Chapter 63

The two day trip between California and Colorado was relatively uneventful after Eli told his older brother to chill out.  Miranda didn’t go into labor but was having random pains here and there that her mother explained to her were false labor pains.  “You’re going to be a Mommy before you know it”, Mandy told her oldest daughter.  “All you can do is take deep breaths and wait until it stops.”

“Lovely”, was all Miranda could say.  Callan would just sit there and hold her hand when they would hit.  Wasn’t much else he could do.

A couple of days after Malachai and family got home and got settled, Jake gave him a call.  “Bro, you need to get over here”, he said, fighting not to laugh hysterically.

“What’s going on?” Malachai asked.

“Dad and Skyler are in my room in the gun safe getting out paintball guns.  Dad says he wants to test his eyesight with a little target practice.”

“And you don’t think that Dad’s going to do it?”

“Oh no, I know that our father means every bit of what he says.  He told me to call you to see if you wanted to at least watch, if not participate.”

“Have you gotten ahold of everyone else?”

“I called Jordan and she started tripping balls, Maddie started laughing and told the kids and Colt to get off of their asses and get ready to come over.  Ash asked why and she told him that everyone was going to get to shoot with Grampa, and Jeremiah went out with Damien to help set up all of the empty liquor bottles that have been disappearing since Mom and Dad came out for the holidays.”

“Where are James and his bunch?”

“Here; James and Kenna are helping Mom and Kaylian get settled into lounge chairs while Hunter and the twins help with the set up as well.  Gabe and Rina are playing with some toys of some sort that are out here already.  Marc decided to fly out so he and his group are putting together a little picnic for everyone.”

“Lovely.  Where are Meagan and Makayla?”

“Makayla had a music video she had to choreograph, so she’s actually in New York.  Meagan is here and tripping balls.”

“Does Makayla know what’s going on?”

“Yeah.  Are you going to keep asking questions or are you going to finally shut the hell up and get everyone over here so that we can shoot it out with Dad and Skyler?”

“Let me see what everyone wants to do”, Malachai chuckled.  “I’m sure that everyone will want to come over.   Shawn’s been dying to shoot with Grampa or something for a while so it’s time that happens, I would say.”

“Indeed”, Jake laughed.  “I’m actually going to let Seth off of his grounding so that he can enjoy a little time with Mom and Dad too.”

“Sweet.  It will be nice to see Dad letting loose.  We’ve all really got to learn to relax, ya know?”

“Dude, preaching to the choir.  I’ve been saying that for three months.  Maybe you can talk some sense into Jordan and get her to relax.”

“I’ll see what I can do.  She doesn’t always listen to me.”

“Levi, Jasmine, Reece and Ronnie are telling her to chill out and relax.  She’s not seeing the light with them.  Maybe she will with you.”

“I hope so.  Let’s see what my family wants to so and we should be there shortly.  Remember, I just added a Marine to my family who has a love of guns and explosives.”

“So we can be sure that his and Miranda’s vote will be yes.  And I’m sure that Eli and B will vote yes.  You might as well tell them all to get in the car and head on over.”

“As fun as that would be, I’m not going there.  I’m gonna ask.  Tell Marc to pack a few sandwiches for everyone in my family just in case we’re there.”

“Will do.  See you soon, bro.”

“You should.”  And they hung up.  Malachai made his way down stairs where everyone was sitting in the living room.  “So, I just got off the phone with Uncle Jake and apparently Grampa and Mr. Mason are putting together a little paintball shooting range…”

“Are we going?” Shawn asked.

“I was asking if everyone wanted to go.  All in favor?”  They all raised their hands.  “Well then, let’s get the hell out of here, shall we?”

They shut everything down and loaded into the different vehicles.  Miranda and Callan drove Miranda’s old car that had her overnight bag pre packed and ready as well as the car seat for Gracie in case she went into labor and they had to book it to the hospital.  Eli and B drove themselves and Isaiah and Chelsea rode with everyone else.

No one knew it, but by the end of the day, there would be a new addition to the family and she would come into the world screaming.

­­---------------

Brie and Kaylian were relaxing as David and Skyler came riding up behind them in the golf cart.  Brie turned around and laughed, tapping Kaylian on the shoulder.  “I would have thought you two would have used a four wheeler rather than the golf cart”, she said.

David frowned.  “Jacob locked the four wheeler keys in a wall safe in his and Delilah’s room and I don’t have the combination, and I wasn’t the lock pick in the band when we went through our Agency training.  That was Mikey.  Danny could engineer a listening device that would have made the CIA jealous.  I’ve seen him do it.”

“So you couldn’t crack the safe to get four wheeler keys and it was easier to put the guns in the backseat of the golf cart?” Kaylian laughed.

“Something like that”, Skyler nodded.  “We’re just waiting on all of the grandkids and James to get out of the way so that we kick this off and everyone can trickle down as they feel the need.”

David cleared his throat and called to James.  “Jay, is everything ready down there?”

“Just about Dad”, James called back.  “I’m trying to convince my son down here that everything is the way it’s needed.”

“I don’t like the distance Grampa”, Hunter called out.  “It seems a little too close.  I mean, I heard that you grouped five shots at 125 yards tighter than the mini skirt that Aunt Jordan is wearing today.  This is only 75.”

“Grandson, you have to take into account that it was ten years ago that this happened and my eyes have gotten worse with time since then.  We’re also using paintball rifles.  You want the targets to be a little bit closer.”

Hunter shrugged.  “Touché, Grampa.”  He looked at his father, sisters, and cousins.  “Why don’t we get out of the way so that Grampa and Mr. Mason can start breaking bottles?”

“I thought you’d see things my way”, James laughed as he shooed his twin daughters and his nephews back toward the same area where their grandparents were sitting and standing.

When they got back, David tapped James shoulder.  “Have someone go back up to the house and get two more of the lounge chairs.  Granted I want to do this, but there will come a point where I’m going to need to sit down and let my knees rest.”

James nodded.  “Nikki, Josie; go back up to the house and tell Uncle Jake that we need a few more lounge chairs down here.”  He held out the key to one of the four wheelers.

Nikki and Josie walked over and Josie took the key.  “I wanna drive”, Nikki said.

“I have the key”, Josie said.

“Dad, tell Josie to let me drive.  I am the oldest.”

James took a deep breath.  “Hannah Nicole, your sister has the key.  She’s driving.”

“But I’m older.”

“How about this, Hannah- Josephine drives up to the house and you drive back?”

“I can live with that”, Josie said.

“Hannah Nicole?” James said, giving the oldest of his daughters an expectant look.

“Fine”, she said, rolling her eyes.

James shook her head.  “You know what, why don’t you go park your ass over there under that tree”, he said as he pointed to the tree in question, “and think about that attitude?”  As Nikki walked away he looked at Hunter.  “Go with your sister, please.”

Hunter nodded and held his hand out to Josie for the key.  “I’m older.  I’m driving.”  Josie handed over the key without an argument.  Once they roared off toward the house, James heard the two elderly couples behind him chuckling.  “I take it that we’re not going to be expecting anymore grandkids from you”, his mother laughed.

“Are you kidding me?” James laughed.  “My house isn’t big enough and I don’t have the patience.  I would kill them all.  Anyway, Hunter has just let me know that I’m going to be a Grampa myself in the next year.  That little girl Candy he brought out to San Diego for the wedding and we just sent back to Chicago, she’s a couple months along.  I’m only in my late thirties and I’m going to be a grandfather.  No mother, no more kids for me.  I’m just going to look forward to spoiling the hell out of Hunter’s little one like you two did with all four of mine, as well as the other 23 grandkids you’ve been blessed with.”

