3.18 The Trouble With IF's

"One more push," Drew instructed an exhausted, sleep deprived girl.

Shaking her head Tayla whimpered "I don't think I can..."

"Yes you can," Drew told the girl "all I'm asking for is one more push and you'll be done. You'll have a beautiful new baby to love and cherish."

"Ok one more push," she panted screaming as she exerted herself squeezing Amboses hand.

"Come on babe you can do this," he encouraged her. He looked up and away from Tayla's face as the shrill cry of a baby filled the room.

"Congratulations you two," Drew held up a squirming unhappy baby for them to see "it's a boy." She wrapped the wriggling baby in the towel she had set aside for the purpose. While she was busy doing that there was a loud commotion downstairs. "That's probably the paramedics" she said glancing at Ambrose "go and let them in" she instructed.

Nodding he bent down to kiss plant a kiss on Tayla's forehead before he left. Handy the baby to her Drew smiled down at them. "Thank you," Tayla said while gazing into her son's face "I don't think I could have done this without your help."

"You're very welcome," Drew told her stepping aside as the paramedics filled the room.

***

Once the paramedics had left with Tayla and Ambrose Drew took the opportunity to clean up and shower before wandering upstairs to check on Caleb and the kids. She smiled as she watched him on the floor bent over the table playing blocks. "I wish I had a camera," she said from the doorway.

Looking up Caleb almost knocked over the blocks he and the kids had stacked up. "Daddy careful," Indira instructed.

"Sorry baby doll," he bent to kiss his the top of her head. In the process he bumped into the table knocking a several of the blocks over.

"Dad," Andrew scowled up at him "look what you did!"

"Sorry bud," Caleb reached across and messed up his son's hair.

"Quit it," Andrew pushed his hand away.

Caleb looked up at Drew "our little man is way too serious." He moved to stand up and go to her.

"Don't go," Megan cried grabbing his leg.

"Sweetie I'm not going anywhere," Caleb told the girl smoothing her pink hair from her tear stained face. He picked his niece up as she fresh tears spilled from her brown eyes.

"Daddy up," Indira entreated patting his leg looking up at him. Bending he scooped her up too. 

Marveling at the differences between the two girls. One the image of is mother with the pink hair and the other with her dark hair was definitely still a Gray even with the green eyes she had most definitely inherited from her great grandfather William. Looking over their little heads he glanced over at Drew "well?"

"Megan is now a big sister," Drew told everyone.

"Yay" the girls cheered.

"So what," Andrew announced from the floor knocking the remaining blocks over.

"Hey now none of that," Caleb admonished. The little boy looked up at his father bottom lip quivering. "It's not fair. I want to be big bruder."

Caleb looked over at Drew "now what?" he asked.

Shrugging "how should I know? You're the one who said he'd get over it. Forget all about it." She moved to pick up the unhappy toddler. "Hey little man" she said as she tickled him "you get to be something better then a big brother."

His eyes lit up "really?" he asked curious.

Nodding Drew whispered in his ear. He pulled back laughing "me the big boy cousin," he announced to the room. "That's better than being big bruder." He started to squirm in Drew's arms "down mama," he demanded. Laughing she put him on the floor ruffling his hair. Swiping at her hand he scowled "stop that."

"Daddy down please" Indira requested kissing his cheek before joining her brother by the blocks.

"Meggie you want down?" Caleb asked the silent little girl. As she nodded Caleb kissed her cheek before putting down near her cousins. Joining Drew in the door way he wrapped his arms around her. Drew snuggled into his embrace. "How did things go up here?" she asked.

"They were a little upset with screams; especially Megan" Caleb nuzzled his nose in her hair "you smell good."

"I should hope so," she giggled "I took a shower before coming up here."

He tried to smother a yawn "do you think it's too early to put them down for a nap?"

Looking up from the table Andrew scowled at his parents. Indira gave her brother a look shaking her head at him. It was Megan who made her displeasure known "no nap. No nap" she screamed.

***

Squeezing Caleb's arm Drew hid her face in his shirt to hide her smile. It wouldn't do to encourage the little girl. "Let's go and sit on the couch for a while" she murmured to him "it won't be long before they'll be ready to go down."

 Sighing he allowed Drew to guide him from the room. Sitting on the couch he yawned "I don't know about them but I could use a nap."

Leaning on his shoulder Drew felt her eyes close as she murmured "so could I."

"Hey don't fall asleep on me," Caleb protested "if I have to stay awake so do you."

