Chapter 1

“Mommy! Wake up,” Elizabeth yelled as she jumped up and down on the bed.

“Lizzy, baby, don’t do that,” Juliet groaned. Her stomach lurched as she rolled onto her back while her energetic daughter continued to jump on the bed. “Baby, please. Mommy’s going to be sick if you keep it up.”

“Lizzy,” Frankie said catching her mid-jump. “What have we told you about jumping on the bed?” He set her down on the floor when she began to squirm in his arms. “Go wash up. Daddy made you pancakes.” Elizabeth ran out of the room to wash her hands.

Juliet groaned and threw her arm over her eyes. “Why does she have to be so full of energy in the morning?”

Frankie chuckled, crawling into bed next to her. “It’s my understanding that most three year olds are full of energy,” he replied. “You up for some breakfast?” Juliet groaned and rolled onto her side away from him. Frankie reached out and pulled her close to him. “I made coffee.” He kissed her neck.

“No coffee,” she groaned. “No food. Sleep.”

“Daddy! Want pannycakes,” Elizabeth called from the hall.

Frankie kissed Juliet’s neck again before sitting up. “I’m coming, Lizzy.” He turned his attention back to Juliet. “You’re going to have to get up sooner or later, Jules. Tonight is our rehearsal dinner.” He swatted her bottom lightly before going to feed their daughter.

Juliet lay in bed for a long while before sitting up and heading into the kitchen. When she got there she found Elizabeth happily chattering away with Frankie. The child looked up when Juliet entered the kitchen and gave her a wide syrupy smile.

“Pancakes, babe,” Frankie asked, holding up a plate. Juliet shook her head no and grabbed a cup of coffee. “You all right? You look kinda sick.”

“I think I have a stomach bug,” she replied taking a sip of coffee. She swallowed and instantly regretted it. “I’ll be fine for tonight.” She forced down the mouthful and dumped the rest down the drain.

“Well, the most important thing is tomorrow,” Frankie said smiling. “What happens tomorrow, Lizzy?”

“Mommy and daddy get mawwied,” Elizabeth chirped happily, her cheeks full of pancake.

Juliet set her coffee mug in the sink and ruffled her daughter’s chestnut curls, bending down to place a kiss on the crown of her head. “Don’t talk with your mouth full, sweetheart,” she said.

“Where are you going,” Frankie asked as Juliet headed into the bathroom.

“Cindy, Velvet and Traci are coming to pick me up,” Juliet replied. “We’re going to do some last minute shopping.” Frankie quirked a brow at her. “For the wedding night.”

“I see,” Frankie smiled. “Anything I get to see ahead of time?”

“No,” Juliet chuckled. “Will you be all right with Lizzy?”

“After almost two years you still ask that question,” Frankie chuckled. He looked at his daughter. “Mommy thinks I don’t know what I’m doing with my little monkeyface.” Elizabeth giggled as he tousled her hair.

“A simple yes would have sufficed,” she called from the bathroom as she ran the water for her shower.

“We’ll be fine,” Frankie said standing in the doorway. “We’ll probably hang out and watch some Backyardigans, maybe some Dora or Diego.”

“Sounds like a blast,” Juliet said gently pushing him out of the room. He grabbed her around the waist, pulling her close to him. “Frankie, cut it out. Lizzy’s awake.”

“And all she’ll see is mommy and daddy showing affection,” he replied with a smile. “All I want is a kiss, babe.”

She smiled and stood on her toes to place a soft kiss on his lips. “You got your kiss. Now let me take my shower please,” she said.

“You call that a kiss,” he asked, crinkling his nose. He placed a hand behind her head and brought his lips to hers, capturing them in a steamy kiss. “Now that’s a kiss,” he smiled when the kiss was broken.

“You’ve made your point,” she chuckled. “Now go check on Lizzy. She’s being too quiet.”

“No! Lizzy, don’t put the syrup in your hair,” she heard Frankie yell as he headed back to the kitchen. Juliet chuckled and headed in to take her shower.

She had just finished drying her hair and dressing when the doorbell rang. “Honey could you get that,” she called to Frankie, who was in the bathroom attempting to wash a syrup soaked Elizabeth.

“Yeah,” he called back. “Keep an eye on Lizzy please.”

“My, my,” Velvet said smiling wide when Frankie answered the door shirtless. “Did anyone order the male stripper?” Traci and Cindy snickered.

“Very funny,” Frankie grumbled, suddenly feeling very naked. “Jules is keeping an eye on Lizzy in the bath. She’ll be right with you.”

“Mmm Mmm,” Cindy said teasingly as he walked away.

“Cut it out,” Frankie called back. “Or I’ll tell AJ you were eyeing my ass.”

“Cinder, we talked about this. You don't eye my man's ass and I won't eye yours,” Juliet said chuckling as she exited the bathroom.

“You eye AJ's ass? You told me he was like a brother you! That's sick,” Frankie exclaimed. The women snickered at the shock in his voice. There was a splashing noise as Juliet grabbed her jacket and purse and then a thud. “Lizzy! No! Get back here,” Frankie yelled.

Not long after that Elizabeth streaked by covered in nothing but bubbles. Cindy, Traci, Velvet and Juliet all chuckled, shaking their heads. Elizabeth ran into her room, giggling the whole time. There was a path of wet footprints leading into the room.

“Young lady, you have five seconds to get back in this bathroom,” Frankie called as he rushed out of the bathroom. He slipped on the wet footprints in the hall leading to Elizabeth’s room and fell unceremoniously on his ass.

“And that’s the man I’m going to marry,” Juliet sighed. There was a knock at the door as she listened to Frankie arguing with Elizabeth. Opening it she found her brother, AJ and Joe standing there. “Oh good. As if Frankie doesn’t have enough to worry about.”

“What? We figured Frankie could use some help with the munchkin while mommy was out,” Greg replied. Joe nodded in agreement.

“Lizzy! Get back here,” Frankie called following the naked child out of the bedroom. He tripped over one of her toys and landed flat on his face.

“Looks like we’re just in time,” Greg said smiling as he pulled out his camera phone. He snapped a picture as Frankie stood up and showed it to Joe, who snickered. The picture was of Frankie looking disoriented, his hair was a mess and there was a large red mark on his forehead where it hit the floor.

“Gotcha,” AJ chuckled snatching up Elizabeth, who giggled and squirmed in his arms. “Let’s get you dressed, Lizzy Bear. Proper young ladies don’t run around naked.”

“Thank you,” Frankie groaned, holding his head. “I think I chipped a tooth,” he whined.

“You can get it fixed after the wedding,” Juliet sighed. She gave him a quick kiss. “Lizzy, be good for daddy and your uncles.” She then turned her attention to Joe, who was lounging on the couch with the remote in his hand. “No swearing guys. That means you, Joe.”

“Cross my heart,” Joe replied smiling sweetly at her.

“Let’s go, ladies, before I regret leaving them alone with my daughter,” Juliet said.

“Our daughter,” Frankie corrected as she left. “So, what do you guys want to do?”

“Game,” Joe and Greg replied just as AJ brought a dry and dressed Elizabeth out of the bedroom.

“Who wants to watch Higglytown Heroes,” AJ asked excitedly.

“MEEEE,” Elizabeth exclaimed clapping her hands.

AJ swiped the remote from Joe and turned on the Disney Channel for Elizabeth. Joe and Greg groaned as the show started. Frankie just sat down in his favorite chair and pulled his daughter into his lap. He knew that as long as she was awake they’d only be watching kid shows.

Chapter 2

“So, what store are we hitting first,” Velvet asked popping her gum as she leaned in between the seats and fiddled with the radio.

Traci swatted her hand away, glaring at her a moment before turning her attention back to the road. “Velvet, I’ve asked you repeatedly not to mess with my radio,” she said as Juliet set it back to the station it had been on.

“Sor-ree,” Velvet mumbled and sat back. Cindy offered her a sympathetic smile. “So, Jules, what’s the first store?”

Juliet smiled. “I think Victoria’s secret,” she replied. “I need a little something special for the wedding night.”

“Careful now, Jules, or Lizzy will have a little brother or sister on the way,” Cindy teased.

“Well, she is three now,” Traci said smiling. “And I’m sure Frankie would love a son.”

“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, girls,” Juliet replied. “Frankie and I aren’t even married yet.”

“That didn’t stop you from having Lizzy,” Velvet pointed out.

“Who invited her on this trip,” Juliet asked Traci teasingly.

“She kinda invited herself,” Cindy replied catching on that Juliet was teasing.

“She does that a lot,” Traci smirked.

Velvet crossed her arms across her chest and pouted. “I was simply stating a fact.”

“I know,” Juliet laughed. “We were just teasing, honey. I’m sure that Frankie and I will have a house full of kids eventually, but for right now Lizzy is enough for us.”

“We’re here,” Traci said sensing that Juliet was uncomfortable with the topic. She pulled into a parking space and they got out of the car.

Juliet felt a wave of dizziness wash over her as she stood out of the car. She gripped the car door for dear life to keep from falling. Cindy noticed this and held onto her for support.

“You all right, Jules,” she asked.

“What happened,” Traci asked coming around to the passenger side with Velvet.

Juliet finally felt strong enough to stand on her own and gave her friends an embarrassed smile. “I just got a little dizzy. I’m fine now. I skipped breakfast. I guess I’m a little hypoglycemic.”

“Well, come on inside and we’ll get you a big cookie,” Velvet smiled, thinking of the cart that sold cookies inside the mall.

“And you can share it with your friends,” Cindy smiled.

“Sounds like a plan. Chocolate chip here we come,” Juliet replied forcing a smile. The dizzy spell worried her. Mentally she made a note to make an appointment with her doctor after the wedding.

~~~~~~~~~~

Joe and Greg sat through kid show after kid show, both in utter hell. What made matters worse was AJ and Frankie singing along with the songs. Frankie they could understand. Elizabeth was his daughter after all. AJ knowing the words to the songs worried them.

When things finally fell silent Joe peeked over at Elizabeth and saw her comfortably snoozing away in her father’s lap. He nudged Greg and motioned toward her. Greg smiled seeing the sleeping child and leaned over to the coffee table, swiping up the remote and putting on the final quarter of the game.

“Hey,” AJ exclaimed.

“Come on! Dora didn’t even find Boots,” Frankie added.

“What the fuck,” Joe exclaimed. “The kid’s sleeping, Frankie.”

“Or didn’t you notice,” Greg demanded.

Frankie’s cheeks flushed and he looked down at his sleeping daughter. “Of course I noticed,” he replied, picking her up carefully and cradling the child to his chest. Carefully he stood and headed into Elizabeth’s room.

“Wait a minute,” Joe said following Frankie. “You enjoy watching that shit, don’t you?”

“No,” Frankie hissed. “Could you keep it down? She doesn’t nap during the day often.”

“You do,” Greg said in a shocked whisper.

“That’s it, hand over your man card,” Joe said.

“What man card,” AJ chirped from behind Joe and Greg.

Frankie ushered everyone out of Elizabeth’s room. “First of all, AJ, really? You were singing along with the songs too. I don't see any little AJs running around. What's your excuse?”

“He does have a point,” Greg said to Joe. “AJ, you need to hand over your man card…wait you don’t have one either.” Joe began to snicker.

“Joke around all you want, guys,” Frankie said heading back into the living room. “But I’m getting married tomorrow. AJ’s got Cindy. What do you two have?”

“Hey! I’m with Velvet,” Greg replied.

“Great. You have a hot and heavy relationship with a chick with a stripper name. Bravo,” Frankie sniped.

“I fail to see how that’s a bad thing,” Joe said confused. “Are we just a bit jealous, Frankie?”

“No! Juliet and I are…”

“Finish that sentence and I’ll have to kill you,” Greg cut him off. “That’s my sister.”

“How about we all calm down and watch the rest of the game,” AJ suggested.

~~~~~~~~~~

“Feeling better,” Velvet asked as she nibbled on her part of the cookie she had bought for Juliet.

“Yeah,” Juliet smiled. “You can’t go wrong with chocolate.”

“I second that,” Cindy said finishing up the last bite of her piece of cookie.

“And third,” Traci said smiling. “You feel up to shopping now?”

“Yeah. I need to get something to knock Frankie’s socks off,” Juliet smiled.

“He wears socks to bed,” Velvet asked imitating a dumb blonde as she and the other girls giggled.

“Come on. Let’s find you something sexy to drive Frankie wild,” Traci said linking arms with Juliet and leading the way to Victoria’s Secret.

About an hour later Juliet walked out of Victoria’s Secret with her purchase. Velvet, Cindy and Traci followed carrying bags of their own. The women happily carried their purchases out to the car, excitedly chattering away about the wedding the next day and what they would be wearing to the rehearsal dinner that night.

When they arrived back at Juliet and Frankie’s place they heard a ruckus from inside the apartment. The women exchanged confused glances as Juliet dug out her keys. When she opened the door she found Joe and Frankie wrestling on the living room floor. AJ was cradling a crying Elizabeth, watching in horror while Greg cheered Joe on.

“What the hell is going on here,” Juliet demanded taking Elizabeth from AJ and calmed her down.

“Joe started it,” Frankie exclaimed standing up, his nose bloody.

“Motherf….I will beat your ass,” Joe said attempted to grab Frankie. AJ and Greg held him back.

“Frankie,” Juliet said glaring at the men as she handed her now calm daughter over to Cindy. “A word. NOW!” She stalked into the kitchen.

“Someone’s in trouble,” Greg teased only to have Velvet grab his ear and lead him toward the door.

“Let’s go,” she said as she dragged him away.

“OW! Babe, come on,” Greg said attempting to get free. “God you’re strong for such a little chick!”

She tightened her grip on his ear. “You too, Bruiser,” she directed at Joe. He followed her, snickering at Greg’s misfortune as the three of them left the apartment.

“You all right, Lizzy,” Cindy asked as she rubbed the child’s back and rocked her. Elizabeth sniffled and nodded, holding onto Cindy for dear life. “Come on, Lovebug. Let’s get you cleaned up.” AJ followed her into the bathroom to help wash Elizabeth up.

Chapter 3

“I swear Joe started it,” Frankie said wiping his bloody nose on the back of his hand. He groaned at the sight of his own blood and knew he was about to get ripped into.

Juliet was leaning against the counter by the sink, her arms crossed. She glared at him a moment before grabbing a dishtowel and tossing it to him. “The day before our wedding you have pull this shit,” she growled. “Seriously, Frankie? How old are you?”

“Babe, Joe said…”

“I don’t give a rat’s ass what he said or did,” she fumed as he got the bleeding to stop. “You know how I feel about that macho bullshit in front of our daughter.”

Frankie hung his head. She lifted it so that she could examine the damage. There was a slight bruise forming across the bridge of his nose and his left eye had a bruise under it. Thankfully there was no swelling on his face.

Juliet sighed and walked away from him. “Clean up and get ready for the rehearsal dinner,” she said as she exited the kitchen.

“Everything all right,” Cindy asked as Juliet entered the living room.

“Peachy,” Juliet sighed. “Come on, Lizzy. Mommy needs to get you ready for tonight.” She took Elizabeth into her bedroom.

Frankie came out of the kitchen, his nose finally done bleeding. Cindy looked from AJ to Frankie and crossed her arms across her chest as she sat back on the couch. “What happened, boys?”

“Joe started it,” Frankie started, but Cindy held up her hand, cutting him off.

“AJ, what happened?”

AJ bit his lip looking from his girlfriend to Frankie and back to Cindy. “See…Joe and Greg had been taunting Frankie and I because we were enjoying the kids shows with Lizzy,” he began. Cindy nodded motioning for him to continue. “Well, words were exchanged and Frankie called Joe a bitch.”

Cindy cringed and looked up at Frankie. “Joe was way out of line,” Frankie defended.

“Even I know you don’t call Joe a bitch and get away with it,” Cindy sighed.

“Franklin Edward Kazarian,” Juliet called from the bedroom. “If you want to get married tomorrow then move your ass and get ready for the damn rehearsal dinner.” They could hear Elizabeth giggling at her mother’s words and then Juliet telling her daughter not to use that language.

“We’ll see you at the rehearsal dinner,” AJ said standing along with Cindy.

“She’ll calm down once she’s in the company of friends and family,” Cindy said offering Frankie a sympathetic smile. With that she and AJ left to get ready for the dinner.

Frankie sighed and headed into the bedroom with his bride-to-be. “Jules, I’m sorry.”

She sighed looking at the bruising on his face. “Just get ready,” she said getting herself ready. Elizabeth was happily playing in her room. Both parents kept an ear out for her to make sure she wasn't getting into trouble.

“I was just trying to apologize,” Frankie said grabbing his suit and getting changed.

“I know,” Juliet said. “I just hate that your face is going to be all bruised for pictures tomorrow.” She finished pulling on her dress and turned around in front of him. “Zip me up please.”

Frankie did as she asked his hands rested on her hips a moment when he was done before he wrapped his arms around her waist. “I think the pictures will come out just fine,” he said, his lips just centimeters from her ear. “Everything tonight and tomorrow will be just fine. As close to perfect as we can hope to get, baby.”

“Daddy! Up pwease,” Elizabeth yelled interrupting her parents’ romantic moment. Neither of them had heard her enter the bedroom.

Frankie and Juliet chuckled. “Come on, Lizzy. Daddy needs to finish getting ready. Mommy’s going to do her make up. I’ll put some lipstick on you. All right?”

“YAY! Yip yip,” Elizabeth cried happily as Juliet took her hand and led her into the bathroom.

~~~~~~~~~~

Everything went smoothly at the rehearsal. Frankie had to smile at the large black eye Joe was now sporting. Joe might have had the advantage in the impromptu match, but Frankie had managed to get in his fair share of licks. Juliet was making the rounds talking to their friends and family when Elizabeth became restless and wanted to run around. Fortunately she had Kira and Kody Angle to play with.

“Nice shiner Joe,” Frankie said smiling as he approached Joe, Greg, Sabin and Shelley.

“You did this to Joe,” Sabin asked in shock. Frankie nodded proudly.

Shelley let out a low whistle. “You got some big balls to do that to Samoa Joe Joe,” he said.

“Alex, what have I told you about that Samoa Joe Joe shit,” Joe growled. Shelley shrunk and hid behind Sabin. “As you can plainly see I did my share of damage to Frankie’s ugly mug.”

“True, but damn that elbow he threw at your face was a thing of beauty,” Greg said demonstrating the move on Sabin’s face, stopping just short of connecting with his face.

“Laugh it, boy, you’ll be the next one to get their nose broken,” Joe said, glaring at Greg.

“You don’t scare me, Joe,” Greg replied with a confident smile. Joe continued to glare at him.

“Oh no,” Frankie muttered. “Uh…Greg…you might want to take that back.”

“Why,” Greg scoffed.

“Because you just issued a challenge to Joe,” Sabin replied inching away from the group. Shelley did the same.

“Never tell Joe he doesn’t scare you,” Shelley said.

“What’s he gonna do,” Greg snickered just as Joe made a motion like he was going to hit him. Greg let out a little scream and hid behind Frankie, using him as a shield.

Joe smiled triumphantly. “Not scared of me, huh?”

“You’re fuckin’ psycho,” Greg said shaking his head. “You’re lucky I didn’t ruin my vocal chords. I have to sing at my sister’s wedding, remember?”

“Shut up and take it like the bitch you are,” Joe replied clapping Greg on the back as he led him away. Greg cast a glance back at Frankie and mouthed ‘help me’ to him.

“You’re on your own, dude,” Frankie snickered.

“Honey,” Juliet called approaching Frankie with Elizabeth in her arms. The child had tired herself out playing with her friends and now had her head on her mother’s shoulder. “I think it’s time we called it a night. Lizzy’s sleepy.”

“You mean sleeping,” Frankie replied looking at his daughter’s sleeping face. “Come here, Monkeyface,” he said taking her from Juliet so she could say their goodnights.

“Wanna pway, daddy,” Elizabeth said sleepily.

“You had enough playtime today, baby,” Frankie smiled. “Sleepy time now. We got a busy day ahead of us tomorrow. Sleep now, my little angel.” Elizabeth obediently rested her head on her father’s shoulder and went back to sleep.

