The Next Morning
Mike groaned as he got out of bed. Muscles he had forgotten he possessed were making themselves known in a big way. “I guess it takes different muscles to ride a horse than to fight fires,” he said to his wife Lara.
“You can say that again,” she answered with a grin. “Maybe we should take it easy today.”
The engineer shook his head. “Nah, I want to ride up to the old line cabin Louisa told me about. She told me that she and Cap spent part of their honeymoon in it when they got caught in a thunderstorm. I promised her that I would make sure it was still standing.”
“Breakfast!” called Dorothy from the bottom of the stairs. She chuckled when she saw how slow the newlywed couple were moving. “A bit sore today, are we?” she asked, her eyes twinkling merrily.
“You could say that,” replied Mike, matching his hostess's grin. “Smells good, Mrs. Johnson.”
“Call me Dorothy,” said the woman. “We consider you family.” She bustled about, putting platters of pancakes, bacon, sausage, and eggs on the table. “Help yourselves; there's plenty.”
“What do you young-uns have planned for today?” asked Richard Johnson, Phillip's father as he stirred sugar into his coffee.
“We thought about riding up to that old line cabin my sister told us about,” said Mike, buttering his pancakes and pouring a generous helping of maple syrup over the stack. “Is it still there?”
The old man laughed. “Last time I checked, it was. It's falling to pieces, but still habitable. Phil and Buck wanted to tear it down, but I told them Louisa would nail their hides to the barn door if they did!”
Lara smiled. “Is it true she and Hank spent a night up there?” she questioned.
“Heard about that, huh?” chuckled Phillip. “They were out riding when a thunderstorm blew up. Lucky for them, that little shack was there. Otherwise, they'd have had to spend the night in the open.” He shook his head, grinning as he remembered the incident. “By the looks on their faces when they got back, I think they enjoyed the privacy.”
Laughter rang out around the table. “If you recall, dear,” said Dorothy, “we took every opportunity to be alone when we were first married.” She winked at Mike and Lara. “But our special place was the hayloft in the stock barn.”
“We had our close calls all right,” grinned Phillip. “Momma caught us up there more than a few times. After the third or fourth time, she figured out what we were up to, sweetheart.”
“Do you think Gray Eagle would show us the cabin?” asked Mike. “If he doesn't have other things to do, that is.”
“I don't think he'd mind. There's nothing pressing that needs to get done today. It's too bad Daisy is no longer with us,” smiled Richard.
“Who's Daisy?” asked Lara, confused when laughter erupted again. “What's so funny?”
“She's an old mare that we used to own,” elaborated Dorothy. “Hank rode her a few times the first time he came up to the ranch. She went from standing still to a trot in about a week and a half.”
Mike chuckled softly. “Cap told me about her. He said he'd never been on a horse in his life back then. Lou picked Daisy because she was gentle.”
“Comatose, more likely,” snorted Richard. He pushed back his plate and patted his stomach. “Delicious as always, Dot. Come on, kids. Let's get outside and find Gray Eagle. It's such a nice day, I think I'll spend the day outside enjoying it.”
The trio left the house and found Gray Eagle out near the corral. Buck was trotting a magnificent black horse around the enclosed space. Mike and Lara stared at the steed in admiration and leaned against the fence. “Is that Diablo?” questioned the engineer.
“Sure is. Good morning, you two,” greeted the Native American man. “Sleep well? Good, glad to hear it. I never got a chance to ask you last night, Mike. How's everyone back in Los Angeles ?”
“They're doing pretty good. I brought pictures of the family for you to look at. I'll show them to you later. Lara and I would like to ride up to the shack up on Victory Ridge if have time today.”
Buck pulled Diablo to a stop next to the fence just in time to hear the engineer's request. “Think your backside can handle the ride, hose jockey?” he teased good-naturedly. “It's a good fifteen miles one way.”
We'll soon find out,” answered Stoker. “Why don't you come with us? You can show us the lay of the land, as Lou puts it. I can see why she loves this place so much. Everything is so open!”
“I'm kinda surprised she didn't come up with you,” replied the foreman. “Bet those kids are keeping her hopping, huh?”
“Yeah, but she loves the chaos,” smiled Lara. She reached out to pat Diablo's sweaty neck. “He's beautiful,” she commented.
Gray Eagle turned and walked towards the barn, leaving Mike and Lara chatting with Buck. He returned fifteen minutes later leading three saddled horses. The engineer's eyes widened when he spotted the animals. He pointed to a chestnut mare. “She looks just like Samson!” he observed.
“She should, he sired her!” grinned the foreman. “Up you go, hose jockey. Don't worry; she's well-broken.” He clucked to his mount and led them out onto a worn trail that snaked behind the ranch.
