When It Hits The Fan

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When It Hits The Fan!

By: Lorraine B.

Ó 2003

All Rights Reserved

I had just finished packing the Class A Motorhome that I was to take on my vacation. I decided on an extended vacation after being forced to do so by my partner that was also my sister in our business. Checking over the fishing gear, I planned on hitting the lake and eventually to drop the proverbial line into it. We, my sister and I, owned two ladies apparel shops and a clothing factory and it seemed that I was always in the stores. All I wanted to do was to see our business succeed, and it has been thus far. I know that the first thing crossing your minds is that I'm kind of kinky, well maybe, but who doesn't have a quirk or two in them. Granted that I have crossed dressed for a time, at school, parties, Halloween and in my younger years but that was where I drew the line, although it isn't too straight of a line. Okay, I have had Bisexual relationships in my past and sexually I am passive. Even though currently I am almost in my mid twenties, five foot nine, still have a good build for a woman. I have all my thick, brown hair and pearly white teeth. I didn't have a woman to warm my bed or me to warm anyone's bed of either gender. Oh well, that in time will happen, although possibilities are very remote.

Locking up the Motorhome I went back into the house and called my sister, Joyce, on the cellphone. We spoke briefly, I secured the house and then I was on my merry way, yeah, sure. While I drove I thought of all the things I'd see and do with this Diesel Fuel Hog I was driving, all forty plus feet of the damn thing. Okay so I wasn't too pleased, but you see this Fiberglas Monster was a birthday gift this year from my sister, her husband, Devon, along with Eddie and Carol, my nephew and niece. For the past several weeks Joyce, Devon and the kids had helped their bachelor, Uncle Marion, check over and pack this damn thing up.

After several hours of driving I arrived at my stop, Magic Lake State Park and Campgrounds. Checking in at the Ranger's Station I paid for a week, got a fishing license and I was given a site and lake map, rules of the park and given directions to my campsite by the lady that was behind the desk that kept calling me Miss. or Ma'am and that angered me somewhat. What was the woman, blind? Or am I too effeminate?

I had to admit I was impressed with the campsite when I arrived having power, water, sewer and local telephone hookups for the Monster. The Camp Ground had all the amenities I could ask for. I also had a bike and feet to walk with to get to the Campground store. I was further impressed that my campsite was so close to the water's edge and had a picnic table and a grill. All I thought of was very little housework, a few dishes, and laundry; now that I could live with. I hooked up everything, pulled out the sixteen-foot, inflatable Zodiac boat, batteries and electric motor and filled the boat up with air from the Monster's electric compressor. It was then I heard the wildlife scurrying in the brush and the fish jumping as they caught their meals in the water. Maybe Joyce was correct that I did need this vacation? Who knows maybe I'll even get laid? I just know that's wishful thinking.

In a few hours I had completed the setup of the campsite to the point of being ready to start fishing in the morning and to cook my evening meal. I was coming back from where I tied up the boat, when out of the corner I spotted something with a bushy tail that was black with a very white stripe and very little. I stopped what I was doing, seeing the critter coming toward me and seeing it was a baby skunk. It had and showed no fear of humans and hissed as it came closer to me. When suddenly it stopped, turned around and raised its bushy tail. When the tail went up I hauled ass into the lake just as it sprayed me. It got the clothing I wore, shorts, shirt, and sneakers, all of it including me. All I want you to know is that it sure as hell wasn't Chanel Number Five, White Shoulders or anything that pleasant it sprayed. Damnit I stunk! That little SOB had the audacity to come to the lakeshore, take a drink of the water, saw my body bobbing in the water as I floated and sprayed me again. I was beyond angry at this point when I saw and heard the laughter of a male Ranger with him saying, "The babies are the worst stinkers, I smelled the odor a mile back and hurried over. The name's Neil Babcock, I'm the senior Ranger in charge here."

I looked toward the voice seeing a good looking, well tanned, physically fit man close to six foot tall, about my age that was walking toward me with me saying, "That little…Ah, stinker got me twice and I really stink." In the back of my mind I thought that if I was a woman I jump his bones, oh hell even as a man I'd jump his bones.

"Yep, you sure do, ma'am. I suggest you bury those clothes, everything. I'll head over to the Lodge Station and get you what we use. In the meantime just throw those clothes up on the bank and head to your shower; don't worry no one will see your bare butt. I'll be back in about five minutes, once I turn over the shift to another Ranger." Watching the Ranger leave, I took off my clothes in the water, every stitch I had on and threw them onto the bank. I then ran back to the Monster hoping I wouldn't be seen. Once inside I turned on the exhaust fans and ran to get some clothes along with a shower.

I found a robe in the bathroom; my sister's robe or like hers, with my robe nowhere in sight. Going through the closets, storage and drawers all I found was women's clothing, accessories and shoes with none of my stuff to be found, it was all Joyce's stuff, I thought angrily. This was not in the least bit funny I thought as my cellphone rang that I answered gruffly.

"Hi Marion, how's the vacation so far?" Joyce asked happily with me saying, "Joyce where the hell are my clothes?"

"In the Motorhome, that's where the kids and I put them last night, I think, why?" Joyce said with me saying, "Sis did you ever take your clothes out of here? Let me answer that, hell no! The kids and you saw the stuff on board and assumed I packed my own stuff, now I'm standing here stark ass naked with nothing available but your things and you know what? Screw it, I'm gonna wear them until I get on the road again to buy some clothes." I said angrily with Joyce saying, "So, they're only clothes, use them and I know they'll all fit you and make that sweet body of yours look gorgeous Sis. Now why the hell are you naked?"

"I found a boyfriend and he just screwed my brains out! Damnit Sis, I was sprayed by a skunk! Hell Sis, I even had to jump in the lake, and then the little bastard got me again. The Ranger went to get some sort of chemical they use for the smell. I might even have to use your perfume tonight." I said as Joyce laughed hysterically with her saying, "Marion Honey, I'm so sorry for the mix up, I should have checked everything myself in what was being done. Just use anything I have in there as you've always have. And Honey, please wear a clean bra and panty set every day, especially for your new boyfriend."

"That was not in the least bit funny Sis, for those remarks I want a complete inventory done, the accounts payable, the new line sketches and I want it all emailed to me." I said angrily with her saying, "We did it Sugar, now be a good girl and get laid. It's been too long for you sweetie to not enjoy life." She said sweetly and disconnected me. Joyce was treating this situation as a joke, a lark, which it certainly was not. At least not for me!

I grabbed the necessary items of clothing from the dresser, then the closets and ran to the shower. I placed all those items onto the sink and walked into the shower; grabbing a bottle of liquid soap and applied it to my body from my face to my toes excluding my pubes, hair and eyebrows. I prayed that the smell would leave or at the very least be somewhat covered up. I smiled to myself not smelling the odor, when suddenly I felt as if my skin was on fire, throwing on the water that turned out to be cold water. I froze my keester off, as the water flowed over my body. But at least the fire was gone and so was my slight body hair, right down the drain. I grabbed the bottle and read it; it was a chemical depilatory! The only difference between Nair and this stuff was it was permanent. I groaned to myself as I watched my hair, what little I had was gone from my body and face, going down the drain. However, at least some of the skunk smell was gone.

There was a knock at the door and the sound of footsteps that stopped at the bathroom saying, "Marion, here's that stuff we use, I'll wait outside for you." How in the hell did he know my name? Oh yeah, the registry I signed, I thought as I grabbed the bottle he left. Opening the bottle, the contents smelled as bad as the skunk spray, but at this point I would try anything. I applied the stuff everywhere noticing how free my body was of the hair I used to have. I could live with anything or at least almost, even my sister!

Following the directions I left the stuff on for ten minutes and used the rose scented liquid soap to rinse it off with the smell predominately gone. It worked, it really, really worked, but now I smelled and felt like my sister does!

I turned off the water, dried off and studied my face and body in the full-length mirror. My skin looked soft and supple with no body hair anywhere except for the pubes, eyebrows and my long brown hair. I saw the mounds of flesh that I've always had on my chest, which I hid. They were always a source of embarrassment since I was a kid unless I was dressed as a female, then I was proud to have them. I recalled one girl broke up with me because my tits were bigger than hers and my penis was so small she called it a clitoris. Oh well, If you've got them, flaunt them! Hey baby, how about oral sex? Hey big boy, how about drilling for Brown Gold?

Opening the medicine cabinet I grabbed the scented bath powder and hit everywhere I could, until I smelled the strong smell of roses. I looked at the container and read the label that said Rose Scented Bath Talc. It was too late to do anything about it now. I dried my hair with the Hair Dryer when it started to curl as it dried. I reached over to the shower storage rack and read the shampoo bottle that said; add the heat of your hair dryer to your hair and you will have the most luxurious perm you have ever had that will last for weeks with repeated use. I was to the point I didn't care after I saw my sister Joyce looking back in the mirror.

Joyce and I have body similarities as do most siblings but the major difference is she is a girl by birth and I'm a… I think, a boy, only by now I have my doubts and have always had those doubts. I have to admit that Joyce is very pretty at five foot nine, brunette hair, brown eyes, one hundred and twenty five pounds, with a 34C-25-35 figure after two kids. She gets a good screwing from her husband each night and is a year older than me. I know for a fact I can pass for her and have done so at social events in the past, after she goaded me into it.

I grabbed the white lace panties and drew them up my legs feeling the satiny and lace material making me shudder. I stepped into the khaki shorts that fit me as well as they did her. I pulled on the dark blue and white stripped pullover blouse seeing the two thin straps on my shoulders and seated my mounds of flesh into the built in bra shelves. I grabbed the one-inch, low-heeled, blue criss-cross sandals with the closed back and slid them onto my feet. I looked into the mirror again seeing Joyce's face and I swore softly. I smiled into the mirror after I saw my cleavage and how well I looked. Going back to the bedroom I used her tweezers to clean up my brows, used her nail kit, polished both hands and feet to a deep red gloss then I used some of her makeup that I remembered how to use from all the times in the past. I used her perfume and went to the front and out the door after getting the bottle of goop Neil brought.

Coming out of the door Neil stood up as his mouth dropped down with him saying, "My lord, she looks like a girl and even smells like one now and not a skunk. I buried those clothes in the woods for you."

"Why thank you, now since you did all those things for me, how about supper?" I said as I handed him back the goop with him agreeing to stay. For some reason, as I cooked and we ate the meal, I became physically attracted to this man. It was to the point of us acting like school kids as we walked the shoreline hand in hand. Let me get one thing straight, I am not promiscuous it's just …….Oh hell this guy was a sweetheart, a real keeper, a real gentleman. When we returned to the Monster he gave me a kiss, not the type of kiss you give a relative, but the type that tickled your tonsils and warmed your insides. We both secured the campsite for the night and he kissed me again with me going inside the Monster and him going back home I assumed.

I sat on the couch and crossed my legs thinking of the past evening; things fell into prospective about my life. We all refuse to think about things we've done, which we shouldn't have done, when suddenly those thoughts come back and bite us in the ass. Neil's wonderful kisses, school, those social events and Halloween parties flooded my brain each and every one of those memories came back into my mind in torrents.

I picked up the cellphone and dialed Joyce's number with Eddie answering and me telling him I needed to speak to his mother. The insolent little shit called his mother telling her that Auntie Marion was calling, I smiled but I was still confused about my thoughts.

In seconds Joyce was on the phone with me saying, "Auntie Marion, huh? Well Sis considering the way I'm dressed and what I did it's apropos for the evening."

"Oh no, you didn't? Not even twenty four hours as a girl again and you got laid." She said laughing as I told her everything I did from the shower to Neil. She was laughing so hard she took the telephone into the bathroom, speaking to me as she used the conveyance in her bathroom with her saying, "He sounds cute, but remember we aren't kids anymore playing dress-up Sis. All men have feelings Girl."

"I know Joyce! I'm so scared that all those hours of therapy were wasted. If Mom and Dad find out about everything it will kill them. This is how I should be and that I fought so hard not to be lately."

"Sweetie, Carol, Eddie, Devon and I are coming there to be with you. The girls will manage at the stores and factory without us. Promise me you won't do anything rash, we'll be there as soon as we can. We love you Sis." Joyce said as I was close to tears.

"Thanks Joyce, I'll try to get some sleep and then get up early to fish. I'll see you when you get here. I love all of you." I said as I disconnected, replaced the phone in the charger and went to the bedroom to undress nearly crying. Oh hell, I bawled, going back to my bedroom

Finding a short pink nightgown and panties I put them on after I took off the clothes I was wearing. Going to the front of the Monster I secured it for the night, went the bathroom and removed the makeup still smelling the feminine fragrance of the perfume. That was when I heard a knock at the door.

Grabbing a robe I went to the door after looking at the security camera monitor seeing that it was Neil. I opened the door, inviting him in him and the mosquitoes out with him saying, "Sorry about bothering you…"

"You didn't, I was still awake, Neil."

"Well, I've broken a hell of a lot of rules today being with you…anyway, I have the next several days off…Ah, did I tell you I'm a single Daddy of two, my mother takes care of them while I work." Neil stuttered bashfully with me thinking he looked like a certain actor of old, Gary Cooper. I felt so sorry for the man after all he did was try to help me saying, "Honey, I've been your girlfriend for over a year and your children are always welcome to be with us and you'd better tell your Mom." At that Moment I had dug my grave deeper when I saw his smile with him saying, "Miss Marion, thank you…"

"Yeah well, it's just Marion Morrison. Tell your mother and the children to come see me. However I intend to be out on the lake early for a few hours, a girl has to eat." I said as I kissed his cheek and smiled at the poor man giving him my cellphone number. I swear the man perked up immediately, gave me a hot kiss and ran from the Monster with his feet a foot off of the ground, as he ran to his SUV. Re-locking up the Monster I reset the security monitors, turned off the lights, went back to my bedroom, took off my robe and climbed between the pink satin sheets and fell asleep.

I dreamt of many years ago of Joyce and I as we played together as children. We had a tea party and I was dressed in her red multi flowered dress, red tights and black patent Mary Janes. I held a doll in my arms while sipping Kool-Aid from the toy plastic cups with my hair into a ponytail held by a wide red ribbon tied into a bow. I saw my face that had the look of being content as we conversed, as two little girls with each other. The bedroom wasn't familiar at first until I remembered it was in our Dad's parent’s home and I heard the front door open and close. I heard the heavy footsteps go into the kitchen and we became excited. We both ran from the room to the kitchen to our Gramps that just came home. I forgot how I was dressed and did the same things Joyce did to him, such as a big kiss and a hug. When I saw his facial expression go from confusion to anger and back to being just Gramps with him saying, "Marion, boys don't wear dresses…"

"I know Gramps, I do because I'm not a boy." I said seeing his face grow red and Grams keeping quiet, as Joyce and I left the kitchen going back to the bedroom. I heard the argument they had and then him calling Dad and Mom telling them what he saw as he yelled into the telephone at them. I was called a multitude of names over the telephone that made me go to the corner and cry, not even knowing what they meant. Joyce closed and locked the door, came to me and held me to her, as the tears flowed down my cheeks and into the material of the dress I wore. We both heard the angry words of more adults that sounded like Momma and Daddy with someone trying to get into the room finding out it was locked. Joyce saw my terror and held me closer to her when the door crashed open splintering the wood and Daddy came inside the room followed by Momma. He came to us and picked us up into his arms, carried us from the house and placed us into the car's back seat saying, "Smooth out your dresses ladies, I'll be right back." Daddy left us with Momma coming to the car, she flashed us a motherly smile when Daddy came back holding his bloodied nose. Momma made him sit in the passenger seat and drove us all to the hospital. After several hours Daddy came from a room with bandages on his nose, came to us, smiled and nasally said, "I love you all, now let's go home."

In the car going home Momma asked me questions while Daddy listened and Joyce sometimes answering for me with Daddy nasally saying, "Marion honey, Momma and I feel that if you're this way now no matter what we say or other's might say, you'll always be the girl we see now. I want you to remember that there are very mean and cruel people around but Mommy and Daddy love you both very much."

"Is Gramps one of those people? We heard the fighting on the phone that made my sister cry." Joyce said with Daddy saying, "I'm afraid so kids, he broke my nose because I had to protect you from his words and anger. You see Gramps grew up during a time that there was no open-mindedness about people and their differences, back then either you were a boy or a girl, not a girl pretending to be a boy or a boy pretending to be a girl…"

"But Daddy I am a girl! I've always been a girl!" I said emphatically with Mommy softly saying, "Baby we know, it's just that some people can't understand why a boy would want to be a girl or the other way around. All Daddy and I care about is you and Joyce being yourselves. Dress any way you want at home or when we go out, but right now for school you have to wear what I lay out for you."

Chapter 2

I awoke with a start as those and many repressed memories poured forward as I lay in the bed drenched with perspiration. Looking at the clock I saw it was time to get up any way. Getting up from the bed I made my way to the galley, made my coffee while I turned on the television for the morning news and weather from the satellite dish on the roof of the Monster.

Leaving the news feed on I collected my clothes for the day and placed them into the bath area. Going back to the galley I turned off the television seeing the same old crap was being transmitted. Turning the weather radio on I heard the day was to be close to perfect. Then I tuned in the stereo system finding a station that played soft rock. That was when I noticed the several deer grazing nearby, as I raised the blinds in the living room seating area. It was a wonderful sight to watch these shy, timid creatures as I smiled watching them. It was going to be a perfect day, not too hot and not too cool, I thought as I went to take my shower.

Taking off my nightgown I looked in the mirror seeing Joyce in it and then realizing it was I that stood before it. I looked down after seeing my pitiful manhood knowing I could never help to conceive a new life yet that was my choice when I was a child of ten.

I was possessed to become a girl to the point of self-mutilation, which I succeeded in doing that brought me to the couch of many psychiatrists. Anyway Momma's mother had Passed On when we all had to clean out her house for the sale of it. Much of her things were given to Joyce and me from her clothing and jewelry to the many footlocker and steamer trunks that contained clothing from Mom, Grams and Great Grams. I had to laugh as I saw flapper dresses, wool skirt suits, silk pantsuits, lounge wear and much of the other things a woman and girl would wear from the nineteen twenties to the styles that seemed to come from the future. Okay, as children, Joyce and I were in dress-up heaven as we explored those trunks. It was then I found many books about herbal drugs for women. We found many boxes that contained female hormones, birth control pills and sexual devices that I hid and kept.

I read all the books, as I ingested the pills after I read about what they would do to my body. I saw my body changing at the onslaught of puberty into the mirror image of Joyce and Mom's bodies lacking only just the indoor plumbing and the entrance to the baby maker. I hid these physical changes and physical pain from everyone along with the pain I had mentally in my quest. I hid the mental changes from the shrinks knowing full well they would tell all those in my family world what I had done. I was adept at forging the notes from school and doctors names for the physicals I never had but said I did, until one Halloween when Joyce had a date to a party with a boy she cared about. However she had to find a date for his friend. That boy was Devon and I went through hell from Joyce to the point I finally agreed with her plan, as all of her girlfriends left her high and dry saying emphatically no to any Blind Dates.

It was three months before the party, the theme of the party was the Roaring Twenties and damn did we have the clothing for that period from Flappers to Auntie Mame style loungers, gowns, suits and lingerie. Sis wasn't the greatest seamstress but I always watched Mom and helped her in the sewing room making sure I learned as I watched. She was such a good teacher that I even went as far as designing and crafting clothing for the plays in grade school much to the amazement of many teachers, that kept quiet about my skills. It was decided a long time ago when we got the clothing that they would be stored and never used except to copy the designs from. In our achieve I found the right style of Flapper dress for her and came across a delightful silk pant lounger creation of the deepest magenta, with the most delicate of embroidered flowers and lace that I had ever seen before. It was two pieces, one essentially a body or jumpsuit at the top that had very little back and a very deep vee in the front to show off a ladies assets that was made in closed eyelet lace. It flowed from the waist creating the façade of a dress or evening gown, that were in fact slacks made of silk material. The cover up was essentially a cocoon style duster that went to the floor with batwing sleeves, but the arms went into sleeves of feminine lace that gave the illusion of the lady wearing opera style gloves if she wore the gloves I found.

I got to work making the basic flapper dress in an emerald green color and heavy gold in a brocaded fabric, but the fringe was all hand made with designs of glass beading of clear, green, silver, gold, dark blue, red and black. When the lady that wore the dress stood still the fringe showed the designs of many male peacocks with their plumaged unfolded to attract a mate. The hem was four inches above the knee and the bodice was deeply cut to show a great deal. I surprised Joyce by even finding the shoes made in a similar brocaded designs and color for her. I added smaller glass beaded peacocks to the toes and beaded her a clutch purse and feathered headband with those same peacocks. Later I added a second pair of shoes that were three inch, high heeled, suede, Mary Janes doing the same beadwork to them as the brocaded shoes. I added a green, feathered boa to the creation to be wrapped around the neck or draped on her delicate shoulders and flapper head dress. It was a work of art when I finally had her try it on that made her cry and Mother moan at the sensuality of the costume knowing if she wasn't careful she'd lose her virginity to any boy around.

Once I had finished Joyce's creation I began mine but I needed Joyce's help with my measurements. I made her promise that what she was about to see she had to keep quiet about or I'd take the scissors or a razor blade to her costume. When I said that she knew I was serious and something was up. I undressed before her taking off the loose clothing I wore exposing the white, high cut legged panties. She saw the almost flat front I had, but then as I took off my sweater and she saw the bindings around my chest and she softly cried for the pain I must have had from the bindings. She helped me remove them and took my measurements with us seeing that my dress size was the same as hers along with much of everything else. In that short amount of time Joyce and I spoke like very close sisters to her disclosing that she wanted babies and Devon to be their father. I wasn't at all shocked by her revelation, not after she had practically begged for my help because of Devon. I was getting dressed when she slipped from the room and came back with a sports bra, just as I was beginning to rebind myself. She took the bindings and helped me into the black sports bra and matching panty and then kissed me on my cheek. I knew my secret was safe from that moment on or so I thought.

I worked hard on my costume that included a modified electric blue, laced bandeau bra, panties with that I embroidered vibrant colored tropical parrots on the bra cups and the panties. I used stretch lace for the bodice, in black and then constructed the flowing pants in a shiny nylon and rayon fabric. My duster was the proverbial pain in the ass! But then when I completed it, it was breath taking, having created a complete jungle aviary scene from glass beads. Two very large Toucans stood on their tree perches on each side of the duster in front, as the jungle came alive around the duster with the body of a black panther on my back, taking a break from hunting for a meal near a stream and drinking the cool water, dipping it's tongue into the water. I found a pair of sequined multi colored sling backed pumps with a two-inch heel. I then designed a flapper style hat that went from my forehead peak to the neck and used the sequined pattern and colors of the shoes. Then I beaded a small purse with a toucan sitting on a branch. Once the outfit was finished I was pleased with the results that I hid from everyone in the house.

One day I needed some final measurements and I had my breasts bound with Joyce in the room. I undressed again when Joyce saw me bound up. She began to cry again that was when Mom heard her in the kitchen. Mom came back to the sewing room, she looked at her and me, as we held each other when she closely saw the bindings on my chest and the mounds that were flattened and left the room. When she returned she held a pair of bandage scissors with rounded tips and a bra. She cut those bindings from my body saying, "Marion, how…" I sat down and cried as the pain from my breasts receded and they both stood in their majestic beauty of all womanhood before them. Mom kept quiet as she placed a lacy brassiere on me giving me the support I really needed.

"Mom, it's just…Damnit Mom I'm a girl!" I said finally composing myself with her saying, "Sugar, do you think I'm blind? I need to know how you did it, not the whys of how you did it? And dear we know you are a girl." I told Mom everything, from the pharmaceutical stash I had, to the research I had done on the subjects of hormone replacement. I also included the forgeries of signatures that I had done. There was no yelling at me just that look of your butt is mine now sweetie.

She and Joyce hugged me with her saying, "Girl, when Daddy comes home I think that little rounded butt of yours is going to be so warm you'll be able to start a fire without the kindling. Why on earth didn't you come to me so we could talk?"

"Mom that psychologist does nothing but have me talk to him and he's getting rich from us. I saw how Joyce's body was changing and how she was starting to look like you, that's what I wanted! I thought you wouldn't listen, I'm tired of all the talking and that fool trying to change my mind about who and what I am."

"Okay, that saves us the co-payment for the insurance company and that psychologist's bull to us, but don't you realize that the risks you took…"

"Mom I knew the risks I took and I feel they were well worth it. I felt pretty lousy from hiding everything, but I'm as close to being a girl as I can get without the surgery. I was tired of all the words and I wanted action."

"That young lady is what you have certainly got, action. The damage, I think is done from what I can see. Tomorrow we, all of us girls will go see our Gyne. Right now I want to see both of you in your costumes, that I know my seamstress and creative daughters have completed." Mom said giving us both a kiss and leaving the room. I knew I was beyond the point of screwed but Mom was always the one to make Dad see clearly any judgments we made, good or bad.

Joyce and I went into her room carrying the costumes I had made for us. I helped her into the emerald green satin and lace lingerie I made for her, from the panties to the half-slip, which included black silk seamed stockings I found and then embroidered the peacocks at her ankles. I heard her moans of excitement as she drew her stockings on and up her curvaceous legs, all the while smiling at me. I saw her surprise when she saw the peacocks I sewed into her stockings.

I then put on my lingerie from the Electric Blue, laced, bandeau style bra that hooked at my waist giving me the bareback look that I wanted to the laced garter-belt I wore to the Electric Blue high cut, laced and satin panties. I drew up the electric blue, silk, back seamed stockings attaching them to the laced Garter Belt now knowing exactly how Joyce felt in their sensualness. Joyce did our hair and makeup and then helped me get into my jumpsuit/lounger and I helped her into her dress. Next was the jewelry of emerald colored stones for her and sapphires or blue stones for me: that I had found in several resale and antique shops. The last items were her headdress, gloves, and boa. Then it was my chapeau that I had added a finely woven veil that went to my mouth and attaching the removable lace sleeves and lace kid gloves. We were ready in an hour with her and I being pleased at the results of my hard labors and her makeup skills, as we placed our shoes onto our feet and picked up our purses.

Mom was in the living room when she saw us come from the bedroom as her jaw dropped to the floor with her racing to the telephone and making several excited telephone calls. She took numerous pictures of us in various poses, some demur and others risqué all the while marveling at my created works.

The doorbell rang several times as she took the pictures with several close neighbors coming inside. The final coup de grace was our Grams and Gramps that we had not seen since Daddy's broken nose episode. They both looked us over very closely as they came closer. I was about to go run, but Joyce held my hand firmly into her hand when Gramps came and kissed both our cheeks with me being the first saying, "You made those costumes, huh Marion? I can see you get your talent from all the women in the family young lady. Both you girls will be a hit with all the boys on that night." Did I hear the old bigot correctly? I was at a loss for words and then said, "But Gramps the last time I wore a ……"

"A dress, I know I went crazy. I hurt you all and physically hurt your Dad. We all hurt each other that day. Grams was going to divorce me unless I learned to be tolerant. Damnit girl, I saw shrinks, I read anything I could and I learned. Your father, mother, Grams and I all learned that word tolerance together because of you girls." We smiled and kissed our Grandparents with Mrs. Beyers, a close neighbor saying, "Andrea dear neighbor of mine and very close friend, if Marion and Joyce did those outfits I want one, I don't care what they charge for it." With those words all the women gushed and The House of Fashions was born.

I had to admit that that we were beyond ourselves when Daddy walked into the house. He was used to seeing me in Mom and Joyce's clothes as well as my own clothing, but the real shock to him was seeing Gramps and me together. He came over to us offering his hand to Gramps, which he took and pulled his son to him and hugged him. The family war was over but the peace was breached over and over again later, but at least for now the family was intact. I complied with Mom and the Gyne, was placed on a Hormone regimen and got a shot in my butt; after she saw the results of my blood tests and my body. Screw that psychologist and his garbage talk about reverting. I was at last happy!

I was distressed when we arrived home from school one day after Joyce had showed the Home Ec, Mrs. Stempic her teacher, our costumes for a grade on them. I should say I was dragged into that classroom later in the week kicking and screaming, since it was Joyce's class and not mine. Mrs. Stempic was amazed at the quality of the work and the thought that had gone into their design when Joyce spilled the beans that all she did was help me. She sent Joyce after me with a note to Mr. Vickers, the art teacher to read.

In minutes she was at the door with him seeing her, turning over the class to a practice teacher. He went into the corridor and spoke to her for several minutes. I was then called from the room with him escorting us to the Home Ec room with no words being said. On entering the room a young woman was seated with her being Mrs. Stempic and saying, "I want to see those costumes on you and not the dummies." I saw the smiles of all the girls, every last one of them in that class and the looks of disbelief on the two teacher's faces. I was about to bolt from the room! It was only Joyce's hand on my shoulder that stopped me as a few of her friends, like all of the girls, volunteered to help us get ready in the girls' bathroom. I was dragged forcibly by no less than twenty girls into that powder room and I left the heel and toe marks of my shoes on the floors to prove I was dragged. If I could have used my longish, claw like nails to stop my forward progression I would have done so. Up until that time only the family and my doctor had ever seen my body and now I was about to become the laughing stock of the school.

Once inside the girls blocked the doors making my escape impossible as they tore off my clothes seeing my pink panties and my bandages about my chest. A few girls giggled and laughed with one calling me a faggot, as I was thrown forcibly to the floor on my back, until my bandages were cut off. That's when they all exhaled deeply with Susan one of Joyce's friends saying, "Damn those knockers are bigger than most of ours. I am so jealous! Marion they are gorgeous!"

"Yep and they're both home grown ladies, now kindly help me up from the cold floor and allow me to dress." I said smiling as hands came from everywhere to help us dress from our lingerie to our makeup just as I helped Joyce many times before. The hands flew at speeds unbeknownst to normal man or woman, as the hair, nails, makeup and jewelry was done and we emerged as butterflies from the cocoon we shared. There was one girl later that entered the Powder Room after we were dressed and whispered into Susan's ear. I saw the looks of envy and shock as we stood before those girls with Susan saying, "Girls I think we have some very serious competition for the boys. Marion if we, any of us, ever catch you in those Grunge clothes again that little round butt of yours is ours." Gee, is this déjà vu? I seemed to have heard those words before somewhere. Well out of the closet and into the dress shop! I was scared shitless, as the old saying goes as we walked out of the powder room.

I was led by the girls past the Home Ec room and through the back doors of the assembly hall where all of the school plays were performed. I heard the principal speak when I asked the girls saying, "What's going on?" I tried to flee when I was forcibly held in place with Susan saying, "Now, stop it! Joyce you’d better tell her the surprise." I was told that much of the staff and administration had seen the costumes I made and what Joyce had said was a ruse. Several other teachers had called other school Home Ec teachers in the district and they in turn called the Press, as nowhere had they ever seen the handmade designs and craftsmanship that was done anywhere by a student.

"Marion, just go out there and be all of the girl your sister is and make us proud. I swear no one knows your secret and if anyone tells they'll answer to all of us girlfriend. Oh and we meant that about you dressing like us too." Susan said smiling with all the girls nodding with my knees knocking, just as Mrs. Stempic came from the other side of the curtains with her coming to us saying, "Hey kids, Marion I thought it was only fitting that everyone should see your creations. Joyce had told me last year about everything but I had no idea how much girl you really were and are. Since I do the costumes for the school plays, guess who's going to help me Marion and Joyce? After the mayor finishes…"

"The mayor? What the…but I'm a…" I was saying as Joyce said, "Shut up Sis, it was a surprise but you're listed now as a girl in the school records. It was a joke that backfired on us after we were caught last year and I was reminded that I could be prosecuted for it unless I helped, like right now."

It was then that the curtains drew back, loud techno music was played, and a bright spotlight blinded me with much applause filling the hall. The lights changed to softer lights when I saw Mr. Vickers standing at a podium, and Joyce moved out from backstage to a runway that was built that was never there before. I saw the flashes of cameras and the lights of video cameras that were filming the event. I shuddered when Joyce came back to the stage and waited as Mr. Vickers read of the descriptions of the clothes Joyce wore. Then with a hardy shove at my back or a kick to my butt I moved and then began to walk and mimic my sister's moves. I relaxed a bit as I heard the hoots and hollers of the people in the audience to the end of the runway and then I heard the applause as I opened my batwings. I then turned my back walking back toward Joyce showing the Toucans, Parrots and Panther. I didn't hear any of the bad words I once heard from anyone there. All I heard was the appreciation of the long hours I spent sewing with Mr. Vickers describing everything. I stood next to Joyce in awe, as the entire audience stood and applauded. For some unknown reason I curtsied low to the audience with Joyce following my lead. The Principal and District Superintendent came out of the wings with a bouquet of flowers for each of us, when I was asked by Mrs. Stempic to remove the duster and allow the Press to photograph it. I removed the duster when the lights lowered and the music began and as they say, I worked the catwalk. Those people that were leaving went back and seated themselves as the press videotaped everything. The circus finally ended with us thanking everyone but all I wanted was a hot bath, a very hot feminine bath.

We, meaning the girls, all walked through the halls, back to the powder room. On entering I saw that my clothes I wore earlier were nowhere to be seen and neither were Joyce's clothes. I was beyond pissed, as we all looked around the room when Mrs. Stempic said, "Thankfully the purses were locked in the classroom but your wallet was in your pants Marion. Susan take Marion to the office just as she is for a new ID, tell Principal Meyers what happened and Officer Brandt. Joyce, come with me and we'll find something for you both, meet us back in the classroom." Great! I had no ID, no pocket money for bus fare; did the word screwed, pop into your brain.

