I
Three months later
He hated knowing he was dying, and hated even more that there wasn't a God damned thing he could do about it.
"Your condition is, unfortunately, terminal Mr. Christofferson," Dr. Traben told him after his first examination at the Great Lakes Naval Medical Facility; "I can give you something to make you comfortable, but no more treatment."
"So I just wait around to die?" Jack asked the doctor point blank. "Is that what you're telling me?"
Traben just looked at the man sitting in his office. This was the part of his job he hated most; telling patients he can't save them.
"Yes, Mr. Christofferson," he said; "That's exactly what I'm saying."
"You realize I have a young family to take care of," Jack said. He felt like he was grasping at straws.
"Yes, sir," Traben said; "But had you sought treatment for your condition when symptoms flared up, I might have been able to save you."
Jack knew the doctor was correct. He had felt symptoms about four years before he thought to seek treatment. He thought it was part of getting older.
"What is the next move, Doctor?" he asked.
"I can give you something to lessen the coughing and the pain," said Traben, "but if you have any additional symptoms, such as fainting or chest pains, you come here immediately."
"I was planning to go with my wife back to her home in Chicago," Jack said; "I'd have to come back here?"
"I'd suggest that you and your wife get a place here in North Chicago to stay while you're being monitored, Mr. Christofferson," Traben said.
"I'll talk it over with her," Jack said; "She knows this area better than I do."
Later, when Jack came back into the waiting area, Julia knew he'd gotten bad news. She could read it on his face.
"It's bad, isn't it?" she asked.
"It is," Jack said. "And strangely, I've made peace with it. It's you and the kids I worry about."
"We'll talk more about this when we get back to the Navy Lodge," Julia said; "Do they want to see you every so often?"
"It had been suggested to me to get a place here in case I need immediate medical attention," Jack said.
Julia sighed.
Now three months later, Jack practically lived in the hospital, having been admitted one night after taking the medication he'd been prescribed. He had a near fatal reaction to it, and Julia got him to the hospital on time. She came up several times a week from Chicago to visit, and on several of those visits she brought the kids. The younger ones could only stay a few minutes, but because Miri was 16, she could stay longer.
Miri had found out that she had been accepted at Northwestern, and looked forward to starting classes there in the fall. When she told Jack, he was proud of her, and told her so. After she left the room with Julia, he knew he wouldn't live long enough to see his daughter start college.
But it wouldn't be his cancer that would end his life.
===
Kimber was fixing her hair in preparation of meeting her parents and brothers at the airport, and she was a little nervous.
They were coming to Chicago to attend Kimber's graduation from Northwestern, and she had something important to tell them.
She was pregnant and expecting a boy in October.
Jamey was thrilled when he learned that Kimber was carrying his child. They discussed getting married, and had decided that could wait. They decided not to tell anyone about the impending arrival until after her graduation, but Miri confronted her one day and asked,
"Kimber, please forgive me for being out of line, but are you preggers?"
"Is it that obvious, Miri?" Kimber asked.
"A little," her niece said. "I think it's great!"
"I'm not telling your sisters or brother yet, or your mom," Kimber said; "Julia's got other things to worry about right now other than my being pregnant."
Miri nodded sadly. She knew. Jack was dying. He almost died one night a couple of months prior.
"You really like Jack, don't you?" Kimber asked. "You're not concerned that he's too old for your mom?"
"It's obvious they care deeply for each other, so the age thing doesn't really matter, does it?" Miri said.
"He's a nice man, Miri, and I'm sorry he's so ill," said Kimber.
"Thanks," Miri said; "He's been like a dad to all of us, and it sucks that we're going to lose him."
Kimber finished up the french braid and secured it with an elastic, then headed to the living room where Jamey was waiting.
"Ready to go, Kimber?" he asked.
"As ready as I'll ever be," she said; "I hope Mom doesn't take one look at me and ask me in front of Dad and my brothers if I'm pregnant."
"You are starting to show a little," Jamey said; "I think that's why Miri caught on so quickly. But you look okay. Don't be so damn nervous! Everything will be fine."
"I hope you're right, Jamey," said Kimber.
===
As they boarded their flight, Jordan's mind was not on her fear of flying.
It was on the daughter whose graduation she, David and their sons were going to attend.
Jordan had caught something in Kimber's voice one night when they were talking about plans to meet at the airport. It just didn't seem right to Jordan's ears.
She's trying to avoid telling me something, or she's hiding something, Jordan thought. That's both girls who are keeping something from me and David.
Jordan was certain that Niki and Drake had gotten married, but neither of them said a word. When she discussed her suspicions with David, he told her to back off.
"If they did, then they did, Jordan," David said; "You seem to forget those two are adults, and have been living together a while now."
"Mom!" Sam said to his mother, seeing that she was thinking about anything but finding their seats. "Earth to Mom!"
"Wha... you say something, Sam?" she asked as her thoughts vanished.
"Our seats, Mom? You have our seat assignments," the older of her two sons said.
"Yeah," Jordan said; "We're in first class. Sam, you and John are here in this row. Dad and I are in the row facing you."
They got settled in their seats, and John broke out the gum. "Gum anyone?" he asked.
"I'll take a couple sticks," his father said; "Jordan? Gum?"
"No, thanks, David," Jordan said, staring out the window.
"Jordan, you okay, love?" asked David.
"Yeah," she said; "Just don't like flying much."
David took her hand, saying, "I know, Jord, but this was the quickest way to get to Chicago. Kimber's graduation is the day after tomorrow."
Jordan looked at David. "I know, and it's silly of me to be so freaked out over flying. I worry too much."
"It's going to be okay, Jord," David said; "I'll be here if you want to squeeze all the blood out of my hand."
"Do I really squeeze that hard, David?"
"You do," David said; "But it's okay. It's just my hand."
I really have to get this fear under control, Jordan thought at the plane taxied to the runway. I'm just being silly.
She had to do this to get to Kimber's graduation.
===
II
Marsh wasn't happy that he'd spent three months in San Francisco, only to find that Julia Summers and her family weren't there. Meanwhile, A.R.M.'s finances were in critical meltdown.
The men he'd assigned to find Summers wanted to be paid for their work, and their travel back to their base in upstate New York. Marsh paid them, but that left the group's finances in dire straits.
He didn't want to have to use his own money to keep the organization going. DeWitt had pulled his funding, and another benefactor was about to. Marsh would only put his own money into the group if it were absolutely necessary. It was getting to that point.