A short time later, Gray Eagle stopped his horse to point out a herd of deer grazing calmly in one of the fields. “That old boy has been around here as long as I can remember,” he said, gesturing to a massive ten-point buck. The animal raised his head to stare at the humans riding through his territory. Seeing nothing threatening, he soon returned to his feeding, completely ignoring them.
Lara glanced around, taking in the scenery. “It's like paradise!” she marveled. “Everything is so fresh and unspoiled!”
Buck's jaw dropped in amazement when he saw a small herd of shaggy bison running down a hill several yards away. “Looks like the old fool actually did it,” he commented. “One of our neighbors, John Quincy, has been talking about reintroducing buffalo around these parts,” he told the newlyweds. “I had no idea he was really serious.”
Mike watched the beasts in awe. “Incredible!” he breathed. “I've never seen one before.”
Gray Eagle smiled. “My people used to call the buffalo ‘Uncle',” he said. “We depended on him so much for food and hides, that he was like a member of the family. When white hunters came out and started killing them, many tribes were forced to move onto reservations to keep from starving.” His eyes were sad and moist with unshed tears. “It was sickening that those men took only the hides and tongues, leaving the meat to rot in the sun.” He turned his horse and rode towards the herd, lost in his own thoughts.
Mike and Lara looked at each other silently. This information was something they hadn't been taught in history class. “I never knew about that,” said the woman softly.
Buck nodded, his eyes on his friend. The Native American man was sitting on his mount, his head bowed. “Most history was written from the white man's point-of-view,” he answered. “It wasn't until recently that the Indian's side of the story has come to light. Many tribes were wiped out when the buffalo disappeared from these plains and the soldiers came out here.”
Stoker bit his lip, unsure how to respond. “I can understand why the tribes fought back when their land was stolen from them,” he said finally. “I read a biography of George Armstrong Custer not long ago. From the way he was described, you'd think he was great hero, not a murderer.”
Lara's jaw dropped. “How can you say that, Michael?!?” she questioned hotly. “He and his men were massacred not far from here in a fight they couldn't hope to win!”
“He got what he deserved,” replied Gray Eagle from behind her. “The battle, in part, was retaliation for the slaughter he carried out on the Washita River . Historians call it a victory, but to my people it, was a travesty.” He threw out his arms, his dark eyes blazing with anger. “Helpless women and children shot down and trampled in the snow! Long Hair's soldiers killed anything that moved without honor, just thoughts of glory for making war on defenseless people! The government may call him a hero, but I call him a butcher !” He kicked his horse and galloped away towards the ranch.
“I didn't mean to upset him,” apologized Lara contritely. “I guess I know what not to talk about,” she went on lamely.
The foreman frowned grimly. “If I was you, little lady, I'd keep comments about General Custer to yourself, at least around here. Little Big Horn may be over a hundred years in the past, but folks around here have long memories.” He pointed off into the distance. “The line cabin is about ten miles that way,” he said. “Let's go.”
The trio didn't speak as they followed the trail. Lara was fuming at Buck's attitude, but kept quiet. Mike was too horrified by Gray Eagle's words to open his mouth. He made a mental note to apologize to the man for his wife's comments when they got back to the ranch.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
“She said what ?!?” gasped Louisa later that night, when Mike called her on the phone. “I'm not surprised Gray Eagle reacted the way he did!”
“Yeah, he was pretty upset,” answered her brother. “Lou, did you know about the battle on the Washita River ?”
“Yes, Michael, I did and I have to agree: it was massacre. I have a book about it here someplace. If I was you, I'd tell your wife to keep her trap shut. With her views, she won't be making any friends up there. I'd hate to think what Johnny would say to her if she told him what she thinks!”
“I thinking about cutting our trip short and coming home,” replied the engineer. “Maybe we can go to Catalina for a few days.”
“That sounds like a good idea to me,” answered Louisa. “Other than that, how's your honeymoon so far?”
Stoker laughed. “Why would I tell you any details, little sister?” he teased. “Seriously, I love it up here. Did you know one of the Johnson's neighbors is raising buffalo? We saw a bunch of them while we were riding today.”
The young woman gasped. “Are you kidding? Man, I wish I could have seen them,” she commented enviously. “I bet they were a sight to behold!”
“You know it! It was one of the most amazing things I've ever seen!” gushed Mike. He glanced up when Lara came into the room. “Lou, I gotta go. See you when we get back. Kiss the kids for me. Bye.”
“Telling your sister about my big mouth?” asked the woman. “Mike, I want to go home.” she whined. “I asked Dorothy if I could help her with supper and she completely ignored me. I tried to explain things to Richard and Phillip too, but they weren't very receptive.”