“You could always remodel the house to accommodate a larger family”, David said.

James shook his head fervently.  “No, not a chance in hell”, he laughed.  “I just finished a huge remodel on my kitchen and dining room for entertainment and business purposes.  I am NOT giving my kids bigger rooms.  They don’t need them.”

As they four seniors laughed, the men made their way over to the shooting line so that they could start their friendly contest.  Who could knock over the most bottles?  Both men took aim as the rest of the family started to arrive so that they could watch the spectacle.  It was going to be a fantastic, but very long, day.

---------------

Malachai’s bunch arrived and Eli took Callan out to the shooting range on the back of one of the many four wheelers.  After greeting Brie and saying hi to David as he was reloading his paintballs, Callan took off with the golf cart to get Miranda and B.  Eli was about to attempt to be the first of the grandkids to get involved with the shoot off. 

As Callan was driving up with his wife, her parents, and her brother’s fiancé all on the golf cart they all heard Maddie call out to the family patriarch.  “Just lift your elbow a little, Daddy”, they heard her laugh as they crested the hill.  They could see that “Grampa” was aggravated that he was missing some of the closer targets.

“Mind your own, Madison Jade.  I’ve been shooting longer than you’re been alive”, he growled as he sighted down the scope of the paintball gun and fired, nailing one of the bottles.  “See, I know what I’m doing”, he said, spinning to look at his second daughter.

She laughed.  “If you say so Dad.”

Callan laughed as he parked the golf cart.  “Is Aunt Maddie giving you a hard time Grampa?” Miranda called as Callan helped her out of the cart and onto one of the lounge chairs so that she could get off of her feet.

“She thinks she’s going to tell me how to shoot a damn gun.  I’ve been shooting longer than all of you have been alive”, David said as he popped off another shot and tagged another bottle.  Callan walked over to where the shooting was going on to see what everyone was shooting at.  David looked over at his new grandson in law.  “You wanna take a few shots?”

Callan chuckled.  “I haven’t shot at bottles in years.  Not since I was a teenager.  I’d be willing to take a few shots if you’re willing to give up the rifle, sir.”

David looked over at Skyler.  “Seeing as you and I have knocked over as many as we have, why don’t we step aside and let those that are interested in popping some bottles do just that?”

Skyler nodded.  “I like it.  We can sit and chill with the wives while the kids and grandkids shoot it out.”

David handed the paintball gun he had been shooting with to Callan.  “Here you go.  Have fun.”  He looked at several of his grandchildren that were still teenagers.  “Ira, why don’t you, Tony, Levi, Matt, Seth, and Hunter all go out and set up the targets again?”

The grandsons in questions all stood and ran out to where the bottles were set up as Isaiah stepped up and took the rifle that Skyler had been using.  “Feel like shooting it out with your brother in law, Cal?” Isaiah asked.

Callan shrugged.  “Sure, if that’s what you wanna do.”

“Just don’t cry to my sister when I shoot more than you do.”

Callan rolled his eyes.  “Keep thinking that, Isaiah.  I can’t wait to make you eat those words.”

The banter kept going as David and Skyler walked away and took their seats next to their wives.  “Those two are going to be competitive until the day one of them dies”, Brie said as David sat down next to her.

“It will be healthy for them.  Maybe Callan can teach Isaiah a thing or ten”, Kaylian laughed.

“I just hope that Isaiah gets over this insane fascination he seems to have with Cal”, Miranda said.  “Since we got married last week, Isaiah has been acting a fool asking Cal all these stupid questions about how we got together like that nosy little kid from around the corner.  It’s really rather annoying.”

“He’ll get over the shock soon enough”, Brie said.  “It took my brother Matt a little bit to get used to the idea of calling Grampa his brother in law.”

Miranda laughed.  “That’s pretty cool.”

“As one who got the questions of disbelief, you and Callan should enjoy them while you can”, David said to his oldest granddaughter.  “You should worry when Isaiah loses interest in how awesome his brother in law is.”

Miranda smiled.  “Thanks Grampa.  I’ll let Callan know and we’ll keep that in mind.”

---------------

Jordan was watching the festivities but was standing off to the side where she could freak out in peace.  She knew that if she said something someone would freak out on her for what she said.  Meagan was standing with her.  “I know what you’re thinking Jord, and I don’t like it either.”

Jordan looked at her younger sister.  “What are you talking about?”

“This insanity that Dad and Mr. Mason are doing.  I don’t like it either, but I hate to say it- they are big boys.”

“Are you trying to be the voice of reason here?  Play Devil’s Advocate and convince me that I’m over reacting and that I need to let Mom and Dad go?”

Meagan shook her head.  “No.  I’m saying that I understand both sides of the argument and I still don’t like Dad shooting a paintball gun.  How everyone else can be ok with this is beyond me.  Hell, even Jessi’s not freaking out like she normally would.”

“I think she’s just excited that Mom and Dad have finally left her and David their house in Jerusalem.”  Jordan shrugged as she heaved a heavy sigh.  “Mae, I’m trying to get over the fact that Mom and Dad don’t have much longer with us, but Jake calling and telling us that Dad and Skyler were up in his room digging through the gun safe for a paintball gun I freaked.  I can’t help it.”

Meagan nodded.  “I know.  I agree.  Remember, I backed you and Jake when Mom and Dad came out for the holidays.  I don’t like them being reckless.  I want them to be careful just because of their ages and their health problems.  I know that being careful isn’t going to keep them from passing on at their ages.  I just don’t like to see them in pain.”

“Me neither.  And Dad goes and pulls something like this.”  She shook her head, brushing her bangs behind her ear.

Malachai had been watching them talk, reading their lips to see what they were saying.  He kissed his wife’s cheek and whispered to her.  “I’ll be right back.  I’m going to go see what’s going on with Jordan and Meagan.”  Mandy nodded and he walked away.  “Hey little sisters.  What’s going on over here?” he asked.

“We’re trying to keep our freaking out over Dad and Skyler doing this to ourselves”, Meagan said.

Malachai nodded.  “You worry, I understand.  I worry too.  I’m sure we all do.”

“It’s not that ‘Chai”, Jordan said.  “This is reckless of Dad.  Plain and simple.”

Malachai continued to nod.  “I see.”  He sucked in a deep breath.  “Did it ever occur to either of you that Dad’s just trying to just enjoy the time he has left?”

“I know that he’s having fun”, Jordan said.

“Don’t you want him and Mom to be happy?”

The two girls exchanged a look.  “Yeah.  Of course we want them to be happy”, Meagan said.

“Then why are you freaking out over something that makes them happy, reckless or not.  Dad knows what he’s capable of.  They’ve been trying to drive that point home to all of us since Dad retired and they started pond jumping and continent hopping wherever Mom had the notion to go.  They stopped because the Doctor told them to about five years ago.  The most traveling they did then was here and back.  When Mom realized that her back couldn’t handle the planes for too long they started traveling by train where they could.  Now, and I’m just guessing but, I’ve heard nothing about them planning to go back.  They’re here so that they have someone to take care of them should they need it.  They’re slowing down.  You just have to give them time and allow them these opportunities let loose and have a little fun every now and then.”

Meagan and Jordan looked at their oldest brother.  “Never thought of it like that”, Jordan said.

“I was just offering a little food for thought, Jord.  You know I love you, both of you.  You’re my little sisters.  I would do anything for you.  Just keep in mind that Mom and Dad may be older, but they’re not dead yet.”  He looked over his shoulder to see that Isaiah and Eli had traded and were shooting it out now.  Their parents were thoroughly distracted.  “They may have one foot in the grave and the other on a banana peel, but they’re entitled to have a little harmless fun like this every now and again until they finally slip in that banana peel.  You see what I’m saying?”

