Reconciliations Part III:
Resolutions

Max and Barbara had gone over to the Wilmington's to help prepare their contributions to this afternoon’s dinner at the Larabee’s. Vin was at Camp Larabee with Chris. It had been a long time since Kelli had found herself alone in the house, well almost alone, it was her, Tracker, and Buttons. She planned to take advantage of it by doing a few things she knew Vin and Max would probably object to. She did not plan anything too strenuous, but she wanted to at least mentally outline the work she wanted included when the repairs were started, and tackle a project or two.

A knock on the back door dashed her plans. She was surprised to see Linda standing there when she opened the door. “Linda…what brings you out so early?”

“I wanted to talk to you…May I come in?”

Kelli stepped back and allowed the blonde to enter. “Truthfully, you are the last person I expected to see.”

Linda laughed. “I can imagine.” She saw the damage to the big room and gasped. “Chris told me what happened, but I didn’t realize the damage was so bad. I tell you Kel…this type of adventure is one thing I won’t miss once I leave here.”

“So, you’re really going?” Kelli asked as she indicated a chair for Linda to sit in.

“Yeah…I suppose it won’t shock you if I admit that Chris was right. I love him, but I am not in love with him. We were good for each other at the right time in our lives, but not for the long run. It took me a while to accept that, and I made a lot of people miserable in the process.”

Kelli studied the blonde. She knew Linda well enough to recognize the ring of truth in her words. Although she hated to see her father’s marriage fail, she was well aware that Linda was not the right woman for him to spend the rest of his life with. They would be in a constant battle against one another if they tried and the children would suffer for it. “I’m sorry you didn’t find what you were lookin’ for Linda.”

“Me too,” Linda sighed. “Most of all I’m sorry I managed to wreck our friendship while I tried to make things go my way. I know we can never be like we were, but I was hoping that…maybe…hell Kelli, we were friends too long to part on bad terms. Do you think we could call a truce, and try to salvage a few months of being friends again?”

Instead of answering her question, Kelli had a few of her own. “Are you really goin’ to just walk away after Cody is born? You can live with that?”

“I have thought about it a lot, and I know me…I can not be happy here, and Chris will not change…he shouldn’t anyway, but he is what our children need. I believe the only reason I am a mother now is because my role in Chris’s’ life was to bring these children into the world for him. Think about it Kel…I am thirty five years old and never even came close to becoming pregnant until I met Chris. I am not mother material and I know it, if I tried to stay, it would not take long for the kids to know it too. This way I can be free to pursue my dreams, and they have a loving dad, a few doting aunts and uncles, including Matt, a ton of cousins, and they will have a wonderful sister that I know will make room in her heart for them….I can live with that.”

“What if you change your mind…?”

“I won’t. I have already made arrangements for a trust fund for all the kids, your new ones included, and Chris promised to keep me supplied with pictures and information about the children. He even agreed that I can see them if I want, but except for a visit once or twice a year I can’t see me wanting more than that. I am giving him full custody, and I am signing my rights as a parent over to him. I would also like to know that should, God forbid, anything happen to Chris that you and Vin would become their guardians. Ezra has already agreed to arrange it, if y’all agree. I don’t feel that I am completely abandoning them, but making certain they have a good life with people that can love them the way they should be loved.”

“You know we would Linda. We love Grace, and Cody already has a special place in our hearts; they are part of our family, too.” Kelli saw the determine look in Linda’s eyes. “Obviously you have thought about this and if you are certain that this is what you want…I will try my damnest to support you on it. I won’t pretend that I understand it, or agree, but I can wish you well, and at least we can part on good terms.”

Linda exhaled and visibly relaxed. “That’s all I ask Kel. I know that you have found what you have been looking for all of your life here with Vin and the Wild Bunch. You have a Father that loves you and a family of your own to fuss over. I’ve always had family, now I want the freedom that you had before you met Vin.” Linda laughed. “The irony is you never knew how much I wanted to be like you, strong and independent, and you wanted the family I found too restrictive. Maybe this way we can both have what we wanted.”

Kelli thoughtfully nodded. She may not be able to understand a mother walking away from her children, but she did understand Linda and her never-ending quest to have more than she had. “I sincerely hope you find what you’re lookin’ for Linda.”

“Thanks, it means a lot to me for you to say that.” Linda brightened. “Now, has your doctor told you about the new birthing center at the hospital?”

“She mentioned it, but I don’t know many details.”

“Well, it opens May first, and that means you and I both get to use it. It is first class all the way. The labor room and delivery room are the same and the décor is restful and a helluva lot more agreeable than that bland labor room I had with Grace.” Linda dug in her bag and handed Kelli some papers. “I brought you some pictures and information on it. It’s a labor room with a more home-like environment. I can have music, a queen-size bed that I can stay in even after delivery and lots of room …”

Kelli took the pictures and smiled. This was the Linda she had known so well, being one of the first to use this birthing center was just what the blonde would have ordered. The redhead sat back and let Linda continue to talk, giving her all the details. Her projects could wait; she could make time for what might be one of the last opportunities to visits with her old friend.

It felt good to Chris to have the entire family back in his home for a casual dinner…almost like it used to be. Max was supervising in the kitchen with Linda’s blessing; in fact she was making a sincere effort to make it a pleasant day for everyone. The children had bounced back from the scare Bellows had given everyone yesterday, and were in fine form this afternoon. After they finished their mission concerning Chambers, Larabee hoped there would be more family time for everyone, at least for a short while, before they had to start on a new case. The last year had been hard on all of them, and now it was time to look toward the future.

“Chris, I don’t know how you convinced Linda to do this, but it is just what we all needed after yesterday.” Buck stood next to his oldest friend, just outside the front door, while they could watch the kids play, and still had a good view of the crowd inside.

“I didn't have to convince her, Buck.” Larabee said softly, his eyes straying onto the form of his pregnant wife as she paused in the doorway of the living room, her eyes glancing over everyone to see if there was anything that they might need until they came to rest momentarily on him. They exchanged a brief smile, before she disappeared back into the kitchen and he turned his attention back on the conversation that he was having with Buck. “It was all her idea. She wanted to do something to help us forget about yesterday.”

“Then make sure to tell her how much I, for one, appreciate it.” Buck replied.

“I will, in fact since we have agreed to disagree about our future, we talk a helluva a lot easier than we used to.” Chris noted. “Just because we choose not to remain married doesn’t mean we can’t be civil to one another.”

Buck watched Chris as he spoke so casually about his and Linda’s impending separation, and for a moment he wished there was something he could do to hold this place in time for his friend, but he knew that was impossible. The only thing he could do was to be there for Chris and his children, and pray that someday Larabee would give love another chance. “Hey…Maria, you stop that!” He saw his daughter about to throw a snowball at her Uncle Vin as he approached the Larabee home with his family, and felt he needed to intercede

Vin easily dodged the snowball that his niece threw in his direction. “A little snow isn't goin' to kill me, Bucklin. Relax.”

“In case it slipped your mind Tanner, you were injured yesterday,” Buck retorted.

“Yeah and if I can take on bad guys, wrestle with Jason, and have Andi climb all over me, one little imp is not going to hurt me with a snowball.” Jason and Andi ran on inside with Caleb, but Vin stopped to give Maria a hug, and as he did he whispered something in her ear. The little darling smiled, and then turned to throw another snowball at her dad.

Wilmington dodged just in time to miss the icy blow, but when he did it hit Chris instead. “Uh oh.” Buck grabbed his daughter, and then hurriedly took her inside the house along with the other giggling children.

“What's your rush, Buck?” Chris called after him with a grin on his face as he wiped the snow off of him.

