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 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 105-Victory

I snuggled closer to the body next to me and felt arms tighten in response. I inhaled deeply and was instantly comforted by a familiar scent. The sunlight streaming through the windows me me reluctantly open my eyes. His sparkling green ones were staring down at me. If I was dreaming, I didn’t want it to end.

“Good morning Beautiful.” He said with a warm smile.

I was filled with joy and a sense of peace; he really did come back to me last night. I stretched up and kissed him deeply and he responded enthusiastically. 

Marcus rolled on top of me parting my legs gently. I arched my back ready to accept him again. We enjoyed each other until I was exhausted last night. He always had impressive stamina but now as a vamp it was endless. I tried to remain quiet, but I knew facing the kids this morning was going to be a tad awkward. I ran my hands up his back as he settled his lean body between my legs. As our bodies joined again, I knew I was a fool for pushing him away and I was immensely thankful that he came back to me.

“I have to go back to the hotel.” Marcus said softly after we finished. My thoughts went to her, we didn’t do much talking last night but now reality was hitting me hard. He was still engaged to her. I didn’t know why he showed up last night, but now I guess I had my answer.

“You spent the night making love to me only to leave and go back to her?” I ask angrily pulling away from him. I suddenly felt very dirty and used and needed a shower to wash that away that feeling.

“Whoa! What?” Marcus replied quickly jumping off the bed to stop me. “I wouldn’t…you think I’d do that?” He looked hurt and mildly insulted by my accusation.

“I don’t know Marcus. You’ve spent the last week leaving me to spend your nights with her and…” my words faded out and I swiped at a stray tear that rolled down my cheek.

“Hey, no crying.” Marcus said softly. “Yes we shared a hotel room, but nothing else. I haven’t been with her at all while she’s been here. After that afternoon with you, I couldn’t and didn’t want to. I asked her to go back to Italy last night."

Relief washed over me when I heard him say that. Marcus turned me to face him and softly wiped away the tears that rolled down my cheeks.

"You know how sometimes something just feels…right. You can’t put it into words, but everything just fits. That’s what yesterday was for me. Being here in our house, surrounded by our children, I didn’t want to leave. Then talking to you, hearing you call me your husband still, hearing that you wanted me, wanted us. I realized I didn’t have to.”

The tears continued to stream down my face as I threw my arms around his neck. Marcus

held onto me tightly letting me take comfort in his arms for as long as I needed.

“I only need to go back to the hotel for clothes.” He said softly. “And to check out.” He continued pulling away to look at me. “I want to come home.” His eyes searched my face looking apprehensive about what my response might be.

Continue Reading: "Chapter 105-Victory"

Chapter 104-Goodbye and Hello

Marcus

I sat thinking about Amari. She never came back and I didn’t really expect her to. The mood shifted after she left. The kids all became less talkative with Florence sending a clear message that they supported their mother. Florence picked up the change as well and we cut the evening short. I was not handling any of this correctly. I couldn’t properly work through my feelings for one woman while I was with another. It wasn’t fair to either of them.

“Marc, what do you think?” Florence asked stepping out of the bathroom pulling me from my thoughts.

She stood seductively in front of me in a barely there negligée.

“I bought it a few days ago. You like?”

I looked over her body which she had on display for me knowing what she wanted. We hadn’t made love while she’s been here and she was unhappy about that fact. It was hard to explain, but after being with Amari I didn’t feel right being with Florence. Sighing heavily I put my hand out. She slid hers into mine with a wide grin on her face as she straddled me. 

“We need to talk.” I said quietly when she leaned in to kiss me.

“Talk?” she asked sounding offended. “I am practically nude and you want to talk?” She finished angrily climbing off my lap.

“Yes, we need to talk.”

“If this is about today, me talking to her, I said sorry. I did not know she would run off.” I picked up on the emptiness in her tone. She wasn’t really sorry, I knew that.