They nodded.  “Yeah.  We see what you mean”, they said in unison.  “We just need to relax and let Mom and Dad enjoy the time they’re having.  And now that I see Dad is sitting down next to Mom and enjoying the sights, I can breathe a little easier.”

Chapter 62

The flight back to Denver was relatively boring all things considered.  David and Brie spent the whole time watching Jacob watch Miri and Jax.  “What seems to be bothering you, Jacob?” David asked.

“What do you think they’re talking about up there?” Jacob said with musing in his tone.

“What does it matter, Jacob?” Brie asked him.

“It doesn’t”, he shrugged.  “Curiosity is killing me.”

“It killed the cat too.  What’s the issue with them being cute?”

“There isn’t one.  I’m just watching them.  I know that they’re falling in love and they’re being kids.  I’m just watching how he treats me princess.  If he treats her wrong, I’m going to have to do something that we all did with that moron Jeremy Caldwell.  I’ll play psycho and run his ass off.”

David chuckled.  “Oh yeah, memories.  But, Jax seems like he’s a pretty good guy.  We talked a little during the reception yesterday.  Good kid.”

“What did you learn about him?” Delilah asked.

“He’s the oldest of six; four girls and two boys.  He has dual citizenship between the US and Austraila.  His mother does a lot of international booking for a lot of different bands.  She actually worked a lot with Jeff Bataglia and Warner Bros. for us to come out there, as well as work with Lauren Cook and Intoxication/ Warner Bros. for Reckless Disregard to come out there.  His Dad is one of the foremost anesthesiologists in Sydney.  Written several papers on the topic as well as helped develop several different general anesthesias.”

“Wow, he’s got noteworthy parents too, huh?” Jake chuckled.

“So it seems”, Brie said.  “He also told us that his father assisted on the first of your TBI procedures to be performed in Austraila.”

“That’s cool.  My possible future son in law and his father can both sit around and shoot the shit with me about medicine and I won’t be talking over anyone’s head.  Did Jax mention which branch of medicine he was considering?”

“Pediatrics of some sort.  He thinking oncology or cardiology, if I remember correctly.”

“Nice.  He and Anthony will have something to talk about”, Delilah said.  “I think it will be great for them to have two doctors in one house.”

“A people doctor and an animal doctor.  Answering the phone at their house will be interesting”, David chuckled.  “I can just imagine it.   ‘I need to speak with Dr. Tompkins’. ‘Who do you need? Dr. Person or Dr. Pup?’.”

“Yeah.  That’s gonna be something pretty interesting to witness.  I just wonder where they’re live seeing as his family lives in Australia and we live here”, Jake mused.

“They’ll live here.  Miri won’t leave the country her Daddy’s in”, Brie said.  “And Jax seems like he’s pretty understanding of how close we all are.  He’ll stay here because that’s where she wants to stay.  So far, he’s pretty impressive.  Of course, I can only speak for myself.”

David shook his head.  “No, you can speak for me too.  Any man that’s willing to move from the country he grew up in to be with the woman he loves is fantastic in my opinion.”

Jake and Delilah both laughed softly.  “We’ll keep that in mind, Mom and Dad.  We’ll reserve judgment until we see how he acts with her while they’re here for spring break.  If he treats her right, I’ll take him aside before they go back to Loyola and give him permission to marry her when he’s ready to ask”, Jake continued.

Brie reached over and took her son’s hand.  “I’m sure that you’ll be pleased with the way he treats her.  Just try to keep an open mind and everything will be just fine.”

---------------

The drive back was murder.  Though Eli and B had flown out, they decided to rent a car and drive home so that there was room for everyone as they headed back to Colorado.

As with the drive to California, there were frequent stops so that Miranda could go to the bathroom.  Isaiah was sure to seize the opportunity to talk to his new brother in law.  He was amazed with the man that he was now calling brother.  The things that he had been told that Callan had done for his twin sister.  During one of their many rest stops as they drove through California, Isaiah caught Callan and talked to him about one of the many things that had him awed.  “Dude, did you seriously fly out to New York before meeting my parents and beat the hell out of Zack?”

Callan sighed.  “For the last time, Isaiah, yes.  I flew out to New York and beat Zack’s ass before flying out to meet your parents.”

“DUDE, you are the SHIT!” Isaiah exclaimed.

Callan laughed.  “I’m nothing special, Isaiah.  I’m just a simple southern boy with who was taught that you don’t allow a man to treat a woman badly.  I understand that you’re not used to seeing your sister treated well.  Well, with me that’s going to stop.  You just need to relax and let it happen.  I will protect your sister with everything I have and love her with everything I am.  Get used to it, brother, because it’s not going to change.  Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to get something for your sister and me to drink and snack on until the next time we have to pull off.  Take care of your fiancée, Isaiah.  I’m sure she’d appreciate her man bringing her a soda or something.”  And with that, he walked away.

Isaiah stood there in shock.  Wow, this guy is awesome.  Instead of giving me an earful because I’m pestering him he just tells me nicely that he’s just a guy.  I love this man, man!  He went to the cooler and grabbed Chelsea a drink and a snack- as well as one for himself- and went to stand in line to pay behind Eli and B.  Standing there with his brother and his boyfriend, he struck up a conversation.  “So Eli, what are your impressions of Cal?”

Eli rolled his eyes with a sigh.  “Not this again, Isaiah.  You know what I think of Callan.  He’s cool.  He’s willing to step in and raise a child that’s not his genetically because he loves our sister.  That makes him fan-fucking-tastic in my eyes.  Just take a chill pill and relax bro.  You have a couple of months to get to know him at least.  Lord only knows when Miranda’s going to pop.  Hell, she could pop on the trip home, which would be a Catch-22.”

“How so?”

“If her water breaks in the car”, B started, “we have to pay for the detailing because it’s a rental.  But, at the same time, it’s a new niece.”

“Exactly”, Eli said.  “It’s money out of our pocket to pay for it to get cleaned up, but it would be worth it.  Now why don’t you pay for that for you and your lady so that we can get back out on the road?  Stop being such a nosy ass Leo and let’s just get home so that we can wait for our niece to arrive.”  He handed the little girl at the counter his credit card so that they could pay for their things and head out to their car.  Once she handed him his card back he and B wrapped their arm around each other’s waists and headed out to the car, debating for a moment who was going to drive.  Callan was already back in the car with Miranda, who was trying to doze off again.  Being pregnant was taking a lot out of her energy wise.

Isaiah paid for his and Chelsea’s things and headed back out to his parent’s SUV.  He knew that Eli was right.  He needed to just relax a little and just keep in mind that Callan wasn’t anything special.  He was a man and with Isaiah’s incessant questions and acting like a fan boy, his new brother in law was eventually going to lose his temper and knock him out.  Once his father got the car back underway, he and Chelsea got comfortable and watched a movie together.  He was just going to chill and try not to act so ridiculous.  It was going to be a feat, but he could do it.

Meanwhile, in the other car, Eli looked over his shoulder to the newest member of the Draiman clan.  “How ya doing back there?” he asked.

“We’re fine”, Callan responded.  “She’s sleeping again and that leaves me free to listen to music, or read a book or something.”

Eli chuckled.  “Get it in while you can, brother.  Soon, you’re not going to have the time.”

“I know.  I’m enjoying every second I can get to read.”

“How are you handling the fan boy in the car ahead of us?”

