Epilogue: Live, Laugh, Love

***1.5 years***

This was my favorite time of day. I’d started taking a lot of joy in the simple, yet peaceful quietness of sitting out on my patio first thing in the morning, with a warm cup of tea. It was my me time before the day really started. Sometimes these moments lasted longer than others. Today would be a short day as I heard wailing coming from the other side of the house. I welcomed the distraction because it meant I was going to keep busy instead of watching the clock.

“Good morning Graham.” His eager little arms reached out for me. 

Most days he was the first one up as if he knew he had to get the attention before his sisters woke. The only problem with that his crying usually woke up the other three. He was lucky this morning, his sisters seemed to be snoozing away still. After a quick diaper change, the two of us exited the room quietly.

“You hungry baby boy?”

“‘Ood, ‘ood,” he babbled happily in response.

“Yes, mommy will feed you. How about some banana nut oatmeal?”

I got him strapped into his chair before preparing his breakfast. The self-feeding stage was messy, especially when all four ate at the same time but it was all a part of the growing up thing. With each new milestone, I was a little sad at the fact these were my last babies, but at the same time I was relieved. They were getting older, doing more, which meant their personalities were starting to come through. They were all so very different, and even though they wore me out most days, I loved every minute.

“Are you excited to see sissy today?”

Graham frowned and shook his head. “No sissy!”

I laughed at his reaction. Most days they got along, but some days it did seem like the girls ganged up on him. If he had a toy that they wanted, they would just snatch it from him. Most times he didn’t even put up a fight. It’s like he already knew it was a lost cause. If they were like this now as toddlers I only imagined what the next few years had in store for me. I heard the beginning sounds of light talking coming from their room. The others were waking, my day was really about to take off.

Two hours later everyone was fed, dressed and happy. We were all having a good time in the play room when I heard the car pull into the driveway. I already had the door open before they got a chance to ring the bell.

“They will never be able to sneak out the house,” Finley said with a smile as she threw her arms around my neck.

“I’m sure they’ll still try. You did,” I returned. “Hi Zana dear. How are you?”

Continue Reading: "Epilogue: Live, Laugh, Love"

Chapter 127-One Day At a Time

“So Mom did you go bankrupt or something?” Dax asked as he pulled the hand truck loaded with boxes into the house.

Dunham and Aric followed behind him carrying a few more. The girls were all working on setting up the cribs since the nursery was the first room I wanted put together.

“No, sweetie. Why?”

“Because I’m pretty sure you could afford movers instead of breaking child labor laws by making us do all the heavy lifting,” he answered while dramatically wiping sweat from his brow. His siblings all laughed before agreeing.

“Well, since I have thirteen children, nine of which are eighteen or over, I see no reason why I should spend money when I have free labor,” I replied giving him a kiss on the cheek before shoving him out the door to get more boxes.

I had planned on hiring movers, but Elton and Edson had offered to help and that snowballed in having all the kids helping out. Finley had gone with Marcus to help him with the quads while I got things settled here. Since our last fight, Marcus and I barely spoke. We managed to be civil for Finley’s graduation festivities. We were both supposed to go with her to find her an apartment in Bridgeport, that trip was coming up in a week and I’d tried to back out of it, but Finley was insistent on the fact she wanted both of our inputs. Marcus and I had been separated for nearly two months now and it still hurt like hell when he’d come to pick up or drop off the babies. An entire weekend with him was going to be a struggle, but I was going to do it make Finley happy.

“Hey Mom,” Bynni called out. “Do you want the cribs arranged any special way?”

I smiled when I saw her walk out to the hall. My one child that swore off children was expecting her first child. TK had moved from the performing side of things into producing so he didn’t travel as much. I remember laughing when she told me she hoped she didn’t end up with a kid like her. They’d just found out the baby was a boy, and she was relieved. I didn’t have it in my heart to tell her boys could be just as troublesome. I’d let her find that out on her own.

“No, not really. I guess two on one wall, two on the other, and the changing table against the back,” I answered, walking towards her.

Ignoring her shirt, I ran my hand across her expanding belly. I missed my babies and was eager to get things situated so they could come home. Work had already been done in their room, but there was more to do in the rest of the house and I didn’t want them here while that went on. It would be noisy and messy so Marcus was keeping them until all the redecorating was completed.