~~~~~~~~~~

“She’s out cold,” Frankie said later that evening when they had finally gotten home.

Juliet had been lost in thought, worried about the way she had been feeling lately. Pushing that to the back of her mind she forced a smile. “Good,” she said tiredly. “That’s something we should both be or pictures will be…”

“Would you stop worrying about tomorrow, Jules,” Frankie said kicking off his shoes and changing into a pair of sweats. “Everything will be perfect.” He slid into bed next to her and pulled her into his arms. “Just get some sleep, babe.” She snuggled closer to him, closing her eyes. It wasn’t long before the two of them had drifted off.

Chapter 4

Frankie nuzzling her neck awakened Juliet. As her body slowly woke up she became increasingly aware of the nauseous feeling that was slowly building in the pit of her stomach. She groaned attempting to pull away from him, wanting to be sure she could make a fast getaway should the need arise. He wasn’t having any of it and his arms tightened around her.

“Good morning, Mrs. Kazarian,” Frankie said in her ear, kissing her neck softly.

“Frankie,” she sighed rolling onto her back. She regretted that action as he took this as an invitation to allow his hands to roam her body. “Frankie, no.” She opened her eyes and looked up at him.

“No pre-wedding nookie,” he asked, pouting slightly. “Come on, Jules. Lizzy’s still sleeping. We have plenty of time before the wedding.” He lowered his lips to hers, but before they could touch her she stopped him with the palm of her hand. “Jules,” he said, his voice muffled by her hand over his mouth. He quirked a brow at her.

“Sorry, honey, I just can’t,” she said sitting up, willing the nausea to go away. It would not.

“Of course you can,” he said capturing her around the waist as she attempted to stand.

“Frankie,” she said prying his arms away. “Unless you want to spend the morning of our wedding cleaning up puke, let me go.” That was all it took for him to get the message. He released her and she bounded into the bathroom with just enough time to make it to the toilet.

Frankie got out of bed and stood by the bathroom door. He cringed hearing her getting sick. “Babe, you gonna be all right for later?” He peeked into the bathroom and almost heaved himself.

Juliet stood, flushing the toilet and going to the sink to rinse her mouth out. “I’ll be fine.” She turned to see him looking at her, worry etched across his face. “It’s probably just nerves mixed with that stomach bug I have. I’m all right. Really, Frankie.”

“Moooommmmmy,” Elizabeth called from her room.

“The princess beckons,” Juliet said forcing a smile. “You better hop in the shower while I get her breakfast. I’ll need to shower too.” She went to take care of their daughter while Frankie took his shower. She hoped that she would make it through the ceremony without any incident. Now more than ever she needed to see her doctor to find out what was going on with her.

~~~~~~~~~~

“You look a little pale, honey,” Karen Angle said as she, Christy, Traci, Velvet and Cindy got ready for the wedding.

Juliet had chosen Traci as her maid of honor and the rest of the ladies as her bridesmaids. The bridesmaids were in lavender silk gowns. Traci wore a deep purple gown in the same design as the bridesmaids.

“Oh, you’re not getting cold feet, are you,” Velvet gasped.

“No,” Juliet replied picking up some paper that was close by and fanning herself. “I just haven’t been feeling all that great lately.”

“What a day to get sick,” Traci frowned.

“I’ll be all right,” Juliet said forcing a smile. “I just have to get through the ceremony and the reception and then I can rest.”

“What a trooper you are,” Christy smiled. “I don’t think I’d be able to get married if I was sick.”

“Piece of cake,” Juliet said standing up and feeling like the room was spinning. She sat back down right away until it stopped. This didn’t go unnoticed by the other ladies.

“Maybe it’s nerves too,” Cindy suggested as she got Elizabeth ready. Juliet nodded. “Don’t worry, honey, you’ll get through this. Besides you and Frankie are made for each other.”

“Thanks, Cinder,” Juliet said softly. “I honestly don’t know what I’d do without my girls.”

“All right, girls,” Traci said taking charge as maid of honor. “We got a bride to beautify. Let’s get to work.”

Karen and Christy helped Juliet get her dress on. Velvet did make up. Cindy and Traci worked on hair. By the time they were done Juliet like a beautiful blushing bride. Inside she felt like she wasn’t going to even make it to the altar, but she tried her best to push that aside.

~~~~~~~~~~

“Earth to Frankie,” Greg said snapping his fingers in front of Frankie’s face. “Dude? You with us?”

“Huh? Oh yeah,” Frankie said snapping out of his thoughts.

“What’s going on with you, man,” Matt Bentley asked. Frankie had asked him to be his best man. “You’re not getting cold feet, are you?”

“No,” Frankie replied adjusting his tie. “Just worried about Jules.”

“Something wrong with my sister,” Greg asked.

“She was pretty sick this morning,” Frankie replied. “Said she’s been working on a stomach bug.”

“Add nerves to that too,” Bentley said helping AJ with his tie.

“And this just came on suddenly,” AJ asked.

“She wasn’t feeling too hot yesterday,” Frankie replied. “This morning she was puking her guts up.”

“FINALLY! My sister shows some common sense,” Greg said smirking. Frankie groaned and shot Greg a look. His future brother-in-law always had some smart ass thing to say. AJ and Bentley quirked their brows at him. “Seriously, the thought of marrying Frankie made her physically ill. Doesn’t that speak volumes?”

“Greg, how about you go see if your sister is ready to do this,” AJ suggested, seeing the death glare Frankie was shooting him.

“Fine,” Greg replied holding up his hands as he headed for the door.

“Of all the fucking days for him to pull this shit,” Frankie fumed when Greg was gone.

“Ignore him,” AJ said wiping some lint off of Frankie’s jacket shoulder. “You know he’s just trying to get a rise out of you.”

“You’re marrying the woman you love,” Bentley agreed. “She loves you and you have beautiful little girl to raise. That’s all that should matter, man.”

Frankie took a deep breath to calm his nerves. “I guess my nerves are just getting there better of me,” he sighed.

“There’s nothing to be nervous about,” AJ smiled. “Jules isn’t going anywhere anymore.”

“So, you ready to get married,” Bentley asked with a wide smile.

“Hell yeah,” Frankie replied, finally smiling. “Been ready for a long damn time.”

“Then let’s go do this thing,” AJ said as the men filed out of the room.

~~~~~~~~~~

“Well, I think you look just about presentable,” Traci said smirking and giving Juliet a wink. “What do you girls think?”

“Thanks, Traci,” Juliet replied, though she was smiling.

There were oohs and ahs as Juliet stood without feeling an overwhelming dizziness and gazed at herself in the mirror. Her gown was a simple strapless A-line dress in a pale ivory color. The only embellishments were the beaded flowers around the bodice of the gown.

“Mommy yook pwetty,” Elizabeth said smiling up at her mother as she looked in the mirror.

“Mommy’s little baby looks very pretty too,” Juliet said brushing some wisps of hair out of Elizabeth’s face. Cindy had fixed the child’s hair in braids with small white flowers and ribbon woven into them. Her flower girl dress was a simple white sundress with little “diamonds” on it like mommy’s dress.

There was a knock at the door before Greg poked his head in. “Everyone decent,” he asked.

“Bad luck, bad luck,” Velvet said attempting to shove him out of the room.

“Velvet, baby, that’s if the groom sees the bride. I’m her brother, remember?”

“Oh. Right,” Velvet said blushing.

“You ready to go…” Greg stopped in his tracks seeing his sister in her bridal gown. “Wow. You look…beautiful.”

“I’m glad my big brother approves,” Juliet said smiling.

He smiled. “I know I’ve been a dick to you growing up, but I am being completely honest right now when I say you look so much like mom. She’d be so proud of you.”

Tears filled Juliet’s eyes at his words. “Oh, honey, don’t cry,” Traci said grabbing the box of tissues and handing Juliet some to dab her eyes dry. “You’ll ruin your make up.”

Juliet sniffled. “I’m all right,” she said dabbing her tears. “I just miss mom more than ever right now.”

Greg gave his sister a hug and a kiss on the cheek. “She’s here with us,” he said. Juliet smiled, her eyes still glistening with tears. “So, ladies, ready to have us a wedding?”

There was a collective cheer from the bridesmaids and maid of honor. Greg offered his sister the crook of his arm as he scooped up Elizabeth. She linked her arm through it as they followed the ladies out of the room.

Chapter 5

The ceremony went without a hitch. Frankie and Juliet were married in front of their friends and family in a beautiful rose garden under a crystal clear blue sky. Elizabeth happily sprinkled flower petals down the aisle, loving being the center of attention for a short while. Greg walked his sister down the aisle and gave her away.

During the vows Juliet began to feel a little lightheaded, but she fought the urge to faint. During the exchanging of rings she gave Frankie’s hand a squeeze. His eyes met hers and he could tell that she wasn’t feeling quite right. He gave her hand a squeeze in return and didn’t let go, hoping that he was giving her at least a little support to get through the remainder of the ceremony.

Once they were announced as husband and wife, Frankie took Juliet’s hand and led her back down the aisle as Greg sang a love song he had written for the newly married couple. They made it to the limo for the ride to the hall where the reception would be held. Much to both of their relief Juliet managed to stay on her feet. Once inside the limo she collapsed against the seat, leaning on Frankie’s shoulder.

He wrapped an arm around her wondering if they should just skip the reception and head straight to their hotel for the night. Cindy and AJ had volunteered to take Elizabeth for the night. He knew their daughter would be safe and happy. He looked down at Juliet to suggest skipping the reception, but her eyes were closed and he didn’t want to disturb her. Instead he placed a kiss on her forehead and sat back in his seat.

A short while later they arrived at the hall. “Jules, we’re here,” he said gently shaking her. She fluttered open her eyes and looked up at him with a small smile. “Babe, why don’t we skip it? We can go to the hotel and just relax.”

“I’ll be fine,” she replied.

“You obviously have some kind of flu or something that’s kicking you ass,” he replied, worried.

“Let’s just put in some face time for at least an hour and then we can leave,” she replied. “Everyone’s waiting for us.”

Frankie sighed, not liking the idea. “All right, but if you start to feel like you did during the ceremony we’re out of here,” he replied. He exited the limo and helped her out as well.

“There you are,” Greg said spotting his new brother-in-law. “Glad you could pull up your pants long enough to join us.” AJ, who had been chatting with Greg rolled his eyes and sighed at the snide comment.

“Greg,” Juliet scolded. “Leave him alone. Just for today. For me.”

“Only because you’re my baby sister,” Greg said and then got a good look at Juliet. “Jules, you feeling all right?”

“Never better,” she replied forcing a smile. “Come on, Frankie. I think we could both use some champagne.” She took his hand and headed inside.

“Is it just me or does she seem….”

“Something’s definitely up with Jules,” AJ agreed, nodding. “I’ve known her long enough to know when she’s not feeling well.”

~~~~~~~~~~

About an hour later Juliet had just set Elizabeth down and stood to find Frankie. She had kept her word and stayed at the reception for an hour, but she was more than ready to head to the hotel for the night. She walked carefully, not wanting to have a dizzy spell and fall after such a lovely day. There was no reason to worry her family and friends.

“There you are,” she said finding Frankie saying goodbye to Bentley just outside the hall. “I’m ready to…” She stopped mid-sentence feeling the room begin to spin.

“Jules,” Frankie said stepping forward.

“She all right,” Bentley asked seeing that Juliet had grown more pale.

“I think we need too…” She once again was unable to finish the sentence.

“What are you all standing around out here for,” Greg called coming outside with Velvet, AJ, Traci and Cindy, who had Elizabeth in tow.

“We need to go now,” Juliet said taking a step and pitching forward.

“Jules,” Velvet and Traci exclaimed, watching in horror as their friend fell. Much to their relief Frankie caught her before she could hit the ground.

“Jules, I’m taking you to the hospital,” Frankie said scooping up his bride his arms.

“No,” she groaned. “Just take me back to the hotel. I’m fine. It’s just been a long day.”

The people inside the hall had started to gather around the open door. Everyone was wondering what was going on. Greg spotted this and grabbed Traci to usher everyone back inside.

“Nothing see here,” Traci called pushing people back.

“Come on you looky loos,” Greg called.

“We better get out of here,” Frankie sighed.

“We got Lizzy,” AJ said scooping her up. The child looked at her mother and her bottom lip began to quiver.

“Mommy’s all right, baby,” Frankie said reaching out to caress her chubby cheek. “She’s just tired. Daddy’s taking her to get some sleep. We’ll see you in the morning. Be good for Uncle AJ and Cindy.” Elizabeth nodded, her rosy lips pouting as she watched her parents leave.

“Come on, Lizzy Bear,” AJ cooed. “How about we get you some cake.” Elizabeth brightened at the word cake.

Cindy chuckled. “You just said the magic word, AJ. Lizzy can’t resist cake.”

~~~~~~~~~~

Frankie carried Juliet up to their room and laid her gently on the bed. Between the reception hall and the hotel she had dozed. He brushed some hair out of her face before bending down to remove her shoes. He was just about to cover her when she woke with a groan.

She looked up at him and sighed softly. “Not the hot wedding night you had planned, huh?”

“You’re sick, baby. It’s all right,” he replied removing his jacket and throwing it across the back of a nearby chair.

Tiredly Juliet pulled herself out of bed and went to change into a nightgown. “Guess this will go to waste,” she sighed coming out of the bathroom wearing the lingerie she had picked up just the day before.

Frankie stared at her a moment, blinking. It took all of his willpower to refrain from grabbing her and dragging her down to the bed with him. “I..” He had to stop and clear his throat, his voice had come out in a high pitched squeak. “I think we’ll get some use out of it eventually.”

Juliet chuckled. “It’s all I packed to sleep in,” she said. “I could change into one of your shirts if you’d feel better.”

“Actually I think that’d be worse,” he replied sheepishly. “Get some rest, Jules.”

She nodded crawling under the covers as he headed into the bathroom to change up for bed. Juliet lay her head on the pillow and smiled to herself. Well, at least I know the lingerie is a hit she thought. Now if I could figure out what’s wrong with me.

When Frankie emerged from the bathroom Juliet was sound asleep. Turning off the light in the room he crawled into bed next to her. He pulled her close to him and closed his eyes, happy the day was finally over.

Chapter 6

A few days after the wedding Cindy, AJ, Greg, Velvet, Traci and Joe were all hanging out at Juliet and Frankie’s place while Frankie was at the gym. Cindy and AJ were playing with Elizabeth with some on the coffee table. Greg was lounging on the couch just playing random tunes on his guitar while chatting with Velvet. Joe was sitting on the floor at Traci’s feet by the couch watching a game on mute. Juliet was attempting to clean up a little, putting away toys and dusting some shelves.

“Yook, mommy,” Elizabeth exclaimed holding up a piece of clay that she had just formed into some random shape. “Fwower.”

“That’s beautiful, baby,” Juliet said smiling.

“So, Jules, how you feeling,” Traci asked as she flipped through a magazine.

“Pretty wiped out lately,” Juliet sighed, leaning against the bookcase with a tired sigh. “Cornette’s been running me ragged and…well…cleaning up after my husband and a munchkin is pretty tiring.”

“And it doesn’t help that waking up to Frankie’s ugly mug makes her puke her guts up,” Greg snickered.

“That’s enough from the peanut gallery,” Juliet replied. “I went to see my doctor. I have to wait for the results of some blood tests.” She watched as Elizabeth played with the clay, squishing it between her fingers. Suddenly she felt the nausea building up inside of her. “Excuse me,” she groaned, rushing to the bathroom.

“What the hell just happened,” Traci asked moments before cringing hearing Juliet getting sick.

Greg began to play the tune to Rock Lobster. “Puke monster,” he sang, imitating the song. “PUKE MONSTER!”

“Cut it out,” Velvet said smacking his shoulder. “Can’t you hear your sister suffering.”

“Guys,” AJ said finally figuring out what was wrong with his friend. “I think Jules is pregnant.”

Greg laughed and looked at AJ seriously. “Yeah, like numb nuts has any swimmers left that aren’t completely brain dead,” he chuckled.

“Or have a sense of direction,” Joe added. Traci smacked him upside the head. “OW! Woman! Hit me again and see what I do to you!”

“It does make sense though,” Traci said ignoring Joe’s threat.

“Look, just because Frankie hit the jackpot three years ago doesn’t mean lightning can strike twice,” Joe replied. Traci smacked him upside the head again. “I warned you.”

“What are you gonna do,” Traci demanded before crinkling her nose. “OH! JOE! That’s rancid!” She shoved him away from her as he giggled.

“I warned you,” Joe smirked.

“Stinky,” Elizabeth said fanning herself.

“Yes, Uncle Joe is very stinky,” AJ said glaring at Joe.

“I think that’s passed now,” Juliet said coming back into the living room. She caught a whiff of what Joe had done and turned visibly green. “Not again!” She rushed back into the bathroom.

“You see! She’s gotta be pregnant,” AJ exclaimed.

“To be honest, AJ, I think I might join her,” Cindy replied getting up to open a window. “And I’m not pregnant. Good Lord, Joe! What have you been eating? On second thought don’t answer that.”

“Oh come on,” AJ exclaimed. “She’s very clearly…” AJ didn’t get to finish his statement as Traci slapped a hand over his mouth.

“If she is then I think Jules would like Frankie to find out from her not you,” Traci replied.

“Find out what,” Frankie asked entering the apartment.

“Uh…” AJ stammered.

“That she’s throwing you a surprise birthday party,” Traci quickly lied.

“Oh that’s nice,” Frankie said dropping his gym bag. “Wait! My birthday’s in August! This is only May.”

“SURPRISE,” Traci exclaimed. “You see how much your wife loves you? She’s planning this so many months in advance.”

Frankie looked at her oddly before Elizabeth practically tackled him to the ground. “How’s my little monkeyface,” he asked scooping her up and joining his friends. “Good Lord, Joe,” he said crinkling his nose.

“Unca Joe did stinky,” Elizabeth said.

“Yes he did,” Frankie said looking pointedly at Joe. “VERY stinky.”

“Don’t look at me like your shit don’t stink,” Joe replied. “Passing gas is a man’s birthright damn it.”

“And it’s one you can do while in the confines of the bathroom,” Juliet said joining them once again. The smell had finally dissipated and she no longer felt nauseous. “And what have I told you about that language in front of my daughter?”

“Oh come on! She’s three now, Jules,” Joe replied. “She knows not to say those words.”

“Joe,” Frankie warned.

Joe rolled his eyes and huffed. “Lizzy? What does Uncle Joe tell you all the time when he says bad words?”

“Don’t say dem,” Elizabeth replied.

Joe looked at Juliet. “See? She’s a smart kid, Jules.”

“So, are we cooking tonight or ordering in,” Frankie asked changing the subject.

“And by we I suppose you mean me, right? Because I’m the only one who knows how to cook,” Juliet fumed, her mood suddenly changing. “Heaven forbid the big breadwinner attempt to go near the stove. He may spontaneously combust.” With that she stormed into the kitchen leaving her husband and friends baffled.

“Did…did I say something wrong,” Frankie asked setting Elizabeth down on the floor. “I…I’m so confused.”

“Aren’t you always,” Greg replied tuning his guitar.

“I’ll go talk to her,” AJ said standing. “You just resist the urge to kill your brother-in-law.” When AJ got into the kitchen Juliet was slamming cabinets and fussing with pots and pans. “Jules?”

“Did Frankie send you in here,” she demanded not facing him as she continued what she was doing.

“Jules, calm down,” AJ said making her stop and look at him. Her eyes met his and he could see tears glistening in them. “Don’t cry.”

“I don’t know what’s wrong with me,” she whimpered, a single tear slipping down her cheek. “That scares the shit out of me.”

“Jules, think about what you’re going through,” AJ said gently. “When was the last time you felt this way?”

“AJ, what are you getting at,” Juliet asked grabbing a paper towel to wipe her eyes and blow her nose.

AJ sighed, unable to believe how dense she was being. “Honey, I think you’re pregnant.”

Juliet looked at him like he had grown another head a moment before chuckling and shaking her head. “No, AJ, I’m not. It’s something else. I just can’t be.”

“Did Frankie get snipped or something,” AJ asked, quirking a brow.

“No,” Juliet replied laughing. “We’ve been careful. Honestly, AJ, where do you come up with these things?”

“I have no idea,” AJ replied rolling his eyes. He knew he was right and once the blood test results came in she’d see it. “So, how about we get take out? My treat?”

“Sounds good,” Juliet replied. “Suddenly I’m famished.”

Chapter 7

A few days later Juliet was back to work. She had just finished running some errands for Cornette and joined Cindy and AJ in the catering area. The couple was happily helping Elizabeth draw some pictures.

“And what color are we gonna make the sun,” AJ asked.

“Wed,” Elizabeth replied.

“Apparently we live on Mars,” AJ chuckled picking up the red crayon and handing it to the child.

“Red is Lizzy’s favorite color,” Juliet smiled. “She makes just about everything red.”

“I can see that,” Cindy replied holding up a couple of pages with scribbles on them. “A cat, a car and a balloon. All red.”

Juliet chuckled, shaking her head. “Thank goodness Cornette is in a meeting right now. I feel like I’ve been running a marathon for that man tonight.”

“Well, it can’t be easy now that you’re doing everything for two,” AJ commented.

“Are you still on that,” Juliet asked pulling out her phone and checking her voicemail. “I am not…Doctor Stevens left me a voicemail.”

“What’d he say,” Cindy asked. Juliet held up her hand as she replayed the message, clearly in shock. “Well, what did he say?”

“I’m…I’m pregnant,” Juliet replied, stunned.

“I KNEW IT,” AJ exclaimed jumping up from his seat.

“Knew what,” Greg asked joining the group at the table. Velvet perched in his lap.

Juliet looked at her brother, still stunned. “I’m pregnant.”

Greg, who had been chugging a bottle of water, choked and spit the contents of his mouth onto AJ. “You heard from the doctor,” he gasped. She nodded mutely. AJ wiped his face with his palm, tossing the excess droplets off. Elizabeth giggled at her now drenched uncle. “And it’s definite,” Greg asked wiping his mouth on the back of his hand. Again Juliet nodded.

“OHMIGOD,” Velvet squealed, jumping up and clapping. “Jules! That’s great!”

“I just…I mean…I thought we were being careful,” Juliet said quietly.

“The only way of being careful with fertile Frankie is to not give it up,” Greg replied dryly.

Velvet groaned and slapped him upside the head. “That’s not nice! Like it or not Frankie is the father of your niece and your soon to be niece or nephew.”

“Juliet,” Cornette called from down the hall. “I need you.”

Juliet looked up, snapping out of her daze slightly. “Coming Jim,” she replied standing. She gave her brother and friends a tight smile and headed off to see what Cornette needed.

“Cinder,” Elizabeth said getting her nanny’s attention. “Want daddy.”

“All right, sweetie,” Cindy said gathering up the crayons.

“Go on, honey,” AJ said stopping her. “I’ll clean this stuff up. Take her to see daddy.” Cindy smiled at him and scooped up Elizabeth, giving AJ a quick kiss before heading off.

“So, Greg, you’re gonna be an uncle again,” AJ said smiling. “I wonder what it’ll be.”

“I really am going to have to fix it so that Frankie can’t procreate anymore,” Greg mumbled.

“Oh stop it! You adore Lizzy,” Velvet said slapping him upside the head again. “And you know you’ll love whatever Jules has. God, do you always have to be such a jerk?!” She stormed off in a huff.

“What the hell just happened,” Greg demanded watching his girlfriend stalking off.

“I believe you pissed off your girlfriend,” AJ chuckled.

“Damn it! All of this because of a damn baby,” Greg grumbled and stalked off to find Velvet.