The other students greeted me as a celebrity as we walked through those halls. When we arrived at the office Mr. Meyers was standing at the desk, when Susan presented to him my problem. Mr. Myers readied the camera as Susan brushed out and styled my hair without the duster and chapeau. I was then taken into the back room as another photo was taken with my ID in hand. I saw Officer Brandt in the office after giving him my ID card and a report of the theft was filed.

While walking back to the classroom I glanced at my new ID reading the name of Marion Andrea Morrison, my birth date was correct but the sex read female. I was in shock as I looked at the picture seeing that my hair was braided in French braids with a royal blue colored bow holding it all together with the braids over my shoulder showing the ultra-feminine bow. I stopped walking when Susan grabbed my arm and yanked me into the classroom. The shades were drawn over the windows as I saw my sister dressing in the back of the room when she called me over to her. Next to Joyce was a pile of clothes, very feminine slut clothes I might add, left over from the production about a French hooker; need I say anymore?

Mrs. Stempic and Susan helped us by hanging up the costumes and packing the accessories but out of the corner of their eyes they watched silently in glee, as I got dressed in the red panties, and strapless bra, red fishnet pantyhose, black mini skirt and red stripped, low cut, sailor's blouse. I saw the shoes and cringed with them being red, strapped sandals that buckled around the ankle that had a three inch spiked heel. The jewelry was a black plastic bead necklace and bracelet, black circled plastic earrings, red beret and a red shoulder bag. I groaned loudly as the three females laughed with me saying, "If I walk home like this I'll get arrested for indecent exposure, impersonating a female and soliciting for sex."

"Hey Sis maybe for impersonating a male, but never a female. Damn you look HOT!" Joyce said with Mrs. Stempic saying, "You're not walking or taking the bus, I'm driving you home, if we can all get out of this school in one piece. Marion can you walk in those heels?"

"Hell she can run in them and I've seen her do it." Joyce said as I groaned wanting to hide further in the embarrassment I was suffering. Mrs. Stempic went for her car and would park it near the closest exit. We all would run out to it once she came inside and got us. I heard the bell sound for the change of classes and the noise, as the students took to the halls. I sat on a chair and crossed my legs with Susan saying, "Damnit Joyce, she does that so slow and seductively. If she does that at the party we better have some really big bruisers to hold her date back before he nails her pretty, laced panties to his wall collection."

Susan, I couldn't possibly do what you suggest since I don't have a vagi…"

"Sweetie, I hate to tell you, not all of us girls have oral or vaginal sex they take it up the butt." Susan said laughing as Joyce agreed with her by nodding her head as I squirmed in my chair. Mrs. Stempic came back and motioned for us to follow her with Susan closing the door behind us. It was then I heard the wolf whistles and very lewd remarks with us all running to the waiting car with me beating all three of them to the car and inside of it first. While we pulled from the curb burning rubber Joyce said, "I told you she'd outrun us, even in those heels!" We all laughed as we drove down the road in safety.

I turned off the water, dried off, did my hair in a very curly ponytail and applied my makeup as I smiled I got dressed in light blue panties, blue denim shorts, red tube-top, and tying off a denim shirt off above the waist and below my breasts. I slipped my feet into new white, slip-on, canvas sneakers. I checked my image in the mirror and went out to the galley for coffee.

After I poured the cup, made a snack and packed bottled water for myself to have later. I collected two rods, a nine-foot Fenwick fly rod with a Martin reel and an Eagle Claw backpack combo rod with an old Garcia Mitchell 300L-spinning reel. I put on my khaki fishing vest checked all the pockets for my first aid and snake bite kit, lures, hooks, leaders and flies and I finished my coffee. I pinned the license to my vest, retrieved some live bait from the fridge, collected my gear and locked up the Monster. I picked up the oars along with a flotation device going to and loading my boat, checking everything over along with the two batteries and trolling motor. I was in heaven as I left the shore, found a good spot and dropped the anchor.

Chapter 3

The sun was rising as I casted out the first line using a right handed, side arm cast with a dry fly on a two-pound leader. I whipped the line back and gave it more length when I got a strike and what a strike it was. The fish fought like hell as I played it in, seeing that it was a good and fat rainbow trout. This was the beginning of a very good and productive morning, as I caught my daily creel limit of the elusive Rainbow and Brown Trout, Northern Pike and Large Mouth Bass. All were way above the weight, girth and length limits, not trophies but damn I was going to feast that night possibly.

Looking at my watch, I saw I was only on the water for three hours as it was a little after nine when I tied the boat up, taking my gear and stringer of my fish up to the Monster. In no time I had them all cleaned and in the freezer humming a happy tune when I felt the slight sunburn on my legs and arms.

I poured more coffee and went directly to the tried and true Noxzema that was in my bathroom, applying the white, cooling, soothing cream to my legs and arms. I felt the immediate results as I rubbed it in and went back for my coffee and sat down onto the couch. Taking a sip of the brew I drifted back to that day I had returned home dressed as that poor French whore. Entering our house Mom was in the living room with Grams and Mrs. Beyers. I just knew we would catch hell from them all.

"Why Marion, how utterly venal you look. Have you been to the waterfront trolling for sailors?" Mom asked with Grams saying, "Or was that going after that poor old bus driver, dear?"

"Kid, I hope you used a lubricant and a condom for your Johns and took your Pill this morning for that fast C-note." Mrs. Beyers said when they all broke out laughing at my expense. My cheeks were on fire as I blushed before them, as my sister was rolling on the floor laughing. But no mercy was shown toward her either as they got ever raunchier with her.

I sat in a chair as they hammered away at her and then I crossed my legs just as I had in the school when Mrs. Beyers smiled and said, "Girl if you do that when my husband is around he'll yank that virginity away as quick as you can uncross those beautiful gams of yours."

They then had resumed their verbal assault on Joyce with me knowing when the time was right to flee, as I grabbed our costumes and ran into the bedroom we now shared. I changed into pink shorts, white canvas sneakers and a pink, short sleeved, modestly cut blouse and used our bathroom. While using the bathroom I heard applause. I quickly finished what I was doing and went into the living room seeing the television on with Joyce doing our catwalk routine. Not a word was said until after the television was turned off and Grams spoke saying, "Ladies, all I will say is I am not biased that my granddaughters have talent, beauty and skill. You completely owned that catwalk! You both mesmerized that audience and the Press with your grace, charm and saleswomanship." Joyce and I blushed receiving that praise from Grams when Mom said, "Mom is right and she does know about those things. Girls, all I'll tell you is Grams was once a designer in the garment industry and believe me she knows talent." Mom said as she hugged Grams.

We were both at a loss for words but then I had often wondered how that they knew about all those secrets and things they showed us about garments. Grams was not the type of woman to keep quiet about exorbitant prices along with shoddy clothing in the stores. She made her feelings well known to the owners, managers and the buyers of some major stores. Many stores had lost business when she started her tirades on the floor as she looked for a dress for Joyce or Mom as well as me. It was then she settled upon making the garment for them that was ten times better made and prettier than the one they saw and liked on display.

I returned to reality from my thoughts as I heard a knock on the door and went to open it seeing Neil with two adorable children, a boy and girl that I brought into the Monster immediately. I did a double take when I saw them both and they ran to me yelling Momma. I must admit that sounded good especially with the hugs and kisses they gave me. The girl's name was Tammy or Tamara and she was six years old and the boy was Nicky or Nicolas and was four almost five years old. Both of the children were in shorts, tees and sandals and I swear looked like me, now you know why I did the double take.

We sat at the dinette and I made them all breakfast, Corn Fritters and sausage, since the babies said that they were hungry. Tammy and Nicky made me sit with them and I complied to their wishes, as Neil smiled. The kids ate hungrily as did their father, when Neil softly said, "I am shocked that they took to you like they did. Of course any woman they see with Brunette hair is their M-O-M-M-Y, yet you do look like her in many ways." I looked at him after I gave another Fritter to the kids saying, "I don't mind, in fact I feel honored, besides they're adorable."

"Yeah, well wait until they're underfoot, want something they can't have or sick and I know you'll change you mind. Ah…. I need to speak to you alone for a minute." Neil said impatiently with me looking at the kids saying, "Tammy take care of Nicky for just a few minutes so Mommy can talk to Daddy. If you're both good Mommy will get you a toy or book tomorrow." Tammy agreed and I kissed them both and took Neil' into my bedroom. Once inside I closed the door saying, "So what's the urgency?"

"I dropped the word to my relief you were my girlfriend like you said. He saw us walking along the lakeshore and the kisses we shared. This morning, Mom’s and my telephone was ringing off the hook. It seems that somewhere along the line we became engaged." Neil said as I sat slowly upon the bed saying, "Look Neil, I mean I think you're really a nice guy and all but…"

"Mom and I have lived here in this area all our lives, these people are ruthless in their rumors and can ruin me and the kids for life. Mom said as a favor to her to ask you to play along and wear this." Neil said, as he pulled a small box from his pocket. He opened the box showing an engagement ring that had a pink marquis cut diamond in a gold setting. My mouth dropped as he took the ring from the box, kneeled and slipped the ring onto my left ring finger. I was at a loss for words when he kissed me, when my voice returned saying, "Honey, it's sweet of you but you really don't know me, I'm a mess inside my head and my body is just as bad."

"So, just spend some time with me and the kids. Meet Mom and play the game for appearances. You're already Mommy to the kids so…"

"Neil, that's not the point I came here to get my head on straight, oh shit, I know I'm going to regret this but okay. You do know you're going to have to stay here along with the kids for several nights, also I'm a pretty bad cook." I said with him kissing me like a man possessed with me hearing those bells and whistles, I never heard before. My body tingled, as I realized I wanted this man, badly. We embraced tighter and broke our kiss as I tried to catch my breath with him saying, "I'm sorry I got you into this mess, I owe you a great deal for this tactical maneuver." I pulled him down to me and kissed Neil silencing him and then breaking the kiss I said, "Well Daddy, Mommy has two little darlings to take care of; maybe later Mommy will take care of Daddy too."

"Darlin', I have to get to a seminar for the day. My Mom said she'd be here later and thinks it would be a good idea for you to spend time with the kids." Neil said with me saying, "Well since I am wearing your ring I'd say that those telephone wires will be red hot. You go to that seminar but when you get back we'll have dinner. We have to talk and you're spending the night." He kissed me as an explosion of fireworks rocked my world. We broke our kiss and went out to the children holding hands with Tammy saying, "Mommy, did you kiss Daddy?" I sat next to the kids smiling and said, "Yep, that's what Mommies do, they kiss Daddies and their babies." Leaning over I kissed the children and then went to the bathroom. I heard Neil telling the kids to be good for me as I used the commode, cleaned up and repaired my makeup. Walking back out to the galley, I cleaned the kids taking the kid's hands and walked with Neil out to his SUV. We kissed as he got into it, drove off with just the kids and I standing, waving goodbye.

I wanted to think about what had happened but the kids had other ideas. We went for a walk along the shore of the lake, waved to the people on boats. We saw all types of animals, and threw rocks into the lake and walked back to the Monster. Once inside I cleaned up the dishes, as the kids watched the television and then I joined them getting them both sitting on my lap and holding onto to me. It was their need to be held by an adult. They trusted me to protect and share whatever love I had in me with them. I looked down at my finger and saw the ring on it, I liked Neil, but these children were special to me. They proved to me I was suited to be a mother. As they both fell asleep after I fed them lunch, sat together, talked and played games. I picked them both up and took them to my bed, found some soft music on the radio and closed the door partially with me leaving them to their dreams after I kissed them both.

Chapter 4

I sat down at the dinette with an Iced Tea I had poured earlier, but never had an opportunity to drink. I sipped at the liquid, found my sketchpad and a pencil drawing clothing designs. This was me, the real me; drawing clothes for men, women, teenagers, girls, boys and babies, this was the element of the Rag Trade that I truly loved, and for months I hadn't been able to do it. I did several designs from a wedding dress to a work suit when I heard a vehicle door slam shut and there was a knock at my door.

I got up reluctantly, stretched and open the door to see a woman that was my height, plus sized, with long blond hair and blue eyes, talon fingernails painted a deep red, in blue jeans, a short sleeved plaid shirt and cowboy boots smiling, handing me two bags and saying, "Hi Darlin', don't you give you mother-in-law a kiss? I brought you the clothes for our babies that you called me about." I bent down from the Monster, smiling as I kissed her cheek, taking the bags from her with her coming inside the Monster with me saying, "Hi mother, Tammy and Nicky are asleep in the back." I had her sit at the dinette while I fixed her an Iced Tea. On turning she was looking at the sketches I had done smiling with her saying, "These are damn good girl. I love the Wedding Gown, so when're you going to marry Neil? It's been over a year, hasn't it Sweetie?"

I must have had that look that women get when they're shocked on my face with me recovering and saying, "Ah…yeah mother, all I can say is soon." She was smiling as she took my hand as I sat down in shock with her saying, "Good girl, Neil needs a girl like you. Darlin' please turn on the Air it's getting' warm; I'll help you close the windows.” We both stood up and closed all the windows in the Monster and I turned on the air conditioning cooling down the Monster immediately. I turned on the stereo to soft music and sat back down, she apologized to me for being so forward taking my hand into hers but another Ranger that was out for Neil's job followed her.

"Sorry ma'am for acting so stupid." I said with her saying, "Honey, when Neil came to my home last night he was a changed man. He was and is happy now since he found you. That bitch, Sheryl he married, gave him the sweetest babies in the world, but she was a whore. She broke Neil's heart after Nicky came. Neil and I caught her in their bed with another woman and a man. Neil threw them all out of his house, filed for custody of the kids and divorced her butt with her getting zip. That Ranger that's after my son's job is telling the bitch everything that goes on or so we think. Just be careful of Ranger Mike Thorp. Darlin' the name's are Dora or mother whatever you prefer."

"The name Mother seems to fit us, Dora, that's what the babies call me." I said sweetly with Dora saying, "You do look like the bitch, no offense honey I like you a whole lot more and I don't even know you. I never liked the bitch from the Moment I met her, but you I like. Neil called me on the way to that seminar and told me how the babies reacted to you. They never liked their own mother, but you Sweetie, they took a shinin' too. Neil has that sense about people like I do, but how he screwed up with her I'll never know. So what's going on inside that pretty head of yours?"

"I like them too. I came out here after being forced to do so by my family. My sister and I own two stores and a factory that design, make and sell clothes called The House of Fashions." I said with Dora saying, "I've been to one of them, they're really nice and the clothes are a woman's dream when they fit right. Are those sketches some of the new product line?" Dora picked up the sketchpad with me saying, "They could be, and those are the first sketches I've done in months."

"Sounds to me like boy or girl trouble? Darlin' I don't care who you go to bed with as long as you love that person. In Neil's case he'd screw a skunk as long as it loved him and the babies." Dora said smiling with me saying, "We met because of that skunk or baby skunk. Dora, I like Neil and the babies but the baggage I have in my mind is something only I can work out."

"You mean like being a boy? Sweetie all I see is a woman. I know because I have a friend that's the County Sheriff and I'm the on-call dispatcher. I ran the plates of the Motorhome that said you were all girl, I then spoke to a reporter friend of mine confidentially that did some digging with the stores and employees. I suggest you get rid of Michelle; she has a big mouth. Anyway, my gut instinct says you were never a boy." Dora said squeezing my hand with me saying, "Damn that woman! We built up the stores since we were teenagers and have a good name to protect. Okay Dora, all my life I've been a girl, dressed as a girl, dated as a girl and loved men as a girl does. After High School I had a few relationships with men but they only wanted one thing from me and that was sex. I've had hypnosis and psychoanalysis done to revert me and you know… I was miserable! My Dad and Gramps even had a fistfight over me because I wore dresses. I learned the Rag Trade skills from my Grams and Mom that my sister had a tough time doing yet I could do. The Shrinks took our money but they didn't do a damn thing for me. This body I have, I created before puberty with the books and the medicines I took and then later through my Gyne to keep me on the right path. For the past few years I confused everyone including myself, I was set for the final surgery, I became scared when a Shrink came to my room and said you aren't a woman, you're an abomination to god, you can't conceive and they're going to cut it off in the morning; then they'll give you a hole so a real man can screw you into oblivion and reroute the plumbing so you can pee from a hole. I was so scared I ran and up until yesterday I haven't worn a bra, dress or a skirt. My loneliness has made everyone miserable and I can't be lonely any more. This is me Dora! I am and always have been Marion Andrea Morrison and I love the old me."

"Sweetie, like I said I like this lady sitting across from me, she has moxie. I'm glad I came and we had this chance to speak as mother and daughter-in-law. You're more woman than that bitch could ever be. Take care of my son and grandbabies, mother Marion. Oh Sweetie, that wedding dress you designed would look lovely on you, just remember your mother-in-law needs a dress too for your wedding." Dora said standing up and giving me a kiss to my utter amazement after what I had said to her with me giving her a kiss as the tears ran down my cheeks and me saying, "After all I said, you still…"

"Darlin' Sweetheart, our Marion, you are a lady, as honest as they come. Be that wife to Neil and companion he deserves that loves and you love. Be the mother to Tammy and Nicky that you love and they love and deserve. Honey, Neil is going to ask for your hand soon, take his hand into yours with honor and pride being the woman you are. Now I'm gonna call my lovesick son and tell him you're special to our family, which you are, and to get a wedding ring on you fast or you're gonna get away." Dora said with me saying, "Mother, is it that obvious to you? I mean I want to be courted, married and then made love to, or so I thought. I never believed in that love at first sight trash…"

"It is, you will and I do believe in it." Dora said as she kissed me again with us walking from the Monster holding hands after she gave me her cellphone number. I glanced over at a wooded area seeing a Ranger's SUV as she climbed into her pickup truck. I gave her another hug and a kiss before she drove off with the Ranger's SUV following her.

When I got inside I shut the Air off and opened the windows just as Tammy came from the bedroom. I took her to the bathroom with her saying, "Mommy, I heard Grandma before." She did her business and I helped her clean up saying, "Yes sweetheart, Grandma was here but she had to get going, so little girl it's just you, me and Nicky. How about a snack?" I said as she gave me a hug and a kiss saying, "Mommy I love you very much and Daddy too." I bent at my knees and held this sweet little girl to my breast as my eyes teared up saying, "You know what? I love you and Nicky too."

Tammy and I went to the galley with me getting her a glass of milk and two cookies having her sit at the dinette. I went to my cellphone and dialed Joyce's number that she answered by saying, "Hey girl, so how's the boyfriend?" I smiled sitting down on the couch, crossing my legs saying, "Oh, my two boyfriends and girlfriend are doing fine." It was then I spoke softly and told Joyce what had happened all day, everything. I also told her to terminate or transfer Michelle to the factory, as she was a security leak to our business and our designs.

"Sis we'll be there soon, we're going to pick up some barbeque ribs and chicken before we get there. I assume Neil and the children are there so we'll bring plenty. Devon sends his love to you and so do I, along with Eddie and Carol. They said they can't wait to terrorize their aunt and play with their cousins and Uncle Neil.

"Yeah, well, tell those two little hellions that Auntie Marion said that their Uncle Neil is the Senior Park Ranger and he'll put their little butts in the hoosegow. Sis, I wish Mom and Dad were coming with you, I need the entire family to sort out this mess. I want to cry so bad but… "

"I know sis, we got the campsite right next to yours and Devon said he's going to be a pain in your ass." Joyce said with me saying, "So what else is new? This was going to be a vacation."

"Hey Momma, no one says that being a Mom is fun all the time. Hey put my niece on the phone Mom, if she's awake." Joyce said as I called Tammy to me and explained to her who Auntie Joyce and Uncle Devon were, along with Eddie and Carol. She was excited as she spoke to Joyce, Devon, Eddie and Carol as I held her onto my lap and hugged her to me when she handed the phone back to me with dead air on the phone. I disconnected and laid the phone down as Tammy and I just held each other, that was when my cellphone rang.

I answered it with Neil saying, "Hi sweetheart, I spoke to Mom and decided…"

"Whoa there big boy, your Mom told you to call me, didn't she? By the way Tammy is up and keeping me company. Oh, your new sister-in-law and brother-in-law will be parked right next to me and we're having Barbeque for supper. Your niece and nephew can't wait to play with their cousins. Does your almost wife get to play house with her almost husband tonight?" I said smiling with Neil saying, "Damn girl, Mom said you worked fast but…"

"You'll see just how fast I work tonight in bed darling. Neil Honey, I love your Mom, your mother told me everything…"

"Mom did the same to me Honey, look I'll be there in an hour and then we'll talk." Neil said with me saying, "I'll wake Nicky, drive safe I want you in my bed tonight." I said as I disconnected and Nicky came from the bedroom with me telling him to use the bathroom first and running after him. I got his pants down and got him to the commode and lifted the seat just in time with me saying, "Sweetie I spoke to Daddy and he said he loves you and you know what, so do I." Nicky's smile went from ear to ear as he cleaned himself up, pulled his underwear and pants up all by himself. I was amazed that this baby did that and praised him for the feat after we washed him up. We went into the galley after I picked him up and placed him onto the dinette seat. I gave him the same snack his sister had with him pulling me down to him and him saying, "Thank you Mommy, I love you."

Crossing my legs, I watched as he ate the cookies and drank his milk while I had the television on for Tammy. I had to say I never thought those words of Mommy or I love you from another person were ever going to grace my ears. Yet they did, by two wonderful children that I was growing very fond of second by second. I asked the children to be good while I changed clothes and ran to the bedroom leaving the door partially open.

I stripped my clothes off. I found and pulled on a pair of khaki colored Capris, a red, short-sleeved cotton blouse and red mules with a two-inch heel. I left the bedroom going into the bathroom, redid my makeup and then found the perfume and gold jewelry back in the bedroom. I used a gold rope necklace, bracelet, added two gold studs and one gold hoop earring in each ear and a gold anklet along with several rings to accent my fingers and my engagement ring. I ran a brush through my hair and smiled after I did my lips sticking the tube into my pocket. I looked into my mirror smiling that this night was going to be special. Oh yeah, it was indeed going to be special.

Walking back to the seating area hearing my heels on the galley tile, I cleaned the dinette area as the children watched me and smiled with Tammy saying, "Mommy, will Daddy be here soon?" I smiled at her and nodded yes as I sat down onto the couch with the kids climbing onto my lap as they watched the television.

I began to think back of the day of the party, with Joyce and I going crazy. We both were allowed by Mom to go to the beauty shop with Mom telling the ladies to give her daughters the full treatment. I was in heaven as my hair, nails and makeup was done, as was Joyce. We left that shop feeling like we were adult women promising the ladies we’d bring a picture for them of the costumes. The days before were crazy after our creations were unveiled we received job offers to offers by people wanting those costumes for display. I had to admit that going to school in a skirt or dress was wonderful and the way I was treated by everyone was great, from the typical loner I became popular by the boys and girls. Susan and Joyce kept me focused along with Mom, Dad, Grams and Gramps, but school came first.

Joyce and I were taking our baths then I heard her scream as she soaked in the tub. I was out of the tub with a towel wrapped around me beating Mom through her bedroom door and her bathroom seeing Joyce reading a magazine and saying, "This asshole stole our designs, or your designs. He said in the article we stole them from him and intends to sue us." Mom was furious as she grabbed the magazine from Joyce and ran toward the kitchen.

Joyce and I discussed the matter deciding that we were the owners of the costumes since I had all the original drawings, notes and a progress journal of the work being done, and how it was done on a daily basis. Mom came back into the room and smiled saying, "Grams's lawyer is going after this moron and the magazine. Girls, Grams also had the costumes registered with someone with your company name The House of Fashions. Marion dear, I intruded on your privacy, I'm so sorry but I found the drawings and notes you made, I showed them to Grams and she registered the designs since she saw some new innovations to the work you did. Grams says to go have a good time, don't worry and no sex." My thoughts were Yeah! Sure, I want a boy, now, please! Okay what was said made sense but Joyce was ready for Devon to take her.

We dressed in our costumes, went to the party with our dates having a great time. When we returned home we found a war council waiting for us with a man we had never seen speaking to our parents and Grandparents. We found out that man in the magazine was suing us for several million dollars along with a cease and desist order to display or wear our costumes, as he said it was his. I heard Grams call that man a greedy, little, no talent bastard. That was when I knew Grams knew the man. The man that was there that we didn't know was the attorney for us and he had hired several Private Investigators after he read my journal. Our court date was in one week but we were ready and I was ready to crush the liar's testicles.

During that week we had meetings and depositions with the attorney and went to school. I wasn't in a good mood as I sat through those classes but everyone that read the printed garbage said the man lied. Mrs. Stempic was subpoenaed as a witness as was Mr. Vickers and Meyers for us. In order to pass the time I drew and then beaded two Magenta colored, pantsuit jackets with the scenes of Vipers such as Diamond Back Rattle Snakes, Black Mamba, Cobras and a few others. I beaded the outer seams of our flared slacks in black and the collars of the jackets for an accent in black and added a cobra to the lapels in a strike positions. I was finished the day before the trial was to begin.

The day of the trial we wore the pantsuits with a white sleeveless shell and black pumps with a three-inch heel. Mom and Dad laughed as they saw us knowing that this display alone would show the judge the jerk suing us was a liar.

It was a Media Zoo as we entered the courthouse when Grams saw the guy he turned many colors and lowered his head. The attorneys made their opening arguments to the judge, as this was to be a bench trial. Documents were submitted but when the registration of the costumes was submitted the opposing attorneys wanted a recess, which the judge granted until the next day. Both companies were also ordered to submit the costumes to be examined. For three days the Fencing Match continued when I was called to the witness stand. I was sworn in and seated after I gave my legal name of Marion Andrea and my age. I told the truth that what I beaded was a composite of several photos I had once seen detailing the amount of time I had spent on the costumes. I was tried to be discredited by the other side when I said I had hand beaded the costumes and they said it was impossible to do. That was when I told them it was and I had documented the times for the costume and the pantsuits that I had done for the first day of the trial. Next was the determination of several garments that were machine beaded and several that were hand beaded. I was correct each time because the machine garment was too perfect, too sterile, too clean in the stitches and was cold in its character and depth or lacking there of. The hand beaded creations show character, wasn't always perfect in the lines and not always neat and clean in the stitches. I also stated that the man suing me always used beading machines to mass market his thefts of ingenuity and creative license. That remark was stricken from the record.

Grams was even worse than Joyce or I on the witness stand. The thief actually worked for her at one time and stole several designs or parts from other designers and tried to pass off the works as his own. She called him a no talent thief and that wasn't stricken from the record. She stated that she trained Mom and Mom trained Joyce and I in the art and I had the best creativity, speed and work she had ever seen in all the years she was a designer with a proven Design House that she had once owned.

The PI's had found numerous employees of his that corroborated the date of his so called creation of two days after the designed costumes were shown on the television news. Signed affidavits were then submitted to the judge.

I saw the defeat in the other side's eyes when the Judge recessed for a decision.

For two days we waited for a decision and were finally called back into the courtroom with the judge finding for us and against the thief. He declared the designs were legally ours and ordered the thief and the magazine to pay a substantial amount to us for damages and slander. There was to be no appeal of the decision as the findings were final. We won, with the courtroom spectators applauding. Grams went to the other side saying that he was finished in the Rag Trade and that was a promise.

Tammy shook me back to reality after hearing a knock at the door. I looked at the security monitor seeing Neil and went to let him in. Once inside he handed me a bouquet of flowers and gave me a kiss that made me want him more than I already did. The children jumped into his arms when we finished our kiss with Neil loudly saying, "Where you both good for Mommy?" When they both said yes Neil gave Tammy a new doll and Nicky a toy car with them both going to play on the rug and Neil taking me to the couch bringing me closer to him softly saying, "Mark Grissom was at the gate when I came in and saw me. He hates Thorp but you never know who your friends are. Damn you smell good! Where you serious about tonight?" I pouted a bit and said, "Excuse me Neil, yes I meant it. Besides Mom and I had a nice long talk about everything and tonight you get to meet my side of the family. Darling, did you bring your running shoes?" He looked at me, kissed me and said, "I sure as hell did Darlin', your man has to be fit to service you from what Joyce told me."

"How in the hell…those damn forms I filled out! Okay, my first rule for us is to always be honest with each other. I guess I'm first so many years ago a baby was born…" Neil kissed me to silence me saying, "If you think that story is going to keep me from having my way with the woman I love forget it. Sweetheart, I was told by my sister-in-law and Mom, what's funny is I swore off anything that had hooters, I worked hard, love my kids and now I have you. I feel as if I've been with you for years and years."

"Well Honey, you have. Seriously, I feel the same way as you do, I told your Mom I came out here to get everything on straight and to fish." I said as I crossed my legs with Neil watching my movements and then saying, "Oh please tell me they're all legal."

"Go look in the freezer if you doubt your wife's sincerity." I said as I pulled him from the couch to the freezer. I opened the door showing him the daily limit I had with him saying, "I'm impressed, now you and I…

"And Dev will be leaving at five AM. Make sure you have your license and no more skunks dear." I said when I heard a motorhome parking. I looked out the window seeing three motorhomes parking that were identical to mine in color and length. I knew exactly who owned those other two, Mom and Dad plus Grams and Gramps. I looked at Neil saying, "Are you up to being grilled by the In Laws?"

"Sweetheart, you put up with my mother and she's the best in getting in your business. Hell Joyce and Dev were real cordial to me." Neil said with me saying, "Sweetie, Daddy and Gramps are different, Mom and Grams have fangs and claws. I'm the baby of the family, just don't let them get to you, if they do I give you my permission to Mace them." I said making Neil laugh with us getting the kids and going outside.

Chapter 5

We stood on the roadway as the motorhomes lowered the load leveler jacks and then extended the living and dining room areas just as I had done before. I asked the kids to sit at a table while Neil and I hooked up the motorhomes to the conveniences of water, electricity, sewer and telephone just as I had. When everyone came out and swarmed first on poor Tammy and Nicky, then on Neil and me with Gramps saying, "It's about damn time I have my granddaughter back. Neil, she's a Heller, get a good whip and chair boy." Grams and Gramps kissed and hugged us both, as Mom and Dad watched with them doing the same with Mom saying, "At last I have my Darling other daughter back…" When Joyce screamed and ran to me grabbing my left hand showing my ring to everyone with Mom softly saying, "My Lord, she's back in skirts not even twenty-four hours, has a fiancé and is the mother of two babies. Oh crap I'm a grandmother again!"

"Andrea what are you bitchin' about, we're great Grandparents again. You know I kinda like it." Grams said chuckling as I called Tammy and Nicky to me introducing the kids to the family. They were a hit with the family with Carol saying, "Oh Auntie Marion, I like you better this way, please don't ever change on us." I hugged my niece to me and hugged Eddie then saying, "Hey Sis, get the food I have three people that are hungry, make that four. Tomorrow we have fish that I caught today for supper." It took us a while but we managed to have a feast that my family brought with them. Neil and I had coaxed Dora to come and we fed the entire shift of Rangers with me bringing Mark Grissom over to our side yet I sensed that Thorp was beyond slimy with some of the rangers opening up to me.

After we cleaned up the children that climbed up onto my lap, as I spoke to my family and Neil's Mother, Dora, with her being a hit. Mom and Joyce watched me closely as I held the babies and kissed them a great deal. Several times Mark Grissom stopped by the campsite to discuss problems in the park with Neil and each time he observed me closely with the children. It was one of those times that he managed to speak to me saying, "Marion, I know you saw me watching you, but we always thought that Neil's fiancé was a product of his imagination since his divorce. Raising kids as a single parent is rough especially when the ex-wife is behind the scenes stirring the pot of hate and distrust. I've seen Neil close to the brink after the breakup, the only things that kept him going was the love from the kids, his Mom and the times he spoke to you on the telephone or the visits." Wait a minute here, I thought to myself, up until yesterday I never spoke to the man or saw him; with a non-expressive face I said, "I met Neil through his mother at my shop and things just clicked for us. I've had a difficult time getting away and they would come to see me. I love Neil and the children very much; all I can say is if Mike and Sheryl want to cause trouble for us they have to get through me first. I have a ton of lawyers at my disposal that can be used to ensure my family is safe and secure. Neil, Dora, Tamara and Nicholas are my priority. A mother protects her young and a wife protects her husband along with being a woman honoring her mother's wisdom and love. I suggest Sheryl moves on and makes a new life, as for Mike to find another posting or they will surely be destroyed legally and politically. Have you ever stepped on a twig or branch? You know the sound you hear, the snap, tells you the wood has given way and was broke by your weight. Sheryl and Mike are now those twigs and they will be broken by me." Okay I stretched the truth but since I grabbed the bull by the balls I wanted the message conveyed that I would castrate that bull and give a hysterectomy to the cow.

"I get the message loud and clear, they'll get it also. Neil is the best boss we ever had, he knows his stuff, along with getting the respect from the staff and personally I think you're the best thing that could happen to him and the kids." Mark then turned and walked from me with Dora and Mom coming to me. I told them what had transpired and saw the smiles on their faces with Dora saying, "She's a gutsy thing ain't she, Andi?" as they both drew me to them with Mom saying, "Oh yes, from the first fight we all had, she's a scrapper. Dora, my little girl, is kind, loving and caring but don't ever cross her, that pussy cat turns into a puma that's hungry."