He was beginning to hate everything about A.R.M. and its mission. It might be time to bail on this sinking ship, he thought as he stared out the window of his living room one afternoon not too long after returning from the failed trip to San Francisco.
Marsh wondered if he left A.R.M., would Nicoletta be willing to be with him?
He thought about Nicoletta more often that he really wanted to. Her green eyes haunted him, the memory of her touch captivated him. The promise he made to her pulled at his conscience. When he remembered that she was still dealing with her husband's death, he felt guilty.
"Ahh, Nicoletta," he'd sigh; "Why do you haunt me so? I can't be with you. I'll only bring you down with me. You are so much better than me. Go and have a wonderful life and try to forget about me."
He knew that he'd never forget her. She was the only person he really trusted in the fucked up world he occupied.
"Wherever you are, my sweet green eyed angel, please know that I will always love you..." he said to the window in front of him.
He desperately wanted to be Edward Marshall again. If only to hear Nicoletta cry out his name as he made love to her.
"Oh, God!... Edward!"
===
Nico contemplated going back to work. Then she'd decide not to. She wavered back and forth over the decision.
It was Eddie. She missed him, and to go back to the way she met him pained her soul.
Thoughts of Eddie and their brief time together always made her feel like she was disrespecting Steve's memory. But Eddie's vulernability always made her think of what he was capable of.
She made him promise not to hurt Julia Summers, her family or anyone close to her. Somehow, Nico knew that something terrible was going to happen to the woman who was one of A.R.M.'s enemies. Whether it would be at Eddie's hands, or someone else's, Nico wasn't clear on. All she knew is that she was powerless to stop whatever plans A.R.M. had in mind for Julia and the men she considered her brothers.
Nico knew that her main job now was to raise her children. They were dealing with their father's death pretty well with the help of grief counseling. Steven and Kit were doing well in school and would soon enter high school. It was Cole she worried about the most. He seemed to take his father's death the hardest. He'd bounced back after having nightmares about his father and whether the nine year old could have prevented what happened to him. Nico assured her son that sometimes, she wondered that, too.
"It was just his time, wasn't it, Mom?" Cole asked one afternoon.
"Yes, Nicolas, it was. We have no power over that," his mother said.
"You think he's happy?"
"He's in a much better place," Nico said; "So yes, I think he's happy."
When she was alone, Nico's thoughts almost always turned to Eddie, and where he was, what he was doing. She wondered if he missed her as much as she missed him. The conclusion she always came to was no.
He had a goal, and Nico was sure that he would do anything to achieve it.
Promise or no promise.
Nico knew that she had to make a decision soon about going back to the police force. Her leave was about to run out.
===
Kathryn discovered that she loved to drive. She took to the lessons she got very quickly, and she wondered if she was just remembering something that Chastity already knew how to do.
She and Christian spent a lot of time together, both alone and with their daughters. She often wondered if life could be more content.
Then she'd get scared that Chastity would try to return, and she'd hide out in her studio and paint. A lot of what Kathryn came up with she was scared to show to Christian. It was so dark, so violent, so...Chastity.
She'd talk to Cameron about her feelings, and the psychotherapist would give her coping mechanisms to deal with the thoughts she sometimes had about what she didn't remember.
The dream she'd had about the little boy named Eric still haunted her. She wondered where he was, and was he being taken care of.
She and Christian discussed having another child, but Kathryn found that the idea scared her. What if Chastity returned while I was pregnant? Would she try to harm the child? always ran through Kathryn's mind.
Her anxieties always came out in her art. One of the drawings she had completed was of the little boy she remembered from her dreams. She felt bad that, like Kelly, she had abandoned that poor little boy with an abusive father. At least Kelly was raised by my parents, Kathryn thought. And maybe the people who adopted Eric were taking care of him.
"Here you are," Christian said as he discovered Kathryn in her studio; "I'd wondered where you'd gone off to."
"Just trying to cope with things the best I can," she said; "Sometimes I have to see it visually so that it all makes sense. Sometimes, I feel like I'm not in control of my own mind."
"Do you think that Chastity is trying to return?" asked Christian.
"Not really, but all these dreams and thoughts, and the blank spots I have about my past sometimes compel me to come down here and put them in perspective," Kathryn said.
"Does it help?"
"At times, it does," Kathryn said. "I get it out of my system and I feel better."
Christian walked over to Kathryn and put his arms around her. He knew that she sometimes felt apprehensive about the things she couldn't remember.
"Helene's recital is this evening," Christian reminded her; "It's at 7pm. Do you still want to go?"
"Yes," Kathryn said; "It will be the first time I've seen her dance since she was nine."
"She's a little nervous," Christian said; "Maybe a little pep talk from you will calm her."
"She's nervous? About what?" asked Kathryn.
"Dancing knowing you're in the audience," Christian said; "She doesn't want to let you down."
"I've seen how hard she works in her studio," Kathryn said; "She shouldn't be nervous. It's just me."
"Maybe you can tell her that," Christian suggested.
"I think I will," Kathryn said; "Is she down here or upstairs?"
"Upstairs in her room, getting ready," Christian said; "She has to be there at 5:30 for dress rehearsal."
"I'll go talk to her," Kathryn said.
"I think it will ease her mind some," Christian said, leading Kathryn out of her studio and up the stairs.
Helene shouldn't be nervous because of me, Kathryn thought.
===
III
Julia sighed. This isn't what she or Jack had in mind.
He was back in the hospital. Again. This time, Dr. Traben suggested that he stay awhile.
"The cancer is getting more aggressive, Jack," he said; "You'll either need hospice care, or stay here. Your choice."
"Isn't there anything you can do to stop it?" asked Jack, already knowing the answer the doctor was going to give.
Traben shook his head no. "You're endstage now, and though I wish there was some miracle cure for you, there isn't."
"I think I'll stay here," Jack said; "Hospice care in my home would mean that the children would watch me dying, and they've dealt with enough drama in their young lives as it is."
"I'll have you admitted to the research wing so that I can still check up on you," Traben said. He then took his leave.
Jack let out a heavy sigh after the doctor left. Julia was sitting in a nearby chair, trying not to show too much emotion.
"It's not fair!" she said; "I feel so helpless, just like I did after Ryan died."
"Julia..." Jack said; "I'm so sorry to have to make you go through this again."
"That's not what I'm upset about," she said; "I'm upset that whenever I find someone who loves me, they die on me."
"Are you regretting us getting married?" asked Jack.
"No, I'm not," Julia said; "That was the only thing I was sure about. Being your wife for the short time you still have."
"I'm glad you didn't change your name, though," Jack said.