~~~~~~~~~~

“Daddy,” Elizabeth called as she and Cindy wandered the halls. They hadn’t been able to locate him. He finally poked his head out of Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley’s locker room.

“Do I hear my monkeyface calling me,” he smiled watching as Cindy set Elizabeth on her feet. He squatted down and caught her as she ran to him, launching herself into his arms. “What’s up, baby?”

“Mommy pwegnat,” Elizabeth said happily.

“That’s great, honey, really…wait…what,” Frankie asked looking from his daughter to Cindy. “What’d she just say? What’d you just say, Lizzy?”

“Mommy pwegnat,” Elizabeth replied smiling wide.

“Cindy, where did she learn that word,” Frankie asked.

“Oh…you know at that age…she’s like a little sponge,” Cindy stammered.

“Cindy, did Jules say something to you in front of Lizzy,” Frankie asked resting the child on his hip. Cindy bit her lip, not wanting to spill Juliet’s secret. “Cindy? Did she?”

“Frankie listen….”

“Take her,” he cut her off, handing Elizabeth back to Cindy. “I need to speak to my wife.” With that he stalked off.

“She’s with Cornette,” Cindy called hoping that would deter him from causing a scene. “Oh man,” Cindy groaned seeing he didn’t stop walking. “Of all the times for you to open your mouth, Lizzy.”

Elizabeth pouted. “Sowwy. Daddy mad?”

“Daddy’s…surprised,” Cindy replied. “Come on, sweetie. Let’s see what Uncle AJ is up to.”

“Mommy pwegnat,” Elizabeth happily chirped as Cindy took her back to where AJ was. Cindy cringed each time Elizabeth yelled, trying hard to distract her away from the news. It wouldn't be long before the entire locker room would be buzzing about Juliet.

~~~~~~~~~~

Frankie found Cornette’s office and barged in without knocking. He had tunnel vision and only saw Juliet. “We need to talk,” he said.

“Frankie, I’m working right now,” Juliet replied, casting apologetic glances toward the other occupants of the office.

“You kept Lizzy from me for over a year,” he fumed. “Now I find out that you’re pregnant from our three year old? Were you ever going to tell me?”

“Frankie, I’m very sorry you and your lovely wife are having personal issues, but as Juliet has stated she’s working,” Cornette interjected and pointed toward Jeff Jarrett, Mick Foley and Kurt Angle.

Juliet felt the blush creeping up into her cheeks. She had never been so embarrassed in all her life. This was not the way she wanted her bosses to find out that she was pregnant.

“May I have a few minutes to take care of this,” she requested. Cornette nodded. “I am so sorry about this, gentlemen.” She headed toward the door, grabbing Frankie’s hand and dragging him out of the office.

She closed the door behind them and glared up at him. “Are you fucking insane,” she demanded. He opened his mouth to speak, but she didn’t give him the chance. “I get that you were upset, but you had NO right to barge in there like that. This is my place of employment, Frankie.”

“Mine too,” he finally managed to get in.

“Good, then you should understand the need to remain employed,” she replied. He once again opened his mouth to speak, but she wouldn’t let him. “Yes, I am pregnant. Doctor Stevens left me a voicemail. Lizzy must have overheard me telling Cindy, AJ, Greg and Velvet.”

“Great! So you told those four before me,” he fumed. “Damn it, Jules! That’s my baby too.”

“And I was planning to tell you tonight when we got home, but I can see that that plan has been shot to shit,” Juliet replied. “I wasn’t trying to hide anything from you. Everyone was there when I got the news and I was pretty stunned at the time.”

“Uh…sorry to interrupt, guys,” Foley said poking his head out of the office. “Jim’s getting a little antsy.”

“I’ll be right in, Mick,” Juliet replied looking over her shoulder and giving him a quick smile. “Can we finish this later at home,” she asked turning her attention back to Frankie.

“Yeah,” Frankie sighed. “Babe, I’m sorry. I…this is new to me.”

“I know,” Juliet replied wrapping her arms around his waist and standing on her toes to kiss him. “We’ll talk later.” With that she headed back into the office.

Chapter 8

“There’s the proud papa,” Joe said running into Frankie on his way back to his locker room. “I heard Jules is pregnant. Congrats, man.”

“Who told you,” Frankie asked. “It wasn’t Velvet, was it?”

“Actually…”

“Mommy pwegnat,” Elizabeth could be heard down the hall, while Cindy tried to quiet her.

“I see,” Frankie sighed. “Sounds like we have a little town crier on our hands.”

Joe chuckled. “Wait ‘til she finds out what it means,” he snickered. “I’m predicting a LOT of jealousy.”

“No, Lizzy will be fine,” Frankie replied.

“Sure she will. Seeing as she practically worships the ground you walk on,” Joe replied. “And when the new baby comes along you won’t have as much time for her as you used to.”

“DADDY,” Elizabeth called as he and Joe rounded the corner.

“Lizzy will be just fine,” Frankie said watching as Cindy set her down on her feet and she bounded toward him. She threw herself at him, but he didn’t have enough time to catch her and she knocked him off balance. She landed on top of him, her knee connecting with his groin.

“Oh shit,” Joe laughed, unable to believe what he’d just seen. “Are you all right, Frankie?” He pulled Elizabeth up and offered his hand to Frankie, but he was still laughing.

“You don’t have to laugh about it,” Frankie grumbled, though his voice was a higher pitch than normal. He slapped Joe’s hand away and stood up. The voice made Joe lose it and he leaned on the wall for support. Frankie cleared his throat, groaning at the pain still radiating in his crotch.

“What’s going on,” Greg asked finding Joe laughing.

“You just missed….Lizzy…Frankie’s nuts,” was all Joe could get out between laughs.

“What’d you do to daddy,” Greg asked scooping Elizabeth up and tickling her tummy. Joe took one look at Frankie, who was still gasping for air, and lost it again.

“Thanks, Joe,” Frankie groaned. “Dear God. I think she bruised them.”

Greg chuckled. “You all right, man?” Frankie glared at him. “Do you need an ice pack or something?” Joe once again lost it.

“Give me my daughter,” Frankie said taking Elizabeth from Greg. “You guys suck.” He limped off, Elizabeth chattering away happily in his arms. The child was blissfully unaware of the pain she had just caused her father.

“Was it something we said,” Greg smirked. Joe finally managed to get his giggles under control and wiped the tears from his eyes. “You all right? I thought you’d literally die laughing.”

“I haven’t seen such funny shit since…well since Sabin dared Alex to kick him in the nuts,” Joe chuckled at the memory.

“Uh…ouch. Why the hell would he do that,” Greg asked.

“You’d have to ask Sabin,” Joe replied with a shrug. “So, where you off to?”

“Trying to find my girlfriend. She stormed off all pissy before and I wanna make sure things are all right,” Greg sighed and then explained about the whole Juliet finding out she was pregnant moment.

“I think I saw her head into the women’s locker room,” Joe replied walking with Greg. “I got this.” Joe knocked on the door and waited. Traci opened the door.

“What do you want,” she demanded crossing her arms across her chest and glaring at Joe.

“Come on, sweetness,” Joe replied leaning against the wall with a smirk. “Don’t be like that.”

“Bite me,” Traci replied.

“Oh I love it when you talk dirty,” Joe replied, wriggling his eyebrows at her.

Traci growled at him and attempted to close the door, but Greg stopped her. “I know you’re pissed at Joe, but can you just tell me if Velvet’s in there?”

“No. She headed off with Angelina and Christy,” Traci replied casting a scathing glance at Joe before slamming the door.

“Dude, what is up with you and Traci,” Greg demanded. Joe shrugged. “Don’t give me that! You were totally flirting with her!”

“I flirt with all the girls,” Joe replied.

“Whatever,” Greg sighed. “I have to find Velvet.”

“Found her,” Joe said as they walked along the halls. They had just turned a corner. Velvet sat in the catering area talking to Angelina Love, Awesome Kong and Christy.

“Velvet, baby,” Greg called jogging over to the women. Joe trailed behind him.

“Don’t you baby me,” Velvet replied, crossing her arms across her chest. Kong, Angelina and Christy all stifled giggles.

“You’re still pissed,” Greg sighed, sinking onto a seat between Velvet and Angelina. “Angie, can you talk to her?”

“Leave me outta this, buddy,” Angelina replied, shaking her head. “What exactly did he do?”

“Noth…” Greg didn’t get to finish the statement as Velvet slapped a hand over his mouth.

“I told you that Jules is pregnant,” Velvet replied. The ladies at the table all nodded. “This one,” she said hooking a thumb at Greg. “Starts making all sorts of comments about Frankie needing to be neutered.”

Kong, Angelina and Christy all glared at him. “That’s really fucked up,” Angelina said slapping him upside the head.

“OW! Damn it! They were jokes,” Greg defended. Joe snickered.

“You should be happy for Jules,” Christy said, reaching across the table and giving Greg a slap too.

“Would you stop that,” Greg exclaimed, rubbing his sore head.

Joe was trying desperately not to laugh. When Kong reached across the table and slapped Greg across the head Joe completely lost it, practically falling off his chair from laughing so hard. The force of the slap knocked Greg to the floor stunning him a moment.

When he got his bearings back he found Angelina, Christy, Kong and Joe all laughing. Velvet was kneeling next to him helping him up. “DAMN IT WOMAN! What the HELL was that for,” Greg demanded of Kong.

“Just looked like fun,” she replied with a shrug. “You all right, sugar?”

“Aside from some mild brain damage I’m fine,” Greg replied.

“Nah, you were brain damaged before the slap,” Joe said wiping his eyes.

“Are you all right, baby,” Velvet asked fawning over Greg. She cast a scathing look at the other women. “From now on I am the only one allowed to slap him.”

“Thanks, babe,” Greg muttered sarcastically.

“Come on,” she said taking his hand. “Let’s get you some ice for that head.” With that she headed off, practically dragging Greg behind.

Chapter 9

By the end of the night the entire locker room was buzzing about Juliet being pregnant and how cute Elizabeth had been announcing it to everyone. Both Juliet and Frankie had been congratulated by just about everyone they knew. By the end of the night they were happy to take their daughter and head home.

When Frankie made his way to the bedroom after putting Elizabeth to bed he found Juliet just pulling on a nightshirt. “Is that my Metallica shirt,” asked in mock annoyance.

“You don’t mind,” Juliet smiled. It was a familiar conversation they had from time to time. “Besides it’s too small for you anyway.”

“It is not,” he replied. Juliet quirked a brow at him. “So…maybe it’s a little snug in the shoulders.” He began to change for bed as she pulled the covers back on the bed.

“You’ve had it since you were a kid, Frankie,” Juliet chuckled sliding under the covers.

He pulled on his pajama bottoms and crawled into bed next to her, pulling her into his arms and kissing her softly. Frankie’s hands slid down her body as one made its way under her shirt, stopping at her stomach. As their kiss was broken he locked eyes with her and smiled.

“So, I’m going to be a daddy again,” he said, still smiling.

Juliet nodded. “Never thought that this would happen so soon, though,” she sighed.

“Lizzy’s three,” Frankie chuckled. “How much longer did you want to wait?”

“I don’t know,” Juliet shrugged. “You’re really happy about this, huh?”

“Shouldn’t I be,” he replied, sliding her shirt up to reveal her stomach and kissing it. “I wasn’t there when you were pregnant with Lizzy. Now I get to be there every step of the way with this one.”

Juliet smiled. “Good because if this pregnancy is anything like when I was pregnant with Lizzy I’m going to need the support,” she replied. “Poor AJ was like my crutch. I’m sure you must have noticed him on the phone a lot back then.” Frankie nodded. “He had to talk me down a lot of the time. I was an emotional wreck.”

“Maybe you should have stuck around,” he gently teased. When she didn’t smile he caressed her cheek. “I was kidding, Jules. We’re together now and that’s all I care about. The past is the past. You and Lizzy and this baby are my future.”

Juliet smiled, pulling his face to hers and kissing him. “You just reminded me why I fell in love with you.”

“Really? I thought it was because of something else,” he smirked. She looked at him puzzled as Frankie wriggled his eyebrows at her. She giggled as he lowered his face to her stomach, kissing it and working his way down her body slowly.

“That’s what got us into this situation,” she giggled as he neared the waistband of her panties.

He had just hooked his thumbs in it and was giving them a little tug when they heard Elizabeth crying as she pushed their door open. Putting their plans on hold for the moment both parents turned their attention to their daughter. She was rubbing her eyes as tears slipped down her cheeks.

“Monkeyface? What’s wrong,” Frankie said getting out of bed and scooping the child up into his arms. He brought her over to the bed as Juliet fixed her shirt and sat up.

“My tummy hurts,” Elizabeth cried as Frankie set her down on the bed between himself and Juliet.

“Does she have a fever,” she asked, pressing a palm to the child’s forehead. “No fever.”

“Lizzy, baby, do you think you have to throw up,” Frankie said wiping her tears away with the pad of his thumb. She nodded. He stood to take her into the bathroom, but as he turned around to pick her up she vomited on him. “Oh come on,” he exclaimed, which brought on a fresh round of tears from the child.

“It’s all right, baby,” Juliet said picking up the child to console her. “Daddy’s not mad. You just surprised him.” She took one look at her husband and the floor covered in vomit and visibly turned green. She carried Elizabeth into the bathroom to wash her up.

“That’s right, baby,” Frankie said, groaning at the mess that he knew he’d have to clean. “You just startled daddy. Don’t cry, Lizzy.” He went into the kitchen to grab some cleaning supplies. “Remind me to kill Sabin and Shelley,” he called.

“Why,” Juliet asked as she changed Elizabeth into some clean nightclothes.

“Because judging from the looks of things they gave her a bunch of candy,” he replied, giving a disgusted grunt as he finished cleaning up the carpet and went to change himself. “We should have woke their asses up to clean up this shit.”

“Shhh. She’s going back to sleep,” Juliet said stroking Elizabeth’s back as she held her in their bed.

“Who gets first shift,” he asked crawling into bed on his side. He placed a hand on Elizabeth’s back and gave it a little rub.

“Want daddy,” Elizabeth said tiredly.

“Guess that answers your question,” Juliet replied as she handed over the nearly sleeping child.

Frankie held his daughter and kissed her forehead. “Sleep, baby girl,” he whispered to her before leaning over to his wife and kissing her softly. “You get some sleep too. You need it more than I do.”

“Thanks, honey,” Juliet said yawning as she turned off the bedside lamp and snuggled under the covers. It wasn’t long before she had slipped into a deep sleep. Frankie dozed, checking on Elizabeth now and then. When she showed no signs of waking to get sick again he allowed himself to finally sleep.

~~~~~~~~~~

The next morning Frankie was awakened by the sound of Juliet getting sick. “Not again,” he sighed rolling onto his back. It was then that he realized that Elizabeth wasn’t in the bed. “Lizzy? Where are you, Monkeyface?” He got out of bed and padded into the living room, relieved to find his daughter lying on the couch watching cartoons.

“Hi, daddy,” she said smiling up at him.

“Morning, baby,” he said ruffling her hair. “You feeling better?” She nodded, smiling wide.

“Mommy sick,” she replied.