It was getting late as we all went back to the family with me taking Tammy and Nicky into the Monster after they made the rounds to say goodnight. I gave them a bath, pulled out the convertible bed that was also the couch and made it up for them. They got into their PJs after I dried them, and then as the Mommy I was relegated to read them a story, which I gladly and lovingly did. I found the book in their bag, as they got ready for bed. I read them a story but didn't finish it, as they were both fast asleep. I tucked then both in, turned around seeing Neil, Devon and Joyce smiling with Joyce softly saying, "We, Devon and I came to say goodnight when this stranger just kind of followed us. Damn if I wasn't married I'd jump his bones Sis or is it Mom?" We all went to the dinette and sat down after Joyce and I got iced tea for everyone with me saying, “You know you asked me a question and my answer is, Mommy will do."

"Sis, you drove us all crazy before, we all needed a break from that creature you became. I missed the kind, sweet and loving sister-in-law I had before, I missed the girl and woman that we took to parties and stood up as Joyce's Maid-of-Honor. The kids missed their always smiling aunt, their best friend and Godmother. “Devon said with Neil saying, "Dev, if she reverts, she has to answer to the kids and me. Marion I swear…" I leaned into Neil and kissed him deeply making him forget his train of thought. We broke our kiss with Joyce dragging Devon from the Monster with me going to the bedroom and Neil locking and drawing the shades of the Monster.

I found and took the things I needed into the bathroom area closed the doors and removed all my clothes. I used the commode, prepared myself internally and externally and applied the briefest of makeup. Opening the doors I walked into the bedroom, turned down the lights and lay onto the bed wearing a sheer and lacey, white nightgown, white garter belt, white seamed stockings, white G-string and white open toed mules with a three inch heel. I called Neil saying, "Darling, the bathroom is yours, take a shower and come join Mommy in bed." The dear man spouted wings, did what I asked and joined me in the queen-sized bed. I saw he was ready for action as he saw me and entered the room. He turned off the lights, closed our door as I set the intercom to listen for the kids. He came into my waiting arms, kissed me and thrilled me the entire night. Oh what a thrill it was!

The man was not shy as he took control of me; I have had lovers in the past that never seemed to fulfill me but Neil was an exception. He was gentle, soft-spoken and knew what buttons to push to start me purring. I had learned through the women in our family what men liked and wanted, from being the passive and then dominate woman to oral, the vaginal and anal sex we shared. I regretted I did not have that vagina but I indeed shared what I had. I was on cloud nine as I had orgasmed just as I have heard Mom and Joyce speak about it. Those orgasms I had made me want him more, with me never wanting to revert back to a sexless male or eunuch. I was content to be a woman, his woman. I wanted to be Neil's wife and lover! I desired to be a mother to his children and wanted even more babies. We eventually fell asleep into each other's arms for the shortest and best sleep I ever had.

It was still dark when I awoke. I showered, did my hair and makeup and got dressed in a black string bikini after taking care of a slight bump, khaki explorer shorts and khaki short sleeved blouse that I tied under my breasts. After slipping on my canvas sneakers I went into the galley and started the coffee and then into the bedroom. I gently kissed Neil awake with the sheets tenting and me almost losing my clothes with me saying, "Dear if this keeps up we're going to have to get married." I pulled him from the bed with him taking me into his arms saying, "Why, because of the sex? In my case I know I love you. I loved you from the first time I saw you swimming in the lake. I want you and I want to love and worship you even if I have to suck your toes, oh sorry I did that last night. Anyway, I'm overjoyed and so are the kids, we found you. Now since you have my ring will you be ours, Mommy?" I was speechless and stunned to say the least avoiding the answer to his question telling him to take a shower and dress. I went back to the galley after I found the clothes for him and the kids for the day and laid them out on the bed after I made it, with fresh linens. I heard his happy humming as he showered and I smiled. I poured my morning coffee checked on the babies when there was a knock at the door and then it opened with a key with Joyce coming inside smiling and me saying, "Don't tell me you have a key for this Monster?"

"Yep and all the other ones also. If you want a set, I need a bribe for them." Joyce said with me handing her a cup of coffee and me saying, "How's that? I expect three sets in that drawer by tomorrow." I pointed to my junk drawer with us laughing and sitting down with her saying, "By the way you were standing and walking I'd say you had an active night?"

"By the way you're walking and that awful fish stench I'd say you have your monthly friend." I said countering her question as she frowned and then giggled saying, "Damn it's nice having my sassy sister back. I see you've been working." Joyce picked up my sketchpad drawings and was looking at them with me saying, "A little bit, they have to be refined. I want our photographer up here to take some pictures of the wildlife and scenery. I need you to go to town and look around and then to the lodge and get whatever postcards you can find. How's the holiday line coming?"

"Sure, I'll take all the kids to town with Mom and Grams. The holiday line is shaping up, the managers want to computerize the beading, and they said it would cut costs."

"Nope, if they don't like my decision they can go somewhere else to work. Our beaded lines are all handmade; they're all one of a kind garments with the best materials in those garments. That's what people want and are expecting from us, not that assembly line, plastic garbage. We have people that work hard and are proud of the sewing skills and craftsmanship they have, we refine that and we teach them." I said just as Neil came from the bathroom in his birthday suit. He calmly went to the coffee pot, poured a cup, kissed me and went back to the bedroom to dress with Joyce saying, "Where can I trade Devon in for a model like that? After seeing that attribute I'm surprised you can stand, walk or talk. Hell girl, I'd be squirming and orgasming all over the place if I took all of him in me."

"Let's just say I did squirm, orgasmed and smiled a great deal." I said as we both laughed with Neil coming from the bedroom dressed in shorts, pullover shirt, and runners with him then sitting next to me after a breathless kiss we shared.

"Well meat man, I think welcome to our ditzy family is in order. I commend my sister for taking the whole salami, she’s an asset to all womanhood for getting you off of the streets with that weapon." Joyce said smiling with Neil not even turning red from embarrassment said, "Yep Sis, my Darlin' here is quite a girl, but damn she even got the wolves howlin' last night in her lust for my salami." Neil leaned over and kissed me with me saying, "I've been had! You both set me up! Just for that Neil the answer is yes and not until I say so."

Neil was so happy he almost carried me back to the bedroom as the confused eyes of my Sister watched us with her saying, "All right you two, oh crap, it just dawned on me Neil asked you to marry him." Joyce squealed and hugged us both, with me saying, "Neil asked me when he gave me the ring, or at least kinda, then again last night. You know I was in a mental quandary but spending the day with the kids, last night in Neil's arms or impaled and then as I checked the babies I was sure that I was a woman and nothing else. I'm proud to say I love Neil and our babies."

"Well Ranger sir, it had to take a Mountain Man like you to tame and bring Sis back to us. I haven't seen her smile like this in ages." Joyce said with Neil saying, "Hey, my salami will put a smile on anyone's face…"

"Yeah or hit the high notes as I did last night. Joyce, can the family forgive me for the hell I put them through?" I said with Joyce saying, "Sure we can and did, but can you forgive me for the practical joke with the clothes and everything else? Honey we were desperate to have Sis back, that skunk was just what we hoped for."

"However I do have a washer and dryer along with cash and credit cards. I have to admit I have a man and kids now that I missed for all those years. So my answer is I forgive everyone. Neil, please take the babies to Joyce's Motorhome and get your gear. I'll lock up, Sis tell Dev to get the batteries off the charger and wake up the old folks." I said chuckling with everyone doing as I asked, and then smiling as I put on my fishing vest.

We had five boats out on that lake and one of those boats wasn't ours that shadowed us. We all made sure that our catches were legal that we kept and those we didn't keep went on living for the joy of another fisherman to catch. By eight o'clock Neil was beyond angry when he called the patrol boat over to our group. When the boat came closer to us he asked the two Rangers what they thought they were doing. The response was they were ordered to observe us by Thorp and report any discrepancies of any rules to him.

That set Neil off and sent the Rangers back to patrolling the water and to keep off the radio. We, Neil and I, headed back to the campsite with him running back to his truck and leaving me at the Monster. Several hours later he returned while I sat at the picnic table sketching, he was smiling. When he was close enough he picked me up and began twirling me in a circle. I was so dizzy when he stopped, I fell to the ground and laughed with him falling on top of me with him saying, "Thorp is gone for good and Sheryl is almost in County Jail with him. That bastard was sitting at my desk, snorting lines of coke and broke every lock in my office except for my office door that he had locked." Neil said telling me that Sheryl became a dealer and hooked Thorp on the crap he was shoving up his nose and sex. The dumb bastard tried to shoot Neil when he opened the door; Neil overpowered him and arrested him. Linda at the reception desk called the Sheriff's Office on hearing the shot and requested backup with the Sheriff and the State Troopers answering the call to help. A field analysis was done of the powder on Neil's desk with the results being that the powder was cocaine. A search of Thorp's state vehicle had given up an ungodly amount of the Snow, that's when Thorp gave up Sheryl to the DEA Feds and the State boys we called in. He had to file his report when I saw that a Ranger SUV was coming running his lights. Neil gave me a kiss as the Ranger's smiled, ran to his SUV and roared away toward the front gate, while I stood in the roadway.

I then returned to the picnic table and my iced tea. I was alone and sketched when I thought of Joyce's wedding. It took me six months of work to finish her dress, undergarments and veil but the work was worth it when I saw her smile. Only three people worked on her dress, Mom, Grams and me. She originally chose some mass-produced, off the rack creation with a designers name on it that was over priced and looked hideous on her. While the clerk took her measurements I made two copies, one for me and one for the bridal store. Joyce placed the order and I cancelled it the next day. I was determined that Joyce was going to have the best gown by the best designers their ever has been, us. The gown that we made was made in the finest materials of antique satin, lace and silk we could find. Joyce had always liked one particular wedding gown in our archive that I found in a resale shop so that's what we did; we made her that gown. Grams made her three sets of corsets and panties of pure white satin and lace, I embroidered in colored silk, six pairs of white silk seamless stockings with the designs of intertwined wedding rings, kissing doves and wedding bells on the outside of the legs until the stockings got to the knees when it got racy. At the knee all the way to the reinforcement, I embroidered men and women in various sexual positions. Mom did her veil with my designs, except of course the risqué ones.

It took forever to build that gown due to the layering of the multiple skirts but we managed. From the dummy it went on the other dummy, me, as Mom and Grams made adjustments. I must have donated several pints of blood that day with all the pinpricks I received. On the bodice, we used white lace, lined with off white silk for the modesty panel that went from her v line to just to her nipples with the lace going to form a high neck and surround it. The sleeves were made of the same lace as the bodice that ruffled at her wrists. Mom made a satin bustle that looked like two wedding bells, bowed them at the top of the bells and added silk streamers to the clappers and turnbuckles with a fourteen foot detachable, multi-layered silk, lace, and satin train. Next was more embroidery on the bodice, pearls and crystals. On the stomach, in white silk thread I embroidered two small doves holding wedding rings in their beaks as they sat next to each other on a tree limb; I did the same to the center of the train in a larger version. I embroidered a red rose at her cleavage and small red roses at her wrists. We found her shoes, which were made of white silk straps that formed a delicate, feminine bow and an ankle strap to hold the shoes onto her feet.

While I did some of the finishing touches to the gown Grams and Mom did the Bride's maid dresses in deep red satin and silk that were backless and strapless and the woman that wore them could not be breastless. They made matching wide brim hats and a face veil that only went past the nose. They went all out even making the matching lingerie such as red lace panties, slips and red lace garter belts. Our shoes were similar to Joyce's except in red. Talk about the Red Light District!

Before the wedding I threw her wedding shower when she remarked she hadn't been called in for a dress fitting and she was worried. I handed her several boxes and threw Devon from the room and locked the door. Joyce opened the boxes and cried when she saw the dress and her accessories. There must have been over a hundred women in that room when they yelled out for Joyce to try on the gown. What the hell, Joyce needed a fitting and I was tired of being stuck in the butt by pins. Susan and I dressed Sis from the corset, which was super tightened to the stockings when Susan said they looked strange. Joyce looked at them and blushed when showing Susan a woman giving oral sex to her husband and he doing the same to her on a bed. I was called a pervert, as they looked at all my work and then given a kiss on my forehead. The slip was lowered on Joyce and then the dress when Susan saw the fully assembled dress, bustle, train and veil, she cried.

We took Joyce into the room and the room shushed. There is no such thing as a quiet room with over one hundred women in it, it just doesn't happen, but it did. It was then that everyone converged on poor Sis until we managed to get her out of that room. Susan and I undressed Sis and helped her to dress in her street clothes, when she broke down and cried. When she composed herself I told her that if she disliked the dress we'd get her another gown. I explained to her we did it for her because she was always giving herself to the family and we wanted to give her something to pass on to her daughter and later on her daughter. She finally said through her tears that they were from the joy and love we all shared as a family. Then I was yelled at for canceling the other gown order and losing the deposit. I walked to my purse, withdrawing an envelope and walked back, handing it to her. She opened the envelope and there was cash in it for the amount of the deposit and a note from Grams, Mom and me. The note simply said to have a loving wedding day and to use the money on the Honeymoon.

I heard the running of little feet and the yelling of Mommy, Mommy that brought me back. Standing up and then bending at my knees, two babies ran into my arms and kissed me with everything they had, as Grams, Mom, Joyce, Carol, and Eddie came over to me as I held my kids to me. Yes I said they were and are my kids with Mom saying, "Gee, I remember doing that to two other little girls a long time ago. Why aren't you on the lake Sweetheart?"

"Mom, I'll have Neil tell you later. He just got called back to the office, there was a problem, and the guys are still fishing." I said with Joyce saying, "Those new designs are marvelous, especially the three wedding gowns." Looking at the sketchpad I saw ten designs and three of them were wedding gowns.

Chapter 6

Staring at the sketches I was at a loss for words when I closed up the pad and suggested we all go to the swimming area. The kids all screamed their approval while the other older women groaned with Grams taking the pad from my hand and looked at them saying, "Traditional, modern, nouveau, Deco, such depravity and I like them." She smiled with Mom saying, "Oh Joyce Honey, I hope you packed a swimsuit………"

"Oh Mom, I have plenty thanks to Sis, I'll loan her one." I said with Joyce saying, "No thanks, I have a few of my own but I think yours will look great on you." I slid my shorts down my legs and took off my blouse exposing the string bikini I put on earlier as Joyce's eyes popped out of her head and our elders clucking. It was then I heard a wolf whistle close to me. I was about to run when I was kissed on my neck. I turned around into Neil's arms with him saying, "Hmmmm…Daddy likes the suit. Do you intend to go to the beach like that? If you do the new District Inspector will have to notify the paramedics of possible heart attacks by the male populace." I looked at him strangely with him further saying, " I was promoted, there are four districts and I have this one now. I hurried away before because I had a call from the Superintendent of State Parks. I applied for the job over a year ago, was interviewed, tested and got the job finally. Of course we have to move to the big city, the kids and I in six weeks. Ah…Darlin' can we go home with you? but…"

Here I stood practically naked and I kissed the man that held me, silencing him. The landlord of the house I rented wanted to sell it to me before so now I guess I would have to buy it, build a few more rooms onto it. We broke our kiss when I heard Daddy's voice yelling at me saying, "Marion Andrea Morrison get those ass cheeks and breasts covered, young lady!"

"What a prude! Daddy that's the style, besides she's going to be a married woman and her husband doesn't seem to mind from what I can see." Joyce said as I felt something jabbing me. I giggled seeing his monster trying to get free of his pants with Gramps saying, "Holy Smoke boy, that's a dangerous weapon in those drawers! Marion, how in the hell…"

"Tobias! Leave the children alone, I'll tell you about the Birds and the Bees later when we're by ourselves." Grams said as she winked to Gramps and him smiling with Joyce and I giggling making Neil blush.

Devon was soaked and wet as he brought all the stringers with the fish they caught, when I counted five stringers. Let's see now; Gramps, Dad and Devon, now that's three. Oh crap, Neil and I were included! My eyes went wide when I heard Neil softly say into my ear to be quiet, it happens. I relaxed but I seriously thought they'd all go to jail or pay a fine for exceeding the fishing limit.

As Devon cleaned the fish we found out he fell into the lake while fighting a Northern Pike, his first Northern. He was so excited he tipped the boat over in shallow water, held onto the rod and fought the critter with Dad netting it. On measuring the fish it was a quarter of an inch from being legal and let it go. Devon was initiated just as any fisherman worth a damn has fallen into a river, lake or stream but landed his fish. Normally when this happens the person that fell in has to buy the booze and clean the fish. Devon's gear was all recovered and the boat turned over and re-outfitted with everyone helping Devon. While the fish were being cleaned Mom told the guys about Neil and his new job with Gramps saying, "Uh oh, Son, I think we're busted." With Neil saying, "Why? Gramps, we gave you those stringers before we left so that they'd be fresh after we caught our limit. All I can say is, I'm sure as hell happy this isn't deer season with you guys or we'd be eating venison for months." We were all laughing when Dora came by in her pickup truck.

The kids ran to her, smothered her with their love and she brought them back to me saying, "I think these belong to you Mommy. Neil Babcock, how many times do I have to tell you, you clean what you catch? Don't even tell me that poor boy was initiated? All you men get in there and help, right now!" The men all hurried over and helped Devon with Grams saying, "Hey, I like her style, Dora come home with us and I'll let you train Gramps. Devon Dear, take the kids with you and go change. Joyce will tell you everything later." Devon took all the kids with him with Dora looking around saying, "Darlin', they got the bitch! They got all of her shit and she's spilling her guts out to the Feds, she's looking at seven to ten years, maybe more. Your buddy Thorp has Fed and State charges pending, possession on state property, possession with intent to deliver on a wildlife refuge, attempted murder of a Law Officer namely a District Inspector and Park Ranger. He's screwed! Who's taking over?"

"I recommended Mark, he knows the job." Neil said with Dora saying, "He'll work out, the poachers all hate him. Marion, why in the hell are you dressed in that thing girl. You'll cause a traffic accident! Besides the men out here don't know how to drive anyway."

"Maybe I wanted to shock myself in what I could wear. Oh Damnit Mom, Joyce did it as a joke. All the suits I have are like this, your son and his spear is at the ready to nail his wife." I said as everyone laughed with Dora saying, "Sweetie pie, I say no showers with my boy, no closed areas without an escape route, don't bend over at the waist to pick anything up, never wear dresses or heaven forbid thongs with a dress anywhere near this boy. He's as endowed and as Horney as his Daddy was, and damn did that man makes me happy. One other thing girl, get plenty of lubricant for that flagpole, you'll need it" Dora said as she hugged Neil and me to her.

Gramps, Neil and Dad finished cleaning the fish with me putting them into the freezer. Neil started the grill and I lowered the sun awning on the Monster. The moods of everyone were happy including Devon wearing dry clothes with all the children playing. I watched as Carol and Eddie took care of Tammy and Nicky. We had grilled hot dogs and burgers, potato salad and chips for lunch with Mark Grissom stopping over to thank Neil for the new position, which he starts after the property inventory and turnover by the former supervisor that was Neil. I had to leave the conversation as Nicky and Tammy had fallen asleep in my lap after eating. I carried the babies inside and laid them onto the bed, closed the windows and turned on the air condition. I covered them up, kissed them both and went to the living room. I turned on the television, straightened up the kitchen, dining area and living room when I heard Neil's name on the news. I ran to the door and called him inside with everyone following. The reporter gave a blow-by-blow account at what had happened, who was arrested by whom, what was found and the enormous list of charges against the arrestees. It was then I saw that the station was a cable news station and told Neil. My thoughts were that our peace and solitude was over as they gave Neil's new title. Now that I was used to this half assed camping stuff the Press was going to be a pain in our ass. Neil must have sensed my thoughts and took my hand.

When the report ended Mark said, "I'll be damned! Hey Inspector sir, I'd better go check on our people. We'll keep track of the Press."

"Mark, if the Press want a statement hand them over to the superintendent's office, no one gives any interviews to anyone, not even the guests. Tell Linda to restrict the use of cameras in the lodge or near the offices. Oh and keep a sharp eye on any of Thorps friends, put them all on the day shift. We'll do the turnover tomorrow and I'll be on vacation with my wife and kids." Neil said as Mark smiled, gave Neil a salute and left us.

We continued to watch the news programming with me getting bored. I went outside taking my cellphone with me not even realizing I was still wearing the String Bikini. I pulled out a lounger from the storage compartment, set up the lounger, grabbed my sketchpad and lay down upon the lounger. I opened the pad and stared at the designs. I was impressed at what I drew then and didn't remember doing so. I pulled up my knees finding a blank page, began to draw and then I thought back of all the grief and confusion I had caused everyone. I stopped drawing and called my landlord Mrs. Ruth Price with her answering I said, "Ruth, this is Marion Morrison.

"Hello dear how is your vacation? I do hope you found a man?"

"Ruth you have no idea, Joyce, her family, Mom, Grams, everyone is out here." From that point on I told Ruth what had happened to me. She was a sweet lady and the house I rented from her was her first house that she and her new husband Alvin used to live in. It was an old small two bedroom, English Style Tudor brick and timber cottage that sat on fifty acres of land on the outskirts of the city. I had flower and vegetable gardens, along with an orchard that provided me fruit. I had a modern kitchen to prepare food in, a den that was a bedroom, a library that was a sitting room, dining room to entertain in, a gorgeous, cozy parlor with a fireplace and the large master bedroom with a very large attached bath, two large powder rooms, a large patio, a small pond, an almost barn or large garage and this was my heaven, country living in the big city.

Ruth kinda laughed at what I told her about everything I had said with her saying, "Marion sweetheart, tell Auntie Ruth the truth dear. Do you love the man? Can you manage being a mother to someone else's children? Are you prepared to be a woman and wife after pretending to be a man? Darling if the answers is yes…"

"Ruth, the answer is yes to everything." I said with Ruth saying, "Dear the house is yours along with the additional acreage that the city wanted for a park. The city wanted everything but they were going to tear down the house and we said no to the deal. Alvin and I will sign the promise note and a sellers contract to sell you it all, but the house has to have its charm intact with the additions. We get a garden area for ourselves for life and we get to visit you often. Two further items, be a good mother and do have that surgery. Alvin has been angry with you! He missed the young girl that we rented our house to, I am sure he will be pleased that, that young lady has returned with a husband and children." I said my thanks to her and disconnected with Gramps and Daddy coming from inside of the Monster with Daddy saying, "You know Dad, I told your granddaughter to cover her ass cheeks and breasts so she sits on her young butt and covers her breasts with a sketchpad."

"I know son, it seems as if kids don't want to listen to their elders, it's very disrespectful. However she is dressed for swimming but hasn't gone near the water." Gramps said as the two of them grabbed my feet and arms and picked me up as I squirmed and screamed bringing almost everyone out of the motorhome. Gramps and Dad carried me to the shoreline; they swung me back and forth as I screamed harder, finally throwing me into the lake. Just as I came up from the sandy bottom of the lake heading to the surface another body hit the water, it was Joyce. As I hit the surface I saw Mom being thrown into the lake and then both Dora and Grams as I watched the guys tackle them as they tried to run. It was pitiful to see all the women in my family get thrown into the lake and the guys laughing but knowing how devious Grams and Mom were I'd say the guy's asses were grass and we were going to be the lawnmowers.

I was the first to swim onto the sandy shoreline when I saw my old little friend with the white strips come from behind a tree. I froze watching it go behind the men and look at them. I motioned for the women to look at the skunk when they saw Stinky, they stayed right were they were. I dived into the water just as I saw Stinky raise its tail. When I surfaced all I heard were the men swearing, my smelling Stinky and them diving into the water of the lake.

"Damn you guys stink!" Joyce yelled out laughing so hard I thought she peed in the lake. This was better than when we were babies taking baths together when I took a crap in the tub and she thought it was a toy.

We all watched as stinky brazenly waddled to the shoreline and to the water and drank the water. It was then I saw the door to the Monster open with Carol and Tammy coming down the stairs. We all yelled at them to stay away when Tammy saw Stinky, ran to it saying Kitty, Kitty, and damn if Stinky didn't go toward her. All I thought about was Tammy and Carol as I swam to the shore when Tammy picked up the baby skunk and was holding it.

"Tammy Honey, put the kitty down and come to Mommy, Carol get inside please." I said as Carol ran into the Monster, I slowly walked toward Tammy with her saying, "But Mommy I want to play with the kitty, can we keep her?" My thoughts were, yeah when hell freezes over. I was about five feet away from Tammy when that little stinkpot hissed at me and Tammy dropped it. I grabbed Tammy's hand and ran like hell with Stinky following us at a trot. We just barely got inside the Monster when that tail went up again and I closed the door.

Carol and Tammy were both wailing, Eddie was laughing his butt off and I grabbed a cellphone. I was consoling the girls, yelling at Eddie to stop laughing as I dialed the Lodge when a sweet voice answered. I told her the problem and where everyone was with her laughing and putting me on hold, just as the circuit came alive the cellphone went dead.

I was pissed at my nephew and the girls cried their eyes out when I saw Neil grab Stinky by the tail and held it up to the window. I was not about to leave the Monster or allow the kids to do so when we heard the sirens, the screeching of brakes on the gravel and the uproarious laughter. Opening the door, the smell of Le Odeur de Skunk number three was very heavy. I told the kids to stay inside and close the door as I went outside. There were Rangers and vehicles everywhere with Neil placing Stinky into a pet carrier on a pickup truck bed and covering the cage with a tarp. When Mark saw me he said, "Damn boss I can see why you want to marry her." I saw the other men drooling as they roamed over my body with their eyes,

"Have the Vet check Stinky over real good. I want you all to know that because of Marion, Tammy wasn't bitten and we were able to get this little one and make sure we don't have any rabies in the park. Skunks and raccoons get it first and it travels like wildfire to some of the animals. This little critter showed no fear to any of us. It came to Tammy when she called it. Put out some traps for other small animals and check that breeder, Murdock, see if any of his critters got away." Neil said as I wrinkled my nose with me saying, "Darling, I hate to tell you but you really do smell bad. Mark I hope you brought a few gallons of that goop and many shovels?"

"We sure did Marion, Neil your lady is right, go take a shower, please." Mark said with Neil saying, "Hell no! I'm going over to the Lodge, sit at my desk, light a cigar and make everyone run like hell."

"Neil, Linda will have your hide after that last time, it'll be hanging over the fireplace. You did that cigar bit once before and everyone was sick. Not even that goop as Marion calls it in liquid form worked to get rid of the smell in the Lodge. Marion please for all of our sakes, talk some sense into the boss." Mark pleaded with me saying, "Ah Darling, please drop those smelly drawers, Mommy has something for you." I was about to grab Neil’s flagpole when I held my breath and kissed Neil with the others around us really kicking up a fuss that the boss was getting smooched on. When we stopped kissing Mark said, "I know who's gonna be the boss in that house and she wears skirts."

"Mark, I just can't wait for you to marry Linda, I will be your shadow as I videotape everything for Headquarters to see, especially when you wear that wedding gown down the aisle. Hell. I'll even ask my wife to make it for you, won't you Marion?" Neil said winking his eye with Marion saying, "I sure will dear, along with matching lingerie and honeymoon outfits. Mark looks about a size sixteen, no problem." The blood in Mark's faced drained as the Rangers started on him and then left us leaving several gallons of the goop.

Dora took charge making all the guys strip near the beach as we all smiled broadly at their embarrassment. When Dad looked at Neil and exclaimed by saying, "Gee Dad, I feel like a midget next to Neil. Marion, how in the hell do you…"

"Edward! We'll talk later, then we'll find a microscope to measure your thingies." Mom said laughing making us all laugh with Joyce saying, "Dora, are all the boys…"

"Damn I hope not, some of the gals around these parts couldn't handle a fire hose, besides I see nothing for these men to be ashamed about. I see all of you gals have kids, you seem happy and you don't seem to be lacking a bed warmer." Dora said with Mom saying, "I'm happy with what I have Dora and it's been years since I've seen Marion happy. Let's you and I go bury these things and talk, coming Joyce, Mom. Daddy, Edward, Neil and Devon move those sweet cheeks and use that stuff. Edward Dear, I want a sweet smelling man in my bed." Damn could those guys move fast once they realized that they could be seen in the raw from the road and the promise of them getting something from Momma.

I went into the Monster first with the goop as Neil stayed at the back of the Monster outside. I checked Nicky first, found clean clothes for Neil and closed the bedroom door. Putting the goop into the bathroom, I called Neil inside as I kept the kids occupied and we spoke together about the skunk with Tammy saying, "Mommy can I have that kitty? I'll take good care of it, please." My jaw dropped to the floor and then saw the tears in Tammy's eyes. I could just imagine what my house would smell like. I'd get to hear that varmint hissing at me as I got next to Tammy. Oh, Show and Tell would be a big hit at school. I could see fifty-five gallon drums of the goop we used stored in my garage, the gardens and in the house. I looked at and brought Tammy to me saying, "Sweetheart, I have to ask Daddy first, if he says yes then I'll say yes. Carol and Eddie please bring my cellphone inside, put it in the charger and take your mother's phone to her and tell her to charge it and keep it charged. Tammy you can go with your cousins, while Nicky sleeps." I saw the smiles appear on their faces as the kids scurried and left the Monster as I went back to speak to Neil.

I sat on the commode, bending the top portion of my body foreword and crossed my legs saying, "Oh darling we have a very big problem, that's smelly too." I told him about what Tammy asked for a pet and he laughed saying, "Honey I had everything from raccoons to snakes along with minks growing up, but that's the country living and we're going to be living in the city." I didn't like the answer and told him about the house and land that seemed to surprise him. My concern was to make Tammy be a happy little girl with me saying, "Okay, here's the deal, that child your daughter and mine want's and I quote, that kitty. I will not lie to her, nor have you do it for me, to tell her the kitty died. I know that all or most wild animals are classified as exotic….

"Dear that skunk is an American musteline mammal that typically ejects an intensely foul-smelling fluid when it's startled; it's also in some classifications put in a separate subfamily called Mephitinae in other words it stinks and sprays…

"Dear as I was saying; de-scent Stinky, teach it manners so it doesn't hiss at me or make me stand on a chair, litter box train it and Tammy has her kitty. I want you start a program to let city and town kids to see these gorgeous animals up close and personal that aren't in a zoo type atmosphere."

"But…"

"Listen to her Neil Harvard Babcock, she has an idea that worked in other states. I think the kids of any age would love it. You moron you're a zoologist that specializes as an ethologist, a conservationist as well as a Game Warden and Cop." Dora said smiling as she came into the bathroom with me smiling and saying, "Hmmm…Neil Harvard, huh? Honey, I can't break Tammy's little heart and neither can you. If it's money that's needed we'll find it, but I never saw a hell of a lot of the critters until Joyce and I were old enough when we learned to fish and respect nature's creatures. Start the ball rolling with Stinky."

"There's a raccoon kit that was orphaned and adopted us at the Lodge maybe…"

I looked at Neil's body outline in the shower hearing the excitement in his voice and nodded my head yes, saying, "That's a good one dear, Stinky and the Bandit. They are both to be in pet carriers and never let loose in the house without us being around. And you my dear get to clean the litter boxes." I walked softly into the bedroom, checked on Nicky and had just taken the top of my bikini off when Dora walked in.

I blushed with her saying, "Darlin', it just us girls and a very little boy that's asleep in here. Get dressed and we're goin' to town, jus' you an' me so we can talk and shop." I had Dora sit on the bed as I took the bathing suit off and dressed in fresh pink bikini panties, a pink strapless bra, a pink tube top, Khaki colored cargo shorts and a Khaki colored, short sleeved bush jacket that I left open. I put on white footies and white sneakers. I did my makeup with Dora softly saying, "Sweetie, I can see why Neil loves you and I'm his Momma speaking to you now. You're smart, talented, beautiful, and love the babies. You love life. You love him and have the womanly skills to control your man that he doesn't see he's been manipulated. The bitch he divorced had no control or any idea of how to control a man but in your case my dear, you do."

"Mother, that was not always the case…"

"Sweetie I know, you had your demons, and we all do. All I want is for the babies to be happy and their mother and father happy." Dora said kissing me as she led me from the room and to her pickup truck after I told Neil I was leaving and to watch Nicky.

Chapter 7

Neil had his shower and smelled human again when I came back after going to town with Dora. We walked around the local stores and the touristy shops. Okay so one type of store the locals shopped at and the other were geared toward the tourist clientele, you know tourist traps. In each store we went to Dora introduced me to people as Neil's new wife and I was treated like royalty. But I swear that woman is part Indian shaman, one minute she was next to me and the next she was gone like a puff of smoke. I purchase a few items called Dream Catchers and several sets of wind chimes for the Monster and home. I did some grocery shopping since there were now three added mouths to feed. We visited the toyshop and bought them out from dolls to stuffed animals, even water blaster squirt guns for the big boys.

We drove back to the Campgrounds in a happy frame of mind when the Ranger at the gate stopped the truck when he recognized Dora and said, "Hi Dora going back to the camping area?"

"Yes Taylor with my daughter-in-law…"

"Oh sorry Mrs. Babcock, the Inspector is waiting for you with Ranger Grissom and the kids." Taylor said with me saying, "Relax Taylor, I'm just Marion to all of you and the Inspector is still the same man you worked with, Neil." I said smiling as the Ranger waved us through to where the camping sites were at smiling, with Dora saying, "You just made that poor rookie a very happy boy, dear. He'll go home tonight think of you and whip his Willy to death." We both laughed and kept laughing when we came to the campsite where we saw the Ranger SUV parked. Dora parked alongside the SUV with us seeing the family sitting at or near the picnic table. The kids were on the ground playing with something when I saw something furry and moving.