“You should have moved faster Dad.” Kelli grinned as Vin took her arm to secure her walk up the porch steps. “You really should have seen that one coming.” Larabee shot his daughter a warning glare, but it was ineffectual on the redhead, who said cheekily, “Old age must be catchin' up to you.”

“Not so old that I can’t extract some payback from an insolent daughter.” Chris tried to look stern, but she just kissed him on the cheek and continued on inside.

“Nice try Chris, but it don’t work on that one…I should know.” Tanner grinned. “Face it; she has your number and mine.”

Chris laughed. “That she does. Come on, you two are the last to arrive and Ezra is chomping at the bit to say something to all of us.”

“I hope he says it in a language we can understand.” Vin mumbled as he followed Larabee inside.

Ezra had indeed been waiting for everyone to arrive and since dinner was at least fifteen minutes away from being ready, he took the opportunity to gain their attention. “I shall try to be brief; however I do require your attention for a few minutes.”

“You got it Ez. Just get on with whatever you have to say.” Buck urged.

“In due time sir, Barbara and I have an announcement to make. As you know we are to be married April the eighth. We have decided that we wish to exchange our vows here on the ranch…with our family in attendance. We have also made another decision…Barbara is taking a leave of absence from her job and we hope, with your blessings, to start a new endeavor here on the Larabee 7.”

“What kind of new endeavor?” JD questioned. “Are you saying you want to start a family or what?

“No…I mean eventually yes we do, but that is not what we are discussing. I have been in negotiations with our neighbor Matthew Dubois, and he has agreed to allow us to purchase, at a very reasonable price a strip of land between his property and the Larabee 7. We will be building a home on it, but also a barn, training arena and suitable bunkhouses on land that he is willing to donate.”

“Are you going into the ranching business Ezra?” Chris asked.

“No, Chris...” Barbara spoke up. “A friend of mine is looking for a partner to help run a camp for emotionally and physically challenged underprivileged children. Therapeutic riding uses equine-orientated activities for the purpose of contributing positively to the cognitive, physical, emotional and social well being of people with disabilities. It also provides benefits in the area of therapy, education, sport, recreation and leisure. My friend works with children, and her dream has always been to set up a place that is conducive to helping kids that are either physically or emotionally scarred. I have agreed to help her.”

“With the land that Matt has agreed to donate and hopefully that we will match from the Larabee 7, we can make that dream a reality, and help a lot of children as well as young adults in the process.” Ezra added.

Josiah spoke up. “I am familiar with that type of therapy and I think it is an excellent idea. What do you need from us?”

“We need a donation of land, which is of course a tax write off for the ranch, permission to allow the building of such a facility this close to your homes, and your help.” Standish outlined.

Chris looked at his brothers and saw all of them nod yes. “We just took a vote. I think we have enough space to go around, and if you think this is doable, then we'll help any way we can.”

“I will have a written proposal for y’all to look at before the end of the week.” Standish accepted their vote. “Just one more thing… We...Barbara and I ask that in lieu of any wedding presents that you donate some of your time and vast array of skills to help put this together.”

“Hell Ez, we’d do that anyway.” Vin answered. “Startin’ somethin’ like this here on the ranch is great. We’ve heard some fantastic reports through the foster parent program about how kids respond to animals when they won’t respond to doctors or therapist. This will be good for all of us, and even our children can get involved.”

“I would love to help, in fact JD and I have been discussing the possibility of me going back to school, and this is exactly the type of work I wanted to do.” Casey said excitedly. “Working with kids is rewarding, but to help them through animal therapy is a challenge I can’t wait to get started on.”

“You can count on me and Rain for whatever you need us to do.” Nathan responded for both of them.

“Mallory and I would love the chance to be involved.” Josiah stated.

“You know me and Inez will do what we can to help.” Buck nodded in agreement.

Matt grinned. “It looks as if we found something else to agree on Larabee.”

Chris laughed. “Keep this up Dubois, and we might just get to be friends.”

Max came out of the kitchen and made her announcement. “Dinner is buffet style and on the table. The kids are already seated, and eating, so come and get it while it’s hot.”

Tanner looked over to his wife, the sight of Kelli holding Tannis almost took his breath away. She had always had the ability to affect him, but since she had become pregnant he found her even more incredibly beautiful and desirable. Kelli knew he loved her, but she had no idea how much her presence in his life meant to him, and probably wouldn't believe him if he told her. “I’ll check on Jason and Andi before I round us up some food.” Vin stopped her from getting up. “Besides, you and Tannis look too damn comfortable.”

“I’m not helpless you know,” she smiled, “but this time I’ll let you.” She was enjoying spending some time with the newest member of the Wild Bunch.

Barbara sat down next to the redhead while Ezra made his way over to the table to get their food. “Kel, there is something I’ve been meaning to ask you.” She hesitated briefly. “I want you to be my Matron of Honor, if you’re willing.”

“I would love to, but Barbara by the time of your weddin' I’ll probably be as big as a house, and you may not want me in the wedding party.”

“Kel, you are the closest friend I’ve had in a long time, I really would be honored if you accepted. We don’t want a big pretentious affair, our wedding is all about family, and having you and your babies stand up with me would make me happy.”

“If you’re certain, then I accept, but I have to insist that you let me do my duty as Matron of Honor, and help you with the plannin’.”

“Deal,” Barbara grinned as Ezra and Vin returned with their food.

Vin set their plates down and took Tannis from Kelli. “I think her mama is ready for her.” He left long enough to hand the baby over to Inez and then returned to sit next to his wife. “So, what kind of deal are you two cookin’ up?”

Kelli has agreed to help me plan the wedding here on the ranch.” Barbara informed him. She also has agreed to be my Matron of Honor.”

Ezra grinned. “Great minds think alike love. I just asked Vin to be my best man and he agreed.”

“You two are welcome to base out of our house while you build your home, and work on setting up the new facilities. We have plenty of room, and that way I can count on you, Ezra, to be my baby-sitter, and keep the prosecutors happy.” Vin offered.

“We’ll help however we can, I think what you have decided to take on is absolutely fantastic for all of us. Vin and I are suspendin’ ourselves as foster parents, for a while because of the current situation, but this way we can still be involved with helpin’ kids.” Kelli added.

Ezra looked to Barbara and she nodded. “Thank you, we will take you up on your offer, and don’t worry there will be plenty for everyone to do.”

The rest of the afternoon passed quickly and Chris decided to herd his brothers toward their homes. Tomorrow would be a long day for them, and he wanted them well-rested before they took Chambers on. “I’ll see all of you at 0500hrs, get plenty of sleep. Eat a good breakfast and be prepared for anything.”

“Yes dad,” Tanner stood up and grinned. “We’ll behave, see ya’ll in the mornin’.”

“Young upstart,” Chris muttered. “You make certain Nathan checks out that injury and he gives his approval for you to go Tanner.”

Nathan laughed; he knew that Texan would go if he was on his last leg. “I’ll stop on my way home to look at it Vin.”

“Goodnight brothers.” Josiah said as he and his family walked out the door.

“Night Chris, and thanks Linda, for the dinner.” Buck said his good-byes, and gathered his family to leave.

“See you guys in the morning.” JD hoisted Lilah onto his shoulder as Casey picked up Daisy.

Ezra stopped in front of Larabee. Thank you for your support on our project Chris. Barbara and I will be staying at the Tanner’s tonight, so he will have me as his protection detail.”

Chris nodded. “Keep your ears open Standish. Things should be quiet, but you never know.”

Larabee closed the door as the last of the Wild Bunch departed and he began to pick up. “Thanks Linda, it meant a lot to all of us to be together today.”

