A Swapped Life, Chapters 25-27 free porn video

A SWAPPED LIFE, Chapters 25 - 27 A young male engineer goes to an engineering conference and gets swapped with a teen unwed mother who did not finish high school. Story discusses how the new woman makes new friends, and copes with motherhood, her new parents and sister, her former boyfriend, and eventually with love and marriage. Story also discusses the struggles of the new man, whose family and educational background did not give him the tools to fit into the world of men, and of his eventual redemption. This is my first attempt to write fiction. I have found it much more challenging than I expected. I am grateful for constructive criticism. This is the ninth and last part of A SWAPPED LIFE and covers chapters 25 - 27. But I have blocked out an epilog. It would take a while to get together. Does anyone think it would be worthwhile? In the first part, in chapter 1 I introduced the original Brian and his family. Brian is a small and easy-going guy, but intelligent and strong willed. He is a civil engineer and works for a consulting company and is attending a conference in Eugene and giving a paper. In chapter 2, Brian encounters a very large man, Rex, abusing his girlfriend, Erin, and their daughter, Mary, in the halls of his hotel. Brian calls him on it, but no good deed goes unpunished and Rex beats Brian up and steals his wallet. Later that night, Brian wakes up as Erin being taunted by Rex . Rex throws Erin out of the room with their baby and she finds Erin who has been swapped into Brian's body. Chapter 3 discusses their early interactions. Erin finds she feels a magical connection with the baby Mary, and she becomes determined to give her a loving upbringing. And Erin gives the engineering paper that the old Brian had prepared. The two of them decide to return to Blakefield, the town where they both grew up. In the second part, in chapter 4, Erin and Brian return to Blakefield and the new Erin decides to go into detox and tries to get Brian's sister Clara to help him, but she won't believe the story of Brian and Erin swapping. In desperation, the new Erin begs the old Erin's parents to pay for detox, without telling them anything about the swap. In chapter 5, Erin's parents allow her to move home and she meets Fran, a Blakefield police officer, who hated the old Erin. Fran shows her antipathy in various ways. In chapter 6, Erin's parents send her to a detox program, which she finishes. While there, Erin makes friends with a girl named LaTesha In the third part, Erin returns home and slowly makes progress improving her relationships with her parents and with Fran. She also starts working on her GED so she can get a good job in order to support Mary. She finds along the way that the old Erin had made a lot of enemies. She makes another new friend at church, Debbie. Then Brian reenters the new Erin's life and causes more trouble. Nevertheless, Erin remains determined to get her high school GED so she can support Mary. In the fourth part, Erin discovers that the past fights of the former Erin with her sister-in-law have made her unwelcome at the family's Thanksgiving dinner. So she uses the time to study for the GED, but a last-minute decision by her sister-in-law allows her to meet her extended family. After Thanksgiving, Erin discovers she is pregnant. She has a quiet Christmas and New Year. She goes to a girl's night out with Clara and briefly sees her previous best friend Tony. After New Year, she takes the second GED Test and decides to keep the baby that is the result of her last encounter with Brian. In the fifth part, Chapters 13 - 15, Erin proposes a report documentation project at Pederson's Construction, and carries it out over a few weeks in January. At the same time, she makes another good friend, and helps Debbie while her baby is being born. In February Erin starts being a daytime sitter and wet nurse for Debbie's child while Debbie goes back to high school. Erin also finds out Latesha is in Girls' Detention and contacts her to arrange for a visit. In March, Erin visits Latesha a couple of times at the detention center, which is on the same grounds as a men's prison. During the second visit, Erin finds out that Brian is incarcerated, and goes to see him. During the same period, Erin has been having trouble eating and her mother talks her into telling her OBGYN, who determines that she is not eating enough for her unborn children and admits her to the hospital. While there, Erin meets an old high school pal named Jesse, who participated in some of the former Erin's hi-jinks. Near the end of the month, Erin takes and passes her third GED test, and encounter's Rex again. In the sixth part, chapters 16-18, Rex breaks into Erin's parents' home and ties up Erin's mom and tries to rape Erin, but Erin has squirreled away a pistol in her room and manages to get it out and shoot Rex and escape with Mary. In the process he hits her in the head and gives her a bad concussion and she loses all memory of the last 5 months since the switch and thinks she is still Brian. This only lasts a couple days, but Jenny picks up on it and Clara and Erin decide to tell Jenny of the switch. Jenny doesn't believe them until she accompanies them to visit Brian in prison and she sees that Brian is very different. It takes weeks for Erin to recover. When she does, her father asks her to fill in in a family foursome in a charity golf tournament for Stacey who has injured herself running. Erin is pleasantly surprised that she can still swing the clubs and help the foursome score well. Then Erin takes the last GED test and does well and is awarded her high school credentials. In the seventh part, chapters 19 - 21, Rex gets another prosecutor who is a friend of his father, Adam. Adam arranges a new bail hearing, but Rex is killed by another inmate at the jail before that. Adam attacks Erin outside the courthouse and threatens to kill her. Erin takes a firearms training course and buys a pistol for protection. After a time, the threat Adam presents subsides. In another storyline, Debbie's parents split because her father finds her mother has been having an affair with the Pastor, who is forced to resign his position. In June, Erin feels well enough to be Matron of Honor at Clara's wedding. She fills in for Tony's keyboarder, and afterward dances with Tony and they feel increasingly close. But Tony is hearing about the old Erin's escapades from a friend and decides for the sake of his children that he can't risk being close to Erin. He returns to Seattle. In the eighth part, Chapters 22 - 24, Erin gives birth to twins. Tony returns to Blakefield and he and his boys spend time with Erin. Erin forgives Tony for leaving her. Tony falls in love with Erin and unexpectedly asks her to marry him. Erin puts him off until she can be sure of herself and until she can find a way to tell Tony who she is. Erin does tell Jesse the story and takes her to visit Brian. Jesse starts falling in love for her old friend. In the meantime, Tony has to return to Seattle to do a last project for his work and to clean out and find a new renter for the apartment he and the boys had been renting. Erin has arranged a date for when he gets back to see how she reacts to fulfilling a woman's role in a sexual relationship, and to take him out to Nola prison and tell him who she is. CHARACTERS Brian-->Erin An accomplished young male engineer with some struggles and insecurities. He tries to help a woman being abused by a very large man and is then swapped with that woman. Erin --> Brian A troubled young woman who never finished high school and who is transgendered. In spite of gender issues, she wound up getting involved with a troubled young man and having his baby. She is swapped with Brian. Rex The old Erin's boyfriend and Mary's father. Rex is a very large and abusive man, but the old Erin knows how to handle him, although she and Mary are in constant danger of abuse. Clara Sister of Brian. She is social worker and is a very accomplished young woman and was her brother's close friend. Jenny Mother of Brian. She is an administrator at a local hospital and was very close to Brian and Clara. Peter Father of Brian. He is a professor of mathematics and was also very close to Brian and Clara. Mary Baby Daughter of Erin. She turns out sweet tempered and loving despite being neglected by the original Erin Mom (Mary) Mother of Erin. She is an office manager for a construction firm. She has some flaws and had a rough relationship with the original Erin, but eventually turns out to play a positive role. Dad (Bart) Loving father of Erin. He is a construction worker. Fran Sister of Erin. She is a police officer. She and the old Erin hated each other. She makes the new Erin's life miserable at first, but eventually they become friends. Dan Erin's brother. Stacey Dan's wife, Erin's sister-in-law. She is very smart and remains convinced that Erin is a different person. Latesha Friend Erin makes in a drug detox program. LaTesha was a very promising student in high school but was pulled into the world of drugs by her boyfriend and winds up spending about a year in youth detention. Debbie Friend Erin makes attending church. She is a high school student and an unwed mother. Her mother has rejected her for engaging in unmarried sex. Ginni Friend Erin makes doing a contracting job. She works for Erin's Mom and wants a career in finance. Jesse Close friend of the old Erin. She also becomes a friend of the new Erin, even though the two Erins are very different. Jesse was the original Erin's partner in many pranks and just barely graduates high school, but she is determined to succeed in life and is attending culinary school and also wants to also establish herself as a photographer. Adam Rex's father. He is also large and abusive, and also is a rapist. He is a lawyer and uses his expertise to protect Rex from the consequences of his actions. Tony Close friend of the old Brian and an excellent musician. After a failed marriage, he is raising his two sons by himself. He is asked to provide music at Clara's wedding. TABLE OF CONTENTS: CHAPTER 1. OCTOBER, BRIAN AND FAMILY CHAPTER 2. EUGENE, THE SWITCH CHAPTER 3. IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE SWITCH. CHAPTER 4. BLAKEFIELD, AFTER THE SWITCH. CHAPTER 5. ERIN MOVES HOME, FRAN'S ANTIPATHY CHAPTER 6. DETOX, MEETING LATESHA CHAPTER 7. NOVEMBER, ERIN HOME AGAIN CHAPTER 8. MEETING DEBBIE, THE WATER LEAK, REINSTATEMENT AT THE COMMUNITY CENTER CHAPTER 9. THE RAPE, FIRST GED TEST CHAPTER 10. THANKSGIVING CHAPTER 11. DECEMBER, PREGNANCY TEST, CHRISTMAS, SEEING TONY CHAPTER 12. JANUARY, SECOND GED TEST, DECIDING TO KEEP THE BABY CHAPTER 13. JANUARY, PROJECT AT PETERSONS, MEETING GINNI, HELPING DEBBIE CHAPTER 14. FEBRUARY, CARING FOR JEREMY, CONTACTING LATESHA CHAPTER 15. MARCH, VISITING LATESHA, GETTING SICK, MEETING JESSE, VISITING BRIAN, ENCOUNTER WITH REX, THIRD GED TEST CHAPTER 16. APRIL, REX'S ASSAULT, MEMORY LOSS, TELLING JENNY, VISITING BRIAN AGAIN, TESTIFYING, GOLF CHAPTER 17. MAY, VISITING A SPIRITUALIST, BRIDESMAIDS NIGHT OUT, TALKING TO TONY, PRESENTING THE GED, LAST GED TEST, VISIT TO NOLA CHAPTER 18. JUNE, DAN's BBQ, GED GRADUATION ADDRESS, DEBBY'S SENIOR SNEAK, DEBBY AND JESSE'S GRADUATION CHAPTER 19. REX's DEATH, ADAM ATACKS ERIN, CONCEALED CARRY PERMIT, UNWELCOME AT THE COMMUNITY CENTER, THE REVEREND LEAVES CHAPTER 20. DEBBIE'S PARENTS SPLIT, ERIN VOLUNTEERS TO TESTIFY, WELCOME AT COMMUNITY CENTER CHAPTER 21. CLARA'S WEDDING, ERIN AND TONY HELP DEBBIE'S MOTHER CHAPTER 22. ERIN GIVES BIRTH CHAPTER 23. HOME FROM THE HOSPITAL, WALK WITH TONY AND HIS BOYS, NOT WELCOME AGAIN AT THE COMMUNITY CENTER. CHAPTER 24. TONY'S PROPOSAL, HELP FROM FRIENDS, TELLING JESSE. CHAPTER 25. TONY AND ERIN'S DATE CHAPTER 26. ANOUNCEMENTS, MAKING PLANS CHAPTER 27. THE WEDDING CHAPTER 25. TONY and ERIN'S DATE Then Erin hurried upstairs to get ready. She had packed and laid out her sundress and managed to get her makeup and jewelry on and be dressed by the time Tony arrived. But of course, Tony, Mr. Punctual, had arrived 10 minutes early. Erin heard Mom scream, "Erin, Tony's Here." Erin thought 'What an infuriating man.' Then she giggled at her thought and mused. 'Had girls once thought the same about Brian? One or two anyway?' And then, 'Enough of that. It's time to get a rush on, girl.' Erin appeared downstairs, fully dressed, and carrying a small suitcase and purse, at 2 minutes to 6. She was about to chastise Tony for being early, but he was all dressed up in slacks and a sport jacket and looked fabulous, like a young Dean Martin. Somehow that resemblance had never struck either Erin or Brian. And as soon as he saw her he said, "Erin, you look beautiful. God it's good to see you." Then he stepped forward and put his arms around her while she was still holding the purse and suitcase and gave her a romantic kiss that set her heart beating wildly. When they were finished, Erin just leaned her head on his shoulder and stood close to him, not wanting the moment to end. But Mom came back in the room holding the twins and gave Erin a long look. Erin just smiled and shrugged. Then, Erin noticed Mary in her walker looking at them, too. Soon the quiet ceased and she heard the normal sounds of the twins fussing a bit and Mary babbling and fussing for attention. Life was back to normal. For now. They spent a few minutes talking to Mom. Erin had told her to call her cell if there was any sort of emergency, but Mom said she wouldn't call unless there was a real emergency. Then Mom said, "So what are you two doing on your weekend away?" Tony spoke up and said, "Yes, Erin, what are we doing?" Erin said, "Well we have a quiet table booked at Bentley's, (a night club which served dinner and was quiet until 8, when the music started) and then we will stay at the honeymoon suite at that new Inn by the base. In the morning we will go for a drive. And we will be home tomorrow evening." Tony looked a little panicky at that, but Erin assured him, "Tony, this is my treat. I know you have limited funds and two boys to care for, so don't worry. I have some savings from a job I had last spring." Tony replied, "Well, I can share the cost at least." Erin knew that Tony was a proud man and would not relent on that, so she said, "OK, Tony. We will both share." Mom caught the reference to "a drive," and thought, "God, Erin is taking him to Nola. What in the world for?" But she didn't say anything. She respected the new Erin too much. The new Erin almost always had well thought out reasons for everything she did. Then Erin and Tony said their goodbyes to Mom and to Fran, who came home as they were leaving. Fran looked at her and said, "Hey, Sis, you look great. Tony, you look great too. You two have a good time. Then she gave them an exaggerated wink." Erin just smiled. That was just Fran. You have to take the bad with the good. Erin smiled and said "Goodbye, Fran." Tony laughed and said, "Hey Fran, I hear you are engaged. Good Luck." Fran said, "Thanks Tony," and left. Erin and Tony walked out to the car, Tony opened the door for Erin, and then went around to the driver's seat and got in and drove off. Erin noticed that Tony had cleaned out the car and complimented him and he gave her a smile. The evening had begun on a positive note. Tony had no problem finding Bentley's. He had played there several times. The head waiter saw Tony and greeted him warmly and said "I didn't see your name on the reservations, Mr. Delgado. No matter, I have a suitable table available." It was as though Erin only existed as an accessary. Slightly irritated, she spoke up and said "Excuse me. My name is Erin McLoughlin. The reservation is under my name. I asked for a quiet table." The head waiter looked at Tony, who to his credit smiled and said, "As the lady said, a quiet table." So, they were ushered to a pleasant back table, and given their menus. Erin ordered stuffed sole, potatoes and steamed vegetables. Tony ordered prime rib, baked potatoes, and fried green beans. Erin would have liked to order a glass of wine, but she was too young, so she stuck with the water. Tony ordered a beer. Then they just enjoyed each other's company while the food was prepared. But after about 5 minutes, a large group came in and were seated near the stage. One of the men looked over toward them and smiled in recognition and waved his hand and came over to great Tony. Tony politely introduced Erin as a very good friend and a fellow musician, and the two men talked for several minutes. Erin actually remembered him from when Brian was part of Tony's band years ago but had not talked to them since. Of course, they did not recognize her at all. Then one of the men said, "Tony, why don't you and your date join us. It'll give us a chance to catch up." Tony looked at Erin and she said "It sounds like fun, Tony. Let's." Erin would have preferred to be just the two of them but realized that this was part of Tony's life and if she wanted to be part of his life too, she would have to accept it. So, they went over and were reseated at the end of a long table, with Tony right next to one friend and across from the other. Erin sat next to Tony with two women across and beside her. The woman beside Erin looked somewhat familiar. As Tony talked to his friends, Erin struck up a conversation with the two women. Erin, "Hi, my name is Erin McLoughlin." The woman across from Erin, who was the older and bigger of the two, seemed to be looking down her nose at Erin. But she gave her name, "Dr. Erica Smith, I'm a professor of women's studies at the college." The other woman said, "I'm Andrea Rhemy. Glad to meet you Erin. Have you known Tony long?" Erin, "A couple of months. We met at my best friend's wedding. Tony was providing the music. Apparently, he was an old friend of the bride's family." Andrea, "You aren't the type Tony usually dates. He has always liked small, dark-haired women. Like his former wife." Erin just shrugged. Andrea, "Apparently you met him at just the right time. His first wife was a total bitch, and I heard he was finally getting over the experience." Erin, "Well, whatever the reason, I certainly enjoy dating Tony. He is a great guy." The taller woman said, "I would guess you never dated anyone as good as him before, have you? Well don't plan on a long-term relationship. You will have a hard keeping him interested." Rather than flair up, as she was tempted to do, Erin decided to concentrate on the younger woman. She turned and said, "So what do you do, Andrea?" The woman smiled self-consciously and said, "I'm an engineer." Erin said, "Wow, what kind of engineering?" Andrea, "Civil." Erin, "Who do you work for?" The woman gave the firm name, and Erin realized that it was the firm Brian had done his last consulting project for. Erin ought to know this woman. She looked at her closely and realized that this was the girl that Brian had phoned and asked out when he was in Eugene just before the switch. On seeing the two women, Erin had assumed they were a Lesbian couple. That might explain why Andrea hadn't been interested in a date with Brian. So, maybe she had a reason to refuse a date with Brian other than him being a total loser as a man. But then Erin cautioned herself not to make such assumptions based on almost no evidence. And she didn't care about that anyway. She asked, "So what kind of engineering work do you do, Andrea?" Andrea, "I mainly design and model highway bridges and overpasses." Erin replied, "Really, what are some of the structures you have worked on locally?" Andrea was happy to talk about her work. She told Erin about a small road bridge that she had designed and modeled up near Nola that wasn't so special in itself, but was built for under half the original estimate. Erin knew that was a real achievement. That jogged Erin's memory. She had seen the design when she was still Brian, but the bridge had not been built yet. It was impressive how well the plans had worked. After describing a few projects, and noting that Erin asked intelligent question indicating awareness of engineering techniques, Andrea asked, "Where did you go to school, Erin?" Erin sort of reddened, and said, "I never went to college. Actually, I never finished high school." Andrea's companion looked even more disgusted when she heard this. Then, Erin said, "My father was a very technical guy and always used to take me with him on projects and show me what was happening. I always wanted to be a mathematician or engineer." This was true, sort of. Then Erin brightened and thought of something she could brag about and said, "I did a project for Pederson Construction this Spring that involved a little engineering. It was a complicated federal report on a road project." Andrea said, "Oh, you're that Erin. You're a legend of sorts in the engineering firms in town. Pederson Engineering gives tutorials on that report, so the firms can do them if needed. The woman giving it wasum, I forget." Erin, "Virginia Davis." Andrea, "Right. So, you are that Erin." Erin, "Yes. That's me." Andrea, "You know you don't have to have a degree to get a Professional Engineering License in Idaho? I'd be happy to help you and I'm sure Pederson's would provide a reference." Erin, "Someday, Maybe. But I have some personal complications that would make it difficult to do right now. Three complications in fact." Andrea asked, "What three complications?" Erin, "Babies. A 1-year- old girl named Mary, and 1-month-old twins named Aaron and Carli." Then she brought out her phone and showed a picture of Mary in a yellow dress with blond curls showing a big smile, and pictures of herself holding the twins that Mom had taken a week ago. Andrea was surprised, but recovered and responded "Oh, aren't they darling." Then she looked at them carefully and suppressed her natural question." But her companion the Dr. was not to be deterred by societal sensitivities, and sneered, "Same father?" Erin sat and seethed for a few moments, but soon realized there were numerous eyes on her. So, she defiantly responded, "Actually, no. Mary is the daughter of a man with whom I had an unfortunate relationship in high school, a very large, bad, abusive man. The twins' father was not abusive but was morally sleazy. I went to dinner with him, was given a drug, and woke up the next morning laying in a city park, buck naked and pregnant. But my children are innocent and delightful, and I wouldn't give them up for the world." The Dr. responded, "And I suppose you expect us all to feel sad how abused you are and how special you are. Well, you idiot, women have been fighting for years for the right to an abortion, and you are too stupid to take advantage. All three children should have been aborted. Then your life wouldn't be so tragic." Erin bristled and said, "I believe in choice, but choice implies the woman gets to choose, not that she is obligated to do what left-wing advocates of abortion want her to do, no more than what the right-wing opponents of abortion want her to do. I made my choices based on my beliefs and on the facts of these pregnancies. And I am proud of those choices. I don't owe you or anybody else an explanation." The Dr. replied again, "I have a degree in women's studies. I know what is right and wrong. And I'm telling you that you are wrong." Erin sniffed at that and said, "Sorry, Your Highness." This caused some laughter, which seemed to infuriate the Dr. Then Erin continued, "I am working to raise my children in a household full of love and happiness, and to improve my job prospects so I can support my children. In 20 years, my babies will be happy, accomplished, contibuting adults. So, keep your ignorant opinions to yourself." The Dr. got up with fire in her eyes, but Andrea went to her and had a whispered angry interchange. A moment later, Andrea turned and said, "Sorry, I'm not feeling well. We have to leave. Please everyone, I apologize." Then she handed Erin a business card and said, "Feel free to call if you need any help." The Dr. parted company by saying, "And enjoy your child welfare girlfriend, Tony. I'm sure she sucks a mean cock." Tony put his lips together and sat with a stony face, which Erin knew meant he was working to control himself. After the two women had left, Tony leaned over and whispered "Erin, do you want to leave." Erin, "No, Tony. I'm OK. I know you are enjoying your friends. I don't want to leave. I'm sorry I got into an argument. I don't want to ruin your evening." Tony whispered back, "You didn't do anything. I was listening to everything, and you were just having a nice conversation. Erica is always a total bitch. But, tonight, she outdid herself. You were very restrained." The rest of the evening was quiet. Erin was mainly silent, answering questions when asked but only occasionally contributing to the general conversation. At the end, several of the other women came over and made a point to tell her that they thought she had handled the situation well and how glad they were that Tony was dating again. Erin thanked all of them. One of the woman said, "You know don't you that Erica expected to be the keyboarder in a new band that Tony was forming, but he recently told her that he had found a better fit. A new young woman keyborder named Erin." Erin said, "No. Oh My God. Then it is such a coincidence that it was Erin she got into an argument with." The other woman laughed, and they hugged. By the time dinner was done and Erin and Tony had paid for dinner together, Erin was feeling much better and was once again looking forward to a romantic evening. Out in the car, Erin gave Tony the address and he input it into his phone and they followed the directions to the Motel. They went into the office and Tony gave Erin's name, and the clerk, a woman about 30, said, "Oh, the Honeymoon Suite. How romantic. We have supplied flowers and wine for you." Tony smiled and said, "Thank You" and made pleasant conversation for a moment while she got the paperwork ready. Before they left to look at the room, the clerk, a woman about 30, whispered to Erin, "You're a lucky girl. He's a doll." Erin smiled and whispered, "I know. Thanks." After they located the room and checked it out, Tony went down to the car and brought the two small suitcases up and Erin used the bathroom. It was all seeming surreal now. Less than a year ago, she had been Brian and just stood before a toilet to use it. Now she was a girl, sitting on a toilet, wearing a pretty dress, and planning to make love to her former best friend and increasingly thinking about being his wife. Whoa, it seemed like the world was swimming around her. What had happened? But then she got down to business, cleaned herself off, stood up, pulled up her panties, straightened her dress, washed her hands, and checked her makeup. OK, Ready now. Then she went out into the room, to find Tony opening the door and bringing in the suitcases. On impulse, she went over to him and put her hands around his neck and pulled herself up on her tip toes and kissed him. He returned the kiss enthusiastically and before she knew it they were holding each other close and she had her forehead on his shoulder. She felt his hand go down her back, and thought for a moment it might go further, but apparently Tony thought better of it. Erin was somewhat disappointed, "Damn his integrity anyway." So, she separated from him a little, and slide her hands up his chest and then unbuttoned his suit jacket and put her hands on his shirt, where she could feel the muscles on his chest, and stood up on tip toe again and they kissed again deeply. Tony then slid his hands down more and felt her ass. She felt his erection forming and lowered one of her hands and caressed it. Erin was now breathing heavily. After the kiss, Erin said, "Thank You, Tony." Tony, "You're welcome, Babe. What for?" Erin, "For being such a sweet guy. For caring for me." Tony, "It's really easy caring for you, Erin. You're really special. I love you." Erin, "Tony, I love you too. God help us." Tony, "Why would you say that, Erin? I think life will be simple. We get married, live in a loving relationship, raise our kids, and spend the rest of our life together. Easy, Peasy." Erin smiled, "I hope so, Tony, I hope so. I'm sorry I said anything. Our hard discussion is tomorrow. Let's leave it alone for now and just enjoy our evening together." Erin brushed her teeth, cleaned off her makeup, reapplied some blush just because, put on a tiny bit of sexy perfume, and changed into her yellow baby-doll Pajamas. Tony's eyes bugged out when she walked out of the bathroom, and they engaged in some very heavy petting. Finally, Tony made a superhuman effort and broke away and said, "I will be back in a few, Erin. I need to take a shower and brush my teeth. Don't go anywhere." Erin assured him she wouldn't. She got into bed and wrote a little in the secret diary that Brian had kept since he was 11. It was secret because other boys had mocked him keeping a diary. This book was almost filled in. It was the same book she had brought from the Oregon motel and aside from her tablet was the only thing she had from when she was Brian. After writing she got out the vaginal cream and applied it. Supposedly it was heat activated, so it should be ready just on time. And if it was ready too soon, she had several other creams. Ten minutes later, Tony came out and sat on the edge of the bed. She looked at him expectantly. He smiled. Then he noticed her diary and pencil. He said, "Do you record everything in there?" Erin, "No, not everything. Just every kiss, hug, and every caress. I have a detailed rating system you know." Tony said, "You don't either." Erin, "Yes, I do." Tony, "Let me see." Erin, "No. I'll read you today's entry." "1:00, Tony arrived. Gave me a peck on the check (Rating, D). 2, Tony played with Mary and his boys while I changed the twins. Talked to Jesse. Read to Boys. I read to boys. 3, Jesse had to leave. 4, Tony took boys home. Gave me a kiss goodbye with a hug (Rating, C). 5, Prepared for date. 6, Tony arrived and greeted me with a kiss and a long hug, (Rating, B-) 6:30, arrived at restaurant, Tony kissed me before we went in (Rating C). 8:30, left restaurant, Tony kissed me when we got out to the car (rating C+). 9:00, Arrived in room. I kissed Tony. He returned my kiss enthusiastically and caressed my ass (Rating, B+)." Tony, "What, only a B+. That's not a fair rating system. Let me see that." Erin held the journal away from Tony and said "No." A moment later she found he had reached around her knocking her over in the process and was laying on top of her (careful to not hurt her), holding the book in his left hand and holding her down with his right. Then she said, "Oh my, I'm being attacked." And then she whispered, "Help, Please, Someone. Save my virtue." Tony said, "Save your virtue, indeed. You tease. You'll soon get what is coming to you." Then he kissed her deeply and dropped his right hand down to her breasts and caressed them. Finally, he was done and asked, "How does that rate?" Erin, "Well, it's starting to get into A territory. Keep trying." Then he put his right hand between her legs and caressed her thigh and slid his hand up until it was on her vagina and gently caressed it, all the while kissing her on deeply. "How about that?" he asked. She caught her breath and said, "That's an A, no doubt about it." They lay close to each other, just occasionally sharing a caress for quite a while. Finally, Erin said "What would you like me to do, Tony? Would you like oral sex? I am happy to give you that. I'll do what you want me to do? I want you to be happy. I love you." Tony looked at her and held her close again and said, "Erin, you know you don't have to do this to make me love you or want to marry you. I already care for you more than I ever thought I would care for a woman again. You are so sweet and so smart and so giving. We could just lay beside each other and sleep together and get up in the morning and get a license and get married next week. You don't have to sleep with me to make me want that." Erin, "Oh, Tony. I want to sleep with you. I love you and I want to make you happy. And I want to make me happy. I have thought about sleeping with you since Clara's wedding. It's never felt like an obligation. It has felt like something I want to do. Now here we are. Are you saying you don't want to sleep with me?" Tony, "Oh, my god no. I'm definitely not saying that. I want it more than I can say. I love you Erin." Erin, "Then for heaven's sake make love to me, Tony." Tony grinned and said, "Well, I've never been that thrilled about oral. I would like just make love to you, face to face. I want to kiss you while we are making love and look you in the eyes and tell you I love you, and hear you share your feelings too. Is that OK?" Erin, "Yes, that sounds wonderful." So that is what they did. They each turned toward each other on their side and moved so they were at the same level. Tony felt her breasts and reached behind her and ran his hands down her back to her ass and then down her legs. Then he felt between her legs and finally caressed her pussy. When he felt how wet she was, he groaned. Erin put her hands on his chest and felt his muscles and they kissed passionately. Then she reached down and caressed his cock and directed it into her pussy, noting that it felt good sized. She hoped that the lubricant had done it's thing, and fortunately it had. Then he moved forward gently, and she felt him enter her and slowly get comfortable. He started going back and forth inside her and put his hands on her ass to direct her movement. Then he asked, "Is that OK for you Erin. How can I change to make you feel better?" Erin replied, "I think I would like to move down a little, Tony, so you are rubbing on my clitoris more." So, they changed and kept on. Erin found the feeling of Tony's big, gentle hands on her ass very erotic. And she found the feeling of his balls hitting her vagina equally erotic. And every so often he would kiss her on the lips and tell her he loved her. For her part, she held her hands on his chest, so she could feel his muscles, or she would put one hand on his backside, so she could feel his strong back. Her arousal increased quickly, and soon she was approaching orgasm. When it hit it was overwhelming, involving her whole body in spasms of pleasure. Tony had kissed her as she started cumming and that only increased the pleasure. When she finally started relaxing, she kissed him back and thanked him profusely. He told her he appreciated her thanks, but that felt wonderful to him. Then Tony said, "I'm very close. Do you want me to pull out of you before I cum?" Erin said, "No, Tony. I'm on birth control pills. I want to feel you cum inside me. I want to feel my friend and lover come inside me." So, Tony continued stroking, and Erin put her hand behind her on her entrance and gently increased the tension on his cock. A few moments later he was grunting, and finally grabbed her ass and held her close. Then it was his turn to thank her. "Erin. Thank you so much for that gift. I love you. I want to be with you forever. I want to make love to you every day. Please, say you'll marry me. I don't need to know anything more." Erin replied, "Tony, I love you and I hope you still want that tomorrow. For tonight, let's just enjoy being together." She waited a few minutes until Tony's Erection subsided and then got up and went to the bathroom and cleaned herself up. She had gotten advice on this from both mothers. Then she came back to the bed with a towel and laid it out, so Tony and she were comfortable, and they went to sleep in each other's arms. Erin was very happy and sensed that Tony was too. Very early in the morning, she was awoken by Tony, behind her, caressing her breasts, and with a hard on pressed against her ass. For a few minutes, being with Tony triggered her Brian memories and she didn't have a clue what was going. But she soon became Erin again and realized that Tony must be having a morning erection,. She turned her head and said, "Tony. Tony." But he didn't answer, so he must be asleep. This was something she remembered vividly from Brian, and she remembered how difficult it was to ignore the erection. Brian had almost always slept alone and would have to relieve himself, so he could get back to sleep. Had