I got out of the truck and walked quickly to the picnic area seeing a baby raccoon that was maybe about six weeks old and sucking down a baby bottle that Tammy held for it. I looked at Neil and tapped my foot impatiently on the ground with my hands on my hips waiting for an answer with him coming to me and giving me a big sloppy kiss. We broke the kiss with him saying, "I thought it might be a good idea to see how…"

"Neil Harvard Babcock, are you mad! That's a baby, it has to be fed at night and the damn thing stays up all night when it gets…"

"Oh put a sock in it, Sis! It's cute and cuddly…"

"That's what husbands are! Girls, cut the crap or I have a hairbrush that has your imprints on it when I used it last on your butts before and it's in our RV." Mom said with everyone nodding their agreement with me saying, "Neil please go unload the pickup and I'll be in the galley. Mom, please watch the children so Neil and I can talk." I said as I turned around and was closing the door as Dora said, "Twenty to one she looses her frillys, any takers?"

"Not a one Dora, I bet Neil does put a sock in her mouth." Mom said making everyone laugh as I closed the door smiling. Was I that predictable? Taking off my jacket I remembered what Mom always said that any relationship with any couple was give and take.

The door opened with Neil and Mark coming in with their arms loaded when I said, "Just put that stuff anywhere there's room. Mark, bring Linda tonight for supper, we're having grilled fish. I think it's only fitting that the new Senior Ranger and his wife have dinner with the old regime. When we have our meal, Darling, Bandit is to be in its carrier, that Mom bought that I wasn't supposed to see. How's Stinky doing?"

"Damn I thought Marion was pissed, boss?" Mark said softly with Neil saying, "Bandit is a male and Marion was pissed, now answer her Jughead!"

"Sure I'll bring Linda, the skunk is in quarantine, and it has a virus. The Vet said that Tammy was lucky she wasn't bit but we were lucky to have caught it. Many animals could have got sick or died."

"Okay Mark, get Tammy a younger Stinky, get it taken care of and fixed, get Bandit fixed too." I said with Neil saying, "Bandit was fixed, he was living in my office after what we found what was left of his family. He was the only survivor and almost didn't make it. He was kind of ripped open and lost his testicles later; a bear protecting her cubs attacked the family. "

"We all took turns keeping him alive, even the Vet, Doc Evers. When I brought the kit here, Neil told me about your idea, I think that the kit would be good for the kids to see and touch, along with other animals. Otherwise the kit would have had to live his life out in the Lodge or caged all the time. Sorry but that's no life." Mark said with me being close to shock at what could happen to that poor creature and what had happened to it with me saying, "You guys were so lucky as kids having all these neat animals around, while us poor city kids had nothing but zoos, cats and dogs. Now go bring in the rest of the stuff and maybe tonight my husband will get a surprise." Neil smiled wickedly at me when I added by saying, "Not that you pig!" pushing them both out the door.

Unpacking some of the Dream Catchers I put three of them up in the windows. I hung a set of the wind chimes that was made of cut glass near the door when all the kids came inside with our new family member that Tammy was holding. I went to the bags and rummaged around finding what Dora had bought and brought them out, two nylon harnesses and two very long nylon leashes. I gave the kids juice boxes and took Bandit while the kids went outside. Bandit looked at me quizzically as I put one of the harnesses on him and he licked my hand. I saw and felt the scars on his tiny belly and held the poor creature that fell asleep in my arms. I was in awe that this happened when Mark and Neil came into the Monster. Neil smiled and so did Mark with Neil saying, "Well Mommy, you have another baby. Bandit feels secure with you and not threatened."

"Yeah but you have to potty train your son Daddy." I said with Mark saying, "He is, I mean Bandit is litter box trained and has real good table manners. Oh and he loves fish ask Neil, he ate the rainbow trout that was in his tank in the office today."

"I guess tropical fish are out of the question in our house, huh?" I said with Neil saying, "Maybe Oscars or Piranhas might think of Bandit as food but anything else is food to Bandit" I looked at the ball of fur I held and then at Neil with me saying, "Can we buy fish from the hatchery?"

"Sure… Why?" Neil asked with me saying, "I have about fifteen carp in a pond that might become a snack…" Neil laughed knowing what I was inferring to.

Mark saw the water guns saying, "Hey lady no guns in the park, unless I get to play with them too." I laughed saying, "I got one for all the guys to hold but we girls get to hold your guns tonight." The looks on their faces were priceless when they realized what I meant with Mark saying, "Oh crap Linda is going to love you, with her dirty mind and yours together we're screwed."

"No Sweetie, but you will be, maybe tonight is your lucky night. Neil, make a bed for Bandit in the cage so I can start dinner?" I said telling him were the bedding was in which closet when Dora came inside with an old blanket handing it to Neil saying, "I thought you'd need this. Damn he looks comfortable Mommy."

"Yeah but Mommy needs to get dinner started. Neil, have Dad start the fire after you put Bandit to bed, do what you did in your office for him with the potty box and cage. Damn this family is growing!" I said as Neil took Bandit from me, as he opened his eyes, and yawned. He went into the large carrier and went back to sleep with Neil taking the carrier outside with a litter box.

The meal was a hit having the broiled fish from the grill, baked potatoes, green beans, various salads and ice cream for dessert. Linda and Mark had come after they changed their clothes with them both wearing cargo shorts, hers pink and his beige, short sleeved pull over shirts, white socks and trainers. She was a gracious girl that immediately stepped in to help prepare the meal, while I sent Mark to help Dad. Bandit basked in the love from everyone and the trout and greens he ate. Me, I was overjoyed in the fact I had very few dishes to wash and praised the inventor of the paper plates that we used.

After we cleaned up, Linda and Mark left saying that they had to get up early. I knew that ploy that they wanted to be alone and let nature take its course. I gave them a kiss on the cheek, which seemed to surprise them both as they climbed into Mark's SUV. I invited them to visit us in the city that they both accepted immediately. I gave Linda all of my addresses and telephone numbers and her doing the same. I also promise her a shopping trip that she would never forget that would make her a very happy woman both in bed and out of bed. We laughed together, as Mark moaned softly saying something about no sleep and babies. After they left what was left of the evening we spent as a family with Bandit curled up directly on my feet sleeping. Before I forgot I gave everyone the little gifts I bought them in town with Joyce saying, "Sis, I think we all have our gift and that is to see you happy. It was fate that you met Neil and wound up in this situation but I have my sister back, Mom and Dad their daughter…"

"Oh cut it Joyce, I have a daughter-in-law that loves my boy and that loves the babies. Hell I even feel welcome being with all of you…"

"Dora, this family was in a state of turmoil for years, it's a wonder we all remained sane. I broke my son's nose in a fight we had about a certain granddaughter. I had to relearn things that I learned out on the streets, hell I was a hood back in those days…"

"Daddy learned tolerance and my mother learned how to threaten Daddy, when he was bad he got nothing but when he was good…"

"Oh Andrea stop that! I rewarded him with my love as always and a bribe of having a good roll in the sack." Grams said making us laugh as I held my babies onto my lap with Neil saying, "Gramps, things for me just fell into place with Marion. The kids are another story but when they both yelled Mommy and ran to her that was it. I kept poor Mom up the entire night talking about Marion and worried about my job. Mom came up with the plan for me to keep my job and Marion. That next morning…"

"We know Neil, she became the old bubbly Marion to us and the aunt of our kids that they worship. Joyce was stunned, Mom and Dad said a word of thanks and Grams and Gramps said it was about damn time she came to her senses. Joyce and I had our old fishing buddy back, our babysitter, the aunt to our kids and our best friend that was always there for all of us." Devon said as he came over to kiss me. The sandman had arrived for Nicky and Tammy, as they were both about ready to fall asleep as I held them. Neil took Bandit placing him in his carrier with Devon helping him carry the carrier and potty box inside as I carried the children. In minutes they were both ready for bed, used the toilet and the kisses came from everyone as I tucked them in. Neil and I received a kiss from everyone with my niece and nephew thanking Neil and I for the stuffed animals and toys as they left for the night.

Neil, Dad and Devon went and secured the campsites for the night as I went to our bedroom and got ready for Neil. I quickly got ready for Neil as I heard faint sounds of little grunts from the corner and saw Bandit's carrier and him looking at me as I put on a black shortie nightgown and panties. When I came closer he was excited to see me and I let him out, in a flash he was up on the bed and in my lap as I sat down. No sniffing around, nothing! I pet the critter as he clicked out those sounds and his little grunts of joy. I picked him up and walked to the kitchen and filled a bottle with formula thinking that I'd have to get a cow to keep the kids and a formula factory to keep this critter happy and contented. Bandit was partially weaned but he still loved his formula. Oh well, I guess there was to be no more topless jaunts in the house or topless sun tanning.

Holding Bandit like a baby in my arms, all I had to do was get the nipple of the bottle near his mouth, his paws grabbed it and he took it all greedily. I thought to myself it was okay as long as he didn't do what all men do later that all women have seen done by the male of our species do, scratch their bodies, belch loudly and pass gas whether it be an SBD (You know ladies, the old Silent But Deadly ones with the bed covers going over our heads and us gasping for clean, non-polluted air or they let that Black Cloud loose in the aisles of Kmart.) or ones that rattle the window glass. Neil had come back inside, set the monitor and sat next to me. He watched as I fed Bandit with Bandit giving a small belch and a body scratch. Oh well as long as he doesn't have bad gas! Neil took him and placed him into the litter box where Bandit did his business, damn that was bad, well that boy just proved he was a male!

I checked on the other babies, turned off the lights, went to our bed with Bandit in his cage and Neil in the shower. I looked into the carrier seeing Bandit was curled into a little ball with Neil coming to bed. Feeling the movement of the bed and then Neil's arms pulling me toward I allowed him to move me toward him. He turned off the lights as I cuddled into him with him kissing me. Not a word was shared by us, just our body heat, as he held me to him. This was the moment I had dreamt of during a portion of my life when I became aware of men and boys. I now understood what Mom, Joyce and I had talked about during those times we were together when I was a teenager. Sure sex is an integral part of any relationship but so is communication, the emotional ability to love and compatibility. This is what romance is, this is what cuddling is about to a woman. We both must have been running on the fumes of energy with us falling asleep entwined. I had no dreams that I could recall but was awakened to the smells of breakfast and the kissing of my face.

On opening my eyes, I saw that the sun was up with Bandit laying next to me and giving me kisses with me saying, "Hey you, Daddy is the one to wake me up like that, not you." Getting up from the bed I took a fast shower but unfortunately not by myself or with Neil, as Bandit joined me licking the water and loving the spray from the shower nozzle spray. I dried my hair and body, and powdered. I dressed in a red panty and bra set, a multi colored floral short set and red sandals, as Bandit watched my every move from the bed that he laid on. I did my makeup and hair going out of the bedroom to see Neil at the stove cooking breakfast and the kids gone with me saying, "Why?"

"Your Mom and Joyce wanted them, the guys are on the lake, the majority of the inventory is done and my Mom is handling the movers with mostly everything going into storage. I wanted you to get some rest, after all this is your vacation." Neil said as I looked at the clock seeing it was almost noon with me saying, "That was sweet of you but I do have things to attend to. Your furry son got my attention."

"He was with me at the lodge and was very good. When we got back inside he used the litter box then all I said was Mommy and he went right to you and lay on the bed next to you." Bending at the knees I gave Bandit a hug and said to Neil, "I wonder if I can train you just as well?" with him saying, "According to our Moms and Joyce you have, but Bandit never acted this way to anyone, not even Linda, Pam or Terri on their shifts at the Lodge. Oh, I gave your Dad those water blasters before they went out on the lake."

"Ohhhh…I guess it's a good thing I went grocery shopping yesterday, you know they'll all be playing with their new toys instead of fishing." I said as I stood straight with Neil saying, "My Mom said she's bringing the chow, which means barbeque pulled pork. Probably with corn bread, baked beans, slaw and who knows what else. She said to just make sure you're hungry." Neil walked me to the dinette and served me breakfast with him sitting down across from me watching as I ate with Bandit lying down on the floor under the table right on my feet. I told Neil to look, he laughed and said, "Hey, can I share you, since I think…

"In more ways then you can think of." I said as I bent over the table and kissed Neil being careful not to move my feet. Neil stood up and then picked up Bandit and took him to his carrier as I cleaned up the mess. I heard some clicking and a hiss as Bandit came running toward me stopping at my feet. He stood up and extended his paws like arms and hands to me, when Neil came from the back saying, "Damnit, the little shit hissed at me, all I tried to do was put him in the carrier." I picked Bandit up and said, "Get the carrier and I'll put him in it. Since we're alone or almost alone, I want to spend the time with you. We have a great deal to discuss such as the house."

Neil got the carrier and I fed furry formula, some fish, and vegetables. He used his table manners and tried to wash everything. He used his litter box and went into the carrier falling asleep with me saying, "Sweetie, he was hungry, he's a growing baby that's going to be full of mischief. So we know that if he fusses, he's hungry and we feed him."

I was amazed seeing that the living room was spotless as I got out my laptop. Connecting it up I dialed into the ISP on a toll free number through my cellphone. I downloaded my email, read it and responded to those messages that I needed to respond to and disconnected. I attached the hands free device to the cellphone and called Ruth and Alvin with Alvin answering. I told him that Neil was in the room and we called about the house with him saying, "It's about damn time you found your way. So I hear a man finally got into you're pretty panties and you're a Mommy? Two babies yet, that's grand!" Alvin said with me saying, "Alvin I need a favor? I want the house fumigated from the stench of those old clothes and just leave my frillys."

"Sure we can do that when the architect and the Contractor comes tomorrow." Alvin said with us both being surprised with me saying, "Back up there a minute Uncle Al, they don't even know what I want or what we might need now and later."

"Listen girl, Ruth knows all that, she spoke to Andrea and your Grams. Hell Bandit will have a real nice home to roam in. Tamara and Nicholas will have their own large rooms to play in." Alvin said with me being at a loss for words with Neil saying, "Ah, Uncle Al, we don't want you to destroy…"

"Son, I had plans to build that old home larger and for it to be done right, now it will be. Ruth and I want you kids to have it as a wedding present. Ruth doesn't know it but my uncle gave us that house when we got married. He was a contractor that couldn't sell the damn thing, he had a reputation for shoddy work, but that house was his best with only a few things wrong." Alvin said with me saying, "Uncle Al the cost…"

"Marion, we have money that Ruth doesn't have any idea about and can well afford it. If she found out about the money she'd piss it up. All I'll say it will look like the old house with the new stuff blending in with the old. All we want is an invitation to your wedding besides look at all the things you made Ruth over the years. She never looked sexier as I took them off…"

"Okay Uncle Al I get the entire dirty picture, when I get home I'll make Ruth more of those things…"

"Hot Damn! I have those erection pills, scented candles, along with a defibrillator waiting, and satin sheets. Thank you Marion from our hearts, we love you and I'm sure we'll love Neil and the babies. Now Bandit might be a little hard to handle if he sees Ruth's old raccoon coat." Alvin said making us laugh as he hung up. Looking at Neil I smiled and was all over that man. He picked me up and carried me to the bedroom giving me the best afternoon delight I ever had. So okay already, the only afternoon screw I ever had and I assure you not ever our last.

It seemed strange to me at first to have someone share my bed, have others that relied upon you and to share your life with them, but so far I wouldn't change a damn thing. I was miserable in my existence before and it was just that, an existence. I existed with no purpose in my life. I had confusion caused through the psych sessions that I had with so-called professionals; sure you talk, they listen and you pay out the nose for that piece of paper saying you're sane and need the SRS to make you whole. I cannot imagine people like me with the massive emotional baggage they carry for all their lives, the abuse, both physical and mental anguish and pain from their families, and many, many others. I can see why some chose to end their lives yet those that do end their lives never see that they might bring a ray of sunshine into this world to others. What angers me, is that far too many people have their hands out in the medical and pharmaceutical communities wanting that money from you, not caring about the person that they care for just the almighty dollar. The battle cry for these people should be I am not a piece of revenue for them; I am a human being! I have heard the horror stories about how people have paid for their surgeries both prior and post care. I have heard of the botched surgeries, I have seen the discrimination in my younger years and cannot imagine what it's like to the older individual. I cannot imagine what it is like to decide whether to pay rent in some roach and rat infested hovel, eat, pay utilities, buy my pills or see my doctor for an injection that could be water. I cannot imagine selling my body to people for money to survive because I am without work being a transsexual. I cannot imagine losing my family, co-workers or friends. I have read many things including the Harry Benjamin Standards of Care and the decision-making boards; they mean nothing to the person that requires SRS with its requirements. If there is a will, there is a way to get that surgery to end the physical and mental torment they have, each and every day. I said a small silent prayer of thanks for each and everything I have, as I showered and dressed back into my clothes. Neil was partially asleep when I entered the bedroom to put on my makeup.

Giving him a kiss after I made myself up, I heard Bandit and his clicking. I hurried to the carrier, letting him out with him going to the potty box dropping the proverbial bomb that could gag a maggot. I praised him and gave him some water and some grapes that he washed and ate very quickly. Grabbing my sketchpad I was about to walk out the door when I noticed I had a furry shadow. Stopping I turned as he sat on his haunches and looked at me with a sad face. Walking back to his carrier I picked up his harness and leash watching as he quickly waddled to me allowing me to put the harness on him and the leash. I grabbed a bowl and cool water and we went out the door.

Outside I sat in a lounger and he lay under the lounger in the shade, which I thought, was an equitable solution, considering I didn't need a fur coat on my body. I drew and he slept for an hour, when he woke up and got excited. It was then I was besieged by all the kids and Joyce, making Bandit very happy with Joyce saying, "I give you time to be with the old man and you're out here. The guys are back and cleaned their catches."

"Sis, all I'll say is that I did, we did and then I came out here. Thanks for bringing Tammy and Nicky home. Somehow I know the guys left the mess for the ladies of the family?"

"Devon tried that along with his wet clothes scattered all over the RV so did Daddy and Gramps. The thing was they were naked and Mom and Grams…"

"They jumped their bones and that's why you're here. Why didn't you do Dev? I mean he was in the raw too." I said smiling with Joyce saying, "He got a preview and sampling for tonight’s session, I don't want to spoil him with too much pleasure." We spoke together about many things when Neil emerged from the Monster. He kissed us both with him sitting next to me bringing another lounger saying, "Thanks Sis for the time to share with Marion, we owe you."

"Naw, I owe Marion more time, besides it was fun for the kids. We hiked to the waterfall, swam in the lake and had a picnic. I'm surprised they haven't dropped from exhaustion." Joyce said with me noticing how quiet it was and saw the kids fast asleep by a shade tree with Bandit lying between Nicky and Tammy with me laughing and saying, "You succeeded Sis, they even have a watch raccoon by them." We spoke of the house, the remodeling and the purchase of it. I had my concerns about it being a gift, the construction and the amount of time it would take to build the additions. Before we realized it several hours had passed with the children awakening. I fed them all a snack of the fruit I bought. Even Bandit ate his snack with the kids laughing at his antics to being a pest for more snacks. Somehow I just knew that I was going to get the short end of the stick and shoved very far up my rectum when Bandit grew older.

Chapter 8

The day had arrived to fold our tents and pack our camels as my nomadic life was closing. I had to admit that every day was an adventure when you had kids, a husband to be and a raccoon. It seemed the kids and Bandit could get into more mischief in so short of time that I ever would have imagined. I was on the go from the time I got up in the morning to the time I dropped into our bed at night from sheer exhaustion. It didn't help much with our men acting as bad as the children from mud fights to bringing frogs to me and wanting to bring them home. Sorry but all I like about frogs is their legs; skinned, battered and fried.

The guys were in heaven when they fished and that was my relaxing time unless I was with them. However I couldn't even take a relaxing bath in the garden tub without a crisis like Bandit up in a tree that I had to climb up and get him, or him joining me in my bath or shower. How about Poison Ivy? Brought home by your children camouflaged in the wildflowers they held in their hands for Mommy? How about Mommy losing it when her children brought a small Water Moccasin home from the beach, holding it by its head trying to give it to you? I screamed so loud the water fowl took flight and left a trail of brown as I ran off. When Neil came running, he took the snake from Tammy and set it free. Okay so I dislike snakes, I know they have a purpose but I refuse to have them near me. I really hate changing my underwear from fright and cleaning the mess. All in all I've lived through those times of abject terror and fear with each new terror escalating to above average proportions and I have survived each successive one. I succeeded in passing the trials and tribulations of being a Mommy and love the kids tremendously, now being a wife had certain other Tests I had to pass and those I am really scared of.

I have learned that when a man wants sex he wants it then and now, no matter what you are doing, like things called housework or if you're sleeping dead to the world. If they don't get their sexual rendezvous you have a surly male that sometimes pouts like a little boy and is meaner that any schoolyard bully you have ever encountered. The male of our species wants to be cajoled and played with constantly, especially in places that could be embarrassing like a restaurant full of people, or any public place for that matter. The male wants his woman dressed perfectly and to be the epitome of femininity, Lord help the woman getting dressed for an important event. That poor woman has the kids to contend with their wailing and whining about them being dressed up and then the male that shares your bed wants to screw her brains out. Dora was correct about showers, dresses, skirts, bending over and confined spaces. I learned that lesson well now I always seek an escape route. Ladies, never bend over especially if you forget to wash out your lingerie. You are a target of his spear and that spear knows its target very well of where it intends to go. I will not even get into the area of lingerie sexy or plain and Neil, he believes if I put it on, it is his duty to take it all off me and for us to make love wherever he decides. Now bathing suits, Bikinis and water now that is a dangerous combination with men around. The men stare at you and your husbands and boyfriends think that no one will see if they give you a thrill. Now ask the poor child that was snorkeling near you as you got speared.

Now Bandit is Mommy's boy, he listens to me better than the kids or Neil at times. He washes up before meals along with all his food; I at times wished the kids did, I mean wash up. If Mommy forgets to clean the potty box he leaves me presents in my shoes; I just love the feeling of something warm and squishy between my toes in the morning. He loves climbing trees for Mommy to get him down from them. He's a little joy in a boat when you're fishing, as all the fish you catch are his to eat, big, small or illegal. He loves my flour canister when he gets up on my counter to look out the window for Daddy; tracking the flour everywhere that he spilled. How about the Vet? I still have the imprints of his paws on my breast that he grabbed not to mention the show I gave the vet when he ripped the spaghetti straps off my sundress, letting the Vet get flashed as the shelf bra came loose. Oh well Mommy doesn't have enough to do but sew clothes and flash men with her breasts.

That morning we all left, it looked as if we had a gypsy caravan behind us with three identical RV's following us. Neil and I decided we'd share the driving with him driving first. We were going slowly down the road when we saw the red, clear and blue lights atop Ranger SUVs blocking the road. We stopped the Monster with him getting out the driver's door while Bandit was in my lap as usual and the kids watched Cinderella for the umpteenth time on the DVD. I was to the point I could recite the entire dialogue of the movie and sing each and every song.

After a few minutes Neil returned getting in saying, "We have to take the long way to the entrance, there was an accident involving a deer and a car, they're cleaning it up.” We, our caravan turned around and took the other way out of the park when we were passed by one of the Ranger's SUVs that slid in front of us making us do the same speed as the ranger was. My cellphone rang with Grams telling me there was another SUV behind them with their lights on too.

I turned to Neil saying, "Sweetie, what the hell is going on? I have all of Bandit's papers. We don't have any endangered species onboard unless you or the kids brought it. We have the creel limit for fish in the freezer to take home."

"I think they all want to say goodbye to us. They all know we'll be back…" Neil stopped saying when the SUV stopped and then went very slowly as the Lodge came into sight. The Rangers were all assembled in the front of the Lodge along with the Superintendent of State Parks standing with Dora, the governor, the State Police Major of the local Barracks, several local constabularies, firefighters and Rescue Squads were all there. Even the Press was in full force but that kinda goes hand in hand with any politician.

We all stopped with Mark coming to the Monster with him saluting and saying, "Sir the Rangers request to render honors to the best damn boss and friend we ever loved…and the bastard we hated that followed the rules."

Neil's eyes teared, as we left the Monster via the side door with him holding my hand and me with the kids and of course Bandit. Many of the visitors had come from the campsites along with those out for the day that came to watch and hear what was going on. I gave Neil Bandit to hold as I stayed with the children, this was his day. The speeches were obligatory and long-winded by the politicians and the people they appoint. While they all spoke Bandit wanted to see too, climbed to Neil's shoulders and stayed making everyone laugh and upstaging the speechmakers.

Dora had made her way over to me saying, "Marion please forgive me, they had this planned for days. Mark made me swear not to say anything to anyone." I smiled at Dora saying, "I'm not mad, these people have worked and gave their all to Neil, now I get his all, All his dirty clothes and all of him and all of his spear."

"Ow, that spear! Now since he doesn't know it yet, Mark submitted the idea for the traveling nature center for the school kids and signed Neil's name to it. The Superintendent liked the idea so much that he personally decided each District should do the same and guess who's in charge of it? Neil also has all the park districts as well as them promoting him to a Deputy Superintendent of State Parks."

The kids, most of the family and I stayed close to the back, but Grams and Mom had to get up close and personal to take as many photographs as they could. I wasn't about to say anything, as I wanted the photos too. I cried when then handed the new badge to Neil and saw the deep expression of surprise on his face with his promotion that Mom caught. When they announced his new duties even Bandit clapped of course he was trying to catch a flying insect with his paws. Mark and Linda then presented to Neil a plaque and an engraved watch from the park staff, which concluded the ceremonies.

The Superintendent and Governor took Neil and Mark into the Lodge after I was given custody of Bandit, while we all went to hide from the Press in our RV's. I was thankful we were left alone as I read to the babies, even the furry one in my lap. After an hour had passed, Neil had met with the Press briefly with the caravan heading on down the road. I took my seat upfront with furry wrapped around my neck sleeping. Neil was unusually quiet until we stopped at a rest area for lunch several hours later. There are times in any relationship you have to bite your tongue and this was one of those times I sensed.

We took sandwich fixings and went to the picnic area with the other members of the family, when Dad got Neil to speak. I found out what was the problem as I fixed sandwiches, Neil didn't know how to tell me that the animals for Nature's Ark and his new vehicles would arrive later in the month, possibly sooner. All the wildlife would be babies and the species native to the state, okay so we could handle that. Next was the vehicle that the animals could be transported in from their cages. Cages! What cages? How big was this vehicle? Keeping quiet I kept working, listening to Neil and Dad that his SUV was already delivered to my house, I mean our house along with the fencing and cages. I was close to losing it, granted my house was on a great deal of land but it was in the city, I did have neighbors and there were always children around or near it, then we have sanitation to worry about and the animal's welfare, I allowed children to pick fruit during the summer from the tress. I had a business to run and I sure as hell wasn't the farmer's daughter or wife. When Neil said the word cougar I snapped.

"Neil Harvard Babcock, we're going to have a cougar cub? A Mountain Lion, you know a Puma. Are you all insane! Joyce and I have a business to run. I am not into the security and safety of wild animals. We also have two babies of our own! They're kids around that area! What about the smells? What about the neighbors?"

"Oh be quiet Sis, hell you can work at home, be a work at home Mom. Neil can hire some of those kids to clean the mess and train them to be handlers. Look how well behaved Bandit is."

"But…"

"Yeah, that's called the gluteus you know the three muscles that form the Butt. I won this round for you Neil, yet she's ready to freak. Give her two Prozac and she'll be fine." Joyce said with Mom saying, "Marion, you had the idea, now pull yourself together. Joyce is right…"

"Marion, we'll have help because of the size of the district I have two more rangers unlike the other districts do to help in the field." Neil said with me saying, "Which means two of each species like in biblical Noah? I am not Mrs. Noah…"

"Marion, calm down and stop acting like a spoiled brat, we never raised you to be this way. These are helpless baby animals that need love and kindness just like human babies do." Dad said angrily making me drop the subject. I understood what Dad meant but a six month old cougar that could remove a limb or severe a jugular vein. What about a bear cub? My fears were warranted but to them all, I was in the wrong. We all basically ate in silence but all the kids managed for us to forget our arguments by the time we finished the meal and were on the road.

The rest of the trip was uneventful as I drove down the interstate. I was pleased that the kids, Bandit and Neil slept. I had the radio on softly and didn't bother with the thoughts I had at the rest area. When we got closer to the city the traffic became heavier and the drivers more discourteous. I needed all my senses as I drove when I saw my exit and got off as the others continued down the road to their own homes.

In another ten minutes of traffic I pulled into my driveway and was in partial shock seeing a fenced area next to my barn or garage and what looked like kennels with shelters in them. Neil's new SUV was parked in front of the doors and another RV was parked in back of the SUV that was as long or longer then the Monster. It had all of the emergency lighting of the SUVs and painted Forrest green with gold lettering saying Nature's Ark. I saw workmen swarming all over the landscape working on my house, with the big gaping holes in the outside walls and litter everywhere. I woke everyone up as I jumped out of the driver's door and ran to my house.

I was not in a happy mood when I saw there was no furniture in the house anywhere, when I found a man studying blueprints on my kitchen counter. I went to him saying, "Where's my furniture? I thought this was going to be a simple addition of rooms, not a demolition?"

"Ma'am, Mr. Price said he wanted the best for Mrs. Babcock and we're doing the best for the family. When we were taking the place apart we found termite damage and have been repairing it. Say how'd you like those vehicles? Hell, the kids will love to see all those animals. We heard she's married to some Forrest Ranger or something."

"Yeah, the kids sure will and that Forrest Ranger is my husband, now where in the hell is my furniture and things?" I said with the man saying, "Oh yeah, then I guess you're Mrs. Babcock, Mr. Price said to tell you it's all in storage until we're finished in a few months."

I turned around, as I was close to tears when I turned and bumped into Neil. He took my hand and it seemed that my anger and sadness went away with him saying, "Darlin’ let the men work, the sooner they finish the sooner we can move in. We'll just have to live in the RV or go to a motel. I really don't care and neither do the kids as long as we're together."

"Neil, that's sweet but this was my home…."

"Nope, it is our home too, we're together in this. I found a spot near the apple orchard that’s paved and a few of the guys offered to run what we needed for the RV. Hell, Bandit loves it here…"

"Oh no, where is he? Neil, if he's up in a tree… My fish pond!"

"Naw, some of the neighbor kids came by and are watching the kids and Bandit for us. One's a pretty little girl by the name of Lola about sixteen with a brother by the name of Johnny." Neil said smiling taking my fears away with him leading me out of what was left of the house. He held onto to me firmly, guiding and walking me out of a gaping hole in the outside wall out into my garden area. When Bandit saw me he broke free of the girl that was holding his leash and ran to me with the kids all running after him. Sure I was concerned about the house but I had other concerns such as Tammy and Nicky.

Bandit stopped running a few feet from us, sat on his haunches and clasped his paws together, I stood still and placed my hands onto my hips looking at the culprit with me saying, "Okay you, you know better than that, now we have a choice. It's the jail for you or being good, what shall it be?" I watched Bandit as he covered his ears and resume his praying stance then coming to me with his belly dragging on the ground with Neil saying, "Bandit I guess Mommy has spoken, even we have to obey Mommy, she takes care of us too." He stood up and touched my shoe with his paw then looking up at me with his sorrowful eyes, damn it was either a con or he knew he was bad.

"We're sorry ma'am for letting him go but he's really strong." The young girl said with me remembering seeing her around the neighborhood. She was perhaps five foot five and skinny as a rail to the point of being boyish. She had long raven black hair, long eyelashes, very tanned skin and a very soft voice. She was dressed in denim cutoff shorts, white sneakers and a dark blue t-shirt that went to cover her butt. Her brother was close to her age, but taller. He had the same colored hair but shorter and combed neatly and was starting to show he was beginning to become a young man in his own right. I looked at the young girl saying, "I presume you are Lola? If I recall you live across the street and down the block." I saw the look of shock on both of the children's faces with Lola saying, "You sure look different and pretty, I remember you letting us into the orchard not ever looking as pretty as you do now."

"I guess we all change and yes it was me that let all the kids into the orchard. Now take Bandit and my babies with you to the RV. Johnny, in the storage areas are chairs that my husband will show you how to set up. Neil, I guess we'll be camping out for a while but if Bandit gets into my pond, he's a fur coat, no discussion on that matter." I said handing the leash to Lola and I smiled with everyone going back to the Monster.

My heart was saddened as I looked at my home; I never thought that remodeling would be so destructive. I walked through the gardens and orchard seeing that they were all well kept and weeded. I saw that the vegetable gardens were coming along nicely and soon we would be able to harvest what we needed. My carp were active, the water aerated and the fish well fed, as I looked into the pond. Nothing much was in disarray except for my house, now that was a total disaster area. Walking back to the Monster Neil had made a campsite for us from finding the gas grill and Bug Zapper in the garage to getting everything hooked up to the Monster as he said he would. In a way I missed having the water of the lake close by, but on the other hand I was home if you call this disaster area home.

On walking back to our makeshift campsite the kids were playing with Bandit along with Lola with Neil and Johnny bringing an old porch swing with an awning and stand from the garage/barn storage. It was a warm day with me going inside of the Monster and making some iced tea. Taking some cold cola sodas from the fridge, some glasses and the pitcher of tea I placed them all on a serving tray and took everything outside just as they assembled the glass patio table and umbrella. I laid the tray onto the table and called everyone to help themselves, as I saw that the construction men were all leaving the work site and sundown would soon be coming. My thoughts were at least I'd have peace and quiet as I sat down into a chair.

We all sat around and enjoyed the semi quiet when we saw a car coming up the drive that I didn't recognize, but then our two helpers did. A lady in her early twenties, wearing a business suit that was cut too severely to do her body justice, came from the car with Lola running to her and Johnny saying that the lady was their aunt that they lived with. Lola introduced her as her Aunt Cynthia or Cyndi as she preferred to be called.