“I gathered that from all the smiles. Leave this mess Chris, Louisa and Mila will be in tomorrow to clean up, while I’m at the Southern Breeze. If you’re going out on assignment in the morning you should probably get to bed early.” Linda had been in a thoughtful mood since she had left Kelli this morning. “By the way I did work things out with Kel, she may not agree with what I’ve done, but she and I did reach a tentative truce.”

“I’m glad, it will be better for both of you to part on good terms.” Chris sat down on the couch and propped his feet up. “Did you ask her what you wanted to about the kids?”

“Yes, and she agreed, so we can tell Standish to proceed.” Linda sat down next to her husband. “She asked me if I was sure about making this decision.”

That statement drew all of Chris’s attention. “What did you tell her?”

“The truth,” Linda sighed. “All this time I fought so hard to do things my way. I was unable to see what was right in front of me. I told her that I loved you, but that I was not in love with you, and admitting it was…it’s difficult to describe, but I felt as if a huge weight was lifted from my shoulders. We were good for each other Chris, but not meant for one another…does that make sense?”

Chris was already nodding his head. “Yeah…yeah it does. We did have our moments, and I have no regrets.”

“I may be a terrible mother, and a bitchy wife, but you have to admit that we were good between the sheets.” Linda laughed.” I think that is what I am going to miss the most, Cowboy.” Linda looked over to Chris. “Grace is sleeping. You think we could…at least one more time? No strings attached?”

Larabee looked at the woman that had given him his beautiful daughter and now carried his son. Their marriage may be over, but there was no reason they could not share these last few weeks before their son was born. They were still married, and still had that strong sexual attraction that had brought them together in the first place.

Chris grinned. “Anything is possible.” Her desire filled voice sent shivers down his spine. They may only have a short time left, but …they would both have time to make some good memories to replace the bad ones.

The air was cold and crisp, and the weather report called for clearing skies with a slight warming trend. Chris would not allow Vin to help with the horses, due to his injury, instead Larabee, Buck, and Josiah tended to the loading, and Tanner was only allowed to close the trailer doors. The Ram pulled a trailer that held four of the horses, and Vin’s Silverado pulled a trailer that held three more. Their gear was loaded, and the brothers were on the road by 0530hrs, the drive would take close to four hours with the extra weight of the trailers, but they would still have plenty of daylight to reach their designated camping place. The rest of the team had their assignments, and their Commander had no doubt they would be in there when he called for them.

“Vin, you should let Josiah drive, you need all the rest you can get.” Nathan fussed over the injured Texan.

“Damnit, I can drive my own truck. It’s not like I have to push the damn thing.” Tanner grumbled thinking to himself that he probably owed Kelli an apology for all the extra fussing he did over her. It was downright annoying.

“Fine, but I don’t want to hear you call for my help when you fall flat on your ass.” Jackson climbed into Chris’s truck with JD and Buck, leaving Ezra, Josiah, and Vin to follow them.

Chris took the lead and drove the back roads towards the mountains, making certain that they were not followed from the ranch. It was the long way into the area that the RMR camp was supposed to be located, but they wanted to go in undetected. Larabee knew from previous missions that the only way to take down a man like Chambers, without several casualties, was to take him by surprise. Larabee's family had already paid too high of a price from dealing with that madman, and his private militia. Chris had no intention of the cost going higher.

They parked the vehicles in a secluded area for their other teammates to pick up later, and unloaded the horses. Each man held his thoughts privately as they went through the routine of saddling their mounts, and packing their saddlebags. The RMR and Karl Chambers had been a thorn in their sides since last October. They were responsible for the death of FBI Agent Abbott, the brutal attack of Paul Roberts, and the attempted murder of Nathan Jackson along with destroying his home. The ranch had been breeched three times; first, to try and kill Jackson and then antipersonnel mines had been planted for their children to find, and finally an all out assault last Friday. Vin had endured weeks of hell as Dusty Slater, been present to see Josiah and Rain nearly killed, and then his, and Nathan’s families had been harassed and targeted for death. Tanner also had to console his son when he saw the bounty Chambers put out on him, rescue his pregnant wife from a package bomb, and then confront Bellows, killing him while being injured in the process. Enough was enough.

Chris gathered them together and laid out a map on the hood of his truck. “This is the route we’ll take." He pointed to lines that he had drawn on the map. “We’ll get to this point by mid-afternoon, make camp and wait for nightfall. No one goes past that point without a Kevlar, and we will take the last half mile in on foot. Mount up boys, and let’s ride.”

Vin was a little slower at mounting Peso than what he usually was, and his horse knew it. Tanner did his best to ignore the pain that shot through his chest as he guided the horse in the direction of the trail they were going to take and waited for the others to join him.

“You okay?” Larabee asked, noting the grimace on his face.

Vin nodded. “I'm alright...just a mite sore, let’s move.”

The blond shook his head, knowing that Tanner was purposely downplaying just how much pain he was in so that he and the others wouldn't worry too much about him. They rode at a steady pace stopping once to rest the horses, and had a lunch that consisted of cold biscuits, beef jerky, and water. Larabee rested with his back against a tree and Buck walked over to join him.

“Chris, you know that Vin has no business being out here. He should be at home healing.”

“Maybe Buck, but he has unfinished business out here, and he deserves a chance to see this through to the end. We’ll just have to make certain he doesn’t get killed while he’s doing that.”

“Then I guess us old dogs will just have to keep watch over the pup.” Buck looked over to where the Texan appeared to be sleeping, although Wilmington knew better. Even injured Vin was more alert out here than any of the rest of them. This was where he felt most at home, and his senses excelled in the wilderness.

Tanner had to refrain from smirking as he listened to the quiet conversation going on between Wilmington and Larabee. He appreciated Buck's concern for his health, and knew that Chris and his other brothers were worried as well, but he had no intention of forgoing seeing this thing to the end. While the other members of his family had been in danger as well, Chambers had marked him as a wanted man and specifically targeted his wife and children, and he was going to be there when they brought the RMR leader down. He gave no indication that he was awake and listening into their conversation, but felt a bit chagrined a moment later when he heard Larabee's voice in his head.

Aloud, Larabee said to Wilmington, “We'll keep watch on him and on each other as well. The RMR doesn't exactly play by the rules and will do anything they can to stop us from taking Chambers into custody.”

“You got that right.” Buck agreed

Chris stood up. “Let’s move out, we have another two to three hours before we get to our campsite. I want everyone well-rested before we move in tonight.” Bodies began to move and within ten minutes they were riding further into the mountains.

Upon their arrival at their intended campsite, the seven men had made quick work of setting up cold camp, fixing a quick meal, and spreading out on the ground to rest up for their impending mission. As the time grew nearer and the moon began to rise they mentally prepared for the job before them.

While Larabee went over the details of the plan once again, Nathan tended to Tanner's wound. Vin had managed not to tear any of the stitches in the ride up to their present location, but the wound around the stitches was nevertheless reddened due to aggravation. Wisely Jackson kept his mouth shut as he applied some antiseptic to the wound, causing a hiss to escape from between Vin's mouth in reaction to the stinging that set in after he had done so. Nathan rewrapped the wound with clean bandages and tossed the soiled ones into a plastic bag he carried with him.

“Our only way into the RMR compound is through the front gate, which isn't going to be easy.” Chris told them. “The sentries on duty will most likely refuse us access, but we will show them the warrants that we have and make our entrance. Under no circumstances do we initiate hostile actions with them, but once they have done so, defend yourselves and each other at all costs. Our main goal in this endeavor is to get to Chambers, secure custody of him, and then take control of the compound. “

“Chris, you don’t expect them to let us in just because we have a warrant, do you.” JD asked.

