Marriage is Murder

"Well, we've always known that he one place where Khaat has no security or where she is the most vulnerable is at the hospital," Brian said. "I do try to guard her but I'm actually working three jobs now myself and I can't be there for her to follow her everywhere she goes."

"I dont expect you to be," Khaat said

"But," Brian said, "what I expect out of Jack and Steven, primarily, is bodyguarding my wife and children when I can't be there--and sometimes when I need backup. As long as they are still breathing, you'll have a job."

"They'd better be breathing for a long, long time," Robert scowled. "Long, long after I'm gone." Khaat said nothing. She wasn't ready to think of her parents getting older and someday not being here. She wasn't denying that life moved on, but she wasnt' ready to consider that.

"I think I'll go check on the girls," she said, getting up and taking her coffee. Robert only looked at her slightly as she left. Kate headslapped Robert after Khaat left.

"What was that for?" he frowned.

"its because you're an idiot," she said to him.

"Yeah," she said, checking the napping kids. "I'm okay. I guess I have always thought if I lost either of my parents it would be in some sort of a duel or a battle. I guess I feel a bit more prepared for that. As the director of the hosptial, I see people pass away every day for any variety of reasons. But I don't like to think of either of them being gone. It still sort of feels like I lost enough by losing Remus and Tonks. I don't want t lose any more. And--he knows it bugs me. I think he keeps saying it so that I get used to the fact that at some point they won't be here. But frankly, I am fully aware that wizards live longer than muggles, and that he's only 62. He's not old enough to age out of my life or my kids' lives yet. I'm just starting my family, Jess. I plan on my father being alive and well to see every one of my kids graduate and then walk down the aisle at their own weddings someday." She sighed. "I'm sounding silly, arent' I?"

"You're right," Khaat said. "I know you are." She was ready to turn and leave when Abbey woke and began to fuss. Khaat went over to her and Abbey stood up in the crib and reached for Khaat. She picked her up and soothed her. She used her own baby language to tell Khaat she wanted a cookie.

"Alright," she sighed, kissing Abbeys forehead. "You know I'm spoiling you, dont' you? You're supposed to be napping. I'll take you to Daddy and he can keep an eye on you while I get your cookie. Just don't wake your brothers and your sisters." Abbey nodded like she understood. Khaat looked at Jess. "I'm hoping that Angus did leave us a few cookies. I really am not in the mood to make any. I suppose if we're out I could send to Lizzie for some."

Abbey reached to Khaat for the cookie. "What do you say?" Khaat asked her.

"Tank.." she said, trying to say thank you.

"You're welcome," Khaat said, handing her the cookie and kissing her on the forehead.

"When did she learn that?" Brian frowned.

"Obviously when you werent' looking," Khaat smiled. It was something she had been working on with Abbey for awhile. "You get to teach Dakota. She just refuses."

"That is because that child believes everything she sees is hers," Robert laughed. "I have tried to start her on that, but, you're right. She has no interest in it. It will come if we're persistent."

Just about that time, there was an angry, frustrated screech from upstairs that sort of jangled on Khaat. It was Dakota.

"Don't worry," Robert motioned her to calm herself. "I've got it. That's just her being impatient. She's awake and she expect to be let out of the crib the very instant her eyes open. There really is no emergency."
No sooner than he said that than the triplets started to cry, being awakened by Dakota's impatience.

"Now, that's an emergency," Brian sighed. He took the stick Robert gave him and stood up. Kate got up and motioned Brian to sit.

"You cannot possible carry a baby and balance on a stick. We'll get them. Sit down," she ordered him.