Callan laughed.  “I’m hanging in there.  He’s starting to strike a nerve, bro.  What can I do to get him to stop?”

“I had a chat with him.  You’re being nice and that’s all you can really do.  I get that you don’t want to stress your new wife too much.  Understandable.  All you can do is grin and bear it until he grates on your final nerve.  If he does it at the next stop, tell Dad.  Dad will set him straight.”

He nodded.  “Thanks Eli.  That’s a huge help.  I’ve got enough on my plate managing your sister.  I know it’s what I signed up for so I do it happily.  But right now?  If he asks me ONE MORE TIME if I really did something that I did, I’m going to snap.”

“And you’d have every right to.  Just keep trying to be patient.  He’ll stop being stupid soon.”

---------------

Once they landed and everyone was settled, David called Skyler.  “Can you and Kaylian come out to the cottage and meet with me and Brie?”

“Sure.  We’ve just finished unpacking from going out to Miranda’s wedding.  We’re free.  What do you need?”

“We wanted to talk about that prank you and I are going to pull on the kids.”

“Ah.  We’ll be there in a few.  I’ve got an update for you and a suggestion on when we should mess with them.”

“I’m all ears brother.”

“We’ll see you in five?”

“Sounds good.”  They hung up and David got comfortable on the couch as Brie made tea so that they could all relax after the flight from San Diego.  “The Mason’s will be here in five, love.”

She smiled softly.  “Perfect timing.  We’re unpacked and the tea is almost done.  I’m making something for us all to snack on while we talk about the fun at the shooting range with paintball guns and empty liquor bottles.”  She busied herself making snacks and tea for everyone.  Much to her surprise her hands weren’t giving her a lot of trouble.

“Do you need any help over there?  How are your hands?”

“I might need help carrying it over to the living room so that we can talk.  My hands are just fine.  No problems with them so far today.  I’m sure as it gets cooler tonight, they’ll freeze up and start giving me shit.  Such is life dear.”

“I know.”  He stood and wrapped his arms around her waist, kissing her neck.  “I worry about you.  Forgive me.”

She laughed softly.  “You’re forgiven a million times over, my dear.”  As she finished with the tray, she turned and kissed his life gently.  “Since you’re standing here, why don’t you take the snack tray over to the table then get the door?  I think I hear Skyler’s four wheeler approaching.”

He chuckled low.  “How about you take the snacks over and I’ll get the tea and the door?”

“Whatever you think is best, dear.”  She picked up the snack tray as he finished putting everything they would need for the tea on the tea tray.  As she was sitting down, there was a knock on the door.  “One moment”, she called.

David set the tray down that held the tea glasses and went to the door for Skyler and Kaylian.  “Hey Skyler.  Didn’t I just see you about an hour ago?” he asked with a chuckle.

“I know.  What am I doing out here?” Skyler asked as they embraced.

“Will you two get out of the door way so that I can get inside?” Kaylian laughed.

Skyler went inside and greeted Brie as Kaylian greeted David, making her way over to the couch to greet Brie once she was done.  After everyone was sitting and had drinks in hand, Brie and Kaylian snacked while David and Skyler discussed the prank.  “So, how is the trip to the range coming along?” David asked as he took a sip of tea.

Skyler grabbed a chip off of the snack tray and ate it before answering.  “It’s coming along perfectly.  My hope is that the grandkids will get involved too.”

“I’m sure that most of them will.  Matt will if Jeremiah does”, Brie said.

“And Seth joining in is up in the air.  That’s up to his parents”, David added, “but Ira will be there with bells on.”

“Why is Seth up in the air?” Kaylian asked.

“He decided to act like a little jerk the day before we all left for San Diego for the wedding and drove like a bat out of hell from here to the house”, Brie explained.  “Jarred my back with the takeoff and was told by David three times to slow down and didn’t do it until we got to the house.”

“No kidding?” Skyler asked in shock.

“Nope”, David said, shaking his head slowly.  “Matt told me that he told Seth not to do it and to let him drive and Seth ignored him.”

“He’s brave, that’s for sure.”  Skyler chuckled.  “Maybe Jake will pull the stick out of his ass and let Seth participate.”

“As if he’s not already struggling with that as far as Miri is concerned”, Brie laughed.  “But that’s for later in the conversation.  Let’s finish this plotting session for your little prank.  When do you think would be a good time to have this?”

“Not long after Malachai and his family get home and settled in.  It will be good for him to come over and get out from under the responsibility of running when Miranda’s craving something.”

“Oh Callan has already made it clear that when she has a craving for whatever he will run and get it”, David said.  “He made sure that he told us as much during the reception.  He looked me and Malachai in the eye and said plain as day, ‘I want you both to know that once we leave California, when Miranda is craving something I’m going to be the one to run and get it.  She’s my wife now and that makes it my job’.  I just nodded and said, ‘Good for you’.  Malachai said, ‘Alrighty then’.  There was no further debate.”

“He’s going to be a mess when she goes into labor”, Kaylian said.

“Oh, for sure”, Skyler chuckled.  “Hopefully someone’s there to keep him calm so that he doesn’t trip out while she’s going through contractions.”

Brie giggled softly.  “You know what would be ironic?”

David looked down at his wife.  “What baby?”

“If Miranda went into labor while we were at the range having this little day of bonding and preparing the kids to let us go when it happens.  That would certainly be funny.”

Brie Draiman had no idea just how close to right she was.

----------------

The Masons stayed with David and Brie for dinner.  Kaylian helped Brie make dinner for the four of them while David and Skyler sat and plotted the prank.  Brie looked back at them and laughed.  “Do you think those two will ever grow up Kay?” she asked.

“Not a chance.  And when we’re all finally gone and together on the other side, they’re still going to be plotting and planning.  But, rather than plotting ways to give Jacob a heart attack, they’ll be thinking of ways to outdo each other.  Everything will be a competition.”

“Well, I think you and I will just have to put an end to that.”  Then it hit her.  “Oh snap, I just realized something.”

“What?”

“Between the two of them and my two brothers, there’s going to be quite the ruckus on the other side.”

“Goodness.  That’s going to be fun.  I’m sure that your brother Matthew’s wife will help us keep them in check.”

“True, but what about my brother Ira?”

“We’ll all have to keep him in check.  But, didn’t he die when he was young?”

Brie nodded as she stretched up to get plates for them all.  “Yeah.”  She looked over her shoulder to see that David and Skyler were still preoccupied.  “Kay, I’m going to tell you something that only David knows.  Over Hanukkah I have a dream that starred my brother Ira.  He was bringing me a message.  David and I don’t have much longer left on the planet.  I can’t give a precise date or anything, but I don’t think we’re going to see the end of the year.  When he came to me, he and Matt were both in their twenties or thirties.  Mom and Dad were with them.  Mom was making latkes.  He took me outside the house and talked to me.  We don’t have much longer and we’re not going to have to live without each other.”

“That’s so sad.  I’m sorry to hear that.”

Brie smiled softly.  “Don’t be.  I’m not afraid and neither is he.  We’re ready when it finally comes.”

“That’s good.”  They plated the food and called the guys to the table.  Once they were all seated they sat and ate and had a good time.

They chatted as they ate and enjoyed each other’s company.  Having Kaylian and Skyler out was a joy for Brie.  “So”, Skyler said at one point in the conversation, “you mentioned earlier that Jake is having trouble pulling the stick out of his ass in regard to Miri.  What did you mean by that?”

“Have you met her new boyfriend?” Brie asked them.

“That cute little Aussie?” Kaylian asked.  Brie nodded.  “That’s Miri’s new boyfriend?  He’s such a cutie.”