Continue Reading: "Chapter 127-One Day At a Time"

Chapter 118-The Game Continues

Aric sat staring at CeCe’s phone. After getting the second message I knew I had to let them know what was going on. Talking to Trey was hard. He was angry and with good reason. Accusations were thrown and I let him get it all off his chest. Once he was done Marcus convinced him that his most important job was taking care of Ashley until we brought her mother home.

The triplets rotated shifts at his house helping him out with Ashley and making sure he didn’t try and run off to do anything rash. Bynni made attempts to contact Marisol, but to no avail. The stress level at the house was high. Finley was temporarily staying with Dunham and Embry. Marcus and I barely were able to function, let alone take care of the quads. Nina would came to help out at times as did Bynni. They both offered to take them, but they were still too little to be shuffled around like that. We all tried to figure out the riddle, but no one had any idea what the next message meant.

Wedding vows and lover’s spurned.

It was here where the truth was learned.

Marcus and I had been married three times, but no truths were learned at our other weddings. One of the babies started crying and I got up to go check, Aric followed.

He walked over and turned off the baby monitor. “Have you called him?”

Mulo had been the elephant in the room that no one wanted to mention. I just shook my head. I had so far resisted the urge to fall into old patterns by going to him for help. For Aric to suggest bringing his father in only made the seriousness of what we faced an even harder reality.

“I can’t. He can’t always be my crutch.”

“Mom, anyone that is in the room with you and Marcus can feel the tension. But this is Ceula’s life at stake.”

“You think I don’t know that?” I yelled making Gabby cry. I took a deep breath and tried to calm her back down. “That’s all I’ve thought about since getting that phone call.” I said in a softer voice. “Aric, if I call him…if he is needed…then…”

“Then your marriage is over,” he said finishing my statement.

I nodded in reply. “I feel torn like I’m having to make a choice between my husband and my daughter and I hate it.”

“If he loves you Mom, really loves you, Marcus wouldn’t make it a choice. He would just accept and understand what needs to be done and put his pride aside. I’m not a fan of my father, but even I know when he is useful.”

We finished getting the babies settled in silence. I knew everything Aric said was true, but I couldn’t fault Marcus for his feelings. I’d made a bad situation worse with my actions and for that I took full responsibility. I never wanted to hurt Marcus but I had in the most stupidest of ways. Once the babies were settled we headed back downstairs.

“What are you doing here?”

I stopped moving when I heard Marcus’ voice and he didn’t sound happy. Aric looked back at me, we both had the same thought. I held my breath waiting to hear a response. Since there wasn’t instant fighting, maybe it wasn’t him.

“She’s my daughter and I’m here to help.”

“George?” I said as I reached the landing. “I told you I never wanted to see you again.”

“I know…but we need to talk,” he replied walking into the house. He looked back at Marcus and added, “Alone.”

I looked past my father towards Marcus “No. Whatever you have to say can be said in front of everyone.”

I directed him towards the living room feeling confused. He started all of this, how could he possibly help, but at this point it was only fair to explore all my options.

“Well,” he said nervously rubbing his neck, “I would ask how you’ve been but something tells me you aren’t in the mood for pleasantries.”

“You’d be right about that,” I said taking a seat on the sofa. Marcus surprised me by taking a seat next to me on the arm of the chair.

“A few months ago…Mulo came to see me. He said he was working on a way to get Marisol out of your life.”

I thought about what he’d said to me on the island when I’d asked about Marisol. He only replied he was taking care of it. I had no idea whatever he was planning would have involved my father.

“And what is this grand plan of his?” Marcus asked. “Because if he had one, he should have enacted it before Ceula was put in danger.”

“Well some things take time and no one could predict that Marisol would do this,” George countered.

The tension in the room was thick. Everyone was on edge and it meant cloudy judgment if things got off track.

“I don’t care what the plan is right now, all I want is my baby back! But we can’t get her back because Marisol is playing fucking games and leaving riddles like a child!”

“Riddles?”

“Yeah,” Aric answered showing George the phone.

“I don’t know what truth she’s talking about. She’s crazy and makes no sense!”

George thought for a moment, repeating the verse in a low murmur to himself.