"How would I explain that to people here?" Julia asked him; "I'd get accused of having Stockholm Syndrome or something. It was never anything like that!"
"How are you going to explain it to your parents when they come for your sister's graduation?" asked Jack.
"I'm not," Julia said; "I love my mom and David, but not even Kimber knows about our marriage. I'd like to keep it that way."
"Kimber is a very nice girl, and very intelligent," Jack said; "A Bachelor's at 20 is nothing to sneeze at."
"Not even the kids know your real name," Julia said; "Except for Miri. And she's kept it quiet. I'm glad that Ryan and I explained all that to her when she was still young."
"I just hate that she's going to lose me so soon after losing Ryan," Jack said.
"She understands that," Julia said; "She's not okay with it, but she understands that sometimes life works that way. At least she still has her friendship with John Crossley. As long as he doesn't try anything to pressure Miri, I have no problem with him seeing her."
"He is a nice young man," Jack said; "And I can't help but think that my given name is John, and my wife's name was Mirielle. Weird how that works."
"Maybe it's an omen. A good omen, but I'm not going to press the issue," Julia said. "As long as Miri is still under 18, there won't be anyone getting married at 17 like I did."
"Yours was a special case," Jack said; "You were out of school, working for the resistance. You were way ahead of your peers in everything. Taking legal steps to make you an independent minor was the best thing your folks could have done for you. Maybe you should consider it for Miri since she'll be going to college in the fall. That doesn't mean she can marry at 17."
"I'll have to play that by ear," Julia said; "But at the moment, it's you I'm concerned about."
"I know Julia," Jack said; "But you should go to your sister's graduation and not worry about me."
"I will, but I'll still worry about you," Julia said; "I jump every time the damn phone rings, afraid it's going to be Dr. Traben telling me you've passed."
"When it's my time, Julia," Jack said; "I'll go gratefully. Mirielle will be waiting."
Julia smiled. She knew that's what he looked forward to after he died. To finally be reunited with the girl he fell in love with at 15.
And she was okay with it. It didn't mean he loved her any less.
===
Kimber was the center of attention on the day she received her Bachelor's degree in Journalism. Her parents were very proud, even though David had to deal with people coming up to him and asking him for his autograph. He signed all he was asked to, telling parents, "This day is about your graduate, not about me."
Kimber was thrilled to see that her twin and Drake were able to make it. There had been some doubt as to whether they could because Niki was going though one more round of chemotherapy. They had arrived at the house just as everyone was headed to Evanston for the ceremony that was to begin at 3pm.
"Niki!" Kimber cried out upon seeing her sister; "I'm so happy you and Drake could make it!"
She gave Niki a hug and inadvertantly gave away her secret.
"You're pregnant, aren't you?" whispered Niki.
"Yes," Kimber said.
"When?"
"October 12th."
"Do you know...?"
"A boy."
"I'm so happy for you, Kimber!" said Niki. "I take it that no one knows yet."
"Miri and Julia do, and now you do, but no one else," Kimber said. "I'm going to tell Mom and Dad this evening."
"You know I'm jealous, right?"
"You shouldn't be," Kimber said. "You'll get another chance."
"I know, Kimber," Niki said. "But I'm going to get a nephew! That's so exciting!"
"Shhh, Niki, don't spill the beans!" Kimber said as Drake and Jamey attempted to get the sisters in the cars and off to the ceremony.
Once on campus, it seemed like Kimber's family took up an entire section of the facility all by themselves. Kimber looked up from the graduates area and saw her sisters, brothers, uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, and her parents. She decided that when and if Niki graduated from UT Austin, she was going to throw the biggest party for Niki that Texas has ever seen.
Later, as the graduates were being called up, David leaned over to Jordan and said, "There's our baby, going to make a huge splash in the world."
"I'm so proud of her, David," Jordan said; "I can't believe that she's all through with school..."
Just then Kimber's name was called; "Kimberlin Michelle Draiman, Bachelor of Arts, Journalism."
Cheers went up from her family in the stands. Kimber looked up, almost half expecting her father to do his famous monkey yell. But he didn't much to her relief.
After she had her sheepskin, it seemed that the ceremony lasted forever.
And she had to pee.
Thank you, Andrew James, she thought.
===
IV
The ceremony was finally over, and Kimber sought out the first ladies room she could find. It was a relief to empty her bladder. As she exited the restroom, she ran right into her mother.
"Just couldn't hold it anymore, huh?" Jordan asked playfully.
"You sit through all that and not have to pee," Kimber said.
"Everyone is out front waiting for you, Kimberlin," said Jordan. "Your dad has this crazy idea to take everyone out to an early dinner. He thinks it will shut Rachel and Aaliyah up for five minutes. They talked throughout the entire ceremony!"
"See, joined at the hip, as if the six months they were apart never happened," Kimber said.
"Julia's going to head back to North Chicago as soon as we eat," Jordan said; "Apparently her friend John isn't doing well."
"He has endstage lung cancer, Mom," Kimber said; "And Julia wants to spend as much time with him as she can. She feels she owes him for hiding her and the kids for so long."
"Julia's always been a nurturer," Jordan said; "I noticed that when she was nine years old and she'd come over to visit. And she was great with you girls when you were babies and toddlers. I knew she'd be a good mom then."
"You don't think there's anything more going on between them?" Kimber asked.
"Why should I?" asked Jordan; "He is considerably older than she is."
"I don't know," Kimber said. "Maybe they're just friends and I want it to be something more. Julia deserves to be happy."
Jordan knew that was her thought as well, but Julia in a relationship with a man older than both she and David? She couldn't see it.
"Your dad's waiting Kimber," Jordan said instead. "He's liable to get impatient if we keep him waiting too long."
"Dad? Impatient? After all he's been through, he's still pretty calm," Kimber said as they walked out of the arena and to where the family was waiting. Kimber only hoped that the flowing summer dress she wore kept her secret until that evening when she and Jamey planned to tell them about the expected new edition.
===
A threatening presence would soon make itself known to all in Julia's family in Chicago. That presence, in the form of an enemy from the past, would turn Julia Summers' world upside down, sideways, and apart.
That presence, soon to take up temporary lodgings near where Jack Coltrane was hospitalized, would end the life of the man Julia Summers had married in a secret ceremony just eight weeks before.
It would force open the trained assassin compartment of Julia's personality and keep it open until either the presence was no more, or until someone stopped Julia from carrying out a dangerously emotional mission, or it led to Julia's death.