he been with a woman, he would not have been able to do that. First of all, a woman would have provided a focus for his arousal while he was sleeping. Second, with a woman in his bed, he would have been reluctant to do what was necessary to relieve the stress. Erin recognized how difficult this was for Tony, and she had sought advice from Jenny. Her advice was that if this happened, she should do what she could to help Tony, and not feel hurt by his apparent disregard of her need to sleep. So Erin turned over a little and again said a little more loudly, "Tony." Tony finally stirred and realized what was happening. "God Erin," he said, "I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to wake you." Erin, "Tony, what would you like me to do. I'll do whatever you need." Tony, "No, I don't want to disturb you. Really." But his erection had not gone down at all and Erin knew he needed her. She said, "Do you want to make love again? It's OK Tony. I love you. I want you to be happy. Please let me help you. Do you want me to change position?" Tony, "Thank You. No, just open your legs." Tony put her far leg between his legs and entered her from below. Fortunately, she had enough natural lubricant and he did not penetrate deeply in this position, so he went in easily. He came in and out gently, and, as she expected, it did not take long for him to cum. He gently kissed her and said, "Thank You, Erin." She had to disengage herself after a few minutes and clean herself up again and replace the towel. But a half hour after awakened, she was back to sleep next to Tony. The next morning, Erin woke early and made some coffee. She took it into the bathroom and started to take a shower. After a few moments, she heard a quiet knock at the door. Tony said, "Erin, can I come in at use the toilet." She said, "Sure, Tony. I'll look the other way." So, he did, and soon after he was done, she felt his arms around her. "Good morning, Darling. I love you." She embraced him back and said, "I love you too, Tony." Neither had brushed their teeth, so they didn't kiss. Then Tony said, "Would you like to shower together, Erin?" Erin, "Love to, Tony." He said, "I'll be back in a minute." When he left, she went to the counter and brushed her teeth quickly. Then she went back to the shower and waited. A minute later, Tony came back, and stopped and quickly brushed his teeth too. Then he got into the shower with her and took her in his arms and kissed her and told her he loved her. He started to apologize again for waking her this morning. Erin shushed him and told him, "Tony, it's something we can work out. This morning it was OK. You were very tender. Let's talk later." So, Tony just kissed her again. She looked up at him and said, "Are you interested in making love again? His smile was all she needed, and she reached up and gently stroked his half-hard penis, and he caressed her ass and used one hand to caress her boobs. They moved from that to very serious petting. After a few minutes, Erin said "What would you like to do, Tony." Tony, "Your choice, my love." She said, "We are a good match in height. You want to enter me standing up, face to face." Tony murmured, "OK," and they repositioned themselves and Erin got up on tip-toes, so her entrance matched the tip of his cock. Erin noticed she was very wet naturally, so she didn't need to worry about applying lubricant. She slowly came down off her toes and his cock went into her. "Umm," she said. "That's nice." Then Tony put his arms around her and she rested her forehead on his shoulder, and he started thrusting in and out, up and down. Because of his height advantage, he stimulated her clitoris strongly, and soon she felt an approaching orgasm. She reflected that Tony was doing all the work and she was just going along for the ride, but what a ride. She mewled and sighed and made other noises of appreciation. Tony kept whispering into her ear how much he loved her. What a trip this was. Finally, she came with an audible moan. She asked him to slow down, as she was now very sensitive. But he stopped, until her breathing became normal. Erin told Tony that she loved what he did, and she loved him, and asked what he wanted her to do. He asked if she minded turning and leaning over the counter. Erin said, "I'd be happy to, Tony." She pushed some toiletries out of the way and leaned over and put her forearms on the counter. Tony came up behind her and gently rubbed her back and reached around and caressed her breasts and clasped her hips. Then she felt his penis at her vaginal entrance and felt a little bit of pressure, and he easily slid into her. Tony leaned over and said, "I love you. Thank you for this." Then he stood up and started gently going in and out. It felt much better than Erin had anticipated, especially since he frequently bent over and kissed her back and neck. Then he released the hold of his left hand on her hip and put his hand under her breast and caressed it and felt it bobbing with his motions in and out. She felt a change in direction and turned her head around and saw him smiling and leaning to the left and watching her breast swaying back and forth. She asked, "Enjoying the view, Tony." He smiled again and said "Yes, it's beautiful." That made her feel great, confident and loved. He continued thrusting for a while. Since he had cum twice in the last 10 hours, it took him a while to climax. But when he did, he started thrusting vigorously and grunting and finally pulled her up and held her breasts in hands and shouted as he came. Erin had to admit that even though she didn't cum, it was a very exhilarating experience. He leaned his head on her shoulder for a few minutes, and when his erection started to subside, he turned her around, bent down and kissed her and hugged her close. They stood there embracing for several minutes. Then Erin said, "We need to get cleaned up and ready for breakfast, Tony." Tony said OK and released her and looked at her and told her she was beautiful, and he loved her. Then he said, "Maybe we should get back into the shower now." Erin, "Why?" Tony, "Well, you're leaking a little." She looked down and turned red. She said, "God, I look like a porn clich?." Tony, "No Erin, you look like a fabulously lovely and lovable porn clich?." "Thanks a lot," she said, getting back into the shower. He came in and said, "Erin, you do not appear to be a porn clich?. You appear to be what you are, a sweet, accomplished, passionate lady, and I love you very much. She felt better at that. Then they soaped each other down and washed each other's backs and toweled each other off, enjoying the process immensely. Then she looked at the clock and said, "Geez, Tony, it's getting late. We need to get going." Tony hustled out and started shaving, while Erin started putting on clothes, jewelry, and preparing her makeup. Erin put on a business suit with a skirt that came about four inches below the knees. It was one she had gotten for her work at Pederson's. Tony put on casual clothes, jeans and a shirt. He looked at her and asked, "Why the somber dress, Erin? I was hoping you would wear that sundress again." Erin said, "This outfit hides my body, Tony. At Nola prison, wearing ordinary clothes earns a woman lots of propositions and catcalls. I want to minimize that." Tony, "Nola Prison, why are we going there." Erin, "you will see, Tony. For now, let's go so we have time to take advantage of the free breakfast here. We have to be at Nola at 10." They hustled and managed to be on the road at 8:30. Tony pressed her for more details, but Erin put him off. "It will be better to talk when we are there, Tony. It will be much more convincing." That made Tony really look worried. Erin looked at him and said, "Tony, I will tell you that there will be some good news, about your friend Brian." She had meant that to make Tony worry less, but it had the opposite effect. He thought, 'What the hell is going on?' Worried as he was, Tony drove faster than he usually did and shaved almost 20 minutes off the drive time. Erin had been a little worried that Tony would wind up with a ticket, but luck held. They arrived at 10:10. Erin directed him to the woman's detention center, and signed them in. By this time, she was on the trusted visitor list, but Tony had to go through the proof of identity and the questionnaire. No, he did not know anyone here besides the person he was visiting. He did not even know LaTesha, except by reputation. Finally, they went and joined the other people visiting LaTesha. Tony was surprised to see Clara and Jenny there. They seemed to have some sort of group visit going and seemed to be tutoring some of the girls. Then Tony remembered, they all, Erin included, had volunteered to tutor the girls her for the GED. Cool. Erin introduced Tony to Carol, an older black woman who seemed to be just watching. She and Erin hugged warmly, and Erin told Tony she was the mother of a friend she had met while in a drug treatment center. Carol was very gracious and greeted Tony warmly and said Erin had told her much about him. Then the tutoring session broke up, and Carol's daughter came over. Erin and she hugged warmly, and Erin introduced her to Tony saying she was LaTesha, one of Erin's very best friends. LaTesha also greeted Tony warmly. Then Erin took him over to where the tutoring was breaking up. Almost all of the girls greeted Erin warmly and most of them hugged her. Finally, Tony got a chance to talk to Jenny and Clara. He said hi to them and they said they were glad to see him and hoped they would have a chance to talk to him later. That mystified him. Why would they not? Next Tony saw Erin talking and laughing with LaTesha. Tony walked up and heard Erin ask, "So, have you gotten your release date yet, LaTesha?" LaTesha, "No, not my final one. I've asked them to calculate it as soon as possible. And they said they would try. But I don't see any action. God, I hope they don't jack me around too much. I've tried so hard to keep my nose clean. But they seem to always be able to find some little thing to write up." She was obviously worried. Erin, "OK, I'll start coming more often, now. God, I miss you LaTesha. I want us both to be free." Then Erin hugged her, and said, "We've got to go. Love you, friend." LaTesha, "Love you too, Erin. It was nice to meet you Tony. You be good to Erin, you hear. She's special." Then LaTesha ran off. Tony was sort of mystified. Why did LaTesha behave like that? Erin turned to Tony and said, "We need to go. I know you have questions. We will have some coffee and I will try to answer them. We have another visit at 1." Tony nodded his head. At least for now, she was in charge. So, Erin directed him away from the women's detention center to a nearby coffee house. They sat down, and Tony asked, "where did you meet LaTesha." Erin, "Blakefield Hospital drug treatment center." I had come home from Oregon to Blakefield addicted to perc's, and my parents had Fran check me into there for detox. It was cold turkey. It was the lowest time of my life. I was away from Mary. My parents didn't trust me, for good reason, and threatened to take Mary from me, and Fran was advising them to toss me out. At the treatment center, LaTesha and I shared a room. That was an incredibly lucky break. She is as straight as an arrow, which was important because if any drugs were found in a room, both roommates would be written up. But not only that, she was a friend and a confidant, when I really needed one." Tony asked, "Why is she in jail?" Erin, "She was the girlfriend of a guy who was dealing drugs. She got swept up with him, and he turned on her, trying to get a lower sentence. When the judge looked at her, he didn't see a girl who had never been in trouble, or a girl who got straight A's all through high school. He just saw another black teenager. So, he gave her a year's sentence as an accessary, and with all that he didn't reduce her boyfriend's sentence at all. Serves the bastard right. But you got to know, lots of women are swept up that way. In fact, though, When Erin was with Rex, she did worse things than LaTesha ever did. It was just luck that LaTesha is here and Erin is not. Just the way Erin cared for Mary before she came home was worth being put into jail for. But when I came home I was determined to put that behind me, and by and large I have. Although, I still run into people who formed a bad opinion of Erin from those days, whom I have to convince that I am different now. I guess it's fair. A person should eventually have to pay for their bad deeds. But LaTesha never did anything to deserve being in detention. She is innocent. That's not fair." Tony looked at Erin and saw she was absolutely serious. He said, "I'm sorry about LaTesha, Erin. When will she get out?" Erin, "September is the scheduled month. But they add time for each writeup. And don't compute the final release date until a couple weeks before the scheduled. She could be here a few extra days, or a few extra months, or until she is 21, over a year. So, getting near the release date is a stressful time for someone in prison." Then Tony changed the subject, "What did you mean I will get news about my best friend here?" Erin, "Tony, Brian is an inmate at the prison. You will get a chance to sort of talk to him at 1 PM." Tony, "What do you mean 'sort of'. Erin, "Brian's a different man than when you knew him, Tony." Tony, "What do you mean different? And how do you know? You never knew him, that I know of. What the hell is going on, Erin?" Erin thought, 'OK, now is the time.' But then Clara and Jenny came in and Erin got a reprieve on having to tell an incredibly unbelievable tale, that she desperately wanted Tony to believe. Clara and Jenny asked if they could join Tony and Erin, and Erin said, "Sure. It'll be nice to talk to you. They filled 15 minutes with conversation about their project to help girls in detention deal with the GED. Then Clara asked Tony, "Tony, you know Erin passed the GED a few months ago with the highest score in the state for this biennium, don't you?" Erin interrupted, "Second highest, Sis." Clara, "Yeah, but the highest was some sort of 12-year-old genius who was trying to get into Princeton. He scored perfect. Erin scored almost perfect." Tony, "No, Erin didn't tell me that. More mysteries to Erin." Clara laughed, "Oh, Tony, you have no idea." Then everyone was silent and turned to Erin expectantly. Tony said, "Erin, what the hell is going on. You must tell me. I want to help if I can." Erin realized that the time had come to tell Tony everything. She said, "OK, Tony. It is a complicated story. So please let me talk, OK? Otherwise, Things will get more complicated. But first let me ask you a question? Have you ever heard of a body swap?" Tony, "Sure, that is a standard plot device for many grade B Fantasy Novels. I used to read them all the time growing up. Two people run into each other or fall into a vat of strange liquid or are changed by a witch or something and find themselves in each other's bodies." Erin replied, "Yes. That's right. And I have never heard of a case where it actually happened, until last October, that is." Tony looked at Erin, "Are you saying that Brian had a mind swap with some sort of master criminal which caused him to do something that got him put in jail. Is that where this is going, Erin? If so, it sounds really far-fetched. If Brian is here, I want to talk to him. I bet he is at least partly the Brian I always knew." Erin, "No, that is not where I am going, although it is not too far off. I'm saying I switched bodies with Erin last October in Oregon. After the switch, to everyone in the world I was a completely different person, a woman with a baby to care for. If I didn't care for her, no one would." Tony, "So, Brian didn't switch. You did." Erin, "No, Erin switched too. Tony, I used to be Brian, your best friend. And Brian used to be Erin, a very wild child, and a transgender man. Brian made a wish. That he mattered to someone. Brian had been unable to establish a relationship and was feeling very useless and futile. I think Erin, at about the same time, wished to be a man, with no responsibilities or ties, a wish that she had made many times before. I think some mystical being decided he or she would help us both. I went to sleep a man and woke a short time later a woman with a very young baby. Erin went to sleep a woman with a baby and woke up as a man, Brian." Tony, "So you're saying you are really Brian, your consciousness somehow transported into a woman's body." Erin, "That's exactly what I am saying, Tony. After I woke up as a woman, I had to nurse and care for Mary. Tony, I loved it. I felt a deep, almost mystical, connection with Mary. I felt as though I was meant to be a mother. Since then, my feelings, my emotions, have been changing so that I am now truly a woman. I still have Brian's memories, his values, his mental and psychological capabilities, but I am not completely him. That was one of the reasons it was important for me to spend the night with you. It was a test of myself. Would I be content in a willing sexual relationship with a man I deeply cared for or would the old Brian Psyche come out and make me feel what I was doing was wrong. Tony, the old Brian did not object to what I was doing. I loved it. I am completely a woman." Then Tony turned to Clara and Jenny. "Has she told you this story before? Do you believe it?" Clara, "Tony, she told me right after she got back to Blakefield. At first, I thought it was nonsense. I thought it was a joke of a delusional woman and that a series of questions would quickly reveal she did not know what Brian should know. Tony, Brian and I were very close, much closer than most brothers and sisters. I asked questions that only I and Brian knew the answer to. But Erin knew the answers. More importantly, Erin behaved like Brian used to. Her gestures, her modes of speech, her interests, were Brian's. I concluded this must be Brian. Since then, all the experiences we have shared have reinforced this conclusion. Mom was even harder to convince, but now she is convinced this is her former son. One more thing, last week we had a friend of Erin's visit Brian, and that friend is sure that Brian used to be Erin. But I urge you to test Erin and Brian yourself. I think, as difficult as it seems, you will be convinced that Erin was Brian and that the current Brian is a different person than we used to know. As for how much Erin has changed, I think you may already have the answer if you think about it. Tony said, "OK, I'll ask some questions. Then he asked Erin about a particularly embarrassing event that occurred at a rock concert they had played while in high school. Without missing a beat, Erin answered the question. Tony said, "Oh, My God. There's no way anyone but Brian and I could answer that question. OK, I'll think of some more. But now, don't we have an appointment at the prison at 1 PM?" Erin, "Yes, let's get going. Mom and Clara, we'll see you about 1:30. Right?" Clara, "Right." As they left, Tony asked, "Why are Clara and Jenny visiting this Brian if he is not their son or brother." Erin, "The old Erin was a very troubled young woman, or actually, Trans-Man. She got into all sorts of trouble. My interactions with him have been very upsetting. He has drugged me and raped me at least twice. He is the father of my twins." Tony, "What? Is that why he is in jail?" Erin, "No, for a variety of reasons I did not identify him. Mom and Clara are trying to help him see how destructive his behavior was and how he might change it." Tony, "They would. But I guess they, and you, would still have some feeling for the current Brian because he is connected to the old Brian." Erin, "Exactly. I am sometimes totally pissed off at him, and sometimes want to see him have a chance to get himself together. He actually isn't that bad a guy. As a woman he was repeatedly raped by his partner, Rex, who was a total thug. I think he modeled his behavior as Brian on that. I hope he can learn different." Tony just listened, not sure what to believe or think, but trying to process all this information. A short time later, Tony and Erin signed in to visit Brian Sanders and again Tony had to fill out a detailed questionnaire to be allowed in. When the guard was satisfied, he said, "Stand by the door. When the inmate is available, that light will flash." So, they stood and waited. Erin said, "Tony, we have to walk down a corridor with cells facing. There will be catcalls and propositions aimed at me. Don't get mad. And don't react. That will make it much worse. Just keep walking with me. It is only about 100 ft. No big deal." Tony was as straight arrow as they come and pretty innocent. He knew nothing about prison. He thought to himself, "God, what a hell hole. A woman like Erin shouldn't have to endure that." But he just nodded. When the light flashed, and the door opened, they proceeded down the corridor. Almost immediately, the catcalls and propositions started. "Hey, Blondie. Want to give me a ride. Nice ass, sweetie. I have something for you. Hey sweet lips. I have something here for you to suck. ...." Tony was pissed, but he did what Erin asked and just kept walking. Soon they came to a door marked 'Visiting' and went in. Down the row of tables, sat a small man in an orange jumpsuit. He waved and said, "Hi Erin." They went to the table and sat down opposite the small man who to Tony seemed to be his friend, Brian. Erin said, "Tony, see the line on the table. You don't reach across it or the visit is over immediately." Tony nodded his understanding. Then Erin said, "Brian, this is your best friend Tony. Tony, this is Brian." Brian, "Um, hi Tony." Tony, "Hi yourself. Long time no see." Brian laughed, "Yeah. I can't remember the last time we talked." Tony was unsure how to proceed, so he asked Brian how he had come to be here. Brian said, "I did something really stupid and really bad. I hurt an old lady trying to steel her purse. I got five years, and I deserve it." Tony, "When did you do that. Brian, "Just before Christmas. I was charged with three counts of assault but was allowed to plead guilty to one to save the state some money. I was sentenced in March." Tony, "Five years is a lesser charge? That's a long time. You'll be 30 before you get out." Brian, "Three years with good behavior." Tony, "Still a long time." Brian, "I will need that time. I intend to never do anything like that again. I want to get job training. I want to be a better man. I don't want to be a loser forever. Clara and Jenny are helping me. Erin's helping me, even though I've done some horrible things to her. I'm making progress." Tony shifted subjects, "You have a degree in engineering, what other job training do you need?" Brian, "I don't remember any of it, and wouldn't want to do that kind of work even if I could. I want to be an artist." Tony didn't question that. His friend, Brian, had loved engineering and had no interest in art. Tony asked, "What do you remember about what we did in high school, Brian." Brian, "Absolutely nothing, Tony. Has Erin told you that we switched bodies. In high school, I was a troublesome young woman. A real bitch. I wanted to be a man my whole life. But, somehow, I got tangled up with a total jerk, mainly to spite my parents. He dominated me, made me wear women's clothes. Got me pregnant. Raped me repeatedly. Forced me into prostitution. Tried to get me to abort Mary several times. But I was too drugged up to even do that. Now the new Erin is having to convince people she is not a total bitch. There is no justice." Then Tony asked him a few other things. Finally, he said, "I see no indication that you have any memory of our friendship. We were friends from 4th grade to a year ago. You don't remember anything?" Brian, "Nothing. I just want to say something to you. Whatever your friend, Brian, was like, this woman, Erin, is one of the nicest, sweetest people I have ever met. She is caring for the baby I birthed, and two that I put into her. But she's not bitter. And she has never done me wrong. You better treat her right. If you don't, I will come after you when I get out. I know that doesn't sound very intimidating. But consider it a sign of how I feel." Tony, "If you feel that way, why aren't you trying to win her yourself?" Brian, "Because she loves you. Last week when we talked about this, her eyes shined, her voice got breathy, and she couldn't stop smiling when she talked about you. I trust her judgement. I don't think she would willingly get involved with anyone who wasn't a good person. But just in case, I thought I'd mention where I stand." Tony, "All Right then, I get it. I'll do my best to always treat her right. And I hope you get everything together and get out early, so you can see it Brian." Brian parsed what Tony had said and decided there were no hidden messages, so he said simply, "Thanks, Tony." Just then they heard a series of catcalls from the corridor, and soon after that Jenny and Clara came through the door. Brian said a final word to Tony, "By the way, the same goes for these two. The whole family is wonderful and deserves nothing but the best." Tony, "OK, Brian. I agree." Then the five of them talked for a while and Jenny said, "Tony and Erin, we only have a few minutes to talk about some stuff with Brian. You two can either stay and listen or take off. But we need Brian's attention. Tony said, "Brian, is it OK if we stay?" Brian, "Sure, Tony. No problem." So, they stayed and listened to a book review by Jenny and its relationship to how a man should behave in our world. Brian had clearly read the book they were discussing and had some interesting comments and insights. Tony noticed that the thoughts he expressed, while good, were not what he would have expected from his former friend. Then they were done. Erin thanked Brian for his words. Jenny and Clara thanked Brian for reading the book and taking everything seriously. And Tony once again told Brian he was glad to have met him. Then they left. Clara suggested some more coffee, but Jenny said, "I would imagine that Tony and Erin need to talk, Clara. We should let them get going. You and I can have some coffee and talk over what we accomplished today. Clara, "Right. OK, You guys. Have a good trip back to Blakefield and a good conversation." Tony, "Thanks, Clara. You guys have a good trip too. See you later." Tony and Erin drove about a half an hour, with no comments from Tony. Then they stopped at a diner for dinner and coffee. Now it was Erin's turn to wonder what Tony would tell her. They were alone. Tony could say anything without worrying about what anyone else thought. He could tell her he didn't believe her story and thought she was a wierdo who he wanted nothing to do with. Or he could believe her but think the whole thing was too strange, or too gay, for him to be involved. Or he could say, 'let's talk about it next week.' Or he could say he still loved her. Lots of possibilities, but only the last was really good. She didn't feel Tony would totally reject her. His comments up to now didn't seem consistent with that. Otherwise, she didn't know. They were both quiet as they ordered. Erin knew if she ate anything, the tension would make the food would come right back up. But she had to order something. She decided on a glass of milk and a dinner salad with dressing on the side. Tony had a French dip and some coffee. As dinner was being prepared, Erin waited for Tony to say something. Finally, he said, "Erin, can I ask you a question?" Erin, "Yes, Tony. Ask away." Tony, "Do you want to go back to being Brian? Or are you content with who you are?" Erin, "Tony, when the switch first happened, I wanted to go back desperately. It was hard, because the new Brian did not. But had he been amenable, I would have spared no effort looking for a way to switch back. But Brian did not want to switch back. In particular he hated childcare, so I also had to be a mother to Mary. I found a lot of contentment nursing her and caring for her. Basically, I fell in love with that child. From then on, I wouldn't consider changing back. Especially since the old Erin was not a good mother. But I was still not content with who I am. However, as time has gone along, I have made friends, accomplished some difficult tasks, established a loving relationship with Erin's parents and sister, reestablished a relationship with Mom and Dad Sanders and Clara and had two more children, who I love as much as Mary. But just as important, I have eased into the role of a woman, and I fell in love with you. At Clara's wedding, when you kissed me my heart did a flip flop. I was a little surprised because I'd not felt any real attractions to anyone since the switch. But at that moment I knew I was in love with you. After it became clear that you loved me too, I became very content with who I am. Now I could never return to being a man, to being Brian. I loved who I was as Brian, Tony. But now I love who I am even more. I want to stay Erin, whatever happens." Tony, "OK, Erin, that was my only question. Let's go buy a marriage license and schedule a wedding. You said you would marry me if I still wanted after we talked this weekend. Well, I do want. Let's do it." Erin felt like jumping over the table and kissing him. But that would have been conspicuous. So, she just moved her chair close and said, "Tony, I love you," and leaned closer and kissed him. He kissed back enthusiastically, and they held each other for what seemed forever. Then they sensed that a lot of eyes were looking at them. Erin blushed. But Tony said, "Hey everybody. My girlfriend just accepted my proposal of marriage. After a month of asking. What do you think of that?" There was a lot of clapping, but Erin was crying and embarrassed and wanted to sink into the floor. Ever the showman, Tony stood up and bowed to Erin and then leaned over and whispered, "Erin, just stand up with me and turn toward the people and bow and sit down again and relax. Then he kissed her. She said, "OK, Tony. I'll Try." He stood back up, she stood awkwardly, and they both turned and bowed together. More clapping. That relieved Erin's tension and when she sat back down she felt much more relaxed. But Tony continued holding her hands and got out a ring and put it on. Erin noticed it was a very beautiful, but old ring. Tony said, "My grandmother gave me this to give to my wife when I proposed. My first wife didn't want it. I hope you do." Erin cried some more and said "Oh, Tony. That's so romantic. It's beautiful. I will wear it with pride." Tony, "Thanks, Erin. My mother will be very happy about that." Then they sat down and let the interest in the room die down. When dinner came, Erin discovered she was hungry and asked for some soup and a roll to go with the salad. It came quickly, and they finished their late lunch. Now they wanted to get home and tell everyone. Tony once again went faster than he usually drove. As they were driving, Erin told Tony that it was very important to her to have LaTesha at her wedding. She was the first friend she had made as Erin. So, they could not get married until she was free. Tony said, "What do you think of a small private ceremony so that we can feel good about being together. Then a more public marriage later, so our moms can go crazy and show you off." Erin said, "Let's think about it." CHAPTER 26. ANOUNCEMENTS, MAKING PLANS Erin and Tony went to Erin's house first. The twins were asleep. But as soon as Erin came in, Mary went crazy. "Momma, Momma." She said and held out her hands. Erin picked her up and tried to talk to people, but Mary was absolutely adamant that Erin was going to pay attention to her. Erin did not mention the ring, thinking that Mom would surely see it and comment. But Mom kept looking elsewhere. Finally, with Mary in the other hand, Erin stuck the hand with the ring in front of her mother's eyes and said, "Mom, look." Mom took one look and screamed, "Bart, get in here." Erin's father came in, thinking something was wrong, but Mom held out Erin's hand in front of him and said, "Look at this. Your daughter is engaged." Dad said, "Oh, congratulations Erin. I assume the lucky man is Tony." Erin thought about rolling her eyes but didn't and said, "Of course." Mom, "Bart, do something. She is too young." Bart, "Well, Tony and Erin seem to be doing a good job taking care of themselves and their children so far. I think it will be just fine, dear." Mom, "It won't. They have so much to learn." Dad, "Oh, I'm sure they will pick anything up they don't already know quickly. I think it will be great. But, have you two thought about practical things, yet? Like where to live? How to afford it? A job?" Erin, "Not yet, Dad. But don't worry. We will sort all that out in the next month or two." Tony said, "We'll sort it out in the next week or two." Now Mary was feeling the atmosphere had some tension, which she hated. She started fussing a little. That caused Aaron and Carli, who had been sleeping in her parents' room to wake up and start crying. Erin spent a half hour soothing babies and getting them cleaned up and changed and fed, while Tony and her Mom and Dad talked and entertained Mary. When she brought the twins out, Tony said, "We got it all decided, Babe. Fran will be moving out when she gets married. Then I and the boys will move in for a few years while we save money and can buy our own place." Erin looked at him for signs of a smile, like it might be a joke. But there was none. So, she said, "That sounds like a fine plan, Tony. I love living with my parents and I'm sure your kids would too. But don't you think we should consider all the implications before we commit ourselves? And don't you think I should be involved in the decision?" Erin knew that on paper she was 6 years younger than Tony, but she was not going to let him make all the decisions. Tony looked disappointed. He clearly hadn't thought things through. What would his parents think if he walked up and told them that he was getting married and he and the boys would move out, without consulting them at all. And shouldn't he have a job first before finalizing plans. What if it was not close to this house. How long would Tony's car last with a long drive every day? The plan they came up with had a lot of pluses, but they needed to think about lots of things. Erin said, "Let's spend some time talking and thinking this week and see where it leads us, Tony. That doesn't mean we don't get married. I'm as anxious as you." Tony smiled at that and nodded his assent. Then Erin said, "Mom and Dad, I really appreciate your offer and we're not ruling it out. It's just that this is all happening so fast. We need to think for a while. I love you both to pieces." Mom knew enough about the new Erin to know that she was saying what she felt. And Dad appreciated the idea of thinking things through before committing. So, they took a deep breath, and Dad said, "When you and Tony have had a chance to discuss what is best for your new family, we can talk more about how Mom and I can help." Then Fran came in and Erin showed her the ring. She said, "Hey Sis, Congratulations. Congratulations Tony." And then with a wink, Fran said, "Your night of discussions must have gone well, Heh?" Erin turned red and just shook her head and gave her sister a hug and whispered in her ear, "Very well, but just shut up, Fran." Fran guffawed loudly and said, "I'm glad it went well" and hugged her sister back. Erin whispered, "Your hopeless, Fran." Then the five adults chatted for a few minutes and Tony said, "Erin, do you think we can go over to my parents' house. I'll bring you back, maybe." Erin turn red again and said, "Et Tu Tony." But she laughed too. It was really pretty funny. She said, "OK, Tony, I need to pack some diapers and onesies and an extra outfit for Mary and some formula. Be done in a sec." She went upstairs and packed what the babies needed, and then packed some more in case they did not get back tonight. It took longer than she anticipated. Then she packed a nightgown for herself and another outfit for tomorrow, just in case. Then Erin went downstairs and hugged her parents and said goodbye. Her mother started crying and said, "I'm so happy for you, baby." Erin hugged her back and said, "I love you Mom. I'll see you soon." It took almost a half hour to get to Tony's parents' house. As Tony pulled up the familiar driveway, he said, 'I guess you know the way, heh, Erin?" Erin nodded. She was overcome with a sense of disconnectness. As Brian, she had walked the half block from the Sander's residence to this home countless times and had always felt welcome and among friends. But now everything was different. Tony's parents didn't have a clue who Erin was. What would they think of Tony's decision to marry this strange young woman and adopt her three children? Would they throw him out, making the decision to accept Erin's parents' offer easy. Would they accept their son's decision reluctantly? With trepidation? Or would they embrace her as their future daughter in law. Brian had always had a friendly relationship with Tony's parents. But somehow, Erin had never really clicked with them. Why? Was she trying too hard and being overbearing? Well, she had to figure it out fast. Because here they were. Tony took Mary while Erin carried the twins up the walkway to the house. Erin would have rung the bell, but of course, Tony just walked in. When inside, he called, "Hi Mom, Hi Dad, Hi boys. We're home." Alonzo and Duncan jumped up from the television and ran out and saw Erin and screamed "Dad, Erin." Alonzo ran up to Tony and Duncan went to Erin and hugged her legs. Alonzo screamed, "Are you guys going to get married?" 