“I can understand that, honey,” answered Mike, wrapping his arms around her. “Custer is a sore subject up here. I should have warned you about that. If you really want to leave, we could spend the rest of our honeymoon on Catalina Island .”
“Good. Can we leave in the morning? I feel like I'm Public Enemy Number One.”
“I'll talk to the Johnsons in the morning.”
The Next Morning
Mike found Gray Eagle in the barn, cleaning the stalls. He tapped the man on the shoulder and waited for him to turn around. “Gray Eagle, I'm really sorry about what Lara said to you. She didn't mean any harm.”
The Native American sighed and leaned on his pitchfork. “I know she didn't, Michael, but she needs to learn the truth about what happened. Her beliefs are very one-sided. It could get her into real trouble if she voices them to the wrong people.” He grinned broadly. “Your sister and my grandson, just to name two.”
Stoker nodded wearily. “I know. Lou would probably go after her with a buggy whip, like she did Angelo.” He chuckled at the memory.
Gray Eagle laughed out loud. “I heard about that. I just wish I could have seen it. Louisa always did have a temper.”
Lara came into the barn, searching for her husband. Her cheeks reddened when she saw Gray Eagle. She bit her lip and tried once again to mend fences. “I'd like to apologize for my behavior yesterday, sir,” she began. “It was rude of me to speak out the way I did.”
“You're not the first person I've heard voice those views, young lady, and I'm sure you won't be the last. I don't hold it against you.”
The woman smiled in relief. “I'm glad,” she replied. “From now on, I'll think before I go shooting off my mouth. It was a pleasure to meet you, Gray Eagle. I hope to see you again some time.”
The man nodded and went back to his work. “Have a safe trip home,” he tossed over his shoulder, moving to another stall.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Two Weeks Later
“Welcome back, you two,” grinned Hank as Mike and Lara came into the Stanley home. “How was Catalina?”
“Great!” smiled Lara. “Where's Louisa?”
“Parent-teacher conference. She should be home in about an hour. I heard you went up to that old line cabin.”
The engineer laughed. “We sure did. How in the world do you and my sister fit into that place with two horses? It's not much bigger than a closet!”
“I asked myself that same question, Michael,” replied the Captain. “It was either that place or stay outside in a raging thunderstorm.”
The newlyweds shared details of their trip, glossing over Lara's argument with Gray Eagle. Hank noticed the omission, but didn't comment. While they were talking, the phone rang. “Hello? Hey, Marco. No, she's not back yet. Last I knew, it was still out in the barn. Okay, I'll give her the message. Bye.”
“Mike, we should be going,” said Lara, getting to her feet. “We have a ton of laundry to get done before your shift tomorrow. Hank, can you ask Louisa to call us when she gets home? I want to talk to her about something.”
“No problem,” grinned Stanley . “See you in the morning, Stoker. Try to be on time, all right?” he joked.
Hank went out to the barn to check on the horses. Saffron was due to deliver her first foal any day now and the mare was nervous. She nickered softly when Hank stroked her neck, stretching out her head to nuzzle his arm. “How you doing, girl? Ready to get that kicker out of your belly?”
From the porch, Buddy barked, announcing Louisa's arrival. The young woman climbed out of the car, followed by a contrite Emma and Matthew. “I don't want this to ever happen again,” she was saying. “Do I make myself clear?”
“Yes, Mama,” answered the twins, staring down at their shoes.
“All right then. Go upstairs and change out of your school clothes. I'll have a snack waiting for you. We'll discuss this more after dinner.”
“How did it go, honey?” called Hank as he walked towards the house.
Louisa rolled her eyes. “I managed to talk Mr. Dobson out of suspending those two hellions of ours,” she said grimly. “I'll tell you the details later. I hate to do it, but they have to be punished, sweetheart. The twins have to learn that this kind of behavior will not be tolerated.”
“I know, Lou,” replied the Captain sadly. “And the sooner the better. Can't have our kids getting into trouble at school.”
The couple went into the house, Buddy on their heels. Emma and Matthew were sitting at the kitchen table, busily doing homework. “Are you mad at us, Daddy?” they asked in unison.
“We'll talk about that later. Take your books upstairs and stay up there until your mother calls you for dinner.”
After dinner, the little family settled into the living room to discuss what had happened at school that afternoon. “But, Mama, Scott hit me first!” exclaimed Matthew.
“That makes no difference, son,” answered Louisa sternly. “What he did was wrong, but you had no reason to repeat his mistake.”
Emma's chin thrust out defiantly, ready to defend her twin brother. “But, if someone hits you , Mama, you hit them back. What's the difference?” she questioned.