"I hope that the kids weren't too much of a bother?" Cyndi said smiling with me saying, "Not in the least, Neil and them did all the work while I strolled around my disaster area. I've lived here for years and decided to buy the house from Ruth and Alvin." I said with her having a confused look on her face saying, "That was you? Oh my, all I heard is you were on a vacation and Ruth asked the kids to take care of the gardens."

"So that's why I don't have any weeds? They did an excellent job and I'll double what Ruth was paying them to continue the work." I said seeing that I had caught the kid's attention with Neil saying, "I might have an additional job for them when the animals come."

"I saw that other RV, I assumed you to be raising dogs or something with the kennels." Cyndi said with Neil explaining what the RV and Kennel pens and runs were for, when bandit went to Cyndi and touched her leg making her jump in fright. I don't know who was frightened more, her or Bandit with Neil laughing and saying, "Bandit is our other baby, he won't hurt you, and he just wants you to say hello to him."

"I've never touched a raccoon before…"

"Neither have most of the city kids or have seen any wild critters. I was transferred up here to start up this program for the Department of Conservation and Parks. All the animals up here will be babies, specifically orphaned babies like Bandit. Kids are familiar with those animals in the zoos but know nothing about those creatures that live near them or very rarely have seen them. Have you ever seen a coyote, a bear or even a puma?"

"Not that I can remember, this baby seems well mannered?" Cyndi said stroking Bandit's fur with me saying, "He is at times, yet he is a baby and does have his Moments of mischief."

"To be honest with you the kids have been miserable. I work, come home exhausted and if this helps them, I'm all for it. Since my sister and her husband were killed I've had the kids. Don't get me wrong I love them dearly but men don't want to be a round a woman that has kids, single or not."

"Cyndi I think what you need is another woman to talk to; perhaps you need some shopping therapy." I said with her nodding her head no saying, "I can't afford it. Most of the business wear and things were my sister’s clothes that I took when she passed on, I mean the house belongs to the kids that asshole brother in law hated my guts and tied up the estate so that the kids can't touch a penny of it until they're of age. I support us all and I barely make ends meet on my hourly wage."

"Honey, you can afford it, Neil would you mind tomorrow if……."

"You sure can, the kids can all stay with me. I have a good deal of work to do and they can help me and Johnny can get paid for it. Teenagers need a lot of things so why not all you girls go." Neil said with me kissing him saying, "Since that's settled, I'll pick you and Lola up at nine and wear something like a simple skirt and blouse."

"I wish I could, but I have to work, my boss wouldn't like me taking off and jobs are not plentiful. Borders threatened to fire me if I took another day off for anything." Cyndi said with me saying, "By the way you're dressed I'd say you're a receptionist or at least work in the office, people do get sick and so do kids. Do you work for Borders Insurance? Like Charlie Borders and his wife's name is Jasmine?"

"Yes on all counts, but I don't know his wife's name…"

"Tell me, no offense but does he try to make things difficult for you on purpose or does he want a little outside action that his wife doesn't know about that you won't give him?" I said with Cyndi saying, "That's the same freak…I mean guy. He chases anything that wears a skirt."

I picked up the phone that Neil laid on the table that he sensed I was going to use and dialed a number as I stood and walked away. In seconds it was answered by Charlie with me saying, "Charlie this is Marion, you have a girl in your office by the name of Cyndi."

"Sure do, a very sweet girl…

"Let's cut to the chase, do you want to continue being my agent? If so Cyndi is coming with me tomorrow and you will not fire her or try to get in her drawers. If you continue I will drop a word to Jasmine or Grams will tell her. She is a neighbor and a personal friend that I just found out that works for you, you leech. She is raising her niece and nephew by herself on that paltry hourly wage you pay her and you want her on her knees. Maybe I'll let Karla Henderson know and she can file harassment and sexual harassment charges or your fat ass, then Karla can handle Jasmine's divorce proceedings. If I recall, Jasmine told you it was the last time after you knocked up Mary." I said with him saying, "You can't threaten me I built up the comp…"

"No threats Charlie, just facts. I do know that George Platens wants the account. You aren't the only company in the city and Grams made you very wealthy especially since you pad the invoices. She retains you because you play golf with Gramps and I know you like to cheat on your strokes. Perhaps we can let the Pro at the country club know about that too." I said with poor Charlie knowing he was beaten down with him agreeing to what I wanted and me disconnecting as I walked back to the table I smiled saying, "8AM with Lola, she knows my car."

"He'll can me for sure." Cyndi said worriedly with me saying, "Nope, you're sick, just be ready to go. Now get the kids home, relax and I'll see you tomorrow." Cyndi stood up and thanked me, calling the kids to her car. We all waved as they pulled out when I told Neil what I did with him laughing. We all ate a light meal and called it an early night or should I say the kids did.

I was up at 6AM as the construction crew rolled in; damn did they roll in. It seemed as if they brought every piece of heavy-duty equipment they could beg, borrow or steal into the yard to enlarging the basement. The Monster shook for minutes as I went from my bed, checked the kids. I fed Bandit with him using the potty and I took a shower or shall I say we took a shower, Bandit and I.

When I came from the shower I smelled the coffee and Neil came into the bathroom with a cup, kissed me, left with Bandit and his smile. I dried off and did the normal after bath routine with makeup and braided my hair shocking myself at my decision to do it. I decided that I was going to kiss my sister Joyce seeing that she prepared my wardrobe well for any eventuality. I dressed in a light gray bra and panty set, nude thigh highs, light gray half-slip, gray pinstriped skirt suit with a low cut, button down, white blouse. I looked in the mirror seeing the hem of the skirt was three inches above the knee and the jacket was perfect. My shoes were gray open toed, sling backs with a three-inch heel that gave me that look of all business. I added a pearl necklace, pearl studs, bracelet, and added just a plain Armitron gold toned divers watch. I grabbed a gray shoulder purse and added the essentials and went to the galley. I again looked into the mirror seeing the woman that I hadn't seen in a very long time and damn she looked good.

I saw Neil do a double take as he saw me and whistled with Tammy coming toward me. The first thing I noticed is that she was dressed in a pretty sundress, laced anklets and Mary Janes with her saying, "I'm ready too Mommy, so is Bandit."

"Bandit? Okay Neil Harvard Babcock, what's the deal? Tamara yes, but Bandit? In a car? Without a potty box?"

"Well I just know you ladies intend to go to your shop, it's logical. Bandit just needs to be walked and he'll go. He said he wanted to go with you ladies while ole Dad, Nicky and Johnny go to my new office. I have a few more things to order and the books are there. I need those new rangers out here now, some of the babies are coming in tomorrow and I need to get ready. "

"But Bandit……"

"Darlin' he listens to you and he did promise to be good." Neil said as Bandit lay on my feet and clasped his tiny hands together as if begging and stared up at me with me saying, "I hope you know that this will cost you, what I haven't decided yet. Okay buster you can go with me but you’d better be good. Neil put his carrier into the van, I’ll stop and get a new potty box for the office.”

Bandit started his clicking when I told him to get his leash and harness. He retrieved them both and brought them back to me to put them on. I packed some grapes for him placing them into my purse. I put on his harness and leash and checked on Tammy.

Tammy came from the bathroom, cuddled Bandit and said, “I’m all ready Mommy.” I checked her over and then we left for the mini van where Neil was at, checking over the van with him saying, “I’ll be back in a few hours after I check in. We could all go to lunch if you want?”

“No, you do what you have to do then come home. I have Bandit remember and I don’t want to lock him in the van. I also have to get car seats for the kids beside a potty box for your son.” I said as I buckled Tammy into the back seat of the van.

Standing up after being in the van Bandit climbed into the van and got up into Tammy’s lap. I turned around and got a very warm kiss from Neil. When we parted we closed the doors and he helped me into the van and I was on the way to pick up Lola and Cyndi.

Chapter 9

Having picked up everyone and had bought the potty box, litter, pooper scooper and child car seats we made our way to the office after stopping for breakfast. Bandit slept the entire time but I did get him something too that he really enjoyed, fish.

We arrived at the factory, checked in with security and went to my office which was on the fourth floor. Joyce was already in and came out of her office speaking to her secretary Charlene when Bandit heard her voice be broke away from me and ran directly to her wanting her to pick him up.

We all laughed with me saying, “It looks like Bandit missed you Sis.”

“I missed him too, are you moving him in?” Joyce said seeing us carrying Bandit’s carrier, Litter and Potty box. He was excited but waited patiently to use the new potty box. We all walked past Arlene my secretary into my office and set up the potty box and Bandit immediately christened it, driving us from the office. While Bandit was busy I had Arlene get in touch with Rolf our Factory manager and have him come to the office.

While we were letting the office air out Rolf showed up saying, “What is that atrocious smell?”

I looked at him with me saying, “Rolf, that’s a fury critter called Bandit but the reason I called you up is I what you to take Cynthia, Lola and my daughter Tamara and outfit them from the inside out from the new lines to the past lines. In Cynthia’s case she needs clothes from Leisure to business to formal. Do the same for Lola but in her case from leisure to dressy, but my daughter she gets leisure to dressy. Also put a lingerie package together for Ruth you have all her measurements.”

“Daughter? But I thought you were…”

“I know but she is my Daughter Rolf and you’ll get my husband and son later. I’ll get Joyce to explain later. Load everyone up and arrange for the delivery today.” I said with Rolf saying, “Yes ma’am, ladies please follow me and I’ll take care of Ruth.” He then took Tammy’s hand as he smiled into his hand taking Lola and Cynthia with him to the factory and warehouse.

Arlene looked at me saying, “I can’t wait to hear this story, I just bet it’s a good one.”

Since Bandit was through with his Dump and the air clear, Joyce and I took the two secretaries into my office. While we explained the entire story while Bandit curled up in my lap making everyone giggle.

After we told them the story Arlene said, “I’m so glad we have you back. I was ready to quit, I just couldn’t work for the old you.”

“You can’t quit I need you, we need the both of you. Now what’s happening today?”

After much getting the appointment books and our appointment scheduler the only thing was a meeting with the head of the sales department. I was also notified that Nancy our receptionist had quit to get married. I cellphoned Neil and told him to be here with Nicky and Johnny this afternoon for fittings. He was going to argue at first when he realized I meant every word I said and he capitulated to my wishes. I then called the Shipping dock and spoke to Leroy to arrange some sort of huge closet for us at the house. Shipping had some good ideas and went to work on the project immediately.

“It’s good to see the old you again. So what was decided on the closet?” Joyce said with me saying, “Between maintenance and them they decided on me buying a cargo container, sealing it at the seams and lining it with cedar then adding dress, accessory, storage and shoe racks to it.”

“Where in the hell are you going to put it?”

“Well, on the concrete driveway, in front of the monster, you know how large the driveway is, so there’s plenty of space.” I said as I carried Bandit to his cage to sleep.

“I hope you know those things come in twenty, forty, and sixty foot long jobbers. You gave those people Carte Blanche, so suffer in what you’ll get.” Joyce said as she left laughing with me frowning until my appointment came in and Paul came in saying, “Damn we finally got our old loving Boss back.”

“That’s not funny Paul, what’s the problem?”

“I have some buyers from the upscale stores wanting to carry our lines.” Paul said with me saying, “That’s good, so why come to me?”

“They also want to carry the Beaded Lines in their Christmas Catalogues. They know their all hand beaded and the cutoff date for ordering would be the end of October for delivery by Christmas.” Paul said with me saying, “Give them our measurement sheet and the customer has to fill it out. Give them a twenty percent markup over our markup and no returns since it is a specialty item and we’ll bead nearly anything on the garment front and back.” Paul seemed pleased and went on his way. After averting that crisis I had Arlene order lunch for us all plus three and I ordered something for furry.

Bandit woke up and I gave him water and some grapes that he tore into immediately. I returned my calls that I had stacked up the kazoo when Neil, Johnny and Nicky walked into the office. I placed down the telephone and gave Neil and Nicky a kiss and a hug. I called Rolf to the office telling him that all three males needed the works. He just smiled and took them with him going downstairs to the warehouse. I went back to work sketching more designs. After several hours Neil, Johnny and Nicky returned and I called shipping with Leroy answering and me saying, “Leroy hold the stuff for my family until the container is finished.”

“Somehow Maintenance got it delivered today to your house, they got the materials and are working on it now. What happened to that house?”

“Okay, just have them tell you when they’re done and then it’s your turn at the container. Just send me the bills for everything, I’ll take care of it and that includes lunches for everyone on this project. The house has Termite damage and I’m having more space added.”

“Where are you living? In that motorhome? Geeze, I hope not, I have a smaller version of yours and there ain’t much room.”

“That’s why I wanted the container for, since it will be a few months before the house is finished.” I said as I hung up calling Rolf telling him to get me everything from stock too for delivery when the container is finished. That was when my digitizer tablet started smoking and Bandit came from under my desk in a hurry.

I turned off the powerstrip, called IT and told them what the problem was with them sending a tech up. I happened to look in the lounge area of the office seeing Bandit in Neil’s lap. He had that look of who me, on his face and then I knew he was the cause of my problem with me saying, “Neil, does he chew electrical cords?”

“Not that I know of, why? Neil said with me saying, “When my digitizer was smoking he flew out from under the desk.”

Neil looked at Bandit, stuck his fingers in his mouth and said, “Guess what? He’s teething!”

I was about to say something when Chet our IT manager walked into room when I told him what happened with him saying in a southern drawl, “Might you for roasted coon, Pappy would’ve thrown that youngin’ back to grow some. It’ll be fixed soon enough don’t be too hard on the youngin’. ”

“He was just weaned but I wasn’t expecting this and…” I was speaking when Bandit looked at me sorrowfully lowering his head and clasping his front paws together making us laugh at his antics.

Chet had me up in no time after he switched out the Digitizer Pads. I tried out the system and it all worked well after I called up the drawing I was working on with me asking Chet why he didn’t send one of his guys to do this job with him saying, “Well ma’am, maintenance needed some help and I sent the guys with them on it. I can handle most of what happens here but our reports will be late and parts will be late.”

“Wait a minute, maintenance has fifteen in that department plus your four that’s nineteen plus the manager that’s twenty, what the hell are they doing? Building my house for me?” I said with Chet shrugging his shoulders and leaving us with Arlene entering the office with food for everyone with Joyce, Arlene and Charlene coming to eat with us. Before I ate I fed Bandit and told him to use his manners, but of course he didn’t hear me. At least he waited until after we ate to use his potty box. Once we finished Bandit used his potty box and that was our queue to leave and we left quickly at my urgings. It was at that time Cynthia, Lola and Tammy returned with Arlene making sure that they ate in the offices away from Bandit.

Once they finished I called Leroy to have the delivery trucks follow us to Cynthia’s home. They would empty the vans and go back to the factory calling it a day.

I cleaned out Bandit’s potty box, called Neil and gave him Bandit’s cage vowing to get another on the way home or tomorrow.

We took the elevator down to security after I told Arlene I was leaving for the day. I told Joyce I was going to work at home which for some reason I doubted I would do.

Cyndi helped buckle in Nicky and Tammy and then she and Lola climbed into the van while Johnny rode with Neil and Bandit in the SUV. When we got to the neighborhood I called Neil on the cellphone and told him to go home to check up on what was going on. I dropped off Cyndi and Lola and told the people in the vans to take everything inside and to listen to Cyndi and then I went home.

When I got home I almost shit seeing two forty footer containers on the driveway side by side. I called the manager Henry over to me as I got Nicky and Tammy from the van and let them go inside the Monster.

Henry came over saying, “I know they’re big but it was all they had.”

“But two of them Henry? There’s only the four of us and it was for a few months only.”

“Well you can keep them or sell them later actually the two of them are now one with the doorways we put in. They both have electricity and flowing air in them plus all that cedar in them, even the dressers are done. We’ll add the hardware tomorrow.”

But Henry...Oh all right. Finish up tomorrow, from what I see they’re real nice. What we’ll do with them later I don’t have an idea. Leave the IT and a few of your people at the shop as a just in case.”

Henry smiled and tipped his hat to me saying, “Damnit Boss I’m glad you’re back. The other Marion was a real bastard to work for. I was ready to quit several times.”

“Henry, if you quit we’d go under, with you working for us we’ll do just fine and so will the other employees.” I said with him asking what was going on with all the kennels. I told him about Neil’s new job and the kennels were for the animals for the kids. He liked the idea and went back to work on his project.

Nicky and Tammy went into the Monster first followed by me seeing Bandit waiting for us at the door with Neil saying, “What’s with Bandit? All he did was chatter the whole time in the SUV and the coach until you came home. I’d swear he was angry because you weren’t around.”

“He was fine in the office. By the way did Rolf take care of you guys?” I said with Neil saying, “He sure did but that Laser measure was amazing. He said all of our measurements are now on the mainframe for the factory’s use. Johnny and I went first because Nicky was afraid of it but he got over it after we went.”

“Nicky, were you afraid of that machine?” I asked with him nodding no and I laughed then going into the bedroom with Bandit following me into the room. I deftly undressed as Bandit watched me closely and then dressed in shorts, t-shirt and sandals. I left the room as I was followed out of the room with Neil saying, “You have a shadow following you.”

I turned around and looked at Bandit, putting my hands on my hips saying, “Listen furry, I want to relax and then get back to work that someone I know stopped me from doing by eating the power cord at the office.” Bandit’s ears went down and he came to me and laid his front paws on my shoes. I began to laugh and then picked him up and held him to me. Neil looked at me and nodded his head in disbelief.

I looked over at the couch because it was too quiet seeing that Nicky and Tammy were asleep. I placed Bandit down and went to the children stripped them and covered them up to let them sleep, while we went outside.

Neil went to start the grill while I worked on my designs after I found my sketch pad. It was like music with the noise and seeing the builders working on my house and Henry and his crew working on the containers.

Getting a large water cooler Neil made lemonade for all the crews and called them over to it to re-hydrate themselves even though the temperature was in the low eighties. All of the crews thanked him profusely for the drink. And what of Bandit, he was a hit with everyone he met getting attention from them all. Bandit eventually made his way back to me and crawled onto my lounger by my feet and went to sleep.

Finally all of the crews went home and Cyndi came over with the kids. Neil put them to work with Lola getting Tammy and Nicky and Johnny by cleaning up the yard by the containers.

Cyndi nodded her head in disbelief saying,”Our closets are full beyond capacity and so are all the dressers but two containers is a lot.”

“We know and I threw a fit about them.” I said having Lola get my purse for me.

When Lola came back with it I gave the kids fifty dollars apiece with Cyndi getting angry saying, ”After all the clothes and everything else plus fifty dollars cash…that is a little too much.”

“They’ll get fifty dollars a week for chores around here plus the animals that Neil gets. At least twenty-five dollars of that money goes into the bank that can’t be taken out by yourself, only with your Aunt Cyndi’s permission. They’ll also get a chance to make more money later but the same deal goes for that too half of what they earn gets saved in a bank.

Nancy, our receptionist quit, do you want the job? There’s some typing required but not a great deal. You’d work directly for our security manager and he isn’t like Charlie Borders in the least. Most of our employees have been with us since we stated and we’re growing. Starting pay is excellent plus all the perks including clothes.”

“He’s not like Charlie?” Cynthia acted surprised with me saying, “No dear not at all, plus you can carpool with me when I go in to save some money on the car though this week I’ll be home working.” After a few words with her niece and nephew she smiled and took the job offer. She would start tomorrow and one problem was rectified. I smiled and then I looked at Bandit and he was gone from the lounger until I heard a splash.

We all hurried, more like ran over to the Koi pond just in time to see Bandit trying to get his own fish meal in the pond while swimming. Thank goodness the Koi are fast and the pond is deep as they stayed away from Bandit. When he saw me and how angry I looked he swam for shore, dropped his head, and clutched his front paws together at my feet. I grabbed his leash and walked him back to the lounger while he shook his tiny but growing body releasing the water from his wet fur on us. I looked at him saying, “I guess we’d better get rid of the fish or stock trout in the pond, shouldn’t we Bandit? I swear you always have to be watched!”

“Maybe he wanted to cool off in the pond Marion.” Neil said just as a red pick up truck turned into the driveway,

A man and woman stepped from the truck. The male stood at about 5’10 and 170 lbs. in his forties with dark brown hair and eyes wearing jeans and a cotton short sleeved shirt and cowboy boots, the woman stood at 5’5” maybe 110 lbs. in her thirties with blond hair and blue eyes, wearing jeans, a t-top and cowboy boots.

They came over to Neil saying, “We’re your new vets and since we were in the neighborhood we’d stop by to say hello. I’m Tracker Evans and this here is my wife and partner Holly Evans.” He said to Neil pointing to his wife Holly.

“Oh, the vets! “ Neil said with Tracker nodding his head yes and Holly saying, “By the looks of that coon it went swimming.”

“Bandit ended up in the Koi pond and didn’t catch a meal.”

“What have you been feeding the poor baby?”

“Moist kitty food, Kmal formula, water, fish, eggs and grapes for a snack.” Neil said with Holly saying, “Is he going to be turned loose later?”

“No, the poor little guy met a bear and he was ripped open when we found him with his family all dead. Our vet wanted to put him down but I took him in and gave him my office to terrorize. He fell in love with Marion and that’s another story.”

“He’s going to be a handful of mischief. You’d better get locks for the fridge and the storage areas, if he roams free in your home.”

“Oh no, he sleeps in a carrier, uses a potty box, and he was de-wormed, otherwise the children could get sick. He’s had distemper and rabies shots so he’s immunized. I have the locks all I have to do is install them.”

“Good for you, we should have known but it’s good to ask anyway. What’s happening to the house over there?” Holly asked with me saying, “I wanted an addition but it seems I had termites.”

“Get them while you can, when are you getting the rest of the animals?” Tracker asked with Neil saying, “Within the next few days your patients will all be here and they have to be clean for all the kids. All of them from what I understand are orphans like Bandit and they will all be scared. When they grow we’ll turn them over to the Wildlife Re-Habbers to be returned to the wilds all except Bandit because he can’t procreate.” Bandit’s ears went up and then he licked my foot with me saying, “Okay loverboy, I should be pissed at you but you’ll get your fish tonight.” He licked my foot again and laid his head down curling up into a ball making everyone laugh.

While Neil was taking everyone on a tour from his motorcoach to the kennels, I called the people that took care of the pond. I made arrangements to remove the Koi and restock the pond with Rainbow, Brook, Cutthroat, Brown trout and crawfish. I made arrangements for the pond to be enlarged with a waterfall, stream and lights. My pond then became a small lake for Bandit’s pleasure and stomach, I had the room so why not?

Cyndi heard my call and said, “You’ll have the kids by in droves dropping a line.”

“And Neil, Bandit, our families, and I will be right with them with fly rods. Did you know the pond is spring fed?”

“I had no idea!”

It is, so the water will always be a proper level and they’re going to dig it out some so you can not only swim but dive in it by the waterfall. The bottom will be sand like it is now. It’ll be shallow by the banks and get deep towards the center to about fourteen feet.”

“Damn that thing will be just like a swimming pool except with fish in it, all the kids will love it.”

“Just don’t say anything about it for awhile.”

Neil and the others had returned when Neil went to his SUV and brought out several No Trespassing, No Hunting signs and had Tracker help erect them at the front of the driveway with them coming back and Neil saying, “Those signs will help somewhat placing the property under state jurisdiction as a wildlife refuge. Did you know that this property is zoned Farmland, because of the orchards? Well it is, so all of the animals will be safe from the city governmental morons. I’ll place the other signs around the property tomorrow.”

“Since some of the animals are coming tomorrow, Holly and I will be here about 10AM, we’ll help you with the Ark too.” Tracker said with Neil saying,”Tomorrow Ranger Dick Montoya and Ranger Sergeant Fred Paton report here so we have a couple extra hands. Fred is a bird specialist for the Raptors coming and he’s a zoologist so’s Dick.” After a few more words Tracker and Holly left in their truck.

I put Neil to work by him cooking supper and made sure that Bandit got his promised fish fillets while we had a beef roast and veggies. Since the weather was nice we all ate outside and then cleaned up. Cyndi then took Lola and Johnny home while I put Nicky and Tammy to bed after a bath. The rest of the evening belonged to Neil and me after we put Bandit to bed.

I really do not need to write what we did, however we did do something.

Chapter 10

It has been two weeks for us, a very busy two weeks I might add. Neil has most if not all of the animals for the Ark and has been very busy going to different locales in the city showing the babies to the kids. I’d say the program is a success. Our Vets make a stop every few days to check on the babies.

I had a meeting with the contractor and architect concerning my house finding out it would be finished in mid October. It would have five bedrooms plus a housekeeper’s apartment with five and half baths. The kitchen will have restaurant grade appliances in stainless steel. The basement has a wine storage area, theatre, laundry room, storage area, family room and a full wet bar along with a generator. On the main floor it will have a living room, dining room, two offices that can be made into one, a library and kitchen with the bedrooms on the second floor. There will also be an attic for more storage. All in all I was pleased with the house but after living in the Monster I’d take any house.

So far the pond has become a miniature lake. My Koi are gone, the spring now has piping to turn it on and off along with a pumphouse and cabanas. It’s being dug out, a larger waterfall is being added along with an aerator, sand will be added to include a small beach area along with native plants and lastly the fish added. We all decided to call it Bandit Lake after a certain furry creature.

The containers are finished and all our clothes are now in them. Henry and his crew really did a nice job in finishing them off. We now have storage dressers, along with racks for clothes, shoes, accessories and a metal safe for Neil’s service pistol. As a final touch electricity was added, lighting, circulating air, along with remote controlled door openers.

As of right now I have a years worth of sketches for new and old lines from leisure to formal wear, which made Grams and Joyce happy. My next project is to be working on our Bridal line and lingerie.

Chet the IT manager added two phone lines with wireless phones to the monster, a wireless digitizer tablet and a top of the line computer system and Laptop, wireless network along with a DSL line for it that I was happy to get it all so I could work at home.

As I lay on the chaise lounge drawing in the sweltering heat while Bandit was lying underneath me Joyce, Mom and Grams came over with Grams saying, “My goodness furry has grown!” She petted him and he made a pest out of himself with Joyce, Mom and Grams but so did Tammy and Nicky when they heard them.

“At last they’re putting your house together.” Mom said with me saying, “We’ll all be glad when we move back in just to have more room.”

As Tammy and Nicky were being held by Grams and great Grams I said. ”Since everything is going so well I called Dr. Trask and have an appointment to see him for my surgery.”

“It’s about damn time! “ Mom said with me saying, “I know Mom but I was afraid during the last time and that shrink didn’t help either. I’m just glad he doesn’t have a Practice anymore, after I was through with him with the Medical Board. While I’m recuperating I can at least draw and submit the new designs to you at work.”

“That will work out fine and I’ll take what you’ve done so far. When’s Neil due back? Does he know yet?” Grams asked with me saying, “I haven’t told him yet and since he only has three schools today I was going to tell him today.”

Just as I said that the Ark came into the driveway and Neil was driving the SUV. Fred and Dick left the Ark with Neil leaving his SUV and they came over to us with Neil saying, “I hope you have something cold for us? We did all of the shows outside and I forgot the cooler.”

“Help yourself guys to the pitcher, I can always make more. What do you want Iced Tea or Lemonade?” I asked with the guys all saying anything would be fine. I made them a 5 gallon water cooler of Iced Tea that was taken from me as I came out of the door after getting glasses for them. While everyone drank I made sure that Bandit had fresh water.

As the guys re-hydrated themselves I went back to the lounger the next thing I knew was that Bandit was in my lap licking my hand to the delight of my visitors with Sergeant Fred Paton saying, “I think that Coon is attached to you.”

“Bandit sure is, Fred, but of course Marion is used to strays, look at me and the kids…” Neil said with me say, “Neil! Oh Hell! I love you, the kids and even furry over here just don’t say that about you or the children or we’ll have a lasting argument that you’ll lose. Once you guys are ready call Lola and Johnny to help with the animals. Before they go home I want to talk to Lola.”

“Is it about watching the kids? You know we’ll do it for you.” Joyce said with me saying, “You have enough to do Joyce, so does Mom and Gram, the kids don’t need uprooting from their environment.”

“Am I missing something here? What’s going on that you’re all so cryptic?”

“I need to be gone for a few days to correct some female problems at the hospital, if you must know now since I was going to tell you later. The kids are my concern as well as you. You can’t possibly take the kids to the schools and you need to work, so I need a babysitter to take care of the babies for a few days.” I said with Neil saying, “I’ll call my Mom! she needs a few days off…”

“I really didn’t want to bother anyone and the Monster doesn’t really have the room for another guest.” I said logically or so I thought with Fred saying, “We, both Dick and I, can do the schools and feed all the critters, but we will need help to get them in and out of the Ark especially the big babies. That frees you up to do the paperwork while we’re out on the road. The kids will have proper supervision and Lola can handle the kids when we bed the Critters down, besides it’s only for a few days while Marion is in the hospital. While she recuperates, Lola and Johnny can be here to help her out.”

“I think that’ll work out just fine Fred, if it’s alright with Neil.” I said with Neil saying, “The kids can go with me to the office if I need to go. I can even get my email and all my mail comes here so I think we licked the problem.”

“Another disaster averted! When do you go see Dr. Trask?”

“Tomorrow morning at 9AM, I’ll take the kids if I can’t get Lola.” I said with Joyce saying, “Mom, you take the kids here and I’ll drive Sis to the appointment.”

“I’ll bring your Dad with me, so we have a plan.” Mom said with everyone agreeing with Neil, Dick and Fred went back to work taking care of the Critters. While we spoke about tomorrow Lola and Johnny came over with Johnny going to help Neil and the guys and Lola playing with Tammy and Nicky.

Mom mentioned to Lola that she could use the help if Lola was available with Tammy getting all excited and saying she’d come over and Johnny would come and help with the Critters early in the morning. All we told her is that I had to go to the doctor.

Fred and Dick said goodbye to us and climbed into their SUVs and left for the day as they both had some errands to run.

Neil and Johnny joined us all with Mom, Grams and Joyce leaving and Cyndi coming over gushing and saying, “I’m so happy you offered me the job I was told today how much my pay was and what my duties were. Now I can afford paying off some bills.”

“I want you to go see Glen Renton in legal and tell him I sent you. I want you to tell him what your Brother in Law did to the estate and what is going on. I think he can find a way to help you.”

“You’ve done so much for us already now all I need is a man and I’ll be fine.”

“That might happen! Oh my family was here today and forgot the drawings for the lines…”

“Get them ready and I’ll take them in for you. Do I give them to Arlene or Charlene?”

“Either will give them to Joyce when she gets in we have the computer files but they need the drawings. oh, Lola and Johnny are coming over early. Johnny is helping Neil and Lola is helping my Mom with Tammy and Nicky while I go to the doctor, I just have some female problems but I’ll be fine.” I said as I placed my drawings into an envelope and sealed it putting Joyce’s name on it handing it to Cyndi with her saying, “You know the kid’s attitudes have changed for the better. They do things without me asking and their not so withdrawn. All I can say is thank you for everything.”

“All I can say is you’re welcome. Now how about staying for supper?”

Sure, I forgot to pull something out.”

We both when into the motorhome and got the burgers out. I called for Neil and put him to work cooking supper while we got a salad, buns, condiments and veggies ready. For the next several hours we enjoyed ourselves until Cyndi, Lola and Johnny left for the night after Lola and Cyndi helped me put Tammy and Nicky to bed. Bandit was a real blast, as he didn’t want to go into his Carrier until I picked him up and put him in it.

Neil and I finally had some time for each other and talked about our day. We both decided to call it a night with us going to bed. He held me to him as I had a hard time sleeping knowing that I had the doctor’s appointment in the morning. Sleep didn’t come easy for me.

I awoke at six in the morning and got ready for the doctor after taking a shower, doing my hair in braids, and makeup. I got dressed in a double breasted pink skirt suit, white shell and white undies. I wore summer weight nude pantyhose and pink strappy sandals with a three inch slim heel. I loaded up my pink shoulder bag.

I let Bandit out from his carrier and he used his potty box while I went to fix his breakfast and mine. He had moist, fish flavored kitty food and I had toast and coffee. Bandit used his potty box and I used the commode and touched up my makeup.

It was during this time that Neil got up after his sinuses opened up to get a whiff of Bandit using the potty box. I heard him stirring and quickly get out of bed with him coming quickly into the bathroom. He saw me and gave me a kiss and went to do his business, as I left and sat at the dinette crossing my legs and began drawing.

Neil came out of the bathroom and retrieved coffee and sat with me saying, “Are you nervous about seeing the doctor?”

I looked at him and took his hand saying, “Oh yes! I’ve been putting this off because of the fear of surgery. Now it’s a compulsion to be entirely whole for us.”

Neil squeezed my hand with his saying, “Just remember I love you, we all do. Once you’re healed and the house is finished we’ll get married.”

“Okay but I want your mom here for it along with Linda and Mark with Linda as a bridesmaid and Mark to stand up also.”

“That’ll work for me! I kinda wanted him for my Best Man.” Neil said with me saying, “I want Joyce as my Maid of Honor, how about Devon as a Groomsman?”

“That works for me. We can ask them all later, I want you well before we worry about weddings and such.” Neil said and then kissed me that I gladly accepted from him.

In short order both Mom and Joyce arrived with Mom to take care of the kids and Neil with Joyce to keep me off of the ceilings. I gave the kids a kiss while they slept, kissed Neil and even kiss Bandit telling him to be good that he seemed to understand. I grabbed my sketch pad and we left.