“Yeah, mommy’s gonna be sick for a while,” he replied. “Did mommy make you breakfast yet?”

“I was just going to when I…”

“I got it, babe,” Frankie said picking up Elizabeth and carrying her into the kitchen. “Why don’t you go lay down for a while?” Juliet nodded as Frankie sat Elizabeth in a chair at the table. He watched his wife head back into the bedroom before turning his attention to his daughter. “So, what’ll it be, Monkeyface?”

“Candy,” she chirped happily.

“I think you’ve had enough candy to last you a lifetime,” Frankie chuckled. “Uncle Chris and Uncle Alex gave you candy last night, didn’t they?” Elizabeth nodded. “I knew they did. How about I make you some eggies?”

“EGGIES,” Elizabeth happily exclaimed.

“Eggies it is,” Frankie smiled setting about feeding his daughter and himself.

Chapter 10

“Let’s get you cleaned up and changed,” Frankie said helping Elizabeth down from the chair she had been sitting on to eat. He held her hand and led her into her room to grab some clean clothes. He nearly gagged at the smell as he entered the room.

“Lizzy, baby, you got sick in your bed?” Elizabeth nodded sheepishly. “Did this happen before you came into mommy and daddy’s room?” Again she nodded. Frankie sighed, raking a hand through his hair. “It’s all right. I’m not mad. I just wish you had told me last night.”

“Let’s get you cleaned up and then I’ll worry about this mess,” he sighed, grabbing some clothes for her and leaving the room.

“What’s going on,” Juliet asked when she found Frankie in Elizabeth’s room later that morning while the child played in the living room while watching The Wiggles. “I just changed those sheets a couple of days ago.”

“Yeah, Lizzy didn’t tell us she threw up before she came to us,” Frankie replied tossing the bed sheets and blanket into a black garbage bag.

“We have a washer and dryer, Frankie. Why the garbage bag,” Juliet asked, grimacing at the stench in the room.

He finished stripping the bed and cracked open the window to air the room out. “Because, I’m planning on teaching Sabin and Shelley a lesson,” he replied, tying the bag closed.

“Sounds like fun,” Juliet replied dryly. “Seriously, Frankie, don’t be too hard on the kids. They’re young. They don’t know anything about taking care of kids.”

“It’s not like I’m asking them to eat the puke,” Frankie replied and cringed looking over his shoulder at Juliet, who was visibly nauseated by the statement. “Sorry. You know what I meant. I’m just going to have them wash the stuff out of their own pockets. That’s all.” She nodded that she understood.

“You taking Lizzy with you,” Juliet asked as he dropped the bag by the front door.

“Uh huh,” he replied cleaning up the kitchen a bit. “I have some errands to run and I figured the mommy-to-be needed some me time.”

“Aren’t you sweet,” Juliet smiled. “Maybe I can take a nice hot bath without having company.”

Frankie pouted. “I thought you liked my company in the bath.”

“You know what I mean,” she said smacking his arm playfully.

~~~~~~~~~~

“Unca Chwis,” Elizabeth exclaimed as Frankie set her on her feet when he parked outside the laundromat. She ran to where Sabin and Shelley were standing.

“Hey, munchkin,” Sabin said scooping Elizabeth up.

“What’d you want us to meet you here for, Frankie,” Alex asked, tickling Elizabeth’s belly.

“Funny you should ask that, Alex,” Frankie said pulling a plastic bag out of the trunk of his car. He tossed the bag at Alex’s feet.

“Jules has you pulling laundry duty, huh,” Sabin snickered as Alex bent down to pick up the bag. He opened it and nearly threw up into the bag at the stench coming from it. Sabin caught a whiff and grimaced as Alex closed the bag right away.

“What the hell is that,” Alex demanded holding out the bag.

“That, gentlemen, is the result of you feeding my daughter too much candy,” Frankie replied.

“What the hell do you expect us to do with it,” Alex asked following Frankie into the laundromat. The whole time he held the bag out in front of him like it was toxic waste.

“You boys are going to wash, dry and fold everything in that bag,” Frankie replied.

“Is that all,” Sabin asked with a smirk. “We can do that.” He held out his hand for money to do the laundry.

“No,” Frankie chuckled. “I think you misunderstood me. I said you were going to wash them. Use your own money.”

“That’s not fair,” Alex whined. “Your little shit machine did this.”

Frankie grabbed him by the shirt collar and pinned Alex up against a washer. “Fair? Was it fair that you guys let her gorge on candy so much that she puked…ON ME,” he growled at the younger man. Sabin stifled a snicker. “You think it was fair that I had to clean it up?”

“No,” Alex muttered. “Fine. We’ll wash this stuff.”

“Good,” Frankie smiled taking Elizabeth from Sabin. “I have to run some errands. I’ll be back in a couple of hours.” With that he left the laundromat leaving the two younger men to sort things out amongst themselves.

“You pay for the wash. I’ll get the dry,” Alex said to Sabin.

Sabin eyed the washers and then the dryers noting the significant difference in amounts on each. “No you don’t, Alex,” Sabin chuckled. “We’re going halfsies or you’re paying for everything.”

“Why me?!”

“Because YOU were the one who gave Lizzy all that candy,” Sabin replied. Alex crossed his arms across his chest. “Fine. I’ll call Frankie up and let him know I had nothing to do with Lizzy overdosing on sugar.” Alex glared at him a moment. “Suit yourself, buddy,” Sabin said with a shrug as he pulled out his cell phone.

“Fine. I’ll pay for everything,” Alex sighed, snatching the phone from him. “You load that shit into the washer and I’ll get change and grab some soap.”

“I knew you’d see it my way,” Sabin smiled picking up the bag that Alex had dropped at his feet and opened it. “Oh GOD! What the hell did you feed that damn kid!” Alex snickered as he got the quarters for the machines. “UGH! There’s chunks in it! Damn it this is rancid!”

~~~~~~~~~~

Juliet was relaxing in a tub of hot water. On the radio soft, relaxing music was playing. Wringing out the washcloth she placed it over her eyes and laid her head back on the bath pillow with a content sigh. She was enjoying her time alone when she heard pounding on the door.

“Who the hell,” she muttered removing the washcloth from her eyes. She tried to ignore the banging, but soon she heard her brother’s voice calling to her. “Damn it, Greg,” she grumbled, letting the water out of the tub and pulling on her robe.

“About time,” Greg said when she opened the door. “What the hell took you so damn long?”

“I was relaxing in the tub,” Juliet sighed. “I had the place to myself for a while.”

“No Frankie or monster kid?” He entered the apartment looked around.

“No,” Juliet replied closing the door behind him. “Frankie is out running errands.”

“And he took Lizzy,” Greg asked setting a bag down on the counter in the kitchen.

“Yes, he wanted me to relax today,” Juliet replied. “Why are you here?”

“Jesus! Can’t a guy visit his sister and bring lunch without seeming suspicious?” Juliet gave him a skeptical look and he sighed. “Fine. I’ll take my subs and go hang out with Joe. He’ll appreciate my company.”

“No, stay,” Juliet said stopping him from leaving. “I just didn’t expect any company today. That’s all. Let me dry off and get dressed and we can have some quality time.”

“Good,” Greg smiled as he watched his sister head into the bedroom. “Velvet better give me some good damn lovin’ for this,” he mumbled.

“I heard that,” Juliet called from the bedroom.

“Kidding! Kidding, sis,” Greg called laughing nervously.

Juliet emerged from the bedroom clad in a pair of pink shorts and black tank top with a skull on it. “So, what’d you do or say that Velvet made you come here?”

“Nothing,” Greg replied a little too quickly. Juliet gave him a knowing look as she pulled a sub out of the bag and put it on a plate for him. “I was cracking some jokes about Frankie last night.”

“Jokes,” Juliet asked placing a sub on a plate for herself and grabbing some waters from the fridge for them to drink.

“Stuff about Frankie…needing to be fixed,” he replied. “It was just a joke, but Velvet got all bent out of shape and…I can see that you’re pissed about it too.”

“I just don’t understand why you refuse to get along with Frankie,” Juliet replied taking a seat at the table. “He’s my husband now, Greg. That makes him family whether you like it or not. He’s Lizzy’s father and the father of the baby I’m carrying.”

“You know me, sis. I like to poke fun,” Greg replied.

“I know,” she sighed. “Could you at least try to calm it down for a while. I’m going to need support now and so is Frankie. This whole pregnancy thing is new for him.”

“For you,” Greg agreed. “Only because you’re my baby sister.”

“Good,” Juliet smiled. “Now let’s dig into these subs. I’m starving.”

~~~~~~~~~~

“All clean,” Alex said presenting the clean items to Frankie.

“We even purchased a brand new laundry bag to put them in,” Sabin smiled.

“And by we he means I did,” Alex said glaring at his friend.

“Well, you had to learn a lesson, Alex,” Sabin said smirking, knowing that Frankie would catch on to what he was insinuating.

“Wait a minute,” Frankie said looking from Sabin to Shelley. “You gave Lizzy all that candy, Alex?”

“Listen, Frankie, it’s in the past and I definitely learned my lesson. No more candy for Lizzy unless you or Jules says it’s all right,” Alex said. “Hey! Shouldn’t you check on the missus? She’s home all alone.”

“Come on, Lizzy,” Frankie called to Elizabeth, who had been riding the mechanical horse outside the laundromat. He glared at Alex a while longer before taking his daughter’s hand and headed to his car.

“You douche,” Alex said shoving Sabin when Frankie was gone.

“You’re the douche, douche,” Sabin replied and the guys began to wrestle around on the ground.

Chapter 11

“Take it easy, babe,” Frankie said rubbing Juliet’s back while she sat with her head over the toilet. “Was your morning sickness this bad with Lizzy?”

“No,” Juliet groaned, feeling another wave of nausea crashing over her. She hiccuped and emptied the contents of her stomach once again. Frankie cringed.

“Can I get you anything,” Frankie asked feeling helpless. Juliet shook her head no as she flushed and stood. The doorbell rang just then. “I’ll get it. I need to check on Lizzy anyway. She’s too quiet.”

He left his wife in the bathroom to rinse out her mouth and quickly checked on their daughter. She was lounging on the couch just about dozing off. With a sigh of relief he answered the door, checking his watch.

“We’re running a little behind, guys,” he said to Velvet and Greg. “Jules has been pretty sick today.” Greg just nodded and entered the apartment. “No witty banter,” Frankie asked his brother-in-law.

“He strained a vocal cord in the studio yesterday,” Velvet said. “Doctor’s orders. No talking for at least a week.”

Frankie smiled. “That must be killing you.” Greg flipped him off causing Frankie to snicker. “Oh this is going to be the best week of my life.” Greg glared at him. “What’s the matter, Greg? Cat got your tongue?”

“Frankie,” Juliet scolded joining them. “Be the bigger man.” She turned to her brother and glared at him. “Don’t even think what I know you’re thinking.” She went into the living room to talk to Elizabeth. Velvet followed her.

“Bigger man,” Frankie scoffed. “I am the bigger man.” Greg narrowed his eyes at Frankie and mouthed ‘Fuck you’ to him.

“You be a good girl for Velvet,” Juliet said kissing Elizabeth’s forehead.

“We’ll have a good time,” Velvet smiled pulling the child into her lap. Elizabeth lazily reclined in Velvet’s arms, resting her head on the woman’s shoulder. “Make sure you bring home the ultrasound picture.”

“We will,” Juliet smiled. “Ready to go, hon?” Frankie nodded, going to give Elizabeth a quick kiss before heading out.

“So, exactly what’s going to happen at this visit,” Frankie asked as they drove to Juliet’s doctor’s office.

“The doctor will examine me and do an ultrasound to determine how far along I am,” Juliet said.

“What about finding out the sex of the baby,” he asked, stealing a glance at her.

“It’s too early for that,” Juliet replied, groaning as her nausea returned. “I will be SO happy when this morning sickness goes away.”

“Need me to pull over,” Frankie asked, not wanting to have to clean the car. She shook her head no.

It wasn’t long before they arrived at the office. Juliet went ahead to sign in while Frankie parked the car. When he entered the office Juliet was nowhere to be found in the waiting room. Seeing that he was looking around the room lost the receptionist at the desk smiled and waved him over.

“Juliet asked me to let you know she’s in the ladies room,” she said. “Just have a seat and she’ll be out soon.”

“Thanks,” Frankie replied taking a seat. It wasn’t long before Juliet joined him. He wrapped an arm around her allowing her to lean her head on his shoulder. “You gonna make it through this appointment?”

“I hope so,” she muttered tiredly.

They weren’t waiting long when Juliet’s name was called. She was shown where to change and then hopped up on the table to wait for the doctor. Frankie sat on a chair in the corner nervously awaiting whatever news the doctor would tell them.

“So,” the doctor said coming into the room and smiling at the young couple before him. “How have you been feeling, Juliet?”

“Sick,” she replied. “Tired. You name that’s how I feel.”

“Perfectly normal,” the doctor chuckled. He turned his attention to Frankie. “You must be the proud papa. Doctor Jacobs.” He shook Frankie’s hand. “So, let’s see what we have here. Shall we?”

Juliet lay back on the examining table while Jacobs conducted his exam. “Everything is looking very healthy so far,” he replied smiling. “Let’s see if we can see about how far along you are.” He pulled the ultrasound machine over to the table and squirted some jelly onto Juliet’s abdomen. He moved the wand over the jelly and adjusted some knobs on the machine, smiling as the sounds of heartbeats filled the room.

“Is that what I think it is,” Frankie asked squinting at the screen, trying to make out where the baby was.

“Heartbeat,” Jacobs smiled. “Both are very healthy.”

“That’s great…wait…both,” Frankie asked.

Jacobs chuckled. “Yes. You’re having twins.”

“Twins,” Juliet asked shocked.

“I’d say you’re about five weeks along,” Jacobs said. “There’s one baby and there’s the other.” He printed off a picture of the ultrasound and handed it to Frankie as he handed Juliet some tissues to clean up and put away the machine. “We’ll need to monitor you more closely now that we know it’s twins.”

“Twins,” Frankie muttered staring at the ultrasound picture.

“I guess that explains the morning sickness,” Juliet sighed sitting up.

“Oh yes, definitely,” Jacobs said. “Fortunately that usually subsides between twelve and fourteen weeks. You don’t have much further to go.”

“Doctor, I’m just curious. See, I was on birth control when I got pregnant,” Juliet said.

“Well, that’s not always 100% effective,” Jacobs replied. “Especially if it’s not taken as prescribed.”

“Oh I took it exactly as I was supposed to,” Juliet replied.

Jacobs looked at her chart and smiled. “It says here that you were on antibiotics a while back.” Juliet nodded. “Most people aren’t aware that certain antibiotics make birth control less effective.”

“I can’t believe I never knew that,” Juliet said amazed by the fact.

Jacobs prescribed some vitamins for Juliet and left her to make the next appointment with the receptionist. With that taken care of she and Frankie went to their car, both dazed by the news that they were expecting twins. Once inside the car Frankie produced the ultrasound picture he had stuffed into his pocket.

“Twins,” was all he could say. “Holy shit. Twins.”

“I think we’ve established that,” Juliet sighed taking the picture from him and looking at it. “How the hell is this possible?”

“I know it’s kinda scary, but exciting at the same time,” Frankie smiled, placing a hand on Juliet’s stomach. “Just think, Jules, in just a little over seven months we’ll have two babies instead of just one.”

“You’re taking this awfully well,” Juliet said.

“Oh inside I’m freakin’ out,” he replied starting the car. “But I’m also happy.”

“Scared shitless is what comes to mind for me,” Juliet said forcing a smile.

Frankie reached out and took her hand. “We’ll get through this together. I’d say the good far outweighs the bad.”

“Easy for you to say,” Juliet mumbled. “Your part in this is done. Now you get to sit back and watch me deal with all the pain and suffering of the pregnancy and childbirth.”

“If I could carry the babies I would,” Frankie blurted out and instantly regretted it. He stole a glance at her and was shocked to find her chuckling and shaking her head.

“You just uttered the typical male cliché,” she laughed. “If men had to carry the children of the world I think the population would have died out long ago and there’d be no debate over abortions.”

“Let’s just try to get you through the next seven months,” Frankie sighed, wondering what he had gotten himself into.

When they arrived home they found Velvet and Greg making out on the couch. Frankie cleared his throat to get their attention, but they either didn’t hear him or were ignoring him. Finally growing impatient with the couple he kicked the couch.

“Where’s my daughter,” he asked when Velvet looked up at him, sliding off of Greg’s lap, her cheeks a bright red.

“She’s napping,” Velvet replied as Greg jotted a note and shoved the little pad into Frankie’s hand.

“Thanks, Captain Cock Block,” Frankie read. “Nice. You were supposed to be keeping an eye on the kid not groping your girlfriend.”

He tossed the pad back to Greg. Before Greg could jot another note Juliet, who had gone to check on Elizabeth, joined them. Velvet looked at her friend and smiled wide.

“So, where is it,” Velvet asked holding out her hand. “I wanna see the baby!”

Juliet and Frankie shared a conspiratorial smile as she dug the picture out of her purse and handed it over to Velvet. The blonde accepted it and looked at the picture smiling wide still. Frankie cleared his throat to get her attention after a while.

“Do you know what you’re looking at,” he asked.

“Not exactly,” Velvet replied as Greg looked at the picture over her shoulder. “It’s kinda fuzzy.”

Frankie smiled leaning over the back of the couch while Juliet perched on the arm. He pointed to one section of the picture. “There’s one baby.” He pointed to another. “And there’s the other.”

Velvet’s eyes went wide and she looked from Frankie to Juliet to see if he was joking. “TWINS?! OH MY GOD! I can’t wait to tell Traci and Christy and Angelina and…OH MY GOD!” She jumped up and hugged Juliet and then Frankie. “Congratulations!”

Frankie smiled wide watching as Greg picked up the picture and looked at it closely. “Got anything to say, Greg? Oh, that’s right, you can’t.”

Greg handed the picture back to Frankie and stood going to his sister and giving her a tight hug. He then turned his attention to Frankie. He jotted a note, tearing off the paper off and shoving it into Frankie’s face before leading Velvet out of the apartment.

“What does it say,” Juliet asked.

“Get fixed,” Frankie grumbled, crumpling up the paper.

Chapter 12

“What are you doing,” Frankie asked walking in on Juliet examining herself in the full length mirror in their room. It had been almost a week since they found out they were expecting twins.

She nearly jumped out of her skin at the sound of his voice. “Don’t do that to a pregnant woman,” she exclaimed tossing a nearby pillow at him. He caught it with a chuckle and tossed it behind him onto the bed.

“You didn’t answer my question,” he replied taking a seat at the foot of the bed and resting back on his elbows.

“It’s stupid,” she sighed shaking her head.

“Babe, if something’s bothering you then you should tell me,” he replied. “Maybe I can help.”

“I doubt it,” she mumbled causing him to quirk a brow at her. “It’s just…” She lifted her shirt and turning to the side. “I’m probably being totally paranoid here, but I think I’m starting to show already.”

“Well, you are having twins,” Frankie pointed out sitting forward and eyeing her stomach closely. “It would stand to reason that you’d start to show sooner.”

“Stop it,” she said letting her shirt go and covering herself up again. His gaze made her feel self conscious at that moment. She looked back into the mirror, running her hand down her stomach.

Frankie stood and went to her, wrapping his arms around her from behind, one of his palms rested on her stomach. “I can’t wait until you start to show,” he whispered to her, kissing her neck. “And I can’t wait to feel the babies moving.” She sighed contentedly, leaning into his touch. “You’re not showing yet, baby, but I can’t wait to see how big that belly’s gonna get.”

She elbowed him in the ribs gently and chuckled, turning around in his arms. “You’ll still love me when I’m as big as a house?”

“How big are we talking,” he asked with a smirk. She smacked him playfully upside the head and he chuckled. “Of course I’ll love you,” he replied.

“Daddy,” Elizabeth said entering the room. “Hug?”

“My Monkeyface wants a hug,” Frankie asked releasing Juliet and bending down to Elizabeth’s level. She nodded emphatically. “Come here.” He wrapped his arms around the child and gave her a squeeze a moment before lifting her up off her feel and giving her a big sloppy kiss on the cheek. She squealed with laughter as he commenced to tickle her.

Juliet watched with a smile on her face. She loved watching the two playing. It made her all the more excited to watch the twins and their father playing. It dawned on her then that they needed to talk to Elizabeth about the twins. She didn’t want their daughter to be caught off guard or feel left out in any way.

“Honey,” she said when they finally settled down, Elizabeth still giggling as she caught her breath from the tickle assault. “I think we need to start getting Lizzy ready for the B-A-B-I-E-S.”

Elizabeth scrunched up her face, looking up at her mother. “What that spell?”

Frankie sat up and pulled her into his lap. “Well, sweetheart, mommy just spelled babies,” he replied. Juliet sat down on the bed, interested to see how Frankie would handle the conversation. “You see in about seven months mommy is going to have two babies. That’s called twins. They’re in her belly right now.”

Elizabeth looked up at him confused. “Mommy eat them?”

“No,” Frankie chuckled, realizing that this would be harder than he thought. “The babies are growing inside mommy’s belly.”

Elizabeth looked at her mother, eyeing her stomach carefully. “No babies, daddy.”

“No, you can’t see them yet,” Frankie replied looking to Juliet for some help.

“Mommy’s tummy is going to grow as the babies grow, Lizzy,” Juliet chimed in, seeing that Frankie was struggling to explain things. “Pretty soon you’ll see mommy’s tummy getting bigger.”

Elizabeth looked from one parent to the other, skeptical about what they were telling her. “What’s wrong, Monkeyface,” Frankie asked. He could practically see the wheels turning in his daughter’s head. “You’re going to be a big sister. Aren’t you happy?”

“No,” Elizabeth replied, pouting and folding her arms across her chest. “I the baby.”

“Lizzy, you’ll always be our baby,” Juliet said. “But soon you won’t be our only baby.”

“I the baby,” Elizabeth reiterated. “Don’t want new babies.” With that she slid out of her father’s lap and off the bed, going into her room to play.

“Well, that went well,” Frankie sighed.

“She’s three, Frankie,” Juliet chuckled. “Give her time to adjust. She’s been the baby for as long as she can remember. It’ll take time for her to get used to being the big sister.”

“I’m starting to think that Joe might have been right,” he replied getting up and helping her to her feet. She quirked a brow at him. “Joe said Lizzy would be jealous.”

“Well, that’s because someone spoils her rotten,” Juliet said heading out of the room to check on their daughter.

“Only because someone hid her from me for a year,” Frankie replied following her out of the room.

“You promised you wouldn’t throw that in my face anymore,” Juliet said stopping short of Elizabeth’s room. She turned to glare at him and could see the smirk on his face. She knew he was kidding, but his words still stung.

“I was just joking,” he said holding up his hands. She gave him a look and he sighed, hanging his head. “Too soon. I get it.” Juliet nodded and walked into Elizabeth’s room.