The young mother's eyes darkened. “The difference, young lady, is that I'm an adult and you're not. I don't want to hear about you two fighting again. Is that understood?”
The twins turned pleading on their father, silently begging him to intervene. Hank shook his head. “You heard your mother. As for your punishment, no after-school activities or television for a week. And you'll both do extra chores for the next month. Go finish your homework and get ready for bed.”
Emma and Matthew stomped up the stairs, grumbling under their breaths. Louisa bit her lip, struggling to contain her giggles until her children were out of earshot. As soon as the doors to their bedrooms closed, she burst out laughing. “And you said twins weren't any more trouble than one, hose jockey?” she snorted, tears streaming down her cheeks.
“I stand corrected, Mrs. Stanley,” grinned her husband. “They certainly have inherited their mother's stubborn streak. It's a good thing Hannah and Robert take after me.”
The young woman playfully slapped his arm. “Heaven help us,” she teased. “We'll see how they act when they're teenagers. Maybe we should invest in straight jackets now and save ourselves the trouble later on!”
Hank chuckled. “Nah, we'll just get the vet to inject them with horse tranquilizers,” he said, feeding his wife's hysteria. Louisa wrapped her arms around her ribcage, howling with glee.
A loud whinny from the barn interrupted the couple's playful banter. They shot up out of their chairs, eyes wide. “Call the vet,” ordered Louisa, “while I check on Saffy.” She ran from the house, slamming the door behind her with a crash.
Hank snatched up the phone and called Bob Saunders, their equine vet. “Bob, it's time, we think,” he rasped. “No, Lou's out with her. Okay, meet you out near the barn.”
The Captain walked to the foot of the stairs and called out to his children. “Kids, Saffron's having her foal. Matthew, call your Uncle Marco and ask him to come out here. I want all of you to stay inside until he gets here. No using the stove or the microwave, is that clear? If you need anything, your mother and I will be out in the barn.” He turned and ran out the door as Louisa shouted for him to hurry.
“Bob's on his way, honey,” panted Hank, leaning against the door. “How's she doing?”
The young woman shook her head. “I don't like it, Hank,” she whispered. “Her labor is progressing too quickly. If Bob's not here within the next fifteen minutes, I think you and I are going to end up delivering that foal.”
The Captain swallowed hard, his eyes wide. “Are you sure we can ?” he replied. “I've never seen a horse give birth in my life! I wouldn't know where to start.”
Louisa chuckled softly, covering her mouth to hide her amused grin. “Lucky for you, hose jockey, I have. Can you get my kit? It's in the cupboard with the saddle blankets.” She went back into the stall, murmuring to the frightened mare. “Easy, girl. It'll be over soon. Just relax, baby.” The mare's ears flicked back and forth as she listened to her owner's calming words.
Hank glanced out the door when Marco's car pulled up. The Latino fire fighter waved to his Captain and went into the house. Emma and Matthew grabbed his legs, both talking a blue streak.
“Saffy's having her baby, Uncle Marco!” shouted Emma. “Mama and Daddy are trying to help her!”
“I know, querida ,” smiled Marco. “Don't worry. Everything will be just fine,” he went on, praying he was right.
Bob Saunders, the vet, pulled his truck into the yard and jumped out. He ran into the barn, quickly taking in the scene before him. “How long has she been like this, Mrs. Stanley?” he questioned, moving to the mare's side.
“About twenty minutes,” answered Louisa, checking her watch. “I've been walking her around a bit to calm her down. I don't think it will be much longer,” she grinned.
Saunders matched her smile. “You're right about that,” he replied as Saffron lay down in the hay. “Have you got the birthing kit ready?”
“Right here,” said Hank, dropping it onto the floor. “Look!” he shouted, pointing to a pair of tiny hooves emerging from under the mare's tail.
“I see it, Captain,” answered the vet. He reached out and patted Saffron's neck. “You're doing just fine, honey. Good girl,” he praised as the foal's legs followed the hooves. The mare panted and strained. The rest of the foal's body slid out and Saffron stood up, breaking the umbilical cord. She stretched out her neck and bit through the sac covering her baby. Ten minutes later, the foal was on its feet, nosing its mother's belly in search of its first meal.
“Looks like you're got yourselves another fine colt,” smiled Bob. “And isn't he a beauty?” he continued, openly admiring the animal.
Louisa shook her head in amazement. “I've never seen a labor that short!” she exclaimed. “Guess you fooled us, didn't you, girl?” she chuckled to the mare. “If only my own labors had been that easy!”
“I'm just glad I was home when Hank called,” answered the vet. “But, considering how long you worked on a ranch, you would have done all right on your own, Mrs. Stanley.”