'Well, so much for a subtle announcement,' thought Erin. Tony picked him up and told him, "Yes, we are. As soon as possible." Erin smiled, but thought, 'Hasn't Tony heard a word I've said tonight?' Then Tony's parents came in. Miriam knew instantly what the two of them coming in together meant, but it took a few minutes for her husband to catch on. Alonzo thought of Erin as a nice, if sort of odd, girl and thought she would be fine for Tony. He could use a little spontaneity. But Miriam had heard countless awful rumors about Erin from friends. She thought Erin's behavior in person was fine, but was a little scattered. It was only the conviction of her best friend, Jenny, that Erin was a different person than she had been in high school, that finally prompted Miriam not to oppose Tony's interest in Erin. Now Miriam was face to face with the fact that this woman was going to be her daughter-in-law. Miriam wondered if she should have opposed Tony's interest, even with Jenny's advocacy. Would Erin establish a happy home for Tony and her grandchildren? Would she treat the two boys fairly? After all, she had her own children. Sure, the boys appeared to love Erin, a very positive sign. But would Erin give them the encouragement and love they needed? Would she give Tony the encouragement and love he needed? Miriam had a host of troubling concerns. But these concerns didn't matter. Because anyone could see these two were in love and were getting married, and Miriam knew she had nothing to say about it. So, she decided to be gracious and as positive as she could. She stepped forward and gave Erin an awkward hug since Erin had two babies in her arms. Miriam said, "Welcome to the family, Erin." Erin had grateful tears in her eyes, and just said "Thank You, Mrs. Delgado." Then Miriam noticed that Erin was wearing her mother's engagement ring and said, "Oh, are you going to wear my mother's ring, Erin?" Tony, "Yes, Erin said she loved it." Erin, "I do. It's beautiful. And it's so romantic that Tony gave it to me. I'll treasure it forever." Erin didn't know it, but that raised her at least one notch in Miriam's opinion. Tony's first wife's refusal to accept that ring, wanting a new ring instead, and it had always rankled Miriam. Then Tony said, "And I should introduce you to your three new grandchildren. This is Mary. She is almost 1 year old. She is sweet as she can be and is a natural show person. The camera loves her. And Erin is holding Aaron and Carli. They are almost 1 month old and are the calmest newborns I have ever seen. As well they should be, because Erin dotes on them." Miriam had to admit they were very cute babies, and happy and quiet, at least now. But she knew how much work Tony was signing up for. But then Erin was signing up for quite a bit more work too. Today they were in love and it didn't seem like a big deal. But it might be a big deal tomorrow. The four adults talked for a few minutes. Then the twins started fussing. Erin asked if there was a room where she could nurse them. Again, Miriam appreciated this. Everyone knew nursing was better for babies, but few women had the patience to do it over a long period of time. Miriam directed Erin to a den in the back of the house and asked if Erin would like Miriam to bring Mary in too. Erin said sure. But after they got in the den, Erin said she was embarrassed to admit that she didn't make enough milk for three babies, so she had had to switch Mary to formula. She had hated to do it because she felt so close to Mary when she nursed. Miriam looked at Erin and saw that her breasts were small. How had Tony ever gotten interested in Erin? He usually favored small to average size, buxom brunettes, like his former wife, not tall, willowy blondes like Erin. But apparently, there was some sort of attraction. Oh, well. The human psyche is hard to figure out, and Erin's physical features were unimportant to a happy marriage. It was her personality that mattered. Miriam enjoyed holding Mary and playing with her, talking to her occasionally, while Erin finished nursing. Then Erin readjusted her bra and top and they went out and rejoined the men. Alonzo once again asked Erin to read a story, and Tony cautioned him about bothering her right now. But Erin said, "No, I promised Alonzo a story, and now is the time." Alonzo got a favorite book, and Erin gave the twins to Tony to hold. Then Erin read the story to Alonzo, complete with animated voice and her usual acting out of various things in the story. By the time she was done, Tony had had to caution Alonzo and Duncan about screaming several times. Alonzo asked for another, and Erin agreed. So, they went through the process again. Then of course Alonzo wanted another, but Erin said she and his father needed to talk to his grandmother and grandfather some more and it was getting late. Miriam was impressed at Erin's willingness to meet her grandson's needs and her ability to make a story come to life. She remembered they had sent Tony to acting camp one summer, where he had learned to tell stories. But Erin must have a natural talent for it, like Tony's friend Brian. Miriam's estimate of Erin went up another notch. The adults talked for a few more minutes. Then Tony got the boys ready for bed. He brought them out to say good night, and young Alonzo told Erin, "Erin, I love you. I'm glad you and Daddy are getting married." Erin, "Why, Thank you Alonzo. And I'm glad you are going to be my little boy. You are so sweet." Miriam noticed Alonzo pranced and glowed as he went to bed. Then Miriam said, "Erin, would you like to stay overnight. We can make this room up for the four of you. Then you wouldn't have to drive home and put the babies down so late. Erin, "Yes. I have to call my Mom, so she won't worry. Thank You for the offer." Miriam thought that was very considerate. When Erin called, she sensed that Mom was disappointed. She said, "Mom, I'm sorry. We will spend the afternoon tomorrow with you guys. All right?" Mom, "OK, but please plan on coming to church with us next week. I want to announce your engagement there." That made Erin feel bad for disappointing her mother. But all she could do is say OK. That made Erin think about going to church with the DelGados tomorrow. Eek, she hadn't brought a church dress. She had brought her new yellow sun dress, much too casual. Well, that would have to do. It would be nice to see the church Brian and Tony had gone to for so many years. But she would have to guard her tongue from saying anything to indicate she recognized anyone she shouldn't, which included almost everyone over five at the church. Oh Well. Then she put her babies to sleep. Tony and his dad closed the drapes in the den, folded out the hideabed, and Miriam put on some sheets and blankets. Erin changed the twins, lay down on the hideabed where she would sleep and nursed them. After they fell asleep, she sat on the loveseat with Mary and gave her formula. Mary still preferred drinking it next to Erin's breast. The smells were familiar and soothing and soon she was asleep. Erin lay her down carefully and turned down the light to a minimum level and got up and joined Tony and Miriam and Herb in the kitchen. They had prepared her some decaf, which she sipped while they talked. It was a nice time. Erin noticed that Tony had not made any more commitments. That was good. He was sensitive to her feelings. Then Tony's mom and dad went to bed. Tony said, "Mom asked if you wanted to go to church tomorrow." Erin, "I think I'd like that Tony. But I don't have a formal dress. Is it ok if I attend in my Sundress?" Tony, "You bet. I can't wait. Erin, you've made me very happy. I think you've also made my parents happy. At first my mom was doubtful. Be as the evening went along, I think she became more accepting." Erin, "I hope so, Tony. I want her to be happy with me. I know you will like that." Tony, "Yes, but most important to me is that you be happy. I love you so much, Erin." Erin was a little embarrassed at that. But she said, "Tony, I believe in family. You and I growing up together always had happy families. That made our lives much better. Now I have a new happy family, which makes me and my childrens' lives better. I will do as much as I can to make your family happy with me. It will benefit them, it will benefit our children, and it will benefit us." Tony knew that the Erin he was talking to was a warm, generous woman overlaid on his old friend, so he was not amazed that such a young woman would be so wise. But he was happy she was. Then he said, "Erin, now that I know who you are, I see the signs so clearly. I think I love you more. Even if it is a little kinky." Erin, "And what is kinky about a man and woman loving each other, Mr. DelGado? Tony. I'm glad you are accepting that I was once Brian. But I've changed. I'm totally a woman." Tony, "I'm not just accepting. I really liked my friend Brian. And I'm glad I've gotten my friend back in the body of a total fox, a passionate, beautiful, loving woman. I must have done something to please whatever spiritual beings there are for that to happen. Then he kissed her, which she returned enthusiastically. When he finished, and she could breathe again, she said, "Tony, I'd love for you to make love to me again. But I don't think it is proper here, with the children and with your parents." Tony, "I agree. But I can at least kiss you. I'm sure that is permitted." Erin, "OK, then she reached up and put her hand behind his head and pulled herself to him and kissed him and put her tongue in his mouth. That started a sequence of back and forth tongue actions, that eventually had them gasping and laughing. Then Erin saw Mrs. DelGado standing there looking at them, and whispered, "Erk! Tony. Your mom is here." He sat up abruptly and said, "Uh, hi Mom. What's up?" His mother chuckled and said, "Tony, you don't have to hide that you two hug and kiss. I'm not so old that I forgot that's what young people who love each other do." Erin giggled at that and Tony said, "Thanks Mom." Then Miriam said, "I just wanted to say the coffee maker is loaded and ready to go if one of you gets up early. Just hit start." Erin, "OK, Mrs. DelGado. I am usually an early riser. Especially with the babies." Miriam, "I'm not surprised. Good night you two." Tony said, "Erin, did my mother just give us permission to make love?" Erin, "No she didn't Tony. She gave us permission to kiss and hug. We'll have to figure out the other stuff someplace and sometime else. I don't want your parents to think we are betraying their trust. And I'm sure you agree and are just pulling my leg." Tony, "Yes, but it is nice to dream." The next morning Mary woke up at 6:30. Erin got up, tended to her and found she didn't need anything immediately, and turned on the coffee maker and then warmed a bottle and gave it to Mary. After that the twins woke up and Erin sat back out of sight and nursed them. Then she gave all three a sponge bath, since they had no infant bath tub. She changed all three and dressed them. By that time Miriam was up and said good morning and had gotten a cup of coffee. She asked, "Did you sleep well, Erin?" Erin, "Yes, Thank You. How about you?" Miriam, "Yes. I asked Tony if you would be interested in coming to church." Erin, "Yes, I would. But you understand, I have three active babies. It will be a little bit of bother." Miriam, "That's fine. That's what children do." Erin, "One other thing. I didn't bring a dress suitable for church. I just have a yellow sun dress. Is that all right?" Miriam, "Absolutely. We are happy to have you. Would you mind if we announced your engagement? It's sort of a tradition. We would also say a few things about you and Tony. You can write something if you want." Erin said, "No Problem," but she was actually not happy to have to put together a bunch of half-truths. Then Miriam continued, "You should know that there are a couple of girls at church who have been trying to get Tony to ask them out. They're nice enough, but they won't be happy to know that Tony is engaged. I should have mentioned this at the beginning. Do you want to change your mind and not go?" Erin, "No, it'll be fine." But Erin could feel her stomach start to knot up. She unwound the best way she knew how, caring for her babies. She played with Mary for a while and then put her down on the carpet and spent a little time talking at the twins. They seemed to enjoy it and were soon smiling. Duncan came out, and unexpectedly climbed up beside Erin and put his head on her arms. She found a way to put her arms around him. Then Alonzo came out with a book to read. Erin said, "Sorry, Alonzo. I'm tied up now. How about after church? For sure. Come and sit beside me." So, he settled on the other side of Erin and started telling her about a movie he saw. She asked him questions, so he knew she was interested. Mary loved having the boys around her. She imitated them as best she could. Miriam came out and looked at the scene, and quietly got her camera. She came out and said, "Everybody smile." Erin smiled, as did Mary, who loved cameras. The others were too wound up in their own things. But it was a very cute picture. Miriam decided this crazy girl might be a good daughter in law after all. Miriam cooked some pancakes and eggs. Erin had a little to be polite, but her stomach hurt, so she couldn't eat much. Miriam asked her if she had had a chance to write anything. Erin handed her a little note. It read, 'Erin McLoughlin, age 19, mother of three wonderful children, Mary (Age 1 year) and Aaron and Carli (age 1 month), proud sister of Officer Fran McLoughlin, Blakefield Police Department, and good friend of Clara Donohue, Social Worker, City of Blakefield, attended Blakefield High School. Received GED, June 2017 and gave valedictorian speech for Idaho GED class of 2017. Founded GED preparation project at Nola Girls' Detention Center. Erin loves her family and friends and fianc?, Tony DelGado, and his children, Alonzo and Duncan.' Miriam was somewhat surprised. She saw that behind the statement was Erin's sensitivity about her past. Miriam wanted to ask if Erin had any other activities or accomplishments she wanted to mention but thought better of it. Miriam said, "Thank You. This is very good, Erin." Erin thanked her. She had been prepared to dig her heals in. No more lies. What she had written was the truth, and it had to be good enough because that was all she was saying. At church, Tony and Erin busied themselves getting their children settled so they had a limited chance to interact. Erin kept her babies with her. Mary might be OK in the children's center, but the twins were way too young. Erin did notice that her former family was here and asked Tony to stay with the babies for a moment while she went over and greeted them. She had not seen her former father since before the twins had been born, and subtly told him she had them here and he could see them if he wanted. He said he would come over right after the service. Then she went back to set with the DelGados, but a few minutes later Jenny and Peter and Clara and Robert came over and sat behind the DelGados and Tony and Erin and babies. The service began, and before the message the pastor read announcements, which included the announcement of Tony and Erin's marriage. It included a long list of Tony's activities both inside and outside the church and then Erin's statement. After the full statement, the pastor congratulated Tony on being willing to accept responsibility for three new babies. Erin was a little miffed that the pastor didn't seem to realize that Erin was also taking responsibility for two additional children. But, Erin was pleased that Clara's pregnancy was also announced. She leaned back and whispered, "Congratulations, Sis." Clara giggled and leaned forward and said, "Likewise, Sis." Then the younger people were excused for a special message. Erin was of an age to go with them, but of course her children kept her with the older members. As Erin remembered, the message was full of love and hope and exhortations to make the world a better place. Brian had loved this church, even though he had become skeptical about religion in college. After the message, the donations were collected. Erin had saved a $5 bill in her purse and put it in the collection plate. Then the service was over. Tony and Erin collected his sons and her babies and went out to the gathering place. Several men who knew Tony came over to congratulate him. Erin knew most of them but succeeded in not showing it. Their wives and daughters came over to meet the strange, young woman that Tony was marrying. Erin had decided earlier to avoid questions about herself by focusing her talk on her children and Tony's children and general comments about her and Tony's relationship. She would also talk about any of the positive things she had done since becoming Erin. She wouldn't talk about shooting Rex or fighting with his father. She wouldn't talk about high school, even though she now knew quite a bit about Erin in high school. And she wouldn't talk about her tattoos. Detox was on the edge, Erin would respond to any questions of a positive nature. Most men made the conversation short, apparently assuming that Erin was just eye candy with nothing particularly interesting to say. Several did ask how she had gotten involved with this unstable character, indicating Tony. Erin just smiled and told them they met at Clara's wedding and had an instant attraction. One guy remembered Erin as the pregnant woman who won the long drive competition at the tournament this year and congratulated her for that. Erin was happy to talk with him about golf. Women with children loved to talk about babies and children and enjoyed talking to Erin about hers and how she was going to cope with five children. Most of the younger women were well aware of the rumors that swirled around in Blakefield about Erin. They wanted to ask, but in the face of Erin's refusal to respond to subtle questions, most gave up and drifted away. A couple of girls asked Erin point blank how she had three children at such a young age. She told them "Oh, they were conceived and born in the usual way." Then she quickly turned to Clara who wanted to talk. These two walked away with one saying, "God, why is Tony marrying her? What a nothing." Clara had heard and said, "Meow. Meow. Meow," which made Erin giggle. Over all, Erin thought she had made as good a first impression as she could. Assuming she came more often, she would get a chance to show people who she was. Another woman Erin did not know came over and asked her about the GED preparation project. Erin was more than willing to talk about that and described the problem and what they were trying to do. The woman nodded her head and said, "That sounds great. I agree that passing the GED is difficult for a woman who has grown up with a deprived background." Erin asked why she was interested and it turns out she was an executive of a nonprofit that coordinated donations from state employees to various causes. She gave Erin her card and said the grant cycle is January to December, but grants were considered in October for the next year. That gave Erin two months max to put together a major grant if she wanted to. Whew! After church, they went over to the Sanders. It was the Sanders week to host lunch for a group of four sets of good friends from the church. Over time it had expanded to include the next generation, so it was a fairly large gathering. Erin knew them all well and enjoyed everyone's company, although she would have to tread lightly to avoid using names or displaying personal knowledge she shouldn't have. Fortunately, she had to put the twins down for a nap, which took some time. Mary would not go down and miss the people. Erin asked Jenny if she could help put things out, but Jenny smiled and said, "No, go out and enjoy your old friends. Anonymously." So, Erin carried Mary from discussion to discussion. Several of the women asked how old Mary was, and then remarked that she was a "big girl." Mary knew that phrase and waved her arms and smiled when she heard it, which made everyone laugh. Erin was more willing to share information here, and said Mary came by her size honestly. Her father was a 6'7" athlete and strongly built. After a few questions she finally said, "I had an unfortunate relationship in high school. Mary is the only good thing that came out of it." She refused to say anything more about her babies' parentage other than that the twins had a different father. A 16- year-old daughter of one of the families asked, "Is Tony OK with this? I mean, you have slept with at least 2 men before now, probably more." Erin didn't take the bait and either shake her head no or nod. After a few moments of total silence, Erin said, "Look, Tony might not be the first man I slept with, but he will be the last. Apparently, that is OK with him. Ask him." The girl looked over at Tony, shook her head and laughed and said, "Nh Eh, No way." Erin most enjoyed the intellectual discussions. At this event, they might talk about religion, politics, art, music, theatre, science, engineering, personal relationships, racism, sexism, virtually anything. And the people seemed to all have well considered opinions. Erin tried to keep her mouth shut, but wound up contributing to several topics, most of them math and science related. Several people were surprised, particularly several who knew Erin's reputation. This fianc? of Tony was clearly no dummy. Tony was immensely proud of Erin. Even though he knew the secret that made her more than she appeared. Miriam was surprised, but by now she knew Erin as a girl with a lot of surprises. After an hour the twins woke up. Miriam volunteered to hold Mary while Erin got them up, let them nurse, and cleaned them. Then she came downstairs and sat in the living room and played with her twins. After a few minutes, Tony's boys came in and asked Erin to Read. But they didn't have a book. It turns out that Erin knew where a secret stash of old children's books was located and told Alonzo, who found them and chose one and brought it out. In the meantime, Duncan stayed close to Erin. Erin said, "Alonzo, I have to hold Carli and Aaron, so I can't act. I can just read. Is that OK?" Alonzo agreed, so, Erin read the book with as much theatre as she could muster. Several other children wandered in and stayed. Then Alonzo asked for another book, and Erin said he needed to go and choose one. This time three children ran to the secret stash and argued a bit before choosing a ghost story. Again, Erin read it as best she could. By that time most of the children at the event were in the living room, listening to Erin read, and one of the adults noticed them missing and a moment of panic ensued. But they soon found the children gathered in the living room. Most of the men went back out to the yard to resume discussions, but Tony and several of the women, including Miriam, stayed and listened. When Erin was done, they clapped. Erin turned red and thanked them. Tony walked over and gave her a hug. He would have liked to kiss her passionately, but this was not a good time. Erin let herself get talked into one more book. After that, she realized she had promised Mom McLoughlin that they would spend the afternoon and evening with them. She had forgotten to tell Tony, so she carried the twins over to Tony and whispered what was going on, and he agreed that they had to leave. She retrieved Mary and changed her and gave her a bottle, then they said their goodbyes, packed up what they needed, and left. On the way home, Erin was pleased at what she thought was a successful visit. In particular, she seemed to have established a good relationship with Miriam and allayed some of her concerns about Erin's reputation. But Erin realized that she and Tony hadn't had a chance to talk about their near-term future or discuss it with Tony's parents. They had to find a way to do that soon. And she had to talk to Clara and Jenny about the idea of getting a grant to help the GED project along. Life had gotten a lot more complicated over the last few days. When they got home, Erin told Mom that she and Tony had not had a chance to talk yet, so they weren't ready to discuss staying together at their home yet. That was fine with Dad. He had the Mariners on. Erin wound up talking to Mom and helping her with dinner as much as she could with the twins in arms. Mary and the boys landed in the living room with Dad and Tony as they watched the Mariners. That was good with Erin because she was very close to Mom and if she needed to talk about child care or feelings or how to relate to a husband, a private conversation with Mom was best. And she did want to talk about all those things. In particular, Erin asked Mom's advice about the early morning need for sex that Tony had shown. Mom asked, "Well, was he respectful and considerate and did he indicate he would stop if you wanted?" Erin "Yes. He was very embarrassed about waking me for sex." Mom, "Then there is no problem. You and he need to talk about it and find a solution. You know, all men are like that. They're wired to want sex whenever they are close to the woman they love. They can't help it. As long as he is considerate and will stop if you want and will work toward a solution that doesn't involve you losing sleep, it's not a real problem. Why are you concerned about this incident? From what you would tell me Rex was much more aggressive in wanting sex and furthermore he liked degrading forms of sex, and you didn't complain." Erin, "I don't know, Mom. I don't remember much of my time with Rex. I was drugged up all the time. I know he demanded a lot of sex and much of it was very unpleasant. Maybe I didn't complain because it didn't matter much what I wanted?" Mom, "Well enjoy being with someone who does care what you want. Erin, Tony's a sweetheart. He loves you and cares for you. Enjoy having someone like that. Don't overanalyze every incident. Just find a solution, and then forgive him for what he did. Don't let anger and upset fester in your mind." Erin, "Thanks, Mom. I agree. I just wanted to talk with you about it." Then Mom said, "I know you haven't talked to Tony yet, but what would you like to do about finding a place to live the next few years." Erin, "I don't know Mom. I don't see a good solution. with 5 children, we need to have a large house. That is totally out of reach for us. Tony doesn't even have a job yet. I'm sure he will find one soon. He's very responsible and very personable. But it probably won't pay enough to rent a house. And with two very young babies, I can't look for a regular job. I will be taking care of Jeremy for Debbie again starting in September, so that is something. I'd really like to try to find a better paying job when the babies are old enough to go to childcare, but that is over a year away. The logical solution is to not get married until both Tony and I have a good job. But Tony doesn't want to wait. I guess I can't blame him. Our relationship has gotten sexual. Tony says he wants us to be together forever. And I want that too. So, he wants a relationship we don't have to hide. Something our parents can be proud of. I guess I should appreciate that." Mom, "Yes, you should. Erin, you are worrying too much. The last 10 months, you have been obsessive about having everything planned out. Just accept that there is no perfect solution, just some workable ones. One possible solution is to live here for a year or two until you two are on your feet. Dad and I love you and the kids and would be happy to have you. I know you and Tony want to be on your own. And you will someday. But for now, living here should be workable. Another solution would be to be married but live apart. I know you don't like that idea, but I suspect you would spend a lot of time together anyway. There are other workable solutions. You and Tony need to talk and pick one." Erin, "Thanks, Mom. Tony and I love each other and that is what is important. Given that, you are right, there are workable solutions. I guess we do have another thing that is sort of troubling me, that I wanted your advice on." Tony wants to get married right away, as soon as we can line up a license and a clergyman to do the ceremony. I do want to get married as soon as we reasonably can. But, what do you and Dad want? Do you want a big wedding to have your friends and relatives to? I mean, you do have Fran's wedding coming up, although they haven't set the date. I know you are paying for that. I sort of feel bad getting married so close in time. Would it be better for you if Tony and I just eloped? But I don't really want to do that. I want my friends there with me, Fran, Clara, Jesse, Debbie, Virginia, and, very important, LaTesha. I want her to be free and to come to my wedding. Tony suggested that we get married twice, once just the two of us and our parents, and then a more formal wedding in a few months. It sounds weird, but he says it is not unusual these days in situations like this. I'm afraid it would make the big wedding a commemoration of the small. What do you think?" Mom, "I definitely want to see you get married and to be able to invite my friends and family to your wedding. The cost is a concern, but we can manage. I would usually want to have the wedding at our church but can't because of the remodeling they are doing this summer. How about Tony's church? Given the cost concerns, the reception could be at the same church if it is available. The expensive things would be the catering and music." Erin, "Well, I would be OK with a church potluck, or pizza, or a dozen 4 ft. subs and some fruit juice, or something informal like that, as long as I had a wedding cake. I want to be married early in the day anyway, so we have lots of time to do things after the wedding. But there could be a lot of people. Maybe Tony might have some connections on the music. Let's see if we can drag the guys away from the Mariners for a few minutes?" A funny thought struck Erin at that, 'God, I'm starting to sound like my mothers.' They want into the living room, and found that Tony was playing with Alonzo, while Dad was rolling around on the floor with Duncan and Mary. The game was actually just background noise. Although she expected that if anything exciting seemed to be happing, the two would pause their play with the children. Mom said, "Bart, Tony, can we interrupt you two for a few minutes to talk about some things?" Erin remembered how Brian's friends used to joke about this sort of "Honey, we need to talk" comment from their wives and girlfriends. How she had changed from Brian. But that thought caused Erin to wonder why so many women would use this sort of language to start a conversation with the men in their lives about something they considered important, and why the men were almost universally put on guard by the comment. Was it because the wives were concerned that they couldn't get their husbands attention otherwise? Did they feel the need to alert the men that they wanted to be listened to? Erin certainly didn't feel that way about Tony and didn't believe Mom felt that way about Dad. Dad had his faults but would listen to Mom if she wanted to talk. Erin decided she would have to develop a different approach to starting an important conversation with Tony. But in this case, Tony and Dad were happy to discuss living arrangements and the wedding, Tony, especially, because he wanted to settle the wedding plans, although he was concerned that they wouldn't get married as soon as possible. Erin opened up with, "OK, there are two things Tony and I need to decide soon, when and where to get married and where to live after we are married. This is a group discussion because Mom and Dad could be involved in both the marriage and the living arrangements after the marriage. Similarly, Tony's parents will probably be involved in both things. We will have a separate discussion with them soon, right Tony?" Tony, "Eh, Yeah, right." Erin, "So let's talk about the wedding, first. Tony wants to get a license tomorrow and get married as soon thereafter as we can, maybe later this week. I want to have a wedding where I can have my good friends involved, including LaTesha, who is scheduled to be out of Nola in September, although the date hasn't been confirmed yet. Mom would like to have a wedding where she can invite friends and family and do all the things that mothers of the bride do at weddings. Lord knows she has earned the right to do that. The only caveat I have is that you minimize costs. I refuse to have you spend every dime you have on a wedding that will last only one night. That's crazy. I will feel just as happily married if we have a modest wedding as if we have an extravagant wedding. Tony, I would guess that since you have been married before, your parents are less concerned about whether you have a formal wedding or not." Tony, "Yeah, I would have thought that too. But they definitely want me to be married in a church where they can attend and invite family. I talked to my mom while you were getting the twins ready for bed, Erin, and that is what she said. Actually, she said something funny. She said 'Tony, your first wedding appears to have been just for practice. I think this one is forever.' Well, I certainly intend it to be forever. If a formal wedding helps that, I'm all for it. However, I still want to be married as soon as possible. Erin, I love you, now more than ever. I want us to be recognized as husband and wife. I want us to live together with our children as a family, as soon as that can happen." Erin caught the hidden meaning in Tony's statement that his parents couldn't catch, and she blushed a little at his loving her more because she used to be his best guy friend. But she didn't have time to muse on hidden meanings now. Erin, "OK, so I think I should state my preference. I think we should plan the wedding tentatively for the end of September. Tony, we should try to book your parent's church for that time. It should be a Saturday afternoon wedding. We should ask friends to coordinate some snacks. I think Virginia or Jesse would be great at that. But maybe Mom has some other ideas. Tony, do you have any contacts who might provide music? And don't volunteer yourself. I need your full attention at our wedding. I don't want our departure to be delayed because we have to play one more song. We can play at other people's weddings if you want. What do you think?" Tony laughed and said, "Well, you have to admit playing at our own wedding would add a unique element to the event. I think it would be fun. Plus, we could charge admission and help defray the cost of the wedding." Erin couldn't help chuckling herself, but she said, "Tony, be serious." Dad jumped in and said, "Me and the guys at the club have a little band. We would be happy to play." Erin thought about it. She envisioned a group of 50 and 60-year-old men who played 