It would impersonate the doctor that was tasked with making Jack's end of life more bearable, allowing it to carry out its diabolical mission of revenge. Traitors to its cause must die, and it would make sure at least this traitor would never know how much danger he was really in.
It would fight an angry and disbelieving 16 year old girl to a draw. Only then would the presence disappear.
But Julia would hunt it down like she stalked her targets from the time she was 14 years old onward.
A man would beg her to kill him, and she would almost complete the task.
Then fate would intervene, allowing the man to escape once more. He would disappear on his own, hiding in plain sight with the name he was given at birth.
But as Julia and her extended family celebrated her sister's college graduation, they were unaware of any of this.
Lincoln Marsh stepped out of his motel room near the Great Lakes Naval Training Facility, himself unaware of where his plans for revenge would take him.
Julia Summers wasn't even on his mind, but a woman with the same birthdate was.
Nicoletta. She was so close, he could almost feel her touch on his skin.
And he couldn't go to her. Not now; maybe not ever.
Marsh's promise to the woman who occupied his thoughts for nearly six months all but forgotten until a chance meeting.
Only then he would realize what he had done.
===
After everyone returned to Chicago after the ceremony and a late lunch, Kimber took her parents aside. It was only she and Jamey, and her parents, in the house. Her brothers went with Nik to hang out with his sons.
"David," Jordan said as they were getting settled in one of the guest rooms, "Kimber said she and Jamey needed to talk to us."
"About what?"
"I don't know, she didn't say," said Jordan. "Maybe now that Kimber's graduated, perhaps they're making plans to marry."
"I wouldn't mind having Jamey Duncan as a son-in-law," said David; "Just as I wouldn't mind having Drake as one, if he and Niki got married anytime soon."
"Jamey is a good fit for Kimber," Jordan said; "I worried about the age difference, but it doesn't bother them, so I shouldn't let it bother me."
"Well, let's go see what the youngsters have to say, Jord," David said, chuckling, perhaps realizing how stupid he sounded.
And they left the guest room and headed to the living room to wait for their daughter and her beau.
In the bedroom that would be their son's when he arrived, Kimber told Jamey, "I'm going to show Mom and Dad the ultrasound pictures I had done last week and let them draw their own conclusions."
"I think they'll be thrilled, Kimber," Jamey said; "But we should also tell them that we are planning to get married at some point, too. I have a feeling your father is going to ask about that."
"I know he will," Kimber said.
"Let's get out there, then. It's not nice to make the grandparents wait," Jamey said.
"Mom, Dad," Kimber began, "we have something important to tell you."
Her parents were sitting on the couch, while Kimber made herself comfortable in the recliner Jamey bought for her after she told him she was expecting.
"Well, my dear," Jordan said, "what is it?"
Without a word, Kimber handed her mother, who was sitting closest to her, an envelope.
"What's this?" her father asked.
"Look inside, Dad," said Kimber.
Jordan took what appeared to be pictures out of the envelope and looked at them, then handed them off to David to inspect. Kimber noticed her mother looking at her, then back at the pictures, then at her father.
"You're pregnant?" both David and Jordan asked at the same time.
The look on the younger couple's faces told the whole story.
"David, look at this one," Jordan said. "What do you see in this one that wasn't in the others?"
"You're having a boy?" David asked.
"Yes, Dad," Kimber said. "We're expecting a little boy in mid October."
David looked at Jamey and asked, "You're okay with this?"
"Couldn't be happier, David," Jamey said. "I wanted to tell everyone right away, but Kimber thought we should wait."
"All I can say is wow!" David said; "and congratulations! Jord, I'm gonna be a real grandpa now!"
Jordan smiled at him. "I know David," was all she said.
"You have always been a real grandpa, Dad," Kimber said; "You mind telling all those kids you're not?"
"You know what I mean, Kimber," David said; "You're having my first biological grandchild."
"I was hoping it would be Niki, but I'm thrilled that I get that honor," Kimber said. "By the way, Niki, Miri and Julia already figured it out. We haven't told anyone else because we wanted to tell you guys first. Jamey's parents are deceased as you know, and his siblings don't know yet. We'll tell them eventually."
"You know that Rachel and Aaliyah will have a ton of questions, and will want to help out," Jordan said; "Are you two ready for that?"
Both Kimber and Jamey nodded. "We sure are," Jamey said.
"Names?" Jordan asked; "You have thought of a name for your son, right?"
"We're going to name him Andrew James," Kimber said.
"I like that," Jordan said. "Your dad wasn't too keen on Andrew when your brothers arrived."
"I liked the name," David said; "But the ones we chose were better."
"Whatever, David," Jordan said, laughing.
Later in bed that night, Kimber sighed in relief that her parents took the news so well, and that her father didn't ask Jamey what his intentions were.
She was drifting off to sleep when she thought she felt her baby move.
"Cool," she said to herself.
===
I
February 22, 2035--
The weeks went by and soon it was time for the Summers children to return to Chicago. To say they were excited was an understatement. It's all Jaime and Rachel could talk about, and it really started to get on their sister's nerves.
"Would you two please just shut up about it," Miri said testily; "I know you're excited about going home and staying with Aunt Kimber for a while. I am, too, but I'm not talking my fool head off over it, am I?"
"But Miri," Rachel said, "it means life will get back to normal."
"Our lives have never been, and will never be, quote-unquote, normal," Zach said. "If you haven't gotten that by now, Rachel, then I don't know what to tell you."
"That's enough, Zach," Miri said; "We have a lot to do before Sunday."
"I'm going to miss the horses, Miri," Jaime said; "They'll get lonely. I've been with Coltrane every day since he was born."
"They're leaving a week after we are, Jaime," said Miri; "And they're going to Belvidere. You're not going to be with them as much as you have been here. They'll be taken care of, Mom made sure of that. There will be a caretaker who will make sure that Coltrane and Mama get everything they need."
"Wyoming Rose," Jaime said; "That's Mama's new name. Please call her that. I made sure that Mom and Jack put that down in the paperwork for their travel."
"It's a nice name, James," Miri said; "A lot better than just plain old 'Mama'."
"You're not going to change Coltrane's name too are you, Jaime?" asked Rachel.
"No, I'm not. He'll be Coltrane forever," said Jamie.
In the kitchen where she was preparing lunch, Julia was telling Jack, "It was a great idea to send Tripod with the kids. I just don't know how the cat is going to like that. She's probably already pissed off at us for leaving her behind."
"It seemed kind of stupid to send him with the farm animals," Jack said, pausing to cough. "He'll have more fun with the kids than with cattle and horses and chickens."