~~~~~~~~~~

“Hey, Frankie,” Joe said entering the locker room with Sabin and Shelley close behind him. Frankie was sitting on one of the benches with his feet propped up reading. “What’cha reading?” He reached over and snatched the book from Frankie.

“Joe, give it back,” Frankie said dropping his feet and standing up.

“What to Expect When You’re Expecting,” Joe read off the cover of the book. He looked at Frankie, arching a brow as Sabin and Shelley began to snicker. “Dude? That’s a chick book. Shouldn’t Jules be reading this?”

“Trying to figure out when you’ll start lactating, Francesca,” Alex snickered and Sabin stifled a giggle.

Frankie glared at the younger men and snatched the book back from Joe. “If you must know I would like to know what Jules is going through,” he replied sitting down once again. “Is it wrong that I’d like to know how big the twins are right now or when we’ll be able to feel them moving? God, no wonder you guys are single. You’re not only dumbasses, but you’re devoid of emotion too.”

“Seriously,” Joe said surprisingly siding with Frankie. “You guys need to find your sensitivity.”

Frankie looked at Joe shocked. “Thanks, Joe.”

Sabin and Shelley looked questioningly at the Samoan. “Maybe Frankie could loan you some of his before he grows some tits,” Joe finished with a snicker.

“Great,” Frankie sighed, shoving his book into his bag and grabbing his things. “If you need me I’ll…nevermind.” With that he stalked out of the locker room.

“Now, Joe,” Sabin mock scolded. “You went and insulted the daddy to be.”

“Yeah,” Alex snickered. “Now he’s gonna go cry in his herbal tea.”

“Ah it’s all good,” Joe replied with a smile. “He’ll go home, light a few candles and have a good cry in a hot tub of bubbles.” The three men looked at each other, all getting the mental image, and began to laugh.

Chapter 13

Frankie headed to AJ’s locker room, knocking on the door. “Who is it,” he heard AJ call, sounding a little more than annoyed.

“It’s Frankie, AJ, open up please. I need a locker room for the night.” He could hear AJ muttering something and the sound of Cindy’s muffled voice as well, then footsteps and the door opened. “What were you two doing in there,” he teased.

“Has it been that long,” AJ tossed back with a smirk. “What happened to you rooming with Joe, Alex and Chris?”

“Let’s just say I didn’t appreciate being teased for my choice in reading material and leave it at that,” Frankie replied. “So, can I come in or do I have to change for my match out in the hall?”

“That’d be great,” AJ said attempting to close the door.

“AJ,” Cindy exclaimed catching the door and opening it. “Come on in, hon. Don’t mind, AJ.”

“I was kiddin’,” AJ replied as Cindy playfully shoved him aside to allow Frankie access.

“Where’s Lizzy,” Frankie asked.

“She wanted to tag along with mommy to the ring,” Cindy replied. “Cornette wanted to run through some matches and needed Jules to take notes.”

“So, what was the reading material,” AJ asked as Frankie set down his bag and organized his gear for later that night. Frankie pulled out the book and tossed it to AJ. “Hey, that’s great that you’re reading up on this.”

“See, now why can’t Joe, Chris and Alex be like that,” Frankie sighed.

“Because they’re kids,” AJ replied with a shrug.

~~~~~~~~~~

“Yook, mommy,” Elizabeth called squealing with laughter as Daniels and Lethal play wrestled with her inside the ring.

Juliet looked up from the notes she had been rewriting and smiled. “That's great, baby. Not too rough, guys,” she called.

“We know,” Lethal called with a chuckle as Elizabeth gave him an elbow drop while he was lying on the mat. “Is that how it is? You attack a man while he’s down?” He scooped her up and began to tickle her mercilessly.

“Hey! I want in on this too,” Daniels exclaimed dropping to his knees to tickle Elizabeth too.

Juliet chuckled watching the two men with her daughter. It wasn’t long before Sonjay and Val had joined in on the fun and the four of them were running Elizabeth around inside the ring. “Someone’s going to sleep well tonight,” Juliet muttered to herself.

Just then Greg and Velvet joined Juliet. “Hi, sis,” Greg said hoarsely.

“Shouldn’t you be resting your voice still,” Juliet gently scolded. Greg rolled his eyes and jotted a note, handing it to Juliet. “I know you’re the older sibling. Don’t change the subject.”

“His doctor said he can speak once in a while as long as it’s a whisper,” Velvet replied. “My poor baby. Does your throat still hurt?” She rained delicate kisses on his lips as he nodded that it did hurt. “Poor baby,” she cooed.

“I think I’m going to be sick,” Juliet muttered causing her brother to glare at her. “Pregnant. Twins. Lots of morning sickness.” Greg rolled his eyes and silently scoffed. “Fine. You two being so lovey dovey makes me sick. Happy?”

Greg jotted a not and handed it to her. “Fucking ecstatic. Now you know how I feel when you suck face with Frankie,” Juliet read and then slapped her brother’s shoulder, laughing. “We do NOT suck face. We share tender kisses.”

Velvet snickered and shook her head. “My ass! It was like soft core porn at the last company party!” Greg groaned and pinched the bridge of his nose at his girlfriend’s words. “Sorry, baby. I know you had been trying to forget about that.”

“Hey, babe,” Frankie said joining the three. He gave her a kiss on the lips and then bent down to kiss her belly. Greg made gagging noises and Juliet chuckled and shoved him. “What are they doing to Lizzy?”

“Making her nice and tired so we can just put her to bed when we get her home,” Juliet replied.

Elizabeth spotted her father then and slid out of the ring with Daniels’ help. Frankie met her halfway, scooping her up before she could collide with any vital parts again. “I was westling, daddy,” she chirped.

“I saw,” Frankie said smiling. “What do you say, Chris? We got a future Knockout on our hands?”

“Absolutely,” Daniels smiled. “Of course with Jules as a mom how can she not be?”

Frankie shook his head with a little roll of his eyes. “Uncle Chris is being silly,” he said to Elizabeth, who giggled.

“Oh! You meant…yeah…just leave it up to Jay, AJ and I and we’ll have her kicking even Kong’s ass,” Daniels laughed.

“No. Aunty Kong nice,” Elizabeth replied. “She funny.”

“Are we talking about the same woman,” Daniels asked with a chuckle.

Frankie set Elizabeth on her feet and started chatting with Lethal, Sonjay and Daniels. She happily played with Val and Velvet for a while before tiring of the women. She checked on her mother, who was still doing paper work and occasionally exchanging notes with her brother.

With a sigh she went to her father, tugging on his pant leg. “Daddy,” she called, frowning when he didn’t grant her the attention she was seeking. She tugged a little hard. “Daddy!”

“Just a minute, Monkeyface,” he said ruffling her hair.

She swatted her hand away and her face screwed up into a pout. When he once again took too long to give her the attention she was seeking she grabbed hold of his pant leg with both hands and gave it a healthy tug. Much to her shock and the shock of everyone standing around the pants came down with great ease.

“Oh my GOD,” Val exclaimed shielding her eyes.

Daniels, Sonjay and Lethal all groaned and averted their eyes. Frankie looked down at himself, a deep crimson creeping into his cheeks as he fumbled to pull up his pants. Juliet was up in record time ushering Elizabeth away quickly. Velvet helped her.

“It’s…laundry day,” he nervously chuckled to the guys before heading away, his head down, until he got to his brother-in-law. Frankie groaned. “Go ahead. Lay it on me, Greg. Nothing you can say can be any worse than having my daughter de-pants me in front of my friends and expose my manhood.”

Greg smiled, quickly jotting a note and handing it to Frankie, patting him on the shoulder before walking off to find his niece, sister and girlfriend. Frankie looked down at the note and read it out loud. “What manhood?” He crumpled the paper and grumbled something under his breath as he went to hide in AJ’s locker room until his match.

~~~~~~~~~~

“Mommy? I did bad,” Elizabeth asked.

“Oh, honey. You didn’t know any better, but when daddy’s busy talking you have to wait your turn,” Juliet said scooping up her daughter.

“Daddy mad?”

“More like embarrassed,” Velvet replied with a smile. “Though from where I was sitting he has nothing to be embarrassed of.”

“Velvet! There is a child present,” Juliet scolded.

“Daddy look funny with no pants,” Elizabeth said.

“That’s not what mommy thinks,” Velvet snickered.

“Honestly, turn on that filter that lets you know when to speak out loud in front of a child,” Juliet chided. “What do you mean daddy looks funny with no pants, honey?”

“He got a funny pee pee,” Elizabeth replied.

“Oh boy,” Juliet sighed. “That’s because daddy is man. Men and women have different parts, baby. Why don’t we take you to Cindy and Uncle AJ and we’ll talk more about this some other time?”

“Kay! Wanna walk, mommy,” Elizabeth said smiling wide. Juliet set the child on her feet and took her hand, heading toward AJ’s locker room.

~~~~~~~~~~

“Goodnight, Monkeyface,” Frankie said later that night as he tucked Elizabeth in bed.

“Want story.”

“It’s late, Lizzy,” Frankie replied. “Little girls should be sleeping by now.”

“Pwease,” Elizabeth begged, pouting at him.

“All right,” Frankie sighed, unable to resist her when she pleaded. “Just one. Let me guess…” He scanned the bookshelf and smiled finding the book she loved. “Green Eggs and Ham?” She nodded happily. “Scoot over, kiddo.” He lay down in the bed with her and opened the book.

Before he could get a word of the story out Elizabeth spoke up. “I sowwy, daddy.”

“For what, baby?”

“‘Bawwassing you,” she replied.

“I’m not mad at you, Monkeyface,” he wrapped an arm around her and kissed her cheek. “You didn’t have to apologize, but thank you. I see mommy taught you a new word.”

Elizabeth shook her head no with a yawn. “Velvet.”

“I see,” Frankie replied. “Didn’t see that coming. Shall we read the story now?” She nodded and he began reading the story to her.

Chapter 14

The next couple of weeks progressed smoothly. Frankie and Juliet had been gradually trying to ease Elizabeth into accepting that there would be two new babies joining the family soon. She was still resistant to the idea of being a big sister, but loved the attention her parents lavished on her during their talks.

Juliet was now eight weeks pregnant and starting to show. Her flat stomach was now slightly rounded, despite her ongoing morning sickness. She made a mental note to go shopping for some maternity clothes soon. She realized she’d need them a lot sooner than when she had been pregnant with Elizabeth.

Juliet had just gotten out of the shower and was dressing in her room when Elizabeth walked in and climbed up on the bed. Juliet smiled at her daughter as she pulled on a pair of jeans. “There’s mommy’s big girl,” she said and then noticed that Elizabeth was staring at her oddly. “What’s wrong, sweetie?”

“Babies,” the child asked pointing to Juliet’s rounded stomach.

“Yes, Lizzy, that’s where the babies are growing,” Juliet said grabbing her shirt and pulling it over her head. She sat down on the bed next to Elizabeth, who reached out a hand and touched her mother’s stomach.

“Can’t feel,” the child said disappointed.

“Oh, honey, it’s too soon,” Juliet said. “The babies are too small to feel moving right now. In a couple of months you’ll be able to feel them.”

“Brother or sister,” Elizabeth asked.

“I don’t know that yet, honey,” Juliet said standing and helping Elizabeth off the bed. “Let’s see what daddy’s doing.”

They found Frankie lounging on the couch sipping coffee as he read his book. “Hi, daddy,” Elizabeth said scrambling up onto the couch.

“Hey, Monkeyface,” Frankie replied looking at her briefly to flash a smile before going back to his book and sipping his coffee.

“Daddy, you have a penis,” Elizabeth said proudly.

Frankie choked on his coffee at the words that just came out of his daughter’s mouth. “You all right,” Juliet asked patting his back.

“Fine,” he coughed. “Where’d you learn that word, Lizzy?”

“Mommy,” Elizabeth replied not fazed by her father’s reaction.

Frankie turned his attention to his wife. “Well, I had to explain something to her when she saw yours,” Juliet replied with a shrug.

“A little heads up that you were going to have the parts talk with her would have been nice,” Frankie replied.

“Would you relax,” Juliet chuckled. “She needs to know the proper terminology when she starts pre-school next year anyway. Would you rather her learn it from one of us or a class mate?”

“It’s still a shock to hear my three year old daughter say the word penis,” Frankie replied, the final word was practically whispered.

Juliet laughed. “You don’t have to whisper the word, Frankie. She already knows it.”

“Well, someone needs to teach her when it’s appropriate to use it,” Frankie replied.

The doorbell rang then signaling the end of the conversation. “That’s AJ, Cindy, Chris and Alex,” Frankie marking his place in the book and going to put it in the bedroom.

Juliet answered the door and found Sabin and Shelley standing there pouting, rubbing their heads. “Hey, guys. What’s with those two,” Juliet asked AJ.

“Cindy caught them commenting on her ass on the way up to your place and…well…”

“How hard did you hit them,” Juliet snickered.

“Not hard enough,” Cindy said glaring at the two men. “How are you feeling,” she asked turning her attention to Juliet.

“Tired, but the morning sickness isn’t as bad,” Juliet replied allowing them entrance into the apartment. She linked arms with Cindy and started chattering about going shopping for maternity wear as they headed into the kitchen.

“Typical chicks,” Alex sighed entering the apartment.

“Yeah, shopping,” Sabin agreed. Both men plopped down onto the couch. “Monster kid incoming,” Sabin exclaimed seeing Elizabeth running toward them. He scooped her up and lifted her shirt, blowing loud raspberries onto her stomach.

“My turn,” Alex said taking the child from Sabin. He began tickling her and tossing her around.

“Guys, not so rough with her,” Juliet called from the kitchen. “It’s almost her naptime. I don’t want her all riled up.”

“Mommy’s being a stick in the mud,” Sabin said pouting at Elizabeth and making her laugh.

“I’ll show you where you can shove that stick,” Cindy called.

“Ooh! Kinky,” Alex smirked.

“AJ,” Cindy growled. “Talk to your friends about appropriate and inappropriate.”

“Guys,” AJ said as Sabin began making whipping noises. “You know what? Go to hell!” He stalked into the kitchen.

“Wow, you guys are in rare form today,” Frankie said taking Elizabeth from Shelley and setting her down on the floor.

Elizabeth followed everyone into the kitchen, climbing up into AJ’s lap. He wrapped his arms around her and gave her a kiss. “Unca AJ your face tickles,” she giggled.

“You do need a shave,” Juliet commented.

“I supposed,” AJ said feeling the scruffy beard.

“Unca AJ, you have a penis,” Elizabeth said.

“Yes, I do, sweetie…wait…what did she just say?”

Frankie cringed. Sabin and Shelley choked on their sodas, giggling at AJ’s mortified face. Juliet just sighed and shook her head. She’d never hear the end of it from Frankie now.

“Well, some people would say that Cindy owns AJ’s penis,” Shelley said and Sabin had to lean on the counter because he was laughing so hard.

“That is IT,” Cindy growled, standing and slapping both men upside the head so hard that they staggered a bit and nearly smacked their heads on the cabinets.

“Very inappropriate, guys,” Frankie said. “Come on, Lizzy. Nappy time.” He took his daughter from AJ and headed into her room for her nap. He had to laugh when he heard Cindy slap Sabin and Shelley upside the head a few more times for good measure.

~~~~~~~~~~

“She’s finally asleep,” Frankie said entering the bedroom later that night. Juliet was lying in bed reading. He crawled into bed next to her, placing a kiss on her expanding belly before kissing her lips. “You tired?”

“No more than usual,” she replied marking her place and setting the book aside. “Why?”

He slid his hands down her sides, sliding her nightgown up her legs. “I think you know why,” he replied kissing her lips a moment before trailing them lower. He slid the nightgown over her head, tossing it aside before returning to trailing kisses down her body.

She let out little sighs as he worked his way down to her rounded stomach. “What’s wrong,” she asked when he stopped. She met his gaze and saw the look of trepidation on his face. “Frankie, what is it?”

“I won’t hurt them, will I,” he asked, biting his bottom lip. “I mean if we make love it won’t hurt the twins, will it?”

“No, honey,” Juliet replied with small smile. “They’re safe. We might as well take advantage of this.” He arched a brow at her. “Once my doctor puts me on bed rest you won’t be getting any until after the twins are born.”

“Gotcha,” Frankie said, going back to lavishing attention on her. He moved so that he was lying on top of her partially as he began to kiss and nibble here and there.