In minutes we arrived at the good doctor’s office in time for my 8AM office visit and we went into the exam room that was shown to us. Again in minutes Dr. Trask arrived he examined me and then I said I wanted the surgery as soon as possible with him saying, “You’re not going to run away again are you?”

“She won’t as her husband to be will be right there and so will I.” Joyce said with him saying, “Okay I want you in the hospital tonight with surgery in the morning. I had a cancellation and hadn’t called it in so we’ll slip you right into that spot.”

“But…But…”

“No buts, be there before 4PM and I’ll be there to see you about 5PM. Tonight you’ll be Prepped and ready to go for tomorrow morning. Joyce take her home to pack a case and I’ll see you later.” Dr. Trask said and left the room in a hurry followed by Joyce and I.

I was silent as we traveled home with Joyce doing all of the talking with me making simple grunts to her questions. It seemed to me that my decision for the SRS was made already for me but for the life of me I had no idea how I was going to explain all of this to Neil and the kids.

We arrived at the Monster with me seeing that the workmen were all very busy as my home was taking shape and so was Lake Bandit. I told Joyce to go inside as I took a stroll around the property stopping at the Lake.

The digging out of the lake was almost finished, next was the aerator and sand, then the fish after it was filled. I turned around to look at the house seeing that the basement was finished and the brick and wood outside walls were going up along with the second floor, flooring.

I walked through the orchards, gardens and finally home noticing that a few hours had passed after looking at my watch. The family and Lola were already outside on our make-shift patio when I got back.

Neil was the first to come to me and kissed me with the crews of the house all making lewd remarks that made us blush. Then the kids ran to us and finally Bandit broke away from Mom and Lola to get into the act, with him stopping at my feet. He sat on his haunches and began his clicking until I petted him after I kissed the kids. I looked at him saying, “Alright furry let’s go back to everyone, I’m okay now.” And he followed us back to the table with him lying on my feet after I sat.

“Are you okay?” Mom asked with me saying, “How do you say I’m scared?”

“That’s predictable, all I can say is we’ll all be there for you, especially the kids and I. You’ll be home in a few days and on the mend. Go into the Motorhome and pack a bag for a few days and I’ll take you to the hospital later. Lola can handle Tammy and Nicky.” Neil said taking my hand with Lola agreeing and Mom saying, “We’ll all be there for you, just get it over with. You’ve put it off for too long.”

I began to feel better and went inside and packed a bag with both Bandit and Neil following me into the bedroom. Of course furry had to help me making Neil and I laugh at his antics. I put the clothes into the bag and Bandit would go into the bag and pull them out. Finally I took him outside to be with the family and for them to keep him occupied and to play with him, which Lola, Tammy and Nicky readily did.

My overly large nylon bag was packed at long last, even putting drawing materials and a book into it. Neil then took it and put it into his SUV that we were going to take to the hospital. I changed into shorts, a crop top and sneaks and we went outside

Grams had decided to show up after she put out a memo for all employees that I was going in for surgery today and she, Mom and Joyce would be doing my jobs until I got back to work. I read over the memo she sent and thanked her for it and gave it to Neil to read.

I was made to eat during the day by everyone and talked to about other matters to take my mind off of what was to happen. Most of the talk was about my designs that Grams had gotten from Cyndi earlier in the morning.

Grams gushed at the designs along with Mom and Joyce saying to us all that the factory was ready to start producing them once we had orders for them and that would be soon.

The morning and afternoon passed quickly and I got ready to go to the hospital after changing into a red sleeveless blouse, a black skirt and brown huaraches. I packed a shoulder purse for my stay and after I kissed everyone he drove me there after I told him the directions.

Once in the hospital I checked in and was taken to a private room were I had some Labs taken. At first I was nervous but Neil calmed me down and I settled in. I saw Dr. Trask and at that point I wanted the procedure over with. I had made up my mind by then that I was going to be whole for Neil and my kids.

Neil had left me after a while after I told him to go home and that he could call me. I watched TV and I drew when a nurse by the name of Angela Parsons came into my room and made herself comfortable into one of the chairs and said she was my Private Duty nurse that Grams had ordered for me for as long as I was in the hospital and that there were going to be three other nurses taking turns.

Angela was about my age at one hundred and ten pounds with brown hair and brown eyes wearing a fresh, white pant uniform, white stockings and duty shoes.

About 7PM I was prepped for surgery and I took a sleeping pill that put me under almost immediately.

I was awoken at 5AM, given a Twilight Shot and wheeled to surgery then I don’t remember anything until I woke up in recovery and I was in pain that became worse after I coughed for the nurses. After another shot in my rump, I didn’t remember a thing until I woke up in my room, surrounded by flowers and more still coming into the room for me.

I was still pretty out of it and kind of numb between my legs until I found out I was out for an entire day. I was in and out of consciousness until I work up on the second full day I was there.

During the day Dr. Trask came in and liked what he saw even taking out a few stitches and some packing. He told me that the next day the catheter would be removed and I would have to get up to go to the bathroom with the nurse. I had Amy for the nurse and she was very attentive to my needs.

Neil and the kids came to see me after Dr. Trask and after I was cleaned up. I had on a new nightgown, had makeup on and my hair was brushed and braided. I noticed while they were there that the kids seemed to be afraid to touch me until I held out my arms to them that they melted into. Neil showed no fear and gave me a lot of kisses to tide me over. One thing I did notice is that I tired faster and they left to let Mommy rest.

My family came in to see me and so did my future Mother in Law that made the trip just to see me after she was told by Mom. She was also staying with Mom and Dad. Neil was going to catch hell for not telling Dora and that was a fact.

As I got stronger I watched the TV and I began to draw again. I promised my nurses a shopping trip at the factory that the family all agreed with. Cyndi, Arlene, and Charlene had even come to see me on their lunch break and I was glad to see them also finding out all the gossip at work.

At long last I was able to go home! Neil came to get me and I was discharged by Dr. Trask as I had healed enough to go home, was he and I ever happy.

Neil went to get the SUV as I was being wheeled down to the main foyer. I saw him pull up and I saw the furry critter named Bandit in the front seat by an open window of the SUV.

As soon as he saw me he jumped from the SUV and ran to me outside. I stood up from the wheelchair. I put my hands on my hips saying, “All right you! You know better than that don’t you Bandit? Come here I missed you too.” I said to the delight of the people near me and my nurse.

He came slowly to me and sat on his haunches and held out his paws to me. I petted him slowly and Neil took up his leash with him saying, “He missed you, so go easy on the little furball.”

“I had no idea you were bringing him?”

“I had no idea either. He snuck into the SUV and showed himself after I was three quarters of the way here. He jumped through the window to get in I guess. When I saw him I clipped the spare leash on him and harness.”

“How cute you have a raccoon for a pet.” Amy said with Neil saying, “Nope, he’s a part of the family and part of the Ark for city kids.”

“The kids in pediatrics would go bonkers to see him. Do you think it could be arranged?” Amy said just as the Hospital Administrator walked over to see what the commotion was about and seeing Bandit with her saying, “I’m Hazel Beckwith the Chief Administrator of the hospital, What’s going on? And what is this wild animal doing here?”

“I beg your pardon, I’m a Deputy Superintendent of State Parks for the state and Bandit might by an animal but he sure as hell ain’t wild. He was hand raised after his family died by myself and my wife. He’s part of a traveling exhibit to introduce city kids to all the animals in our parks that are babies too. Hell lady we even have a Puma cub for the kids to see and touch.”

“Furry is tame and is certified clean by the vets like all of the animals are otherwise he wouldn’t be near our children. He sleeps in a carrier, is with us all the time, is house trained and uses a potty box too.” I said sarcastically looking over the woman closely.

“But…”

“I was going to make arrangements for the kids here to see the animals but since…

“Please call me tomorrow and make those arrangements, I’ll be free from 9-11 after that have me paged.” Hazel said knowing what good publicity this would have for the hospital with Neil saying, “I think the kids would love it and I’ll call.”

“Hear that Furry! It’s bath time for you.” I said with him clapping his paws together although this time he was trying to get a fly but the people all laughed at his capers.

Neil helped me into the SUV and handed me Bandit and we left the hospital and was I ever glad. Of course Bandit made himself comfortable around my neck, as we drove home.

Once we arrived home I noticed the workers had got further on my house that pleased me and the Lake was nearly finished that pleased me more. It seemed that everyone was at the Monster to greet me as they must have been in the Coach hiding.

Tammy and Nicky came out with a sign saying, Welcome Home Mommy. It made me cry and I hugged them to me that they gladly accepted. Dora took me over to a Lounger and made me lie in it to be off my feet. Joyce, Devon, Mom, Dad, Gramps, Grams and Cyndi with Lola and Johnny were all there. Someone made a large cake that welcomed me home when I saw a car come into the drive that looked like Ruth’s car and it was, with Alvin.

I had my friends and family and I felt really good that they thought of me. Alvin and Ruth gave me the papers for the house and land that was when I told Joyce to fix up Ruth with our lingerie that I had promised that made her blush and Alvin rub his hands together in glee. Furry was a hit with everyone and made a pest with himself as usual. Me, I was just glad to be home!

While everyone spoke to each other, I thought of how far I had come and what mental baggage I lost that I was glad to get rid of. Dora finally came and sat by me and said, “Do you feel better know?”

“I do, yes, all except for the physical pain that I have. I feel kinda run down with a lack of energy but I’ll be alright.”

“It just takes time, I’ll be with your Maw and Pa for two more weeks. If you need us call them.”

“I will, I promise! There’s just so much to do that I have to accomplish plus the wedding and all.”

“Your sister already started that, so don’t worry any about the wedding. As far as those drawings go they’re happy with what they have, so rest up a bit.

“But I have the Monster, Neil, Nicky and Tammy…”

“And you have us to help out, plus your Mom hired a housekeeper and gardener for you for around here. They’re a married couple in their late thirties so it’ll be fine.”

“But…”

“Now don’t you fret, your Mom and Gram want you all healed that’s why they did it their names are Sam and Flo, they also love kids and critters and they start tomorrow.” Dora said leaving me.

I was at a loss for words because I was going to hire a housekeeper after the house was finished but now was a little hard to swallow with so little work except for the gardens.

I was deep in my thoughts when Alvin came to me saying, “Thanks for giving the undies to Ruthie before, when you got back. Damn, that woman sure makes me feel young again!”

“You are still young so have some fun Uncle Al.” I said with him saying, “Oh we will but thanks just the same.” Alvin then walked away with a smile on his face and a lump in the front of his pants.

Somehow I feel asleep during the party and slept for several hours until I smelled food cooking. Opening my eyes I saw Neil cooking over the grill and I called him over to me giving him a kiss. I noticed that everyone was gone and it was just Neil, Tammy, Bandit and Nicky that were here. The delicious smells emanating from the grill reminded me that I was hungry. The burgers were made with Neil feeding me first, then the kids and finally feeding himself.

After we ate, the paper dishes were trashed and we all cleaned up the area putting the condiments away in the fridge. I immediately felt better so I helped too. Of course Bandit got the leftovers that he ate with relish with us laughing at him.

“I was just thinking about how good it was to be home near my family again.” I said as Neil sat on a lounger near me with him saying, “I missed you so much and so did the kids but Bandit was the worse. He refused to eat and laid around all the time even laying on our bed looking for you.”

“T/he poor little guy, well I’m home now I have to take a bath and use my stents yet and they’re smaller than you are. I can’t wait to have you in me.”

“That will be a joyous occasion for us but you need to follow the doctor’s orders. He’ll tell you when the moment arrives but until then you will do as he says.”

“Okay lover, which I will do. Can you handle everyone while I go bathe?”

“Sure you go ahead after you’re done the kids are next unless I do them first?”

“Get the kids ready for bed first then I’ll go.” I said with Neil doing just that by taking the kids inside and giving them a bath with Bandit with me lying very quiet at my feet.

As we sat quietly I heard the other babies in the kennels playing that was when I decided to take a walk. I walked over to the kennels seeing all the wildlife with them all coming to me as I walked with Bandit walking very close behind me. I petted a few of them even getting fruit from the bottom of the trees and giving them the tasty morsels that they enjoyed especially the deer. Some of the animals played with the fruit but that was okay with me.

Slowly I walked back to the campsite and went inside the motorhome when I saw that the kids were done with their baths and dressed for bed. They were both tired from all their activity and fell asleep almost immediately. After I kissed them both I went and got ready for my bath.

While I sat in the tub Neil kept me company and we talked. I just told him I was glad to be home and that the surgery was finally over and done with. When I finished the bath, he helped and dried me that was when I kissed him and thanked him for putting up with me.

I finished my bath, used my stents, put furry to bed, and we called it an early night with us just cuddling to each other, this was what I missed while I was gone and now I have it all to myself, but only at night.

Awaking at 8AM with no one but me in the bed, I took my pills, had a bath and used my stents that hurt at first since I was on a larger one. I then dressed for the day in a light blue sundress, blue panties and brown huaraches and then out to the kitchen after cleaning up the bedroom.

When I got out there was a youthful woman with long dark hair and dark eyes tidying up around the Monster. She was perhaps 5’7” and very trim with a nice smile. She saw me and said, “Hi Mrs. Babcock I’m Flo or Florence and your mother hired my husband and me to look after the house, your family and grounds. Could I make you breakfast?”

“Hi Flo and you certainly can, I’m starved. I absolutely hate hospital food.”

“I heard from your Mom that you had surgery are you okay now?” She said as she prepared breakfast for me with me saying, “I’m sore as hell but I’ll live to get better. I have to get better for my husband and kids.”

“Mr. Babcock is in the yard with the children talking to Sam.” She said with me saying, “Look Flo he’s Neil and I’m Marion to everyone please call us that.”

“Sure Marion and thank you for not being a prude about formality. I think we’re going to like this job.” She said as I received pancakes, sausage and eggs.

As I dug into the feast before me I was given a mug of coffee and I asked Flo to join me as I ate.

We spoke of many things with me nixing many of the things my Mom had told her. One was being in uniform at all times, jeans and a blouse was fine with me. If we did any heavy entertaining I expected her input and help along with her being in uniform, but that was a maybe. I also told her that the family eats together and her and her husband was part of the family so they ate with us. We spoke about Bandit and his meals along with the kids and what they liked and disliked, which was next to nothing.

For the next few weeks I couldn’t help her, especially with the groceries but the two of us could make a list. Sam, as I understood, was to also be my driver for any traveling when I wasn’t with Neil. I was more than full as I finished breakfast and thanked Flo for making it.

I then called Arlene for my messages, which I wrote down. I had her transfer me to Chet in the IT department when he answered I said, “Chet, I need two more phone lines installed for Neil and order him a Laptop for our and his network.”

“Oh and bill the state for the lines since he works from home.”

“I’ll talk to his IT guy and get it set up for Neil. How are you feeling Boss?”

“Sore as hell but I’ll survive. Thanks Chet.” I said as I hung up going then outside where I was mobbed by everyone two kids, Neil and of course Bandit.

I took my usual spot on the lounger when Neil brought me my sketch pad and pencils to draw with him saying, “How are you feeling?”

“I was sore, but I took all my pills so I’m feeling better. How’s Sam going to work out?”

“He’s going to work out well, how was Flo?”

“She fixed me breakfast and we had a talk, so it’ll work out okay. I ordered two more phone lines and your own laptop for your use through Chet. He’s going to talk to your IT department as a liaison to help you out.”

“Good, I called the hospital and spoke to that Hazel woman and then set up a day for the Ark to be there. Johnny was here this morning to help load the critters.”

“That was good for you, I mean having more help.”

“He’s that good! I was thinking about starting a Junior Rangers group for the kids from Grade School age to college age. They used to be all over the state I used to be one also.”

“That might be good but, don’t you have enough to do?”

“I love kids especially, if they love animals like I do. Maybe we’ll get some recruits from the city.”

“I guess we could help sponsor the kids from the factory and we could get some of our vendor and buyers to help

“I’ll write a proposal to the boss today and send it by email to him.”

“If you can get corporate sponsors to fund it and it doesn’t cost the state any money they’ll go for it, but I want you to talk to Mom and Joyce. Here comes Joyce and Mom with your Mom now.” I said as Joyce’s car came down the driveway and stopped, with them all leaving the car, and coming toward us with Mom saying, “You look better today. We decided to stop over before taking Dora on a shopping spree at the factory.” While they were mobbed by the kids and Bandit

“Thanks Mom I promised Dora but thing kinda went crazy. And thanks for Flo and Sam they’re both working hard, her in the Monster and him in the garden.” I said just as Flo came out of the motorhome with a tray full of coffee, iced tea and cold water.

She greeted everyone and had an idea saying, “Take Flo and Sam with you and fix her up too from the skin out and him. I want my help to be well dressed also none of those frumpy uniforms either of you wanted her to wear. She can wear jeans to work so use our jean line at least ten pair should do.”

“All of them the Works got it! What’s with Neil?”

“He wants to talk to you and Joyce about something called Junior Rangers.”

“Neil was one of them as a youngin’, so were most of the Rangers at the park. Those Rangers teach the kids real good.” Dora said with Neil going through his spiel.

After he was finished Mom sat back with Joyce saying, “I have a contact in the legislature through his wife, she’s a customer maybe she’ll help you. Submit the proposal to your boss and I’ll pitch it to the wife along with some of the vendors. Also I need a cost sheet.”

“See I told you Mom wouldn’t say no.” I said getting a kiss with him kissing the family including his mothe,r he was so happy. I could see his point that it was something for kids to do and learn social skills and respect for nature. Anyway I guess I’m going to be a Den Mother or whatever they call it.

Mom and Joyce took Mom Babcock with Sam and Flo following them and I went back to work on my designs. I managed to do ten bridal gowns before I became hungry.

I slowly made my way to the kitchen and fixed a platter of sandwiches and took them outside, calling the kids and Neil to lunch. I even fixed furry up with a bowl kitty food that he scarfed down very quickly along with some grapes.

Around 3PM Flo called me and told me they were still working on her and Sam, so I gave her the rest the rest of the day off. I called Joyce and made sure Flo and Sam’s clothes would be delivered today along with Mom Babcock. I wanted the delivery people to help them put things away for them. She told me that everything was arranged and not to worry. I then transferred my drawings to the computer to email them all to Joyce for her to go through them.

We all ate as a family after the Ark returned for the day. Johnny came over and helped the guy’s bed down the animals after they were fed. I felt a little stronger and gave the kids a bath, read them a story and they went right to sleep.

Believe me I was ready for bed too and that’s were I went straight to bed for the night falling asleep.

Chapter 11

It’s been eight weeks since my surgery and I’m doing better each day. I’ve kept all my doctor’s appointments and used the largest stents I could find to stretch me out to accommodate Neil and his spear. Lord I hope we can make love as I really want him badly.

Our house is almost together fully and I can’t wait to move in it. All the walls and roof are on it! Chet my IT guy has something planned for it too! Flo and Sam are worth their weight in gold putting up with me as I’ve been moody being kept on the ranch so to speak and getting cabin fever to just spread my wings a bit.

The Lake is finished and everything is in it like it should be. Of course Bandit tried to go fishing in it already and got a bath and no fish. The weather has been getting cooler but all of the babies are very toasty in their insulated shelters that the guy’s made for them all.

Johnny and Lola have been back at school and come over after school to help out. They both have been doing really well in school. Their Aunt Cyndi loves her job at the factory and acts as a courier for my work to get to Joyce.

Our fall lines took off and are hot sellers so I’m pleased, even the teenagers love the lines and so do the families of the kids. Our beadwork dresses and pantsuits are selling at a phenomenal rate and the orders keep coming and we keep shipping them out when complete.

Now Bandit is Bandit, what can I say? He gets into everything and has fun doing it until he’s caught. He aggravates the hell out of me at times, but I love him anyway. He has grown a lot and warms my feet after he eats my slippers. Caribou Mules are a no, no in my house. He’s still a con artist and likes to go in the car for a ride anywhere and anytime you go. Flo found out you do not feed him eggs, beans and fish for a meal, as this causes him gas and gives him diarrhea. Our poor potty box will never be the same! It truly had a workout!

Tammy is now in pre-school and is doing wonderfully, liking it very much. Nicky was so lonely the first few days he followed us everywhere until he began playing by himself with his toys, keeping busy.

Now Neil’s project with the Ark is doing really well having gotten more personnel. They now visit schools, hospitals and any place they are requested to go. His Boss liked the idea for the Junior Rangers and approved the plan statewide. Neil also does some traveling with Bandit in tow to inspect the other Arks in the state, sometimes overnight that I miss him so much. But then again I miss the furry critter too!

The wedding plans I am not allowed to see, as I pitched a fit after seeing the guests numbered about three hundred and still growing. Hell I wasn’t even allowed to see my dress that they were taking care of. All I know is that if the weather is nice and cooperates it will be outdoors near my lake as a backdrop. Now all I have to do is figure out how to keep Bandit out of the lake during the ceremony or scaring the guests. Hmm…Bridal cake or fish as a bribe!

Now that I can drive once again I had my last weekly visit to the doctor and I was given the okay to have intercourse. After the visit I visited the factory and I was very happy to be out on my own.

Charlene and Arlene gave me a little statue of a Raccoon that I placed on my desk. I returned all of my calls, made a few decisions, had lunch and got ten pairs of jeans and negligees’ to take home. By the end of the day I was in great form and couldn’t wait to get home to Neil.

When I got home Chet and his gang were there in my house along with the electricians and plumbers. I got a little nosy and walked over to the house when I was stopped by Chet saying, “Ma’am we’re adding a few things to the house and I was told by your Mother to not let you in, as it was a surprise for you all.”

“I just want to look around Chet.”

“Okay but don’t ask what my crew is doing.” Chet said with me nodding my head in agreement.

Wires were pulled all over the house as I walked through it. I noticed extra junction boxes in the walls. By outside appearances my house looked like a 19^th century Tudor house but inside it looked like a 22^nd Century house.

I was very pleased as I walked through the house when I saw the Master Bath I almost screamed for joy seeing a very large raised pink tub that could fit five people it with Jacuzzi nozzles everywhere near an opaque picture window. The shower also had nozzles everywhere and was huge. I had a bidet, two large sinks in pink marble, lighted mirrors everywhere and a commode. The floor was pink ceramic tile and the towel holders were heated. The Master Bedroom was even larger than the original with spacious walk in closets and all lined in cedar. I had a patio and sitting area that I never had before.

Checking over all the bedrooms I saw large rooms with walk in closets and the Master Baths all with Jacuzzi tubs. I was very pleased with the remodeling so far.

The kitchen downstairs was immense as was the prep and eating areas. The Formal Dining room was in a league by its own being very large for entertaining.

I couldn’t get into the office space, though it was large with many men working in it. I noticed all the lighting was low voltage and the window had self darkening glass. The sitting room and the front room were very spacious.

People were in the basement so I couldn’t get down there so I left the house with all of the crews to go back to the Monster after I got my packages.

As I entered Nicky was down for a nap with Bandit beside him until he saw me. Bandit was clicking his song of greeting to me as he made his way to were I stood.

I laughed as Flo came from the bedroom with her saying, “I was changing the linens when I heard you come in. Nicky was very good but Bandit got into my flour again. I took him to the lake and threw him in it.”

Dropping my packages to the floor I placed my hands onto my hips while Bandit sat on his haunches with his head down and his front paws together when I said, “What is it with you and flour? Flo get some canisters that lock somehow to keep him out of them. And you Furry, one more chance, after that I get a fur hat.” Bandit made his way and laid his paws on my high heeled pumps with Flo and me laughing together.

Picking up the packages I went to the bedroom being followed by Bandit into the room. I changed into jeans and maroon sweatshirt with sneaks. I put everything away going back to the kitchen and grabbed coffee sitting down with Furry sleeping on my feet.

I told Flo about the house and even her new apartment with her saying, “It’ll be sure nice to get out of that apartment we’re in. The landlord doesn’t do anything but collect the rent.”

“Soon Flo, just be patient, but I know how you feel about the space thing. All I can say is that house is huge. Go over and have a look inside.”

“Could we? I’ve been dying to see the insides.”

“Find Sam and go take a look at it, then I have to go pickup Tammy from school.”

“I can wait until you come back.”

Okay, I’ll only be a few minutes.” I said as I grabbed my purse, put Bandit in a harness and leash and went to the mini van.

Bandit climbed into the front seat, I closed the door and got into mine making sure all of the windows were up after I started the car. In seconds we were on our way to the school. Arriving at the school I picked up Tammy, put her in her child seat and went home.

At the motorhome I got everyone out and I went into the motorhome letting Flo go find Sam. I had Tammy change her clothes and we went outside with Bandit to play while Nicky slept.

After more than an hour Flo came back with Sam with Sam saying, “That house is grand ma’am. Are you sure about the apartment for the wife and myself?”

Looking at the both of them I said, “Yes I’m sure I had the builders make plenty of room for you both. I’m just glad you liked it and the house, Sam.”

“He’s still harvesting the gardens. Sam has a load to take to Ruth later.” Flo said with me saying, “What about us?”

“All of our stuff has been canned already and Ruth’s holding it for us. She wanted to do all the canning of the fruit too, but I did most of it at her place.”

“Do you want to go to Ruth’s place to can some more today?” I asked with Flo saying, “We were going after we got off work. Ruth even puts Al with Sam to work, to help us out.

“I’m glad the both of you get along with them. Next year we can in our own kitchen especially the fruit and we’ll have plenty of help from everyone that wants a share, like on my family side and we’ll do some for Dora. Why don’t you clean out the garden or orchard and go to Ruth’s place. We can manage alright but the fruit and veggies can’t wait.”

“We’ll see you tomorrow then and I’ll bring so fresh pears that we canned for dinner.”

“Great! I just love pears. Sam, think about adding Bee Hives to the property near the woods. Let me know what you think.” I said with Sam and Flo both hurrying off to collect the evening’s fruits and veggies for canning.

It was then I heard Nicky stirring, with me going inside to tell him to use the bathroom and then come outside. I grabbed my Art Supplies and went outside by myself until Nicky came out.

While I drew, Sam and Flo left just as Neil came home. He saw me and put a great big smile on his face, walking over to me and kissed all of us. I let the children speak to him first when they were finished they went to play when Neil asked, “How was the Doctor’s visit?”

“Alright I guess, but I get you tonight by myself, just you and me tonight lover.” I said smiling at him with him saying, “I’m gonna put a smile on your face tonight.”

“You put a smile on my face just being with you and the kids. But I’m looking forward to tonight.” I said and kissed him very passionately not caring who saw me.

Lola and Johnny arrived not long after the Ark arrived followed by a kennel truck from the Re-Habbers to bring and take more of the babies for the Ark. Dick and Fred were very busy, as they got the babies ready with them then finding out they were getting three more Rangers to help with another Ark. All the Arks were getting more staffing due to the success of the program. Fred also got a promotion to supervisor of the local Arks.

I looked at Neil when he released the news to us saying, “I suppose the new Ark will be stored here too, along with all the babies?”

“Yep along with the state modernizing the Barn for office space along with adding on to it and the state is paying you for the rental for as long as we keep it, along with the property as a conservation area. They’ll be starting on it in a few days. Could we use your IT guys to help us?”

I was a bit pissed off, but seeing how happy my husband was along with the other Rangers to the news, I hid my anger with me saying, “You have to talk to Chet and it has to be on their free time, after they get through with our house. Since there is nothing near the barn I guess it’s okay even if they have to tear it down, which I was going to do and rebuild it. I still want the few fruit trees near it left alone.”

“Has the state notified the city about this land being a refuge area and us rangers being here along with our mission?” Fred asked with Neil saying, “I signed the letter a month ago and we got back the mail receipt from the Mayor’s office, according to Carla at the office. But the city is run by Home Rule so I guess we’ll have to wait and see. It doesn’t matter what they say anyway because we’re here to stay. Sweetheart I agree about the trees, besides you have fifty acres of prime farm land that’s mostly prairie land, woods and orchard.”

After I invited everyone for dinner which they all accepted, I warmed up the large pot of Mulligan stew and fresh baked Italian bread that Flo had made for us earlier. Neil took out the warm, heavy pot for me and we all dug into the stew and bread. I even gave the furry critter some stew that he greedily ate with relish and wanting a little more that I gave him.

As we ate I thought about the new enlarged barn and about everything that had happened with the only conclusion I had, was that it was for the better.

After we ate everyone helped me clean up with Fred doing the dishes and starting the dishwasher for me. I thanked everyone with Lola and Johnny going home to do their homework.

Fred and Dick had to get going and left in their SUVs while Neil got the kids ready for bed. As he did the kids, I took furry inside to use his potty box that he used immediately driving me from the room.

By this time the kids had their bath and dressed for bed. Neil read them a story while I got ready for Neil after Furry’s stink had left the area.

I pulled out a new peignoir set in black and new mules that I hid from Bandit and with a splash of perfume I was ready for Neil for the night and I was determined to have him.

I placed furry into the carrier and he went right to sleep. That was when Neil walked in and saw me lying on the bed. All I can say is that boy can move and move fast.

For most of the night we made love with me having some discomfort but he is a thoughtful lover and helped me. Believe it or not I took in his whole Thingy and I really hit all those high notes being very full and orgasming many times over. It was great to be whole at long last!

We awoke at 5AM, made love again, got up and showered together. We then got dressed for the day him in uniform and me in jeans, sneaks and a sweatshirt.

The kids had just woken up and Flo just came in. She made breakfast for us all, while the kids got dressed. I cleaned up a little and thanked her for the wonderful stew she had made that she acknowledged. Life seemed so grand!

Neil took Tammy to school and came back when a county car pulled into the driveway going to the house and seeing the Ark was gone for the day. I just thought it was a city inspector for the dwelling when Chet and he came from the house walking in Neil’s and mine direction. I looked at Neil when Chet and the man stopped by me with him saying, “Are you Marion Morrison?”

“Yes and we have all the building permits for the house.”

“I saw that, but I’m with the tax assessor’s office. You’re in arrears for this property…”

“How can that be? It was just given to me by Ruth and Alvin Price and due to their retirement age they got a break on it and I know it was paid.”

‘All I know is I was sent to advise you to pay the taxes or we sell off the land and everything on it.”

I called my lawyer, Glen Renton immediately with Neil saying to the man, “First off you’re Trespassing on state managed land by the bureau of conservation and state parks, as we’ve been managing the land for several months since I got here. Secondly I suggest you go to the city to read the letter I wrote. Thirdly, since we manage it as a refuge area, there are no taxes. Tell your toadies that they had better come themselves next time. Now I suggest that you leave before I turn loose the puma we have in the kennels and she hates fools like you.”

The man was gone in the blink of an eye nearly burning rubber as he left with Chet saying, “Sorry about that Marion but…Do you really have a puma?”

“We sure do but it’s a baby that was just weaned. I used her to scare that officious fool off the property. I just know the idiots in city hall had something to do with this.

I was on hold and told Chet it was okay and to get my house finished. Neil and he walked back to the house together discussing I presumed what he asked for from my IT people.

Finally I was speaking to Glen and told him what transpired. He would have the specialists in land law look it over as it wasn’t his field of practice. He promised I would hear something from them today. I relaxed as I hung up with him knowing that he’d call in the big guns for this problem.

Nicky had come outside bringing Bandit with, without a leash with me making Bandit go inside for his harness and leash. Furry brought me the harness and I put it on him, then the leash was next and petted him for being a good boy.

Neil came back with a smile as he walked and kissed me saying, “Chet and his crew are gonna do the job for me. All I have to do is tell him when to do the job.” I looked over his shoulder seeing three squad cars and two city cars come into our drive with Neil going into action.

Neil went out and stopped the cars and walked to the lead squad car saying to the cop, “You’re trespassing on a refuge. Now you know better than to come on our land with firearms. We carry them with the state’s permission to save life and property, both the animal and human.”

“We were told to escort these inspectors…”

“The lady has all the right building permits for everything, tell your chief to call me, I’m Deputy Superintendent Neil Babcock, better yet have the person that controls the chief call me, this here is our barracks and all fifty acres of it is in our control. Besides this land was zoned Farmland by the city and I looked it up in the records. Now pardon me, but I have work to do. So I suggest you skedaddle on back to your station and give your chief my message.” Neil said making the cars turn around and leave with me calling Ruth.

I dialed Ruth asking her if she got any offers for the land with her saying, “Sure we got them all the time but we threw them out, why?” I told her what had gone on and someone was applying pressure from the city for me to sell or make it difficult for me.

“You say both city and county with the county boy being from the tax assessor’s office we just signed off the deeds to you. Those bums work real fast.”

“I called my attorney at work and he’s bringing in the big guns to handle this. I have a feeling that some developer wants the land to put up a mall or something.”

“I suspect you’re right but Alvin and I put a monkey wrench into the works by signing everything over to you. Be careful dear, these people are dangerous to deal with if they’re going to these lengths.” I agreed with Ruth and disconnected when I received a call from Jake Platon that Glen was going to call for me. I told him everything what happened and had Neil talk to him to tell the attorney what happened. Jake decided it was better to come and see us today that I readily agreed to and hung up after giving him the address.

As Neil and I were relaxing a Sherriff’s car showed up. We allowed him to park when Neil went to the car saying, “Sorry Deputy but no firearms allowed here, since it’s a wildlife refuge. Either leave it in the car, or we’ll talk right here.

The man tried to open his door when Neil kneed it back to closing saying, “This is state property and I’m telling you as a Deputy Superintendent of Parks and a Ranger to leave the premises or be arrested by me for carrying a weapon in a wildlife refuge area, possible poaching, and trespassing.”

“Look, I have a subpoena to serve…”

“Not on this land and the subpoena isn’t valid, now git.” Neil said with the car leaving and parking near the entrance of driveway allowing traffic in and out.