"The transport arrives at, and I quote from Nik's message, 'at 0800 hours Sunday 25 February 2035.' I've told the kids they can pack ONE bag for the trip. I'll make up a bag for Tripod with food, toys, and a leash," Julia said.
"He knows something's going on, he just hasn't figured out what, yet," Jack said; "He's not going to like the transport cage though. But it will keep him from jumping around as he's wont to do when he's excited."
"Maybe being with the kids will calm him down some," Jack said.
"We can only hope," said Julia.
===
Everything at Kimber and Jamey's house was ready for the arrival of Kimber's nieces and nephew. Jamey only had one pressing question for Kimber.
"One of your nieces is named Jaime; how are we going to work that so I know when you mean me, and when you mean her?"
"Sometimes, we call her James, since her given name is 'Jameson'," Kimber said; "Her paternal great grandmother was named that."
"Was she called 'Jaime', too?"
"I seriously doubt that," said Kimber. "I'm sure people found it odd that she had a male name, though."
"And they're bringing the dog after all?" asked Jamey.
"Yeah," Kimber said; "Nik's email said they're bringing Tripod with them. I haven't had a dog since I was about nine. My dad really loves Akitas, so he got us a puppy as a Hanukkah gift one year. Her name was Angel, and she was snow white. She was a beautiful dog. She got really sick when Niki and I were 15, and we had to have her put down. I don't know who was more upset, us kids or Dad. He and Mom haven't had one since then."
"Just that one cat," Jamey said.
"Yeah, Mom's cat, actually," said Kimber. "Serena's a pretty old cat now. Mom got her when we first moved to Austin from here after the Occupation was over. Niki and I were five, and Sam and John were three and a half."
"I hope Marm doesn't freak out about the dog being here," said Jamey.
"Marm will probably ignore him for a while, then who knows," Kimber said; "She may fool us all. It wouldn't be the first time."
"When are they supposed to be here?"
"They're leaving where they are on Sunday, and should be here no later than Wednesday next week," Kimber said. "The first thing Rachel will do is want to call Aaliyah to come over and play. Those two will be joined at the hip again in no time!"
===
February 25th
Niki was so excited about her upcoming "secret" wedding that she could hardly stand it. She so badly wanted to tell her mother, but Niki also knew that her mother would tell her father, and he'd come over and try to talk Niki and Drake out of it.
So she resisted the urge to tell Jordan. The Sunday before, Jordan wanted to take Niki out for lunch, and Niki's willpower was put to its ultimate test. Jordan talked about the boys going to college, her struggles in getting her husband to cut down on the secret snacks from the bakery, and that David was talking about getting another Akita to replace the one that the family had to have put to sleep years earlier.
"Is Dad going to go through the same breeder?" asked Niki.
"I think she's out of business," Jordan said; "She recommended someone to your dad though, so we'll see if he's serious about it."
"What is it about Akitas that Dad loves so much?" asked Niki.
"They're loyal, gentle, and good companions," Jordan said; "Nice strong dogs."
"Maybe if Dad gets another dog, he'll start running again," Niki said; "He's getting a paunch."
"I think that is more his trips to North Austin to go to the Jewish bakery than anything else," Jordan said, laughing. "And he's not getting any younger, you know. He'll be 62 on his next birthday. I'll be 59 in July."
"You really weren't all that young when we came along, were you?" Niki asked.
"No, I wasn't," Jordan said; "And I wasn't sure I wanted to have any other children after my experiences with Julia and not getting to raise her. Your dad had to talk me into it, and I thank God every day that he did."
"I know we didn't understand that you had to rely on medical science to bring me and Kimber, and the boys, into the world," Niki said; "I wanted to experience that, but fate had other plans for me."
Jordan took Niki's hand from across the table. "Niki, I know losing your baby has been hard on you. Lots of women have babies after having cancer. You just have to talk to your oncologist to see if that's the right move for you. I know you can do it, sweetheart."
"Thanks, Mom," Niki said, remembering that awful day in San Antonio, then brushed it from her mind. "Drake and I do want to have children, and I want to carry them. But that will have to wait until my doctors say it's okay and it's safe."
"That's good," Jordan said; "That's a healthy attitude to take. And waiting until you and Drake are married might be a good step, too."
Niki smiled a knowing smile, but said nothing. "Maybe Kimber can have a baby first, then I'll decide," she said.
"Kimber should wait, too," Jordan said, "but you didn't hear that from me!"
"Right, Mom," Niki said laughing as their lunches arrived at the table.
===
"Jesus! What the hell time is it?" Zach asked as he staggered into the living room in his pajamas.
"Two hours before the transport is supposed to be here," Julia said.
"How come you're so chipper, Mom?" the boy asked. "Don't you sleep, ever?"
"I do, but unlike you, I went to bed early last night."
"Where is everyone else?"
"Jack is dressing, and your sisters have been up for about half an hour," Julia said; "They're out in the barn saying goodbye to the animals. Jaime's not liking the idea of being separated from Coltrane and Rosie very much."
"She's too attached to those stupid horses," Zach said. "At least Tripod gets to come with us. Girls get all weepy and shit over stupid things like animals."
"Zachary, please watch the language," Julia said; "I know I allow you to swear some, but some of the coarser language has to reigned in. Aunt Kimber will call you on it."
"So I can't call her boyfriend a fucking douchebag if I think he's a fucking douchebag?" asked Zach.
"Absolutely not!" Julia said; "One, it's not nice; and two, even if Aunt Kimber's boyfriend is a jerk, you can't call him one."
The girls came in from the barn after saying their goodbyes to the animals. Rachel and Jaime had been crying, and Miri was telling them to get over it.
"Aren't you going to miss the animals, Miri?" asked Rachel.
"I am, Rach, but I'm not about to cry over leaving a cow behind," Miri said.
"You have no heart, Miri," Jaime said.
"I do have a heart, James," Miri informed her younger sister; "But all that blubbering isn't going to accomplish a damn thing. For your info, I am going to miss them, but I don't have to cry about it."
Julia just shook her heard as she went to the kitchen to prepare breakfast. Because Lord only knew when they'd get to stop and eat.
"Waffles okay with everyone?" she asked.
Various choruses of "Yeah" issued forth from the mouths of her children.
"Turkey bacon? Hash browns? Toast?"
More rounds of "yeah".
"Actually that sounds like it will hit the spot," Jack said as he came into the room. "I'll help you rustle up some grub, little lady," he said to Julia, which made Rachel giggle.
"What's so funny?" asked Jack.