Moaning she sat up rubbing he eyes "I don't know how my parents did it," she commented "they had six kids to keep track of.  Uncle Gene must have been superman when he took us in with his four kids and us. I'm falling down exhausted chasing three."

"Today is a special case" Caleb put his arm around her "you did deliver a baby. If you ask me your entitled to be a little exhausted."

"Then you won't mind if I put my head in your lap. Close my eyes and go to sleep?" she asked.

"Let me grab a book to read first" he moved to the nearby bookcase made a selection and sat down beside her "ok I'm ready."

Smiling she nestled her head in his lap. Smiling up at him "you know what this reminds me of?"

Shaking his head "no what?" he asked looking down at her.

"Of when I was a little girl and daddy would read to me until I fell asleep." She closed  her eyes as Caleb opened the book and began to read out loud to her. After a few minutes his voiced lulled her to sleep. Looking down at her peaceful face as she slept Caleb brushed hair from her face whispering "sweet dreams sweetheart." Whether drawn to his voice or intrigued by the story the little ones emerged from the room. They sat around the couch listening to Caleb read until their eyes drooped and shut as they fell asleep on the floor. The last one to close his eyes was Caleb as he stumbled over the words as they blurred and blended together. The book slipped from his fingers falling onto the couch. He leaned his head back falling into a deep dreamless sleep.

***

Caleb was enjoying the sunshine and the tranquil sounds of birds chirping in the nearby trees. He couldn't believe another year had gone by and Tayla was once again expecting another child. The twins were four months short of their 4th birthday. Times like this he was glad he had taken Emit up on his offer; although he feared there was more to the offer then Emit had told him. He didn't understand how one family could be that important that the fate of every universe depended on the to have children. Smiling he shrugged his shoulders remembering when his mother had sat them all down telling them about the responsibilities of being the chosen heir. At the time it had hurt knowing she hadn't chosen him but he knew deep down that his brother Noah was the better choice. Now he understood the responsibility of carrying that weight would have meant now he had a family of his own. What would Emit ask of his children in the future? That question sometimes kept him awake at night.

"Caleb?" Drew shouted at him.

"Huh what?" he looked up at her "I thought you were out shopping?" He stood up to kiss her cheek.

"I was and if you want to be a dear you can carry the proceeds of my shopping excursion into the house." Looking around "where are the kids?"

Looking around the yard it dawned on him how quiet it had become. He had been so engrossed in his own thoughts he hadn't realized the kids weren't outside. "I...I don't know" he stammered "they were out here playing in the sand box..."

"They're probably in the house," she said trying not to worry.

Running his hands through his hair "I'm sorry. I should have kept better watch...."

"It's ok honey. They have to be around here somewhere," she said trying to keep her anger in check 

"I'm going inside to see if they're there." Turning towards the house she asked "can you bring in the groceries?"

He could feel his anxiety rising as he grabbed multiple bags at once. He should make two trips but something was telling him something was and he didn't want to waste time doing this when he should be looking for the kids. Upon entering the house he could hear the happy voices of Megan and 

Leeland playing together. Walking into the kitchen he found India contentedly banging away on the xylophone. No matter how much Caleb tried to show her the right way she insisted on doing it her way.

She looked up as he entered the room "listen please" she requested as she made an unusual flourish and her banging actually resembled music.

"Very good sweetie," Caleb patted her head once he had dropped the bags on the floor. "You're getting really good sweetie."

"Daddy" she said looking up at him "mama's upset."

"I know sweetie," he sighed as he knelt beside his little princess.

Indira snuggled into him as she spoke "Andrew runned off."

Caleb felt his arms tighten around her small frame "do you know where he went?"

Nodding Indira pointed towards the garden "he's going on an adventure." She touched his face continuing "it's ok daddy Peanut Butter Boy is with him."

Damn he thought that stupid imaginary friend. He should have insisted on getting rid of that stupid doll. He didn't know why but that thing had always given him bad vibes. He stood up as Drew came running into the kitchen. "Caleb I can't find Andrew anywhere. He's not in the house. I've checked all his regular hiding places."

"But mama Andrew is outside" Indira pointed again towards the garden. "He's ok. Peanut Butter Boy is with him."

"I'll go look for him," Caleb gave Drew a brief reassuring hug before he moved towards the door "don't worry I'll find him."