“And Jake’s having trouble accepting the fact that they’re falling in love with each other.  I’m sure that he’ll get there eventually, but it’s going to happen whether he likes it or not”, David said with a sigh.  “I had trouble when Maddie finally decided to bring Colton to our attention and I saw how they were together.  I get it.  I don’t blame him.”

“Yeah I can’t say I blame him either.  I had trouble letting Jona go when she and ‘Miah got engaged”, Skyler said with a laugh.  “He had balls, Jeremiah did.  Met me and asked for her hand the same day, like he knew I’d say yes.”

“That’s just Jeremiah.  He may be the quiet the quiet one, but he’s got no problem speaking his mind as you know.”

“I know”, Skyler laughed.  “I love that boy like a son.  He treats Jona very well, is wonderful with the kids; I lucked out in the son in law department.”  They fell silent for a little bit while they finished their dinner, then Skyler asked the question that was burning in his mind.  “So, what were you two over here gossiping about while you were making dinner?”

Brie laughed.  “Just how between the two of you and my two older brothers we’re never going to have a moment’s peace between the lot of us once we’ve all made it to the other side.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” David asked as he laughed.

“The way we see things”, Kaylian said, “the two of you make everything a friendly competition that you’re physically able to.  Add Matthew and Ira Cartwright to the mix and we’ll never have a moment’s peace.”

“Exactly.  As it is the two of you are bad enough”, Brie said with a laugh.  “Add Matthew James and Ira Shane to the equation and we’ll have our hands full.”

“So are you saying that it’s going to be one constant state of competition”, Skyler chuckled.

“Yes”, his wife replied.  “I love you dearly, but yes.  You and David are going to make us nuts with your being so competitive.”  She leaned in and kissed his cheek.

“But we expect we would expect nothing less from the two of you”, Brie said, doing the same.  “I know you two and my two brothers will keep us constantly entertained.  At the very least, there will never be a dull moment.”

Chapter 61

“Thank GOD it’s finally over”, Callan said when he and Miranda went to bed for the night.  “I was afraid that we’d never get married.”

Miranda giggled.  “I know.  It seemed like the closer we got the longer the days got.  But, we finally did it and I wasn’t bridezilla.”

He chuckled as he climbed into bed next to her.  “You were almost a bridezilla?”

“Well, I was bitchy yesterday because it felt like nothing was going my way.  Gramma talked a little sense into me and everything was fine.”

“Your Gramma is very good at that I’ve noticed.”

“When you have to manage ten kids as well as the temper of my Grampa, you kinda have to be a peacekeeper.”

“I’ve noticed that as well.  But, she’s feisty in her old age.”

She laughed.  “That she is.  But, enough about my grandmother.  It’s our wedding night.  What are we going to do?”

“Well to be honest, as much as I’d love to make love to you right now I’m more afraid that in doing so I’ll put you into labor and that I’m sure is the last thing either of us wants”, he said with a chuckle.  “A full term, healthy baby girl is what I’m looking forward to.”

She laughed softly.  “Me too.  Why don’t we just lie here and hold each other for the first time as husband and wife?  We can leave the love making for after the baby arrives.”

“Honestly, I think that’s the sweetest thing I’ve heard all day since I heard you say, ‘I do’.  Holding you is all I want to do right now.”

She snuggled in closer to him and pulled his arm across her after rolling onto her left side, sighing in content.  “You have no idea how I’ve longed for this the last several months.”  As she spoke, her emotions overcame her and tears trickled down her cheek.  She was overjoyed to finally have the man she loved lying in bed next to her and he wouldn’t be leaving unless he had to.  Then she knew he would be coming back.

He brushed the tears from her cheek.  “Probably as much as I’ve longed for it.  I’ve missed you more than you know, Miranda.  And now, I’ve got you and I don’t have to let go unless Uncle Sam sends me somewhere I can’t take you and Gracie.  Please, honey, don’t cry.  I’m not going anywhere.”

“These aren’t tears of sadness, Callan.  These are tears joy.  I’m so happy the wait is finally over.”  She twisted her torso so that she could look up at her husband.  “This is what I’ve been looking for my entire life.  I’ve been looking for you.  My patience has finally paid off.”

He kissed her softly on the forehead.  “Ditto, Miranda.  I’ve been patiently waiting for you my entire life.  Now, here you are in my arms.  I have the privilege of calling you my wife, finally.”  He chuckled softly.  “Honestly baby, life doesn’t get any better than this.”

She smiled and wiped away the tears that were leaking from the corners of her eyes.  “You’re absolutely right.  Life is certainly grand right now.”  She settled deeper into the bed.  “Stupid question.  Do you think your parents are upset that you’re staying in my hotel room tonight?”

“No.  I told them that’s how it was going to go.  My mom wants to know when it’s a little closer to the delivery date so that she can be in the area.  I told her that you don’t need nursing advice or anything like that considering how big your family is.”

“What did she say to that?”

“She just wants to be there so that she can greet her new granddaughter.”

Miranda laughed.  “I love your mom.  She’s hilarious.”

“No kidding.  But, this is her first grandchild from me so we’re kinda obligated.  Well, I am at least.”

“No, we are.  It’s not just you anymore.  What you’re obligated to, I’m obligated to.  If it will make your mom happy to be in the area when I have Gracie, then we’ll give her a call next month.”

“She’ll be happy to hear that in the morning as we pack up your brother’s rental so that we can go to Colorado.”

“So we’re riding back with Eli and B?”

“I figured it would be a little easier to do that considering the fact that your parents have the triplets plus your twin and his girlfriend riding with them.  B made the offer during the father- daughter dance while I was waiting to steal you back from your Dad.”

“Was Eli standing there when he mentioned it?”

“Yes.  Eli reiterated the offer, citing that your parents’ car was full and that it would behoove us to ride with them.”

“I’ll keep that in mind when we order breakfast in the morning and Mom asks how we’re getting home.”  She yawned softly, turning her head so that the yawn didn’t spread.  “Baby, we really should get to sleep.”

“Then why don’t we put on a little bit of background noise and do just that?”

She smiled.  “Sounds good to me.”  As he turned on the TV and found something that would bore the hell out of the both of them so that they could sleep she settled into the bed and got as comfortable as she could.  Once they were both still and comfy, they drifted off to sleep in each other’s arms for the first time as husband and wife.

---------------

With a sigh of relief, Brie Draiman laid her head down on her pillow. First the first time in weeks, she rolled on to her back. When David saw her on her back he was a little stunned. "Baby, is everything ok?"

She nodded slowly. "For the most part. My back is really tight right now. Why did we say as long as we did at the reception?"

"You wanted to stay, my love. That's all I know. You pushed yourself to stay."

She chuckled. "Why did you let me go and do something stupid like that?"

"You think I felt like arguing with you, stubborn ass?"

"Touché, mon ami", she laughed, wincing not but a moment afterward.

"Are you ok, Brie?" he asked her.

"Not sure. My back is spasming, but not nearly as bad as it was when Seth decided to be a little ass and drive like a bat out of hell."

"Do I need to call down to Jake's room and have him bring pain medication?"

She shook her head slowly. "I just need to get my back to relax."

"Did you bring those muscle relaxers that the doctor back in Israel gave you?"

She nodded.  “In my suitcase.”  The request that he bring them to her was unspoken.

He opened her suitcase and pulled the bottle out so that she could take the pill, got her a drink of water and handed them both to her after helping her sit up enough to do so.  “Take your medication.  You’re no good to anyone if you can’t get up and move around.”