Florence had always been a jealous woman, full of spirit and at one time it was something I loved about her. However, in light of the current situation, I was seeing as more of a flaw. Getting off the couch, I walked into the bathroom to retrieve a robe. She snatched it from my hands and I knew this was not going to be an easy conversation.

“I’ve not been fair to you.” I start quietly. “I’ve handled things, this whole situation poorly and for that I’m sorry.”

“No you have not.” She agreed. “But you can make it up to me. We get the wedding plans back on track and things will fall back to normal once we marry.”

I walked over to the window and stared at the twinkling lights of the city. Out there I had a wife and family. One that was taken from me, but now I had them back. I found myself wondering what they were doing right now. Had Amari returned home finally? Was she still upset or were the kids taking care of her? It was thoughts like these that made being with Florence seem wrong.

“Florence, I think it would be best if you returned to Italy.” I said turning to face her.

“You are breaking off with me?” She cried rushing towards me. “I knew it! You leave me because I do not give you a baby. You blame me, you have always blamed me.”

“That’s not what this is.” I retorted quickly. “I’ve never blamed you. Each of our losses was hard on me, but I have always, ALWAYS been there for you. Those things are out of our control.”

“Then why?”

“Because I can’t stay with you in good conscience with these growing feelings I have for her. I need to sort through some things.”

“Sort through? How exactly are you planning on sorting out?” She screamed getting angrier.

“I don’t know.”

“I do! You want to be rid of me so you can be with her! You think I no see it, but I do. The look that crosses your face when you looked at her today. She give you something I can not and you leave me for it!”

“No! This is about me damn it! I had, have another life before you and what I’ve needed from you is your support and understand but instead I get this. You have become this selfish and one sided person that I don’t know.”

I felt my temper rising so I took a deep breath to try and calm myself. Florence stood speechless looking hurt and this wasn’t what I wanted for her either. There was so much going through my head, and she seemed to be so resentful that I was getting my memories back. It left me with questions.

“Florence I need some time and it wouldn’t be fair to keep you in this state of unknowing with me.” I pleaded hoping she would calm down and understand that this needed to be done.

“I no stupid Marc. You can say this is you caring about my needs, but it is a lie. This is why!”

“Why what?” I asked letting out a frustrated breath.

“Why you hand me a robe instead of making love.”

“You are losing sight of the point Florence.”

“No! You want to lie to me. Tell me Marc when was the last time? Do you even remember?”

I walked over to the couch trying to recall the last time. I knew it hadn’t been while she was here so it had to be back in Italy. The first time that popped into my mind was after my return from the first trip out. I looked up at her and knew that my recollection was correct.

“I’m sorry.”

“Just stop with this crazy talk Marc. We go back home, get married. All will be fine. You can even have the children visit. They will love it.” She said still refusing to admit what we both knew to be true.

“Florence. You won’t be satisfied not having a hundred percent of me and I can’t be with you with these lingering feelings.”

The hopefulness in her eyes quickly changed and I sensed her mood shift. Without another word, she got up and stormed off to the bathroom. She came back out cussing me in Italian as she gathered up her belongings. There was nothing I could say to her that would make this better. She refused to see things from any other point. I could have told her it wasn’t necessary to get another room, but I said nothing while she called the front desk.

“Florence.” I called out as she started to leave.

“What?” She snapped.

“Why did you never question my past? Even without the possibility of a wife and kids, how could you not wonder if I had other family that might be looking for me?”

She gave me a wicked grin. “It was not important to what I wanted.” She replied with a shrug. She looked down at her finger then slid the ring off letting it drop to the floor.

As I laid alone in bed, I wondered how I was so blind to her selfish ways for so long. I owed a lot to Florence and her family. They helped me through my change and never asked questions. A lot of the early conversations they had gave me a sense they were talking about me, but it was before I understood Italian. When I asked the connection to the woman that turned me, I never got a straight answer. Magic and fate was all they would say as to why I was with them. Now I knew there was more. Now I believed me being with them wasn’t random and they knew, she knew more about who I was than they wanted to tell me. Jumping out of bed I felt this urgent need to see Amari.