She nodded biting back the hundred hurtful words she wanted to scream at him. She knew all too well that their son delighted in hiding from them. Giggled nonstop after he jumped out of his hiding place and scaring them as they searched for him. She knew this was another of his escapades. He was in the garden waiting for his chance to pounce on them. Even though she knew that was the case it didn't keep her heart from racing or the worry she felt knowing her baby wasn't anywhere in sight.

***

For the first time Caleb wished they had a smaller garden. Looking up at the sky hoping he found the little boy before it became too dark. "Andrew" he called "it's time to come inside." He hoped the adventurous little boy would hear his voice and come to him. He certainly regretted letting him keep that stuffed rag doll that arrived in the mail. He didn't even know who had sent it to them. It was suspicious that only the twins had received one. Caleb himself had memories of having one when he was growing up. His lips curled up as he remembered Puzzle. Why did Peanut Butter Boy give him such bad vibes when he trusted Puzzle implicitly growing up? Opening the gate to one of the gardens Caleb called out again.

There was something a little different about this doll. Andrew had an unnatural attachment to it. Talked to it like it was real. Granted he had done the same thing with Puzzle. She had been his only friend for a while. He certainly didn't want his son to experience the same pain he did growing up friendless. So deep in thought he almost missed the subtle movement of the leaves but there it was the unmistakable purple/blue/white hair of his son, the little trouble maker. If his mind hadn't been so preoccupied he might have seen him earlier. He crept closer to the plant his son was hiding behind. As he got closer he heard his son talking to Peanut Butter Boy. He turned his back and rubbed his chin hoping Andrew would take the bait and jump from his hiding place.

***

"Peanut Butter Boy it's getting awfully dark," Andrew whined "I want to go inside."

"Not yet," PBB demanded.

"I don't like it out here," Andrew protested.

"It'll be fun. Trust me" PBB cajoled  him "you're the one who wanted to go on an adventure."

"I know" Andrew fell silent. At times like this he didn't like Peanut Butter Boy very much. He wanted to play with Meggie or Indy not hiding in the dark by himself. Moving Andrew announced "I'm going inside."

"Have you forgotten what happened last time you didn't play with me?" PBB asked a hint of menace in his voice. "Do you want that to happen again?"

"No," his voice quivered as fear settled over him "I'll stay I promise." He sat down jostling the branches of the plant hoping his dad would find him.

"He's facing the other way" PBB told him "now is our chance to find a better hiding place."

Nodding Andrew gathered his feet beneath him getting ready to run for the gate. He ran tripping on the loose dirt. He flailed his arms out sending Peanut Butter Boy flying.

"There you are," Caleb ran up to him and swooped him up into his arms.

"Daddy" Andrew snuggled into his arms squirming as Caleb began to walk towards the house. "Wait! Daddy please we can't leave Peanut Butter Boy out here."

Caleb kept walking ignoring his son's protests. That doll could rot out here for all he cared.

"I can't leave him out here," Andrew tired to struggle from his father's arms "Please you don't understand."

Caleb didn't stop walking until he got to the house and shut the door. Drew ran to him and enveloped them both in a hug crying. "Don't ever do that again" she pleaded "you scared mommy."

"I'm sorry," Andrew cried in a small scared voice "Peanut Butter Boy said it would be an adventure."

"Honey Peanut Butter Boy isn't real" Drew chided him.

"He is too," the little boy insisted "I need to go get him. He doesn't like it when I leave him alone" Tears welled up in his eyes "please he's going to be real mad at me."

"Caleb maybe you should go outside and get his doll" Drew suggested as she took her distraught son in her arms. "I'll give Andy a bath."

"It's just a doll," Caleb protested "we shouldn't encourage this unnatural attachment to this thing."

"Please Caleb just do it," she smiled at him "I'll explain why later. Trust me I wouldn't ask if I didn't think it was important."

"What do you want me to do with it when I find it?" Caleb asked giving in. He didn't know why he was doing this but if Drew thought it was important he'd follow along.

"Put it in the shed for the night...."

"But mama Peanut Butter Boy doesn't like to be alone" Andrew protested.

"It's ok honey It's just for one night." Drew told him "Peanut Butter Boy will be alright alone for one night."

***

"Is our little man asleep?" Caleb asked getting into bed.

"He is but he didn't like leaving Peanut Butter Boy in the shed. He's convinced that it'll do something bad..."

"That's ridiculous. It's just a doll," Caleb protested "I had one as a child...."

"I know but I've heard stories of imaginary friends becoming real and doing terrible things."