“Neil came to me saying, “Whoever wants this land has some power to call all these people out.” It was then another car came into the drive with the man in it looking at the Sherriff’s car nodding his head in disbelief.

The man that got out of the car was about my height and portly, in his fifties, with a receding hairline of brown hair. He came over to us saying, “I’m Jake Platon, I spoke to you over the phone. I see you have company.”

“Oh yes, it appears someone wants this land real bad and is using all the tools he can use to get it.” I said and then getting all of the papers I had from the bill of sale to the land being supervised by the state park’s department excluding my domicile, the barn, the gardens and the lake. It was then Bandit made his appearance crawling into my lap to sleep.

“Your land is fenced off, I saw the signs but you need relief from all this pressure. Alright I’ll go to this federal judge I know and get these people off of your back, you are a state wildlife refuge. I think I’ll talk to the State’s Attorney and let him get into the act. Someone wants this land and they have to be stopped!” Jake pulled out his cellphone and made several calls. Several of those calls were to PIs that took the job Jake offered. Another call was to his contact in the State’s Attorneys office that wanted a part of the lawsuit. Another call was to a Federal Judge explaining things to her. The judge would sign a Cease and Desist order, all she needed was the paperwork. He called his office and told the paralegal what was needed, take the paperwork to the judge, copy the order and deliver them to include the Deputy in the driveway entrance.

Neil called the Superintendent, was put right through to him explaining the situation and him calling the State Police and ordering six more Rangers to the property.

In twenty minutes the first of six State Police cars entered the property with them ordering the Sherriff to leave, which he did in a hurry. Next, was the Press with Neil and Jake handling all of them for interviews. After the impromptu news conference Jake had left

It was close to noon and I went to get Tammy getting a State Police escort there and back after I got her. When we returned home the neighbors were out in force, as I told Flo to go to the store and lay in supplies for us and our protectors. I also told her to see about catering for the Troopers and the Rangers, if we got a good price to get the catering for them.

The Troopers changed every shift but the Rangers came with another Motorhome with a Sergeant driving it and six Rangers driving their SUVs.

Neil and I went to the neighbors across the street from us and explained to them that someone wanted the land for either homes or a Mall. The people were pissed, as their were kids around and all these cityfolk liked the peace and tranquility of the area. They even like the idea of the refuge and the animals for the kids.

Mr. Pierson that lived across from the driveway said, “I’m gonna call the Alderman about the abuse of power by City Hall.” With me saying, “I wouldn’t, he might be a part of the problem. Let us handle everything as the state is involved now along with a Federal judge.” All the neighbors agreed with us and they all made their way to their homes.

We went back just as Lola and Johnny arrived and Flo left for the store. Neil told the kids what happened and why all of the Rangers and Troopers were there with Lola saying, “We still have our jobs don’t we?”

“Sure you do, if you want them?” Neil said as their faces lit up with them both saying yes just as the Sergeant came over with him saying, “Sorry sir but the CP needs hook ups. I tested all the radio gear, the Ark answered us. I told them a little about this mess and Senior Ranger Paton told me to tell you he’s coming home.”

“Park the CP in front of the containers and then we’ll get you hooked up.” Neil said as he walked over to the house to get some professional help for the hookups.

Several minutes later he made his way back with six people and they began to work out the details for the CP. In forty five minutes it was hooked up and ready, then Chet and his people performed more miracles.

Almost an hour later the Ark arrived with all the Rangers and Johnny’s help to get the babies settled, fed and bedded down. Both Dick and Fred were briefed on what happened during the day when a female Ranger by the name of Sylvia Claxton showed up saying, “I took a walk in the meadow which is teaming with wildlife but I also saw several species of wild plants that are on the endangered list and they’re thriving here.”

“Okay Sylvia, write it up for me, I take it you’re a botanist?” Neil said with the diminutive pixie saying, “Sure sir…”

“Listen up Rangers, my name is Neil, this is Fred and Dick only when the brass is here do we go by rank, okay so maybe we don’t do rank. Everyone here is a professional from zoologists to botanists and I’m going to request you up here for permanent assignment, if I can sway it. We’re also getting another Ark so everyone gets a shot in them. Just remember you’re doing it for the kids. Speaking of kids Lola and Johnny help us out, treat them as if they’re another Ranger. One more thing…”

“Neil shut up! Flo is making burgers for all of us and the Troopers. Get your order in to her and tell her if you want chips.” I said after interrupting Neil and the Rangers all going to Flo that was when our pixie Sylvia Claxton and a giant in a green uniform by the name of Terry Walsh asked about Bandit as they all had seen him playing with the kids.

Neil told his story to them as everyone listened to him with Terry saying, “So all the animals are clean and certified by a vet?”

“They’re all seen every other day but Bandit took a shine to my wife to be, he’s part of our family. If you tell him something and he doesn’t like it he goes to Marion and snitches on you.” Neil said laughing, as we walked to the grill with Flo being happy cooking for so many people. Flo was so happy Bandit was getting two trout that Sam caught for him in the lake.

Sam had just come in from the orchard with a bushel basket full of pears for desert and was immediately introduced to all of the Troopers and the Rangers as the caretaker of the property.

Sam was a big hit as his knowledge of the land spewed from his mouth. He also made recommendations showing his knowledge of the plain. He decided to put in the beehives near the woods along with our own beehives for the fruit trees like I wanted to do, but adding more hives.

We all had a good time with Neil telling the Troopers all we’d need them for is a few days that was when Cyndi came into the driveway and parked her car.

She got out and was in her jeans, sweatshirt and sneaks and walked over to me. I had Flo make her burgers as I knew she hadn’t eaten when she said, “I thought I heard things wrong on the news until I saw the Trooper’s cars before.”

“It appears someone is trying to run us off our land for some purpose, we all think for a mall.”

“Ruth told me awhile back that some development group wanted it. Was it Banning, Fanning no it was Manning Development Corporation. She told me they were always sending her letters to sell the place.” Cyndi said and that was when I called Neil over and told him.

Neil turned red with anger and I said, “Mike Manning is a prick! He has the county and city higher ups in his pocket, also giving those people kickbacks. How he gets away with everything he does I’ll never know. Not even the Feds screw with the guy.” It was at this time that Mom called me on my cellphone.

I told her about the day and everything that happened including Cyndi’s information with Mom saying, “Tell Neil to be careful in dealing with Manning. Manning is beyond shifty but dumb as a brick! Do you remember Grams had a meeting with the guy when he was building Lakeside mall?”

“Not really but tell me.”

“We anyway he was begging us to open a store in that mall and we decided not to do so. What we found out later was the lease was only for a year. After that year he’d double the rent and still get a portion off the net receipts. We knew several managers and owners that told us they wanted to leave but business was too good, but the rents were unjust. The man put many businesses into bankruptcy in that mall.” I had Mom tell Neil about Manning with him getting angrier and disconnecting with Mom. I could tell Neil was thinking about the situation but Damnit I didn’t want him hurt. We needed him to be with us.

Neil went over to Bert Walters they talked a bit with Bert going to the Command Post and Neil had a smile on his face.

The evening wore on with the Weiss-Prescott family going home, the Rangers bedding down, the Troopers going to their cars and Flo and Sam going back to their apartment. The kids had their bath, put on their PJs, were read a story and went to sleep. Neil and I went to bed and he was like a tiger in it making me very happy when I went to sleep.

Neil was awake with Tammy, they dressed and Flo fed them with Neil taking Tammy to school.

By the time I was ready to face the day, Neil had returned getting the Ark ready for the day with all Rangers helping with the critters.

At 10AM a state architect showed up with Neil and all the Rangers giving the guy ideas on what they wanted for their work space and barracks as he had some ideas. In effect the architect envisaged of a much larger barn with vehicle bays, offices, armory, supply rooms, sleeping areas, laundry area, a kitchen, an inside kennels for the critters, there was even a loft for storage. It had heat and Air Conditioning in the entire Barn that was powered by the sun. It used the entire site of the old barn plus some more land. It was a very big building that I saw in my mind.

When the architect left, so did the Ark with four Rangers in the Ark and all the critters. The Ark was followed by two Ranger SUVs for a total of six Rangers that could handle anything.

The three other Rangers and Neil went to the feed store and got what supplies they needed for the critters while Nicky, Bandit, and I were watched over by the Troopers.

When the Rangers came back they unloaded the SUVs with Bert then going to find Chet in the house with a Trooper in tow. I had no idea what they were up to but I had a feeling that Neil was behind it. The other Ranger then had some signs in their hands adding the signs to the fence surrounding the property. As soon as those signs went up I swear all the animals knew about it and I saw deer and a bear for the fist time since living on the property. I swear they knew they were protected.

While I drew Joyce had come over, she parked her car and walked toward me saying, “I thought Mom was kidding about all the cops. Geez Sis, what did you do?”

“We had some problems yesterday and Neil called in the reinforcements. Hell he’s even got eight Rangers now plus that thing.” I said as I pointed to the CP with Joyce saying, “The family saw the Press conference and Mom mentioned Mike Manning was the instigator in this mess.”

“We all agree with Mom on that, but Neil and Jake took care of everything. Sis, all I want is to move into my house. I shudder to think if Neil wasn’t around.”

“I guess so, now the reason I came was to get the sketches you’ve done. The drawings were all colorized by the art department and we’re in spring production now. The warehouse is loaded with winter goods and things are selling quickly. You better have the security doubled at the factory and the warehouse just in case Manning goes after them.”

“That I can do by the way Cyndi has been doing our Security Directors job and learns real fast. While she has been on the desk she’s caught about ten people trying to get in. The insurance company sent them but she caught them and pressed charges against them anyway.” Joyce said with a smile on her face with me saying, “I think it’s time to change agents and carriers. Tell Grams and Mom what I said, screw Blanding, he’s been getting rich off of us for years.” I gave Joyce the sketches and she left waving at me.

The caterers arrived from the grocery deli and set up near our campsite with Flo getting everyone to eat including Sam and all the workers in the house. There was so much food leftover she had Bert place it into the CP fridge for everyone to have later.

As we ate I noticed that Chet, Bert, the IT guys and Neil were speaking together and I just knew that they were up to something.

I went and brought Tammy home under the watchful eyes of the Trooper that followed me there and back. When we got home she greeted everyone and I fed her. Nicky was down for a nap and while Tammy played with Bandit I drew more sketches.

After Neil had his conference he joined me with me saying, “I think we can get rid of the Troopers or at least some of them.”

“They have tonight and then we take over our own security. This new bunch of Rangers is going to work out fine. I got them from the Boss permanently.”

“So what were you guys talking about with Chet and his staff?”

“I won’t say yet, but Manning is going down along with his cronies. I already spoke to the State Police Major for the area, the State’s Attorney, Jake and Bert. Your people are getting me some equipment, hook it up and train Bert on it.”

“I should be mad but I agree this guy Manning is trouble, just be careful, we need you in one piece.” I said as he kissed me bringing forth a warmth to my body. At least I got some info from him, not much but it was something I thought when Nicky got up from his nap.

The Ark had returned late along with Lola and Johnny coming over to do their jobs. Lola kept the kids occupied as all the Rangers and Johnny work.

Around 5PM, Sam came from the gardens, the caterers came with dinner and Flo told them what to do. While we all ate fried chicken, Neil told the Rangers that they were all assigned to him and as soon as things calmed down they needed to find lodging and move to it. Neil also suggested they move close by to the refuge.

The evening came and went, with us taking care of the kids, putting the kids to bed, doing the same to Bandit and finally ourselves. I still couldn’t get anything else from Neil as far as information so I dropped the matter. Did we make love? Yes we did and it was marvelous.

Chapter 12

After several more weeks I was so happy that today was our moving day. Our house was finished! The movers brought all my furniture back and things moving us from the Monster and the containers to the bedrooms. The containers were then taken to our warehouse and put to use.

Noticing the old furniture in place I decided to refurnish the house as the old stuff just didn’t handle it anymore. I called a decorator as the house deserved that much as I knew my limitations. Okay, so that was a lie on my part, I just wanted new furnishings and I didn’t have a clue of what I wanted or where to get it at. Linda our decorator had the house furnished in weeks.

Chet wired the house and yard that no matter where we were at we could access the network, and even have the internet anywhere we were at. He wired the house to be computer controlled to coincide with the generator, heat pumps, the solar cell panels on the roof to the heat recovery and water system. I tried to get Chet to tell me what he was working on but all he would do is smile not telling me a word.

The old barn is gone and a new one is taking its place ten times as big as the old one and that one was pretty small. That building too will be energy efficient like our home. The Rangers are all moved to the city to their new domiciles nearby from the refuge and love the convenience of city living.

We now have three Arks with more critters to take care with the vets still coming every other day. Those Arks are covering a great deal of mileage but all the kids love seeing the critters and so do the adults. Those Arks go anywhere there are kids or are wanted.

The furor over my land abated and Neil was happy but there was one thing he had to do yet and that was getting Mike Manning off the streets. He was stilled PO’d about the mess Mike Manning had made for us to handle. Neil is also putting together the groundwork for the Junior Rangers and he gets the first group of kids. Now the Arks are an unparallel success and everyone loves to be visited by them.

Now Bandit loves the house except when he’s lost in it and can’t find anyone upstairs then he looks for someone downstairs to terrorize or to find me. He has his dishes for food and water in the kitchen but we still have custody of the potty box and that’s in the bathroom where there is plenty of room along with a fan that vents outside.

Flo is very happy with the kitchen along with the apartment she shares with her husband Sam. She is so proud to work in this house and lets everyone know it. Sam is ever so happy with the grounds and gets help from all the Rangers when he needs it.

Dora went home but has been thinking of moving closer to us to be closer to her grandchildren and my family. When she went back she didn’t need any clothes since we outfitted her well and her pickup was loaded.

Mom, Grams and Joyce are so pleased with the work at the factory and stores that bonuses will be given this year to the employee,s along with a better discount from our lines.

Cyndi is now the Director of Security for us at the factories and stores after our director quit due to medical reasons. She was already doing the job for her former boss so it was the logical choice besides everyone loves her and the job she does.

Lola and Johnny are still working for us with Lola handling the kids giving us a break. Both kids are doing well in school and are the envy of their friends working at the refuge. Johnny loves being with the critters and has asked for the job permanently, he plans on going to college to study zoology and conservation. Don’t tell Neil but he’s Johnny’s hero!

I was busying myself when all the beds and bedroom sets arrived for all of the rooms. I was just thinking about them when they came. The men worked fast and efficiently. I was glad we got them all so I didn’t have to sleep on the floor. Flo and I worked fast putting our undies, Neil’s and Sam’s too along with the kid’s undies away as soon as the sets were set up. Our next project was making all the beds. Fortunately we knew the size of the beds previously and went shopping for linens and bedding for the house.

The house was taking shape and we decided to take a break in the kitchen when Neil walked in with Chet and Bert. They all had smiles on their faces when Chet asked, “did you see all of the toys we added?”

“What toys are you talking about?”

‘Your Grams and Mom were worried about you, Neil, and the kids so we wired a security system adding hidden color CCTV cameras for the house and grounds and monitors in your bedroom and study. We also added an intercom system all over the house and bedrooms” He said as I looked stunned at him saying, “We saw the HDTV in the bedroom…”

“You get Satellite channels plus the monitors and your computers picks up the cameras, the same as the study, family room, theatre and living area after we hook it up to the monitors and put in the computer to hold the pictures and a printer. We’ll add more cameras later when we need them. The vapor lights we put in will flood the house, driveway and grounds. We’ll add the barn into the system later.”

I made the guys coffee that they gladly accepted while Flo made them something to eat, as Sam came in the door with him saying, “All the rose bushes have been trimmed and bedded down for the winter. Do you want all those pumpkins? I also have a lot of squash too.” Neil then indicated he would put up a seasonal display in the yard before the frost comes. Al and Ruth had got all they wanted and there were still a lot of them left.

I looked at Sam saying, “Give the rest away to anyone that wants them. Flo, we need to go to Ruth’s house to get our canning before the winter.”

“Sam’s gonna do it for us and store it downstairs in the pantry area.” Flo said with me saying,”That canned ketchup and barbeque sauce won’t last the way Neil uses it.”

“But it’s good! It’s even better then the stuff my Mom makes, just don’t tell her I said that.” Neil said smiling with Chet saying, “I just have to get a jar of that stuff for home. Being a bachelor I seldom cook but when I do it’s great.” We all laughed and the guys all went to the study except for Sam that was served his meal that Flo had cooked for him. I looked at the clock and got my sweater to go pickup Tammy.

I called Bandit and he came to me with his harness and leash in his mouth. After I got it on him we went to the mini van and got in. I started the van and we were gone. We picked up Tammy and we were soon home with her telling me stuff that happened at school.

On walking into the house and kitchen Sam and Nicky were eating meat ravioli smothered in red sauce. It smelled so good Tammy and I had some. I had to admit that ravioli was a favorite for me and told Flo to get more from the store when she went. Bandit had scarfed down his fish and I gave him a taste of the Ravioli that he liked.

My tummy was full and so were we all. I helped with the dishes while the kids went to play and Sam went into the gardens. After we finished Bandit and I went into the study with me seeing all three guys buried deeply into wires and computer parts on a small rack. Rather than to disturb them I went to our room after checking on the kids.

Laying on the bed after kicking off my loafers I turned on the HDTV and browsed the channels also seeing our security channels. I finally settled down on some old movie and relaxed further until I fell asleep on my new bed.

I awoke several hours later by the gentle licking of Bandit on my face. I opened my eyes and gave him a hug. I put on my loafers going to the bathroom using the commode. I washed my face and hands, reapplied my makeup, while Furry used the potty box much to my dismay.

Leaving the bathroom quickly, I went to check on the kids finding them both asleep in Tammy’s room on the floor. I put them both on Tammy’s canopied bed, covered them and left.

Going to the study I saw the mess cleaned up and the guy’s gone and I went back to work drawing at the drawing board when Bandit came in to lie on my feet as I worked. While I was drawing the telephone rang and it was Mom saying, “The whole family is coming over tonight since tomorrow is Halloween…”

“I’ve been so busy with the house I forgot about the costumes for the kids as I’m sure they’ll want to go Trick or Treating along with the party at Tammy’s school and at the Arks.”

“Joyce and Grams figured that, so we put costumes together for the kids. Eddie and Carol are taking them out for treats around the neighborhood in the afternoon.”

“The Rangers are having a special party and candy for the kids at the Arks they even got horses from the state park near here. Somehow they even captured a fruit bat in the woods that doesn’t belong here. They think it got away from a zoo and found its way here because of the fruit trees. Tracker checked it over so it’s clean from disease.

“That’ll get the kids going seeing a very large bat being handled and fed by the Rangers along with the horses. We’ll see you later about five or six. ” Mom said as we hung up.

I called Flo on the intercom and told her to make enough food for everyone unless she wanted to have supper catered. I guess she called the caterers and made arrangements for the food to be delivered here later and I went back to work.

I check over the spreadsheets I was emailed that included all the accounts and inventory and I was quite pleased that profits were up and inventory was going out to our customers at a steady flow rate. That was when I heard some snoring and I looked at Bandit under my desk lying on my feet. I must have changed my locations a few times but he was always there at my feet.

I left the study leaving Bandit to sleep and went into the kitchen to get some coffee. I poured it into a mug when Bandit walked in sort of sleepy eyed. Flo kind of chuckled seeing him as I went to sit at the table and he stretched out on my feet with me saying, “I can’t go anywhere without you following me, can I?”

Bandit looked at me and yawned with me saying, “You are going to be a joy when I take a bath tonight, I’d better shut the door to keep you out.”

He just looked at me drowsily and went back to sleep that was when Tammy and Nicky came down into the kitchen and Flo gave them a snack. Neil then came inside giving me a kiss and went to the study putting his sidearm away into the vault with his utility belt.

He then came back into the kitchen, grabbed a mug of coffee and sat with us at the table saying, “I wanted to work on a few reports before the Arks get back. I brought in the mail before.”

“I saw it there was even a letter from Manning in the pile.” I said as Neil turned red from anger and blurted out, “that SOB just doesn’t know when to quit, does he?”

“I guess, I left it on your desk unopened to read over.” I said as he began to calm down with him saying, “After I take Tammy to school I’ll be gone for awhile.”

“Oh please don’t shoot Manning!” I begged with him saying, “I won’t but I’ll take care of him once and for all.”

“Just be careful of the sleazeball, as I said before he’s slick.” I said as Neil finished his coffee and going to the study just as the food arrived from the Deli.

The Gathering of the Clan took place at 5PM and the kids were wound up tight like a spring. All the kids were showered with love from the adults and that also includes Lola and Johnny with Cyndi coming over to get them.

I gave them all a tour of the house with dad saying, “So where’s the furniture?”

“My old stuff didn’t look right in the house so I’m redecorating it. The bedroom stuff just happened to arrive first.”

‘At least you have beds and dressers and the study is really great but there aren’t any deer head mounted or fish hanging.” Gramps said smiling with me saying,”Sorry Gramps but not with this décor, besides I don’t want the kids scared.”

I then took them into the basement were they were really impressed with the bar and wine room, with the family room, and the theater genuinely got them going. Dad was impressed with all the gadgets that I had no idea I had. Chet really did himself proud!

Flo ordered too much food by accident so each family including Cyndi got a tray of chicken plus the side orders so everything worked out for everyone but it seemed like we got the most of the leftovers.

While Gramps and Dad were pulled away into the kid’s rooms, I told Grams I had gone over the spreadsheets she sent and I was very pleased with Mom saying, “I saw them also and we decided about the bonuses.”

“It seems that our upscale and our mid scale lines are doing much better than last year but I still want the advertising people to buy blocks on the stations both TV and Radio.” I said with Joyce saying, “That’s what we thought you’d say and we told advertising to step it up. I think it’s also time to expand to another store, one perhaps on the north side of town or even out of state.”

“I’d say one more store locally, also try to have Sales entice our national clients to buy more from us, the more they buy the more they make in commission. We have the Lines that no one else has and our products are made in the USA not like Kmart or Wal-Mart, but we can’t knock them. We have quality were they don’t in their lines, of course tell sales to knock on all doors, someone will let us in eventually, start going overseas to market our lines.”

“We’ve already had inquires from Europe and Canada.” Grams said with me saying, “Cultivate those contacts then, the bottom line is sell, sell and sell, but to keep our quality.”

With those words everyone decided it was time to leave as I put the kids to bed. Of course Nicky fussed as he wasn’t sharing a bed with Tammy but he was soon asleep in his bed and so was Tammy in hers.

Neil was in the study, so I helped Flo clean up when Sam came into the house with a large man in uniform with a badge that said County Game Warden. I called Neil immediately and offered the man coffee and something to eat that he gladly accepted. He looked very tired and it seemed that this was the first break he had in awhile his name was Naylor Kluscz.

Neil came out of the study and walked into the kitchen as the man stood up and took his offered hand. They both sat down with Neil saying, “What can I do for you.”

“I have twenty other wardens and we’re stretched to the limit with this being mating season for deer. The herds are huge in the Forest Preserves and the county won’t let us thin them out and without natural predators the herds get bigger, get hungrier and they begin to move. The deer are coming into the city and cars are hitting them. I need some help with them. Normally the deer run off and then die but there are a few that are critically injured that we take care of on the spot, I really hate to do it but must. We then have the meat processed at local butchers and give it to the Food Pantry.”

“I have nine Rangers, ten with myself plus three Arks to man but we can help you out if the County wants the help…”

“I talked to the County Supervisor and the Board today explaining the overpopulation crisis they got us into. I’m here officially to ask you for help us cull the herds over the next several weekends. I’d open it up to professional hunters but…”

“That’s what other County’s do or Bow Hunters, about how many are we talking about?”

“Nearly two hundred deer.”

“That’s quite a passel of deer! Your populations must be huge for that amount. I have to contact the Capitol and my Boss. Are they eating the bark on the trees?”

Hell, the bark, all the leaves, grass and anything edible to them. They’ve been into garbage cans too! The public is getting pissed about our deer scavengers. First it was Raccoons and Possum and now it’s deer.”

That was when Bandit made an appearance getting some water with Naylor laughing and saying, “Someone said you had a coon…”

“Yep, but he’s well fed, he’ll never go to the woods to play, plus we have other critters for the kids to see and touch, that’s what the Arks are for.”

“Well thanks for the meal it was much appreciated ma’am. If you need me to speak to your boss here’s my card.” Naylor said giving his card to Neil with the Warden leaving.

“I think we’ll need a lot more Rangers for this project. How in the hell did they allow this happen?”

“It’s all politics dear, they didn’t want to be called Bambi killers so the deer starve instead due to poor management and overpopulation by the politicians sticking their noses into the situation.” I said as Neil called the Superintendent at home and telling him of the visit by the Game Warden.

At the end of the conversation Neil was getting eleven more Rangers that were sharpshooters and a PR specialist from the department. He would contact Naylor in the morning and make arrangements for the culling of the herds. It was unfortunate, but it was necessary for the well being of the deer herds to survive the winter without staving to death.

Neil also called a nearby motel and arranged for rooms for the Rangers and the PR person, He then called our Rangers one by one to notify them about the weekend thinning of the herds that they weren’t happy about doing because of somebody’s stupidity in the County.

Neil then called Naylor and told him the news with Naylor saying, “We’ll all meet at Planters Grove as a staging area and send the teams out from there. I’ll mix my wardens with your Rangers to get this done with.”

“We’ll bring our CP to coordinate all the teams at 5AM Saturday morning and be out at 6AM. I made arrangements locally for their stay and feeding.”

“I’ll call the motel and have the county pick up the bills for their stay and their overtime. Those fools are going to pay dearly for this fiasco.”

“Probably more than you think. My boss will call you tomorrow to finalize things, so be available to him.”

“I gotta go we just had another car accident with a deer.” Naylor said and hung up with Neil saying, “He had to go, he had another car accident with a deer.”

I then went to Neil and rubbed his back, after I cleaned up from our visitor. I then led him upstairs and undressed him and myself and got a bath ready for us to share together.

We were both in our bathroom relaxing in the hot, steaming water that was scented with rose petal beads to give the water fragrance. As we sat in the tub I was held close to him and I enjoyed every minute of it until I began to prune and we got out.

We dried off and on opening the door Bandit was asleep on the floor. I picked him up and put him in his carrier with him going back to sleep. While I was taking care of Bandit, Neil took care of the potty box. He washed his hands then going to the bed to await me.

We cuddled together, we made love together and we then fell asleep together in each other’s arms.

In the morning we awoke together in our new bed, we kissed and took a shower together making love in the shower and he shaved. We then dried each other off and got ready for the day him in his uniform and me in a short jeans skirt, nude pantyhose and a sweatshirt with my brown loafers.

I put on my makeup, let Bandit out of the carrier as he ran to his potty box and we went to get Tammy up. Tammy was already up, washed up, dressed for the day and I was ever so proud of her and we both said so.

Flo was up and making breakfast when we came downstairs sitting at the table with Sam already there. As I fed Bandit, Neil told Sam what had happened when Sam said, “If those fools are afraid of bullets peppering the air then the answer is bow and arrows like I use.”

“That might be the answer to the problem Sam,” Neil said as Sam went to get his bow to show Neil with Sam saying,”I go during the bow season and always get a buck or two with it.”

“We always have venison, I even make jerky, roasts, barbeque ribs and stews with the meat, and Sam also butchers the meat.” Flo said being proud of her man with Neil saying, “After the herds are thinned out I’ll recommend the idea to Naylor.”

Breakfast was served and everyone dug in to the meal with me helping Tammy. After breakfast I took Tammy to school and Neil was going to get her later. I did some shopping for things we needed and I needed, then going home.

Sam helped me with the bags and taking them inside, noticing Neil was on both lines on his phone. Flo and I separated the bags for the house from the bags for me and the kids. Nicky was up, he ate and was playing in his room.

Bandit came into the room and played with an empty bag and fell asleep in it curled up into a ball. I moved the bag and him out of harms way and let him snore away.

I just made coffee when Neil came from the study for some and saw me saying, “The Shit Hit the Fan! The Press has been all over me this morning since Carla came into the office. I passed the Press off to the PR people in the Capitol that weren’t too happy about the situation that I described to them. They weren’t at all pleased with me not handling the situation either.”

“That’s their job, so let them handle the situation, keep in the background. Be prepared for some PETA types to be wherever the cameras are.”

“I guess people don’t understand do they? These deer don’t have natural predators to keep the populations down, so they breed and keep breeding until overpopulation happens, then it’s starvation for these creatures or becoming a nuisance to humans or both. I need to call the vets in to check the carcasses for Deer ticks that carry Lyme disease too.”

“I guess humane trapping and moving them is out of the question then?”

“The herds are too big to manage. Many deer would die from fright or self inflected injuries anyway in a trap. By moving them only creates another problem in another area. I think we’ll be going after the big, mature Bucks mostly since they normally outnumber the Does but even the Does aren’t protected.”

Since the coffee was done, Neil sadly grabbed a mug and went into the study while I got mine and went over to the table crossing my legs as I sat down to enjoy my coffee. I thought hard about the situation as I never hunted, but I knew that a true legal hunter kept the populations down and used the meat and sometimes the skins. Then there are the poachers that kill the animals for only certain parts of it for money and leaving the carcass to rot.

Neil came from the study once again looking for me and saying, “Could we have a barbeque on Friday evening when all the new Rangers arrive?”

“It’s fine with me but you’d better ask Flo…” Neil was cut off by Flo’s entrance with her saying, “Ask me what?”

“We’ll have about twenty Rangers for a briefing but I want them fed first so I was thinking about a barbeque and everything would be outside except for the bathroom.”

“I suggest you call the grocery store deli for everything you need or I’ll do it and have them bill the refuge for everything. They’ll give you a discount for all the business.”

“That’s great! The briefing is at 5PM so they can deliver it all by 4PM to this house.”

“I wouldn’t guaranty the time since Halloween is on Thursday and I know people have parties planned for Friday and Saturday so they’ll be busy for sure.”

‘Oh well, then shoot for the afternoon sometime and include everyone in the house too, including Bandit since he has to eat too.”

‘I’ll order for sixty people then as I know some of them people you call Rangers have tapeworms in their stomachs. I’ll need several tables too.” Flo said with Neil smiling and left us alone.

Flo called the Deli and placed the order for food to be delivered on Friday late afternoon. Everything was arranged for Halloween for the Rangers, the order was placed a few days ago, so all we needed was tables and chairs.

It was nearing noon and I told Flo I was going to pickup Tammy as Neil was still busy. Just when I was going to leave, Neil came from the study buckling on his utility belt saying, “I’ll go. I need to get out of here for a bit. Carla has both of the lines now until I come back with Tammy.” I kissed him for the reprieve in leaving the house and he left.

Minutes later Tammy walked into the house without Neil and I assumed he we to check on the building progress of the Barn. Most of the contractors that were used on the house were being used for the construction of the new barn for Neil and the Rangers to use as their base.

Neil returned more calm, as he walked into the door of the kitchen. Flo and I made lunch for everyone when Nicky and Sam arrived. Tammy kept the conversation going telling us what she did in school and was very excited about her Halloween party and going Trick or Treating.

The day and evening for me went by quickly being busy with the household chores, laundry and the kids. Neil was busy in the study and I thought it was better to stay in the background.

After I put the kids to bed, I went and took a shower and was pleasantly surprised by Neil joining me. He apologized to me for ignoring me, but he was doing a great deal of organizing for the weekend. We then went to bed together and I made him forget about his worries and planning. We made love and then cuddled in each arms to fall asleep.

We got up the following morning, took a shower together, made love in the hot water and got dressed for the day. He got dressed in his winter uniform and I was tempted to go to the factory to make an appearance but nixed the idea as today was Halloween. I promised the kids I would help them get ready for Trick or Treating. I dressed for the day in jeans, a sweatshirt and loafers.

After I dressed I went to Tammy’s room, woke her up and got her costume ready for her. On getting it ready I noticed it was a two piece costume made of satin, lace and beading of a swirled design at the bodice. The skirt instead of being long was at knee length of light pink satin. The top was of light pink satin and white lace at the bodice with long satin sleeve. There was also a half-slip, white tights, white Mary Janes, a tiara and a wand. Tammy was so excited, she was dressed in minutes. I had her get a sweater to keep the chill off and I then took her to my room adding blush to her cheeks and pink lipstick. I also braided her hair putting in a pink bow to the bottom of the braids to hold them together. We added a thin silver necklace, small hoop earrings and a thin silver bracelet to her wrist. Looking her over, she looked gorgeous!

I took her to breakfast, which Flo had ready for us. Neil smiled after seeing Tammy and whistled at her, then teasing her, making the child smile. Sam had eaten before us and got an early start in the orchard. After Tammy ate I retouched her makeup and she and Neil left.

I was still sipping my coffee when Neil returned, he told me the Arks were gone for the day and tomorrow the Rangers would be off during the day until the briefing, as the Arks were not going out of the refuge. Fred and Dick would come in the late morning to feed and water the critters. Bert wanted to check over the CP for Saturday to make sure the radios in it were ready.

The morning went kind of quickly. I picked up Tammy, did some grocery shopping and came home. Tammy was fussed over at the store and she loved all the attention. On arriving home, we all ate lunch and we all took a nap (even Flo), as I thought to myself it was going to be a long night. Bandit sensed it too and curled up next to me and snored.

By 2PM we were all up, the kids were playing and Flo and I set up the buffet for the Rangers and the family. By 3PM everyone was eating as the Arks had returned. The critters would be fed and watered after everyone ate even Bandit, who decided to get up from his nap.