60's and 70's hard core country-western. Erin didn't want to insult her father, but that was not what she wanted. She was hoping for a mix of music from the last 30 years, with some romantic pop, some smooth rock, some upbeat rap, some jazz, and some more romantic pop. Tony also looked dubious. He asked, "What kind of music do you play?" Dad, "Mostly 60's rock and roll and western. But we could use this as an opportunity to update our repertoire. Would you be interested in helping us include other music?" Tony, "Sure. That might be fun. Are your friends willing to learn new material?" Dad, "I think we are. We are getting a little bored doing our Elvis stuff. I'll call and ask them." Erin put her forehead in her hand, and said, "Please tell me you're joking, Dad." Tony looked at her and said, "Well, why don't I come down and listen to you and if I think we can work up a set that younger people would enjoy, we'll do it." Erin couldn't believe this. Well, she had said she didn't want the music and food to be terribly expensive. And it certainly didn't sound like Dad's band would be expensive. But she would have to talk to Tony later ad insure that he would carry through on his stated intention to insure the band could play some quality up to date music. Dad caught the look on Erin's face. He said, "Don't worry baby, I promise that you will have some fun music at your wedding." Erin smiled at him and said, "OK, Thanks Daddy. I love you." Dad, "I love you too, Baby Girl." Erin thought, 'God, how surreal. But I do love him. He's so sweet. And he's been great to me and my children.' Then Tony said, "Well we have the public wedding planned. But I was thinking we might have a small wedding next weekend, with just Erin and I, the children, and you two, my parents, maybe one or two other close friends and family, like Fran, your son and family, Clara, and maybe Clara's parents who are very close friends of my family, and almost like a second set of parents. I know I'm being impatient. But I love you Erin and would really like us to be recognized as a family as soon as possible. Then the bigger wedding could be a public renewal of our vows, or a celebration of our marriage, or something like that. I know the small wedding might diminish in some way the big public wedding. But this sort of thing is not uncommon these days. A couple will have a small wedding while in school and then a bigger wedding later when they have more money and time. And it's not too different from a couple renewing their vows after 20 years, which often happens when the original wedding was low key for some reason. They often have a big gathering of friends at such a renewal. One advantage to this is we would be in no hurry for the big wedding. We could have it when we are ready. What do you think?" Erin, "Tony, I want to be married to you as soon as possible too. But I guess I don't mind waiting a couple of months if necessary. It gives us time to plan a nice wedding. And being engaged is a special time. Your friends and family all know you are getting married. There is a lot of anticipation that each participant shares with them. There's shopping for special things. There are parties with the bride and her friends and the groom and his friends to celebrate the wedding. Would you really want to miss the bachelor's party, where you hire a stripper and all your friends make crude jokes about what you will be doing the night of the wedding, and everyone drinks too much and throws up all over each other?" Mom said, "Erin!" But Tony laughed. That comment reflected his old friend, Brian's, quirky sense of humor. Erin said, "OK, forget I said that. Tony, if you are worried that I might change my mind if we don't marry immediately, don't be. I love you and want to be your wife forever. I know those words may not be convincing to you because I have done some crazy times in my life. But I have never felt so strongly about any intention I've had as about my intention to marry you. Please believe me." Erin didn't add the comment that she had told Tony privately because it was not something she felt comfortable saying in front of Mom and Dad, although she thought they would understand. The comment was that she would love to have sex with Tony any time they could arrange a private time, married or not. Tony had replied that it would be easier to be together by themselves if they were married. Erin looked at her parents. Her father laughed and said, "You two kids do what makes you happy. I will support whatever you decide. I think we can make two marriages work, if that's what you want." Erin smiled, and gave him a hug and said, "Thanks, Daddy. The first wedding won't cost you anything. We'll just find a clergyman and gather in a church and have the ceremony and Tony and I will have an evening to ourselves, that I pay for. I promise." Dad, "Sweetie, I am happy to contribute to both weddings. I just want you to be happy." Then Erin cried and hugged him again. When done, she looked at Mom and said, "Mom, what do you think? Can you work with this plan?" Mom, "I'd rather we have one big wedding. I think people might not be enthusiastic about a renewal of vows, particularly after only a few weeks. And they won't want to buy big gifts, if they do come." Erin, "Mom, I'm not getting married to get gifts. And people who care for us will come anyway. You will still be able to see people say 'God, I never thought I would see that girl grow up and do anything normal.'" Mom, "Humph, getting married twice within a few months to the same man is not normal. But I think we can make it work." Then Erin said, "OK, Tony. Let's try to put together a small, private ceremony next weekend, Friday night or some time Saturday." Tony was surprised. He had expected to lose this argument. In his first marriage, the rational that he wanted something had never seemed to be important. But Tony realized that with Erin it was important. This realization caused an outpouring of love, as well as a determination to not abuse this influence with Erin. He said, "I will try to get a license and venue, Erin. Maybe your church has a big enough room for a small ceremony. That would mean the small wedding at your church and the bigger at mine. Would that be satisfactory, Mr. and Mrs. McLoughlin?" Erin saw mom almost smile, and Dad said, "Yes, that would be good. I assume you will ask our pastor to do the ceremony. He is really a good guy." Then Tony said, "Yes, I had intended to do that. Erin, can you ask your sister and brother if they can make it?" Erin, "Yeah. I assume you will work with your parents and ask the Sanders." Tony smiled, "I think they will all be able to make it. Are you going to ask Clara or Fran to be a Matron of Honor?" Erin, "I don't think so Tony. You said it would be an informal ceremony. I will just be happy if they are both there." Then Erin smiled and said, "OK, we have decided on a small ceremony next weekend and a bigger ceremony sometime in September or October and outlined some things we need to do. Tony, the next thing we need to talk about is where do we live after the wedding until we can afford to either rent or buy a home? Mom and Dad have already offered to let us live here." Tony, "Erin, I didn't get a chance to tell you, but my parents offered to allow us to live there too. It's nice that we each have such great parents." Erin, "OK, that's another option. Another option is we could live apart, you with your parents and me with mine. That way neither set of parents would have to have such a full house. They are both sweet, but the unavoidable noise and mess of five children is a lot to tolerate even for doting grandparents. But I don't want to live apart. I don't think you do either." Tony, "Not really. We are getting married to be with each other. Living apart is sort of defeating the purpose. Although other couples have had to do it for a time. I would put up with it if we had to. I see the point that it would lessen the load on one set of parents. But there is another possibility. We could stay with one set of parents for a period, and then with another for a period. That would give each set of grandparents a break when they could have quiet and calm for a while." Erin, "OK, I think we should get together with both sets of parents early in the week and talk about it. What do you think, Mom and Dad?" Mom, "I think we would be OK just having you all live here for a couple of years. But, yes, let's get together and talk. It would have to be after work. Either Monday or Tuesday is OK. It'll give us a chance to meet Tony's parents." Dad didn't say anything, but after this conversation seemed to be concluding, Dad said, "Tony, have you thought about construction work for a job. The pay is good and right now there are plenty of opportunities. Do you have any experience?" Tony, "A little, but I've mainly worked at sort of middle management in my day jobs. My main thought was to insure I had lots of time to pursue my music." Then he sort of laughed and said "Obviously, I need to pay much more attention to my day job now. But I still hope to do some music. I really enjoy it. And I've got a fine keyboard player in the family. A very pretty one too. Someday, I hope to entice Erin to play with me." Erin blushed a little and said, "Maybe someday, but not for a few years, Tony." Tony, "Although I have limited experience in construction, I'm willing to learn and work hard." Erin, "Dad, Tony is very intelligent and very responsible. His former employer trusted him to stay three weeks and train his successor. Most of the time when someone quits, the employer wants to get rid of him or her as soon as possible." Dad looked at her and said, "Is that a totally unbiased opinion, Erin." Erin laughed and looked at Tony with adoring eyes and said, "Hell no. I love Tony and will never be unbiased about him. But it is the truth." Now it was Tony's turn to look a little embarrassed. Dad continued, "Pederson's has an opening doing field contract management for a road construction project. But I think they are looking for someone with more knowledge of engineering than you. Actually, they mentioned Erin's name, but I told them she was too busy. They may ask her anyway. But I will keep my ears open and tell you if something comes up that you are qualified for." Tony, "Thanks, I would appreciate that." Dad had expected Tony to object to the idea that he knew less about construction than Erin, but Tony just accepted that without even thinking about it. Dad thought that a little odd. Clearly, Tony did not have a huge problem with a macho self-image. Or had the two of them discussed this before? If so, that was indicative of the maturity of their relationship. Most 20-25-year-old couples did not spend any time talking about construction. The schedule that week was incredibly busy. On Monday, Tony and the boys came over in the morning and picked up Erin and her babies and took them down to city hall where they purchased a marriage license. A couple with that many children planning to get married caused a bit of a stir among the office staff, and they wound up explaining the circumstances of their marriage to several of the employees. The city asked if they could get a picture for inclusion in the city's monthly newsletter. Tony was agreeable, but Erin demurred and said "No, I don't want my picture and story out in the public eye. I just want to focus on my family for now." Then they went out and had lunch at a fast-food hamburger place, which made Alonzo and Duncan extremely happy. Mary, as always wanted to mimic the boys and insisted on a hamburger too. Erin was very careful to watch her for signs she was choking, but she showed none and ate about a third of it with gusto. Erin herself got a small hamburger and a milk shake to share with Mary. In her former life she avoided that sort of food but nursing twins and caring for three children and still having occasional days where her stomach growled at all food, Erin honestly was having trouble maintaining her weight at a healthy level. So, she welcomed the fast food at a time when she thought she could eat some. After their burgers, Alonzo and Duncan ran off to a play area, and Tony took Mary over to the same area, so she could watch and maybe try the slide. Erin stayed at the table and tried to subtly nurse the children without causing a stir for showing her breasts in public. Fortunately, most of the adults there were young and sympathetic with Erin and knew she was only caring for her babies. All in all, the family greatly enjoyed their lunch experience. Erin found herself thinking of her and Tony and their children as a family now and found herself loving the feeling of connectedness that went being a family. When they got home, Erin asked if Tony would keep a watch on the kids for a few minutes and called her church and actually got the pastor on the phone. She said, "Hi Pastor Kim, I'm getting married this weekend, but I don't have a venue arranged yet. I know the church is being remodeled and is not available except on Sunday. I was wondering whether the church office/library/child care area was available. That should be big enough. Only a few close friends and family will be there." Pastor Kim, "What time, Saturday?" Erin, "We were thinking about 4. Then Tony and I have more time to be together that evening." Pastor Kim, "Sure, the office is available, but I would recommend you use the garden. It is much more pleasant during the day. If it rains or something, you could move into the Office." Erin, "Oh, the garden. Of course. That would be wonderful. Thank you so much, Pastor Kim. How much will it cost?" Pastor Kim, "It's free to long-term members of the congregation." Then Erin said, "One more question, would you be available to perform the ceremony? I would really like you to do it." Pastor Kim, "Thank You for that Erin. Yes, I would be happy to perform the ceremony. The only thing I ask is an opportunity to spend an hour or two with you and your fianc? and talk about some things. I would be available Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday." Erin, "What kind of things, Pastor Kim." Pastor Kim, "Just some strategies that experts on marriage have developed to help husbands and wives meet each other's needs, so that their marriage is happy and enduring. Nothing too heavy, I assure you." Erin, "Let me talk to my fianc?. Then she held the phone to her blouse and said, "Tony, would it be OK to meet with the Pastor and let him present some strategies that help couples be happy in marriage. He is available Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday." Tony, "Sure. I think we are going to be pretty busy Wednesday and Thursday. Let's do it Friday." Erin picked up the phone and said, "How about Friday, Pastor Kim?" Pastor Kim, "Friday it is, how about 3 in the afternoon." Erin, How about 3 PM, Tony?" Tony nodded. Erin, "OK, 3 PM, See you then." Erin smiled at Tony and said, "Well, we have a license and a venue. And we have love. What else do we need?" Tony, "Absolutely nothing. But how about a little something to drink and eat for our friends who are there. It is likely to go past dinner time." Erin, "OK, do you have any suggestions?" Tony, "Something healthier than chips. But nothing fancy. Would you work with our mothers? I bet they can help and put together some things people would like without a lot of trouble. Does your church allow wine at events on church grounds?" Erin, "I don't think so. But I can check. No, forget that thought. I think we would be better off with just some punch. It would work for toasts and my sister wouldn't be concerned about her kids. I will work with your and my mother on some food. What are you going to be doing with yourself this week, Tony, while we women are putting all this together?" Erin had said the latter without thinking and was suddenly astonished at how completely she identified as a woman. Tony glanced at her and smiled. He had caught that too. He replied, "I have to apply for jobs. I want to be employed when we are married. You and five kids will be mine, and I want to take care of you." Erin, "Tony, it is 2017. All five kids will be mine too. I expect to contribute. I love you for feeling responsible, but please don't take all this on yourself. I plan to work a couple years from now after the twins are big enough. And I have a child-care job through Christmas at least, which pays OK. And I will seek other childcare opportunities that allow me to stay home. The way the world is, it will take two incomes to support a family." Tony, "OK, I knew that. But I really want to make sure I am pulling my weight. Anyway, this conversation brings another thought to mind. I was hoping to adopt your three children. I want to keep caring for them if something should happen that they needed it. What do you think?" Erin, "I hadn't thought that far ahead, Tony. I would love it if you adopted them. It would give me some added security. I don't think there will be any opposition. Rex is dead. And he hated Mary. Why would he have opposed her adoption by my husband. His father might oppose you adopting them, but in Idaho grandparents don't have many rights regarding custody, for good or ill. And the twins father will not oppose them being adopted. I guarantee that. I would also like to adopt your boys, for the same reasons you want to adopt my children . Do you think your wife would oppose that?" Tony replied, "Not likely. She would probably be thrilled to not have any possibility of having to care for them. I occasionally communicate with her by email. I will ask her?" Tony, "Speaking of responsibility and jobs, I have two job interviews today. My Mother set one up for an office management thing, and your dad set one up for a construction job. I hope to have some time to call on a few others and schedule them for tomorrow. Today, could you watch the boys while I go to the two I have? It will be a few hours." Erin said, "Sure. Love to." Erin was aware having sole custody of 5 young children rather than 3 would make the afternoon even more frantic. But she was now confident she could handle it. After Tony had left, Erin brought all the kids to the changing room and changed Mary and the twins and then let the older three in the babies room while she nursed the twins again and got them down for a nap. She was surprised that the other three kids fell asleep too. She decided to lay there with them in case something came up and wound up falling asleep for a while herself. After a while Alonzo stirred and asked Erin if he could go to the bathroom. Erin said "Sure, you don't need to ask Alonzo. If you gotta go, then go." But he just stayed there and finally said, "Will you help me Erin?" Erin realized that even though he was very verbal, he was still just a young child. So, she got up with him and went into the bathroom and helped him pull his jeans down. But then she noticed he was very wet, and very embarrassed. Almost crying, he said, "I peed in the bed, Erin." She said, "Oh, Alonzo. It's OK. We all have accidents sometimes. You're fine. Let's get these wet clothes off you." It turns out that every piece of clothes he had was soaked. Erin knew that would mean the bed was soaked too. She got him undressed and put him in the shower and showered him off. Then she heard Mary crying, so she left Alonzo sitting on the edge for a moment and went to see about the other children. Only Mary was awake, so Erin picked her up and brought her into the bathroom. She got there, and Alonzo had put the plug into the drain and turned on the water. She checked the temperature to insure it was OK, then asked, "Do you like baths, Alonzo?" He nodded shyly. She realized he was still embarrassed. So, Erin sat and comforted him when he was in the bath tub while she held Mary. After a couple minutes, Mary started fussing and trying to express something. She was pointing at the water, and Erin said "It's OK, Mary. You don't need to get into the bathtub." But Mary fussed and fussed some more and finally Erin realized that she wanted to be in the bathtub with Alonzo. Erin thought, 'Why not? The worst that can happen is that she will get frightened and want right back out.' She took Mary's clothes and diaper off, and sat her down in the tub with Alonzo, who by this time was laying with just his head out of the water and enjoying the warmth after he had gotten chilled from being wet. Mary sat there and looked at him for a minute and then tried to lay down like he was. Erin cradled her a bit and supported her head, so it didn't fall in completely. Then Alonzo dunked his head under the water for a minute, and Mary wanted to copy him. Erin let her, and was surprised that Mary didn't get frightened, but almost seemed to revel in being like Alonzo, even if he had to be in a bath. Then Erin heard some noise from the bedroom and asked Alonzo if she could hold Mary up for a minute. He smiled and said, "Sure, Erin." She left them for a moment and found Duncan fussing and wet, apparently from sleeping close to Alonzo while he had an accident. She got him and quickly brought him into the bathroom. Alonzo was very responsibly holding Mary's hands and she was smiling and babbling, apparently happy as a clam. Duncan saw the other two in the bathtub and said "Bath? Bath?" Erin got him out of his wet clothes and put him in the tub with the other two. Erin spent another 5 minutes playing with the three older children and then heard the twins fussing. After cautioning Alonzo to watch the other two, she rushed across the hall to the bedroom and picked them up quickly and brought them into the bathroom. Then she sat on the toilet with the seat down and nursed the twins while the other three children played in the tub. By this time Alonzo had recovered his confidence and was talking nonstop. Mary was trying to mimic him. Duncan played quietly. But the bath was cooling down and it was time to get the older kids out. There was a problem in that Alonzo and Duncan did not have any dry clothing to wear. Fortunately, Mary was a big girl and had some stuff that Mom had bought anticipating Mary's getting potty trained that would fit Duncan. Erin thought it would even fit Alonzo except being short, because he was a very slender child. So, she asked Alonzo if he would mind wearing some of Mary's clothes. He crinkled his nose and said, "There not dresses, are they?" Erin said, "No, they're not girly. Just some pants and a shirt. The underpants are a lot like yours, but with no hole to pee through. Is that OK?" Alonzo nodded, suddenly shy again. So, Erin picked up the twins and told Alonzo he should watch Duncan and Mary and went to where the clothes were stored. She got three outfits, being sure that Mary would want to dress as much like the other two as she could. She put out a couple of towels on the floor and laid the twins down there for while one by one she got the older three out of the bathtub and toweled them off and dressed them. She did Mary first, and put her in diapers but then in one of the outfits her mother had gotten. Mary had never worn a pants and a blouse outfit before but seemed to be happy enough. Then Erin got Duncan up and fit him easily into another outfit. She noted that he was only a little bit bigger than Mary, although of course much more active and grown up. Erin was relieved that Alonzo could wear the biggest of the outfits, even though the pants looked like shorts and the shirt sleeves were very short compared to what he usually wore. Neither boy had any problem with the lack of a hole in the front of the underpants. Erin had taken their shoes and socks off when the boys had gone to bed, so they were able to wear those, and when they were done they ran off to play. Erin picked up the twins and took them into her room and laid them on the bed with pillows around them while she went back and got Mary. Mary was upset that she couldn't follow the boys, but Erin gave her a toy and talked to her while she was changing the twins. Then Erin put the twins back into their basinets for a moment, and put Mary on the floor, and tore the blankets off the bed and threw them out into the hallway in the direction of the washer and dryer. She quickly went to the bathroom and got another couple towels, one wet, and used them to clean and dry the wet spot on the bed as much as she could. Then she threw the towels out into the hallway next to the sheets and blankets. She took Mary out into the family room and laid her on the floor near where the boys were playing, telling them to be careful, and then threw the sheets into the washer, along with Alonzo and Duncan's wet clothing. Finally, she got herself some coffee and went and got the twins and sat down on the couch for a brief break. Phew. This mother business was a lot of work. But Erin was happy, because her children were safe and happy. Then Alonzo came up and sat beside her for a moment. He asked, "Erin, do you think my Dad will be mad because I had an accident." Erin smiled and said, "No. Your father is a very nice man, Alonzo. He will understand that everyone has an accident once in a while. And if he doesn't, I'll remind him of the time he had an accident when we were in cub scouts." Alonzo, "Were you in cub scouts, Erin? I thought they only let boys in cub scouts." Erin, "Um, I mean when he was a cub scout." Alonzo persisted, "Did you know Dad when he was little, Erin?" Erin didn't see any way out of it, and said, "Yes, I did, Alonzo." Alonzo continued, "Was he bigger than you?" Erin, "Yes, much bigger." She was sure that she was answering a different question than Alonzo asked, but didn't want to go into it. Alonzo, "If you knew him a long time ago, why didn't you get married then?" Erin, "Um, things were different then, Alonzo. I was very different. Your Daddy didn't like me as a girlfriend, then." Alonzo, "But now he loves you, doesn't he? And you love him too." Erin, "Absolutely, Alonzo. We love each other very much, and we want to be together forever after this." Alonzo smiled and said, "Good." Then he drifted off to play some more. At about 4, Tony came in. He had received permission from Erin, so he didn't feel he had to ring the bell now, especially during the day. He went into the living room and called out, "Hi Everybody. I'm back." Erin called out from the family room where she was allowing the twins to nurse, "We're in the family room, Tony." Tony went in and Alonzo and Duncan went running up to him. Alonzo said, "Hi Dad." Tony looked at him in the smallish clothing and asked "Have you had a good time with Erin, Alonzo. How about you Duncan." Alonzo said, "Yeah, Dad. Erin read us a story and showed us how to play Candy Land." Tony, "So, Alonzo, why are you wearing those clothes?" Alonzo looked down and quietly said, "I had an accident when we were laying in the bed, Dad. Erin said it was OK. She said anyone can have an accident sometimes." Tony looked at him and said, "Erin is right, son. I'm not mad at you. I love that you told me everything." And he motioned that he wanted a hug. Alonzo ran to him and gave him a big hug. Then Alonzo said, "And Erin said that you had an accident like that when you were a cub scout." Tony smiled and said, "Oh she did, did she? I guess I've been told on. She is right about it not being a big deal. But when I had an accident, the den mother got mad at me, and I felt terrible, like there was something wrong with me and like I ruined everyone's good time on purpose. Most of the other kids made fun of me. The only one who stuck by me was my best friend, Brian, who told the other kids that they were being mean, that everyone has an accident some time. He almost got into a fight with one of them." Alonzo tried to process all this. He finally reacted by saying, "Oh." Tony did not think that Alonzo would consider this accident a big deal afterwards, which was exactly what Tony wanted. But the incident that Tony had been through had been burned in his memory. After the scout meeting at which Tony had an accident, the Den Mother called his parents and told them what had happened and said that if Tony came to any more events, they would need to provide two changes of clothing in addition to the one that everyone else had to provide, just in case. After questioning Tony and his best friend Brian, Tony's parents had been pissed. They knew Tony did not have a frequent problem holding his water. But, nonetheless they had taken him to a doctor to be sure. The Doctor had examined Tony and questioned him carefully and said, "Everyone has an accident sometimes. Tony does not have a problem." After that, Tony's family had had a talk with him, and they all decided that Tony didn't need to be a cub scout anymore. Then his friend, Brian, had quit, too. He had played with Tony for years and didn't remember one other time when Tony had had an accident. He told his parents he thought the den mother was mean and stupid and he didn't want to go to Cub Scouts any more. Tony remembered feeling good that his friend cared that much but felt bad that this thing had caused Brian to quit the Cub Scouts. Tony had been the subject of teasing at school for weeks after that, before things died down. He was a mellow child who, with his parents counseling, had weathered the storm without a lot of upset. But he remembered that Brian had been involved in some fights during the teasing. The young Brian had been a feisty character and was willing to engage much bigger boys in arguing and fighting if he thought they were being nasty. Tony suspected that Erin was still feisty and that if anyone mistreated one of her children, she would be a formidable opponent. Tony had some good news and since the other issue had been dealt with, went ahead and said, "I think I have a job." Erin was excited and said, "Great. Tell us Tony. We're waiting." Tony, 'Well, I interviewed on two jobs. One was with Rialto Sewer Construction. Your Dad gave me the lead and a reference. Mr. Rialto didn't offer me the job yet. But he said that he really respected your dad. They'd heard of you too, Erin. Apparently, the rumor of a 19-year-old girl without a high school degree who took on a difficult reporting job is well known in construction circles around Blakefield. Mr. Rialto said he had two other interviews, so would make up his mind after the last one on Thursday. But he said he really liked my interview." Tony laughed, "He also said he liked my last name, DelGado, another Italian name." One other thing in my favor, I have a letter from my King County Employer which said he I was a great employee and he is willing to talk to any prospective employer about me. I think Mr. Rialto will call him, too. The job only starts with a modest wage, $18/hr. But that is pretty good for Blakefield, and there are opportunities to advance. Apparently, Mr. Rialto has more business than he can handle easily and wants to add another couple of crews. If I do well, I could wind up with a raise and more responsibility within 6 months. I'm excited." Erin laughed and clapped and said, "I'm excited too, Tony. That is great. With that we can save some money so sometime soon we can have our own place." Then Tony sort of looked worried. He said, "Is it OK, Erin, that I work in the sewer business. It isn't a very prestigious job. I know you had a college degree in your former life and had big plans. Are you OK being married to someone in the sewer business?" Erin came over and kissed Tony full on the lips, and said, "Oh, Tony. Of course, it's OK. I know you will do honest work and will do as much as you can to help your customers. In addition, you are working your ass off to support your family. I love you and will respect you forever. Don't ever doubt that." Tony, "OK, Erin. It's just that my former wife really didn't respect me because she could get a better job than I could. I think that is why she cheated on me. She cheated with a guy with a prestigious job title." The way Tony said it, Erin knew it still hurt. His confidence was still suffering from that incident almost 1? years ago. Erin said, "Tony, as Brian I wanted to go be an engineer because I was interested in the work, not because it was prestigious work. I respected your desire to have a day job and do your music in the evening because it was what you were interested in, what would make you happy. So, what I valued was doing something you loved. not doing something that was prestigious. That hasn't changed, Tony. Some things have changed," she said, waving her hands up and down her body, "but my values haven't. I'm not going to run around on you because you aren't rich, or because you don't have a fancy title. I will respect you forever because you are honest and hard-working and want to take care of your family. You are also smart and loving and interesting and handsome. I enjoy so much just being with you. I love you Tony, as you are. Please believe me." Tony smiled at her and kissed her and said, "Thanks, Erin." Then he changed the subject, "So, what do you think about going over to my house and spending the evening there. It would be good to get the boys into some of their own clothes. And I think my parents would like to see us." Erin laughed and said, "OK, Tony. I'll text Mom and Dad that we will be gone tonight. Should we call your mom and offer to buy some food on the way home and I'll put together some dinner, maybe a meatloaf or some spaghetti." Tony, "Yeah, that would be a considerate thing to do. Mom's really been great. But she works full-time too. I'll call her while you text your mom." Erin texted Mom and Dad McLoughlin, "Tony and I and the kids will be at his house tonight. We will be telling them about wedding plans we discussed with you last night, plus some other developments from today. Will be home tomorrow." Then she heard Tony's ending words to his mom, "... It'll be good to see Mr. and Mrs. Sanders. So, we'll get the ingredients for meatloaf for six adults and the two boys and have it ready when you get home. ---- No, Mom, you don't need to reimburse us. We have lots to tell you tonight. --- Love you too mom." Then Erin heard the alert of an incoming text on her phone and brought up the conversation. Her mother had replied. "OK, Honey. But things are happening quickly. I would like to be involved in any conversations about the wedding. You and Tony and his parents are welcome to come here so we can all talk together. Would like to get to know them better. Only met them briefly at Clara's wedding." Erin showed the text to Tony, who said, "We already have dinner at my parents' place arranged. And my parents had already invited Jenny and Peter Sanders. I'm sure my mother wouldn't mind two more. Why don't you invite your parents over there?" Erin, "We should be sure your parents wouldn't mind. Would you call your mother back?" Tony called his mother again and said, "Mom, we were thinking it would be good to keep everyone in the loop. Would you mind if we invited Mr. and Mrs. McLoughlin over?" --- Great. Thanks, Mom. --- Yes, we will make the meatloaf a little bigger." Tony, "My mom said she would be more than happy to have your parents over." So, Erin texted her mom back, "Dinner at DelGados already set. They have invited you and Dad over there." A few minutes later, she got a return text. "OK, we will be there as soon as Dad can change from work, Probably about 6. Please text DelGados' Address." Erin showed the text to Tony. Then she said, "What is your address anyway?" Tony, "What, after all these years you don't know my address?" Erin laughed and said, "I never had to write you letters, Tony. I just showed up at your door. What is the address?" Tony gave it to her, and she texted it to Mom. Then Erin started the process of getting the babies ready for the trip and packing up what they needed tonight and tomorrow morning. When she was about halfway through, she got a phone call. Caller ID said it was Clara, so Erin dropped what she was doing and answered, "Hi Sis, What's up?" Clara, "I just talked to our mom, and she told me you and Tony decided yesterday you were getting married on Saturday. What the hell, sis? That's almost 20 hours and you haven't called me yet. I want details. All of them." Erin laughed, "Saturday, Beacon Baptist Church, 4 PM, be there or be square. Sorry for not calling earlier, Clara. The last 20 hours has been a blur. I don't have much time to talk right