She laughed quietly.  “Unfortunately, you’re right; loathe as I am to admit it.  Can’t help prepare for our little prank on our children if I can’t get up and do what I need to do.”  She took a drink of the water in that glass her husband of 48 years brought her and swallowed the pill.  “Did you think I forgot about our plot with Skyler and Kaylian to put the fear of God into our children and make sure that they’re ready to let us go when the time comes?”

He laughed.  “No.  I didn’t think you forgot and I hadn’t forgotten either.  I’m going to have the Masons come out and meet with us about that when we’re going to pull this little stunt when we get back to homestead.”  He sat down on the edge of the bed and rubbed his hand gently up and down her thigh.  “How are you other than your back, love?  How are your hands?”

“They’re fine.  I still have limited function, but it’s better than nothing I suppose.  I couldn’t sit down at a computer and type but that’s what our smart pads are for.”  She yawned.  “What a day.  I’m ready to go home tomorrow.  What about you?”

“Yes.  I’m ready to go back to Colorado.  I love Southern California, but I’m ready to get some distances between us and the busy big city of San Diego.”  He stood carefully and made his way around the bed so that he could lie down next to his wife.  His knees were going snap, crackle, pop as he walked but it was par for the course.  He’d gotten used to it over the years.  His knees had been shot for years.  It was only once he was older that they really started giving him trouble.  Once he was sitting on the bed, he put a pillow under his knees and sighed in relief.  “Ah, much better.  Now that I have my legs up I can relax.”  He took the remote off of the bedside table and turned on the TV, putting on the news.  Once he was settled into the bed, she settled in against him and waited for the medicine to kick in so that she could try to get some sleep.

This was one day where David and Brie were certainly feeling their ages.

---------------

“One child married, two more to go in the next year and a half”, Malachai laughed as he and his wife made their way back to their hotel room after the party in the ballroom ended.  They stayed as long as there were people to party.  Once the Marines that Callan worked with had reported back to base and hit the rack, they decided to call it a night.  The happy couple had gone to bed several hours before, followed by the father of the bride’s parents not long after.

“Then three more after that to graduate high school and get into college after that.  What were we thinking when we had 6 kids?” Mandy replied with a laugh.

“I think us having six was like my parents have eight before planning for Jessi and Marc.  It was a fluke of the In Vitro with the surrogate.  It just happened.  All we wanted to do was even out the number we had of each.  Well, lucky us we had a very delicate balance.  It never happens like that unless you’re cool.  We must be really cool.”  He laughed.  He couldn’t help himself.

She laughed too.  If she didn’t laugh she was going to start crying.  It was a bittersweet day for Amanda and Malachai Draiman.  It was the day that their little girl- their ONLY girl for over a decade- became someone’s wife.  She was soon to become a mother.  They were going to be grandparents soon.  It was all too much to take in.  After they finally settled in, they both sighed.  “What a day”, she said.

“I know.  And we get to drive back home in the morning.  I’m sure that everyone that’s flying will be leaving out before we do.”

“Yeah.  I wonder how Miranda and Callan are going to get home in the morning”, she mused.

“We can always ask in the morning when everyone comes down for breakfast before we check out.  If I’m not mistaken, we’re going to have a truck full either way and Eli will wring Isaiah’s neck if he starts ranting about how awesome Callan is.”

“Yeah.  I’m sure that’s going to get annoying.  Callan was pretty cool about it today though.”

“My question is how long is it going to last?  I’m sure even Callan has his limits.  That much was evident the day he came out to meet everyone and beat the hell out of her ex.”

“I’m glad he hasn’t tried anything stupid since that happened.  I’m sure he would have ended up dead after that.”

“Oh yeah.  Me too.”  He left it at that.  He was sure that everyone that had been there that day knew what would have happened had Zachary Winfield come back to Colorado.  Instead the boy stayed away.  He decided to change the subject.  “So in three months at the outside, we’re going to be grandparents and our oldest daughter is going to move away to Japan for at least six more of those, taking the baby with her.  Thoughts?”

“It’s a little scary, but at least we’ll get to meet our grandbaby before she takes off on us.  And they’ll be back if he can get leave.”

“Yeah.  But, I don’t remember her growing up.  When did she become the beautiful woman we saw on that beach today?”

“Around ten years ago when she graduated high school and ran off to Julliard to study music at the premiere music and theater at the school for the preforming arts in the nation.”

He looked at her like she had grown a second head out of nowhere.  “I don’t remember that.  I remember sending my little girl to Julliard, not the woman that was on that beach today that said ‘I do’ that you handsome young Marine.”

“How many times have we heard your father say that about one of your sisters?  Maddie, Makayla, and Jessi’s weddings.  I don’t think it gets any easier.  You could ask your dad if I’m right if you doubt me.”

Malachai laughed.  “Have I told you recently that I love you, Mandy?”

“Yes.  You tell me countless times a day, every day.”

“Well, I’m saying it yet again.  I love you, Amanda Draiman.  Thank you for the last 29 years and I look forward to 29 more.”

---------------

“You looked beautiful today”, Jax said to Miri.  “Absolutely stunning.”

She shook her curls out of the up-do it was in after pulling the pins out of her hair.  “Thank you baby.  I can’t wait until I’m planning my own wedding.”  She laughed.  “Hell, I’ve been planning my wedding since I was ten.  Who am I kidding?”

He laughed with her.  “Really?  You’ve been planning your wedding since you were ten.  What are some of the details?  I mean, if there’s any possibility that I’m going to be the groom then I should know”, he teased.  He thought that it was super cute that she had been planning her wedding since you was ten.  It meant that she knew what she wanted.

“No, you don’t get to know anything about it until there is a ring right here”, she giggled as she flopped down on the bed where he was lying, holding up the ring finger on her left hand.  “The only time I’m opening up my wedding journal to you is after you have my Dad’s permission to marry me and I’ve said yes.”

He laughed a little harder.  “Well damn.  I thought I was being slick.  Apparently not.”  He reached out and pulled her up to where she was almost eye level with him.  “Can I admit something to you?”

“Of course you can.  I not only encourage honesty; I demand it.”

“I was just a little jealous of that Marine that escorted you to the altar for your cousin and her husband to say their vows.”

“Why?”

“You looked so beautiful in your gown and I have to admit he was a looker in that uniform.  I was almost afraid that you were going to dump me during the reception and chase the uniform.”

She laughed out.  “You’re insane.  I’m not a uniform chaser.  That’s never been me.  Yes, he was a very handsome man and he was good looking in that uniform but you have nothing to worry about with me.  I’m not leaving you to chase a uniform.  Anyway, we talked during dinner and he’s very happily married.  He has a gorgeous wife he’s been with for 5 years, a three year old son and a baby girl on the way.  Neither of us is interested in the other like that.”

Jax faked a sigh of relief.  “What a load off!  It’s refreshing to know that I’m the only man that has you’re attention.”  He brushed a lock of her deep mahogany brown curls from her face.  “Have I told you that I love you, Miriam Draiman?”

She laughed.  “Not today, no.  We’ve been pretty busy.”

He pressed his lips to her forehead.  “I love you, Miri.  I hope like crazy that your Dad give me permission to marry you.  It would make my lifetime to call you my wife.  A sheila like you doesn’t happen to a roughneck bloke like me every day.  You’re a once in a lifetime kind of woman.”

She smiled brightly.  “Well, what about you?  It’s not every day that a roughneck bloke like you shows up and sweeps a sheila like me off of her feet.  What do they teach you guys in Australia?  Do they have a school that they send you guys to where they teach you how to charm a simple little American girl like me with that voice?”

“Is that what got you?  My accent?”