Johnny, Lola, Eddie and Carol arrived with Joyce in costume. Johnny was a Hobo, Lola was a ballroom dancer in a long gown and heels, Eddie was the Hulk and Carol was the Green Lantern. My Nicky was a Panther and Tammy went out again as a Fairy Princess. Johnny was the oldest and in charge of all the kids and they had to be back before the show before the Rangers started. Bandit sensed there might be more food and wanted to go with the kids and I said no. He was pissed until he heard Joyce’s voice and went to her climbing up into her lap making her laugh.

While the kids were out Joyce and I had a conversation with her saying, “Did you see the newspaper this morning?”

“Nope, I forgot to look at it, why?”

“Neil was in it with mention about all the Rangers and the Game Wardens. It was right on the front page about the deer herd’s overpopulations.” Joyce said as I went to find the paper. I finally found it and saw the headline BAMBI KILLERS IN THE COUNTY. I read the story with the Print Media condemning the culling of the Herds. Neil had just walked into kitchen and I handed him the paper which he read, with him getting very red in the face and ran from the room to the study.

Joyce and I were still talking after an hour had passed when Neil came back out to us smiling and saying, “Well, we will even have the Press here for the show. All the TV stations, some radio and the print media will be here with their crews. I told them if they come early I’ll even give them interviews about the thinning of the herds. Naylor and some of his Wardens are coming too.”

“Well we have enough food to feed the Rangers and the Wardens so we’ll be okay.” I said smiling at this bit of information with Joyce saying,”Damn Neil you work fast! Do you really think this interview thing might help?”

“I don’t know but our PR person is already here and will be here later.” Neil said with me saying, “I hoped you already briefed this person so he doesn’t walk into a Buzz Saw.”

“That was done before the Press was contacted and the PR guy made some of the arrangements for me with the Press.” Neil said just as the doorbell rang.

On answering the door about ten Rangers stood with the tallest and leanest Ranger saying, “I brought some of the crew from the motel with me to help you out Deputy Superintendent Babcock. I’m Otto Javits by the way.” As Otto introduced the Rangers, I noticed Otto was about 6’4” with Sandy colored hair and blue eyes, about thirty years old and by his wedding ring he wore, he was married.

“C’mon in and grab some chow first and the name is Neil and that’s my wife Marion and her sister Joyce.” Neil said with the Rangers going to the food and helping themselves. I recognized a few faces from Magic Lake State Park and figured out the Rangers were coming from all over the state.

“This place is sure nice and so is the refuge Neil. I’m glad we’ll be working together again.” A Ranger said that stood about 5’9” and 170 lbs. with brown hair and brown eyes. Neil looked at him saying, “Bubba, we were living in a motorhome for a few months until the house was finished. The small lake Marion had dug out from a pond. Hell, it’s even stocked with trout and crawdads! The orchard and gardens were here so was all fifty acres of the place.”

“It’s not like Magic Lake but it’ll do, so I understand there’s going to be a briefing tomorrow?”

“Yeah but first we have to do some Damage Control. It seems some people around here would rather see the herds starve during the winter…”

“Why? When the herds get out of manageable population it’s bad for the environment too. I guess they’re eating the bark on the trees?” Bubba said with Neil sadly saying, “According to the Chief Warden they are along with anything they fancy for food. The way I figure it, each person has to cull out 11 deer apiece. I’ve excluded the two people in the CP, one Ranger and one Warden. The county wants to drop their population by two hundred.”

There was a silence in the room when someone said, “Damn, that’s a lot of deer.”

“It sure is! I figure we go for the old Bucks first then cull down some of the other bucks and then some of the Does.” Neil said with the Rangers agreeing to the plan.

Bandit went to Bubba and sat on his haunches making a clicking noise with Bubba saying, “I see Bandit has grown and is still a clown. How do the kids like him?”

“The kids love him and he loves the kids. Lately he doesn’t want to leave Marion. Hell the rascal even hissed at me more times than I care to admit. He’s our watch Raccoon for the house!” Neil said to the delight of the Rangers eating.

They all finished eating going outside to help get the show ready. Neil gave the interviews as promised, with the Press staying for the show. When Flo, Sam, Bandit, Joyce and me went outside there must have been pretty close to a thousand people in the audience including four of our own sitting on the grass up front with Johnny and Lola. The people really enjoyed seeing all of the critters and horses and Bandit made some new friends. Of course the Rangers impressed the Adults in the audience with their knowledge of the animals which included the horses from the nearby state park. I overheard two adults that were impressed with Fred and his Falcon, Mabel, as she took to the skies grabbing a toy tossed into the air and bringing it back to Fred, his Falconry skills awed the old and young.

People in the audience were all given the chance to touch all the animals except for the Fruit Bat that was going back to its home in a zoo exhibit several hundred miles away. Neil thanked all the people for coming as they closed out the show promising the people more shows.

I finally got Tammy and Nicky and took them home while Johnny and Lola went home with Joyce taking Eddie and Carol home. Bed was the order of the day, after a bath for the kids and a story. Sleep came very fast for them.

Myself, I drew a bath and settled back in the Jacuzzi when Neil came in the room. He saw were I was and joined me in the tub after closing the bathroom door. By talking to him I just knew he was pleased that tonight was a happy success for all the Rangers.

We got out of the relaxing tub, dried off and opened the door to find Furry there sitting patiently and wide awake. He ran into the bathroom and used his potty box making us scatter to our bedroom after turning on the fan.

I dressed in a nightgown and Neill opted for his Boxer Shorts and t-shirt. Bandit was put in his carrier after trying to get comfortable on the bed. I crawled into bed with Neil and we cuddled. We didn’t make love, but I fell asleep in his arms and I loved it.

The day of the briefing was at hand and we slept later, as did the household deciding that Tammy could miss a day. At 11AM the kids joined us in our bed and Bandit was making his sounds that he needed to go, and badly.

As our bed filled up Bandit decided to join us and made his rounds to get petted by everyone and finally to settle at my feet curling up into a ball of fur.

At noon we all got up, got dressed for the day with Tammy helping Nicky to get dressed. We made our way to breakfast that the smells were heavy in the air with Bandit following us.

Bandit first visited Flo, got petted and received a morsel of ham that he was happy he got. We all sat down at the table and Neil began reading the paper. He seemed pleased as he read on with the Rangers all being featured at the little show they put on. He was very pleased the paper was objective with the interview he gave along with the PR person Otto Javits. As long as he was pleased so was I, so I didn’t read it, but I cut all of the articles out for a scrapbook I made months ago and even sent the entire papers to his boss and Dora.

The briefing was scheduled for 3PM and then everyone was to eat and leave to get some sleep as the day would start early for the Rangers. All of us spent time together as a family. We went out for a walk by the lake and even fed the trout corn, but Bandit had other ideas and he went into the lake for a trout dinner, which he didn’t get.

The hour of 3 was at hand and the Rangers had all began to show up. The food hadn’t arrived yet but we were waiting for it. Fred had gone out after feeding the critters and bought 100 comfortable folding chairs and ten folding tables from an office supply store I recommended.

They all arrived in their winter green uniforms with their Smokey Bear hats and utility belts with sidearms. The Wardens all showed up wearing their khaki and tan colored uniforms and their Smokey Bear hats with their utility belts and sidearms. At 15 minutes after 3 Neil addressed them all saying, “Because of the politicians thinking they knew conservation, we are in a position that we must thin out the dear populations. All you Rangers were issued standard saddle guns with scopes, each of you Rangers were chosen because you are sharpshooters. except for my people that spent a lot of time at the range to be qualified with the weapon. You will wear camouflage gear, boots, with utility belts and sidearms, orange vests, badges and ballcaps for uniforms. I want normal uniforms we wear when we go after poachers. Dress warmly as the weather is supposed to be crisp. Also wear your radios with ear buds and throat mikes. You will be in teams of two or four paired up with a Warden. Listen to those Wardens, as those preserves are their turf. If anyone interferes with the hunt while you are doing your jobs, they get arrested, there are no exceptions, then notify the CP. Except for two people at the CP, which will be Bert and a Warden, your limits are for eleven deer apiece. Old Bucks will be first priority followed by younger males and then does. You will field dress all deer you take and deliver them to the staging area where they will be checked by the vets. Those animals that are diseased will be cremated by the vets. Those animals found okay will be put into the cooling trucks to go to the processors. I want clean shots for a clean kill.”

Just as Neil finished the food arrived with everyone helping out, setting it up. It was then Naylor’s turn where he basically said the same thing as Neil did with them both saying to have a safe and productive hunt.

As soon as the last words were spoken there was a rush to the tables holding the food. All I can say is that everyone including my family and help could really eat. I was pleased that Flo ordered enough and then some.

By 5PM the briefing ended. The tables and chairs were all folded with the leftover food being put away. The kids went to bed early as did Neil, Flo, Sam and I. Sam was going because he was going to do the grunt work for the vets.

All I can say is 4AM comes around too fast for civilized people. Neil got into his camouflage gear and went downstairs. I let Bandit out of the carrier and he went to his potty box.

I went downstairs followed by furry to see Flo busy in the kitchen making breakfast, many sandwiches and a lot of coffee. I fed Bandit when Fred and Bert came inside with Fred saying, “We fed and watered the critters, Johnny will do them again later.”

Bert is the CP ready? Neil asked with Bert saying, “I checked out the radios yesterday, all the Warden’s Freqs are plugged in. When we roll the lights have to be on according to policy.”

“Leave them off until we get to the Grove then turn them on once you park and crank the engine over every once in a while to keep the batteries changed or use the generator.” Neil said with Flo telling him there were sandwiches and coffee for everyone.

Everyone left about fifteen minutes later leaving Flo, the kids and I at home. Flo and I went back to bed. Furry joined me in bed and I was fast asleep in moments.

Around 10AM the kids woke me up and I was up for the day. I took a shower with Furry joining me and I dried us off. I got dressed in jeans, sweatshirt, and sneaks going downstairs to the smells of breakfast cooking.

Once in the kitchen I called Joyce asking her if she wanted to go shopping with me. I could get Lola to babysit for us so she could bring Eddie and Carol over. Her answer was a simple yes with them coming right over. I asked Flo if she wanted to come and her answer was yes. I called Lola and asked her to babysit with her asking to bring Johnny that I said she could but she was in charge.

Joyce, Eddie and Carol arrived with me telling them about Lola and Johnny coming over which pleased them, as they got along good with them and Furry.

Johnny and Lola arrived and Flo, Joyce and I left for the stores. I purchased more linens and bedding for the house as well as other items. We went into a few clothing store chains to see what they offered and left being not impressed knowing our lines were so much better. I mentally made a note to have Sales call the buyers of the stores to cut a deal to carry our lines of clothes.

We put our purchases into my mini van and went to lunch at the nearest Deli. We had soup and sandwiches that seemed to have warmed us up. While we ate, the deli had a TV on with the news centering on the thinning of the herds. From what I heard it was going well for them. Sometimes you could even hear the reports from the rifles in the background. A few arrests were made by the Rangers and State Police with the protesters leaving the area very quickly for fear of further arrests. We finished up eating, made a few more stops and headed on home.

At the house we unloaded the mini van with Joyce putting her purchases into her car with Flo and I taking our packages into the house. Flo and I were very happy the house was still standing although the kids did make popcorn but there wasn’t a mess.

As soon as we came in Bandit scurried toward me and hugged my leg. We stopped at the pet store while out and got him a toy and some treats. Flo gave him his toy, but when he sniffed the treats he forgot about the toy. He gladly took a treat and went off to enjoy it.

Flo, Joyce and I put everything away, then we brewed coffee and sat down. We turned on the TV going to a cable news channel seeing Otto, Naylor and Neil being interviewed in front of the CP with all its lights on.

Just as the interview was over a deer burst from the woods into traffic and was struck by a car. The car was totaled, the driver was shaken and the deer lay dead in the road after hitting the car and windshield. It was a very large Buck. An ambulance was called to the scene along with the Sherriff and State Police for the traffic report.

Sam and a vet picked up the deer and took it away with Naylor saying, “This is what we’re trying to prevent. All the Warden’s get at least five or ten deer calls a day. That driver at least survived the accident but I daresay the car didn’t.”

“Are there fatalities?” the newswoman asked with Naylor saying, “There have been in the past along with people getting gored. During mating season these male deer are no longer shy or timid, they can become killers and kill their environment since the have no predators to keep the populations down.”

On that note I turned off the TV and Joyce had to get home to Devon leaving her children with me. I kissed her and she was out the door almost running. I could think of only one thing she was running to Devon for and that was to become intimate with her husband. I then told Flo why Joyce was running and we both had a good laugh.

I checked on the kids a few times down in the theater as they watched movies and I left them alone. Bandit came out of his hiding place smacking his lips just as I came into the kitchen.

I sat down after I got coffee with Bandit begging for more treats by sitting on his haunches, making noises by clicking and moving his front paws almost gesturing.

I looked at him saying, “No more treats now you can have more later.” He put his ears down and curled up on my feet and fell asleep. Flo chuckled saying, “I guess you have a foot warmer?”

“As Neil would say, yep I sure do. He had his little treat and now it’s time for his nap. In a few more hours Neil and Sam will be home, how about we have leftovers for supper?”

“I was planning on that since we have so much in the fridge. Are all the kids staying?”

“I guess, knowing my sister we have her kids for the weekend. We’ll have to wash out what there’re wearing today.” I said having Flo call Carol upstairs over the intercom.

When Carol arrived I said, “Are you kids staying for the weekend.” Carol smiled and said, “We’d like to Auntie. Where’s Mom?”

“She needed some time alone with your dad. Do you have clothes at Grams?”

“Oh yes, we have tons over there.” Carol said when I called my mother and said, “Mom I have Carol and Eddie…”

“Where’s your sister?” Mom asked with me saying, “She kinda dropped them off with me. I don’t mind but they didn’t bring any clothes…”

“I swear she’s as thoughtless…Oh never mind, I’ll be over with your Dad and bring some.”

“Thank you Mom at least I won’t have to do washing tonight.” I said with Mom hanging up and I told Carol to stay with her cousins and friends.

Mom and Dad were over in about a half hour and Dad carried in two nylon bags filled with clothes for Eddie and Carol. Dad used the intercom and called them upstairs.

Mom took a seat at the table with some fresh coffee in a mug saying, “Neil has been all over the news. The people of the County are pissed and want the County Board replaced for this fiasco.”

“From what Neil told me on the phone yesterday this situation is really bad.” Dad said with me saying, “It wouldn’t have been so bad if the politicians let the Wardens do their jobs.” Dad gave the kids their bags when they came up and I told them to pick a room.

Dad then got coffee and joined us with Bandit making himself known to them both. Bandit was in heaven as Mom and Dad petted him and giving him the affection that he loved to get.

Not too much longer after Mom and Dad arrived Neil and Sam came home. They both were tired and covered in blood and dirt. Flo had them strip in the kitchen butt naked and took all their clothes to be washed after they took out the things that didn’t get washed. I then told them to take a shower as supper was being warmed. I invited Mom and Dad to eat with us that they both accepted. As they were leaving the kids came upstairs with Johnny, he then took out all the kids to help him with the critters. I then checked the convection ovens with the food in them and it needed some more time to heat. All this time I didn’t know where Bandit was until Neil came down in fresh clothes saying, “A sweetie, Bandit got into the shower with me…”

“Oh shit! He’s soaked isn’t he?”

“Yeah and he’s rolling all over the rug in our room.” Neil said as I grew pissed with me saying, “So why didn’t you dry him off with your towels?”

Mom and Dad were laughing out loud by this time as Neil said, “I tried but he kept getting away from me…”

“So my rug is all wet! Did he get on the bed too? Why didn’t you bring him down?”

“I really tried but he growled at me.”

I got up and ran to our room seeing Bandit rolling around on our blankets and sheets that were now off the bed. I put my hands on my hips, spread my legs and looked at him saying, “You had to use the bed didn’t you? Now I have to remake it. Get downstairs!”

Bandit stopped his rolling around, put his ears down and slithered on his belly out of the room until he reached the stairs and then ran down the stairs into the kitchen in a flash.

All I did was swear silently as I stripped the bed and put everything into the laundry chute for washing. I then remade the bed with new sheets, pillow cases, blankets and a bedspread.

I was still pissed as I entered the kitchen when Neil said, “What did you do to the furry critter? He ran into the kitchen and hid under the table by me.”

“He only pulled off the covers of the bed and was drying himself off in our sheets and blankets. That’s all he did!” I said as Bandit continued to hide by Neil. Neil laughed heartily finally composing himself saying, “I knew he would do something to get you pissed at him, he’s been too good lately. At least he didn’t rip up anything.”

“I guess you’re right and tomorrow I wanted to put fresh linens on anyway but if he ever does it again he’ll find himself in a kennel.” I said as Furry came and lay on my feet after I sat down. I reached down and tickled his chin and his ears came up.

Sam came from his apartment, grabbed some coffee and joined us with him and Neil telling us about the thinning of the herds and the arrests that were made by the Rangers.

“There were about twenty or thirty protesters where Fred was going to his Grove. They blocked the entranceway and Fred gave them a warning to move and they didn’t. He got on the radio and called the State Police for help while he drove on the grass and got into the grove. People were all over his SUV when the State Police arrived in full riot gear. As they, the State Police, the Wardens and Fred made arrests on the people on the SUV the others ran away, but what they got were the leaders of the protests. Eight arrests were made and the State Police were pressing charges as well as us and the County Wardens.” Neil said with Sam saying, “Yeah and Fred has to take his SUV in for bodywork dents and a paint job.”

“I can imagine how angry he is, considering his SUV is new.” I said with Neil saying, “I just hope the loaner SUVs I asked for are at the State Garage locally. If not he has to drive his own until then

Flo came up from the basement saying, “How’d the bedding get wet?” everyone looked at Bandit underneath the table and Flo just laughed knowing I already chastised him.

Mom spoke to us about the wedding plans and wanting to give me a Shower a week before the wedding. I wasn’t too pleased but I knew if I refused there would be hell to pay, as the arrangements were already made. I also found out while the Shower was in progress the guys would be giving Neil his own party. At least we would have no men at ours.

I decided on the wedding party pretty much as Joyce would be my Matron of Honor and the Brides Maid would be Linda Grissom, Cynthia Weiss, Charlene Abrams, and Arlene Sokol. Neil chose Mark Grissom as Best Man, Devon, Chet Glennings, Fred Paton, and Dick Montoya as ushers. The Ring Bearer would be Nicky and flower girl would be Tammy. Mom and Dad seemed pleased with our choices since they both smiled.

We then ate and then my parents left. I put all the kids to bed early and Neil and I had our moments together.

Sunday was pretty much a repeat of Saturday for those in the trenches but there were no protests and everyone made the quotas. Fortunately a second weekend was not necessary.

Neil and Sam returned home with Sam not being paid or the doctors. They were given a deer apiece as payment for their services by the county. Sam had quickly butchered the deer and the meat went into an empty unused freezer or Flo made venison sausage for their use immediately. While Flo cooked some steaks, as Neil smelled the venison cooking, he vowed he and Sam would go Bow Hunting together in December. I just bet they make their quota!

Joyce finally got her two children in the afternoon. As the night grew long I finally coaxed Neil to bed making him put his reports away for the night. I took him upstairs after I put the children to bed and I took my way with him and dreamed good thoughts the night through.

Chapter 13

Nothing much has happened until now. The Arks are very busy as are all the Rangers. The new barn’s progress is near completion. All the local conservationists are praising the Rangers and raising hell with the County Board demanding the member’s resignations. It looks like they will win yet.

We built a new six car garage near the barn to hold the gardening tools and supplies. I can finally park my mini van in a shelter along with our garden tractor, snow accessories, roto-blade and trailer. Both Sam and Neil have spots to park in it. Flo uses either the mini van or Sam’s pick up truck for errands.

Neil was all excited as his proposal for the Junior Rangers was accepted and it will begin after the first of the year. He has been trying to get me as a Barracks Mother and I just can’t do it, as I have a business to run, thank the Lord. I can handle up to ten kids plus Bandit without losing my sanity, but not twenty to forty kids, Neil or Bandit, Never!

Our house finally has all its furniture in it and the furniture matches the house and window and drapes. I got carried away and invited nearly all my neighbors to a housewarming party. I had no idea they’d all show up but they did and it was fun showing people around the house and hearing their comments about it.

Tomorrow is my Wedding Shower, I thought Joyce’s shower was big but mine is immense. We have people coming from all over the states to attend. Presents have been pouring in from everywhere for the occasion from buyers and store owners and sometimes both. All I can say is, I will have writer’s cramps for weeks.

The day of the Shower arrived and in a way I looked forward to it after I got out of bed. Lola and Johnny were going to babysit Tammy, Nicky, Carol, Eddie and Bandit while all the adults, which included Sam, Neil and Devon went to their destinations.

The Shower was being held at a large Reception Hall and Joyce drove my mini van instead of her car with Flo in the passenger seat and me in the back.

In twenty minutes we arrive at the hall and all I wanted to do was to get this over with. Joyce parked the mini van and we walked into the room from the van.

In the room the women applauded as we walked in with me noticing quite a few faces that I knew from the business and then I saw Linda, Cynthia, Dora and Ruth along with all the lady Rangers there much to my amazement. I said hello to everyone as I looked around seeing that the hall was decorated in white streamers with wedding bells all over and all of the food on long tables forming a buffet for us. Along another wall there was an open bar and believe me these women could drink, the wine really flowed!

We played games that were a bit risqué but they were all fun along with the winners getting prizes. Then it was time to unwrap the presents which ranged from Honeymoon outfits to negligees’ to appliances for the kitchen. After I unwrapped the fifth coffee maker I heard Flo giggle and so did a lot of guests. But the worst item came from Joyce with the item being a large pink dildo that was anatomically correct that made the women howl with laughter as I held it up.

After I finished the last present Mom, Grams, Joyce and Dora ushered me to the bathroom and told me to strip while Joyce and Dora left. I was out of my clothes standing stark assed naked when Dora and Joyce arrived with several boxes and empty garment bags. I already knew what was in the boxes and why I was naked.

Somehow deji vu kicked in remembering what I did to Joyce at her shower so many years ago. Dora and Ruth opened a large dress box handing white satin panties and a white satin corset to Mom noticing the embroidery of wedding bells on them.

I was in a strapless corset tied very tightly and the panties in nothing flat. Damn, but it was hard to breath at first. Next were white silk stockings that were drawn up my legs. I looked at the embroidery noticing this was one of several pairs I embroidered for Joyce seeing the scenes of the Kama Sutra at the top of the stockings. Next was a white slip that went to my ankles. My dress was next.

The dress was a one piece A line silhouette with covered buttons in back over inner elastic enclosure. This gown had a portrait neckline and featured an organza overlay that ruches down the bodice and is encrusted with raining lines of Swarovski crystals including the very simple train. The entire gown was embellished with Swarovski crystals, bugle beads, glass beads and sequins from the neckline to the hem, front and back.

I was close to tears as Joyce put on my satiny, strappy sandals and buckled them onto my feet. Grams was putting on my veil with a tiara to hold it on my head while mom touched up my make up.

When I was finished they looked me over and led me out of the bathroom out into the hall. The hall went silent and then applause rang out followed by the women all getting up to take a better look at my dress. It was at that time I remembered where I saw the dress. I designed it at Magic Lake right after I met Neil. I was close to tears as I remembered those moments with Neil, as those moments were some of the happiest days of my life after meeting him.

After everyone got a good look at the dress I was taken back to the bathroom and took off all the clothes and placed into garment bags this time and got dressed into my Winter White, double breasted skirt suit with the matching pumps that had a three inch heel that I wore to the shindig.

I fixed my makeup and we all rejoined the festivities. Since that gown I wore never went into production all the women that were buyers all wanted it for their stores. Grams said it wouldn’t be produced which disappointed them but I said in two weeks it will be available that cheered the buyers up immediately ready to give us orders right then and now. My family was kinda pissed at me, but I knew there would be women that would love that gown for their own weddings, so why not share the creation with them.

Around 6PM the Shower started winding down with many of the women leaving until all that was left was my family and Dora. We loaded up the cars, my van and Dora’s pickup with the gifts and headed to my house to unload all the vehicles. Grams had Ruth in her car and Linda left after giving me a kiss and hug.

Once we arrived home I got the kids and we all unloaded the vehicles since the guys weren’t back yet. We put all the gifts in the formal parlor and of course Bandit had to sniff everything to Ruth’s delight.

Flo made coffee for us with all of us, except the kids having some soft drinks, as they went to watch their movie. I took Ruth and Dora on a tour of the house with them falling in love with it. I also had Dora move her bags into a spare bedroom with Johnny’s help instead of staying with Mom and Dad for the week. I then called Devon to drive Gramps, Dad and Alvin to our house.

It was nearing 8PM when the guys showed up, Devon was sober but Dad, Gramps, Alvin, Neil and Sam were all smashed. Grams took Gramps, Ruth and Alvin home while Sam and Neil were stripped and put to bed while Dad fell asleep at the table with Dora saying, “I haven’t seen Neil like this since he was notified he got his job.”

“I pity them in the morning when they wake up.” Mom said laughing with me saying, “I pity Alvin tomorrow because Ruth is going to be really pissed at him.” Mom woke up Dad and took him home with Joyce going with Devon home. Flo, Dora and I spoke about the guys and then spoke together about the Shower until it was time to put Tammy and Nicky to bed.

Johnny and Lola went home while Dora and I gave them baths and bedded them down as Bandit watched. Since we were both tired there was no story and the kids went right to sleep.

Bandit followed me around the house as I closed it up for the night. Flo shut down the kitchen and Dora went right to bed. I placed Bandit into his carrier and got ready for bed myself. Several times during the night I was awakened by Neil’s snoring like a freight train, until I put a pillow over my head.

Neil was still asleep and snoring loudly when I woke up around 9AM. I took a shower, let Bandit out to potty and I got dressed in jeans, a black and red sweater and loafers. Bandit and I went downstairs to the kitchen after I was ready.

Flo and Dora were already up and had breakfast already. I fed Bandit and then had my breakfast saying, “I take it Sam isn’t up either?”

“Not at all, I made a hangover cure for them that’s in the fridge. They are gonna be hurtin’ for sure when they get up.”

Dora chuckled and said, “I just bet they kept you girls up too?”

“Neil was terrible with his snoring.” I said with Flo saying, “So was Sam but I’m going to overlook this drunk he had. He does work hard so…”

“If it was me I’d teach them a lesson.” Dora said with me saying, “Let them get it out of their systems, because the wedding is this week Saturday. I want Neil to perform his husbandly duties to me his wife.”

Dora and Flo laughed just as Sam came from the apartment and Neil appeared in his boxers and t-shirt. They both sat at the table holding their heads in their hands. They both looked like death warmed over.

Flo gave them the hangover cure and a bottle of aspirin that they greedily took. They drank the cure and then Flo made them both eat. Believe me I never saw two guys eat so slow and drink so much coffee with cream.

Just as the kids arrived the two guys had finished and they both looked better. The kids became a bit rowdy at the table when I told them to shush as Daddy and Sam weren’t feeling too good. They both became quiet and ate their breakfast quietly. Maybe I found a new way for silence at the table?

The rest of the morning was fairly quiet and all us women had a good time talking about the previous day as the guys rested. About 2PM Sam and Neil had once again joined the human race and even began talking to all of us when Johnny and Lola stopped by.

Johnny later took all the kids outside to help him with the critters when Cyndi came over. She was in good form and gave the guys hell for drinking too much with Neil saying, “All I remember was watching a football game on TV and nursing a drink. The next thing I knew the drinks kept coming faster for us. I do remember eating there, but I also remember all the drinks. Devon was the smart one that drank sodas. I also remember that Mark was really smashed and so were all the other Rangers except for Bert as he was driving them all in a van he rented for the occasion.”

“Damn, those guys can drink! Another Bender like that will kill me, but it was fun.” Sam said with Dora saying,”Marion took pity on you but I wasn’t going to…”

“You still have to do the setups for the wedding in the back by the lake.” Flo reminded him with Sam saying,”It’ll all get done but not today. I’m feeling a lot better but I do have my moments with the nausea.”

“I thought I was the only one that felt crappy? The milk and Cottage Cheese sure helps the queasiness, you should try some.” Neil said with Sam just grunting his agreement.

The two guys went to lie down while the women folk talked excitedly about the wedding. I called my Mom and asked about the chairs we needed for the ceremony. Mom told me one hundred and fifty chairs would be needed. I balked at first, but the invitations were already sent out for the ceremony and the reception. If we had one hundred and fifty for the ceremony than I hated to think how many people were invited for the wedding reception.

The days passed and finally the day arrived after all the rehearsals we went through. I stayed out of the way the past week doing thank you cards with Dora for the gifts I received at the Shower. I looked over the site several times noticing that Sam had constructed an aisle for me from plywood and two by fours covered with red indoor/outdoor carpeting. Where we were to stand with the minister a white trellis forming a large arch was made decorated with wedding bells. I marveled at his workmanship.

The actual wedding was planned for 11AM and I was up before 6AM and I took care of Bandit. Neil had spent the night in a spare bedroom to follow tradition. Flo brought me Breakfast and then by 8AM the preparations began in earnest with Linda taking care of the kids.

I was inundated by the beauticians and my own Bridesmaids, with them all getting the works too along with Grams, Mom and Dora. We were all done from our hair to our nails being checked over. Now mind you the day before I went to the Salon with everybody in tow.

The girls got dressed first and then it was my turn. I dreaded the satiny white corset but that was first then my white panties. Next were the stockings that were drawn up my legs and affixed to the garters of the corset. Then I steeped into my slip and the dress was placed on me by Mom and Grams. Joyce then drew up the pale blue lacey garter on my leg. As the buttons were being closed, Joyce put on my shoes and buckled them to my feet as Grams put on my veil. Mom harnessed and leashed Bandit and took him downstairs with him looking at me sorrowfully wanting to be with me.

Dad and Gramps, who I asked to give me away to Neil, arrived at my room as the time was nearly at hand. To begin My Brides Maids went first, followed by Tammy and Nicky and then me with Gramps and Dad. I then heard the music from the organist playing.

As we moved downstairs I then heard the opening chords of the Handel’s Wedding March just as we went outside. I noticed that the day was warm and the sun shone brightly and our fish in the lake were jumping, as I walked down the aisle with Gramps and Dad each holding an arm.

I was given away to Neil and we began our vows as the Unitarian Minister gave them to us. It was then that Bandit slipped his harness and ran to the lake trying to get a fish to the delight of everyone there.

Once we said our vows and we kissed, we went as a couple to the shoreline with me saying,”All right you, get out of that water right now and leave the fish alone.” We turned around to walk away with a very wet Bandit following us. He stopped at the shoreline, shook off the water and went back to Mom to have his harness put back on, as Neil and I walked back down the aisle as man and wife. The day following our marriage was uneventful although I wanted to hang a furry creature for his disturbance every time I saw him.

Epilogue:

Neil and I have been married for ten years now and they have been good years. Tammy and Nicky are both teenagers now and try to rebel at times buy Neil keeps them both in line. We’ve adopted a boy and girl early on in our marriage so we have four teenagers in the house.

Neil’s career is doing well being the Deputy Superintendent of Operations for all Northern Parks for the state. The Barn is up on the refuge with it now being the Ranger’s Barracks. Neil, from what we hear he is slated for the Superintendents position when the current Superintendent retires from the job. We are still based at the refuge and never got around to getting even with Mike Manning but he knows he caused the idiot many a sleepless night.

Mom, Dad, Grams, and Gramps are going strong although they’re retired but still own a share of the business. Joyce and I now run the business and are doing quite well having stores in all the major cities and selling to anyone that wants our finished product. Dora moved up north to be closer to us, met a man and married him and the guy is really loving and attentive to her.

Bandit I’m sorry to say succumbed to old age and I miss him so much even though his antics caused problems for us. Fortunately before he died we got another female kit that was injured and orphaned from Magic Lake State Park and she’s a terror just like Bandit was but she listens to Mommy very well and hisses at Daddy a great deal.

Flo and Sam are still with us doing well although our kids sometimes do take advantage of them, but they love them so they do everything they ask.

Cyndi finally got married and to all people Chet Glennings that treats her like a queen, plus they have three kids that are always at our house. Johnny and Lola are in college with Lola being in Pre Vet studies and Johnny still wants to be a Ranger.

I have to say that life has been good to me especially After The Shit Hits The Fan.

The House of Fashions

Marion Morrison

Neil Babcock/Ranger

Dora Babcock/ Mother

Tammy and Nicky

Joyce and Devon Glassier/ Sister and Brother in Law

Eddie and Carol/ Children of Joyce

Ruth and Alvin Price/ Landlord/ friends

Cynthia Weiss/ Lola and Johnny Weiss-Prescott/ Neighbors

Charlene Abrams/ Joyce’s secretary

Arlene Sokol/ Marion’s secretary

Chet Glennings/IT manager

Glen Renton/ attorney

Jake Platon/ land attorney

Leroy/ Shipping and receiving manager

Tracker Evans/wife and partner Holly Evans/Vets

Dick Montoya/Ranger

Fred Paton/Ranger Lieutenant

Bert Walters/Ranger Sergeant

Terry Walsh/Ranger

Bill Anders/ Ranger

Parker Parks/Ranger

Sylvia Claxton/Ranger

Michelle Pruitt/Ranger

Amy Ash/Ranger

Otto Javits/ PR person

Carla Jennings/ Neil’s secretary

Naylor Kluscz/ Chief Game Warden for the county

Linda and Mark Grissom/ Rangers

Sam and Flo/Housekeeper and Gardener

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