"You called Mom a little lady," Rachel said, still giggling.
"What's wrong with that?" Jack asked.
"Rachel, that's because I am a little lady," Julia said; "You're a little girl. There's a difference."
"And you're going to be just as little a lady as Mom is," Jaime said.
"So are you," Rachel shot back. "Miri's the only one of us girls who will be tall."
Soon Julia had breakfast ready and served her children. "Eat up, because I can't tell you when you're likely to see lunch."
"Can we take snacks?" asked Miri. "Maybe some of those granola bars, or some cheese cubes?"
"Carrot sticks!" Rachel said.
"Apples?" asked Zach.
Julia put up her hand. The kids all had good ideas for snacks. "I'll put bags of snacks together for you guys," she said; "But you have to ration them between the four of you. I'll send some water and juice, too."
"Cool..." said Zach.
The kids then went to get their bags. They would be ready to leave as soon as the transport arrived.
===
Kimber couldn't believe what she was seeing. This can't be right, she thought to herself.
Her cycles, like both her sisters, had always been irregular. In order to donate her bone marrow to Niki, Kimber had to stop taking birth control medication for six weeks prior. She'd had a pregnancy test before she'd be allowed to donate, and at that time she wasn't pregnant.
She wanted to wait until she felt better to start up her birth control regimine again.
But when she returned from Austin, she and Jamey had made love that night.
The home pregnancy test she bought several days before showed that Kimber Draiman was pregnant. She knew that Jamey would be thrilled to learn he was going to be a father; Kimber, however, was a little more concerned. She worried that a lot of her post college graduation plans could be put on hold because of a pregnancy.
Ending the pregnancy was not an option.
Kimber knew that a lot of home pregnancy tests showed false positives, and that in order to confirm or deny the results took a visit to the doctor. She was scheduled to have an exam with her gynecologist the day after the kids were due to arrive, she'd just have to ask for a pregnancy test as well.
She'd be the first one to provide her father with his first biological grandchild, if Kimber was indeed pregnant.
I'll wait and tell Jamey when I'm sure, Kimber thought; No use in getting his hopes up if this is a false positive.
She had mixed feelings about the whole thing, though. She wasn't even twenty years old yet.
===
It was 8am. As if on cue, several transport vehicles drove onto the Christofferson property. Looking out the window, Julia could see the dust they kicked up as they drove down the dirt road.
They're really leaving! Julia thought. My babies are leaving here without me!
Julia wasn't expecting to feel this emotional. She knew that they would be in good hands on the trip, and once they arrived in Chicago, Kimber and her boyfriend, Jamey, would take care of them in the two to three weeks before Julia and Jack would arrive. Jack was scheduled to meet with Dr. Traben the morning after they arrived in North Chicago. Then, Julia would travel on to Chicago alone.
"Kids! The transport is here!" she called out to her children.
Before her suddenly were her four children. Besides their father and Jack, she loved them more than life itself.
"Are you ready to leave when the Transport Leader knocks on the door?" asked their mother.
"Yes, ma'am," Miri said, speaking for her siblings. "I think we got all the crying and stuff out of the way."
Miri then saw her mother tear up. God, this is hard on her, too, Miri thought.
"It's okay, Mom," Miri said, giving her mother a hug, "Sometimes we forget that you're feeling a lot of the same things we feel."
Soon, all four of them gave their mother a hug.
Just then, the Transport Leader knocked on the door, and Jack went to answer it. Meanwhile, the three younger kids gathered up their bags and headed to the door. Miri would be the last to leave the house.
"Mom," she whispered, "take care of Jack. Please?"
"Mirielle, you know I will," Julia said. "Have I told you how grown up you're becoming? You're the young woman every mother dreams of having. I know that what I do makes life for you and your sisters and brother hard, but you have always had the grace to accept things as they come. That flexibility and adaptability will be your greatest strength. Never forget that."
"I won't, Mom," Miri said; "I love you, Mom."
"Love you more, Mirielle," replied Julia.
Turning to Jack, Miri said, "Jack...don't you dare die on us, or I'll have to kill you." She winked, and Jack returned her wink. It was a private joke between them.
Getting serious, Jack said, "You're a beautiful young woman, Mirielle, and I'm proud that I'm your father. We'll see you soon."
Giving them both a hug, Miri reached down and grabbed her bag, ready to join her siblings in the transport vehicle. As she walked out the door, she saw a familiar face; one that she'd hoped to see again.
And he seemed pleased to see her as well.
"John!" Miri cried softly.
"Off on another great adventure, Mirielle," John Crossley said; "I'm in charge, but I hope we get a chance to talk some, too."
"I hope so, too," Miri said.
She looked back and saw her mother and Jack standing on the porch. She gave a little wave and went off to the transport vehicle with Jaime, Zach and Rachel. Tripod was in his pen in the back of another vehicle.
As the vehicles drove off, Jack said to Julia, "We have a fine bunch of kids, Julia. Any parents would be proud of them."
Julia just nodded, her mind was filled with all kinds of thoughts.
===
II
Later in the day on February 25th
"I'm bored," Rachel said to no one in particular.
No one in particular replied.
Her siblings were either sleeping (Zach and Jaime) or talking with the Transport Leader (Miri). Rachel recognized him from when they came to Wyoming the previous summer. This was the guy that Miri liked and was writing to.
They had just had lunch, such as it was. Rachel wasn't even full. One little sandwich and a bottle of milk would not quell Rachel's hunger. Her mother usually prepared lunches at home that helped with staying alert and focused during their studies.
"Miri, can I have some of those cheese cubes, please?" she asked her sister.
"Sure, Rach, let me get them out of the insulated bag Mom put them in," Miri said as she reached inside to get out what Rachel asked for. As she handed the bag to her sister, she said, "Lunch didn't fill you up either, huh?"
"No," said Rachel; "No offense, Sgt. John, but that wasn't lunch. That was a snack. We'll all be hungry again in a little while."
"Not a problem Rachel," John Crossley told her; "We'll get some real food here in a bit. We're headed to an Army base just over the Wyoming border in to Colorado. We're spending the night there, and we'll eat in the mess."
"It's funny that the place you eat in is called a 'mess'," Rachel said; "My mom would tell us to clean up the mess, and she doesn't mean the kitchen."
Crossley laughed. "You call'em as you see 'em, don't you, Rachel?" he asked.
"That she does," Miri said; "Still, real food will be nice after those measley sandwiches."
Rachel wasn't listening. She was eating cheese cubes and staring out the tinted windows.