“The kid’s weddings. Aric and Bynni, she was there. It’s where…”

“Where she told me how you so freely traded my life for yours.”

Guilt and shame flashed across his face. “Amari, I know now that…”

“That what George? You were wrong? Save your apologies,” I said holding up my hand to stop his talking. I didn’t want to go down that road with him. He clamped his lips shut. “I have to go.”

“I’ll come with you.”

Continue Reading: "Chapter 118-The Game Continues"

Chapter 109-My Everything

Two weeks later, Marcus was still mad at me, even going so far as to sleep in the boys’ old room and I needed him with me. I couldn’t sleep; I would have nightmares about Florence. I was trapped in a door-less room and I just heard her laughter or I was choking, unable to fight or scream for help. I would wake up in a panic and alone. During the day, I tried not to focus on it too much, choosing instead to take care of Finley. She was very upset with me being gone and once I returned home she hardly wanted to leave my side. Just once I wanted to not have my children negatively impacted by outside forces.

I tried to be understanding of Marcus’ frustration, but I was starting to get annoyed with it the longer it carried on. When I tried to talk to him, he didn’t want to listen to me, the only thing he was willing to discuss was our marriage plans. The fact that I didn't want to even consider getting married right now only added fuel to his fire. He was so angry over Mulo, that he forgot about what I went through. I could have died, our babies could have died, but that fact didn’t seem to register with him. We were at a stalemate sadly. When Finely was at school, I spent time painting to keep my mind off the tension in the house. When that didn't work, I took the dogs on short walks.

“Where are you going?” Marcus asked as he stepped into the foyer. "You don't look like you are taking the dogs walking."

“I'm not, I'm just going out. I need some fresh air.” I replied taking another step towards the door.

“Out to where Amari?” He asked moving to block my path.

“I don’t know Marcus.” I snapped. “I wasn’t aware I had to ask for approval before leaving the house now.”

“Well you are a bit of a flight risk.”

Hearing his tone was like nails on a chalkboard, he didn't want to talk to me, but I was expected to remain on some sort of house arrest at the same time. I may have been on limited bed rest, but the stress of staying in the house was far worse than sitting at the park.

 “Why don’t you just say what’s really on your mind and get it over with!” I yelled.

 “Because I’m tired of you walking around with this chip on your shoulder.”

“You went to him Amari, how do you not expect me to be pissed about that?" Marcus yelled back. The anger he'd been harboring was finally coming out. "Him! Of all people! Then I show up to take you home only to find you half dressed in his clothes coming from where? His bedroom? His bed?”

I took a step back picking up on his hidden accusation. It never failed; it was always the ones that meant the most to me that could hurt me the worst. For him to even imply I would do something like that made me want to rethink more than just being married to him.

“Seriously Marcus? Are you forgetting that your psycho ex kidnapped and tried to kill us? I didn’t go to him Marcus; it wasn’t like I ran off with cold feet. He saved me. I am so sorry I didn’t come home right away, I am, but cut me some damn slack! I had just had an attempt made on my life, and then watched a woman be brutally murdered in front of me! It was a lot Marcus, that coupled with the previous fears about us getting married…” I stopped and rubbed my side. I needed to calm down because they were not happy.

“I can’t sleep Marcus. I have nightmares about her, about that day and when I wake up terrified the only person I want is you. But you aren’t there because you are too damn busy being mad at me!” I screamed before storming past him.

I didn’t get far because I got an intense cramp that caused me to double over in pain. Marcus was at my side instantly, all traces of anger dissipated.

“Baby what’s wrong.” I couldn’t answer; all I could do was breathe through the pain which felt strangely like really intense contractions. “I’m taking you to the hospital.”

“No.” I managed to groan. “Finley. I-have-to-be-here.”

“I’ll make sure someone is here, but you need the hospital.”

Marcus carried me to the couch and called 911. Then he made a phone call to Ceula since she was the closest. She spread the word to her siblings and would make sure that she was at the house for when Finley got home from school. Marcus kept telling me how sorry he was during the ambulance ride. I saw the worry in his eyes, I was just as worried.

Once at the hospital it was determined I was indeed in early labor. The stress, plus the fact I was carrying multiples set it off. They gave me medication to stop it, and a light sedative to help calm me. I tried to protest the sedative, but the doctor said that it would help the medication work quicker because they wouldn’t survive being born now.