now. I'll call you later and give you much more information than you want. Tony and I are going over to the DelGados' for Dinner and a discussion of the wedding. Mom and Dad McLoughlin will be there too. I guess our mom and dad will be there." Clara, "Oh my god, I need to be there too. I want to hear this." But I have a real reason for being there. When our mom was telling me about the wedding next Saturday, she expressed that she was really bummed out being excluded from your wedding planning and from spending time with her grandchildren, including Mary. She actually broke into tears at one point." Erin, "God, that makes me feel terrible. But I don't see how I can carry on pretending I am the old Erin if we reveal the relationships." Clara, "I know, Sis. And she knows too. But it still hurts. However, I did think of a way that she could have some time with your babies." Erin, "How?" Clara, "You remember Brian being designated Godfather of Tony's boys, and I was designated Godmother, and Mom and Dad were designated God grandparents?" Erin replied, "Vaguely. It's sort of meaningless now. I can't be both their mother and Godfather." Clara, "Details, Details. But that is not the point. Since you and Tony are getting married, and since I am Tony's boys' Godmother and our mom and Dad are the boys' Godgrandparents (GrandGodParents?), we could ask our church to extend those designations to your three babies. It would make sense, for the sake of consistency. Then our mom would have a reason to see your children more often. The only problem would be if your children already have Godparents." Erin, "Not that I know. I don't think godparents are in Mom McLoughlin's church's tradition, let along godGrandParents. That idea sounds brilliant Clara. Devious, but brilliant. Anything that would make our mom happier is something I would support." Clara, "OK, can you wangle me and Robert an invitation to dinner tonight, so I can float the idea or support it if you float it?" Erin, OK, I will do what I can. I'm pretty sure I can manage it, Clara. I'll call if there is a problem. Love You, Sis." Clara, "I love you too Erin. I'm so happy for you and Tony. See you tonight. Bye." Erin went downstairs and asked Tony, "Would you call your mom and ask if it is all right if Clara and her husband attend too. I would really like to have my best friend there, Tony." Tony, "Sure, Erin. I can't imagine it will be a problem. Mom has always loved Clara and Brian." Erin, "I'll assume everything is OK unless you tell me different," and went upstairs to continue getting ready for the trip to Tony's parents' house. But a few minutes later, she got a text from Mom McLoughlin, "Can Fran and Roger come tonight too. Fran wants to find out how much security you need at the wedding. How many guards, and where they will be stationed." Erin thought about that and looked at the text and thought again, to see if she understood it correctly. Knowing Fran, Erin was sure she was joking, Erin had developed a good relationship with Fran and wanted it to continue, so Erin wanted Fran there if she wanted to be there. But she didn't want security at her wedding. Erin texted back, "I will check with Mrs. DelGado, but I think my sister will be welcome. However, tell Fran that if she says a word about security, I will scream." Mom sent a text back, "Yes, Maam," with a smiley face. So, Erin went back downstairs and found Tony again and showed him the texts and raised her eyebrows quizzically. Tony laughed and said, "OK, OK, I'll call Mom. Do you think there will be anyone else?" Erin, "God, I hope not. And I hope everyone realizes that you and I will do what seems best to us. Although we will appreciate good advice, especially from those closely involved." Then Erin went back upstairs and resumed getting ready. By the time she finished, they stopped at a store and got what they needed for dinner plus some extra, and got to Tony's House, it was 5. Erin asked Tony to watch the twins and quickly made four large meatloaf's put them in the oven and then put potatoes and Carrots in for baking and made some white sauce to serve as a basis for gravy, and it was 5:45. She then warmed up a bottle for Mary and asked Tony to give it to her and allowed the twins to nurse and gasped for breath. Erin was surprised that the first to arrive were Fran and Roger. They were still in uniform. Erin wondered why hadn't they taken a few minutes to change as Fran usually did at the end of the day? Roger wanted to show Tony something, so Fran took over feeding Mary, not unusual since Fran loved to play with Mary and the two got along great. Erin noticed that Fran was very quiet. That was unusual. Erin asked, "What's up Fran. Mom said you wanted to come to this discussion. I'm sure it wasn't to talk about security at the wedding." Fran hemmed and hawed, but finally said, "Well, remember that I'm pregnant." Erin, "Yes." And kind of ran her hand in a circle to encourage Fran to continue. Fran, "And remember I said that I plan to retire from field work as soon as an office job comes available? That will allow me to keep my seniority and pension and go back to field work if I want." Erin, "Yes." Fran, "Well, an office job came available this week." Erin, "That's good. That's what you want, right?" Fran, "Yes. I have good reviews and am well thought of, so I should be very competitive." Erin said, "So everything is good, right?" Fran hesitated. To prompt her, Erin said, "Fran, I'm your Sister, and your Friend. I'm on your side no matter what. Just tell me what's up." Fran, "Erin, I really need this job. The best way to get an office job is to be working in the field. That is the way the system is set up. If I retire from the field without an office job, like because I am becoming very pregnant, it will be difficult to ever get an office job. There is a little wrinkle in requirements for this particular job. This job is funded by the state, and it is mandatory that married officers be given priority. I have to be married by next Monday for me to qualify for this job. However, Roger and I are working all week and had to pick up a shift Friday because of shortages. So, it will be difficult for us to get everything together to get married this weekend. Plus, I want to be married with my family around me. I don't want to just go to a justice of the peace alone. That is so cold. I want more for my wedding." Now Erin knew what this was all about. She said, "Oh Fran, why don't we have a double wedding this Saturday?" Fran brightened up, but said, "Erin, I am not trying to steal your day. If you feel that I am imposing, please tell me." Erin, "Nonsense, Fran. Our weddings will be enhanced for both of us sisters if we have a double wedding. It will be so cool. It will be talked about in the family for years." Fran smiled, "That's for sure. One sister with three children marrying a man with two, who wants to get married immediately. And the other sister who is pregnant also suddenly decides she wants to get married as soon as possible. So, they have a joint wedding. The gossips will have a good time with that one for a long time." Then Fran asked, "Shouldn't you check with Tony before saying yes?" Erin, "Yes. But Tony is a very warm and generous man. I'm sure he will say yes." Fran went and opened the front door and waved at Roger. Then she said, "We will know in a minute." Tony and Roger came in a couple of minutes later. Erin said, "Tony. I need to ask you a question. Fran and Roger are engaged. Something has suddenly come up that makes it important that they get married this weekend. I'll give you all the details later. What do you think about having a double wedding this weekend? I think it would be fun. I would enjoy getting married at the same time and place as my sister. And it would make their life a lot easier, and my parent's lives too. But what do you think?" Tony did not have a strong opinion. But he did know that he absolutely did not want to get in between sisters and did not want to start off with bad feelings with his in-laws. Erin had given him a strong signal that this was what she wanted. So, he had no problem deciding to go along with her. He smiled and said, "Erin, as long as at the end of the day Saturday, we are Mr. and Mrs. DelGado, I'm happy. Yes, a double wedding with Fran and Roger is fine with me." Erin, "Thanks, Tony. You're wonderful. So, Fran, we need to plan a double wedding tonight." Fran jumped up and hugged Erin and said, "Thanks, Sis. Love you." Erin hugged her back, "Love You too, Sis." Tony went over and shook Roger's hand, and they started taking about what would be different with the double wedding. The next person to arrive was Tony's mom, who had left work a little early to be sure the place was fairly clean. When she came in, Erin went up to her and said, "Hi Mrs. DelGado. Thank you so much for allowing us to invite some additional people over. I really appreciate it. When you have a moment, I would like to introduce my sister and her fianc?." Miriam, "Now is fine." Erin brought her over to where Roger and Fran were talking to Tony, and said, "This is my sister Fran, and this is her fianc? Roger. As you can see, they are both officers in the Blakefield Police. Roger and Fran, this is Miriam DelGado, Tony's mother, and this lovely home is hers." Fran shook her hand gently and said "Nice to meet you Mrs. DelGado. You do have a lovely home. The neighborhood is lovely too. I don't think I've ever been in this neighborhood before." Mrs. DelGado, "Well, we try not to attract the attention of the police. I was a little surprised to see a police car parked in front of the house when I drove up. I assume that you and Roger arrived in it." Roger, "It is mine, Mrs. DelGado. It was just surplused by the department and went on public auction. I was the high bidder. I haven't had a chance to repaint it yet. Sorry if it caused alarm." Mrs. DelGado, "Not Alarm. Just surprise. Why did you buy a police car?" Roger, "I knew that car ran very well, and it has never been in a wreck, and like all police cars it has extra security features. I actually bought it for Fran to drive. We police officers get a little paranoid sometimes, especially where wives and children are involved." Mrs. DelGado, "That's very thoughtful of you, Roger. I'm sure Fran appreciates it." Fran, "You got that right. Roger's a big sweetheart. That's why I love him and why I'm marrying him." Mrs. DelGado, "Oh, Congratulations. When are you getting married?" Fran, "Saturday. Erin and I have decided to have a double wedding." Mrs. DelGado, "Well, that's a surprise. Tony didn't tell me about that." Fran, "We just decided a few minutes ago." Erin mused, "Well, so much for my planned announcement during the conversation. Fran is sweet, but subtle, not so much. We better buttonhole Mom and Dad and tell them when they come in, so they know before we start discussing it." The next person to arrive was Mr. DelGado. He had not been kept in the loop about the gathering tonight, and only expected to have dinner for Peter and Jenny Sanders, but he had come home a little early to be sure the house and yard were ready. He was astonished to see a police car in front of the house and rushed in breathlessly. He was not too surprised to see Tony and Erin, but when he saw two police officers talking to his wife, he was very concerned. As soon as Miriam saw him, she realized what was happening and said, "Al, I have to apologize. I did not get a chance to call you and tell you that we would have additional guests tonight and will be talking about something important to Tony and Erin. I would like to introduce Erin's sister, Fran, and her fianc?, Roger. And the police car you saw in front of the house is not actually a police car, it has been surplussed by the city and Roger bought it and will repaint it soon. Roger and Fran are both Blakefield City Police Officers. Roger and Fran, this is my husband Al DelGado." Al recovered quickly and shook hands with Roger and Fran and asked how they were. Roger said, "We are actually much better than we were a few hours ago. I apologize if the car caused concern. I didn't think of that." Al, "No, I just assumed there was some problem. But it is OK, I'm very happy to meet you. Can I get anyone a beer, or some wine?" Erin, Tony, Roger, and Fran all asked for a beer. That surprised Al. Most of the women he knew preferred wine. But he reminded himself to not assume what people would like based on their appearance. As he was bringing out the glasses, Peter and Jenny Sanders knocked on the door. They had expected to have a quiet dinner with Al and Miriam DelGado, with whom they had been friends for years. But upon seeing Erin, they both had to restrain themselves from hugging her and latching onto Mary and the twins and spending all their time with them. Instead, they came in, and said Hi to Al and Miriam and then to Tony and Erin. Erin introduced them to Fran and Roger. Like the DelGados, Peter had assumed the police car meant something was wrong and was glad to hear that was not true. Peter causally stood near Erin and asked how she was doing. She said very well and started telling him all about her children like many new mothers will do. But in this case Erin had an ulterior motive, to tell her former father about his grandchildren. In some ways, Peter felt like he was talking to his son Brian. Erin expressed the same values, used the same reasoning, and spoke with the same intonation and pauses in the speech, with a feminine lilt added. Of course, having to listen to a feminine lilt in Erin's speech, having to look up at the tall woman with whom he was speaking and smell her perfume all resulted in a kind of cognitive dissonance. But he reflected that the things that were so different now were superficial, whereas the things that were the same were defining parts of who a person was, so that the basic 'Brianness' was still there. Erin for her part realized how much she had missed her former father and would have liked to hug him and call him Daddy. But she knew that was not going to happen tonight. Jenny, on the other hand was known to be well acquainted with Erin since Clara and Erin were very good friends, so she felt free to probe more deeply into what Erin was up to and how the babies were doing. But not as deeply as she wished she could. Erin knew her parents felt they were feeling marginalized by limitations on the contact they could have with Erin and her babies based on their role as 'parents of Erin's best friend." She hoped Clara's suggestion could help somewhat. Mr. and Mrs. McLoughlin and Clara and Robert both arrived in the driveway at about the time Erin was talking to Jenny. Clara said, "Hi, Mrs. McLoughlin, Mr. McLoughlin. How are you folks doing?" Mrs. McLoughlin was somewhat surprised to see Clara. Erin hadn't said she would be here. But she replied, "We're fine, Clara. How are you? You know what Erin is going to be discussing, don't you? I never thought I would see her getting married." Clara, "Yes, I know what she will be saying in general terms. I think she just wants you and Tony's parents to know all the details. I think my Mom and Dad were going to be visiting anyway. This is my husband Robert, by the way. Robert, these are Erin's parents, Mary and Bart McLoughlin." Robert, "Nice to meet you, Mrs. and Mr. McLoughlin. Do you know why the police car is parked in front. I hope there is no problem." Clara, "I bet Erin's list of invitees was just getting out of hand and one of the neighbors called the police and reported a wild party." Bart laughed and said, "No. That car belongs to our other daughter's boyfriend. He is a Blakefield Police Officer. Robert, please just call us Bart and Mary. We are excited to be discussing Erin and Tony's wedding. I hope you find it as interesting." Robert shrugged, "Clara said I should come. That I would find it interesting. So here I am. She also said something about free food and beer." Bart, "Well, all right then. Let's get in there and start the festivities." Mom McLoughlin and Clara both rolled their eyes and followed their husbands. As they were walking in, Clara asked Mom McLoughlin "Does that mean Fran is going to be here?" Mom, "Yes. For some reason she really wanted to attend. So, Erin arranged it." That worried Clara. She knew Fran from work, and she was definitely a wild card vis a vis the God Mother issue. Anything could happen when she was around. Not that Fran reveled in causing trouble, but she wanted every question to be asked and answered before anything was decided and was damned persistent about it. Clara would have to be careful. When they got in, Clara went up to Erin and gave her a hug and said, "Hi, Sis. Congratulations. I'm really happy for you and Tony." Fran saw Clara and was as surprised to see her as Clara had been to learn Fran was there. What connection had brought Clara here? Oh yeah. Somehow, Erin and Clara had been such good friends that Clara had asked Erin to be Maid of Honor at her wedding. Fran was also wary of Clara. As small and pretty as Clara was, Fran knew that Clara was very smart, very knowledable, and very persistent. At work, if she believed that the court should give one of her clients a break, she could lay out an argument buttressed by facts and law that was almost impossible to contradict, and she would present that argument with passion and conviction, laying out her points with a staccato, precise manner that earned the nickname at the police department as 'Spitfire.' Most of the officers hated to tangle with her. Roger was an exception, saying that she was fair and sometimes saved the police from being embarrassed by an unjust conviction and imprisonment. Was Clara here to cause a problem for Fran. No, nothing in Fran's knowledge of Clara indicated that she was vindictive in any way. There was no reason to be concerned, but Fran couldn't help it. Fran elbowed Roger and pointed toward Clara. Roger looked surprised and asked, "why is Spitfire here?" Fran, "She and Erin are very good friends." Roger, "Really, a high school dropout and Spitfire. What do they have in common?" Fran sort of bristled, "Are you saying my sister is not good enough to be her friend?" Roger, "Not at all. Erin is a very sweet and capable girl. She handled our request for a double wedding with warmth and graciousness, and I will always appreciate it. It's just that her background and Spitfire's are so different that I am surprised they are friends. I don't see a connection." Fran, "I suppose you're right. I don't remember her as a friend when Erin was in high school or when she was with Rex and Mary was born. Clara just appeared when Erin started getting her act together." Roger, "Maybe it was her influence that caused Erin to look at life in a more positive way." Fran laughed, "If Spitfire did that, I will personally acknowledge her as a goddess of reform and kiss her feet. Before last fall, it looked like Erin was well on the way to long term incarceration. We both know how hard it is to change someone who has decided society's values are all wrong and that they know better than anyone else. Add in long term drug use and having any influence at all is almost impossible." Roger, "So why did Erin change so much?" Fran, "Who knows? Oh, she has said that the responsibility of motherhood forced her to get her act together. But lots of troubled girls who have babies did not become more responsible. And the timing is not right. Erin was ready to abort Mary when she was pregnant and showed little interest in Mary right after she was born. I think that when Erin took off on the road with Rex, she only took Mary with her to spite Mom. Whatever the cause, Erin was suddenly back a month or so after she left, claiming she wanted to provide a good home for Mary. Only Dad bought it. He is just too much of a sweetheart to not give someone a second chance, and a third and a fourth, and so on. So, he let her move back home and asked me to arrange for detox. Mom didn't buy it either. Mom and I had a lawyer lined up and a court date arranged and if Erin started getting hinky again, she was going to be out on her ass and Mary would be in our custody. And I gave Erin every reason to get hinky. I was a total bitch to her and arranged for the most unpleasant detox I could find, the one in Blakefield that treats the jail prisoners." Roger, "Wow, Cold Turkey." Fran, "Yeah, cold turkey, rigid rules, uncomfortable furniture, strict, unsympathetic guards, limited visiting hours, and living with girls who are totally screwed up, so drugs are easily available. I thought she would last one or two days at most. But she stuck out the detox portion, made friends with a couple of the most positive girls there, obeyed the rules to a T, and did all the counseling required, although the counselor did say Erin was not totally forthcoming. But that was not enough to get her down- checked and Erin walked away with a certificate of detoxification." Roger laughed at that. Fran continued, "After that, Erin came home, kept her nose clean, actually spent a lot of time helping mom around the house, and focused on getting a GED, which she did in 6 months, and with a very high score on the tests. In the mean time she also put in a proposal for a temporary job at Peterson construction. It was something that only one company in the area was doing, but Erin successfully did whatever she proposed in record time. Then she put the money she earned in the bank and has been slowly using it for gifts and special things for herself and Mary, mainly cloths and toys. She also made friends with a girl at the church who was pregnant and after her son was born, Erin cared for him, so the girl could graduate from high school, and earned some money on the side, which she banked. All very positive. It certainly changed Mom's outlook on Erin. Mom now loves her dearly and is much happier today than she was a year ago. In a way it changed my life too. Erin has made it a point to be friends with me, and I have really enjoyed having her as a friend. So, whatever caused her to get her act together, it has been a godsend to us. Not that Erin hasn't had problems. She had an awful reputation to live down. Most people who used to know her want nothing to do with her now. She even had a lifelong ban at the community center to deal with. And she had a psychotic ex-boyfriend and that boyfriend has a psychotic father. They caused quite a bit of trouble. But as near as I can tell, none of it was Erin's doing. And Erin meet with a male friend that she knew from her past and wound up being date-raped and getting pregnant. Again, not Erin's doing. But it is notable that she agonized over the fetus she was carrying and, in the end, decided not to get an abortion. Her twins are the result." Roger, "Did they catch the rapist?" Fran, "No. I think the rapist may be connected with a guy Erin has visited in prison a few times, named Brian, but Erin says no, and has asked me to not try to get a DNA test. I couldn't have a DNA test done on the twins and Brian without probable cause anyway, and Erin has made it clear she would not help provide probable cause. In any case, it seems Erin has totally reformed, which I certainly didn't think could ever happen. And I still don't know why it happened. Spitfire being a goddess of reform is as good an explanation as anything else. Unfortunately, that doesn't help me help other girls." They watched as Clara made her way across the room to Erin and the two women hugged each other warmly and chatted for a few minutes. Then Clara came over to them and said, "Fran, it's really nice to see you. Hope you are well." She turned to Roger and said, "Hi Roger. Fran, your mother said you two are engaged. Congratulations to both of you. You are two of my favorite police officers and deserve a lot of happiness." Fran wondered if Clara was being sarcastic but saw no signs of it in her demeaner. She said to herself, "OK, Fran. Enough of the suspicions. Clara is just a friend of Erin's and wound up at the same gathering as us. That's all. Relax." So, Fran smiled and chatted for a few minutes. Then Erin held her right hand up and waved and said loudly, "Everybody, everybody." At that point the baby Erin was holding in her left arm started fussing loudly and Erin laughed and kissed her and comforted her. Then Jenny came up behind her and said, "I'll take her Erin." Erin, "Thanks, Jenny." Erin continued, "The food is laid out on the kitchen table buffet style. It is pretty informal due to putting this discussion together at the last minute. We will eat at the table on the patio. Just grab a plate and pick a seat. We will discuss wedding plans afterward. You all know Tony and I are getting married Saturday. This dinner was intended to be for planning details, just the parents and us. Since then the number of people at the discussion have increased dramatically, so I'm not sure this dinner will work for planning details. But since all of you will be asked to the wedding, it seems OK that the discussion include you too. Anyway, enjoy dinner and Tony and I will talk more later. Oh, by the way there is a cooler with beer and sodas on the patio, and wine and milk in the refrigerator. Enjoy." As Erin spoke, Fran's discussion with Roger came back to her. Fran did not think that the former Erin could handle a gathering like this at all, let alone in as smooth a fashion as Erin had just demonstrated. Fran momentarily thought about walking up to Erin and saying, "Who are you and what have you done with my sister?" That would fit Fran's quirky sense of humor. But then, she remembered someone asking Erin that before. It was last Thanksgiving or Christmas. Her brother Dan had asked. Everyone had laughed. But Erin had never answered. But it was a just a joke anyway. Looking at Erin, no one could doubt that she was the same person as before. If nothing else, those hideous tattoos were unique and proved she was the same person. But there was also a scar on her forehead that she had gotten in a bicycle accident and several moles. That was definitely Erin. So how would she explain her changed behavior? Fran briefly considered demonic possession. But Erin was so much nicer and more positive now than before, that demonic possession was impossible. Maybe Erin was possessed by an angel. That would explain her changes. But Fran had ever heard of an angel taking possession of a human body. Taking over someone's body wouldn't be very angelic. If a simple desire to lead a more responsible lifestyle for the sake of her children were not the reason for the changes, there had to be another explanation. But Fran was darned if she could figure it out. Anyway, given how happy Erin had made Mom and how nice Erin had been to her and Roger, Fran squelched her natural curiosity, at least for now. Fran and Roger enjoyed the meatloaf, and the potatoes and carrots were excellent. Fran didn't feel a lot of grease on her lips as she ate, so surmised it was low fat recipe. Fran recognized it from home and had thought it was Mom's. But then Fran didn't ever remember meatloaf from when she was young, so apparently it was Erin's. But she'd heard Mrs. DelGado tell someone that it tasted just like Meatloaf that Jenny, Clara's mother, had made. Then a bizarre thought struck her. "Some unknown subject (Clara?) has reformed my sister's behavior and given her a great meatloaf recipe." She laughed at the thought and Roger asked, "What are you laughing at Fran?" Fran laughed some more and finally whispered back, "I just had a bizarre thought, Roger. I'll share it with you later." After Dinner, Erin and Fran and Miriam cleared the dishes and prepared the living room for the discussion and put out some liquors and a station where ice cream could be taken out of the refrigerator and served. Then they called everyone into the living room. Erin started by saying to Fran, "Do you want to tell about the double wedding Fran, or should I?" Fran said, "I'll go ahead. Everyone, I and Roger Chapin are engaged to be married. And I am pregnant with his child. Roger and I agreed that when we had children, I would not work in the field in law enforcement. An office job is coming up in the department in a couple of weeks. That is very convenient for me. If I am married by next Monday, I get preference for that job. I and Erin talked about that this afternoon before the discussion. Erin has graciously said we should have a double wedding on Saturday. Granted, Roger and I could just get a license and book a plane to Vegas and have an Elvis Impersonator marry us. But I really want to be married where my and Roger's family can attend. I don't want to be married away from the people I love." Fran had to stop because she was actually crying. That hadn't happened for a while. When she got herself together, she continued, "Anyway, my announcement is that there will be two weddings this weekend. Two for the price of one. What a deal." Erin broke in and said, "It's too bad we didn't know earlier. We could have invited Roger's family to this discussion." Fran hesitantly said, "Well, actually I did. But they said they would have a hard time making it because they live a couple of hours away. Since they aren't here, they obviously couldn't swing it." Erin, "When did you invite them?" Fran, "As soon as Mom said I could come." Erin, "Good heavens. What would you have done if the double wedding idea hadn't worked out?" Fran, "Roger and I would have intercepted them, and we would have gone to a restaurant and talked about a different wedding. But I knew you were too sweet to say no." Erin folded her arms over her chest and looked at her sister with raised eyes and went over everything that had happened today to try to figure out if she had been manipulated to do something she didn't want. Finally, she shook her head and said, "Erm, it is too bad Roger's parents couldn't make it." Just then the doorbell rang. When Miriam answered she saw a couple her age, both on the tall side. The woman said, "I'm Audrey Collins. Roger's Mom. This is my husband, Terry." Miriam said, "I'm Miriam DelGado. I and my husband, Al, are sort of hosting this event. Is your son Fran's fianc??" Audrey, "Yes. Fran texted me today and asked us to come down to discuss some things that were very important for us to hear. Very mysterious. We made it as soon as we could. I'm sorry we're late. I was worried that I would never find this place. To many windy streets. Even Google didn't help much. Fortunately, Roger's car was in front of the house, so we recognized it when we finally found it." Miriam smiled and said, "Mrs. Collins, you and your Husband are very welcome. We were just getting down to the discussions. Please come in. Can I get you some wine or beer? Would you like us to heat up some dinner for you? Excellent meatloaf that my son's fianc? cooked." Audrey said, "Yes Please. We didn't have a chance to eat anything on the way. I think my husband and I would both like some wine. Red if that's OK." Miriam said, "Sure." and noticed that Erin and Clara were right nearby trying to find out what was going on. Miriam took advantage of their presence and said, "Erin and Clara, could you get a couple of plates and heat up some dinner for Mr. and Mrs. Collins, please, and two glasses of wine. Fran, would you please bring Roger's parents up to speed. Erin will anyone else will be coming?" Erin, "No, I don't think so. But hey, who knows? Anything could happen tonight." Miriam laughed, "Indeed." About a half hour later, the Collins had been brought up to speed by Fran and Roger and had had something to eat and drink, and Erin was talking again. She said, "OK, Guests. Now let's talk about the ceremony. I have booked the small chapel and the garden for a single wedding at 4 PM on Saturday. Tony and my intent was to invite only our family and very close friends. Our parents of course. My sister and her fianc? and my brother and his family. My close friend Clara and her husband and parents. We were open to suggestions from our parents as to who else to invite. Now we will of course open the list to include the Collins. How about brothers and sisters, Roger?" Roger, "Well I have three sisters and two brothers, all married." He looked over at his parents, and said, "I would like to invite them all. We are very close." Then Erin asked, "Anyone else?" Fran said, "Our captain is a good friend, and has been very nice about scheduling Roger and I so we have our off times together. I'd like to invite him and his family. And I have a girlfriend on the force. Since women are greatly outnumbered by the men, she and I have become very close. Can I invite her? Please?" Erin smiled as she realized that this intimate wedding with only close friends and family was going to be anything but small. Then Erin said, "We were going to ask our parents if they had anyone else they would like to invite." Mrs. DelGado said "My mother is still alive and in a retirement home. I think she would like to come. I'm not sure why Tony didn't include her before." Tony, "Sorry, Mom. I wasn't sure she could get around well enough." Erin saw it would be important to invite her and agreed without consulting anyone else. Then Mrs. Collins said, "My father is in a similar circumstance. He and Roger have always been close, so I'd like to invite him." Erin and Tony and Fran and Roger readily agreed to that. Then Mom McLoughlin said "Erin, I have a really good friend at work who I would like to ask. You and she are friends too. Latesha. I'm sure she would love to come." Erin hadn't thought of her, but now agreed that it would be good to invite her, given Erin couldn't invite LaTesha. She asked Tony and Roger and Fran if that was OK, and they had no problem adding one more. Then Erin added up the number, and it was quite a few, about 40 people, at this small, intimate wedding. She would have to check with the pastor if the space at her church could accommodate 40. Erin herself had considered inviting a few more good friends, Jesse, Debbie, Virginia, since the guest list was expanding. But she was concerned that would result in a slippery slope that could cause the number of attendees to balloon dramatically. Plus, if she had her other personal friends, she wanted LaTesha, and that was not possible. Then Erin took the podium again and said, "OK, we were going to have the wedding at 4 PM, and let people plan their own celebrations afterward. Is that still going to work?" Audrey said, "Could we possibly schedule it a couple hours later. My husband is a county sheriff and two of my children are also in law enforcement, three counting Roger. It would be much easier for them to make it if the wedding were at 6. Erin told herself to not get upset that all their plans were being changed. The specifics were not important, the result was what were important. So, she smiled and asked Tony and his parents and Mom and Dad if that was OK with them. None of them had a big problem changing the time to 6. So, Erin said, "OK, 6 PM it is. Does that mean we have to provide food?" Mr. Collins said, "Roger told me that in a few months, he and Fran want to have a second more formal wedding. And I also heard that Erin and Tony want the same thing. Having two daughters of my own, I know how expensive that can be. We would like to have a reception, but I won't suggest anything formal. I and my sons do a mean barbeque. I would be willing to pay for the food, if we had a place to do it. If the DelGados want to pitch in too, that would be great. This would take something off the shoulders of the parents of the brides." Roger "I know a city park with barbeque pits and lights that we could use for almost nothing, if it isn't already reserved. I will look into it tomorrow." The Delgados said they would offer their yard as a backup and would be happy to help with costs. That set the basics of the wedding. Then Erin said, "I had one more thing I wanted to discuss, brought up by Clara, that just applies to Tony and me and our families. Clara, you want to talk. Please, I'm tired of talking." Clara, "Sure. So, our church has a tradition of godparents. A godparent is someone who helps a child when needed and if something should happen to the parents, the godparents would step in and adopt the children and make sure they were taken care of properly. Having godparents is not too important if there is a big family and