"You don't believe those stories do you?" Caleb looked at her in disbelief.

Looking down fidgeting with the blanket "I do". She reached up with a hand stroking his face. It was soothing to feel his beard beneath her fingers. "My cousin Heath is a product of an IF that had come to life. Heath is half human and half IF. From the things I've heard his mother repeatedly tried to kill his father, my Uncle Adam. I do believe that we have reason to be concerned..."

"It's just a doll...."

"A doll that has the ability to influence our child's thinking" Drew told him "Andrew is scared that Peanut Butter Boy will get into the house and hurt Indira. He says Peanut Butter Boy has threatened to hurt her before to make him do things he didn't want to do."

"I don't understand" Caleb admitted "how can a doll be so dangerous?"

"I don't know but once it makes a connection with a child it's difficult to break..."

"Can it be broken?" he asked recalling his son's frantic struggles to get to the doll. "I don't like this. I really, really don't like this." He cast his mind back trying to think if he had been controlled by his IF but all he had felt was companionship. Puzzle had been his friend. "Not all those IF dolls are bad. Puzzle wasn't."

"You might be right but our son's IF isn't a nice one." Drew frowned "I called Aunt Beverly for advise. She's going to have Uncle Adam call us in the morning. If anyone knows what to do they will."

"Ok but until then that doll stays in the shed" Caleb told her. Drew nodded hoping that was the best thing to do.

3.17 Is Two Enough?

A year later Caleb was in the nursery holding his gorgeous little girl. She reminded him so much of his younger brother Kayden with her dark hair. Ambrose argued she looked liked Apollo. Whoever she looked like Caleb knew she was his. His and Drew's unique DNA combined to form her and her brother. He smiled as she snuggled into his arms eyes drooping "luv you dada." He squeezed her tight heart soaring at the sound of her clear little voice calling him dada.

He could hardly believe it. He, Caleb Gray was a father. He kissed his precious little girl before putting into her crib. Turning he peered down at his son. The image of his mother in everything but his eyes. Those eyes Andrew got from him. He felt an arm slip around him as he heart Drew whisper in his ear "they're ours and no one can take them away from us." He turned and leaned his forehead into hers. "I know...I...love them so so much..."

Drew squeezed him tight. She understood his fear. Understood how much these little miracles meant to him. He would fight heaven and hell for them. Move mountains if he had to for them. Anything to make their lives a little easier. "How did I get so lucky?" she asked peering up at him.

His lips quirked at the corners as he leaned down and kissed her nose. "You know I was thinking exactly the same thing." He took her hands and led he from the room. Closing the door silently behind them so as not to disturb their sleeping angels. Lifting her into his arms he carried her down the stairs. Reaching their bedroom he embraced her in a heated kiss. He put everything he had in him into that single kiss. He felt Drew move beneath him peering into his eyes as if trying to read his mind. He needed to feel her touch, breathe in her scent, drown in her taste.

As she felt Caleb caress her skin she knew what was happening. He needed reassurance that this was real. Not a dream. Not a fantasy. He had lived so long. Endured so much. Lost his first love more time than anyone should have to endure. Drew knew without a doubt he loved her but it wasn't the same as the love he had for Star. She knew it. She understood it. She accepted it. It was the price she was willing to pay to have him by her side. She wouldn't change it even if she could. "I love you," she murmured as he released her mouth to nibble on her earlobe.

Moaning from deep within Caleb looked down at her. As a slow grin spread across his handsome face "I love you too," he said before crashing down on her mouth once more.

***

Six months later Caleb walked into the house after a long day in the studio to screaming toddlers and two frustrated mothers who both turned and glared at him when he opened the door. "What?" he asked.

"Don't just stand there go after him," Drew demanded. At Caleb's dumbstruck look she elaborated "your son go after him. The little rascal ran out as you came in."

Turning Caleb saw his little boy making a hasty escape towards the road. "Andrew get back here," he called after the boy.

Turning Andrew giggled as he ran faster thinking it a game as his dad chased him. "Hey you little squirt you better slow down before you fall..." As he said the word he watched as his little boy tumbled head first into the gravel. He quickened his pace and knelt beside the boy.

"Mean daddy," Andrew declared when Caleb went to soothe him. Crossing his arms he stuck his lip out "fall down."

Trying not to laugh Caleb shook his head "hey little man I didn't make you fall."

"Did," he state his little lip quivering.