“I don't know about that,” laughed the young woman, holding up a shaking hand. “I was a little worried, since this is Saffy's first delivery.”
“I know the feeling. I was a nervous wreck the first time I administered to a mare,” grinned Bob. He gestured to Louisa's bloody forearms. “Why don't you go wash up? I'll keep an eye on Mama and Junior for a while.”
“I'll be back with some hot coffee,” promised Louisa. “Hank, are you okay?” she asked, seeing her husband's pale face.
The Captain blinked. “What? Oh, yeah, honey, I'm fine. I was just thinking back to when the twins were born.”
“Come on, sweetheart. You look like you could use a stiff drink.” She led Hank from the barn and into the house. As soon as they walked in the door, Emma and Matthew pounced on them, brimming with questions.
“One at a time,” grinned Louisa, motioning for order. “Saffron is fine and so is her colt,” she said.
Marco breathed a sigh of relief. “That's good to hear,” he replied. “You're a little soiled there, little sister,” he teased.
“Thank you for pointing that out, Captain Obvious,” the young woman shot back. “Why don't you make yourself useful and put these wild Indians to bed while I take a shower? Hank, can you make some coffee?” She turned and went upstairs to clean up and change her clothes.
“When can we see the colt, Daddy?” asked Matthew.
“In the morning, son,” chuckled Hank. “Now go on. It's bedtime.”
Half an hour later, the three of them went back to the barn, carrying a pot of hot coffee and four cups.
“Ah, thanks,” said Bob, taking a full mug. “That hit the spot!”
Louisa leaned over the stall door and smiled. “I think we're going to need to build an addition pretty soon, Hank,” she commented. “The way our herd is growing, we'll be stabling them in the house before too long.”
Saffron raised her head when she heard the voices. She nickered softly and drew her baby closer to her side, never taking her eyes off the humans.
Bob drained his cup and stood up. “Well, since everything is okay here, I best be getting home. I'll stop by tomorrow to check on them, Mrs. Stanley,” he promised.
Louisa walked him out to his truck. “Thanks a million, Bob,” she said, shaking the man's hand. “I'm glad you got here in time. Hank was about ready to pass out on me,” she chuckled. “Let me know how much we owe you.”
“Will do, ma'am. Good night,” replied the vet, waving as he drove off.
The young woman went back into the barn, laughing softly as the men stared at the new colt in awe. “Don't look so amazed, gentlemen,” she joked. “It happens every day, you know.”
Marco blushed, a grin lighting up his handsome face. “I know that, smarty pants, but it's still a beautiful thing to behold. You thought up a name for the little guy yet?”
“There's plenty of time for that, pal,” smiled Hank. “At least we won't have to put this one through college, like our other offspring.”
“Maybe not, but there's still weaning, halter training, and saddle-breaking,” answered Louisa. “Not to mention dressage, neck reining and a few dozen other things I can't recall just now.” She yawned widely, stretching her arms above her head. “Man, I'm beat and I wasn't even the one in labor! I'll stay with her, honey. You get some sleep. In case you've forgotten, you have to work in the morning.”
“You sure?” questioned Hank doubtfully.
“Yes, Hank. Go on; make yourself scarce. You, too, Marco. Shake a leg.”
“I'm going,” grumbled the Latino man. “See you tomorrow, Cap. Night, Lou.”
Four Months Later
Louisa stood leaning on the fence, watching Saffron and her colt, Mickey, chase each other around the corral. She looked up and shielded her eyes as Mike's truck pulled up in front of the house. The engineer grinned as he loped over to join his sister.
“Hey, Michael,” called the young woman. “You're up early. The sun hasn't even cleared the horizon yet.”
“Me? What about you ?” joked Stoker. “Have you even had your first pot of coffee yet?”
“Very funny, smart alec. At least my brew doesn't melt the cup. Come on, speak up. I can tell you're bursting with some news.”
“I'm gonna be a father!” shouted Mike, grabbing his sister and swinging her around. “I wanted you to be the first to know, well, other than me and Lara, of course.”
Louisa grinned, hugging her brother joyously. “Congratulations! About time you two started populating the County. When's Lara due?”
“In May. The doctor told us she's only about six weeks along. Lara wanted me to ask you if she could borrow your pregnancy book.”
“Sure, let me get it for you. How's she feeling?”
“Pretty rotten,” answered Mike, following Louisa to the house. “Morning sickness and all that. You know how it is.”
“You got that right. If I even looked at food, my stomach churned.” She bent over to kiss her husband on the cheek as she passed. “Go ahead, Mike; tell him,” she encouraged.”
“Tell me what?” asked the Captain, putting down his coffee cup.