She blushed, ducking her head and hiding her face in his bare chest.  “I admit; it helped.  It’s certainly what caught my attention.”

He couldn’t help but laugh.  “You… what am I going to do with you?  I have no idea what I’m doing here.  You’ve trashed every preconceived notion I had about American girls just by being the sweet person that you are.  I’m completely out of my depth here.”

“I’m complicated, but that’s what makes me worth it.  Wouldn’t you say?”

He nodded.  “Completely.  You’ve been worth the chase.  Listening to you going on and on about that horse you worked with over the summer, and dealing with the many animals you have in your dorm room has been quite the adventure.  I just hope that we can make it an everyday thing eventually.”

“You keep being the charming guy that you are and my Dad will give you my hand in no time.  He’s a bit of a softy like that.”

The more they talked, the more Jackson Tompkins fell in love with Miriam Draiman.  A voice in the back of his head told him that what she was saying was correct.  He would have her father’s permission- as well as her grandfather’s- to marry her in no time but that her grandparents wouldn’t live long enough to see it happen.  It would be bittersweet for everyone, but it was how life was.  The cyclical nature of the mortal experience was like that.  He just hoped that when the time came she would lean on him for the strength necessary to get through it.

Chapter 60

The rehearsal went off without a hitch.  It took all day to get all of the women ready to Miranda’s liking, especially Miranda herself.  She was being quite picky.  She couldn’t make up her mind.  Her hair seemed to change with her mood- which was swinging so violently it was scary.  It seemed no one could get her to calm down.  If she wasn’t yelling, she was sobbing and if not sobbing; laughing.  Finally her grandmother had enough.  She shooed everyone out of the room, including her mother.  “Miranda Jayde, look at me”, Brie said to her granddaughter.  “I understand you’re nervous and hormonal but there is no excuse for you treating everyone like shit.  You’re going to have to get ahold of your emotions and quickly.  We have a rehearsal to get through and the wedding is tomorrow afternoon.  As of tomorrow you are going to be Mrs. Callan Maguire.  Now, I know that you’re freaking out but you need to take a few deep breaths and dig deep.  You can break down the day after tomorrow on the way back home.”  All Miranda did was nod as she followed her grandmother’s admonition.  Brie poked her head out the door to let everyone know that everything was ok and finished getting ready so that she could meet David and Jacob in the lobby of the hotel to ride to the rehearsal.

From there, everything went off without a hitch.  The rehearsal was beautiful.  The preacher walked them through everything that they would say and do.  One of Callan’s nephews- Mikey was the 6 year old boy’s name- was the ring bearer and acted out the presenting of the rings.  He was simply adorable.

That night, Miranda seriously considered the things her grandmother said to her as she tried to sleep.  It wasn’t an easy task because she was so on edge.  The slightest sound woke her.  And Grace’s constant movement that night wasn’t helping.  At one point during the night she called her Aunt Kenna to have her come check and make sure that everything was ok.  There was nothing that Kenna could to.  All she could really do was recommend that Miranda try to sleep in one of the chairs or on the couch in her room.  So much for that visit.  It took a little time and a little tea made for her by Aunt Jona, but finally Miranda was able to get a little sleep after stretching out on the couch.

11 am came faster than she wanted it to.  She was still so tired, but she managed to get a little sleep after the tea helped to settle little Gracie down.  Still, she got up when her mother knocked on the door and let her know it was time to get up.  She ate a little breakfast even though her nerves were so erratic that she was scared that she wouldn’t be able to keep any food down.

As she ate, her bridesmaids all got their hair and makeup done so that they could start to get dressed.  They had all been up and getting ready since early in the morning.  Her mother was ready as was Callan’s mother.  They were wearing their dresses and ushering everyone to the section of the suite that they needed to be in.  Miranda was glad that everything was coming together.  She stopped her mother as she buzzed around the room.  “Where is Gramma?”

“She’s been in and out already.  She’s in her and Grampa’s room getting dressed.  Grampa is looking rather smashing himself.  He picked a very nice grey suit.  He looks dashing.”

“Should I have asked Grampa to walk me down the aisle instead of Dad?”

“No.  Grampa would have told you that he’d done all of the trips down the aisle that he was going to and that it was your father’s honor anyway.  You know how your grandfather is, Miranda dear.”

She nodded.  “Mama, I’m really nervous.  Were you this nervous when you and Dad got married?”

“Yeah.  My heart was all a twitter; there were moments when I couldn’t breathe.  I was so excited but terrified.”

“Do you think Gramma was this nervous when she and Grampa got married?”

“You’d have to ask her, dear.”

“Can you have her come down?  I want to talk to her.”

“Sweetheart, it’s almost time to start getting you ready.  You’ll have to try to wait until the reception to ask her.  I believe she was.”

Jordan, who was in the room getting Jasmine ready, responded.  “She was”, she said.  “Your Gramma was a nervous wreck when the younger girls weren’t in the room.  I was the only one that got to see the tears start to try to leak out of her eyes.  Then Uncle Matt knocked at the door and ran me off to go get in line.”

“Do you think she fell apart after you left?”

“No.  That’s not Gramma’s style.  Anyway, Uncle Matt probably talked sense into her.  I know she started crying when she came down the aisle on Uncle Matt’s arm.  Grampa just grinned like a goober.”  She spritzed Jasmine’s hair with a little hair spray and handed her a mirror.  “How’s it look, baby?”

Jasmine grinned brightly.  “I love it, Mom”, then looked at her cousin.  “What do you think, Miranda?”

“Looking good, Jazz.”

“Cool.  I’m going to get something to eat real fast before I get into my dress.”

Miranda cracked a smile.  “I’m glad that I decided to ask her to be in the wedding party.  She’s going to be such a joy.”

“Miranda, eat so that you can get ready.  You have to do your hair and makeup for the ceremony”, her mother said after setting a plate of fruit and cheese on the bar in front of her.

She nibbled at the food, but really wasn’t all that hungry.  Her nerves were getting in the way of her enjoying her breakfast.  “Mom, I can’t eat.  Can you just have the hairdresser and the makeup artist come in and let’s get this done?  The sooner I’m ready the better.”

“If you’re sure that’s what you want, honey”, Mandy said.

“It is Mama.  I know it’s going to take forever to get my hair done anyway.  Then we’ve got to get me into the dress.  It’s going to take the rest of the time we have before we have to get in the limo and head to the beach.  The sooner we get this done the sooner we can get out of here.”

---------------

Brie stood in front of the mirror and fussed with her hair.  She couldn’t stand the way the hairdresser had treated her silver curls.  Her hands were giving her fits, but she was making it work.  David just sat on the bed and watched, shaking his head.  “What’s wrong with it?” he finally asked.

“I just don’t like it.  I’m 81 years old and I have the right not to like it, by God”, she snapped as she shook her hand out and went back to fighting with the pile of hair on her head.

He stood carefully and wrapped his arms around her.  “Calm down”, he whispered.  The moment he touched her, she immediately relaxed.  “Now, what seems to be the matter?”

“The way she did my hair just looks trashy I think.  I’m trying to pick all of these damn pin out of my hair so that I can do something simple with it.”

“Here, let me help”, he said and busied his hands helping her find and remove the pins.  Between the two of them it took five minutes.  “Is that better?” he asked, kissing her cheek.

She smiled and brushed fingertips along his jaw.  “Much.  Now, I’m going to call Delilah and have her and Samantha take a flat iron to this mess and I’ll be happy.”  She grabbed her phone and did exactly what she said she was going to do while she plugged in the two flat irons she’d brought with her in case they were needed.