"You know daddy loves you right?" Caleb asked. A slight nod from the little boy told him the boy was listening. "Want me to kiss and make it better?" Caleb grabbed his son before Andrew could turn and make a run for it. Giggling in Caleb's arms Andrew kissed his dad's cheek "What was that for?" Caleb asked looking at his little miracle. At times like this Caleb thought his heart would melt. He loved his family so much. But sometimes he found himself wondering what it would have been like to have had this with Star. Shaking his head he felt his son's little hands patting his cheek.

"Daddy sad?" the little boy asked.

Mentally shaking himself Caleb brought a hand up shaped like a claw "you better watch out it's going to get you." He swooped in tickling his chubby little belly. His son. How he wished his parents could see their grandchildren. Know that he was alright. Happy after so many years.

Drew followed him upstairs and watched him clean up his son's skinned and scraped knees. Setting him on the floor after giving him a hug and a kiss. Smiling she went to Caleb saying "your such a good father." She blinked back tears "I wish there was something I could do to help you..." Sighing loudly his head jerked up as if in surprise. "I know something is bothering you. It's the same thing that's bothering Tayla and Ambrose. Your homesick. You see your children and know they're missing out on knowing your family. Your parents. Your brothers and sisters. Aunts and Uncles." She watched as his eyes misted over "it's alright to miss them. I understand. I want you to tell them about their family history. I want them to know who you are. Don't be afraid to fill out there family tree. Your family is a part of you and a part of them. Don't hide it."

"Oh Drew," he pulled her close nuzzling into her neck breathing deeply of her scent. "Thank you," he mumbled "I was just thinking of my mom and how she would have wanted to see me so happy. I married Hope because I didn't want my mom to worry about me being alone."

"Your mom sounds like a wonderful woman. I know she loved you. She'd want you to be happy enjoying the time you have with these little terrors we call children." He smiled a little at that. Drew laid her head on his shoulder "don't think you have to shut that part of your past out of your life. It's what make you you." She looked up at him "I think that the you I know is pretty fantastic."

Caleb tilted her chin up forcing her to look up at him. He smiled down at her before kissing her. Tender at first then the passion between them built as he let his feelings show. Pulling back he held her face between his hands "I love you."

***

Tayla sat on the floor watching Drew practice her dance steps. She was in awe at how quickly Drew had gotten back into shape after having twins. Of course the twins were now a year and half like her precious pinked haired princess. "Ow" she cried as she reached to untangle her daughters fingers from her hair. "Don't pull mama's hair" she chided the little girl.

Megan looked up her with her big brown eyes so much like her fathers "sorry mama."

Laughing a little Tayla squeezed the little girl tight "I know sweetie," she said letting her daughter go when she began to squirm. Tayla watched her join her cousins. She rubbed her stomach wondering what the next bundle of joy would look like.

"They're like the three musketeers," Drew said sitting on the floor beside Tayla.

"They are," she agreed "I hope they stay that way forever." Tayla watched the kids for a while lost in thought "um Drew I..."

"Yes" Drew prompted when her companion stopped speaking "is something wrong?" she asked turning to look at her.

"I have something to tell you," Tayla looked down at the floor drawing circles with her fingers.

Drew watched her fidget wondering what would make her friend so nervous. What could she possible say to her that would make her so afraid? That's when it her...

"I'm pregnant," Tayla blurted out as if completing Drew's thought "I know this will be difficult for you..." she looked down and away "I'm sorry," she mumbled.

Drew found herself forming the words "congratulations. I'm really happy for you and Ambrose." She watched as the girls eyes brightened and she wrapped her arms around her. She could get through this Drew told herself. She will be happy for Tayla. She kept telling herself she had two beautiful miracle and that was enough. Getting up she said "I'm going to take a shower." Going downstairs she told herself she would not cry. She would not make Tayla feel back for being able to have another baby. As soon as she shut the door behind her she crumpled to the floor.

Angry hot tears spilled from her eyes. Why was this happening to her? Why couldn't she be happy for Tayla? Why must she be eaten up with jealousy for what her best friend had? She wanted children, lots and lots of them. She could only have the two. Would they be enough for Caleb? Would he start to look at her differently?

A soft knock on the door had her jumping to her feet. Wiping her eyes dry "who is it?" she asked through the door.

"Sweet heart let me in," Caleb said from the other side.

"I'm about to take a shower," Drew said hoping he'd go away.

"I know. That's what Tayla said but that was over an hour ago."