the parents have brothers and sisters that they get along with well. But Tony is an only child, and I think his first wife was too. Right, Tony?" Tony had not been clued into this subject, so he just said, "That's right." Clara, "And if there is no one else, the godparents can be very important. By the way, in such circumstances, the courts often recognize the godparent's rights. Anyway, when Tony's first child was born, he asked me and my brother Brian to be the child's godmother and godfather. He asked us because Tony and I and Brian had been extremely close friends for years. He even asked my mom and dad to be godgrandparents, since they were so close to his parents. When his second son was born, Tony asked me and Brian and our parents if we were comfortable extending the same relationship to him. We were, and our church did so. Well, now Tony and Erin are getting married and have agreed to adopt each other's children. Erin has a brother and sister with whom she has a good relationship, so godparents might not be so important for her children. But Erin has said she would feel better if her children had godparents. It's kind of like a deep backup. So, she would like Tony's church to recognize me as her three children's godparents and, for the sake of continuity, recognize my parents as their grandgodparents. In return, I would be like Tony and Erin to be the godfather and godmother of my child. Did I get it right, Erin?" Erin, "You got it exactly right, Clara. Mom, she said, looking at Mom McLoughlin, just so you know, the rights of the natural family always trump any rights godparents might have in court, so you and Fran and Dan would not lose custody rights over my children if something would happen to Tony and me. So now I am going to ask my family, Mom, Dad, Fran, do you have any problems with this?" Fran, "I agree with your comments on how courts would handle godparents. The only custody rights that are recognized routinely for children of deceased parents by the courts are either those designated in a will or rights of the families. I've never heard of godparents having any rights. The courts may choose to recognize godparentage as a statement of preference by the deceased parents as to who should care for the children if there is no other option. But, Erin, it might be better to put in your will who should get your children if there is no family to care for them. Then the courts would not go against your decision unless somehow the godparents were judged to be incapable of caring for the children." Erin, "Thanks for the suggestion, Fran. Can I do both? I know Tony's church wants children to have godparents." Fran, "Don't see why not." Erin, "Then that is what I will do. Any other suggestions." Miriam said, "Tony's boys' godparents are Clara and her brother Brian. Usually, godparents are a married couple. But Clara and Brian and Tony were such close friends, and Clara was not married at the time, that we decided that was the best arrangement. And we are such close friends of the Sanders, that it cemented that relationship. If you want the same arrangement for your children as for Alonzo and Duncan, you should name Clara and Brian as godparents. Plus, I just have a feeling that Brian is closeby, and will be available if needed. What do you think, Erin?" Erin knew that everyone in the room who knew who she really was, i.e., Tony, Clara, Peter, and Jenny, were looking at her to see what she would come up with. Erin was not enthusiastic about anything that gave the new Brian any sort of rights vis a vis her children. She didn't trust him enough. So, she said, "Two things have changed since Clara and Brian were designated godparents of Alonzo and Duncan. Clara has married, and Brian has just up and disappeared. Mom and Dad DelGado, Clara has told me that you both thought the world of Brian. I respect that. But I am thinking about the good of my babies. I would rather have no ambiguity regarding parental rights should the very unlikely event occur that Tony and I were both incapacitated and so were my sister and brother and parents. I would prefer that Clara be named Godmother and that Robert, assuming he was willing, be named Godfather. If Brian should come back and we find out that he is still a responsible person, I will consider adding him. But for now, I don't think that Brian should be included as a Godparent for my babies. I'm sorry, Clara and Mr. and Mrs. Sanders. That is the way I feel." Miriam, "OK, I understand. But if you knew Brian, you would know that he would be a great parent. He is really a nice guy, wasn't he Tony?" Tony, "Yes, yes he was. We were the best of friends." Miriam replied with emotion, "Not 'were', Tony, 'are'. We don't know he is gone. I just have a feeling he is still alive, and nearby. He is still your best friend." Tony, "Maybe so, Mom. Maybe so." Erin was deeply touched by Miriam's comments. But she decided it was time to cut this conversation off before she said something stupid. So, she said, "Robert, are you willing?" Robert, "If Clara wants it, I'm willing." Then Erin asked, "Does anyone else have any further suggestions." And waited a few minutes. Then she continued, "No. Discussion is over. It's only 8:30 folks, still time for a few drinks and some ice cream. But I have three babies to feed and change and get to bed." Erin was actually surprised things had gone as long as they had without the babies needing attention. But soon found the reason why. Peter and Jenny had not been involved in the discussion at all. They had focused on the babies and kept them clean and happy. At first, she wondered if they had even heard the comments about Brian. But when Jenny smiled and whispered, "I think that Brian is still close by, too. Don't you Erin?" Erin gave her a hug and shed a little tear before she got herself together. She said, "Yes, Jenny, I do. Thanks so much for taking care of the babies while I blathered. It was a big help. You guys are wonderful Grandgodparents." By the time Erin got the three babies to bed, most of the guests were gone. Mom and Dad McLoughlin were still there, and Erin spent a while talking to them. Mom asked what she and Jenny's hug had been about after the discussions, and Erin said, "Oh, I found that she and her husband had taken it on themselves to care for the babies while I was blathering on. So, I guess I hugged her to show how much I appreciated that. I was wondering why the babies had been so quiet. Mom said, "I would have helped if you had asked." Erin interpreted this comment as Mom feeling a little left out. Erin tried to reassure her, "Oh, Mom. I know. But it just flew my mind. I know you do a lot and I don't acknowledge it enough. I really appreciate your help. I love you. You and Dad have done so much for me and my babies. I haven't always shown my appreciation properly. But I do appreciate it." And she gave Mom a hug. Then she changed the subject. "Mom, that was a great idea inviting Carol. Not only because both of us really like her, but because LaTesha is her daughter. LaTesha can't be there, but at least Carol can. In the bigger wedding we will have later, I will ask LaTesha to be a bridesmaid." Mom smiled, "I think that would be nice." Mom and Dad McLoughlin left soon. Erin bade them goodbye and said she would be home Wednesday Morning and then hugged them both. Then she went into the family room and sat beside Tony and cuddled into him and he put his arm around her. He said, "Love you Babe." Then he kissed her. Erin said, "I love you too Tony." The kiss lasted a long time, and then Erin cuddled closer, and Tony pushed her down in the couch gently and laid beside her." Erin was very happy, in spite of all the crazy changes in their wedding schedule. She had thoughts of what she needed to do now but put them aside to just enjoy being with Tony. After a while she felt that Tony had an erection, and felt one of his hands on her breast, and the other on her ass. It felt good, but she knew it couldn't go anywhere tonight. She kissed Tony again and said, "That feels nice, Tony. But we can't do anything tonight. We have to wait until Saturday night." Tony kissed her again and replied, "But Saturday is such a long time from now. I'm sure my parents are in bed." Erin, "Actually, your mother has looked in on us several times. I think she wanted to say a few things. And even if your parents were in bed, I don't want them to think we are sneaking around her back and doing something they doesn't want us to do in their house. That is not fair. Our parents are both so great. We need to consider their wants too." Tony, "Yes, I know. You're right. But I have a right to complain." Then they got up and Tony went into the kitchen and asked, "Mom, did you want to talk to us?" Miriam, "Yes. First, I'm sorry to invade your privacy." Tony smiled, "Well, I guess we have no real expectation of privacy in the family room. But I appreciate that you are sensitive. Erin and I just don't have much time alone together." Miriam, "I know, Tony. I must say you and Erin are generally handling that with a lot of dignity." Tony, "Thanks, Mom. So, what did you want to talk about?" Miriam, "I wanted to remind you that you have an early job interview tomorrow, 9 AM, at the hospital. Or do you plan to cancel since you seem to think you have this other job in the bag?" Tony, "No, I plan to keep looking and interviewing until someone hires me. If that job doesn't come through, and I canceled other interviews, I would have to start from scratch." Miriam, "Good. I know you have a couple of interviews later in the day too. So, I'm sure something will come through in the next few days. It would be good to have something lined up before the wedding." Tony, "Yes it would, Mom. Thanks for the reminder." Miriam, "Was that sarcasm Tony? I'm sorry if I'm being pushy. Do you want me to back off?" Tony, "No, I appreciate the help, Mom. Please keep on. I'm didn't intend to be sarcastic." Miriam, "OK, I will. But if you ever want me to stop, just say so. Erin, Clara asked me to askl you to call her. She says to tell you, and I quote, 'Tell Erin I want to take her shopping for an informal but pretty wedding dress. I will not have my sister be married in jeans and a bowling shirt. And I want to take her for a hair appointment and to get her nails done and all the wonderful things girls do before getting married.' I'm not sure what to make of all that, but I said I would pass it along. I also told her I would help take care of your babies, so you could have some time for all this." Erin knew what Clara's comments meant but wasn't going to explain. She did write on her list for tomorrow to call Clara. Then Miriam told them good night. After his mom left, Tony said, "Now, where were we. He held Erin and they kissed again, and soon his hands crept behind her and cupped her ass. Erin murmured, "Um, that feels nice, Tony. I love you to touch me and hold me." Tony, "That's good. Because you are almost irresistible. I just can't keep my hands off your luscious breasts, your lips are so kissable, and your ass is a work of art." Erin giggled quietly. She knew her breasts were small and very much doubted her ass was a work of art. But it was nice to hear. She cuddled closer and ran her hands up his chest and cradled his chin and kissed him deeply and told him she loved him. Then she separated from him with some difficulty and stood up breathing heavily. Tony looked at her and said, "I know. We need to respect my parents and behave appropriately in their house." Erin sat back down and said, "Tony, if you want to make love, I will do whatever you want. I love you so much. And I want nothing more than to feel free to make love to you any time we want. But do you want to risk one of the boys or your parents walking in on us right now?" Tony, "I guess not. But I'm glad we are getting married soon. Then we will feel free to go off together and express our love to each other." Then he held her, and they cuddled some more, but with much less passion. Finally, he bade her good night. Erin had a hard time falling to sleep, as aroused as she was. As she lay there, she heard a text come in. It was from Tony and said, "Falling asleep, dreaming of loving you." She smiled. How romantic. She texted back, "I wish we were making love right now. I'd love to feel your lips on mine, and your hands on my body. And I'd love to feel you inside me." Then she thought maybe that wasn't fair to Tony. She knew from experience that he was probably already so hard it was painful. A few moments later, she heard Tony come in and lay back down beside her and kissed her and caressed her some more. Tony had brought towels to put underneath them, so the furniture stayed clean, and had also brought washcloths to clean up after. They each stripped all their clothes off, so they wouldn't have to find new night wear after they were done. They made love tenderly and quietly in the darkness. When done, Tony told Erin to go to the bathroom and clean herself off and put her clothes back on, and he would take the washcloths and towels and put them in a hamper on the way back to where he slept with the boys. As he left, he kissed her and held her some more. It was so sweet that Erin cried. Then she went back to bed and fell asleep dreaming of making love to Tony. The babies woke up promptly at 6, when the sun came up. Aaron first and then Mary and Carli. Erin crawled out of bed, tired but happy, and worked on changing babies, and brought them out to the kitchen and heated a bottle in the microwave for Mary and sat down with the three of them and nursed the twins first and then picked up Mary and put her by Erin's breast and gave her the formula. After that, she wound up changing Aaron again. Finally, she had a moment when she could lay the twins safely on the soda surrounded by pillows and bring Mary into the bathroom and take care of herself briefly. Then she went out to the living room and tried to bring some order out of the chaos. As she was organizing, she found an extra washcloth laying on the floor, and smiled and brought it to the bathroom. When done, she put Mary in a walker she had brought and carried the twins out to the kitchen, intending to set them down someplace safe and make some coffee. But Miriam had already woken up and came down to the kitchen and started some coffee. After that Miriam tried to talk Erin into putting Brian back on the list of godparents for her babies, but Erin said "Everybody says Brian is a great guy, and very responsible. But I can't take people's word where my babies are concerned. It won't be a problem adding him if he comes back and seems like a good guy to me, but for now I just don't feel good including him. Miriam, "I know. But I just have a feeling in my soul that he is nearby, and that he could show up any time." Erin, "If he does, then I will get to know him and think about the godfather thing." In a way, not being able to persuade Erin gave Miriam confidence. Erin obviously had the strength of her convictions and would do what she thought was right for her children no matter what anyone else said. Then Miriam said, "Erin, I heard from Alonzo that he had an accident in your home. He said you told him that it could happen to anyone, and probably has. I agree with you. I know once Tony had that happen in scouts, and their attitude was completely different, almost saying it was some sort of character fault. That really hurt Tony's confidence for a long time. It makes me happy that you did not do anything to destroy my grandson's confidence. Thank You." Erin, "You're welcome. It would be foolish to do anything like that. It really does happen to almost everyone at one time or another. And even if it were a continuing problem, the goal should be to cure it or minimize it, not embarrass the person who has the problem." Then Miriam asked, "What are your plans for the rest of this week?" Erin, "Well, I have to get the wedding planned. There are endless details, as I'm sure you know. Tony is busy looking for work, but there are some things I want him to be involved in. It's his wedding too. Same for Roger and Fran. Coordinating all that will take time. Clara wants to take me shopping and make arrangements for getting hair and nails and makeup done, before the wedding. I love to shop with her. She really understands fashion and gives great advice. On the other hand, my jeans and bowling shirt are clean, and it would save a lot of time to just to wear them." Miriam looked at Erin to see if she was serious, but Erin giggled and said, "Just kidding." Miriam, "Will you include Fran in the shopping and preparation for the wedding?" Erin, "If we can find a time that we can both do it." Miriam, "I got the impression last night that you and your sister were very close." Erin, "We've become good friends over the last 10 months. Before that we fought like cats and dogs. It's really nice having a sister who is also a friend. It's nice coming home to a friendly conversation, instead of coming home to stress. Fran's done me many favors, and I would do almost anything for her." Miriam asked, "Are you two going to try to wear the same dress in the wedding." Erin, "No way I can wear the same dress that complements Fran. I wish I were as beautiful as she is. I sometimes feel like a bag lady next to her. I'll pick out a dress that's right for me, and I'm sure she will have a dress that makes her the bright star on Saturday night." Miriam was very surprised for two reasons. First, she saw Erin as a tall, slender, beautiful blond, fully the equal of her sister. They were both beautiful, but in a different way. Fran looked like a Valkery, a couple inches taller than Erin, buxom, strong frame, muscular, athletic-looking. Miriam thought they were equally attractive, and which a man might prefer would depend on his personal taste. But apparently Erin thought of her sister as much more attractive. Did she even know how pretty she was? The second thing that struck Miriam was that, believing her sister was much prettier, Erin was still willing to share her wedding day. Only a girl who was confident of her fianc?e's love and who greatly valued family and friends would do that. Miriam was learning more and more about her future daughter in law and liking her more and more. Then Miriam said, "What can I do." Erin, "I think from last night you were going to share some of the food costs at the reception with the Collins. But someone also needs to decide what food there should be. And I think we should have some food at the church too, at least some punch and coffee and tea so people who are waiting for the wedding have something to drink." Miriam, "That sounds good. I can take care of that. What about cake?" Erin, "God, I don't know. I will have to coordinate with Fran to make sure we get something all four of us like. But I bet she will want dark chocolate frosting and dark chocolate cake. I would prefer carrot cake. I wonder if we can get a mix." Miriam, "I've never heard of that. But it doesn't hurt to ask." Then Tony came down and got himself some coffee and gave Erin a kiss and sat down next to her and the twins and said, "Good Morning Mom. Good Morning Babe." Erin was still a bit surprised when she was addressed with a feminine nickname. But she recovered quickly and said, "Good Morning Tony. Sleep well?" Tony, "I slept great, how about you?" Erin smiled and said, "Great." Then they subtly rearranged their chairs a bit, so they were closer. Miriam thought they looked like they were deep in love. It was sweet. She hoped it would last forever for them, as it had for her and Alonzo. Tony said, "I know, Mom, I have an interview at 9. I'll have a little breakfast and go upstairs and shave and get ready. Then I'll come back and take you and the babies home Erin." Erin, "Well, there's not a lot of hurry. I don't need to get home until this afternoon, so I can talk to Mom and Fran tonight." Miriam, "I wish I could spend the day with you Erin, but I have to get to work myself." Miriam was a professor of English at Blakefield College. Miriam continued, "But I was thinking of taking tomorrow off to help with the wedding plans. It would be fun to spend the day with you then." Erin, "I'd like that. Are you sure you want to deal with three babies?" Miriam, "Sure, I love having children around. They certainly liven things up." Erin, "Tony, could you bring me back here tomorrow morning?" Tony said yes and now that was in the plans. Then Erin said, "Mrs. Delgado, Thank you so much for hosting that little impromptu get together last night." Miriam, "It was our pleasure. You have a delightful family, Erin. Your sister and her fianc?' are really nice. And I enjoyed meeting the Collins. They seem like wonderful people. A family of police. The Sander's seemed to really enjoy taking care of your babies. It was a great night. By the way, thank you for doing dinner. It was very good." Erin, "You're very welcome. Yes, the Sanders are sweet people, to help out with the babies." Miriam, "I was going to ask how you met Clara. But we can talk tomorrow." That was a warning that Erin had to have a reasonable story of her life ready for tomorrow. "Damn," she thought, "more lying." Miriam said, "Erin, I was thinking of getting in a little earlier than I'd planned, if you can take care of the boys while Tony goes to his job interview." Erin, "Of course, Mrs. Delgado, I'd be happy to." In reply, Miriam said, "Thank You Erin. Oh, can you call me Mom or Mom DelGado." Erin said, "Sure, Mom." Al DelGado had already left, and after Miriam to work and Tony went to his interview, Erin was alone with five children. As always, when she had children other than her own to care for, Erin was extra careful. But no problems. For a while she watched the boys play, and watched Mary try to be part of their play. The boys were very nice to her and let her do what she could. Then the twins were ready for their morning nap and she told the boys where she was and brought Mary up with her and lay her down in her basinet and unfolded the hideabed and lay down with the twins and let them nurse and got them asleep. Then she noticed Mary was not asleep and got her up and went to check on the boys. They were doing fine. But as soon as they saw Erin without the twins they asked her to read a story. She wound up reading a couple of stories. Then the twins woke up and Erin got them up and changed them and Mary. Erin reflected that this was her life for now. She felt that she should be more dissatisfied at having to fulfil the duties of a wife and mother. But she knew that in a year, Alonzo would be in kindergarten, and the twins would be old enough for day care if Erin needed to get a job. But she would prefer that they wait another year at least before going into daycare. She thought about making childcare a regular thing for the next two years. She could make some money at it, and she could stay home with her children. She knew there would be some government hoops to jump through, and she would have to buy insurance. Erin didn't know how much it would cost. She would have to check on it. When Tony got home, Erin sat with him and listened to what had happened at the interview. He thought he had a reasonable chance of being offered the job. It was a construction job and actually paid better than the one he was so optimistic about, but the company was not as stable, and the benefits were less. He said he would prefer the other job, but he probably take this one if offered first. When he was done, Erin asked him to watch the children for a few minutes while she made some phone calls. Then she would fix some lunch. He said, "Sure, Babe." She thought, 'Babe? Babe? I have to talk to him about that.' But instead she called the pastor and arranged the change in the ceremony. Fortunately, he was amenable to the change, but he asked if she could try to get Fran and Roger at the same discussion that Erin and Tony had agreed to. Then she called Clara, and they confirmed plans to go shopping tonight, and yes it was OK to invite Fran. Then she called Miriam and verified that tonight was OK. Then Erin called Fran and asked, "Fran, we have 6 PM Saturday reserved at the church in the garden. The pastor did ask if you would be willing to come in and talk about some things that research has shown leads to a happy marriage?" Fran, "Ah, yes, the infamous pastor's talk. Well at least he couches things in a positive way. He's not going to talk about how obedience is the wife's primary duty in a marriage, is he? And I hope he's not going to try to tell us about the birds and the bees?" Erin laughed and said, "No, I asked about that. This new pastor is different than the old. Everyone says he is a really nice guy. I know his sermons are full of love and hope and encourage everyone to be warm and generous and share with their fellow man." Fran, "That's what I've heard from Mom. It might be interesting to meet him. I'll ask Roger what he thinks. We have a lot to do before Saturday." Erin, "Would you call him and tell him if you would be willing to come in. Tony and I are going to see him at 4 PM on Friday." Fran laughed, "Cutting it close, aren't you? Sure, I'll give him a call. But seeing him comes in second to shopping. I need to find some clothes. Even if it is an informal wedding, I don't want to wear the police dress uniform, although I've heard it's been done," and she laughed. Erin, "That's the second thing I called about. I'm going shopping with Clara tonight. She really knows fashion, and she really knows clothing stores in Blakefield. Apparently, she has had to learn to help her clients. She says she knows shops where you can get a nice formal dress suitable for a wedding at a reasonable cost. She is taking me shopping tonight. You ought to come. It'd be fun." Fran, "I don't know, Erin. Clara and I have mixed it up several times in court. We don't have a great relationship. I know you and she are friends, but I doubt if she would want to spend any more time than necessary with me." Erin, "Fran, this isn't work. I asked her about inviting you, and she said it would be great. Come on, this is a chance to get outfitted for a modest price and spend a night out with the girls. Well, two girls. But two fun girls. It's the only chance we will have." Fran, "OK, I guess you and I haven't spent much time together outside of home. So, a girls' night out sounds great. But I reserve the right to tell Clara she's full of shit if she starts talking about how the bad guys are bad because society has failed them." Erin laughed, "I don't think she will do that, Fran. I don't think she even believes that. She's fairly hard-headed most of the time. But I will tell her to stay away from discussing politics or work. We are meeting at the DelGado's, because Mom DelGado is watching the children. About 6." Fran, "OK, that works for me. See you then." Erin asked, "One more thing. Wedding Cake. Do you want me to get one for the two of us, or do you want to get your own?" Fran, "Erin, I'm sorry. I am really stretched. Can you research it and do your best for the two of us?" Erin, "Sure, Fran. What kind do you want?" Fran, "Chocolatey Chocolate." Erin, "How about Roger?" Fran, "Chocolatey, Chocolatey, Chocolate. We never disagree about desert." Erin, "Is it OK if I tried to get chocolate on one side and carrot on the other?" Fran, "Fine. Actually, I will be happy with any cake that is good. Thanks for taking care of this, Sis?" Erin, "You're welcome, Sis. See you tonight." Then Tony held up his hand to not hang up and whispered, "Can she ask Roger if he has any idea how much we each should pay the pastor?" Erin relayed the question and Fran responded, "Well, Roger and I will talk about it and give Tony a recommendation that we agree on. Erin, can you find out if anyone from the church will be helping with decorations, serving, cleaning up, anything like that? That would affect cost. I guess you might as well just ask him what his expectations are. Tell him we want to be generous, but both couples are young and don't make a lot of money. Maybe Roger and I should cover it, given you and Tony are in worse financial shape and you are working on getting the wedding set, Erin? Let's talk about it tonight?" Erin, "Sounds like a plan." Finally, Erin called Jesse, but got a message that she was unavailable, please call back or leave a message. Instead, Erin hung up and then texted her, "Jesse, getting married Saturday. Small ceremony. Need wedding cake, one side chocolate and one side carrot. Whipped low-density frosting. Feed about 50. Any ideas who 2 talk 2?" Erin guessed Jesse was working and didn't expect a reply anytime soon. Then Erin started thinking through what else she needed. A photographer. She asked Tony, "Who do you think I should get to take pictures, Tony?" Tony, "Well, I know a couple of people who do musical events. I could ask them what it would cost." Erin, "Could you do it today please Tony? If they can't do it or are too expensive, I will need to call around." Tony, "Sure, I'll do it as soon as the I'm not responsible for the kids." Erin went over and kissed him and said, "And I thank you for helping with the kids, Tony. It makes life easier because we work together." Tony smiled at her and said, "My pleasure, Babe." Erin just shook her head a bit and thought, 'I really do need to talk to him about that. On the other hand, as long as he helps with the kids, He can call me Babe all he wants." Then she said, "I should get you and the boys some lunch. What do they like?" Tony laughed and said "What don't they like. How about PB&J." Erin, "Sure. I think I will make some soup for me and Mary if that is OK." She put the twins into basinets she had brought and opened a can of tomato bisque soup and started it heating. Then she got four slices of bread out and toasted them lightly and put them out on plates for Tony and the boys and put out some creamy Peanut butter and some seedless raspberry jam. When the soup was warm, she put some into two bowls and added some ice cubes to one. Then, she put a bottle of formula she had brought into the microwave, and warmed it up for 20 s. After that, she took Mary from Tony, and they sat down for lunch. Tony helped the boys put PB and Jam on the bread and fold it over into a sandwich and then made his own. Erin tried to give the formula to Mary, but she was looking around for an alternative. So, Erin gave her a spoon of soup. Mary thought that was all right. She happily accepted spoon after spoon of soup, and finally burped and was done. Finally, Erin put a spoonful of soup in her own mouth, and the phone rang. Erin was swallowed the soup and picked up her phone, turned it on and said, "Hi Jesse." Jesse, "Hi Erin. That text was a surprise. When I talked to you, about a week ago, you were planning a September or October wedding, depending on when LaTesha got out. Now a wedding on Saturday. Interesting idea having two cakes by the way. Lots of times the bride and groom don't both want the same. The best place to get a custom creative cake that I know of is the Korean Bakery and they are pretty reasonable." Erin, "Really, I would have never I guessed." Jesse, "Yeah, everybody assumes they would only do traditional Korean pastries and cakes. But not true. They have all the modern equipment and can do very creative cakes with a day or two lead time." Erin, "Good to know. Thanks, Jesse." Then Jesse asked, "Do you have a photographer yet? Erin, "Not Yet. Do you know a good one?" Jesse, "Yeah. Me. I'd like to bid on the job. Actually, I will do it for free. All I want is to be able to use the pictures to help put together a business plan." Erin, "Really? I didn't know you were involved in photography." Jesse, "Sure you do. Remember, even when we were high, I always liked to take pictures of places we'd been and interesting things we had seen." Erin, "Jesse, I'm sorry. I don't remember anything as Erin from before October, 1916. Brian might remember it." Jesse replied, "Right, God this is weird. Just because I remember taking pictures of you, doesn't mean you remember me taking pictures of you." Erin was suddenly concerned and asked, "How many pictures of me do you have and where are they? And what was I doing?" Jesse laughed, "Oh Erin, remember I never took pictures of anyone if we were doing something questionable. No, of course you don't remember. But I didn't. Other people in our group were worried about pictures being evidence that could be used if we got into trouble. So, I only took pictures when we were being good." Erin was still dubious and asked, "Can I see some of them?" Jesse, "Sure. Since I have gotten straight, I've organized them on a number of SD cards. I can show them to you the next time we get together. Anyway, as I was about to say, I am thinking of establishing a photography business as a sideline, and it would be good to have samples from a number of shoots to show." Erin, "OK, I'm happy to have you come and do a shoot at the wedding and use the pictures as samples. But, given you are not a professional I might still look for a wedding photographer." Jesse, "Erin, I'm good. I guess you can't remember how good. And I am now organized and conscientious. And my work would be free. But I guess it is natural to worry about pictures since if you miss them there is no way to recover. So how about this, I will shoot a pre-event and you can see from that how good I am. Say a bridal shower. Maybe the groom and friends party." Erin laughed and said, "Jesse, why would you want to be at a groom and friends party. I've been at several as Brian. Believe me, it's gross." Jesse, "Erin, as you remember, we have been at a lot worse." Erin, "No, I don't remember that. But anyway, aside from your sensitivities, having a nice young woman such as yourself at the groom and friends party would inhibit the flow of discussion." Jesse, "Oh, I get your meaning. Is there anything else I could shoot?" Erin, "Well, I am going shopping for a dress tonight. You could accompany me and do a shoot from that." Jesse, "That's great. I am free after 6. I'll meet you at your house." Then Erin said, "Jesse. If we decide to use you as the primary photographer, I will see you are paid. I wouldn't want to take advantage of a friend." Jesse, "You wouldn't be taking advantage of a friend. It would be a gift from a friend who cares for you deeply. Besides, you gave me the camera. I owe it to you to give you the shoot." Erin, "What. I gave you the camera? What camera?" Jesse, "I am using a professional quality Canon digital camera, only a year old. You gave it to me a month or so before you and Rex ran off, I think a couple weeks before Mary was born. It was in a big Amazon box. I have checked the value of all the components on Amazon and it was worth over $3k." Erin thought, 'God, over $3k. So, if it were stolen, it would be a felony.' Next another thought came to her, 'stealing mail is a federal crime too. Damn.' Then, she asked Jesse, "Was the box open? Did it have an address label on it? Or some identifying literature in it?" Jesse, it was open. No labels that I can remember." Erin, "Did I tell you where I got it?" Jesse was catching on to why Erin was asking these questions, and said, "No, you didn't, Erin. I guess we could ask Brian." Erin said, "If it were stolen, I'm not sure there is any way of making it right now. Any claim for loss has been paid by insurance. But I'm sure it could still be charged as a felony and as a federal crime. I'll have to think about whether there is anything I can do to make things a little more right. In the meantime, please don't advertise anything about how you got the camera." Jesse, "OK, do you want me to throw it away, so it can't be traced." Erin, "No, I may need to return it. For now, just use it gently." Then Erin said, "Jesse, I am staying at Tony's house right now and don't know if I will get home this afternoon. You may have to get a ride here from Fran." Jesse sort of choked, then asked, "How is Fran involved in selecting a dress? That doesn't seem like anything she'd be interested in." Erin, "Oh, I guess I didn't tell you. This is a double wedding. I am marrying Tony, and Fran is marrying a fellow Blakefield police officer." Jesse said, "God, I just volunteered to be in the middle of a police wedding. Life is strange." Erin, "Yes, it is. Do you still want to do it?" Jesse, "Sure. I honestly