Mulo

“I wondered when you would be by.” I commented dryly as she stormed into my apartment.

Continue Reading: "Chapter 104-Goodbye and Hello"

Chapter 102-Regrets

I rolled out of bed dreading this day. Marcus had been coming over every day for a week, but I made sure he waited until the kids were home from school. He’d spend a few hours with them before leaving to go back to Florence. He even spent time at Dunham’s house getting to know his daughter-in-law and granddaughter. I tried to avoid being in the same room with him whenever possible. Having him in the house, seeing him almost daily was hard enough. Some days I would leave to spend the time either at CeCe’s house or at Carter’s. Today however I wouldn’t be able to avoid him. The kids knew of Florence but today they were meeting their new soon to be step-mother. They were curious about her and wanted to meet her and I couldn’t blame them, it was only natural. It was time since they could get married now without any concerns. My official divorce decree arrived in the mail yesterday. I handed Marcus his copy when he came over then left. I didn’t want to be around any one so I took Fred and Wilma on a walk to the dog park.

I headed to the bathroom so I could shower and get myself ready for the day. The triplets were already in the dining room eating breakfast with Finley. I looked at my youngest child and recalled the heartache I had when I found her crying in her room one night. She looked at Mulo as a father figure as much as the triplets had. She would never get to meet her father, the triplets had theirs back, and Mulo no longer being around all left her hurt and confused. I was angry with Mulo all over again seeing once more the effect his actions had on my family. It was hard for her not to have a father, but I reminded her how many people she had in her life that loved her. They didn’t make up for not having a dad, but she would always have someone there for her.

“Good morning kids.” I said as I walked past them towards the kitchen to fix myself a cup of coffee.

“Mornin’ mom.” They all responded.

While my coffee brewed, I did another check of the groceries to make sure I had gotten everything at the store yesterday. It was going to be a small family cookout so that the kids could welcome Florence to the family.

“Mom.”

“Yeah sweetie?” I responded turning to see Finley.

“Can I help make the cookies.”

“I can’t do them without you. They never turn out right.” I replied smiling as I pulled the eggs out of the fridge.

The triplets came in to put their dishes in the sink then left to go get dressed. Finley and I enjoyed a fun time making cookies. She was an easy going child, and it was nearly impossible to remain in a bad mood when she was around. We had just pulled out the second batch when the Edson walked in.

“Mom can I ask you a question?” He asked.

“Of course dear. You can ask me anything you know that.”

“Why’d you do it?”

I looked up at him and saw that this was going to be the talk they had been avoiding with me. I would catch bits of things as they talked to Marcus but none of them spoke to me about how they were feeling in all this. When I asked, I got the standard ‘I’m fine’ answer.

“Finley go upstairs and get dressed dear. I need to talk to your brothers and sister.”

Even though they weren’t downstairs, I knew they would be. They still communicated without the use of words, and if this talk was going to happen, it would happen with all of them.

“Aww Mom, we aren’t finished with the cookies. Why can’t I stay?”

“Because sweetie…”

Finley threw up her hand to stop me from talking. “Yeah, yeah, yeah I know I’m not old enough. I really hate that answer.” She grumbled as she sulked out of the kitchen.

“Let’s go sit shall we.” I said directing him towards the dining room. The others were entering just as I suspected they would. “So is this about Mulo?” They all nodded. “What do you want to know exactly?”

“Why not all of it.” Elton answered with a shrug.

Continue Reading: "Chapter 102-Regrets"

Chapter 101-Reunion

Elphie looked like she had been crying and the boys all looked upset.

“What’s wrong?” I asked my heart sinking fast since Finley was still unaccounted for. “What’s happened where’s Finley?” The feeling of dread was already settling over me just from the expressions on their faces.

“She’s fine mom.” Dax said. “She’s with Carter and Vicki.”