An hour? Had it really been that long? Drew rubbed her eyes before opening the door to let Caleb in. As soon as he slipped inside she threw herself into his arms sobbing. "What happened?" Caleb asked. "Tayla said you might be upset..."

Her sobs increased at the mention of Tayla's name. "Do you love me?" she asked when she was able to speak.

"Of course I do," he replied  squeezing her tight "what kind of question is that?"

"Do you love me even thought I can't have anymore children?" she asked crying onto his shoulder.

"I have two beautiful miracles already. I'm happy with what we have" he told her "where's all this coming from?"

"Tayla .... she's pregnant again," she wailed "why does she get what I want?"

"I don't know baby," he kissed her cheek "I wish I had the answer but I don't.. Sometimes we don't get what we want." He of all people understood that better than most. He held her feeling her body shake in his arms "honey how many babies do you think we need?"

"I...I..." she looked up at him "if you asked me this before I had the twins I'd have said two."

"What changed?" he asked "is it because you think I want more?"

"Yes," she mumbled "I see how you are with the kids and I think how nice it would be to have another..."

"Drew I'm happy with the two we have. I don't need more than that. I never thought I'd have children. I never expected to hold a baby in my arms and say this little person is a part of me." He lifted Drew's face up kissing her tenderly "I have all I need. I have you and two beautiful kids."

"Don't you want more..."

Shaking his head Caleb sighed "no I don't. I don't want to put you in danger because I was selfish to want more than what I've been blessed with already. Why tempt fate?"

Sniffling through her tears Drew smiled up at him "are you really ok with this?" she asked her voice small with a little bit of doubt. 

"Of course I am," he pulled her close "I have all I need. My family is complete. Besides Ambrose will keep up busy with babies."

"Are they planning on having more?" she asked.

"I think they're planning on filling the house with babies," he told her peering into her eyes to see how she took the news.

Looking thoughtful she nodded. Lifting her chin with determination "I'm ok with that. I'll be the best Auntie ever."

"That's my girl," he smiled down at her "so do you think that shower is big enough to two?"

"We can always test it out," Drew told him starting to unbutton his shirt.

***

"I can't believe the twins are two years old today" Drew said smiling up at Caleb "soon they'll be going to school and ...."

"Honey they're two," Caleb told her "don't rush ahead. You'll miss out on the here and now." He put his arms around her "besides you can start teaching the some of your awesome dance moves."

Nodding "uh huh and you can teach them music." She heard him grunt "you have to admit that it'll be a lot better than them just banging away on the xylophone you gave them."

"I know but I was hoping they'd have some natural ability."

"Did you think they'd just get it by osmosis?" she asked laughing at him "I don't think that's going to happen."

"Oh I know that" Caleb admitted laughing "I've heard them play. They're awful." He smiled over at his kids "but what they lack in musical ability they make up for in dance."

"They are pretty good aren't they?" she said smugly "even Megan is picking it up. We may have some natural dancing talent shining through."

They watched as Indira and Andrew walked up to them "mama you have baby?" Indira asked.

"No honey," Drew shook her head.

"Yes," Andrew insisted "in there," he pointed at her stomach.

Kneeling in front of him "No Andy I don't have a baby in my tummy."

He frowned pointing "Aunt Tay has one."

"Yes she does," Drew agreed "but I don't," she told him.

He stuck his bottom lip out "I want you to have a baby." Tears rolled down his chubby little cheeks "me be big bruder."

Indira put an arm around him "you lil bruder."

Pushing her away from him Andrew crossed his arms "don't want big sister."

She looked up at Caleb "now what?" she mouthed.

Shrugging "he'll get over it."

"I hope so," she said standing up and moving towards Tayla and Ambrose who were playing on the floor with Megan. "Are you all set to launch  this baby?" she asked joining them.

"You bet," Ambrose enthused "if I could I'd have a dozen of these lil rugrats."

Putting up a hand "whoa there I never agreed to being a baby making machine" Tayla protested despite the twinkle in her eyes.

"Admit it," Drew said turning to her "you'd be barefoot and pregnant if he asked you to be."

Tayla's mouth twitched as she tried to hid a grin "you're right. I would be. I can never say no this guy. No matter how hard I try."

***

Drew woke up in the middle of the night. Laying in the dark listening to Caleb breathe beside her. She strained her ears for the sound that woke her. A muffled cry. One of the kids maybe?No sound came from the baby monitor on the side table. There it was again. Drew got up to investigate the noise. Opening the bedroom door she heard it again and it was coming from Tayla's room. Tayla was in trouble. She ran across the hallway towards the other bedroom that was Tayla and Ambrose's. Knocking she waited until Ambrose called out to come in. Taking one look at Tayla she said "honey how far apart are your contractions?"