Continue Reading: "Chapter 109-My Everything"

Chapter 108-A Long Time Coming

I awoke to the sound of raised and very angry voices.

Come quickly Love before I really hurt him.

I threw the covers off and rushed down the stairs. Aric stood in between his father and Marcus, the furniture was over turned, there were holes in the walls and some things were broken.

“Marcus stop!” I yelled when he attempted to lunge passed Aric to get to Mulo.

I’ve been holding back, but he’s trying my patience.

Mulo stood ready to defend himself should Marcus get past Aric. I hated seeing those two fighting but I hated even more that my son could get hurt trying to stop them.

"Marcus!" I yelled again.

This time he turned at the sound of my voice and came to me instantly. His face was bruised and bloodied just as Mulo's was. I knew he would heal, some of the cuts already were, but seeing him like that was a shock.

“Baby I’ve been worried. I thought you ran…” He stopped when he took stock of my clothes.

I forgot I was in Mulo’s shirt and underwear. I didn’t get a chance to explain before I saw the fury flash in his eyes as he let out this feral noise that I could only describe as a growl before he turned towards Mulo again.

“Marcus no!” I cried but Aric stopped me as I attempted to get to him. “Let go Aric!”

“No. You are in no condition to try and get between them. Even if you weren’t pregnant I wouldn’t let you over there.” Aric replied calmly.

“He’ll kill him Aric!” I pleaded trying to get free, but Aric used gentle pressure to keep me in place.

“No he won’t.”

I had to stand by and watch as those two attempted to rip each apart. Marcus was furious and with good reason. It was about more than me being here, it was about everything Mulo had done to hurt me, him, and our family. His life was stolen, he couldn’t get back that time and he had every right to want Mulo to pay for that. But I didn’t want him hurt. Mulo was older and stronger. Just like with his fight with Aric, I could see he was holding back, but I wasn’t sure how much longer that would be the case. How could I not think he would come for me once found out where I was? I should have known Marcus wouldn't just sit around waiting on me to come home on my own.

“What did you do to her?” Marcus yelled.

"Nothing she didn't want." Mulo countered with a smug look.

Marcus let out some sort of deep guttural roar, then I saw Mulo flying through air; he crashed through the glass window and skidded across the patio coming to a stop against the railing. When he got up I knew all bets were off. Thinking quickly, I flung my head back hard making direct contact with Aric’s nose and catching him by surprise. He released me on instinct and I scrambled quickly towards Marcus just as Mulo moved towards him. I braced for impact thinking I was about to be crushed between their two bodies.

Marcus threw his arms around me turning so that his back was to Mulo, allowing himself to take the brunt of the impact. I saw a blur and heard a thud as Aric tackled his father to the ground moments before he reached us.

“What the hell were you thinking?!” Marcus yelled at me.

I let out the breath I had been holding while taking a step back. My entire body was shaking from the fear and adrenaline. I have never seen Marcus like this; he’d always been so calm and understanding. This new out for blood him was scary, I never knew he had it in him to be so vicious. It was a little scary to see, but I had to admit it was also pretty damn hot.

 “She was trying to save you from imminent death.” Mulo said as he stood dusting bits of broken glass off his clothes.

Continue Reading: "Chapter 108-A Long Time Coming"

Chapter 107-A Woman Scorned

The kids took the news of the engagement well. Bynni, Ceula, and Nina all kicked into wedding planner mode since Marcus insisted on us getting married before the babies were born. Since I was again carrying multiples, I was on limited activity restrictions. I wasn’t totally bedridden, unless it was left up to my soon to be husband. The wedding was planned at a small chapel in town. We had done the beach, and the house, so I hoped having it in a church this time would make a difference. I still worried but tried not to let Marcus know. We had planned it for after the triplet’s graduation and that day had arrived.

“Mom you look absolutely radiant!” Ceula exclaimed.

“Yes. I don’t know if it’s the pregnancy or Marcus, but you are glowing.” Bynni added with a smile.

“I’d say it’s probably more Marcus than the pregnancy because these kids are kicking your mom’s ass.”  I replied laughing.

Seconds later Jonathon and Finley walked in.