“No, that’s why we’ll have to neutralize the sentries the second they turn hostile, before they can alert the others.” Chris shifted the map. “The back of the compound is against the mountain base, so we know Chambers has no way out in that direction. Josiah, I want you and JD on the east side, Buck, you and Vin on the west. Nathan, I want you to come in with me and Ezra through the front gates.”

Wilmington nodded his head, “Sounds good.”

“Just remember that I trained some of these men, so subduin' them or takin' them down isn't goin' to be very easy. Karl Chambers is one paranoid sonofabitch.” Tanner spoke up. “So be alert for anythin'. In their minds they are soldiers at war, and we are the enemy. Killin’ the enforcers is the only thing they will be lookin’ to do.”

“Enforcers Vin?” Ezra raised a brow.

“Government agents, Ez, they don’t recognize Federal authority. We are their enemy.” Tanner explained.

Larabee checked his watch. “Ten-thirty, paint up, and let’s break camp. We’ll ride within a half mile of the compound and then go the rest of the way on foot.”

Nathan pulled out the camouflage face paint they would use to cover any exposed skin. Even very dark skin, because of its natural oil, would reflect light, so they worked in pairs. Shiny areas, such as the forehead, cheekbones, nose, ears, and chin were painted with a dark color, and shadow areas, around the eyes, under the nose, and under the chin, were painted with a light color. In addition to the face, exposed skin on the back of the neck, arms, and hands were also painted. Each team member also wore dark clothing and covered their heads with black watch caps. Kevlar vests were adjusted, weapons were secured and their badges were attached to a chain they wore around their necks and tucked inside their shirts.

Chris gave them all the once over and nodded his approval. “We’ll use hand signals to communicate, keep those radio silent, and talking will be kept to a minimum. Watch your backs.” He mounted Pony and the others quickly followed his lead, mounted their horses and they were ready for whatever was waiting for them.

Vin positioned Peso into second place behind Chris and Pony on the trail, his blue eyes continuously scanning the area around them, and his ears straining to pick up sounds that weren't natural to the environment.

Buck came next and was in the process of mentally preparing himself for the raid on the RMR compound. He was confident that they could handle Chambers and his men, but he wasn't stupid enough not to realize the risks involved, and found himself thinking of his wife and children.

JD was a bundle of nervous energy that he tried to keep under control as much as possible, knowing that it could be distracting to the others as they prepared themselves for the mission they were embarking on. The faces of the three girls in his life drifted foremost into his mind, and he fervently hoped that he would see them all again.

Nathan followed after JD and was running down the list of medical items he had brought with him, hoping he hadn't left something vital behind, and didn't have to end up using any of it.

Josiah was saying a quiet prayer of protection for him and his brothers that they would succeed in their task at hand without any serious injuries to themselves, or too much bloodshed lost on the side of the RMR members. He asked that the Lord's presence would be with all the wives and children as they waited at home for their husbands to return safe and sound.

Ezra brought up the rear and was going over tactical maneuvers in his head, and the schematics of the RMR compound. He liked to refresh himself on the layout of a particular raid and each of their jobs within it, until it was firmly implanted into his head. As they neared the destination where they would continue on foot, Ezra's last thoughts were on Barbara.

The horses were left tied to tree limbs or staked to the ground near a stream so that they couldn't take off, and would have both food and water for the duration of their stay. As they had formed up on the horses, they repeated their order on foot. Larabee led the way, while Standish brought up the rear. Careful attention was now paid toward muffling the sounds of their movements through the underbrush and trees as they made their way toward the RMR compound. It would not do to blow the element of their surprise, regardless of the fact that Chris, Ezra and Nathan were going through the front gate. They wanted to give the RMR members the illusion that there were more than just the seven of them, and that illusion would be blown if they somehow gave themselves away before they even arrived.

When they were less than fifty feet away, Vin suddenly grabbed Chris and yanked him backwards. “What the fu..?” Larabee hissed at Tanner, even as Vin dropped into a crouch and signaled for the others to do so as well.

Silently Vin pointed to the thin wire that stretched across the pathway that they were on and Larabee stilled instantly. *Booby traps.* Evidently, Chambers had instituted another new tactic after receiving the news of Bellow’s failure. Tanner motioned with his hand for them to stay where they were, before rising slowly and following the thin wire along its pathway. JD's heart thumped wildly in his chest as he realized just how much higher the risks had just increased of one of them getting hurt or killed on this mission.

Six brothers waited motionlessly for their seventh to come back. Vin returned a few long minutes later, wearing a wide grin on his face and holding a large knapsack in his arms. He opened it up and showed them the sack of grenades he had confiscated from the traps the RMR had set up in that area. Chris knew that the Texan probably knew more about the mindset of the RMR than any of them, and motioned to him that he should take the lead until they actually reached the compound. Tanner swung the sack over his shoulder, and set the pace a bit more cautiously, as he continually scanned the area directly in front of him and around them, looking for any sign of more traps. They came across one more when they were only ten feet away and he soon took care of it. Five feet more down the path and they were suddenly at a clearing with no trees or bushes, only hard ground that led up to the fencing of the compound and their was a collective sigh of relief from all seven men. This was where they needed to split up, and to do so with more traps possibly lying in wait for the men was slightly unnerving.

Vin distributed some of the grenades to the other men before he and Buck took off toward the West side of the compound. They would use rope and hooks to scale the wooden fence and get inside. When they reached a good place, the two men worked quickly to remove rock climbing gear from the lightweight packs they had brought with them. The hook clunking against the wood as it embedded itself in the wood made an ominous sound in the quiet night. After a couple of moments passed without any retaliating noises, Buck and Vin breathed sighs of relief, and began their ascent over the fence and down the other side. Tanner fought against the pain that the movements spiked through his chest, determined not to let anything stop him from fulfilling his part in the mission.

Josiah and JD reached their assigned area on the east side, and went to work on securing their rock climbing equipment and maneuvering themselves over the fence and into the compound. Once they had both touched ground, they cautiously sought shelter behind one of the buildings and waited. Any second now, Chris, Ezra and Nathan would be making their approach to the front gates.

Chris pulled the warrant out of his back pocket, and released the safety on his weapon. Motioning to Ezra and Nathan to flank him he crossed the clearing and confronted the guard in front of the gate, by shoving his pistol into the man’s side. “Federal Agents… we have a warrant …Hell.” The man started to shout an alert to the rest of the compound, but Larabee silenced him with a right hook. Standish dragged the body away from the gate and tied his hands, taking the added precaution of gagging him, before the trio slipped through the front entrance into the darkened compound.

*We're inside...* Larabee sent to Vin, who in turn let out a low bird call to alert JD and Josiah everything was a go.

Vin and Buck stayed to the side of the fence, moving steadily closer to the location where Chambers was believed to be. A door to one of the buildings opened and a solitary figure stumbled out into the darkness. Vin moved forward and dispatched the resistance member before he even knew what had happened. He dragged the man back behind the building, tied him up and gagged him, and then he and Buck continued moving.

JD followed Josiah as they began moving past the row of bungalow styled houses that served as bunks for the members. “Jed, this ain't no time to be playing hide and seek.” A voice suddenly said from behind them and both JD and Josiah whirled around in surprise. It took only about a second for the two MCAT agents to realize this RMR member was inebriated and thought that JD was someone else.

“Uh yeah... you’re right.” JD said quietly, approaching the man. Josiah tensely watched his youngest brother, determined to act if necessary to protect him. The moment JD stepped close enough, he saw the man's eye widen as he realized that the man before him wasn't familiar at all to him. JD coldcocked him with the butt of his weapon and watched with relief as the man slumped to the ground. Quickly the two men tied him up, dragged him out of sight, and then continued moving.