“Oh, Frankie, stop,” Juliet said suddenly, pushing him away.

He slid off of her, wide eyed. “What’s wrong? Did I hurt you? Is it the babies?”

Juliet groaned, holding her side. “It wasn’t you,” she replied.

“You’re in pain,” Frankie said, feeling the panic rising inside of him. “We should go to the hospital.” He attempted to get out of bed, but she stopped him.

“Honey, a little cramping is normal,” she said calming him down. “Everything is fine. I just didn’t expect it to happen now.”

“You sure it wasn’t…”

“It wasn’t you,” Juliet smiled. “Now, where were we?”

Frankie eyed her skeptically a few moments, not sure he really wanted to go through with their original plans. He weighed his options carefully. When he was sure that Juliet and twins were fine he smiled and allowed her to pull his face down to hers.

Chapter 15

“How did I get talked into this,” AJ grumbled following the small group of women into the mall.

Now in her twelfth week of pregnancy Juliet could no longer put the maternity clothes shopping off. She had resorted to borrowing Frankie’s clothes, but knew that she wouldn’t be able to keep that up for much longer. She needed clothes made to stretch with her growing belly.

“You’re doing it for me, AJ,” Juliet said looping her arm through his. “Frankie is staying home with Lizzy since she’s sick. Greg is on a mini-tour of Europe for the time being. You were the last resort.”

“Thanks,” AJ replied with a sigh. “But do I have to come to the damn mall with you ladies? Couldn’t I have unloaded the car when you got home?”

“Don’t be silly,” Traci chuckled.

“Yeah, who would do the heavy lifting,” Velvet agreed.

“Besides, we need a man’s opinion on things too ya know,” Christy chimed in.

“Face it, AJ, you’re stuck with us,” Juliet smiled and smirked at Cindy, who had taken her boyfriend’s hand and given it a sympathetic squeeze. “Besides if you’re good maybe Cindy will give you a big reward later.” The other ladies began to snicker at the comment as AJ’s cheeks flushed.

“Honey,” Cindy said trying hard not to laugh. “You can stop blushing. I’m sure the ladies know that you and I have sex.”

“Would you stop that,” AJ exclaimed. “That is not something we talk about! Goodness! You’re all worse than men at a wet T-shirt contest!” This only brought more laughs from the ladies as they headed into the first store.

~~~~~~~~~~

“I know, baby,” Frankie cooed as he held Elizabeth in his arms while she sniffled and coughed, groaning and whimpering. “My poor Monkeyface. You just don’t feel good at all do you?”

“What gave you the first clue,” Joe asked looking up from the game he had been watching. “Was it the projectile vomit or the green shit seeping from her nose.”

“Would you cut it out,” Frankie growled. “I’m trying to take care of my daughter. I don’t need comments from the peanut gallery.”

“Wow. Howdy Doody reference,” Sabin snickered, shaking his head.

“How old are you again,” Shelley asked.

“You guys can go watch the game somewhere else you know,” Frankie replied, patting Elizabeth’s back as she began to cough again. “Easy, Lizzy. Daddy’s here.” She clung to him for dear life, resting her head on his shoulder.

“She’s really feeling shitty, huh,” Joe asked, showing some concern when he looked at Elizabeth. Frankie nodded. “Poor kid. Maybe we should go and let you take care of her in peace.”

“Joe! It’s only the first quarter,” Sabin protested.

“It’s fine, guys,” Frankie replied, sitting down with Elizabeth and rocking her gently. “Just keep it down.”

“YES,” Alex exclaimed just then, waking Elizabeth out of her drowsing state. She began to cry at the sudden noise. Alex cringed, realizing his mistake. “I am SO sorry, Frankie! Give her to me and I’ll calm her down.”

“You honestly think Frankie is going to be that stupid,” Joe grumbled slapping Alex upside the head.

“Couldn’t hurt,” Frankie sighed. “Lizzy, you want to go to Uncle Alex?”

“Come here, munchkin,” Alex said taking the crying child, who was trying in vain to cling to her father. He took Elizabeth into her room giving Frankie a break.

“You have GOT to be tired to let Numbnuts Number One take her,” Joe commented.

Frankie sighed, leaning back into the couch where he sat. “Between Lizzy being sick and clingy and Jules’ morning sickness…I don’t know whether I’m coming or going,” he replied, yawning.

“But it’s morning sickness,” Sabin said confused.

“Doesn’t mean she only gets it in the morning,” Joe replied shooting Sabin a look. “Do you have a brain in that head?”

“Jules tends to get it REALLY early in the morning,” Frankie sighed. “I will be happy when I can enjoy sleeping until I’m ready to wake up. Since Lizzy got sick all the two of them seem to do is puke.”

“It’s all right! I’ll clean it up,” Alex called from Elizabeth’s room. Frankie groaned, knowing immediately what Elizabeth had done. “It’s all right, Lizzy. Uncle Alex didn’t need that shirt anyway.” Joe began to snicker hearing that.

“I think I’ll go help Alex,” Sabin said growing tired of hearing Frankie griping.

“Seems like something else is on your mind, Frankie,” Joe said when Sabin was gone.

“It’s nothing,” Frankie replied shrugging. “I just…twins, Joe. It’s fucking twins. I thought I was ready when Jules found out that she was pregnant, but…twins. I just feel so…unprepared.”

“What happened to your book,” Joe asked.

“All the books in the world can’t prepare me for this,” Frankie groaned. “I was so excited thinking that maybe we might be having a boy, but…now I’m scared out of my wits. If I screw up it’s two lives I screw up.”

“Frankie, trust me when I say this, you will NOT screw this up,” Joe replied, placing a hand on his friend’s shoulder. “I know I tease the shit out of you, but you’re a great father. You’re doing all right by Lizzy. You’ll do fine with the twins.”

“Thanks, Joe,” Frankie said smiling.

“She’s all clean,” Alex said exiting Elizabeth’s room with Sabin in tow. “And she’s sleeping.”

“Where’s the soap,” Sabin asked holding up the dirty sheets and Alex’s soiled shirt. “We’ll wash these and save Jules the trouble.”

“Who are you two and what have you done with the real Alex and Chris,” Frankie asked standing to give Sabin the soap. Joe just laughed.

~~~~~~~~~~

“Look at that belly,” Velvet exclaimed rubbing Juliet’s protruding belly as she tried on some clothes.

“Velvet,” Juliet said through gritted teeth. “I get that you’re excited about the twins, but PLEASE leave my stomach alone. I’m not a damn Buddha.”

AJ began to snicker. “You remember that guy that came up to you when you were pregnant with Lizzy,” he said giggling at the memory.

“I don’t understand what it is about a pregnant belly that makes everyone think they can just invade my personal space,” Juliet sighed, running a hand over her stomach.

“They’re just amazed by the miracle of life,” Christy smiled.

“Would it be too much trouble to ask before accosting someone,” Juliet asked going back into the changing room.

“She punched the guy in the face,” AJ said still snickering at the memory. “Did I mention she was moody as hell when she was pregnant with Lizzy?”

“I heard that,” Juliet called from the changing room.

“Let’s go ring these things up,” Cindy suggested before AJ could say more.

~~~~~~~~~~

When Juliet arrived home with AJ and Cindy they found Frankie lying on the couch with Elizabeth on his chest. Both were sound asleep. Juliet took one look at them and smiled.

“The poor guy must have been exhausted,” she whispered to AJ and Cindy.

“I’ll put Lizzy to bed,” Cindy said, gently lifting the child off of her father. She whimpered in her sleep and snuggled into Cindy as she carried her away.

“Where should I put these,” AJ asked.

“The bedroom,” Juliet replied. AJ nodded and carried the bags into the bedroom. Juliet turned her attention to Frankie, going to him and placing a light kiss on his lips.

His eyes fluttered open and he smiled tiredly up at her. “You get everything you need?”

“I think so,” she replied taking a seat next to him when he sat up. “I wasn’t sure what size I’d need for later on so I just bought stuff that will hopefully be big enough. I may need to go shopping again eventually though.”

“She’s snuggled up,” Cindy said exiting Elizabeth’s room. “Her fever finally broke.”

“Oh thank God,” Frankie said breathing a sigh of relief. “I was worried that the Tylenol wasn’t working.”

“Give us a call if you need anything,” AJ said exiting the bedroom where he had deposited the bags. With that he and Cindy left.

“Why don’t you go to bed, honey,” Juliet said to Frankie once they were alone. “You look exhausted.”

“You don’t mind,” Frankie asked seeing that it was still very early.

“It’s been a rough couple of days on you,” Juliet smiled. “I can make you something for dinner first if you’d like.”

“Joe ordered pizza during the game,” Frankie replied, standing and stretching. He felt his stomach lurch at the motion and groaned. He let out a little belch, feeling like he might vomit himself. “Babe, I think I caught whatever Lizzy has.”

Juliet felt his forehead and frowned. “You do feel warm. Go get some rest,” she said. He nodded heading into the bedroom to get some much needed sleep.

Chapter 16

Juliet was awakened in the middle of the night by a strange sound. Rolling over she found Frankie’s side of the bed empty. “Honey,” she called. When she got no answer she slid out of bed and went to the doorway. She could see the bathroom light illuminating the hall and padded down to it.

“Daddy sick,” Elizabeth said coming out of her room and pointing into the bathroom.

Juliet cringed when she heard the sound of Frankie vomiting. She now knew what had awakened her. “Yes, daddy is sick. Let’s get you back into bed,” she replied to her daughter. She tucked the child in and then went to check on her husband. “Honey?”

“Don’t come in here, babe,” Frankie groaned, flushing the toilet and going to the sink to wash out his mouth.

“Baby, you’re sick,” Juliet said ignoring his warning and entering the bathroom.

“Jules, I mean it,” Frankie said backing away from her. “I don’t want to give this to you.”

“Are you planning on spending the night in the bathroom,” Juliet demanded, crossing her arms across her chest.

“No, on the couch,” Frankie replied. “There’s no sense in all three of us being sick.”

“You mean five,” Juliet smirked, rubbing her rounded belly.

“Until I get better I’ll be on the couch,” Frankie said, groaning as he felt his stomach lurch once again. “Good Lord what did that kid give me?” He knelt down by the toilet again, bracing himself once again.

Juliet sighed, not liking the idea of sleeping alone. “You know where the extra pillows and blankets are,” she said. “Feel better, honey.” He nodded, groaning before closing the door in her face. Moments later she heard him getting sick. “Poor guy,” she sighed heading back to bed.

~~~~~~~~~~

“How’s the mommy to be,” Greg asked. He had started calling his sister at least once a week while he was away.

“Tired,” Juliet sighed as she cleaned up the kitchen. “Lizzy was sick and now Frankie’s got whatever she had.”

“The big baby,” Greg snickered. “Tell him to get off his lazy ass and help out around the house.”

“Greg, I doubt he could even keep his eyes open at this point in time let alone get up off the couch. He spent the night in the bathroom.”

“Ah yes, nothing like a father to be with the green apple splatters,” Greg said.

“You’re gross,” Juliet chuckled. “And it wasn’t just that. It was coming out of both ends.”

“Ew, Jules! TMI,” Greg exclaimed.

“You started it,” Juliet replied with a laugh.

“So, you’re making him sleep on the couch,” Greg asked changing the subject.

“Actually he volunteered to do that,” Juliet said sitting down and helping Elizabeth with her pancakes. “He says he doesn’t want to take a chance of getting me sick. He’s worried it’ll hurt the babies.”

“Speaking of babies…any news on whether I’ll have twin nieces or nephews,” Greg asked.

“No,” Juliet replied. “And Frankie and I have agreed that we don’t want to know ahead of time.”

“Bull,” Greg replied. “I know you’re just dying to know. And it’s gotta be killing Frankie to know if he’ll have someone to carry on the Kazarian name.”

“Frankie wants two healthy babies. It doesn’t matter what we’re having,” Juliet replied.

“Uh huh,” Greg replied sounding distracted. “All right, sis, I gotta get going. They need me to do something for a radio show here. I’ll talk to you next week. Oh yeah and when I come home in a couple of weeks I’ll have a surprise.”

“Can’t wait,” Juliet replied. “Be careful. Don’t go straining a vocal cord again. Love ya, big bro.”

“Love ya too, sis,” Greg said. “I’ll see you in a couple of weeks.”

“Mommy, I miss Unca Gweg,” Elizabeth said, her face sticky with pancake syrup.

“Me too, honey,” Juliet said kissing her forehead. “Come on, let’s get you cleaned up.”

When Elizabeth had been cleaned up and changed Juliet set her up in the master bedroom with a DVD and went to check on Frankie. Juliet gently placed a hand on his forehead to see if he still had a fever. His eyes fluttered open and he groaned.

“Why won’t you listen to me,” he asked.

“Honey, you’re sick. I’m not going to sit by and watch you suffer,” Juliet replied. “Your fever has gone down finally. Maybe this is just a twenty-four hour bug.”

“Lizzy’s all right,” he asked.

“She’s still got the sniffles, but she’s not throwing up anymore,” Juliet replied.

“Come to think of it,” Frankie said sitting up. “I don’t feel nauseous like I did all night.”

“See, you’re getting better,” Juliet smiled.

“I have a newfound respect for what you’re going through with this pregnancy, babe,” he sighed. “I have no idea how you deal with the morning sickness.”

“Actually that’s not such a problem anymore,” Juliet smiled. “Once in a while I get a little sick, but not as much as it was.” She perched on the back of the couch.

He smiled and leaned over, placing a hand on her stomach. “How much longer before we can feel them moving,” he asked.

“A couple of more months,” Juliet smiled. The doorbell rang just then breaking up the tender moment. “Who could that be?”

“Oh no,” Frankie groaned. “I invited the guys over to hang out yesterday before I got sick.”

“Come on, Frankie! Let us in,” Alex called through the door. “I got hot wings burning a hole in my hand!” Juliet opened the door. “Oh, hey Jules.”

“Guys, Frankie’s…”

“Looking like shit,” Joe said coming into the apartment. “What the hell is wrong with you?”

“I’m sick,” Frankie replied standing in the doorway to the living room, a blanket wrapped around his shoulders.

“Man up,” Sabin said smirking. “We got pizza, hot wings and movies!”

The three men made their way into the living room. Sabin put the pizza down on the coffee table and opened up the box, grabbing a slice. Alex set the hot wings down and opened them up while Joe popped a movie in the DVD player.

“Guys really I…” Frankie didn’t get to finish his statement as Alex shoved a hot wing in his mouth.

“Tell me that’s not the best damn wing you’ve ever had,” he said smiling at Frankie, who was turning very visibly green. “You all right, dude?”

Before anyone could speak Frankie had spit the hot wing out, right into Sabin’s lap and took off down the hall toward the bathroom. The door slammed shut behind him and they could hear him getting sick. Alex cringed and shook his head.

“If he didn’t like it all he had to do was say so,” he muttered.

“Guys, he’s sick,” Juliet said. “He caught whatever Lizzy had.”

“Speaking of the munchkin,” Sabin said wiping his pant leg where the wing had landed. “Where is she? I got a slice of pizza with her name on it.”

“No pizza,” Juliet said. “She might be better, but her little tummy still needs time to recover.”

“You’re such a mom, Jules,” Sabin pouted.

“Amazing considering I’m going to have twins in about six months,” Juliet said running a hand down her rounded belly. “You guys really should have called first.”

“I’m all right,” Frankie groaned coming out of the bathroom.

“No one asked,” Joe replied. “We gonna watch these movies or did I waste money renting them?”

“Start it up,” Frankie sighed taking a seat next to Joe on the couch. “Maybe some movies will take my mind off of being sick.”

“I’ll be in our room with Lizzy,” Juliet said. “I know the type of movies you guys like and I think I’ll pass on boob and fart jokes for the night.

Chapter 17

The weeks rolled by quickly. Both Elizabeth and Frankie had fully recovered from their illness. They were awaiting Greg’s arrival with the surprise he had promised his sister.

“Lizzy, stay still please,” Juliet said as she brushed her daughter’s chestnut locks. “Uncle Greg is coming home today. You want to look pretty for him, right?”

“Yes,” Elizabeth said, sitting still for Juliet finally.

“Look at my pretty girls,” Frankie smiled returning from the gym. “What’s the special occasion?” Elizabeth was in one of her best dresses.

“Unca Gweg comin’ home,” Elizabeth chirped as Juliet finished up her hair, tying it back in a pink ribbon.

“Oh joy,” Frankie muttered.

“Be nice,” Juliet warned. “I haven’t seen my brother in almost two months. I miss him.”

“Whatever,” Frankie sighed. “I’m going to grab a shower. Let me know when he gets here.”

Juliet nodded as she set about cleaning the apartment a bit. The doorbell rang not too long after Frankie had gotten into the shower. Juliet went to answer it and found Velvet and Greg all over each other. She cleared her throat and the couple pulled apart.

“Sis,” Greg said smiling wide, embracing her. “Good Lord, you’re huge already.”

“Thanks,” Juliet muttered with a sigh. “You always know how to make me feel better.”

“It’s a gift,” Greg teased.

“So, what’s this surprise,” Juliet asked ushering the two into the apartment.

Greg and Velvet shared a conspiratorial smile. “He’s coming in a little bit.”

“He,” Juliet asked. “Who did you invite?”

The doorbell rang signaling the arrival of Greg’s surprise guest. “That’s him,” Greg said going to the door.

Juliet turned her attention toward Velvet. “Who is he so excited about?”

“Dad! You made it,” Greg said when he opened the door. He gave the older man a tight hug. “Come on in.”

Juliet stood there stunned. She hadn’t seen her father since before Elizabeth was born. “Juliet, aren’t you going to give your father a hug?” He held open his arms for her.

“I’d prefer if you dropped dead,” Juliet said glaring at him. “How dare you invite this man into my home,” she growled at her brother and stalked off into the bedroom.

“I told you she wouldn’t be happy to see me, Greg,” their father sighed.

“It was just a shock,” Velvet said, attempting to cover for her friend’s behavior.

“You’re a sweet girl, but very naive.” He looked at his son’s disappointed face. “She has a right to her feelings, son.”

“I just thought that she would have let go of that anger after all this time,” Greg replied with a frown.

“Maybe you should go talk to her,” Velvet suggested.

Meanwhile in the bedroom Juliet slammed the door behind her, startling Frankie, who had been getting dressed. “How DARE he,” she muttered as she paced.

“Baby, what’s going on,” Frankie asked slipping on his pants and pulling a shirt on. It wasn’t often that he had seen his wife this upset. “Hey, calm down. This isn’t good for the twins.” He grabbed her gently by the shoulders and made her stop pacing. “What’s going on?”

“Greg’s surprise was our father,” Juliet replied. “How DARE he!”

“Your dad’s here? I finally get to meet him,” Frankie smiled.

“Not if I can help it,” Juliet said trying to get away from him. He restrained her gently. “Frankie, that man is NOT welcome here.”

“Babe, it might be good for Lizzy to know her grandfather,” Frankie said. “Besides that I’d like to meet my father-in-law.”

Juliet stopped straining and sighed. “Fine, but don’t expect me to be cordial to the man.” She pulled free of him and headed toward the door. “You coming or what? This may be your only chance to meet him.”

Frankie followed Juliet out of the bedroom and into the living room where Greg had found one of Juliet’s photo albums and was showing the pictures to their father. Greg looked up from the photos and saw his sister heading his way. He excused himself and stood going to her.

“Would you just please be nice,” he begged. “For me.”

“I didn’t ask you to invite him here,” Juliet replied.

“I thought that you’d be happy to see him,” Greg said. “Forgive me for trying to do something special for my baby sister.”