“Lara's pregnant,” said Mike casually, as if it didn't matter. The sparkle in his eyes, however, revealed his happiness.
“That's great, Stoker! I'm happy for you! Now, Roy and I will have someone to maternity ward horror stories with. When the big day?”
Louisa came back into the room, playfully swatting him with the book. “Hank, don't tease him. Here you go, big brother. All you ever wanted to know about pregnancy, but were afraid to ask,” she joked.
“Thanks,” replied the engineer, leafing through the thick volume. “Is there a chapter in here for me ?” he asked, looking up hopefully.
Hank grinned. “Yeah, but they left out the fact that your wife will call you every name in the book while she's in labor,” he chuckled. “Louisa cussed me out better than a sailor when she was in labor!”
The young woman rolled her eyes. “I was delirious,” she shot back, her eyes twinkling. “I didn't know what I was saying!”
“A likely story,” teased the Captain. He pushed back his chair and got up. “Congratulations, Michael. Honey, I'll be back in a couple hours. I promised Gage that I would give him a ride to the hospital to get his cast off today. See you later.”
“Bye, honey. Tell Johnny I said hello and to watch where he's walking this time.” She giggled softly, recalling how the paramedic had broken his leg a month and a half before. “If he's going to gape at pretty girls and walk down stairs at the same time, he should hold on to the railing!”
The men laughed. “I'll tell him, sweetheart,” said Hank, walking out the door.
“Have you told Constance about the baby yet, Mike?” asked Louisa.
“No, I was hoping you'd go with me. I know you two don't get along very well, but at least you talk to her now.”
“Oh, I guess you don't know,” replied his sister. “We sat down and had a long talk a few weeks ago. She finally explained why she put me up for adoption. When I heard her reasons, I started to understand her motivation. From what she told me, my father wasn't exactly Prince Charming back then. In fact, he was kind of a bastard.”
The engineer smiled. “Yeah, I've heard that,” he admitted. He looked around. “Where's the herd? It's too quiet around here.”
“ Mami and Marco took them to the zoo for the day. They said I needed a breather. I swear, those four could test a saint's patience at times.”
“Like their mother?” teased Mike.
Louisa laughed and stared at him innocently. “What are you talking about? I'm a perfect angel,” she joked.
“I hate to tell you this, Angel, but your halo needs polished. It's a little crooked, too.”
“Yours is battered beyond repair, pal,” giggled the young woman. “Let's go, ‘Daddy'. If you behave, I might even treat you to lunch.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Constance was overjoyed to learn that she was about to be a grandmother again. She immediately called her sister, Katherine, to share her happy news. The women agreed to get together later that week to visit the expectant parents.
“Are you sure you and Hank don't want another baby, Louisa?” she asked, raising an eyebrow at her daughter.
“Positive,” answered the young woman. “Dr. Sinclair said it could be dangerous for me to get pregnant again. For now, I'm happy just to spoil my kids and let Mike and Lara take over. And the way things are going, Marco might be next to add to the family.”
“I take it he's getting serious about Lynda, then,” said Mike. “Has he popped the question yet?”
“No, but all signs indicate that he will very soon,” chuckled Louisa. “I caught him looking at engagements rings the other day.”
“Now we need to marry off Chet and Johnny,” smirked the engineer. “There has to be someone who could put up with them.”
“They're perfectly nice young men,” put in Constance . “They just haven't found their perfect match yet. From what you told me, Louisa, if Hank hadn't been free, you could have ended up with either one of them.”
Mike swallowed his coffee the wrong way and choked. “Are you kidding me?” he gasped out between coughs. “I'm glad you didn't , little sister.”
“You and me both, Mike,” grinned Louisa. “I love those two nutcases, but as friends. I'll never forget how Johnny helped me when Robert was born. I was scared out of mind that something bad was going to happen, but he never let me give in to my fear.”
“That was quite a day, Lou,” replied Stoker. “I certainly hope Lara doesn't have any trouble with our baby. She's so tiny, I don't know how she's going to handle it.”
“Your wife is a lot tougher than she looks, sweetie. As long as she takes care of herself, there shouldn't be any problem.”
Three Weeks Later
“Toby, I can't believe I let you talk me into this,” grumbled Louisa as she teased up her hair. “I feel like an idiot.”
Rick Dunkirk burst out laughing. “ You feel like an idiot? What about me?” he joked. “I'm the one wearing this spandex straight jacket on my legs. And what about the other guys? They look like the aftermath of a cosmetics factory explosion!”
The young woman giggled. “You're prettied up yourself, buddy,” she teased. “I swear, my husband and his crew will never let me live this down. I can almost guarantee Johnny will be in the front row with his camera.” She bent down and pulled on her cowboy boots. “Everybody ready?”