One by one the RMR members who were either on sentry and patrol duty, or otherwise still awake at such a late hour were taken care of and the seven men converged into a group. Then they began their approach toward the bungalow at the back of the compound in which Chambers resided. His guards were efficiently dispatched as well and Vin led the way into the bungalow where Chambers lay sleeping. Ezra took the window, while Josiah stood watch at the door. “Rise and shine, sleepin’ beauty,” Vin said, landing a solid whack to Chambers’s foot.

“Looking for this?” Buck grinned, and held up Karl’s personal weapon.

“You bastards! You come in here in the dead of night and think you can get away with this? No way, my men …”

“Your men are busy, or will be in a few minutes.” Nathan took the arrest warrant from Larabee. “Karl Chambers you are under arrest for murder of FBI Agent Abbott, attempted murder of a Federal officer, and conspiracy to commit murder, among other things. You have the right to remain silent...”

“I would listen to the man, if I were you. He can be downright mean.” Josiah took on his preaching tone.

“Yeah, and right now he’s in a good mood. You sure don’t want to piss him off.! JD added.

“Gentlemen, I hate to interrupt, but can we get on with this.” Ezra sighed as he kept watch out the window for any signs of movement in the compound.

“Judgment day has arrived Karl, and you are goin' to prison where you belong!” Vin snarled as Chris let go of Karl's neck, handcuffed the older man, and then half shoved, half dragged him out of the shelter.

“Hey...what's going on?” A voice called out from the location of the row of the outhouses.

A collective curse went up from the mouths of all seven MCAT agents, as they realized that things were going to turn downright ugly in a minute. Obviously the man had been in the outhouse when they were working the rounds and knocking out the patrols and sentries and in the darkness was not seen.

“So much for easy,” Tanner drawled.

The stray member of the militia was also across the way from them, and there was no way any of them could reach him to quiet him by force, so Larabee did the next best thing. “Standish now would be a good time to liven things up.” The other six men surrounded the trussed up Chambers and prepared to defend their hold on the prisoner at all cost.

“Diversionary measures are coming right up Commander.” Ezra exclaimed as he dug into his bag and began extracting sticks of dynamite. Already a clamor was starting in the row of bungalows as the sleeping members were startled awake by the sound of shouting. He extracted a lighter, lit the first stick and tossed it through the air. The building housing the RMR's munitions stockpile exploded, sending wood and embers shooting first into the sky, and then outward, causing the MCAT agents to all duck as dangerous projectiles flew through the air.

“Damn, Ezra! Good throw!” Buck exclaimed as they all rose back up into upright positions as they readied themselves to take on the two dozen or so men streaming out of the bungalows toward them. Standish continued to lob sticks of dynamite, lessening the odds against them, but soon all seven men were in for a fight. In such tight proximity, they did not risk using their guns for fear of actually shooting one of their brothers by mistake.

Vin swept the legs out from under the first man that came at him, and then moved into a roundhouse kick that toppled the second man. Chris was going blow for blow with his opponent. JD and Buck partnered up as they normally did and traded off blows and kicks to the men who had set their sights on them.

Josiah grabbed two men by the backs of their necks and slammed their heads together, effectively knocking them out, before something hit him on the back of the head and he fell to his knees.

Nathan had dispatched the first man that came at him, and then quickly caught the end of the baseball bat that had been used on Josiah, pulling it out of the man's hand that had done harm to his brother. He flip the bat over in his hands and swung it as hard as he could, smashing the man's kneecap and sending him onto the ground shrieking in pain.

Ezra grappled on the ground with the man who was trying to throttle the life out of him, cursing fluidly in several languages as he thought of the dry cleaning expense his clothes were going to cost him.

Chris sent another man flying head over heels, scrambled onto his feet and turned just in time to see Chambers trying to run away in all of the commotion. He darted after the leader of the RMR, but Nathan reached Chambers first and grabbed him by the back of the neck. “Going somewhere?”

“Get your nigger hands off of me!” Chambers spat at Jackson. Nathan slugged him and Chambers crumpled to the ground unconscious.

Within fifteen minutes the battle was over. The fight weary MCAT agents glanced at each other to see that everyone was okay, and then onto their handiwork. Most of the RMR agents lay unconscious or hurt on the ground. They handcuffed, or tied up all the prisoners. JD, and Ezra, took pleasure in keeping them under armed guard.

Chris snapped on his radio. “Justin, have the team move in to clean-up this garbage, and take them into custody.” The state police were also waiting with the rest of the team with a prison bus to provide transport for the prisoners. Larabee had elected to keep other federal agencies out of this particular takedown.

Nathan immediately began to examine his brothers starting with Josiah, who sat on the ground rubbing the back of his head. “Hold still and let me see.” Jackson was relieved to see that the skin was not broken and Sanchez’s eyes looked good. “You may have one hell of a headache, but I don’t think we have to worry about a concussion. You have a hard head my friend.” Nathan turned to Tanner. “You’re next, take off that vest and strip out of that shirt.”

“Nate, ‘m fine…” Vin started.

“Shut up Tanner and do what the man says.” Chris ordered as the compound began to fill up with MCAT agents, forensics and additional officers to take custody of the prisoners.

“You worry too much, Cowboy.” Tanner complained as he removed his Kevlar and then his shirt, allowing Jackson to examine his wound.

Nathan cleansed the sutured area and although he did not like the redness that surrounded it, he felt that Tanner was in fair shape. “I think the redness is from the heat of wearing that vest, but when we get home I want you to have a doctor look at that, just to be on the safe side.”

Tanner sighed, “Will do. Now can I put my shirt back on?”

The medic laughed. “Yes, just leave the vest off.”

Greg Ramsey stepped out of the small building that Chambers used as an office. “Commander Larabee, Captain Tanner, you might want to take a look at something we found.”

Chris entered first leaving Vin to cross the space in front of the area where their prisoners sat. The Texan stopped in front of Karl Chambers and crouched down. “You’re a soldier Chambers; you should have left my family out of this.”

Chambers looked up at him and grinned. “Made you squirm didn’t I? Don’t get too cocky Tanner, a lot can happen between now and the time we are to meet in a courtroom. Your laws don’t apply to me, this is war, and you have made me a political prisoner. My army will not allow that.” Karl lowered his voice so that only Vin heard his next words. “I’m betting that you’ll be a dead man long before that happens, and with you not there to testify…I’ll be a free man again. Then I’ll make certain that your family joins you in hell.”

Tanner took the bait and lunged at the prisoner, shouting, “You sonofabitch!”

“Easy Vin,” Buck grabbed Tanner. “He’s just trying to get a rise out of you.” Wilmington pulled Tanner off the prisoner, and held on to the Texan until he was certain that his temper was under control. “Go on in with Chris, I got it covered out here.”

Vin shot Chambers a blazing glare that was so intense, the man was forced to turn away. “If he breathes the wrong way Bucklin, shoot the bastard.” Tanner continued on to join Chris and the forensic unit in Chambers’s office.

“You get lost Tanner?” Chris looked up from reading the papers in his hands as Vin walked in.” Federal prosecutor is on his way in; this ought to make his day. There is enough here to link over thirty different resistance groups all over the country to a series of unsolved crimes.” Larabee handed him a folder. “I thought you might be interested in this one.”

Tanner opened the folder and immediately paled as he realized that it was all about him, his family, his work, his life. There were numerous pictures of Kelli, Jason and Andi, along with a diagram of the Denver memorial Hospital maternity wing. “Fuckin’ sonofabitch wasn’t gonna give up was he?”

“No, and there are other folders with all our names on them.” He threw down files labeled, Larabee, Wilmington, Jackson, Dunne, Sanchez, and Standish. “That is one crazy bastard, who used his ties to white supremacy groups to cover his criminal activities, and it will be a pleasure to see him pay the ultimate price.”