“What why and why are you here? Not that I’m not happy to see you but I thought you were in Bridgeport.”

“Was he here yesterday?” Elphie blurted out looking on the verge of tears again. “Is that why you were acting so weird?”

The accusation in her tone was mirrored on the five faces looking at me. Mulo. I thought as I closed my eyes preparing for the onslaught of angry questions. I knew instantly what or rather who was behind her question.

Why? Why did you tell them?

Because I wanted them to know it was my fault.

But it wasn’t your place to do that. I wanted to do it in my own way so they understood.

They understand.

What were you trying to accomplish by telling them instead of letting me. They hate me enough as it is.

I was taking your suggestion and trying to be a good man. Taking responsibility for what I have done.

 “Guys let’s go have a seat please. I’ll tell you everything.” I said letting out a slow exhale. Even when he attempted to be 'helpful' he made things harder for me.

“There’s nothing to tell. Where is he? Where’s our dad?” Dunham asked.

“Will you guys give me a chance to explain? Please.”

All five of them begrudgingly filed into the living room. I could feel the hostility rolling off them. I had no clue what to tell them and I wasn’t even sure they would listen to me any way.

“How long have you known?” Dax asked after taking a seat.

“For a little while now.”

“He’s been here hasn’t he?” Dunham inquired. "He was the strange man that Kylie talked about."

“Yes.”

“Why didn’t you tell us sooner? Nevermind Mulo answered that. He doesn’t know us because of him.” Dax sounded hurt when he said that. I understood all too well the pain of that reality. “That doesn’t change the fact that he’s our dad. We are adults, you should have told us.”

“I’m sorry, I really am. I was trying to figure out the best way to tell you all and minimize the damage.”

“I guess some things never change with you huh Mom?” Dax said coolly."Only filling us in on things when you are forced to."

"That's not what, that's not how it is this time."

They all had the same look of anger and distrust. My relationship with the triplets was already rocky and this was only going to make it worse. I was only trying to protect them and still I had to face their anger. Mulo had done this, he was the reason they were robbed in the first place, yet I was the easier target. No matter how hard I tried I always seemed to be on the losing end. I couldn’t keep going through this, there was no way I could complete this crazy task. I headed into the hall to get my phone. I sent Marcus a text letting him know they were ready to see him. He responded almost instantly.

“He’ll be here shortly.” I said walking back into the living room. “I’m going to go fix dinner.”

“We’re not hungry.” Elton replied. It was the first time he’d spoken since they got home.

“Well I’m going to cook anyway.”

I heard the five of them talking, wondering what it was going to be like to see him. The triplets had only seen pictures but Dax and Dunham remembered him. They were telling the triplets about him when the doorbell rang. The talking stopped and I waited to see if one of them would answer but it seemed as if no one was moving. I wiped my hands on the towel, took a deep breath, then went to answer the door.

Marcus 

It seemed like forever before she answered the door. I could tell by the look on her face that the talk hadn’t gone well.

“Are you ok?” I asked softly. She just shook her head as she closed the door.  “Tell me what happened.”

“They’re waiting for you.” She said ignoring my request.

I was nervous as I followed her the short distance into the living room. Knowing I had children was one thing, but getting ready to actually meet them made it very real. The two older boys looked at Amari then at me. They looked like me, but I didn’t feel a ping of recognition. I was speechless and so were they. The triplets stood together. Each of the boys standing protectively on either side of their sister. I was now officially a father of five.

“Um that’s Dax.” Amari said being the first to break the silence. She pointed towards the one in the blue tshirt with dreads. “And that one is Dunham.” She continued pointed towards the young man with the shorter hair. “Elphie is easy since she’s the only girl. On her left is Elton and on her right is Edson.”

“Oh my God, Dad it’s really you.” The one she said was Dunham spoke first. He slowly walked towards me as if he were seeing a ghost before quickly wrapping his arms around me in a hug.

Continue Reading: "Chapter 101-Reunion"