised, then ...nothing! Her eyes slid away meeting Kali's instead. Forcing a tired smile to her lips, Judy chose to ignore the father of her children... for the time being any way.
"I don't mean to sound rude, but would you all please leave... I'm rather tired...OH!!!! Kane, you take her out for a good dinner, then take her back to a motel some place! If I know Kali, she hasn't left this place! Do this for me... I have some things to try and work out in my mind....right now, I just want to be alone...no company AT ALL!" The tired smile and even more tired voice made it clear she wanted to be COMPLETELY alone. The little darting glances in his direction told the same tale.
He stayed even after they left the room. A short while later, he went back into her room, quietly standing near the door. She appeared to be sleeping, albeit a restless one. She cried out his name! He knew her pain...her grief! He had looked into the cool eyes of a stranger! This was going to be harder than he had first thought!
~Chapter 26!~Kaliegh!
A week later when Judy, along with both of her children were released from the hospital, Kali expected that she would be the one to stay with her to help out with the babies until Judy was back on her feet. Kali was surprised when Judy insisted that she go back on the road with Kane.
"I’ve hired a nanny that is highly recommended to help out with Kaitlyn and Morgan until I’m more able to do it by myself. And yes, before you even ask…I’ve checked all of his references and had a background check done. He's straight as a Saint." Judy explained when Kali brought her and the twin’s home from the hospital.
"Him? I’ve never heard of a male nanny before." Kali couldn’t stop the skepticism that crept into her voice.
"They’re becoming more and more popular these days, just like male nurse’s." Judy replied. She wanted more than anything for Kali to be the one to stay with her to help with Kaitlyn and Morgan, but after the dream she’d had the night before, she had her reasons for insisting that Kali join Kane back on the road.
"Are you sure? I mean, the last thing you need around is another man." Kali asked once more.
"Yes, I’ve given this a lot of thought and I’m completely sure this is what I want. Besides, just because he’ll be around 24/7 doesn’t mean we’ll get involved!" Judy began and then stopped. She smiled, purposely forgetting to tell Kali just how incredibly handsome this man was. Then she became serious again and continued.
"Kal, I know that Kane and yourself have so little time to yourselves as it is with you all being on the road and everything. Spend as much time together while you can, okay." Judy finished and looked over at her friend. As hard as she tried, she was unable to shake the feeling that the time that Kane and Kali had together was limited, although for the time being, she was able to hide these thoughts from Kali.
"And besides," Judy added after a moment of silence. "You know that both Kane and yourself are welcome to visit at anytime."
This brought a slight smile to Kali’s lips. She had to admit that the thought of spending as much time as possible with her husband sounded very inviting.
"Okay." She finally agreed, although somewhat reluctantly. "But I will be calling you ever night and I will know if everything is going all right or not."
Judy smiled over at her friend. "Thanks, I was hoping you’d agree to go back on the road with Kane." She said sincerely.
Kali grinned backed at Judy, her eyes beginning to sparkle as her bad mood began to lift. "Well, I don’t know about you, but there is no way I could turn down the opportunity to be with my man!"
~Chapter 27!~Judy!
Judy waved as Kali drove away! She hated seeing her friend leave, but for now, Kali's place was with Kane! As she entered the living room, the twins began to whimper! Going over to the matching bassinet's, the new mother crooned softly to her babies. Checking the diapers, and finding them damp, Judy changed them, then removed two bottles from the diaper bag. Thank God for Kali! She had mixed up their formula and prepared the bottles before leaving. She had even brought two bottles in and placed them in the bag so Judy wouldn't have to worry with them.
Picking up Morgan, she watched, smiling gently, as her son nursed hungrily. Kaitlyn sucked noisily on her fist as she waited her turn. Judy glanced at the clock. Brent was due any minute now! As much as she loved the babies, she had to admit she would be glad when the nanny finally arrived. Judy was still awfully weak and was looking forward to lying down for a while.
Morgan drained his bottle rather quickly. He had a rather healthy appetite, she thought, grinning broadly. Laying a cloth diaper over her shoulder, Judy lovingly laid her son against her, then gently patted him on his back. Within a minutes or so, he let out a loud burp.
Kissing him on his feather soft cheek, Judy crooned to him as she carried him back over to his bassinet, laying him back down. He was asleep by the time she tucked the light weight blanket around his tiny little body. He sucked on his fist, as he slept peacefully on his side.