She was still bored.
===
They arrived at the Army base shortly before 4pm that afternoon. The idea of spending the night here made Zach a little nervous.
"Where are we sleeping?" he asked Sgt. Crossley.
"I'll be in the barracks," John said; "You guys will be in the Lodge. It's like an on-base hotel. You won't have to rough it like the guys in the barracks".
He saw Zach sigh and smiled to himself. He wondered what in the heck was going through the ten year old's mind.
"You'll be in three rooms," he said; "Mirielle and Zach will have a room to themselves, and Jaime and Rachel will share."
"Wow," Jaime said, unimpressed; "Just like home. Why can't Miri and Rachel share and I get a room to myself?"
"Because you're twelve," Miri said; "And I don't think you and Rachel should have a room to yourselves. I think the four of us should be able to be in the same room."
"Eww, no," said Zach; "I don't want to share a room with any of you!"
"It won't kill you, Zach, sheesh!" Jaime said.
"Actually that's a good idea," John said; "That way you can keep an eye out for each other. I'll see if it can still be set up that way." He then left to make is inquiries.
Zach looked at his oldest sister, saying, "Thanks, Miri. Thanks for giving me my own personal ring in Dante's Inferno."
"Look I really don't give a shit if you're upset, Zachary," Miri said; "We have to be able to count on each other, and not let stupid crap like whether you want to share a room with us get in the way. We're only staying overnight!"
"Where's Tripod going to stay?" asked Rachel as she spied the Golden Retriever in his cage in the back of one of the transport vehicles. He didn't look happy.
"Can he stay in our room with us?" asked Jaime. "That would be cool!"
"We'll have to ask Sgt. Crossley," Miri said; "It would be good if he can stay in our room, then one of us could walk him and assure him he won't be in that pen forever."
John had returned and said, "All four of you can stay in the same room."
"Can Tripod stay with us?" Rachel asked him.
"I don't see why not," John said; "He likes it when you guys give him attention. How did he lose his leg?"
"I think he was attacked by coyotes as a puppy," Miri said; "Jack would know more."
"Jack?"
"Mr. Christofferson," said Miri. "He's Tripod's owner, so he would know."
John just nodded. He then said, "Rachel, would you and Jaime like to help me get Tripod out of his pen?"
"Yeah!" Jaime said. Then she and Rachel followed John to the transport vehicle to retrieve the Retriever.
Once released from the pen, Tripod jumped and barked happily upon seeing Jaime and Rachel.
"You get to spend the night in the room with us, boy," Jaime said. Tripod just wagged his tail furiously to signal his pleasure.
Rachel attached the leash to the dog's collar, and Tripod pulled her toward where Miri, Zach and John stood.
Upon seeing John, Tripod growled.
"He likes everybody," Miri said; "I don't understand why he's growling at you."
"I'd probably growl at me, too, if I were put in a cage away from the people I adore," John said.
Rachel whispered to Jaime, "Tripod doesn't like Sgt. John."
"I got that impression, sis," Jaime whispered back.
Soon, everyone was settled into the room, and John handed Miri a piece of paper.
"This has the barrack's number on it in case you need to reach me. On the back are menus for the places that will deliver on base. Just give whoever answers the phone this code and your food is paid for," John told her. "I know the sandwiches we had earlier didn't fill you up."
"Thanks," Miri said; "We'll look over it and decide what to get. We'll need that bag that has Tripod's food in it. He has to eat too, and food scraps will only make him fat."
"I'll bring it over in a little bit, after I get my men settled in the barracks," John said. He then took his leave.
"Let's get settled, then decide on dinner," Miri said.
"I'm so hungry," Zach said, "I could eat a horse!"
That remark got Zach the evil eye from his sister Jaime.
"Not funny, Zach," Miri said as she sat on the bed, looking at the menus John had provided.
She was hungry, too. At least they didn't have to eat in the mess hall.
===
III
February 26th
Julia's mind was filled with so many memories and thoughts as she laid awake early the morning after the children left to return to Chicago.
She couldn't turn her mind off, something that rarely happened to her. Usually, she slept like a rock.
"Why are you still awake, Julia?" asked Jack.
"I miss the kids, Jack," Julia said; "I know they're in good hands and I know they're safe, but I worry about them out there without me."
"You need to rest, Julia," Jack said, then turning his head to cough.
"So do you," she replied; "Maybe more than I do."
"I can't sleep knowing you're worried, honey."
"You just let me worry," Julia said; "I am their mother, after all."
"And I'm Miri's father, in case you forgot," Jack said.
Julia didn't know how to take that, another thing that rarely happened to her: not having a sarcastic comeback.
Jack sensed he hurt Julia's feelings and apologized. He then took her into his arms like he used to and held her. "I know you're worried, Julia, but as you said, they're in good hands and they're safe."
Julia then said, "You haven't held me like this in a long time, Jack."
"I know, and I feel awful that I've neglected you," said Jack. "I just wish I had the strength and the breath to make love to you, because that's that I really want. I want to show you physically how much I love you."
"Jack, if you can't, then don't push yourself to try just to make me happy," Julia said; "I understand that you can't. But I can love on you. I just get the feeling you don't want me to. Every time I try, you back off."
"I don't mean to," Jack said; "Please, Julia... please love me..."
"You know I do, baby," she said; "More than anything in this world other than the children. I just want you to be happy..."
She began to love on him, just like in the early days of their relationship, when she won his respect by not being afraid of him because of his reputation. She was gentle, loving, and excited him beyond measure.
"God, Julia...! I love you so my angel..." he cried out softly as she pleasured him.
The thoughts that came through his head when she loved him like this came unbidden. She's a whore. Nothing but a whore. She is here for your pleasure only. Then you send her back to General until the next time you need pussy...
No! She's so much more to me than that! I love her, I need her...
You're weak, Coltrane! No woman can ever get in the way of your duties...
As he climaxed, his mind cried out to the man he used to be before Julia graced his life... I love her!
"Oh God...Julia..." he gasped for breath.
Julia looked up and saw the now familiar sight of Jack struggling for every breath. It scared her. Please, God, she thought, if you're going to take him from me now, then take him already! Please don't make him suffer anymore!
"Jack, it's okay," she said reassuringly; "Just relax. Do you need the atomizer?"
He shook his head yes.
Julia got the small device from the bathroom and helped Jack as he breathed the medication into his lungs.
"I'm sorry, Julia," he said; "I can't... I can't take that much excitement anymore. It's not fair to either of us. Making love is supposed to be a beautiful, pleasurable experience. Not like this..."