The members of the former Mute Nostril Agony clasped hands and growled. Out in the crowded club, people were talking loudly as they waited for the show to start. As Louisa had predicted, John Gage was front-row-center, balancing a camera in his hands. His partner, Roy Desoto, sat next to him, looking uncomfortable. “Tell me again why I'm here, junior,” he muttered.
“To support our Captain's wife, Pally,” grinned the paramedic. “And here I thought we knew all about her past. I never would have guessed she was a rocker.”
Chet Kelly leaned over and grinned at his co-workers. “Yeah, it's pretty amazing. Can you believe the name of her band?” he snickered in amusement. “Where did they ever come up with a name like ‘Mute Nostril Agony' anyways? Sounds like a disease.”
Marco Lopez chuckled and lifted his beer mug. “It's from an old Doors song,” he said. “You should have heard the names that didn't make the cut!”
“We have,” laughed Hank. He raised his hand to signal the waitress to bring him another beer. The girl wriggled over, clad in an extremely low-cut tank top and miniscule shorts.
“Man, this is totally awesome! I never thought these guys would get back together,” said a young man at the next table. “Last I heard, the lead singer was married to some fireman and has about a dozen kids.” He made an obscene, slurping noise. “I wonder if she's still hot?”
Mike Stoker bit his lip to keep from laughing. He glanced at the young man, who had a large gold ring dangling from one nostril. His companion, a voluptuous redhead, sported a thick bar through her eyebrow. “What a crowd,” mumbled the engineer. “Looks like the local asylum is missing a few patients.”
Johnny and Chet laughed, nodding in agreement. The Irishman started to make a comment, but choked off his words as the room darkened and the club owner stepped out onto the stage.
“All right!” he shouted. “Are you ready to party?!? Tonight, we have a very special treat for you folks! After almost twenty years, Mute Nostril Agony has reunited for one night only. Let's hear it for Louisa Lopez Stanley, Toby Wilder, Gene Simpson, Rick Dunkirk, and Paul Roland! Ladies and gentlemen, Mute Nostril Agony !”” Loud applause erupted as the musicians took their places.
“Thank you very much!” grinned Louisa as she looked out over the crowd. “We're real psyched to be here tonight! When we split all those years ago, we had no idea that so many people would remember us. Let me tell y'all how this little reunion came about.” She winked at Hank, who was staring at her in awe, taking in her tight, very revealing outfit. “I was going through a box of old photographs that my Mami gave me and found one of the band. I made a few calls and got in touch with the boys. The idea of getting back together was tossed around and, after a lot of thought, we decided to give it a whirl! I recognize some of our fans from before and lots of new faces. I promise that we'll try not to embarrass ourselves too much! Hit it, boys!”
Rick grinned and launched into the opening notes of an old Janis Joplin tune. The rest of the band joined in as Louisa sang the opening words:
“Oh, come on, come on, come on, come on!
Didn't I make you feel like you were the only man
Didn't I give you nearly everything a woman possibly can?
Honey, you know I did!”**
Hank's jaw dropped as his wife sang. “I didn't know she could sing like that!” he whispered to Marco.
The Latino fire fighter grinned. “Mama and Papa always preferred that she do stuff a little less loud,” he chuckled.
The crowd cheered as the band interacted. The young man at the next table leaned over, his eyes focused on Louisa's body as she danced around the stage.
“Have another piece of my heart now, baby, hey
You know you got it, child, if it makes you feel good!”**
The band launched into another song without a hitch. Louisa walked over to Toby and started moving in sync with the bass player as he hammered on his instrument. She tossed her head, flicking sweat-soaked hair out of her eyes and grinned. Paul strolled to the lip of the stage, caught up as he played a fast solo. With a rattle of drums, the song ended. Johnny leaped out of his seat, cheering loudly. “All right, Lou! Go for it, baby!” he shouted. “What?” he said to Roy, who stared at him in surprise.
“Thank you! I know a few of you have been wondering what we've been doing for all these years!” shouted Rick. “Well, Louisa is married to this guy right here and they got four kids,” he said, pointing to Hank. “Stand up, man! Toby is a big shot attorney, Gene married his girlfriend, Patsy and sired a couple of rug rats of his own, and me and Paul are playing with a band called Shadow Boxing! We're gonna take a short break, but don't go away, ‘cause we'll be back!”
The house lights came up as the band ran off the stage, making a beeline for their dressing room. “That was a riot !” enthused Louisa, wiping her sweaty face with a towel. “Made me forget I'm supposed to respectable!” she laughed.
Paul chuckled and swiped at her with his own towel. “Why do you think me and Rick are still doing this, kid?” he teased. “We get off on the rush. Not to mention the chicks.”