Delilah and Samantha arrived at the room and came straight in.  Jake had insisted on having a key to their room in case they needed him.  It was just easier for him to unlock the door and come in rather than wait for one of them to open the door.  “Mom, what’s the matter?”

“I need you two to fix this mess.  The hairdresser is a moron that I wouldn’t let do my dog’s hair”, Brie said rather bluntly.

Samantha laughed.  “Wow Gramma.  I love how opinionated you and Grampa are.  You two don’t bite your tongues anymore, do you?”

“Not really, no”, Brie said with a smile.  “Now please, straighten this mess and let’s get this sideshow on the road.”

They didn’t ask any further questions.  They just grabbed the flat irons and started putting the heat to the family matriarch’s hair like she’d asked.  It didn’t take long.  Brie’s hair held heat rather well and always had.  Once they were done, Brie stood from the chair she had been sitting in and looked in the mirror.  “You like it, Mom?” Delilah asked.

“Much better.  There are no pins poking me and it doesn’t look a mess.”  She turned and hugged and kissed both of them.  “Thank you.  Now I can sit through this wedding and not think my hair is an atrocity.”

“You’re welcome Mom.  Now, I’ve got to go help Miri finish getting into her dress for the wedding.  She’s freaking out this dress.  She’s been scared to eat anything for fear of not being able to fit in it.”

“Go.  We’ll see you at the venue.”  Once Delilah and Samantha had left, Brie slipped on the sandals that she was wearing for the ceremony.  “So, what are you doing for the reception?” she asked.  “Are we going to stick around or are we going to come back here?” she asked David.

“We can stick around for a little while.  We’ll take our pictures if they want us and go to the presentation of the bride and groom; maybe stick around for dinner and the first dance.”

She nodded and sat down next to him.  “When my back starts telling me to lie down, I’m going to want to leave.”

“Then that’s what we’ll do.  For now, why don’t we just play it by ear?”

“I like the sound of that.”

---------------

After she was ready and knew that everyone else had gone on to the beach where she and Callan were to get married, Miranda and her father took a limo from the hotel to the beach venue.  She felt like she was going to puke and the last time that had happened was right before she learned that she was pregnant.  “Daddy, I’m so nervous”, she said, wringing her hands over and over again.

“I bet you are, but baby you have nothing to be nervous about.  He’s going to be standing there in full uniform waiting for you.  His Dad has called me a million times and said that he’s just anxious to get this done so that he can begin his leave and wait with you for Gracie to arrive.  He’s not going to stand you up at the altar.  Just breathe sweetheart.  It’s going to be ok.”

She nodded and took several deep breaths; as deep as her swollen abdomen would allow her lungs to take.  “You know breathing deeply is a challenge on its own, right?” she laughed.

“I’m sorry honey.  I’ve heard your mother give me the same lecture, as well as all of your aunts to your uncles.  I even think I heard Gramma say it to Grampa when we were all growing up.  Something about the growth of the baby pushes up the internal organs and compresses the ribs.  I don’t know how it all works or anything, but I think that’s what happens.”

Miranda laughed.  “Wow Dad, for the first time in my life, you actually know nothing about what I’m talking about.  I bet Uncle Jake doesn’t have to play stupid when he’s asked about something about anatomy.”

Malachai laughed as well.  “Because he has the initials MD behind his name, baby.”  He took his daughter’s hand and brushed his thumb over her knuckles.  “Are you calm enough to go through with this now?”

She nodded.  “Yeah, I think so.  Thanks Daddy.”  She leaned over and gave him a hug right as Grace decided to kick.  She let out a soft exhale from pain and released her hold on her father.  “I still can’t get used to that.”

He chuckled.  “Yeah, your Mom couldn’t either.  Some women can do it.  Others can’t.”

“How did Gramma do it with two sets of twins and a set of quads?”

“Your grandmother only carried a total of 3 pregnancies to term: me, Uncle Jake and Aunt Jordan, and Aunt Maddie.  The quads and Marc and Jessi were born through surrogates.”

“Oh yeah.  Weird how that works.”

The limo pulled to a stop and the door opened.  “Are you ready to go get married now, Miranda?”

She nodded.  “Let’s get this done.”

Malachai stepped out and tool his daughter’s hand, helping her out of the car.  “You have everything, because we’re going straight from here to the altar.”

---------------

“By the power vested in me by God, the United States Marine Corps, and the states of California, Utah, Colorado, and Nevada- I now pronounce you husband and wife”, the Captain said.  “Gunny Maguire, kiss your bribe.”

Callan smiled brightly as he leaned into Miranda and kissed her softly.  He’d been waiting nearly a year for that moment.  When her hand grabbed her back of his neck he chuckled to himself.  He could tell that she had been just as eager as she was.

Even though the ceremony started off a little rocky, it was finally over.  They were husband and wife.  David and Brie new that Malachai was going to have trouble letting go but he managed.  Brie happened to glance over at her oldest child and elbowed her husband.  “David, get a load of Malachai”, she whispered in his ear.

David looked over to see Malachai crying.  “Boy, can I relate.  Maddie, Makayla, Jessi.  Need I say more?”

She laughed softly.  “I remember very vividly.  You had trouble letting our girls go.  Now he’s having trouble letting one of his go.  Like father, like son.”

“He’s still my mini- me.  He’s been my mini- me since he was 8.  Of course he’s going to take after me and shed a few tears when his oldest girl gets married”, he chuckled softly in response.  “Hell, I’m even a little misty eyed because she’s my first granddaughter.”

She hugged the arm she was hanging on to a little tighter.  “You big softy.  I know it’s hard.  We’re lucky he’s such a good man and not that joker she was seeing.  He actually had audacity…”

Before she could finish the thought, Miranda had come over to them.  “Gramma, Grampa, are you going to take pictures with us?”

“It’s your day Miranda.  What do you want us to do?” Brie asked her newly married granddaughter.

“I’d like you to come take pictures with us if you’re feeling up to it.”

The elderly couple stood carefully and made their way over to where the camera was positioned so that they could have pictures taken with the new couple.  Brie smiled when she saw Callan.  “You look devilishly handsome in that uniform, Callan”, she said as they waited to be told where to stand/sit for the picture.

“Thank you, Mrs. Draiman”, he said with a smile.

“You’re family now, son.  You can call us ‘Gramma’ and ‘Grampa’.”

He nodded.  “That will take a little getting used to, but I’ll give it a shot, Gramma.”

She cupped a hand against his cheek and smiled.  “Such a handsome young man.”

The pictures were taken and everyone made their way to the hotel where they were having the reception.  Malachai had gotten Kelly Demarco to come out for the event because she had done such a marvelous job with the pictures of the family as a whole.

Once the family photos were done, Malachai was sure to get everyone’s attention.  “If everyone would go on ahead and make their way back to the hotel ballroom for the reception it will be greatly appreciated.  The wedding party will be along shortly.”

Jake found his parents.  “You wanna ride over with us, Mom and Dad?” he asked.

“Do you have room in your vehicle?” Brie asked.  “You have Miri’s new boyfriend riding with you as well as Ira and the twins.  I don’t know if you have the room for us.”

His eyes searched for Jeremiah.  When he found him, he flagged him over.  “Hey ‘Miah, do you have room for Mom and Dad in your vehicle?”

“Yeah.  I rented a van when we landed.  Why wouldn’t I have the room for Mom and Dad?”

“We’ll ride with ‘Miah.  You just worry about getting your family to the reception”, David said.  “We will be fine.  There are ten of you and more grandkids than we can count some days.  You don’t need to worry so much, Jake.  We will see you there.”