“Ugh I don’t like this thing.” He complained pulling at this bow tie.

“At least you don’t have to be in a dress.” Finley retorted scrunching up her nose.

Nina walked over to softly scold both of them. “Stop complaining you two. You look very handsome.” She said kissing him on the forehead.

“Ew mom, stop that!” he whined wiping of the lipstick

.

She just rolled her eyes before turning towards Finley “And you are the prettiest flower girl I’ve ever seen.”

“Yes you are.” I agreed.

I hadn’t seen Finley in a dress since she was a toddler. Once she got older she turned into quite the tomboy. I didn’t push and wanted her to become her own person. She didn’t know it, but I did pack her a change of clothes so she wouldn’t have to stay in the dress the whole time.

“Ok you two, it’s time, go get ready.” Nina said taking their hands. “I’ll send in Aric.”

“Actually tell him I need about ten minutes.” I replied.

“Mom?” Elphie asked looking concerned.

All four girls turned to look at me. “I’m ok. I just need a moment to myself.” I responded.

They gave me hugs then filed out of the room. I exited the side door that lead out the gardens. It was a beautiful day, not a cloud in sight, an absolute perfect day to get married. Things were going well, my life was finally looking up, but I couldn’t shake the feeling of dread I carried with me. 

“Look at you.” 

 I turned when I heard her voice. Florence stood behind me with a scowl on her face and there was something off about her. She said some words I didn’t understand then gave me an evil smile.

“For me he postpone often, for you he wastes no time.”

“Florence, what are you doing here?”

“Came to offer congratulations.”

I looked past her towards the chapel, Aric would be looking for me soon. As angry as I was that she would just show up, I had to keep calm for the babies’ sake. She turned and looked towards the door as well then shrugged.

“They can look, but will not find. Just a simple cloaking spell. Gives us privacy.”

“Cloaking spell?” I asked confused with my uneasiness about her presence increasing.

Florence let out a wicked laugh before leveling her crazed gaze at me. “Marc no tell you. Naughty boy.” 

Her eyes lowered to my stomach for the first time making me instinctively wrap my arms around it for protection. “Well this will be more fun than I thought!”

Before I could say anything else everything went black.

Marcus POV

“What do you mean she’s gone?” I asked Aric failing in my attempts to keep calm. “Where the hell would she go?”

Continue Reading: "Chapter 107-A Woman Scorned"

Chapter 88-Making Amends

Mulo POV

“Why are you here?” Aric stood outside his house blocking the door way. He didn’t even give me a chance to knock.

“Is that anyway to greet your father?”

“Well I could punch you again.” I smiled remembering the right hook he caught me with the last time we saw each other. I was proud of how he defended his mother like a good son should.

"I like the new house. Grow tired of the beach?"

"No, Nina thought it was too large for just us and wanted something smaller, that felt more like a home. Mom rents out the beach house now. You haven’t answered my question.” The anger rolled off of him in waves. I hated that my actions caused this rift in our relationship, but now that I was back I wanted to make amends for the wrongs I made with him.

Continue Reading: "Chapter 88-Making Amends"

Chapter 87-Bygones

“Hey mom.” Aric said giving me a hug. He and Nina came over when I called telling them I needed to talk to them both. I took little Jonathan from him giving him a big hug. He was getting bigger and looking more and more like Aric every day.

“Where’s Finley?” Nina inquired. “I was hoping they could play a bit while we talked.”

“She stayed the night with Carter. He should be bringing her home in about an hour before his shift starts. Let’s go sit. I need to tell you something.” We walked into the living room. Nina sat John on the floor where some of Finley’s toys were before taking a seat next to Aric.

“Mom you seem upset. What’s going on?” Upset was an understatement. I barely got any sleep last night. I was haunted by the memory of seeing Finley face down in the pool. Knowing that my children had been so corrupted that they would stand by and let something happen to their sister broke my heart. I was also angry, so very angry over the fact that she just couldn’t leave me alone. I was doing what she asked yet it still wasn’t enough. Taking a deep breath I told them about how the triplets haven’t’ really gotten better explaining the near fatal incident with Finley.

“Is that why she’s not here?” Aric asked.

“Yes.”

Continue Reading: "Chapter 87-Bygones"