“Why would I be happy to see a man who abandoned me,” Juliet demanded and then sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. “I don’t want to get into this now. He’s here now and Frankie wants to meet him. I’m sure Lizzy wouldn’t mind meeting him either.”

“Be nice,” Greg warned.

“Frankie,” Juliet said taking his hand and leading him over to the couch. “This is my father, Matthew Cameron. Dad, this is Frankie.”

“I see you’re talking to me now,” Matthew smirked.

“You can leave if you’d prefer,” Juliet replied through gritted teeth.

“Frankie,” Matthew said standing and holding out his hand for his son-in-law to shake. “Nice to meet you, son.”

“It’s good to meet you too, sir,” Frankie said shaking the older man’s hand.

“Now, where is that lovely little granddaughter of mine,” Matthew asked. He had seen Elizabeth going over to her father. She was hiding behind him at the moment.

“This is Elizabeth,” Frankie said scooping her up. “Say hello to your grandpa.”

“Not Papa Kaz,” Elizabeth said eyeing this stranger warily.

Frankie chuckled. “No, this isn’t daddy’s father, baby. This is mommy’s father. This is Papa Cameron.”

“Hello, Elizabeth,” Matthew said smiling. He reached out a hand to tickle her, but she shied away from him, burying her face in her father’s shoulder.

“She prefers Lizzy,” Juliet said taking their daughter from Frankie to console her. “And she doesn’t like strangers much.”

“Well, perhaps that can be remedied,” Matthew smiled. “Greg has told me about the twins. I’d like to be a bigger part of the family from now on.”

“We’ve done just fine without you,” Juliet replied taking Elizabeth into her room to put her down for a nap.

“What exactly happened between you two,” Frankie asked. He had taken an instant liking to his father-in-law.

Matthew sighed, sitting down on the couch once again. “I wish I could say it was all in her mind, but I’m afraid I am guilty of abandoning her and Greg when they were younger,” he replied sadly. “When their mother died I was an emotional wreck and I shut my children out for a long time. Juliet has never forgiven me for that.”

“Why don’t you tell the whole truth,” Juliet said coming out of Elizabeth’s room. “Why don’t you tell him about how you practically disowned me when you found out I was pregnant with Lizzy? Or what about how I was stupid enough to believe that after so many years I could rebuild a relationship with you?”

“Juliet,” Matthew said standing up and going to his daughter. “I know you don’t believe this, but you’ve always been my little princess. I would do anything for you and your brother. I love both of my children.”

Juliet stared at him coldly. “You have a funny way of showing it. Why don’t you do what you do best and leave?” She went to the door and held it open.

“If that’s what you really want,” Matthew said sadly.

“Dad, you don’t have to go,” Greg said jumping up to stop him from leaving. He glared at his sister. “Do you always have to be such a bitch about this?”

“You can leave too,” Juliet replied, her eyes still cold.

“Fine,” Greg replied. “Let’s go, Velvet. Come on, dad. I’ll get you settled in the hotel.” He glared at his sister a moment before taking Velvet’s hand and leaving the apartment with Matthew.

Juliet slammed the door behind them and let out a ragged breath. Tears burned her eyes, but she fought them back. Frankie watched her as she went into the kitchen and began to wipe the counter tops.

“Jules,” he said softly from his spot in the kitchen doorway.

“Don’t,” Juliet said sniffling. “You have NO idea what I went through with that man. Just because I’m pregnant doesn’t mean I’m going to let all that shit fly out the window and forgive and forget.”

Frankie knew that when she was like this there was no talking to her. Silently he went to where she stood with her back to him, leaning on the counter. He slipped his arms around her waist and pulled her to him. “I understand that you’re angry,” he whispered to her. “When you’re ready to talk I’m here.”

Chapter 18

Later that night when Frankie entered the bedroom after putting Elizabeth to bed he found Juliet sitting in bed with a photo album in her lap. He could see tears shining in her eyes as she looked at the photos. Sitting down on the bed he snuggled close to her and looked at the pictures with her.

“I never realized how much you look like your mother,” he said softly.

Juliet sniffled, wiping a stray tear from her cheek. “Greg and dad say the same thing,” she said tracing a finger over her mother’s face in a family photo. “This was the last picture all four of us took together. Mom died just three months later.”

“You’d never know she was sick,” he replied, wrapping an arm around Juliet. She leaned into him.

“It happened suddenly,” Juliet replied closing the photo album with a sad sigh. “She ignored her health for too long. Her heart just gave out. That’s what the doctor said.” Frankie kissed her temple.

“Baby, maybe you should try to patch things up with your father,” he said softly. “Besides Greg he’s your only family.”

Juliet shook her head no. “I needed him when mom died and he wasn’t there,” she said, her voice choked with tears. “Then when he found out about Lizzy he had the nerve to tell me I was a disgrace.” She shook her no again. “I’m better off without him in my life.”

“Maybe you are, but is Lizzy,” he pushed gently. “Honey, your dad is a nice guy. Maybe he genuinely is sorry for all that shit. Maybe you should hear him out and try to come to some compromise.” She glared at him. “I’m not saying you have to forgive and forget. I’m just saying it might do Lizzy some good to get to know her grandfather.”

Juliet sighed, shoulders slumping. “I guess.” She slid under the covers and snuggled up to his side. “I’ll see if he’s free tomorrow and maybe we can talk.”

“Good,” Frankie smiled.

~~~~~~~~~~

The next morning Juliet made arrangements for Cindy to take Elizabeth on a play date for a couple of hours. Frankie was out running errands and then heading to the gym. She had called up Greg and asked him for their father’s number. He was more than happy to provide her with it.

An hour later the doorbell rang. Juliet took a deep breath to calm her nerves and went to answer the door. She ran a hand through her hair and ran a hand down her shirt nervously making sure she was presentable.

“Juliet,” Matthew said smiling when she opened the door. “I was so pleasantly surprised to get your phone call. Do I get a hug this time?” Juliet forced a smile and hugged her father. “My goodness,” he said placing a hand on her expanding stomach. “I had no idea you were so far along.”

“I’m only sixteen weeks, dad,” she said with a chuckle. “I’m having twins. Remember?” He smiled and nodded as he entered the apartment. “I want to apologize for how I acted yesterday.”

“Baby, you have every right to how you feel,” he replied. “I’m not proud of the way I handled your mother’s death and there isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t regret things that have been said and done.”

Tears filled her eyes. “Still, I shouldn’t have acted that way in front of Lizzy. It sets a bad example for her and…” He placed a finger over her lips to quiet her.

“Juliet, you’re more like your mother than you’ll ever know,” he sighed sadly. “I think that’s part of the reason I pulled away from you. I want you to understand that it had nothing to do with you and everything to do with me. You were my perfect little girl and I just didn’t know how I would raise you and your brother alone.”

“I was sixteen years old,” Juliet replied, the tears rolling down her cheeks now. “I needed my father.”

“I know,” Matthew said softly. “But I…”

“I don’t care what you were going through,” Juliet said, her sadness now turning to anger. “You should have sucked it up and took care of your kids.”

“Juliet…”

“No, you abandoned us emotionally and then…then you ran off with some floozy,” Juliet said, her voice raising with each word. “Greg was more of a father to me than you were!”

Matthew sighed, slumping down to the couch. “We’re right back to where we were four years ago.”

“Yes, let’s talk about four years ago,” Juliet said, her eyes flashing with pent up anger. “I was alone and pregnant…”

“Yes, alone and pregnant by choice, Juliet,” Matthew said finally losing his temper with his daughter. “You chose to leave the father of your child then. Forgive me for not being understanding. I thought you were insane to try to raise a child on your own.”

“You had NO right to pass judgement on me,” Juliet yelled. “I was doing what I thought was best!”

“Best for who? Certainly not your child,” Matthew roared. Juliet’s eyes went wide as she felt the first pang of pain rip through her stomach. She clutched her growing belly and doubled over, groaning. “Juliet? Baby? What’s wrong?”

“I…don’t…know,” she groaned, her eyes began to well up. “No. This can’t be happening. Not now.”

“You need to get to a hospital,” Matthew said. “We need to call Frankie.”

“No…time,” Juliet groaned as another pain shook her.

“I have to get my car,” Matthew muttered heading for the door.

“Daddy! Please don’t leave me,” Juliet sobbed.

“I’m right here, baby,” Matthew said, wrapping an arm around his daughter. “Can you walk?”

“I don’t think so,” she sobbed.

“All right. Stay calm, Juliet. I’ll get you to the hospital and then we can call Frankie,” he said, carefully lifting her into his arms and carrying her down to his car.

~~~~~~~~~~
When Frankie arrived home he found AJ inside the apartment pacing nervously. “AJ? What’s going on?”

“WHERE THE HELL HAVE YOU BEEN,” AJ exclaimed.

Frankie flinched at the yelling. “At the gym. What’s going on? Where’s Jules?”

“Jules is in the hospital,” AJ replied.

“WHAT? What happened,” Frankie exclaimed, mentally kicking himself for not being there for her.

“She was arguing with her dad and starting having pains,” AJ explained.

Frankie dropped his bag where he stood and headed toward the door. “I have to go be with her,” he said. “Are..are the twins all right?” AJ followed Frankie out of the apartment and to his car.

“Jules and the babies are fine,” AJ replied. “It was just pretty scary for all of us and then you couldn’t be reached.”

Frankie breathed a sigh of relief as he sped along the streets toward the hospital. “If anything happened to any of them and I wasn’t there I don’t know what I’d do.”

They arrived at the hospital several minutes later. AJ told Frankie the room number and told him to go up and be with his wife while AJ parked the car. Frankie bolted toward the elevator, nervously waiting for it to reach the floor he wanted.

When he arrived at Juliet’s room she was asleep in the bed. Matthew sat at her bedside holding her hand. He had his eyes closed. Frankie entered the room and placed a soft kiss on her forehead.

“Hey,” she said softly, fluttering open her eyes.

“I’m so sorry I wasn’t there for you, baby,” Frankie whispered.

“I’m all right,” she replied smiling. “The babies are fine too. The doctor says it was stress.”

“I wonder why,” Frankie said casting a glance at Matthew. “When I said talk to him I really meant talk not argue.”

“I know,” Juliet sighed. “All those old emotions just came rushing back to the surface.”

“But we’re going to work on listening to each other and talking things out from now on, right,” Matthew chimed in.

“Yes,” Juliet replied. “We’ve decided on a truce.”

“Good,” Frankie smiled sitting on the edge of the bed. “I think it’s best for everyone.” He placed a hand on Juliet’s belly. “Especially the twins.”

Chapter 19

“Are you sure you’ll be all right,” Frankie asked Juliet as he fluffed her pillows. She had been released from the hospital and was now on maternity leave from work. Frankie insisted that she rest as much as possible and follow the doctor’s orders to the letter.

“Frankie, Greg will be around and so will dad,” Juliet replied. “Cindy will be around a lot as well to look after Lizzy for me.”

“I just hate going on the road and missing out on things,” Frankie sighed.

“It’s one doctor visit,” Juliet replied. “You’ll be gone a week. Nothing is going to happen in a week.”

“You were hospitalized while I was at the gym a couple of weeks ago, Jules,” Frankie reminded her. “What if you go into labor while I’m gone?”

“Will you stop worrying,” Juliet said taking his hand. “I’m following the doctor’s orders exactly. I’m not fighting with dad anymore. There’s no stress. You have nothing to worry about. We’ll be fine.”

“You’ll call me if anything,” he asked. “No matter what time of day or night.”

“I will,” Juliet replied. “Now, go before you miss your flight.”

“I’ll call every night,” he said leaning down and placing a kiss on her lips. He placed his hand on her rounded stomach and smiled. “You let me know how it goes with the doctor.”

“I will. Go,” Juliet chuckled.

“Monkeyface, come give daddy a kiss,” Frankie called as he exited the bedroom.

“Heading out now, son,” Matthew asked.

“Yeah,” Frankie replied scooping up Elizabeth and kissing her. “Keep a close eye on her please, Matthew. She’s stubborn.”

Matthew chuckled. “You forget that I raised her,” he said. “Everything will be fine. Go on and have a good trip. Everyone here will be just fine.”

“Bye daddy,” Elizabeth called as Frankie grabbed his suitcase and headed out.

“Well, little one, what shall we do now,” Matthew asked his granddaughter.

“Wanna stay with mommy,” Elizabeth said.

Matthew smiled. “You going to take care of mommy while daddy’s gone?” Elizabeth nodded and headed into the bedroom with her mother.

“There’s my girl,” Juliet said looking up from the book she was reading. “To what do I owe the pleasure of your company, pumpkin?”

“She wants to take care of you while daddy’s on the road,” Matthew smiled as he helped Elizabeth up onto the bed. Juliet smiled as the child snuggled up next to her mother. “Can I get you anything, sweetheart?”

“I’m fine, dad,” Juliet replied. “I wish people would stop treating me like I’m going to break. I’m just pregnant.”

“Babies,” Elizabeth said to her grandfather pointing to her mother’s stomach.

“Yes, those are the babies, Lizzy. Very good,” Matthew said perching on the edge of the bed and ruffling Elizabeth’s hair. “We’re just concerned because of what happened a couple of weeks ago, Juliet.”

“I know,” Juliet replied, reaching out and taking his hand and giving it a little squeeze. “I never did thank you for being there when I needed you.”

“About time, huh,” Matthew replied.

“What do you say we wipe the slate clean,” Juliet replied. “Holding onto that anger hasn’t done me any good. I’d like for Lizzy and the twins to know their grandfather.”

Matthew smiled and nodded. “You have no idea how happy that makes me.”

“Anyone home,” Greg called entering the apartment. He wandered into the bedroom and saw the scene between his father and sister. “Do I have the right place?”

“Yes,” Juliet laughed. “Don’t be a smartass.” Greg just smiled; feeling relieved that the two had finally made up after all these years.

~~~~~~~~~~

“Hey, Frankie, you coming with us to that club Joe was telling us about,” Sabin asked.

“Yeah, you can get your groove on,” Alex smiled, making Sabin giggle.

“You guys have fun,” Frankie said. “I have a date with my wife.”

“Dude, your wife is clear across the country,” Alex replied.

“Yes, and I have to call her and make sure everything at home is all right,” Frankie replied.

“Good Lord,” Sabin groaned. “You’re turning into a boring old man! Don’t you think that SOMEONE would have called you had an emergency popped up?”

“You’ll understand when you get married and have kids, guys,” Frankie replied.

“If that’s what it turns you into then NO THANKS,” Alex said screwing up his face at the idea. Frankie just shook his head and headed out of the locker room.

~~~~~~~~~~

When Frankie arrived home a week later it was late. He set his bag down inside the door and removed his shoes. Quietly he checked on Elizabeth, tucking her back in, before heading down to his bedroom. Juliet was sound asleep as he crept into the room.

He changed for bed in the dark and crawled under the covers, pulling Juliet into his arms. His hand came to rest on her swollen belly and he closed his eyes to get some sleep. They popped open when he felt something strange.

“Jules,” he said gently shaking her awake.

“What,” she groaned sleepily. “What time is it?”

“It’s late, baby, I’m sorry,” he said regretting waking her up. “I just felt…are they….” He placed his hand on her stomach again.

Juliet smiled sleepily. “Say hello to the twins,” she said. She took his hand and placed it over the left side of her stomach. “That’s Twin A.” She then placed his hand over the right side. “That’s Twin B.”

“You read about what it’s going to feel like, but…this makes it all so real.”

Juliet smiled. “It was real the moment egg met sperm, honey,” she said patting his hand. “Now, if you don’t mind I’m going back to sleep. The three of us need our rest.”

“Right,” Frankie replied, still amazed at the feeling of his unborn children moving. Juliet settled back onto the pillows, allowing him access to her stomach. She smiled as he laid there with his hand on her until he drifted off to sleep.

Chapter 20

“Babe, what are you doing,” Frankie said rushing to his wife’s side and grabbing the box from her arms. “You can’t be lifting things. You really should be resting.”

Juliet sighed, rolling her eyes at her husband. Now in her twenty fourth week of pregnancy Frankie had become hyper-protective of her and the twins. “I’m fine, Frankie,” Juliet said. “That’s just a box of Lizzy’s stuffed animals.”

“Matthew would you talk some sense into your daughter,” Frankie begged his father-in-law.

Matthew chuckled and shook his head. “Haven’t you learned by now that she’s stubborn,” he replied as he helped Greg load up the moving van.

“Leave it up to the two of you to decide in the middle of a pregnancy that you need a bigger place to live,” Greg grumbled. “Jules, get in the damn car and sprawl out across the backseat. Cindy and AJ have Lizzy. You just worry about the twins. Kay?” He turned his gaze to Frankie. “Happy? Now get your ass in gear. We have to get the damn van back by five. I’d like to have some time to kick back and relax after moving all this shit.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Frankie mumbled handing the box he took from Juliet to his father-in-law. “Listen to your big brother,” he said to Juliet as he headed back inside to finish moving things.

~~~~~~~~~~

“I hear something,” Velvet said as she and Traci sat in Juliet and Frankie’s new home. She peeked out the window and smiled. “They’re here! I can’t wait to see what Juliet thinks of the nursery.”

“I’m sure she’ll love it,” Traci smiled. She had enlisted most of the Knockouts to help paint and decorate the nursery as a present for Juliet. Greg, Frankie, Matthew, Sabin and Shelley had painted the remainder of the house before the big move.

“I can walk perfectly fine,” Juliet was grumbling as she and Frankie entered the house.

She smiled seeing the walls painted the exact colors she had picked out. There had been a few trips to the house to move in furniture and odds and ends before the big move that day. Frankie made her close her eyes and brought her down the hall where Traci and Velvet were waiting in the nursery.

“All right, now open them,” Frankie said when they arrived at the nursery.

Juliet opened her eyes and gasped. “Oh my God,” she said looking at the sea foam green walls and the wallpaper border with zoo animals dancing across it. The cribs had been set up and all the furniture in the room was set up. “Did you do all this,” she asked Traci and Velvet.

“We didn’t do it on our own,” Velvet smiled. “We got some of the other ladies to help out too.”

“Girls, this is amazing,” Juliet smiled gazing around the room. “Everything is just perfect.”

“We’re glad you love it,” Traci smiled giving Juliet a hug. “Oh! Feels like two little ones love it too,” she giggled placing a hand on Juliet’s belly. The twins were actively shifting in the womb.

“That’s my boys in there,” Frankie said proudly.

Traci and Velvet looked at Juliet, who stood there with a smirk on her face. “Nice try, Frankie,” she chuckled. “You’ll have to wait until they’re born to see what sex they are. Just like everyone else.”

“I was gonna say,” Velvet said shooting Frankie a look. “I knew it was too good to be true.”

“Can’t blame a guy for trying,” Frankie chuckled. “It’s not fair that Jules knows and I don’t though.”

“I didn’t want to know,” Juliet replied. “The ultrasound tech just sorta blurted it out. Not my fault you were on the road at the time.”

Frankie pouted at her. “Come on,” Traci said grabbing Frankie’s ear and dragging him out of the nursery. “We’ll finish setting up the house. Velvet you get Jules settled in on the couch.”

~~~~~~~~~~

“Finally,” Greg said slouching onto the couch next to his girlfriend and sister. “The truck is returned. Everything’s moved in and arranged just so. Now I can relax.” He swiped the remote off the table and put on the TV.

Much to his shock the VCR came on and a tape began to play. “What the hell is this,” Greg asked seeing what looked like a birthing video. Matthew, Velvet and Traci all stared at the screen at the woman very obviously in labor.

“Oh, that’s where that tape went,” Frankie sitting down next to Juliet.