Kaitlyn began to fuss, wanting her bottle! Judy picked up the tiny little girl. Getting the bottle from the bag, she sat down in the antique rocker she bought just days before the twins birth. Cradling the baby tenderly in her arms, the new mother rocked and softly sang, as she fed her tiny daughter. She nursed slower than her brother, and by the time Kaitlyn finished her bottle, and Judy had laid her back down, Morgan was once again awake, demanding rather loudly to be picked up!
Sighing, Judy smiled to herself as she seen about her son! His diaper needed changing again, and he still acted hungry. Crooning softly to him, Judy had just sat down in the rocker, when someone rang the door bell! Carrying the baby with her, Judy went to answer it! The nanny had arrived!
"Brent! Please come in! I'm glad you're here!" Judy smiled in greeting, as she stepped aside to let him in.
Brent smiled in return as he stepped through the doorway. He had his bag with him.
"Your room is right down the hall. Come on and I'll show you the way!" Judy led him down the hall to the guest bedroom.
Opening the door, she stepped back out of the way so he could put his bag inside! The man made the huge room look small! She wondered if the bed would be big enough for him! Judy hadn't realized just how BIG he was until now!
"This is nice! You have excellent taste!" The deep husky voice drawled. "You look tired! Give the baby to me, and you go take a nap!" His dark blue eyes took in the exhausted droop of her shoulders and the small white lines around her mouth.
"Not just yet! But thank you anyway! If you don't mind, I'd like to get to know you just a tad better! If you wouldn't mind, there's tea, lemonade and juice in the fridge. Get us something to drink, then join me in the living room!" She had to look up at him. DAMN! But he's a big one! The thought just popped in her head, causing her to blush slightly. Dropping her head to hide her hot cheeks, she hoped he hadn't noticed her staring!
"What would you like to drink?" He asked, smiling to himself. He HAD noticed!
"AHM! Tea would be nice!" She said! Brent could hear the exhaustion and embarrassment in her voice! He watched as she made her way back toward the front of the big house.
The big man found the kitchen easily enough, then opened cabinet doors till he found the right one. Taking down two glasses, he filled them with ice, then poured the tea. Back in the living room, he found Judy rocking her son. The baby had finally drifted back to sleep.
Sitting the glasses down on coasters, he carefully took the baby from her and laid him back in the basinet. Brent sat down on the sofa next to her, crossing his long legs at the ankles. Picking up his glass, he took a sip of tea and found it delicious, just the way he liked it!
"Ok! Tell me about Brent Williams! Your references are impeccable, but I'd like to hear about you!" She said softly, slowly rocking back and forth as she sipped the icy cold drink. Her keen eyes watched him closely.
Smiling slightly, he dropped his eyes to the table. Looking back up and meeting her eyes openly, he asked "What would you like to know?"
"Well....how did you get in to this particular line of work?" She asked.
Laughing softly, Brent leaned back against the couch. "Well, I have a degree in nursing! I come from a family of twelve children! Mom and Dad married young and started their family right away. There are two sets of twins in my family, by the way, both younger than me. Mom was a nurse-practitioner, and I was always tagging along behind her trying to help, as she cared for her patients. She taught me to love caring for the sick. She taught me more than school did! And with a family like ours, you HAD to love kids! My eight brothers and three sisters have twenty children between them! I delivered six of them! I love kids!" He finished simply, his eyes open and honest!
She smiled slightly. Part of what he told her had surprised her. Twelve children! LORD! How had his mother managed?
"Well, Brent! I think I'm gonna take a nap! Make yourself at home! I ordered one of those monitor things. The store is suppose to deliver it this afternoon. The babies formula is in the fridge. I think Morgan is going to need a little more! Four ounces just doesn't seem to be enough for him! If you get hungry, there's cold chicken and sandwich stuff. Now, I think I really do need to lay down!" Her voice was weaker and more tired than before. The faint purple smudges under her eyes were more pronounced!
"Go on! I'll take care of dinner and the little guys! You get some rest!" His deep voice held a hint of concern as he studied her closely! He knew of her troubles after the twins birth!
Judy smiled and nodded slightly as she slowly got to her feet! Brent watched as she climbed the stairs. He couldn't help but wonder if she'd come home too soon! Shaking his head, he went over and checked on the babies. They were both sleeping soundly, so he took the glasses back to the kitchen, and decided to see what was for supper. He found some steaks in the freezer, and took them out, laying them out to thaw.