“I want him in solitary and watched twenty-four-seven. He talks to anyone we need to know. I don’t think he is gonna let a little thing like incarceration stop him.” Vin ran his hands through his hair. “I don’t trust his associates Chris, but I need you to talk to the prosecutors and get me out of PC.”

Chris knew how hard it had been for the Texan to lose his privacy, and the rollercoaster of emotions that had consumed him since this whole mess started. As the man in charge of MCAT when Nathan and Paul were attacked, he was in a difficult position, and had some hard decisions to make. Then as Dusty Slater he had to put up with living with the prejudice and malice daily, and finally as a man trying to protect his family. This bust should be the beginning of the end of the stress this case had placed on Tanner and his family; he deserved to regain some peace in his life. “I’ll see what I can do Vin, and I’ll make certain Chambers is housed in a high security area.” Larabee laid his hand on his brother’s shoulder. “I wish I had been there for you from the start, but when you talk to Raven, tell him your brother said thanks for the help.” Chris took the folder out of Vin’s hands and laid it with the others. “It’s over brother; except for the formalities… let it go.”

“I hope you’re right Chris, but I don’t plan on lettin’ my guard down just yet.”

“They’ll listen to me Andi, I am their older brother.” Jason stated firmly before taking another bite of eggs.

“Uh uh, you’re not the boss.” Andi yelled. “Daaad! Make him stop tellin’ the babies to be boys.”

“I can tell ‘em if I want to. Right Dad?”

“Y’all can talk to ‘em all you want, but boys or girls, we’re all gonna love ‘em just the same.” Vin sighed; this had been going on since Jason had heard Kelli say the babies responded to voices. He had been ‘talking’ to them every chance he got, and then Andi picked up on it and the verbal battle had commenced. Of course Jason wanted more boys, while Andi was insistent on the babies being girls. Neither of them comprehended that there was no choice, whatever sex the new arrivals were to be had already been predestined. “Jason, get a move on it, Aunt Casey will be here any minute to pick you up for class. Hopefully by the time Aunt Rain finishes with your studies today we’ll all know whether the babies are boys, or girls.”

Casey walked in on the tail end of the conversation with Lilah, and Daisy, “Morning gang.”

“Mornin’ Casey,” Vin took a sip of coffee. “I take it that Nettie is still in Arizona. How is her sister?”

“Yep, her sister is better, but Nettie decided to stay for a while, said she had some things to catch up on.” Casey laughed. “I think she just likes the warmer weather, she is really tired of all the cold we’ve had this year.”

Max entered the room with Grace to greet the Dunnes. “Hello girls. Are you ready to join me, and Grace for some morning stories?”

Watching her daughters toddle over to Max, Casey sighed. “Helping Rain with this home schooling has convinced me that I needed to practice leaving the girls. I’m glad you and Chris decided to keep it going the rest of the semester Vin.”

“The last thing we need is to be worried about the kids in school. It makes me and Kel feel better, at least ‘till this trial is over, to have the kids here on the ranch. Dr. Weeks said Kel has to reduce stress in her life, and knowin’ that Jason is with you and Rain every day helps.”

“Speaking of Kel, how is she doing?”

“She is tired, and her back aches, but she’s ready for another day.” Kelli said as she walked into the kitchen. Vin was waiting for her with an outstretched arm, and she went straight over to take advantage of the offered hug.”

“Morning Mom,” Jason grabbed his book bag, hugged Kelli, and whispered loudly to her stomach. “Think boys.”

Kelli laughed. “I know they heard you Jason, they move when you talk to them. You have a good day at Aunt Rain’s.” She kissed him and he joined Casey.

“I empathize with you Kel. You're almost half-way there, but don’t worry, it gets more miserable. “Casey laughed as she walked out with Jason.

“Mama, can you tell the babies not to listen to Jason?” Andi turned her big blue eyes onto Kelli.

“Aw Andi, it doesn’t matter what Jason says to ‘em.” Kelli moved over to hug her daughter. “Sugar, if they are boys, then you and I get to me surrounded by males that love us, and if they’re girls we get to teach them about their great brother, and fantastic Dad. Either way you and I come out winners.”

Andi jumped up, but before she ran off to join Max and the other kids she stopped long enough to give a message to her unborn siblings. “Jason may be a boy, but he is the bestest brother.”

“It’s been almost a month Chris, since Chambers was arrested and the prosecutors agreed to drop the protective custody order on Tanner. When is he coming back to work?” Orrin was questioning the MCAT Commander. “He is coming back to work, isn’t he?” Travis recalled a conversation he had with Tanner about his hesitancy to return to MCAT.

“He is Orrin, but not now. I don’t blame him for being concerned about the long wait for Chambers’s trial.” Chris stood up and walked over to the window, staring at the view as he spoke. “You saw what happened at the arraignment with all the protesters. Chambers is like some damn cult hero to those people. Dragging out the trial date to August was not a good move by our federal attorneys, not to mention all those preliminary hearings that will require Vin’s presence. He is still receiving threats from Karl’s followers, and that damn $50,000 bounty has not been withdrawn. Tanner feels like his place is with his family, and right now I have to agree with him.”

Travis nodded thoughtfully. “Karl Chambers is nothing more than a criminal who used his white power movement to disguise his activities. To date, investigators have uncovered ten bank accounts with combined deposits of over a half a billion dollars. With the evidence Tanner found plus what you recovered from the compound, the man is headed for a long stretch in jail or even death row. Making himself a martyr is keeping his people stirred up, and I can understand Tanner’s concern”. Orrin stood up and joined Larabee by the window. “Is this current situation the only thing holding him back?”

Chris turned to look at Orrin. “Vin and I have worked out our problems sir. We’re good.” Larabee sighed. “Although that Texan would be the last one to admit it, I think the entirety of the last year’s events; plus the stress of the last few months combined, have all contributed to a slight case of burn-out. Although in Tanner’s case maybe brown out is a better word. He’s tired Orrin, and the man has not had near enough downtime over the last year. Now with the threat of retaliations from Chambers‘ followers looming over his head, concern for his family, and the new babies on the way, he just needs some time to reorient himself. Personally, I think he’s more than earned it.”

Orrin went back to his desk, sat down, and began to write.” I cannot give Tanner time-off because he will be testifying as an active MCAT agent; however I can place him on administrative duty only, keeping him available to the U.S .Attorney’s office pending Chambers’s trial.” The Director handed Chris a piece of paper. “These are my official orders Commander; you are not to assign Captain Tanner to an active case until resolution of his status as a witness against Chambers. I do expect him to be available to the prosecutors when necessary; otherwise I leave his unit assignments to your discretion.”

Larabee grinned, the Director had just given him all he needed to protect Vin’s MCAT status, and allow the Texan the time he needed to regroup. “Thank you sir, I’ll make certain your orders are followed to the letter.”

“You do that Chris, and you tell Tanner not to get lazy, I expect him to return to his duties well rested and in top mental form…after the trial.” Orrin chuckled. “Amazing that the time period coincides with the birth of their babies, isn’t it?”

“Yes it is.” Chris smiled, and then added seriously. “This means a lot Orrin. Vin came through for me and for the unit when we needed him, now it’s his turn.”

“You have come through too, Chris. Your preliminary plans for shadow ops are promising, and I'm anxious to see more. I am also pleased with how you have handled your personal challenges, and stepped back into your leadership role." The Director handed him another folder." This is for you.”

Chris opened the file and swallowed hard. Inside was the original order Travis had made placing him on six-month probation status upon his return to MCAT. The stamp across it read ‘rescinded’ in bold red letters. *You made it all the way back Larabee.* “Thank you Orrin…”

Travis waved his hand in the air. “No thanks necessary. You’ve earned it, now get the hell out of here and get to work.” Orrin grinned as he watched the Commander pick up the new case files, and walk out of the room. He whispered to himself. “Welcome back Chris.”