don't think you or I can get into much trouble at this point. And it is still an opportunity to get started in photography." Erin, "Just remember, no one in my family except me knows I am a different person than the old Erin. Please don't say anything about it." Jesse, "I won't Erin. I promise." Erin hung up. Tony had been listening with interest, and asked what was going on, and Erin told him. Tony just shook his head. He said, "Jeez, Erin. You are still having to deal with things the old Erin did. Erin said, "Yes, I am. It's annoying." Tony, "Are you worried?" Erin, "Not really. That was a long time ago. I will say that if the camera was stolen, it was just luck that Erin wasn't caught and charged at the time. She could have done time for it if that had happened. Of course, if that had happened, there would not have been any switch." Tony asked, "Would that have been good or bad?" Erin, "Bad. Bad. Bad, Bad, Bad! Tony, I'm very happy with my life as it is. I'm happy with my children, who I love dearly. And I'm very happy with you. Without the switch, I would not have any of that." Then Tony came over and gave her a hug and said, "And I wouldn't have you. I love you, Erin." Erin hugged him back. Then Tony suggested they move out of Idaho, so the new Erin not be so close to the places the old Erin had lived and presumably committed criminal activities in. But Erin said, "No, Tony. This is our home. This is where the people we love are. I don't want to move. And I don't think I can really run from these problems. I think it will turn out all right. I really am innocent of any of the misdeeds that happened before the switch, and I am worried that mail theft is just one of many. I have to think that the entities that caused the switch will make sure I don't get punished for the old Erin's misdeeds." Tony, "Then why worry about it at all?" Erin, "I can't help but worry, Tony. I guess it is just part of me." Tony, "Yeah, I think you're right. It always has been. I remember Brian was a worrier even when he was young." Erin said, "Tony, I just realized that the whole idea of going home this afternoon is impractical. You have to do a couple more job interviews. And it doesn't make sense to run home and then come back for the shopping. I need to call Mom McLoughlin, quickly, before you leave." So, Erin called Mom. She answered on the third ring, "Hi, Erin. What's up." Erin, "Mom, I am going out with Clara at 6 tonight to shop for a dress for the wedding. Mrs. DelGado is watching the babies. With all that, I don't think it is worthwhile for me to come home tonight." Mom replied, "I thought the wedding would be informal." Erin, "Yes, but Clara convinced me there are informal wedding dresses that can be used for other formal occasions, and that they are not exorbitantly expensive at some shops in downtown Blakefield. So, I agreed to at least look at them. Fran is coming with us. It should be fun." At first Mom didn't say anything, and Erin thought the phone connection must have been dropped. Then, Erin realized she had just told Mom that her two daughters were shopping for wedding dresses and Mom wasn't included. Mom was obviously and understandably upset. Erin then said quickly, "I was wondering if you want to come too, Mom." Mom, "I would love to be there, Erin. I wouldn't miss you and Fran looking at wedding dresses together for anything." Erin, "Thanks, Mom. I asked Jesse too because she wants to use it as occasion to demonstrate her ability to be the photographer at the wedding. Could you make sure she gets a ride with you or Fran?" Mom, "Sure, Honey, No Problem. See you tonight." Tony was listening, and laughed and said, "Good catch, Erin. I think your quick thinking made your Mom very happy." Erin, "Yeah. That's good. Mom McLoughlin has been such a sweetheart. She deserves every consideration from her daughters." Tony then said, I need to get going to the next two interviews, Erin. Erin said, "OK, one text first. So quickly she texted Clara, Fran, Mom, and Jesse so they knew there who would be going on the shopping trip, and that they would leave as soon after 6 as everyone was there." Then she kissed Tony and wished him good luck and took over total care of the children. It was a good afternoon with the children, but busy, as always. Tony got home at 5 and they talked about the two jobs he had interviewed for. One was a salesman in the music store. Erin got the impression that although Tony would love it, he didn't think it was for him. Pay was via a salary plus commission, and the salary was very low. Tony thought that with a family to support, it might not pay enough. Tony had asked what the expected commission was, and the owner was unwilling to quote one to him, saying it depended on how good he was with sales. Tony had never liked sales and hated to be encouraged to sell the most expensive things to maximize profit, even if that was not the product he thought the buyer really needed. Erin encouraged Tony to keep an open mind. She said that in this case, he might more be trying to persuade people to buy good instruments. The last thing Tony said was, "Well, I don't have a good vibe about my connection with the owner anyway. I don't think he will offer me the job." Erin said, "What, an excellent musician who knows instruments like you. He would be a fool not to try to hire you." Tony just smiled and said they would see what happened. The second job was also sales, at a new car dealership. Pay was totally by commission, and Tony just was not interested in that, although he had had friends who worked sales in car dealerships who did well. But it involved some evening and weekend work, and Tony wanted to pursue music in his off hours. Tony thought he got along well with the sales manager, a woman, and that they might offer him the job. But he would have to think about it long and hard. Frankly, he did not know enough about cars to feel qualified advising people to buy a certain car or certain features vis a vis other options. Erin told Tony she thought he would do a great job. People liked him. In particular, women liked him. And cars were sold by personality, not expertise. Although she knew Tony well enough to know he would work hard to learn enough so he could provide good advice. Tony laughed and said, "That's one of the reasons I love you Babe. You always make me feel like I'm a hot property." Erin kissed him and said, "You are a hot property, Tony. You're the best." Tony only had one more interview, tomorrow at the Dempsey sewer district. He knew nothing about the company beyond what he had learned from his research on the web, but the idea of working in government where benefits were good made him interested. But would they someone without experience? He would see. At 5:30, Erin was surprised to see Fran arrive in the car that Roger had given her, with the police colors still there. Mom and Jesse were with her, Mom in the front and Jesse in the back. The glass between the front and back was still in place. Jesse did not look comfortable at all. When they stopped, Jesse's door sprang open and she almost jumped out. Erin asked her, "Well, did you guys have a good ride over?" Jesse, "No, we would come up behind someone, and they would slow way down. And a family with kids passed us and were pointing at me." Fran just guffawed and said, "Well Jesse, use it as motivation to keep your act clean. Then you won't have to ever ride in the back of a patrol car again." Jesse just walked away, and later said, "That was the way it was the whole ride. She would tell me police procedures and how people were apprehended and cuffed and booked and tell me to watch myself, or I'd find out from experience. She's driving me crazy." It was clear that Jesse and Fran's personalities were not a match made in heaven. Erin hoped they would each learn more about the other, so they knew that the other was really a good person. But for now, that wasn't happening. The best she could expect was that they tolerate each other. She took Fran aside and told her that Jesse was really trying to turn over a new leaf, and asked Fran to give Jesse a break. Fran said, "OK, Sis, I guess I have been teasing her a lot. I'll back off." Erin offered them some tea or soda. Mom said she would like a little tea. Erin put heated some water in the micro wave and offered her several teabags. Fran and Jesse both requested a soda. Well, at least they agreed about something. Then Mrs. DelGado came in and smiled and said, "Oh, the police are here again. That's two nights in a row. It will give my neighbors something to talk about." Fran said, "Sorry, we will get it painted Thursday, so it's not a big deal at the wedding." Miriam said, "Hmm, that's a good thing." Then she told Erin, "I talked to my friend, Jenny, and she said she would be willing to come over and give me a hand tonight. Is that OK?" Erin, "Sure." Erin knew that Jenny would consider it a great opportunity. Fran was not wearing a police uniform, but Alonzo and Duncan remembered her and came out and asked her to show them the police car. She indulgently said, "Sure," and, with Tony along to make sure the boys would behave, she showed them the front and back seat and where all the weapon had been kept and how to turn on the siren, although it was no longer connected. They were very impressed. Fran couldn't resist and asked Jesse if she wanted to learn about all the features of the car too. Jesse just shook her head no, without saying anything. Then Clara showed up. She looked at the group and said, "Geez, Erin. You can't do anything without attracting a crowd, can you?" Erin laughed and said, "I guess not." Then Erin gave last minute instructions to Miriam and said not to hesitate to call her if she had a question, kissed each baby and told them to be good, said goodbye to Alonzo and Duncan, who were disappointed not to go, and kissed Tony and asked him if he had any advice. He said he trusted her judgement, which was not very helpful. Then she asked if he wanted to go, but Tony looked at the group and looked at the police car that they would probably go in and shook his head and said, "Nah, I'm not sure I can stand that much estrogen for the whole evening." Erin said, "Hey, you're getting into dangerous territory there, buster." Then she laughed, kissed him again, and told him she might call him if she had a question. At the last minute, Miriam offered to loan them her car since it was much bigger than the police car and would be more comfortable. Everyone jumped at the offer except Fran. Jesse had slipped quickly into her role as photographer, taking pictures of the various groups arriving at Tony's, including a timed photograph of Fran in the driver's seat, Mom in the passenger seat, and herself in the back seat of the police car, of the boys tour of the police car, of Erin saying goodbye to the children and Tony, of their kiss, and then of everyone piling into Miriam's car. She joked with Erin that she was going to text a photo of herself in the police car to her parents. Erin cautioned her that she wouldn't want to be responsible if her father had a heart attack. Jesse laughed, and said the text would explain things. They decided to have a late dinner, since Erin wanted to go by the Korean bakery and the boutiques were only open until 9. They walked into the bakery and asked for the manager. Erin explained that they had a wedding coming up on Saturday. Could they get a cake by that time? The manager said yes. Then she asked if they could get two cakes connected, one carrot and one chocolate, since it was a double wedding and her sister was also getting married and pointed to Fran. The manager said, "Of course, you two look like sisters. Do you have any other sisters?" Then Erin pointed out Clara and said, "just one." The woman couldn't think of anything to say about that, so she said, "Do you want the same frosting on the two cakes?" Erin, "No, dark chocolate on the chocolate and vanilla on the carrot." Then the woman asked, "Do you want the chocolate frosting colored white like the vanilla." Fran, "Can you do that?" The woman answered "yes," and took out a sample of white frosting that tasted like dark chocolate for everyone to taste. Fran laughed and immediately chose that. Then the woman asked if she wanted a figure of bride and groom on each? Erin and Fran looked at each other and said yes. Erin asked if they could get that delicate frosting that was moist, more like a pudding than sugar frosting. The woman said yes, but she couldn't do fancy sculpture. Erin thought that just a little text would be fine. Fran had thought about some fancy decoration, but said she would go with what Erin wanted, so they looked the same. Finally, the woman asked if they wanted some text on the cakes, maybe the name of the man and woman with a little saying. Erin thought, and then said she wanted the date and 'Tony plus Erin'. Again, Fran went along for the sake of their cakes looking the same. The woman filled out paperwork for 10 more minutes and said they could pick it up Saturday at noon. The woman asked for payment in advance $400. Erin choked, and pulled out her credit card, but Mom insisted that she was paying for the cake and that was that. Mom also said she thought that cost was quite reasonable. If they had wanted a sculpted cake, it could be much more. Erin thought $400 was a lot and felt bad that Mom was paying. All the time Jesse was taking pictures of the other four women and the manager. Clara had suggested two boutiques that had gowns suitable for informal wedding ceremonies. When they arrived at the first, Jesse hustled out first and got shots of everyone getting out of the car and going in. Inside, she got a shot of the salesgirl greeting Clara with a hug. Clara explained what that there was going to be a double wedding of two sisters on Saturday, and they needed something less formal than a wedding dress since it was not a formal wedding. The salesgirl talked to them about what options they had. She said an informal wedding dress was basically a formal gown with some additional decoration. Then Fran and Erin talked about what they wanted, and Mom talked about what she wanted, and Clara put in a few words, all the while Jesse was getting occasional photos. The salesgirl said they would need to buy the basic dress off the shelf. The shop could add some decorations. She looked at the two sisters who were getting married, and said they looked very much alike, almost identical, so she would bring out a single set of dresses they could look at. Erin was sort of surprised but didn't object. Then the salesgirl brought out about 10 dresses that she thought could be modified to suite them, which varied from dresses that looked primarily like ball gowns with some attributes of a wedding dress to dresses that had a strong "wedding dress" appearance. At this point Erin realized this was more than just a sales girl, since she was very knowledgeable about fashion and alterations, and had a great eye for what dress suited what look and what physical attributes. Fran immediately saw a dress that she liked. It looked like a white wedding dress except the stitching was not nearly as involved and it had no train and no veil and was cut fairly low on the shoulders. She said she had always envisioned her being married in a white dress, so even though she technically didn't qualify, that's what she wanted. Clara laughed and said "Fran, nobody thinks about that any more. I have an aunt who was married in white even though she had been married 3 times before. And nobody objected." Fran said, "Well, even though I technically don't qualify, I sorta qualify since Roger is the only man I have ever been with. I think that is good enough. And nobody better object. It could be dangerous. This dress has enough volume to hide a revolver on my hip." The younger women laughed at that, but Mom said "Fran, You wouldn't. Why would you need to be armed? This is your wedding for heaven's sake. And You will have over 5 policemen in the audience." Fran replied, "Just in case." Then she laughed and said, "Just kidding, Mom. Maybe." Mom shook her head, and asked, "I thought the idea was to buy dresses you might use later. Would you be able to use this dress for anything else? You know, if you and Roger are having a formal ceremony later, you can have an elaborate dress then." Fran replied, "Mom, in police work, you never know what is going to happen tomorrow. I want something that looks like a wedding dress now. I will worry about the formal ceremony later." Everyone was sobered by that comment, especially Clara who worked with police officers all the time. Clara said, "Fran, it's a lovely dress. I think it's perfect for you. Why don't you try it on?" Fran said, "Thanks, Clara." And the two hugged. After trying it on, everyone agreed she was beautiful in it. But Fran asked Clara to use her cell phone to take a photo and texted it to Roger along with a '?'. Then she and Erin looked over the other dresses. A few minutes later, she got a reply that said it was beautiful and she was beautiful. So, Fran's decision was made. Then the sales girl suggested some small alterations to the dress to make if fit Fran better, and said they could pick it up Friday. Fran didn't ask the cost, but it was about $250. Fran had no problems with that. Erin picked out a beige dress that she sort of liked. She joked "I'm really not qualified for a white wedding dress." Mom and Clara objected to that, but Erin said "Besides, my complexion is so light that I tend to wash out in white clothes." But the beige dress was really more formal than Erin wanted. She really did want something she could wear later. And the dress was more expensive than Erin wanted to spend, $350. Erin had a little money saved and was willing to spend some of it for the wedding. But she was well aware that in the near future she and Tony were not going to have a lot of money. So, she was trying to economize where she could. She asked the sales girl to measure the dress for alterations, but she wanted to look at another shop for other dresses. The sales girl was not offended, but did the measurements and told Erin, "You can call tomorrow if you want this dress and give me a credit card, and you can still get it Friday." Then they left the first dress shop with Jesse continuing to take numerous photos. The sales woman at the second dress shop was older, but also very knowledgeable. She showed Erin a variety of new gowns, none of which really spoke to Erin. But this shop also had a large consignment section. Erin saw a summery gown that she loved at first sight. It did not look much like a wedding dress, but everyone agreed it looked great on Erin, although this time Mom asked if it was formal enough. Erin said it was formal enough for her, and she thought she could wear it for a long time. Another thing Mom was worried about was that apparently the original owner was considerably shorter than Erin. The waist was OK, but it only came down to just below the knees. Erin just noted she was still only 19 and could wear such a short dress for at least 5 more years. And the dress was only $100. She followed Fran's example, and asked Clara to take a photo with her cameral, which she texted to Tony. He texted back that she looked great and he loved it. However, some alteration was necessary since the original owner was also a bit heavier than Erin. That added $50 to the cost. But Erin was very happy with the dress. By this time, it was 9 PM and the shop was closing. At the restaurant where they agreed to eat, Jesse got shots of everybody except herself going in and sitting and talking. Finally, Erin insisted she put her camera down and be part of the group. Jesse said she couldn't afford dinner, and Erin insisted she would pay for Jesse's dinner, since Erin was responsible for pictures of the wedding. Fran surprised Jesse by insisting on paying for half her dinner since it was a joint wedding and the same photographer would be responsible for taking pictures of both couples marrying. The dinner was filled with lively conversation and Erin could almost feel the women bonding, even Jesse and Fran. They got home at 10:30, and Clara and Fran and Mom and Jesse had to leave right away. But Erin talked to Miriam and Jenny and Tony and got news how the evening had gone with the boys and the babies. Then Jenny said she had to leave. Erin insisted that she and Tony would walk her home for safety. On the way home, Jenny told them the last two nights had been great. She had had lots of time to get to know her grandchildren. They were wonderful babies, and would be loving children, and Erin was a wonderful mother, and she was so pleased that the babies would have a wonderful father when Tony and Erin were married. Tony and Erin were embarrassed by the praise but thanked Jenny. Then Tony and Erin took advantage of being alone and sat in Tony's car and talked and kissed. Erin asked Tony "Are you going to visit tonight again?" Tony replied, "Do you want me to?" Erin, "God, Yes. Tony, I love to be with you." Tony, "Well, we will see. The twins went down early and might waken easily." Erin, "If they waken, it's OK. They don't understand and wouldn't be traumatized if they saw us making love. Please, Tony." Tony smiled, "As long as you are OK with being interrupted if one of the babies waken." Erin, "I am." The next morning, Tony had one more interview at 10 AM. It was at the Dempsey Sewer District, which covered most of Blakefield. When he returned he told Erin, "I saw a friend of yours. That women we met at the dinner at Bentleys, Andrea. She said to tell you hi. Apparently, you made quite an impression on her. She asked if I was still going out with 'that engineering girl.' I said I was. In fact, I told her we were getting married Saturday. Maybe the word will get back to Erica." Erin laughed and thought, 'Take that Erica.' Erin also remembered that as Brian, he had once been very attracted to Andrea. But Erin couldn't quite remember the emotions he felt. Of course, she wasn't Brian anymore, so that is probably why. Erin asked how the interview went. Tony said fine. They were interested in the recommendation from his last employer in King County and would follow up. They needed someone who would be interested in working in the treatment plant, with collection pipes, and in the office, who was reliable and good with people. Tony had assured them he was. They seemed to be interested in Tony. He was personable which checked the 'good with people' box, and the summer he had worked in construction indicated he could do the treatment plant and pipe maintenance part of the job. But they had a couple of more interviews this week. So, he would see. Tony asked Erin some questions that indicated he was still worried that that kind of job would bother Erin. Erin once again tried to assure him it wouldn't. But he finally said that he didn't think that was the job for him. The pay, at least at the beginning was not good enough. Erin urged him to consider it, because they would need the benefits for their five children. He said he would think about it. After that they went to Erin's Mom and Dad's. When they got home, she checked her phone and found a text from Fran that Roger had not been able to reserve any of the city parks for a barbeque/reception at this late date. Did she have any other ideas? There was of course Miriam's offer. Between their yard and the Sanders, there was room. But that was across town from the church, almost 25 minutes away. They really needed something near the church. Erin called the Community Center. The first thing she asked was whether Mr. Gemshaw was there. They told her that he had been replaced. Then she asked if they ever rented out the BBQ area for wedding receptions. They said yes. So, she asked about Saturday night, and they apologized that it was already reserved. She thanked them anyway. Well, she wondered if the church would let them set up a BBQ in the garden. She had to call Pastor Kim anyway. Erin rang the pastor, and he answered right away. He said "Hi Erin, let me guess. You have another sister and she wants to get married too." Erin laughed and said, "No, Absolutely not. But I do have some questions." Pastor Kim, "OK, Go ahead." Erin, "We have been looking for a place for a wedding reception. But everyplace we have looked has been booked. Would it be possible to use the church garden for a reception?" Pastor Kim, "Maybe. I would need a guarantee that the garden would be left clean. Remember, we have church the next morning." Erin, "I didn't think of that, but I will guarantee that it will be clean, even if I had to clean it myself." Pastor Kim, "Erin, if your friends leave the church dirty so you have to clean it on your wedding night, I would recommend new friends. But based on your promise, I will say yes." Erin, thanks, Pastor. So, what will it cost. We expect to pay." Pastor Kim, "we require a $700 deposit, that is waived for church members. Since you will do all the cleaning, we waive the cleaning fee. That leaves a flat rate fee for members of $200 plus reimbursement of any extra costs." Erin, "OK, I guess I never asked what the fee would be for use of the garden for the marriage. I assume it would be another $200. Pastor Kim, "That's right, Erin." Erin then asked, "What about your time Pastor Kim. If we wanted to give you some money for disturbing your Saturday and coming down and doing the ceremony, plus talking to us tomorrow night, what would you think is fair? Pastor Kim said, "Erin, I am doing my job as pastor. I have never established a fee schedule for doing my job. If you want to give me some extra, you have to decide based on ability to pay and how much you value what I am doing?" Erin thought about that and decided she was not going to get anything more definite. Then Erin said, "One last question, Pastor Kim. I think the second groom's family wants to do toasts. Can we have wine in the garden?" Pastor Kim replied, "I'm sorry Erin. Our church has policy prohibiting alcohol on church property, and it can't be waived." Erin said, "OK, Thanks. That's what I thought. But they wanted me to ask. I think we can survive using non-alcoholic punch for toasts." Erin talked it over with Tony, and he agreed that he didn't see the need for alcohol. He thought a short reception after the wedding with food and toasts at the church and then a quick getaway was fine, especially given the late start. Erin texted the results of her investigations to Fran. She ended with "so the choice is having the reception at the DelGados and the Sanders and being able to have liquor but having a half hour drive to get there, or having it at the church with no alcohol. I and Tony far prefer the latter. If it is a short reception, then Roger's family can get together at a restaurant or bar afterwards." Fran texted back, saying she agreed, but would talk with Roger and see if he had an alternate suggestion. Then Erin asked Tony if he had changed his mind and wanted a couple of friends to come. It seemed like he had no friends his age at the wedding. Tony laughed and said, "Erin, I have my two neighbors there, Clara and Brian, who were always like my brother and sister, and you, my best friend in the world and the woman I love, who are the same people. That's all I need. Erin gave him a hug and said thank you. Then Tony said, "As a matter of fact, remember Frank and James, who used to play with us in that high school band?" Erin, "Yes." Tony, "I ran into them at the grocery store and told them I was getting married in a small ceremony. They are having a groom's party for me tomorrow night, just like the one we had before my first wedding." Erin said, "Oh, I want to go too." Tony shook his head and laughed. Erin, "Are you laughing at me Tony?" Tony, "No. I guess intellectually I know you are my old friend Brian, who enjoyed the first bachelor's party. In that case, I would expect you would want to attend the second. But I think of you as totally feminine. It just never occurred to me. I suppose we could find a way for you to attend the party." Erin, "No. I know it's not possible. It would be so awkward and would inhibit everyone else's fun. But I wish I could be Brian again just for a few hours." Tony, "They did ask where Brian is, but I told them I don't know." Erin, "That's the best thing, Tony." Then changing the subject, she said, "You aren't hiring a stripper this time, are you?" Tony, "I don't know, Erin. They're planning it. I'm just showing up." Erin folded her arms under her breasts and said, "They better not." Tony, "And if they do, I promise I won't touch her or tip her." Erin, "Well, that's not fair. I've read that some girls actually support their children stripping. You better tip her, but don't touch her." Tony, "OK, if that will make you happy, Erin, I'll tip her but not touch her." Then Erin kissed him and said thanks. Tony reflected that life with Erin was never going to be boring. Later, Fran texted back again saying that Roger agreed. It was best to just stay at the church and have a short reception. Erin was relieved. Then she unpacked all the stuff she had taken to the DelGados and cleaned it up and put it away. She checked the babies and got the twins bathed and put them down for a nap. She also bathed Mary, but Mary did not take afternoon naps any more. Then Erin went down stairs and read some stories to the boys and Mary, until the twins woke, and Erin had to tend to them again. This was the rhythm of her life for now. While Erin was doing this, Tony had to go out and pick up some motor oil and do an oil change on his car and replace the oil filter and air filter. When he came in, Erin got him to sit down and look at a menu she'd written out for the wedding reception. She said that Jesse had recommended AAA Catering as being very good and quite reasonable. If I can get a menu set tonight, I can call in the order tomorrow morning. Tony looked and said, "Where's the meat?" Erin, "Remember the Collins family are going to do a BBQ. So, there's the meat." Then Tony said, "Right. I remember that. But, now that you mention it, your mother was going to organize food for the wedding. Why are you doing it? You've done a lot, getting a dress, helping Fran with her dress, ordering the wedding cake, getting the venue decided, setting up photography. Talk to your mother tonight and then let her handle the food from here. She's a smart lady. It'll be fine. In fact, she may even have something already set. Relax. I don't want to have to take you to the hospital Saturday evening because you are having a nervous breakdown." That gave Erin pause for thought, and she said, "You're right, Tony. I need to talk to Mom before I do anything else." Tony, "Erin, I also recommended you let go, and spend more time with your fianc? and children." Erin, "Hmph, my fianc? is going to a party tomorrow night, and didn't even invite me. He may drink so much that he sleeps through wedding." Then Erin laughed and said, "I'm just kidding, Tony. I agree. I guess I am trying to control everything. I will back off and let Mom do as much as she wants." Then she came over to Tony and gave him a hug and a kiss. When Mom came home, Erin greeted her and gave her a hug and said, "How was your day, Mom." Mom said, "Very good. I told Ginni about your small wedding. She laughed and said she was looking forward to being at the formal ceremony." Then Erin said, "Mom, I worked up a menu. Can I show it to you later?" Mom, "Sure, but I had intended to try to get the food set tonight, so not too much later. I have my own tentative menu and have called some caterers and plan to visit a couple of them tonight." Then Erin said that Jesse had recommended 'AAA Catering.' So, Mom should look into them. Mom said, "I saw their advertisement in Yelp, but I never go to any business named 'AAA' anything. That seems like a ploy to get noticed. Businesses should focus on building a reputation, not on clever ways to come in at the top of the listings." Erin laughed and said, "Mom, nowadays, businesses focus on ways to come up first in a google search. Any business with AAA as the first part of their name has probably been around since before yellow pages stopped being printed. So, I think they probably are a good, quality business." Mom thought about that. "Hmm, Maybe your right, Erin. OK, I will call them too." TMom made her and Erin some tea, and they sat down, with Erin holding the twins and Mary scooting around in a walker and compared their menus. They weren't too far apart. Erin got her to replace some of less healthy foods. Mom had rice cooked in milk on her menu. Erin asked what that was about. Mom said, "Erin, I read that this was the most digestible food available. I expect you to have a bad stomach because of nerves and hope you can eat that." Erin, "I was thinking if my stomach was bad, I just wouldn't eat." Mom replied, "And how do you expect to have the stamina you need for your wedding night? Erin, it is best for you to be happy and relaxed and have some nutritious food in your stomach on your first night married. It makes it easier for you and Tony to focus on each other, which is what you should be doing. By the way, I also think you should start taking budesonide preemptively right now. Hopefully, that will keep you from having a painful gut or having to hurl or having diarrhea on your wedding day." That thought chastened Erin and she just said, "OK, Mom," and took three budesonide pills. Erin laughed and said, "There goes $6. Not as expensive as a Perc's, but not cheap by any means." Mom laughed too and said, "That is only the deductible. Our insurance is paying for most of it, probably over $20 a pill. But it's something you need periodically. It makes a big difference in your life. So, just take what you need. The budesonide, I mean. Not the perks." Erin laughed again. It was good that mom could joke about it now. Then Mom asked, "Do you want to go with me to look at the caterers?" Erin, "No, Mom. Jesse is coming over to show me the results of her pictures last night. I hope they are good. I don't want to have to search around for another photographer at this late date." Mom, "Then why didn't you tell her thanks but no thanks when she suggested it?" Erin, "Because she's my friend, Mom. She is trying so hard to put her past behind her. I couldn't just blow her off. What would I do if other people did that to me?" Mom, "OK, OK. I hope the pictures are good too. That is certainly a fancy camera she has. Was that a present from her family?" Erin said, "I don't know, Mom." Then mom said, "I have a number of caterers to visit. I will make a sandwich and take off. There is leftover stew in the refrigerator. You and Tony can have some of that if you want. Can you make sure Dad gets something nutritious to eat? That man is as bad as you about food. He is likely to come home and watch TV and eat potato chips and drink bear." Erin, "Mom, I never do that." Mom, "No, but you also sometimes don't eat unless someone is pushing you." Erin knew it was true. Her stomach almost always hurt at least a little after eating, and so she tended to avoid it unless she was starved. Erin knew it was something she needed to figure out. It wasn't good for her. The rest of the evening, Tony and she stayed at home with the children. Jesse came by and showed her a picture show from last night. Erin looked at them and said, "Jesse, these are very good. You have an eye for light and color and picture composition and really know how to use that camera. So, you're hired. Are you sure you don't want to quote some pay? You would be worth it." Jesse, "Well, I would like you to buy some supplies. And if you want prints, I would like you to pay for them. But as far as just paying for my time, no. You are a great friend. I want to do this for you." Erin said "OK" but was still trying to think of a way to get her some money. Then Erin asked, "How did the ride home with Fran go?" Jesse, "She was much better on the way home. She actually went out of her way to take me to my parent's house, so I didn't have to walk home in the dark. And she said she enjoyed spending time with me. I almost fell out of my seat. Maybe we've turned the corner. I hope so. I like visiting you, but she scares the hell out of me." Erin, "Believe me, she used to scare the hell out of me. But that is partly