Marcus, the club owner, knocked on the door, then pushed it open. “You guys are great!” he smiled. “You sure this is only a one-night thing? You could make a boatload of money. Did you hear that crowd? They love you!”
Gene nodded, slinging his heavily-muscled arm around Louisa's shoulders. “It is for us,” he said. “Tomorrow morning, we go back to our families and our boring lives.”
Louisa laughed, shrugging off her friend's arm. “Who ever told you my life was boring, buddy?” she teased. “At least Toby gets paid to argue. I never dreamed he would make good on his threat to go to law school!”
The bass player winked at her. “I just figured some day you'd need a good attorney, Miss Wild Woman. I've been keeping track of you over the years. I have to ask you something, Lou.” He paused, biting his lip. “Did you really shoot two guys to death because they threatened your children?”
Gene dropped his drumsticks and turned to stare at her incredulously. “What's he talking about?”
The young woman blushed under his intense scrutiny. “It's a long story, guys. I'll tell you about it sometime, but not tonight. We've got a show to finish.”
Paul and Rick looked at each, then burst out laughing. “I guess that wild streak of yours has stayed with you,” snorted Dunkirk , picking up his guitar. “You can fill us in over a late dinner, sweetheart. I'm buying.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Hank and his crew sat at their table drinking their beers. Chet was having a hard time reconciling the Louisa he knew with the young woman he had seen onstage. “I can't get over it,” he said to Marco. “How come you never told us Lou was a singer?”
The Latino man smiled at his friend. “I'd forgotten all about it until she found that picture,” he answered. “She's pretty good, huh?”
“I'll say,” put in Johnny. “She could be a professional. And she looks damn good in tight pants,” he joked, grinning at Hank.
The young man at the next table leaned forward. “You can say that again, friend,” he babbled drunkenly. “Hard to believe she's got four kids.”
Captain Stanley's eyes darkened. “Well, she does, buster, and , she's my wife,” he growled.
“I-I'm sorry, man. I didn't mean no disrespect,” answered the man. “I'm Davey.,” he went on, sticking out his hand.”
“Hank Stanley , and this is Chet Kelly, Marco Lopez, Mike Stoker, John Gage, and Roy Desoto.”
Davey grinned. “Are all you guys firemen?” he asked.
Chet nodded. “Yeah, we are, but Gage and Desoto here are also paramedics. If you keep drooling over Lou like you are, they might get some unexpected business,” he said amiably. “So, why don't you put your eyes back in their sockets and show a little respect, man?”
Davey's reply was muted by the cheering crowd. The band ran from behind the curtain and took their places. Louisa whispered to Rick and signaled the other musicians. She winked down at Hank as they stared to play another song. “Some of you will remember this song!” she shouted into the microphone. “It reminds me of a pair of dedicated paramedics and a rescue they had a few years ago. Johnny and Roy, this is for you.” She grinned at her friends as Dunkirk played the opened notes to Ted Nugent's “Cat Scratch Fever”.
Roy stared at his partner in astonishment as he listened to the words. “You think she's referring to that tiger in the grocery store, Johnny?” he whispered, his face turning crimson.
“What other cats have we dealt with, Roy ,” Gage whispered back. “I think we should stop telling her about our calls,” he grumbled, sliding down in his chair.
After the concert was over, the paramedics took the opportunity to ask Louisa what she meant. The young woman laughed at their grumpy expressions. “Come on, you guys,” she snickered. “I was just having a little fun. So, what did you think? Where we entertaining enough?”
“Ask the guy at the next table,” chuckled Mike. “He was drooling so much, I was ready to get him a bib!”
Paul looked up from buttoning his shirt. “You must mean Davey Shaw,” he commented with a smirk. “He always had the hots for her, back in the day. We almost had to beat him off with a stick!”
Louisa grinned. “What about Brenda, Paulie?” she teased. “She looked at you like you were the Second Coming of Elvis. I wonder what ever happened to her?”
“She's still around,” informed Rick, slapping his friend's shoulder. “I was kind of surprised not to see her here tonight.” He leaned forward and whispered in the young woman's ear. She gasped and started giggling like a giddy teenager.
“Are you serious ?” she snorted. “She actually jumped onstage and stripped in front of everyone? That's too funny!”
“Scout's honor,” smiled Rick. “I thought for sure Paul was gonna burst into flames, he was blushing so hard!”
The room erupted into laughter and good-natured teasing. The noise died away to silence as Marcus came in, a wad of cash in his hands. “Here ya go, kids. A thousand bucks, as we agreed on. You know, you could make a mint if you kept playing. Think about it and give me a call,” he said, leaving the room and closing the door behind him.