Sweat poured down Tayla's face as she tried to keep from crying out. "Close too close," she finally managed.

"I'm going to take a peek," Drew told her. She looked at Ambrose "have  you called for an ambulance?"

He nodded his normally fair complexion pale and sickly green "they're not going to make it in time are they?"

She shook her head "no we're going to have to deliver this baby ourselves." She looked up as Caleb came into the room blurry eyed and yawning. "What can I do to help?" he asked.

"If the kids wake up before the baby comes we'll need you to keep them occupied." Drew instructed. He nodded accepting his assignment. Drew sighed realizing that everyone was looking to her. She was the one in charge. She didn't know what she was doing. She felt her insides twist as she resisted the urge to panic. She felt Caleb squeeze her shoulder encouraging to her do her best. "Alright folks let's get this show on the road."

3.16 Our Legacy Begins

"Mr Gray you can come back now," the nurse said smiling confidently down at him.

"Is she .... is she alright?" he asked standing to follow her.

"The doctor will be in shortly to talk to you both," the nurse told him as she turned and left the room.

"Caleb," Drew murmured from the bed. Taking her hand he tried his best to muster up a reassuring smile for her. "No matter what we'll get through this together." He bent over and kissed her
forehead.

The door opened before he could say anything else. An older man walked in "Mr and Mrs Gray the surgery went as well as expected." The doctor paused to gather his thoughts watching as the couple exchanged worried glances. "In my professional opinion the fetus is ok ..."

Caleb felt some of his pent up anxiety melt at the doctor's words. He looked down at his lovely wife and smiled. He gently wiped a few tears from her cheeks.

Clearing his throat the doctor continued "however the pregnancy is going to be extremely difficult and any subsequent pregnancies will be high risk." He saw the terrified expressions replace the relief of a few moments before. He sighed before continuing "if this wasn't your first pregnancy I would recommend terminating...."

"No absolutely not," Drew shook her head tears rolling down her cheeks "I won't....I won't."

Caleb felt her clinging to him, feeling helpless to do anything about her anguished cries. Why did this keep happening to him? Was there some universal law that said he Caleb Gray couldn't have what he longed to have? Children. Children of his own with his particular DNA. Was that too much to ask for?

"I didn't think you would consider that option." The doctor turned to Drew "I'll do whatever I can to see you come to term and have a healthy baby. That does mean you will be on strict bed rest. No lifting. No carrying. No stairs. For the duration of this pregnancy you will need to let this strong young man wait on you hand and foot. I will have the nurse set up a schedule for you to come in to see me."

"Doctor," Caleb's voice was low and hoarse "is there anything else we can do?"

"Stay positive. My specialty is difficult pregnancies. Do as I say and follow my instructions and we'll deliver a healthy baby. When we get closer to the end of the pregnancy I'll want Drew here at the hospital just to be safe. We'll take every precaution we can." He smiled at them "together we'll bring this baby into the world."

"Then why did you...."

"I wouldn't be a very good doctor if I didn't tell you like it is and give you your options." He smiled again "stay positive and if you have any concerns, fears anything at all don't hesitate to call me day or night."

Caleb took the proffered card and pocketed the doctor's contact information. Turning to Drew with worried eyes he asked "are you sure about this? We can always adopt..."

"I'm positive," she grabbed his hand and put it on her stomach "this is our baby, our legacy."

"Drew I...I don't want to lose you." Caleb felt his throat close unable to say everything that he was feeling he dropped his face to her shoulder.

Running her fingers through his hair she said the only thing she was sure of "you won't. Emit kept us together for a reason. He brought you to this universe so you could have a legacy. This is your legacy."

Caleb heard her words, she sounded so confident, so sure. If only he felt the same. There was nothing that promised him he would have both his wife and child. What if he got the child he always wanted at the expense of Drew's life? The doctor did say this was a high risk pregnancy. High risk for both mother and baby. What would he do without her? Had the whole Gray legacy changed when Ambrose arrived here? Tayla was pregnant...maybe this world, this universe didn't need anymore Grays. Had fate decided again that the Gray with the legacy was Ambrose and not him. A sob escaped from deep within at the unfairness of it all. "Drew I can't lose you" he looked up at her with tears streaming from his eyes "I just can't.