"I'm sorry I pushed you too far," she replied.
"Never..." he said, taking her into his arms again. "Nothing you can do could be considered too much."
Soon, he was asleep, and Julia had new worries.
The children, they would be fine and arrive at Kimber's okay.
Jack was another story.
Julia was scared that he would die before they could leave Wyoming. Just hold on a while longer, Jack, she said to him in her thoughts; We'll get this all figured out.
===
February 28th
It was early in the morning when there was a knock at Kimber's front door.
Good Lord, she thought, it can't be the kids already!
She went to the door, and seeing the Army sergeant through the peep hole, opened the door.
"Kimber Draiman?" he asked politely.
"Yes, I'm she," said Kimber.
"Ma'am, I'm Staff Sergeant John Crossley, and I have brought the Summers children to you as instructed by Major San Marco."
Kimber looked at the young man. He's not much older than I am, she thought.
"Sergeant, please come in," said Kimber; "Please forgive my appearance, but I've just awakened."
"I'll instruct my men to bring them inside with their dog," Sgt. Crossley said.
Kimber nodded and turned away from the door to see Jamey walk into the room. "Your nieces and nephew are here? Why so early?"
Kimber only shrugged. When she turned back around, she saw Julia's four sleepy kids and a three legged dog walking toward her. Rachel as the first to see her, and went running.
"Auntie Kimber!" the petite eight year old said excitedly.
"Rachel!" Kimber said, smiling; "You've gotten so big!"
Behind Rachel was Miri, walking the dog on his leash. "Hi, Aunt Kimber," she said sleepily. "We're here."
"I see that Miri," Kimber said, laughing; "I'm assuming this is Tripod."
The dog wagged his tail spiritedly upon hearing his name and seeing a friendly and somewhat familiar face.
The other kids dragged themselves in and immediately plopped themselves down on the sofa, where Jaime promptly went back to sleep. Zach wasn't far behind.
"I need to go get our bags," Miri told her aunt, "I'll be right back."
Miri then went out to the transport vehicle with John to get her bag along with those of her three siblings.
"Miri, could you wait a minute?" asked John.
She looked at him. "Sure, what is it?"
"I just wanted to tell you that when your mother returns home, I intend to ask her for permission to take you out the next time I'm in town," John said.
"Really?" asked Miri; "I'm sure Mom would say yes."
"That's good, because I want to spend more time with you," John said; "She can even chaperone if she wanted to."
"Mom trusts me a little more than that," Miri said; "But I understand your concerns. I'm still a minor. I'll be going to college in the fall, I'm just not sure where yet."
"I'll try to make it back up here before then, Miri," John said.
He then pressed a kiss to Miri's temple before they brought the bags back into the house.
,
He said his goodbyes and was gone. He was walking out to the truck when he heard Rachel Summers say, "Miri, he kissed you!"
Then Zach, who had awakened, saying, "Eww, Miri..."
Crossley smiled to himself.
He was completely smitten by the tall brunette with the soulful dark eyes. As he got back into the transport vehicle, one of his subordinates said, "So, Sarge, when's the wedding?"
"Fuck you, Corporal," John shot back; "She's 16. Not a whole lot I can do until she's of age."
"Whatever, Sarge."
But the next thought that crossed his mind was, I'm going to marry that girl someday.
===
Later that morning, Niki was understandably nervous.
It was her wedding day, after all.
Everything had been taken care of; she and Drake would be married by the court clerk, and witnessed by her staff. The announcement would be kept out of the paper, in accordance to couple's wishes. Considering who the bride's father was, it was a good idea.
The clerk knew that neither family would know about the marriage until the couple wanted to tell. She thought that was a smart move on their part. If they wanted the big ceremony later, then they have that option. But the marriage would be valid from the moment they signed the marriage license.
Niki and Drake arrived at city hall at 8:45am for their 9am appointment. There would be no rings yet. There was plenty of time for that.
As they got settled in the clerk's office, they went over what would take place. The clerk made copies of each of their IDs, and Drake's green card and work eligibiliy certification. Then the ceremony, such as it was, would begin.
The couple was escorted into the clerk's outer office, where two of her staff would act as witnesses. Then the ceremony began. The clerk identified herself, her staff and the couple, then said to Niki,
"Nicole Elizabeth Draiman, do you take Drake Martin Campbell as your lawfully wedded husband?
"I do," said Niki, with a hint of emotion in her voice.
"Drake Martin Campbell, do you take Nicole Elizabeth Draiman as your lawfully wedded wife?"
"I do," he said in a clear strong voice.
"By the power vested in me by authority of the civil court of the State of Texas, I now pronounce you man and wife," the clerk said; "Drake, you may kiss your bride. Quickly, before she faints."
Drake did what he was told and looked at Niki. She was his wife, and he couldn't have been happier of that fact.
As they left, hand in hand with their marriage license, they just looked at each other.
Once in the car, Drake said, "Mrs. Campbell, you are a ravishing bride!"
Niki smiled. "I like that...'Mrs. Campbell'."
"Let's go home, Mrs. Campbell, and consumate this marriage!"
"We're legit now, an old married couple of...." Niki checked her watch, "Twenty-five minutes!"
Drake laughed. Niki always loved Drake's laugh. She loved everything about her husband of twenty-five minutes...and for the rest of their lives.
===
Rachel sat on the couch, half asleep. She was watching something on television, but wasn't really paying attention to it. Kimber looked at her and knew that she'd be asleep before too long. The other kids were getting themselves situated in their new bedrooms.
Kimber saw Lady Marmalade saunter into the living room. The cat gave Tripod, who was sitting in front of the couch, a dirty look, then hopped on it and sniffed the person laying there.
Kimber could almost see Marm's thought process-- hey, you smell familiar. I think I know you. I'm going to lay down next to you.
"Hi, Marm," Rachel said sleepily; "I missed you." She then put her arm around the cat's body and fell asleep. Marm started purring, which got Tripod's attention. He looked up at Rachel on the couch, and the cat she had her arm draped over.
Hey! That's my person!
She was my person first, dog.
Tripod tried to stick his nose under Marm to get her to move, but she was having none of it. She hissed at Tripod, and swatted a paw at him. One of her claws caught Tripod on the snout and he yelped in pain.
"Okay, you two," Kimber said; "Leave each other alone before you wake up Rachel."
Tripod lay back down on the floor next to the couch. Marm still laid next to Rachel, who was unaware that the dog and the cat had just had their first confrontation.
Kimber only chuckled to herself.
===