Judy was feeling better and getting stronger every day. By the time Brent had been with her two weeks, she knew she was going to miss him terribly when he left in two more weeks. They had not only become comfortable with each other, but had become friends as well.
They were in the midst of a good natured debate, as they chopped vegetables for dinner. Kali had called about an hour ago and said she would be seeing Judy in a couple of days. Judy was looking forward to her visit and her reaction to Brent! She smiled to herself as she imagined Kali's surprise!
"I still say you're wrong about the Cardinals!" Brent said, flashing his blinding white smile.
"NO WAY! The Braves can beat the Cardinals on any given day, and you know it!" She said, chopping the green onions to go in a salad.
"You're wrong!! The Cards could beat the Braves easily!" He insisted! Both began laughing at the horrified expression on the others face! At that moment, the doorbell rang.
Judy's eyes widened slightly in surprise. She wasn't expecting visitors or any deliveries. Wiping her hands on a dish towel, she went to see who had come calling. She was shocked to find Taker standing on the other side!
"How are you!" He asked quietly. His eyes roamed over her slim figure. It was apparent that motherhood agreed with her.
"What are you doing here?" She asked, ignoring the way her pulse raced, and the fact she found it hard to breathe! Why did this man have to be the one to have this affect on her? Why him?
"I came to see my kids! Is that ok? Did I come at a bad time?" His soft voice and tender look would be her undoing!
Gritting her teeth in frustration, Judy stepped aside to let him in. After all, he was their father!
Taker hid the small smile as he entered her home. She led him in to the living room where the basinets still stood. The twins were sleeping peacefully. Taker stood in awe, as he stared at his babies.
"My GOD, Judy! They've changed! They've grown!" His deep voice had a hushed quality to it, that she had never heard before.
A half smile curved her lips as she gazed down at the lights of her life. They were the only good thing to come from her messed up relationship with this man.
"Judy? Was there someone at the door?" Brent asked from the doorway, wiping his hands on the same dish towel she had used. Seeing the man next to her, he knew instantly this was the father!
"Brent! Oh! AHM! I want to introduce you to the children's father! Taker, I'd like you to meet a friend of mine. Brent... Taker! Taker...Brent! Now if you'll excuse me, I have dinner to see to!" She said nervously, looking from one big man then the other!
Taking the dish towel from Brent, she hurried down the hall to the kitchen, but not before he noticed the odd look on her face. The two men stared at each other silently, sizing each other up.
Brent would have known he was the twins father even if Judy hadn't told him. Morgan was the very image of the man before him. He studied Taker for several minutes. Taker broke the silence rather abruptly.
"How long have you known Judy?" Taker asked almost rudely! His green eyes narrowed to mere slits!
"Just for a short time! She's an extraordinary woman!" Brent said smoothly, not giving away any thing! He met the other mans eyes openly and honestly.
Taker didn't like this one bit! He didn't know what the hell was going on here, but he intended to find out! Turning on his heels, Taker went in the directly to the kitchen. He intended to get to the bottom of this once and for all! Judy stood with her back to him, cutting up something. Grabbing hold of her shoulders, he spun her around to face him.
"Just what the hell is going on here! You don't waste any time finding another bedmate I see!" Taker was furious! His green eyes glittered dangerously.
She could only stare at him! The fact it was too soon for her to even think of taking a man to bed only added to her amazement! The GALL of the man! To DARE question her behavior! Her anger flared as hot and furious as his own! Jerking away from him, her blue eyes glared defiantly back at him.
"What I do and who I do it with is of no concern of yours! You gave up that right a long time ago! Now! As for you visitation rights! You may see the twins whenever you want or whenever you can! BUT!!! From now on out, you WILL call first!" Her angry glare and soft voice only made him more furious!
He stared at her for several minutes! The muscle in his cheek twitched rapidly. Finally, afraid he would be unable to control his temper any longer, Taker turned around and left her house, without saying another word!
That night, Judy dreamed of Kali! She was crying! Kane was the cause of her tears! He had been caught in a compromising situation with another woman! Judy sat straight up in bed, wide awake!
Taker stormed into the dressing room he shared with Kane!He was more angry than Kane had ever seen him. With a great deal of muttering and soft curses, Taker slammed and threw stuff about, before finally settling down!
Kane watched in amusement, before finally asking the obvious!
"I take it, the visit didn't go well?" He asked not bothering to hide his grin.
"She's got another man!" Taker said sullen and angry!