because I knew I had done some things that were questionable, and partly because she is naturally sort of intimidating." Jesse, "You got that right. She always reminded me of a Valkery, a beautiful blond immortal deciding who lives and who dies." Erin laughed at that and said, "Yeah. That is an apt picture. But not true. She is actually very nice. She loves my parents and is very protective of them, and she has become very protective of me. Clara told me she is absolutely honest when she is testifying. She never lies or even shades the truth like some officers do. And she participates in many charities that the force is involved in. So, I give her a lot of credit. But she is 100% by the book, for good or ill." Then Jesse asked, "What time should I be at the church, Erin." Erin, "How about 5:30?" Jesse, "See you then Erin. I'm glad the wedding isn't any earlier. I work until 4." Erin asked Tony if he wanted dinner and said Mom had some leftover stew. Tony wasn't too excited about someone else's leftover stew, and suggested he go to the store and get a couple things and bring them home and they cook them. Erin was a little worried about spending money they didn't have to, but had to admit leftover stew wasn't her favorite, either. She said "Sure, how about some hot dogs. I know the boys like them and Mary likes them." Tony said, "OK. Anything else?" Erin, "No, I will make some soup, from cans in the cupboard." Tony, "OK, See you soon." Then he asked the boys if they wanted to come, and they did, just for a change of scenery. Then Mary wanted to go too, and finally Erin wound up packing up the twins and all of them went to the store. Alonzo persuaded Tony to get a pizza from the deli counter, but Erin insisted on hot dogs too because Mary couldn't cope with Pizza yet. They presented quite a scene, Erin holding the twins and Tony carrying Mary and Duncan and Alonzo running around between them. The checkout lady complimented them on how nice the kids were, which pleased Erin immensely. Dinner was a success. Dad came home while they were eating and asked if there was enough pizza for him to have a piece, and Tony said, "Sure, Mr. McLoughlin. How about a hot dog too? He accepted and ate and spent almost an hour talking with Erin and Tony and Alonzo and playing with Duncan and Mary. He asked Tony about the job search, and Tony went through it. Dad agreed with Erin that Tony should consider the job with the sewer district because of the benefits. All in all, it was a nice evening. Fran and Roger came in from their talk with Pastor Kim at 8 and Mom came home about 8:30 and told Erin that she had been impressed by AAA Catering and would give them the job. They talked to Fran and Roger and talked about what Pastor Kim had talked about and about wedding preparations, although Dad went to the family room and switched on the Mariners, and Roger and Tony migrated in that direction. Before he could get away, Mom asked Roger what was going on with the BBQ. Roger said they had it in hand. His mother had bought some hamburgers and steaks and side dishes, and someone would show up at 4 and get something organized. Erin said it would be tricky, since the garden had to be dedicated to the wedding until that was done, so they would have to find someplace else to do the BBQ. Roger said his mother and Tony's mother were both working on it and he was sure it would be fine. Mom did discover that potato salad would be included in the BBQ, so maybe she didn't need it in the catered food. She would call tomorrow and see if they could change the order. Soon after, Erin had to get the twins and Mary to bed and kissed Tony goodnight and went upstairs to her room and got the babies ready for bed. Then she did what she needed to do to be ready. But before she could get to sleep, Tony came in and asked if the boys could sleep on the sofa in her room until the game was over and things were quiet. Erin said, "Sure, actually they can sleep here as long as they want to. So, Tony got them ready and put them under a couple of blankets on the couch and said he would come get them later. Erin went right to sleep. A few minutes later, Duncan whined a little and asked if he could get in the bed with Erin. Erin said, "Sure Duncan." And got up and helped him up onto the bed. A few minutes later, Alonzo also crawled up and cuddled up by his brother. Then Mary saw what was going on and fussed, until Erin took her into the bed too. They all slept most of the night, with Erin having to help Duncan use the bathroom a couple of times. At 6 the twins started fussing and woke everybody up. Erin helped Duncan use the bathroom again, and then changed Mary and the twins. She asked the boys if they wanted to go back to sleep again, but they said no. Erin changed the twins, let them nurse a bit, and then put them back in the basinets, and carried Mary and Duncan downstairs, followed closely by Alonzo. She put the boys in the living room and Mary in her walker and asked them to be quiet because Tony was asleep in the family room. Then she started the coffee and went upstairs and checked on the twins. They were back asleep. So, Erin came back downstairs, and found Tony at the table, drinking a cup of coffee, holding Mary and Duncan, with Alonzo sitting beside him. She kissed him, and he said he had come up at midnight and they all seemed happy, so he left the boys there. He said he wished he could have taken a picture. Erin laughed with him. Then Fran came down and said "Good Morning, Sis. I saw you guiding Duncan down the hallway in the middle of the night. Did all five spend the entire night with you?" Erin, "Yeah. That's OK. They were as sweet as could be. You have to work today, Fran?" Fran, "Yeah. I had to fill-in for vacation. I'll be home at 6, like usual. Then Roger's off doing something with his brothers. I guess I will have a quiet evening before my wedding. What are you up to today, Erin?" Erin, "Actually, not much. The Moms have taken over the food. The only thing I can think we have is talking to Pastor Kim at 4 PM. Can you think of anything else, Tony?" Tony, "Not during the day. I have a bachelor's party this evening." Erin, "Oh, that's right. He has to watch what he drinks, otherwise he will be hung over for his wedding." Tony, "Don't worry, I will be fine for the wedding, and after." Erin, "I think they are hiring a stripper." Tony was red and said, "I didn't say that. But I'm not organizing things, so if my friends wanted a stripper, there's nothing I can do about it. Erin said I can't touch her, but I have to tip her because she might be supporting some children." Fran laughed at that and said, "Riiiight! Can you give me the address where this party will be at, Tony, so I can put out a notice to keep an eye on it?" Tony, "No." Then Tony said, "I am supposed to hear about at least one of the jobs I interviewed for. I hope so. It would be nice to know I have work. So, I can take care of our children." Fran, "I suppose it would. But knowing you two, you'll soon have work somewhere." After Mom and Dad and Fran left for work, and after Erin had fed and bathed the babies and put them in new diapers and clothes, Tony suggested they go for a walk. He said his boys could use some action. Erin said, "Sure. It is a nice day. And heaven knows I could use some exercise too." So, Erin got the twins carriage out and Tony got Mary's old carriage out and they took off. Erin suggested they go the community center again. Mr. Gemshaw was no longer there. And they had activities the boys would like. Somewhat reluctantly, Tony agreed. The boys also had bad memories of the last time they had visited but had enjoyed the game room. Erin said, "This community center could be something the boys really enjoy, especially as we get into winter. I refuse to allow some jerk to keep us from using it, just because he can't believe that I have changed. We should test it out. If there is a problem, we will leave right away." Reluctantly, Tony agreed. So, they went to the center. The staff on duty was familiar with her and greeted her by name. The boys used the game room and played with two other children of a similar age and had a great time. And Erin found a spot to nurse the twins, when they started fussing, and changed them with no problem. They left after about an hour and walked down the road to a fast food hamburger place and bought the boys and Tony burgers. Erin got a hot dog to share with Mary. After eating the hot dog, Erin got a small ice cream for her and Mary. She hadn't done that since the time Rex had attacked her last April. Apparently, Mary didn't associate the ice cream with that frightening incident, because she loved it. Then they walked home. The twins were ready for another nap and Erin put them down, and then read a story for the boys and Mary. All told it had been a great morning. One bad thing, on the way home Tony got a call from Rialto Sewer Construction. One of their later applicants had much more experience than Tony, and Mr. Rialto had decided to go with him. He told Tony that he was a good applicant and was sure he would get a good position. But even with the compliment from Mr. Rialto, Erin knew not being hired hurt Tony. She knew from experience that men felt such rejections as a personal failure, particularly a man in Tony's position who had people depending on him. She got as close to him as she felt comfortable in public and gave him what words of comfort and encouragement she could. She told him she had confidence in him and knew that he would find something and do well at it. And she gave him several kisses, even if she was in public. Tony thanked her and in a few minutes they resumed their walk home. When they got home, Erin changed the twins and Mary and put the twins down. Then she came downstairs. The boys asked for a story, so she read to them. Then she sat down with Tony while the other three played. Tony seemed a little discouraged, and Erin asked, "You OK, Tony?" He nodded, and said, "I really thought I would get that job. The interview was so positive." Erin, "And you would have, if a more experienced candidate hadn't applied. Tony, it'll be fine. I know you will get something good. I trust you. You are smart and honest and hardworking and personable. It's almost a no-brainer for someone to hire you. Don't get down." You applied at six places. One of them will work out. And if not, there are other good jobs out there. Just keep at it. Everything will work out." Tony smiled at her and said "Thanks Erin. Do you still want to get married? Even if I don't have a way to take care of you." Erin slid across the couch and almost sat in Tony's lap and looked him in the eye and said, "You bet I do. Nothing is changed, Tony. I have confidence in you and believe we will have a long and happy marriage. I want to walk down the aisle with you tomorrow just like we have been planning. I love you, Tony." Tony put his arms around her and held her for several minutes. "OK, Babe, we will." After that Tony cheered up and the rest of the afternoon was happy and positive again. When the twins were up, Tony and Erin packed up the kids again and drove down to the local mall to look for a wedding ring for Tony. Erin tried to get something really nice, but Tony had been chastened by not getting that job and insisted on getting a simple gold band. But Erin said that as soon as they felt secure, she was going to get a nice ring for him. Then they went down to the mall play area and let the two older kids play, and Tony took Mary out and tried her out on a few of the smaller slides and riders. Mary had a great time, and soon Duncan came over and wanted to play with Erin too. Mom had asked Erin to start boiling some potatoes for mashing and to put some green beans in to boil. Mom had also gotten a couple of chickens to fry and Erin decided to bake one of them with a little oil and spices that would crisp up without being too fatty, so she could have something for Tony before he had to go off to his bachelor party. By the time Mom came home, Tony and his boys were eating and talking. Erin was holding Mary and feeding her some mash potatoes and gravy. And the twins were laying in their basinets. Erin told Mom, "I decided to go ahead and eat. Tony has a bachelor's party to go to. So, I thought I would make dinner, so he could eat before he went." At that moment Fran came in and said hi and got herself a plate and sat with them. She said, "Oh. Right. A bachelors party, and Tony's not supposed to touch the stripper." Erin got up for a moment and put Mary in her walker. She said, "Tony will have to wait until tomorrow night to touch the stripper." Then she did a faux stripper twirl, and stuck her ass out, and slapped it. Tony laughed and said, "it's a deal." Fran guffawed and said, "Good move, Erin." But mom looked like she disapproved. Fran got up and said, "Show me that again Erin. I might use it tomorrow too." Finally, mom said, "Good heavens you two. There are children present. Quit it." Erin looked over and saw Alonzo looking at her, and quickly sat down. "Sorry, Mom. I guess I got carried away." But Fran just laughed again. Mom shook her head, obviously wondering how she had raised two girls with so little refinement. After Tony left, the boys went to the family room, and Mom and Fran worked on cleaning up. Erin tried to help, but they said that with three babies, she was doing enough. Just take care of her boys and the babies and Fran and Mom would be happy. Then the doorbell rang. Erin got up with the twins, but Mom sped by and said, "I'll get it Erin. Just relax. As though you could." Mom opened the door and spoke with whoever was there for a moment and then said, "Erin, it's Debbie and her family to see you. Erin started to get up, but Debbie came over to her holding Jeremy and sat beside Erin and said, "Erin. We hear you're getting married tomorrow. We just wanted to come by and congratulate you and give you a gift." Then Sarah stepped around Debbie and hugged Erin, and Mrs. Silver stepped around Sarah and handed Erin a package. Erin said, "Hi, Mrs. Silver. How are you doing?" Mrs. Silver said, "I'm doing fine. I and the girls are living at home again, thanks to you. And then she hugged Erin and said, "Thank You, Erin." Erin said, "I'm glad you're doing better, Mrs. Silver." Then Sarah said, "Open it, Erin." So, Erin sat back down, and opened the package and found a beautiful Tiara. Sarah said, "It is a wedding Tiara." Erin said, "Oh, it's beautiful. And it matches the wedding ring that Tony is giving me. It's the perfect gift. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You." But then she felt the weight of the Tiera and looked at it and said, "It's real silver. Oh, it's too much, you guys. I can't accept this." Mrs. Silver said, "Of course it's silver. It's from us. And of course, you can accept it. You have been such a good friend to this family. We absolutely insist." Then Erin cried and said thank you again. The doorbell rang again, and Jesse came in. She said Hi to Debbie, came over and said Hi to Erin, somewhat hesitantly went over and said Hi to Fran, and broke out her camera and started taking pictures. Next doorbell, a caterer came in and with Mom's instructions, set out some snacks and fancy small deserts and a bowl of punch. Mom told Fran and Erin, "I decided to order some treats for us tonight, as well as the food for the Wedding. If the men insist on going out to bachelor parties, then we can have our own party. Then the doorbell rang again, and some friends of Fran's came in and greeted her and congratulated her on her upcoming wedding. Fran brought them over and introduced them to Erin, who they apparently knew. After they talked a little, one said, "Do you recognize me? I arrested you once. A loud party. There were probably drugs there, but we couldn't find any. And you were sort of antagonistic. Remember?" Erin just shook her head and said, "No, I don't. But you are here for my sister, so I'm happy to see you." Then the woman spotted Jesse and said, "and I arrested you too." That caused Jesse to blanch and say, "Hey, people change." Fran said, "See, I told you she has changed. Maybe it was you arresting them that caused them to grow up." The woman looked at Erin and Jesse apologetically, and said 'Nice to see you two again," as she and Fran went to another part of the house. In the next hour, they were joined by several school friends of Fran's, one of whom Brian had known slightly, by a couple of more female officers, by Ginni and her boyfriend, Paul, and by Carol. Erin again wished LaTesha could be there, but at least Carol would see LaTesha tomorrow. Clara brought Erin a neckless that matched her engagement ring, and Ginni gave Erin matching Earrings. Erin tried to refuse these gifts because she was sure they were expensive, but both Clara and Ginni insisted it wasn't too much and they wanted to give them to Erin. Erin suspected it her own mother suggested the gifts, perhaps in response to an inquiry as to what Erin needed. Erin felt incredibly lucky that her mother was so wonderful to her, even after years of conflict with the 'old' Erin. Erin made the rounds carrying the Twins, trying to keep an eye on Mary in her walker, and with Alonzo trailing behind and Duncan literally holding onto Erin's skirt, somewhat intimidated by all the people. Erin made sure all of her friends met each other and made sure they met her children, as she now thought of all five kids. In the case of the two older boys and Mary, she was sure to say something nice about each kid to each person, which Erin thought would increase the kids' confidence. The kids were generally pretty shy, with the exception of Mary who tried to 'talk' with everybody and held her arms up to be picked up by every adult, and indeed most of the women did pick her up. As she introduced Jesse around, Erin noted that Jesse was a wonderful photographer, but was doing photographs for Erin's wedding for free as a gift, but if anyone needed to hire a photographer, they should talk to Jesse. As Erin introduced her friends to each other, she was surprised at how different they were. Fran was a law enforcement officer through and through. Debbie and her sister and mother were religious and family oriented. Ginni had started an extension course working toward a degree in finance and was on an executive track in finance Peterson's. Clara was a professional do-gooder, focused on making the world a better place. And Jesse was a young woman without any education beyond high school who wanted to be a chef, but who also had an entrepreneurial streak. If she were here, LaTesha would have been different than the other five. Erin would bet her life that LaTesha was destined to be a teacher, or maybe a college administrator, and would want to be involved in helping more black students be successful. And Erin realized she was different too. She was a mother, and was happy being a mother, although she knew that when her kids were older, she would be a working mother, hopefully in some engineering field. All of Fran's guests had known Erin and Jesse from before last October, and all had in mind that they were hard-core, incorrigible delinquents. Of course, they heard that that Erin had changed, and some had heard that Jesse had changed, but had not quite believed it. When Fran's friends saw both Erin and Jesse in totally different roles than they had ever had before, interacting with people in a very positive way, and saw that Fran and Erin now seemed to care for each other like real sisters, they were convinced. This was an important side benefit for Erin and Jesse. Fran's guests would think of them as decent people and give them the benefit of the doubt if they met. The party also allowed Clara and the various female police officers to see each other in a different light, which could reduce some of the antagonism between 'spitfire' and the police force. As she was standing there, holding her twins, with Mary babbling on, with Alonzo and Duncan hanging onto her skirt, surrounded by friends, Erin felt incredibly blessed. To her surprise, she started crying. Jesse asked what was wrong, and Erin just said, "I just realized how wonderful all my friends are and how lucky I am to have you. Thank You. I love you all." The evening ended with some toasts by guests to Erin and Fran, and with some ribald humor, after mom had taken the children to put to bed. The only person who seemed a little uncomfortable was Paul. Fran saw him redden and asked, "What's the matter, Paul. Too much estrogen here for you?" Paul said, "No, who could object to being around so many beautiful women. Then he saw Ginni looking at him and said, "Of course I'm always around a beautiful woman, so I'm used to it." Fran laughed and said, "Good Save, Paul." After a few more jokes, Fran told Ginni that Paul was a keeper, and Ginni smiled and said "Yes, I know he is." Erin reflected that it may have been too much estrogen for Paul, but she was now perfectly comfortable. The party broke up about 10:30. Fran teased Erin about that's how to party without noise complaints. As she left, Clara reminded Mom and Erin and Fran about their appointments to get their hair and nails done and have their legs waxed tomorrow. Erin was dreading that. She had never had her legs waxed before and heard it hurt. Chapter 27. THE WEDDING That night, Alonzo and Duncan insisted on sleeping with Erin again, and when she saw that, Mary fussed until Erin got her and brought her to the bed too. Although the kids woke up frequently and had to be helped to the toilet, Erin was able to get back to sleep, so she was not too tired when the twins woke up. Erin took the boys to the bathroom, and then they went downstairs. Then she cleaned up the babies, but the boys came in and asked Erin where Daddy was. Tony and Erin had forgotten to tell the boys that Tony would stay at Grandma's, so they were worried. Erin comforted them for a few minutes and they were back to being their usual happy selves. Erin nursed the twins, while Mary moved around on the bed. When the twins were done, Erin put them in their basinets and brought Mary downstairs and got a bottle of formula out of the fridge, heated it for a moment in the microwave, and gave it to Mary. After Mary was done, Erin put her into her walker and went upstairs and checked the twins. They were fine, and Erin brought them downstairs and carried them out to get the paper. Then Erin made some coffee and read the paper while she held the twins. When finished, she got some coffee and alternately attended to Mary and the twins while Alonzo and Duncan came in and asked her questions. Duncan climbed up on the couch and snuggled up to Erin, while Alonzo sat on the other end of the couch and looked at pictures. At 9, Mom finally got up, saw Erin and the children, and quietly got her phone and took a picture. Erin caught her and said, "Mom, don't you dare show that to anyone. I'm a complete mess." Then Fran came downstairs and got her and mom some coffee and the two of them sat in the kitchen as close to Erin as they could and discussed the day. Tony and Clara were supposed to be here at 11, Tony to take over the babies and Clara to take them all out to the mall for their haircuts, facials, nails, and wax jobs. Erin wondered aloud if Tony would make it and should she call him? Fran said, "Hell Yes. He's got responsibilities today. Get him moving. No laying in bed with a hangover." Erin decided to call at 9:30. At 9:30, Erin called Tony's cell and he actually did sound hung over. Erin, "Good Morning, Tiger. How are you today?" Tony, "Umm. OK. I guess I had a little more to drink last night than I had planned. But I didn't touch the stripper." Erin laughed, "OK. That's good. Did you give her a tip?" Tony laughed and said, "Yes, I did." Actually, we were pretty tame. Both your and my father were there. We mainly just talked, about marriage and life." Erin, "Oh, I wondered what had happened to Dad. So, what did you decide about marriage and life?" Tony laughed, "We decided that women are worth the trouble, although sometimes it's dubious." Erin asked, "Is that because without us there would be no one to cook and take care of the kids?" Tony laughed again, "Well that's not the only reason. I love you, Babe. That's the real reason." Erin, "OK, speaking of children. You and Dad were going to take care of 5 children for a few hours starting at 11. Is that still going to be all right?" Tony, "Yes. I better wake up your dad. He drank a little more than I did last night." Erin, "Oh, he's not here?" Mom shook her head. Tony, "Your father decided to stay here last night. Which was an excellent decision, by the way. It would have been awkward to have his daughter arrest him for DWI and throw him in the hoosegow. But I'll make sure he and I are on our way at 10:30." Erin, "Thanks, Tony. Love You." Tony, "Love you too, Babe." Erin thought, 'I have to talk to that guy about this 'Babe' thing.'' Mom and Erin and Fran had to get themselves ready for their trip to the mall. Erin, of course, also had to worry about making sure the kids ready. She went upstairs and bathed the twins and allowed them to nurse and put them down for a morning nap. Then she gave Mary and the boys a bath, which they, as always, enjoyed immensely. But it did take some time. Next she put them in play clothes for the rest of the morning. Finally, she took a shower herself in case she did not get time before the wedding, got a blouse and skirt on, brushed her hair out, brushed her teeth, and put on a smattering of makeup, Then, the twins stirred again, and Erin had to change their diapers and bring them downstairs again. Erin had asked mom to fill enough bottles with formula for both Mary and the twins. But she had to make a list of what options there were for lunch for Mary and the boys. By that time, it was past 10:30 and Clara was here. She watched Erin rush around and said, "Wow. You're a busy girl, Erin, even when nothing is going on. I hope I can handle it when I have a couple of children." Erin, "I'm sure it will be no problem, Sis. And you too Fran. You guys have a lot of commons sense. You'll have no problems taking care of babies. Just keep 'em clean, keep 'em fed, keep 'em healthy, and keep 'em amused." Clara, "Yeah. And try to find time to take a breath." At about 5 minutes to 11, Dad and Tony showed up. Erin had hoped to have a little more time to talk to them, but all she had time to do was hand Tony the list of lunch options and She and Mom and Fran and Clara had to leave. Argh. The four ladies enjoyed getting their hair done and their fingernails. Erin and Fran were the stars this time and the ladies doing the work made a special effort to make sure they looked great. Erin had brought the tiara and the hair stylist made sure to do a style that allowed for it and showed Erin how to put it on. The hair stylist also did a thorough shaping of her eyebrows, something Erin had never had done and which she thought was very painful. That was until the stylist waxed her legs and other areas with hair present. It was not nearly as painful as giving birth, but it was almost as painful as Brian breaking his arm playing football many years ago. The stylist did say that there would be a little swelling for a few days. If Erin had known that, she would have found a way to do this earlier. But Clara assured her it would be fine. Tony wouldn't notice a thing. Fran made a constant stream of jokes, especially when it was her turn to get waxed. Erin was beginning to realize that Fran's sense of humor was often a way to cope with tension. Mom and Clara did everything except the wax job. But they were not going to be on center stage and the whole process felt much more relaxed than it did for Erin and Fran. They were able to take a break for a half sandwich and some tea, and still finish by 2 PM. When she got home, Erin found the twins needed to be changed. They had declined to take the formula, so Erin allowed them to nurse. She checked Mary, and changed her, and then went downstairs and spent a few minutes talking to Tony. He and Dad had recovered from their hangover, and were watching the Mariners, who were winning. So, it took a while to get his attention. Tony asked, "So, when do we need to be at the church." Erin, "Remember, Pastor Kim said we should be there at 4:30. To make sure the garden was decorated to our specifications and to go through a mini-rehearsal. Tony, "Oh, OK, I can do that." Then Erin told Dad the same thing. He was not happy turning off the Mariners. Finally, Erin asked Fran if the pastor had told her 4:30. Fran looked at Erin blankly. Erin could feel panic starting to overwhelm her and she went into the living room by herself and started crying. Mom knew this new Erin was a perfectionist and was prone to react to stress with an emotional meltdown, so Mom went and held her and said, "Erin, it's OK, Baby. Everything may not be perfect. But at 6 PM, you and Tony are going to walk down the aisle, and you are going to say, 'I do' and that is all you are going to remember in later years. So, it's going to be OK. Just calm down and take care of what you can?" Erin put her head on Mom's shoulder and took a few minutes to stop sobbing and took a few deep breaths and finally said "I'm OK now, Mom. Thanks." Then she turned around, and saw Alonzo looking at her with concern on his face. She picked him up and asked, "What's the matter, Alonzo?" He said, "Are you OK, Erin?" She said, "Yes, I was worried about a lot of little things for a while, Alonzo. But Mom remined me that the big things were OK. So now, I've stopped worrying. Thank You for caring about me, Alonzo. You're a very sweet child, and I love you very much." Then she gave him a hug. Then she went back into the family room and said, "OK, Fran, when can you and Roger be at the church." Fran, "Probably about 5, maybe a little earlier." Erin, "OK, as soon as you get there, please find me and Tony and we will do the mini-rehearsal. Dad, I don't think you and Mom need to be there earlier than 5. You are bringing the children anyway. Can you find out from Tony what the boys should wear and get them dressed at about 4:30. Mom, Mary should wear a church dress. And, I got some baby trousers for Aaron and a tiny dress for Carli. They are on my bed. Can you change diapers just before you leave and put the kids in their outfits?" Mom, "Of course, Honey." Erin continued, "Clara, can you help me with my makeup. You do it so much better than I do. Fran, do you want to do your makeup with us now?" Fran, "Yeah. That would be good." So, the three younger women went upstairs to Fran's room and Clara did each of the others makeup from scratch, and then Erin helped Clara with hers, with Fran asking questions. Clara ended up saying thanks to the other two. Then she and Fran found their wedding dress and put them on, along with whatever accessories they were planning on. Clara went downstairs and got her bag and came back upstairs and changed into her dress, also. Erin was ready at 4:15, and so was Tony. He was wearing a glittery suit that Erin remembered seeing him in when performing. 'He looks really yummy,' she thought. Then they said goodbye to all the children and took off to church. Clara drove separately and left a minute or two later. They got to church, and of course the garden was not ready. Erin and Tony and Clara helped put out chairs and put up some stock wedding decorations, along with Clara and the pastor. Then the food and punch arrived, and Erin spent some time arranging that, along with Jesse who had just arrived. Then Fran and Roger showed up, dressed and ready for the wedding. The pastor gathered them together and talked about what he was going to say and how each of them would come up to the front. Then the pastor asked if each of them had a person to follow along and hand the pastor the rings. This was new, but Erin asked Clara. Clara said, "I'd be honored, Sis." Then the pastor turned to Fran. None of Fran's friends were there yet. So, she said, "Clara, Is the Sis of my Sis my Sis? Would you carry our rings too?" Fran sort of laughed at her joke. Erin shook her head and said, "That is terrible, Fran." Clara, "Sure, happy to, Fran, err, Sis." So, Erin got her wedding ring and Tony's and put them in an Envelope labeled "Tony and Erin" and handed them to Clara. She saw Fran also give her an envelope. Then they did a quick walk through. At the end, the pastor asked for their licenses. Erin produced Tony's and hers, and he signed it. She said, "But you haven't married us yet?" Pastor Kim, "Looking at you and Tony, I know you are married in your hearts. It is destined to happen. Plus, getting it done and giving you a copy makes it less likely for me to lose it." Then he took Roger's and Fran's and signed it. He said, "Is there someone that can copy these?" Erin volunteered and ran to the office despite her 3-inch heels, and quickly made 5 copies of each. She came back, handed them to the pastor, and he kept the original and one copy and gave four to Erin and did the same for Fran. After some discussion, they decided to give their copies to Mom, for safekeeping. By the time they were done with the preliminaries, guests were arriving, and Erin and Fran went to talk to their various families/friends. Erin most wanted to say hi to Dan and Stacey and their kids. She hadn't seen them for ages. She dragged Tony along and introduced him. She said hi to her nephew Skyler, who started talking science, but she said, "Skyler, I'm sorry. I'm interested. Can we please talk next time we get together?" Skyler was a little disappointed but said sure. Erin was also sure to say hi to her niece, Patty, and asked if she was enjoying the piano lessons. But, again, Erin had to cut off a long comment about them, saying she had to talk later. She did mention that Tony had had his own band, so Patty talked to him until he had to leave. Then the pastor indicated they were ready to start the ceremony. He had recruited Dad to start the music. Jenny was holding the twins. Mom was working hard to shush Mary, who had seen Erin but not had a chance to be with her. The boys were with Tony's parents and Alonzo was asking them one question after another, until they shushed him too. Erin and Tony and Fran and Roger were at the back of the gathering. When the music went off, each couple walked down the aisle, to the front of the church, Fran and Roger first, followed by Erin and Tony, and then by Clara, carrying the rings. Mom and Dad McLoughlin were near the front, as were Miriam and Al DelGado. When they got to the front, Pastor Kim said a few words about how marriage was a blessing and a gift to the community and the children in the marriage, and to the couple who were married. Erin actually was not listening. She was thinking about 11 months ago, when she had first become a woman and started caring for Mary, and about what had happened to her and how she had changed and how lucky she was to be marrying her best friend. Luckily, Tony had hold of her arm and when he moved to go in front of the pastor for their ceremony, Erin snapped out of it. So, when it was her time to say, "I Do," She did it flawlessly, and when it was time to kiss her new husband, she was ready and felt his hands on her cheeks and felt them kissing and felt the passion Tony felt and she felt. In the meantime, Jesse was snapping pictures and mom was sniffling. Otherwise it was quiet. Even Mary somehow knew she needed to be quiet. It was her new dad and her mom's time. Erin somehow managed not to cry so her makeup stayed intact. She turned, and they were introduced for the first time as Mr. and Mrs. DelGado, and they walked back down the aisle to the traditional music. That was not the end of the day. She talked to all her friends who were there. Dan told her she and Fran were beautiful brides. Mom cried and said she loved Erin. Of course, Mary had to be held by Erin, but that was fine with Erin. Peter and Jenny Sanders were very emotional and held her as tight as they could. Erin whispered to Jenny, "Pretty weird, huh, Mom. Mom just shook her head and said, "No, it was a beautiful ceremony, honey." Dad McLoughlin hugged her and called her his baby. Miriam and Al DelGado welcomed Erin to the family and told her how happy they were that Tony and she were married. And best of all, Tony told her he loved her.