Taking her hands and holding his face "I won't give up on our baby. We will get through this together. The doctor gave us our options. Fine. I'll take the risk but I won't give up. Don't ask me to give up. I will fight with my dying breath to give our child a chance to live. Won't you fight with me?"

"Drew I'm sorry," he lifted his hands to hers "if it means that much to you I'll do .... I'll be anything you need me to be."

"Caleb what I need you to be is you. The man that I love." Looking deep into his reddened eyes before continuing "I need you to be strong. To wrap your arms around me like you'll never let me go."

***

It was a long stressful pregnancy for everyone in the house. The baby continued to grow. The doctor was positive that the baby would be healthy with no signs of abnormalities or birth defects. His one concern was how small the baby was and as a precaution he insisted on Drew being hospitalized once she was thirty weeks into the pregnancy.

On week thirty-five Drew was awakened in the middle of the night with severe back pain. Pushing the call button she waited for the on call nurse to come. Drew tried to find a more comfortable position to lie in but the pain increased. As the nurse walked in Drew frowned, it was a young inexperienced girl. Drew didn't have much time to dwell upon it when she screamed in pain as a contraction hit her hard. The nurse ran to her side. Looking up Drew shouted at her "call the doctor I think the baby's coming."

Wide eyed the nurse did as she was told. Once the call was made the nurse made one more to a very tired and stressed young father to be.

***

Jumping from the bed Caleb ran from the room screaming "Ambrose the baby's coming." He ran to the bathroom and splashed water onto his face. Heart pounding Caleb caught his reflection in the mirror. Was he ready to be a father? Was it actually going to happen? After two life times was he actually going to hold his own child in his arms? Have a little one call daddy and know it was him the child wanted it?

A knock on the door had him jumping as Ambrose came in to check on him. "Uncle Caleb you need to get dressed," he told him "baby's won't wait. It's coming whether your ready or not."

"I know I was just...oh god this is actually happening," Caleb ran from the room as Ambrose's laughter followed him. Easy for him Caleb thought since Tayla wasn't due for another couple of weeks. He threw some clothes on and raced down the stairs where Ambrose and Tayla were waiting for him.

Upon arriving at the hospital Caleb was shown into the room where Drew was. "This is it," she panted upon seeing him. He nodded squeezing her hand.

"I thought they were doing a C-Section," Caleb said looking around as worry furrowed his brow.

"They're prepping the room right now," she told him "soon we'll be parents. I'm so happy."

The doctor came into the room "we're ready for you Mrs Gray. Will you be joining us?" he asked Caleb.

"Of course he is," Drew answered for him "he's going to hold my hand through this whole thing." Drew looked up at him "isn't that right?"

Licking his lips Caleb nodded "that's right sweetheart. I'm going to be right here by your side." He leaned down and kissed her forehead.

"If that's the case Mr Gray we'll have to get you kitted up. If you would follow this nurse she'll help you."

***

An hour later the doctor uttered a wordless cry of shock sending fear shooting through Caleb's body. Was something wrong the baby? With Drew? Please don't let there be anything wrong with either one Caleb pleaded. He looked down into Drew's dark brown eyes and knew her fear was a mirror of his own. He squeezed her hand hoping to give her some reassurance.

The doctor looked up holding a small squirming baby up for them to see "it's a girl," he announced. The shrill cry the baby made was music to Caleb's ears.

"Look honey it's our daughter," his voice was hushed as he watched the nurses take her away to clean her. His attention went back to the doctor as he worked at a feverish pace. What was he doing?

Laughing the doctor held up another baby "we seem to have a stow away hiding behind his big sister." He held the baby up for them to see. "Congratulations mama and papa you have twins."

"Did you hear that Caleb?" Drew asked "twins. A boy and a girl."

Stunned Caleb couldn't believe what had just happened....twins. He was a father not of one but of two....twins a boy and a girl. His ears began to buzz as his vision dimmed. Vaguely he heard someone tell him to sit down before he....

He woke up sometime later with a throbbing headache and Ambrose smiling down at him. "What happened?" he asked his voice hoarse.

"You fainted," Ambrose told him "I did much better. Didn't faint at all."

"What are you...."

"Tayla went into labor while we were waiting for word about you and Drew." Ambrose smiled proudly "a beautiful baby girl...."

Baby Album

Indira Grace Bennett/Gray

Andrew Levi Bennett/Gray

Megan Darlene Gray

Indira, Andrew and Megan