Vin signed them in, and was told by the receptionist that the doctor was running late and would be here in about twenty minutes. She was at the hospital, and has just delivered another baby. He nodded and then joined Kelli in the waiting area.

The Texan knew that Kelli had been nervous about today and he took her hand. “You okay baby?"

“Yes…no…hell. I don’t know. I’ll just be glad when this is over. If the woman wants me to reduce stress, why in the hell did she make us wait to hear the results of last week’s blood test?”

“Maybe it was because she didn’t have the results until now.” Tanner squeezed her hand. “Relax Kel, you’re fine, I’m fine and the babies are gonna be fine too.”

“Mrs. Tanner?" The nurse said, coming to stand at the inner doorway with Kelli's file in her hands. "I'll see you into a room and get you ready for Dr. Weeks. She should be here in about ten minutes or so.”

The Tanners walked hand in hand across the room to join Nurse Patsy at the door. She led them into a room, where she proceeded to take Kelli's vitals and mark down the results in the file. She next moved to one of the cabinets and extracted a gown for Kelli to put on, as well as a blanket.

“You know the routine Kelli. Dr. Weeks will be in to see you the as soon as she arrives.” Patsy told the Tanners before she left the room and closed the door behind her.

Vin helped his wife change out of her clothes and into the gown. Once she was settled on the examination table, he covered her with a blanket the nurse had provided. He had just settled himself back into a chair when the door opened and Dr. Weeks walked in.

“Kelli, Vin, I’m sorry about the delay.” She said as she flipped through Kelli's file.” All your vitals seem just fine, except your blood pressure is slightly elevated, but not enough to be concerned about. I'm sure you are both anxious to hear the results of the Multiple Marker Screening or what we call the triple test that we did last week.”

“We have been a little anxious to learn what the results were.” The Texan told her, and felt Kelli give his hand a hard squeeze. She was the one who had been anxious, not him. Kelli sucked in a breath as Vin tightened his hold on her hand.

“Everything looks good. No, genetic disorders detected, and your babies are at the normal level of growth that they should be in this stage of pregnancy.”

Kelli let out the breath she was holding, and felt a smile begin to form as Vin exclaimed, “Thanks, Doc...You don't know how much hearin' that means to us.”

Dr. Weeks smiled.” Oh, I think I do....now, let's get on with the sonogram.”

It took the doctor a couple of minutes to position the monitor where all three of them could see it, turn on the sonogram machine and place gel onto the paddle she would use to get the picture of the babies. “You’ll notice that this is a little different than the last ultrasound we did. This one is more detailed, and we should get a really good 3D look at the babies”

Tanner leaned forward, eager to get another view of his and Kelli's babies, as Dr. Weeks began to point out features to them. “Here is one of your babies… head, face...torso.”

Kelli felt moisture fill her eyes as she took in the sight of their first baby, and was able to pick out the features of the other one without the doctor having to tell them. A lump formed in Vin's throat as the doctor finished pointing out features to him and Kelli of both babies.

“It appears that there is one placenta, and that tells us that they will be identical instead of fraternal. Are you ready to find out the sex of the babies?” Dr. Weeks waited for their answer.

The Tanners exchanged a look, before Kelli said, “Yes.”

Dr. Weeks moved the paddle around on Kelli's stomach for a few moments, hoping to get a better image of the babies' genital region and finally succeeded. “Your babies are definitely boys.”

“Boys, “Vin whispered, unable to say more. He looked down at Kelli and saw her still staring at the screen as if she were memorizing each tiny detail she could see. “Kel?”

“They are beautiful Vin…our two boys.” Tears rolled down her face and Vin gently wiped them away. “Jason will be thrilled… now we have three sons.”

“We're goin' to have an upset little girl when she finds out all of her 'special talk' to the babies, didn't convince them to be girls.” Tanner chuckled softly.

Dr. Weeks cocked an eyebrow at the Texan's comment. Vin was quick to explain. “A couple of weeks ago, Jason caught me talkin' to the twins. I explained to him, and Andi both, that the babies liked to be talked to, so ever since they've had an ongoin' argument tryin' to convince the babies that they should either be boys or girls.”

The doctor laughed. “You've got your work cut out for you then. I wouldn't be surprised though, that once Andi sets her eyes on the babies that she forgets all about being mad that they weren't girls.”

“Do we get to keep a copy of this one too?” Kelli asked.

“Absolutely, I’ll have it for you before you leave today.” Dr. Weeks stated to turn off the machine.

“Wait, “Vin stopped her. “Can we have just a few more minutes?”

Helen Weeks smiled. “I think that can be arranged.” She moved the paddle to give the parents another look at their boys. After an extra fifteen minutes she turned off the machine and told Kelli to dress and then meet in her office in ten minutes. The doctor left then room, closing the door behind her.

Vin helped Kelli off the table and to dress. Neither had much to say, but both of them grinned each time the looked at one another. Now the work of fixing up the nursery had taken on a whole new outlook. It was not just the babies anymore, it was the boys.

Vin and Kelli had decided over lunch to keep their new knowledge to themselves, at least until they told their older children. It was driving Max crazy, but they stood firm. After the last attack on the ranch, the childcare arrangements had changed while the Tanner home was being repaired. Inez was keeping Adam during the day, and Joanne joined him there after school. Terrell stayed with Rain even during school hours, and Andi usually ended up with Maria sometime later in the morning either here or at the Wilmington's. Today was no exception and they were playing at Maria’s house. Jason was due home in a few minutes, and Casey had promised to pick up Andi when she dropped Joanne off at the Wilmington's. The Tanners still had no idea how they were going to console Andi.

“Will you at least tell me whether or not everything is alright with the babies?” Max asked the Tanners as they all waited.

“I'm sorry, Max...We should have told you that right away.” Kelli said.” Dr. Weeks said that everythin' is just fine. Babies are growin' like they should be an' they are from all indications they are goin' to be identical. You’ll have to see the video Max, they are absolutely beautiful.”

Vin was carefully monitoring the words Kelli was using, ready to step in and cover for her if she started to slip. Kelli, in turn, cocked and eyebrow at him in silent admonishment for him not trusting her to keep from making a slip about the sex of the twins before Jason and Andi were told.

Max was visibly relieved to hear the news.” That's great news. I know that the two of you were worried about how the stress Kelli has been under the past several weeks might have affected the babies.”

There wasn't any more time for them to talk, because the children arrived home. Andi was a miniature whirlwind entering the house, throwing herself at Vin first for a hug, before bouncing over to receive another one from Kelli. Jason followed after her at a more sedate pace, but with a wide smile on his face when he saw his parents. Casey came in and was greeted much the same way by Lilah and Daisy. As she hugged her girls, she gave Kelli a questioning look.

“Everythin' is fine. We’ll talk later okay?” Kelli nodded to the kids, and Casey received her unspoken message.

“I’ll see you guys later. It’s time for me to take these two little imps home. Call me.” Casey helped each of the girls on with their jackets and then left.

Jason was excited. “Do we know yet?”

“Yeah, do we Daddy?’ Andi yelled.

Until this moment Tanner was not certain how they were going to tell the kids, and then Kelli’s words about Max seeing the babies repeated in his head. “We are goin' to watch a movie.” He stood up. “Come on Max, you too.”

Kelli realized what Vin was talking about and thought it was an excellent idea. “The best way we know how to introduce you to our new family members is by seein' for yourself.”

Jason looked at Andi and shrugged his shoulders. “Okay, but then will y’all tell us?”

“I promise.” Vin herded everyone into the family room and turned on the television. While he set up the video, he explained to the children what they would be seeing. “Through the miracle of modern technology, we were able to actually see the babies while they are still inside your mama. The machine is called an ultrasound and gives us a three dimensional picture of the babies. Now you can see them too.” He inserted the tape and pushed play.

Andi sat on Kelli’s lap, and watched intently as the pictures appeared on the screen. “That’s our babies?”

“Yep, see this is baby A.” Vin outlined the head and heard Max gasps as she clearly saw the face.

“Lord, they have come a long way on these things. I can even see the facial features on that one.” Max was riveted to the screen.

“They have. This is baby B and according to the doctor they are identical.” Vin explained.

“Denicle? What does that mean?” Andi studied the movie she was seeing.

“It means they will both look alike, right dad?” Jason tentatively answered.

“That's right Jason.” The Texan noticed that Kelli was studying the images just as intently as Andi.

“They look like baby dolls.” Andi said as she looked from the television to her mama’s tummy in awe.

“They do don’t they Sugar?” Kelli hugged her daughter closer and looked over to Vin as he encouraged her to keep talking. “These two are gonna be boys, but I promise that you are gonna love havin’ them around, and they are gonna love their big sister.”

“I'm gonna be a big sister? You mean I get to boss them the way Jason does me?” Andi grinned. “I get to boss two little brothers! Wow!” Andi looked over at the video again, and as she absorbed her new knowledge. She forgot all about wanting the babies to be girls. “When do we get them?”

It won’t be for a while, but you can talk to them anytime you want to.” Vin added, as he meet Kelli’s eyes, both were relieved that Andi was not upset.

“Brothers…I’m gonna have two brothers.” Jason grinned.” Can I tell Caleb? He only has sisters.”

“I reckon you can tell him, and anyone else you want to” Vin smiled, very pleased by the children’s reaction. He shut off the video and moved over to sit beside Jason. “Of course you know that it will be up to you and me to teach them about how special their sister is…and their mama.”

“Congratulations on your new sons, and thank you for sharing this with me. I hope you will let Walter see it, too.” Max said as she wiped her eyes.

“Of course we will. Walter, Dad … shoot, I bet Vin will be showin’ it to everyone sooner or later.” Kelli replied, purposely ignoring Max’s obvious tears. She knew Max did not like to show emotion, and would never embarrass the older woman by commenting on her reaction.

Max stood up. “While Grace is still napping, I am going to feed these two little ones. You get some rest too, Missy.” A happy Jason and Andi left the room with Max, while Kelli moved over to where Vin sat.

The Texan put an arm around her and drew her close to his side. “I think we just avoided another potential catastrophe." Vin chuckled. “Nice move with the big sister angle. How did you know Andi would latch onto it?”

“I didn’t, but it seemed like the natural thing to point out.” Kelli leaned into her husband and yawned. “Andi will be a wonderful big sister”

“Yeah she will. Our baby boys are lucky to have Jason and Andi waiting for ‘em.” Tanner shifted and grabbed Kelli’s hand. “Five minutes and you’ll be asleep right here. Come on love, I think you’ll be more comfortable on our bed.” He helped her up and wrapped an arm around her waist as they walked. “I bet that you and I won’t have a chance to tell anyone about the boys, by nightfall everyone in the family should know, thanks to Jason, and Andi.”

“No bet Tanner, and forget nightfall, I only give it two hours before the entire Wild Bunch knows.”

It took a little longer than two hours, only because Jason and Andi had limited use of the phone. They were however waiting for their Uncle Chris when he came to the house after work to pick up Grace. Watching out the window their both yelled when they saw the black Ram pull in front of the house, and would have run outside, if Vin had not stopped them.

“Whoa there, it’s too cold for y’all to be runnin’ outside with no jackets or shoes on. He’ll be inside in a minute, and then you can spring on him.” Vin leaned back against the kitchen counter to watch the fun.

Chris barely had the door opened before he was attacked by the two little Tanners. “Uncle Chris, guess what?” Jason started.

Catching Andi as she jumped up, Chris placed his arm around Jason’s shoulder Chris smiled. “What?”

“I’m a big sister!” Andi shrieked while nodding her head affirmatively.

“Yeah she is and we’re havin’ two new brothers!” Jason grinned, delighted that he was the one to tell his Uncle.

Larabee looked over Jason’s head at Tanner. *Boys?*

*Yep, and they’re identical.* The Texan grinned.*Mama and babies are fine.*

“You wanna see?” Andi tugged of Chris’s shirt. “We got pictures.”

“Sure, lead on Sugar.” Larabee set her down and she led him to the family room, and then waited for her daddy to turn on the VCR.

“This is cool, Uncle Chris, we can see ‘em and they’re not even born yet.” Jason explained to his uncle. “It’s a miracle of modern…tec… what that word Dad?”

“Technology Jason,” Tanner pushed play, and then moved to sit down while the kids narrated for their Uncle Chris. Vin was impressed with how much of what he had said that they remembered.

Chris watched the screen, the kids, and his brother. He had no doubt about how much Vin loved Jason, and Andi, but he knew that the Texan had to be ecstatic to find out that he had fathered two boys of his own blood with the woman he loved. It was a natural reaction, and Larabee well understood the feeling. He also knew that when it came down to it, blood ties were not what it took to make a good dad. Jack had never given those kids what they needed, Tanner had, and much more. Jason, Andi, and their two brothers would truly be a family in all the ways that mattered. Besides, they would still be blood related through Kelli; she was after all their biological cousin, before she became their mom. The video ended, but it was another fifteen minutes before the two young siblings ran out of steam, and left the men alone where they could talk.

“I’m glad to see the kids reacting so well. I thought for sure Andi would be upset if they babies were boys.” Chris stated as Vin got up to rewind the tape and put it up.

“You and me both, but she likes the idea of bossin’ around two younger brothers.” Vin shut off the television. “I think you are one of the last to know. Jason told Caleb, who told Sarah, who told her mother. Inez called Rain, who called Mallory, who, called Casey…well you get the picture.”

“Who needs TV and newspapers when the kids are around?” Chris stood up and walked with Vin into the kitchen. “Travis lifted my probation today. It’s finally over.”

“Damn that’s good news. Chris, you worked hard to get you life back, and you deserve it.” Tanner grinned. “Course now Kel will have to move the celebration party she planned for you, but I doubt she’ll mind.”

“I don’t need a party; just making it to this point is enough for me.”

“You tell her that then, because I won’t. One thing I have learned over the last couple of months is not to upset a pregnant woman.” Vin laughed. “If you’re brave enough, go ahead and tell her, but you had best know she has her mind set.”

Chris thought about it and grinned. “I suppose a small party wouldn’t hurt anything.” Larabee reach in his jacket pocket and handed Vin an envelope.” These are your orders Captain Tanner.”

Vin hesitantly took the envelope. “Chris I told you…”

“Just read the damn thing.” Chris snapped. “You will conduct training classes two days a week, four hours each day from Camp Larabee. You will not be assigned to any active cases, and will be on admin status only until after Chambers’s trial.”

Tanner nodded, “Thanks Chris.”

“You’re welcome. Now, where is my baby daughter?”

“Right here,” Max walked into the room carrying Grace. The baby squealed with delight when she saw her Daddy and waved her arms excitedly.

“Hey baby girl. “Chris smiled when she did and then looked over to Vin. “Tell my eldest, I’ll talk to her later. I’m going home to tell Cody that he is going to have two boy cousins his own age to grow up with.”

“Lord help us all, another generation of Larabee and Tanner men.” Max laughed. ”One thing is for sure, with three new boys coming, in addition to the clan we have already, there won’t be many dull moments around the Larabee 7 over the next few years.”