“Dude? Seriously? You’re kidding right? Most guys have porn,” Greg replied about to turn off the tape. Frankie reached across and snatched the remote from him.

“You guys don’t mind watching this do you,” Frankie asked. “I never did get past the first half hour of the tape before the move.”

“I don’t mind,” Traci replied. “Childbirth is a beautiful and miraculous process.”

“Filled with pain, blood and goo,” Greg replied. “I vote no.”

“Stop it,” Velvet said smacking him. “I want to see it.”

“Why,” Greg asked. “Dad? Help me out here.”

“Sorry, son,” Matthew replied. “Been through it twice with you and your sister. I don’t mind watching it. I think it’s sweet that Frankie wants to know what to expect during the delivery.”

“Thanks, dad,” Greg grumbled, crossing his arms and pouting.

“Oh look! She’s pushing,” Traci said.

“I can’t watch this,” Greg exclaimed getting up and heading into the kitchen.

“Wuss,” Frankie snickered. He turned his attention back toward the TV just as the baby’s head began to crown. “Dear GOD! What is that?”

Juliet and Matthew snickered. “The baby’s head, honey,” Juliet replied.

Frankie began to look a bit green. When he heard his brother-in-law’s exclamation Greg came back into the living room. He took one look at Frankie and smirked. “Who’s the wuss now,” he snickered.

“Oh GOD! What’s the doctor doing,” Traci exclaimed. On the screen the doctor had cut the woman to make the opening bigger.

“An episiotomy,” Juliet explained. “It’s so the baby’s head doesn’t tear the woman on the way out.”

“They don’t numb the area first,” Velvet groaned.

“No time,” Matthew explained. “Has to be done before the head comes out.”

“It’s scary that you know that, dad,” Greg said cringing at the amount of blood on the screen.

“You..you didn’t have that done with Lizzy, did you, Jules,” Frankie asked still looking green.

“No,” Juliet replied. “She was relatively small. The twins will most likely be small too. Most twins are when they’re born.”

“Thank God,” Frankie said sighing in relief.

“Of course she could require a C-section,” Matthew said. “Wouldn’t surprise me. Your mother needed one when you were born.”

“I never knew that,” Juliet replied.

Matthew nodded. “You were breech,” he said. “Even when you were a newborn you were stubborn.” He smiled at the memory of the birth of his daughter.

“I can’t watch this anymore,” Traci said snatching the remote from Frankie and shutting off the tape.

“FINALLY,” Greg exclaimed. “Now, can we watch something to take our minds off this whole birth thing.”

“Kinda hard for me to do,” Juliet said pointing to her very swollen belly. “Birth is kind of an eminent thing for me.”

“But you’re only six months along,” Velvet said.

“Multiple births have a higher incidence of premature births,” Frankie replied. Juliet smiled; proud that he had done his homework when it came to their twins. “Which is why I’m so hard on you to take it easy.”

“I hope you two have stopped marital relations in the bedroom until after the twins are born,” Matthew said. He looked at his son, his eyes twinkling with mischief, and winked. Greg stifled a giggle.

“Ex...Excuse me, sir,” Frankie asked shocked that his father-in-law would bring up such a subject.

“Daddy,” Juliet chided.

“She needs all the rest she can get,” Matthew went on. “Sexual relations could possibly bring about pre-term labor, especially in Juliet’s condition.”

“I…I’m not quite comfortable discussing this with you, Matthew,” Frankie stammered.

“Daddy, cut it out,” Juliet scolded. “And you! Stop encouraging him!” She glared at her brother, who was leaning on the back of the couch as he snickered.

“Sorry, sweetheart,” Matthew chuckled. “Couldn’t resist.”

“Great, now they’re gonna tag team me,” Frankie sighed. “Wonderful.” He stood and headed into the kitchen for something to drink.

“Relax, son,” Matthew called. “It’s just our way of saying welcome to the family.”

Chapter 21

Juliet sighed as she exited the bathroom for what seemed like the millionth time that night. She trudged over to the bed where Frankie lay sleeping and sat down. She was getting close to the end of her pregnancy and was eager to get it over with. The simple things were more difficult now than she had ever imagined they would be.

With a groan she got under the covers and tried in vain to find a comfortable position to sleep in. Frankie was awakened by her tossing and turning and groaned, rolling onto his back. “Baby, you all right?”

“Fine,” she grumbled. “I just love being woken from a sound sleep so I can pee a million times a night. Your unborn children are playing bongos on my kidneys and my back is killing me. I can NOT wait to have these babies already!”

“Would you like me to rub your back,” he asked propping himself up on his elbows.

“No,” she replied. “I’d have to roll the other way and…I’m just too tired.” She laid her head on the pillow. “I just have to keep telling myself that it’ll be worth it in the end.”

Frankie smiled and nodded. “That’s right.” He rolled onto his side so he could watch her as she tried to sleep. “Have I told you how beautiful you are,” he asked softly.

She scoffed. “Yeah, right. I feel like beached whale with this belly,” she griped.

“What have I told you about that shit,” Frankie sighed. “Baby, you’re having twins. You can’t expect to be tiny.” He leaned forward and placed a kiss on her belly. “I love this belly. It’s where my sons are growing.”

Juliet chuckled. “And what if they happen to be daughters,” she asked.

“Then I’ll love them just the same,” Frankie replied. “Seriously though not even a little clue about what we’re having?”

“Not one,” Juliet replied. “Good night, Frankie.”

“Night, baby,” he replied, blowing her a kiss.

She closed her eyes and he did the same. He was just starting to drift off to sleep when he felt Juliet shift next to him. She groaned and shifted back to the original position she had been in.

“Frankie, move over please,” she said. “I just…I need more room.”

“All right, baby,” he moved over in their bed. “Better?”

She shifted in the bed and groaned. “No.”

He moved over more until he was practically hugging the edge of the bed. “How about now?”

“No. I need more space,” she groaned.

“I’m on the edge of the…” Before he could finish his statement she had pushed him and he fell out of the bed, landing on the floor with a loud thump. “Ow,” he groaned, rubbing his sore back. “Better now?”

“Much,” Juliet sighed, snuggling under the covers. “You all right?”

“Fine,” Frankie replied. “I’ll just be on the couch. The important thing is that you’re comfortable.” He grabbed his pillow and a spare blanket from the closet and headed to the living room to go back to sleep.

~~~~~~~~~~

“Wow, you really look like shit,” Sabin commented as they sat in the locker room the next night.

“Yeah, look at those dark circles under your eyes,” Alex added. “Trouble in the bedroom?”

“In a manner of speaking, yes,” Frankie sighed. “Jules is…well…she’s getting pretty big.”

“Tell me about it,” Alex replied causing Frankie to glare at him.

“Any…way, she has a hard time getting comfortable at night and last night she literally kicked me out of bed.”

“Ouch,” Sabin cringed.

“It’s all right,” Frankie yawned. “When all is said and done we’ll have two healthy babies to show for it. I can sacrifice a couple of months of decent sleep for my wife and unborn children.”

“You poor sap,” Alex sighed. “Look, if you ever need a place to crash you know mi casa es su casa.”

“Thanks, Alex,” Frankie replied.

“Yeah same for me,” Sabin chimed in.

~~~~~~~~~~

“Night, babe,” Frankie said grabbing his pillow and a blanket from the closet. He leaned over and gave Juliet a kiss. “You need anything before I catch some Zs?”

“You hate me, don’t you,” Juliet asked, her eyes filled with tears.

Frankie was shocked by her words and dropped the pillow and blanket. “No, baby, I could never.”

“You always sleep on the couch,” she replied sniffling.

“Because…you’re….not…comfortable with me in the bed,” Frankie replied mystified as to why she was acting this way.

“You think I’m disgusting,” Juliet sobbed.

“Baby, no. Not ever,” he replied going to her and attempting to pull her into his arms. She pushed him away. “Jules, you’re giving me mixed signals here.”

“I know I’m huge,” she sobbed. “You don’t think I’m attractive anymore! You never touch me!”

“Because if I touch you I’ll want more and we just can’t do that right now,” Frankie replied. She sobbed harder. “Damn it, Jules! Do you have any idea what I’ve sacrificed already?”

“YOU? What about me,” she exclaimed. “I miss my job. My old clothes. My independence!”

“You’ll be able to go back to work once the twins are born,” Frankie replied trying to keep calm. He knew that in her state anything he said could potentially be blown out of proportion.

“What the hell have you sacrificed,” she demanded. “You’re not carrying TWINS!”

“No, I’m not, Jules,” Frankie said losing his temper finally. “But you know what? I’ve given up a decent night’s sleep so that you can be comfortable in OUR bed. I’ve given up making love to my beautiful wife for the twins. Jesus, Jules, I’m getting fucking blue balls here.”

“Sex, that’s your big sacrifice,” Juliet cried. “Get out of here! You can keep your ass on the couch forever for all I care!”

“Fine, I will,” Frankie growled, grabbing his pillow and blanket and heading out of the bedroom.

“Daddy,” Elizabeth called sleepily as he walked past her room. “Why you yell?”

“I’m sorry, Monkeyface,” Frankie sighed. “Mommy and daddy didn’t mean to wake you. Come on. Let’s get you back in bed.”

~~~~~~~~~~

The next morning Elizabeth awakened Frankie. He had fallen asleep in her bed while tucking her in and making sure she was sleeping. “Morning, daddy,” she chirped.

“Morning, baby,” he said giving her a kiss on the temple. “Is mommy awake?” Elizabeth nodded and pointed toward the hall. He could hear kitchen cabinets slamming. The fight that he and Juliet had the night before came rushing back to him and he groaned. “Why don’t you go wash up. I’m sure mommy’s making breakfast.”

Elizabeth did as she was told, heading into the bathroom. Frankie pulled himself out of the tiny bed and grimaced at the stiffness in his neck and shoulders. Once he had stretched he padded out into the hall and to the kitchen.

“Morning,” he said. Juliet looked up from her cooking and glared at him. “Baby, I’m sorry about last night.” She ignored him going back to cooking breakfast for their daughter. “Babe, please look at me. I’m trying to apologize here. I think we both said some things that we didn’t mean.”

She set the spatula down and leaned on the kitchen counter, her shoulders shaking with silent sobs. He went to her and turned her around, pulling her into his arms. “I didn’t think it would be this hard,” she sniffled. “Having twins.”

“I know, baby,” he cooed stroking her hair. “Just a little while longer and we’ll have two beautiful babies.”

“Mommy sad,” Elizabeth asked entering the kitchen and seeing her mother crying and her father holding her.

“I’m fine, honey,” Juliet sniffled. “I have your pancakes almost ready. All right, baby?” Elizabeth smiled wide and nodded.

Chapter 22

The weeks passed by quickly. Now at thirty two weeks pregnant Juliet was really feeling the strain of carrying twins. She was resting in bed when Frankie crept into the bedroom, video camera in hand.

“And this is mommy sleeping,” he said quietly as he filmed Juliet. He closed in on her ever expanding stomach, gently pushing her shirt up revealing her belly. “And that’s you guys moving around in there.”

“Frankie, what the hell are you doing,” Juliet demanded.

“Preserving history for the twins,” he replied turning off the camera. “Alex is going to edit together the footage and make a little tape for the kids to watch when they’re older.”

“That’s really sweet,” Juliet said. “But if you think you’re bringing that camera into the delivery room and then handing that footage over to Alex you’re sadly mistaken.”

“But shouldn’t the twins know how they…”

“No,” Juliet replied. “And the LAST thing I want is Alex to have video of my vagina.” Frankie cringed at the statement. “Yeah, hadn’t thought of that, huh?”

“No,” Frankie pouted. “So, we film stuff leading up to the birth and then AFTER the twins are born. That way the only one who gets to see that is me…and the doctor of course.”

“And the nurses,” Juliet corrected.

“Right,” Frankie agreed. “So, what do you say?”

“Fine. Just don’t wake me up again,” Juliet sighed. “Between them fighting for space, those damn Braxton Hicks contractions and my bladder it’s a wonder I ever get any sleep.”

“I’ll try to be more quiet,” he replied going back to filming Juliet. She sighed and closed her eyes, hoping that if she was too boring he’d leave.

~~~~~~~~~~

“Oh my GOD! Jules,” Velvet exclaimed seeing Juliet coming into the Impact Zone with Frankie a few weeks later. AJ and Cindy were close behind with Elizabeth.

She hadn’t wanted to stay home alone and Frankie wasn’t too keen on arguing with her. She was getting closer to her due date and he knew that she could go into labor any day now. Traci, Velvet, Christy and Angelina all greeted the expectant couple.

“We didn’t think we’d see you here,” Traci said. “How you feeling?”

“Uncomfortable,” Juliet replied with a small smile.

“And grumpy,” Frankie added, slipping an arm around Juliet’s shoulders. She elbowed him in the ribs. “Well, you are.”

“Can you feel the love,” AJ snickered. “Come on Jules. Let’s get you set up in the locker room. You need to get off your feet.”

“Lead the way Phenomenal One,” Juliet replied.

“Nomenal One,” Elizabeth chirped, finding a new nickname for her Uncle AJ. Everyone chuckled and followed AJ to the locker room.

~~~~~~~~~~

“’Scuse me, guys,” Juliet sighed as she made her way out of the locker room. Frankie had asked Sabin and Alex to look after her while he went to the ring with AJ.

“Need help, Jules,” Alex asked.

“I’m perfectly capable of pissing on my own,” Juliet replied.

“Just trying to be helpful,” Alex called as she exited the locker room.

Juliet did her business and was just exiting the ladies room when she ran into Raven, who was visiting friends. “Holy shit, Juliet,” he asked unable to believe the sight before him. “My GOD you’re HUGE!”

“Thanks, Scott,” Juliet sighed.

“How far along are you, sweetie,” he asked falling into step beside her. “Judging from that waddle you got going on you’re about ready to pop.”

“Thirty five weeks, Scott,” Juliet replied. “It’s twins.”

“Least we know Frankie’s not shooting blanks, huh,” Raven chuckled.

“Goodbye, Scott,” Juliet replied. “Always great to see you.”

She headed away from Raven and had just turned the corner when she felt a pain rip through her stomach. She stopped in her tracks as she felt her water break. “Oh no,” she gasped, leaning against the wall for support.

“There you are,” Sabin said coming around the corner. Alex wasn’t far behind. “Scott said he saw you come this way.” At that moment he stepped into the puddle at her feet. “Ugh! Did you piss yourself?”

“Guess someone isn’t capable of taking a piss on her own,” Alex snickered.

“My…water…just…broke,” Juliet panted.

“Seriously! God, I just bought these shoes,” Sabin said ignoring what Juliet had said.

Alex’s eyes were wide as saucers and he slapped Sabin upside the head. “Jules, just said her water broke, dipshit! She’s having the twins!”

“Shit,” Sabin exclaimed. “It’s all right, Jules. Alex, get her a chair!” Alex grabbed a folding chair that was nearby and put it down for her. “You just sit here. I’ll go get Frankie.” He took off down the hall screaming about Juliet being in labor.

“Just breathe, Jules,” Alex said trying to keep her calm. “Chris will get Frankie and we’ll be off to the hospital.” Juliet nodded and panted through the pain, squeezing Alex’s hand the whole time.

~~~~~~~~~~

Frankie and AJ were just returning from the ring when Sabin literally collided with both men. “THANK GOD! JULES IS IN LABOR,” he panted once he got up off the floor and dusted himself off.

“Where is she,” Frankie asked.

“I’ll take you to her,” Sabin said taking off down the hall. Frankie and AJ were in hot pursuit.

It wasn’t long before Frankie ushered Juliet out to the car. AJ and Cindy followed with Elizabeth. Matthew and Greg were called and they were all off to the hospital with a caravan of cars following.

Chapter 23

“Just breathe, baby,” Frankie consoled as Juliet panted through another contraction. “You’re doing great.”

“Don’t tell me to fucking breathe, you bastard,” she growled. “You did this to me!”

“Baby, relax,” Frankie cooed.

“Tell me to relax one more time and I’ll….” She inhaled sharply as another contraction hit. “I will kill you for doing this to me!”

Greg sat in the corner of the room snickering as Frankie glanced at his father-in-law helplessly. Velvet and Traci were also there for moral support. Velvet cast a scathing look at her boyfriend for snickering.

“Can I rub your back,” Frankie asked, feeling completely helpless.

“DON’T TOUCH ME,” Juliet screamed.

“How about I get you some ice chips,” Frankie offered. He was trying hard to comfort her, but failing miserably.

“OH GOD! SHUT UP,” Juliet groaned.

“Just concentrate on bringing those beautiful twins in the world, honey,” Velvet said rubbing Juliet’s feet.

“Exactly,” Frankie agreed.

Juliet grabbed him by his shirt collar and brought his face down to hers. “If you open your mouth one more time I will rip off your dick and shove it up your ass,” she growled through clenched teeth. Frankie visibly paled at the threat.

“Why don’t you sit with Matthew,” Traci suggested. Frankie did as she suggested and she took his spot.

“Don’t worry about it, son,” Matthew consoled. “She’s in pain right now. All that will pass once the twins are born.”

“She’s like a woman possessed,” Frankie said eyes wide. “I had no idea what labor would be like.”

“You’re never really prepared for it,” Matthew replied patting him on the shoulder. “Juliet, you’re doing great, sweetheart.”

“Thank you, daddy,” she groaned.

Frankie looked at his father-in-law thoroughly confused. He had just said the same thing and she nearly bit his head off. With a sigh he slouched in his chair, listening helplessly to his wife in pain.

“Can I rub your back, honey,” Traci offered.

“Please,” Juliet replied.

“How about some ice chips,” Velvet asked. Juliet nodded.

“I just offered you both of those things,” Frankie exclaimed, sitting upright in his chair. “Why did you bite my head off?”

“Traci and Velvet didn’t knock her up with twins, dude,” Greg replied.

“All right, let’s see how dilated you are, Juliet,” Doctor Jacobs said entering the room. He took one look at all the people and frowned. “I’m afraid most of you will have to leave.”

“On that note, I’m out,” Greg said standing. “Love you, Jules.” He took Velvet’s hand and led her to the door. Traci followed close behind, leaving Frankie and Matthew in the room with Juliet.

“I’ll be outside with the others, sweetheart,” Matthew said giving his daughter’s hand a little squeeze. He left leaving Frankie alone with Juliet.

~~~~~~~~~~

“This is SO exciting,” Velvet said, smiling wide. “Just think, guys, pretty soon there will be two beautiful little babies here.”

“Not sure exciting is the proper adjective,” Greg replied. Velvet and Traci glared at him. “Fine, so I’m eager to see if I have twin nieces or nephews. Wish I could be a fly on the wall while she’s delivering. Bet Frankie’s hearing the more colorful side of Jules’ vocabulary.”

“You’re horrible,” Cindy sighed as she held an almost fully asleep Elizabeth in her lap.

“You weren’t in there,” Traci sighed. “She wouldn’t even let Frankie touch her.”

“Well, she is in a lot of pain,” AJ replied. “I was there for Lizzy’s birth. She was cursing Frankie’s name from here to eternity, but once Lizzy was born she was fine.”

“Wonder what’s taking so long,” Alex commented.

“It takes a long time to have a baby, dude,” Sabin replied. “And Jules is having two.”

~~~~~~~~~~

“You’re doing fantastic, Juliet,” Jacobs said as Juliet pushed. “Your babies will here in no time.”

Frankie held Juliet’s hand as she relaxed between pushing. He was afraid to say anything. “Frankie,” she panted.

“Yeah, baby?”

“I’m glad you’re here,” she said getting ready to push again. Frankie smiled wide at her words.

“I’m glad I’m here too,” he replied bending down and kissing her forehead.

“The baby’s head is crowning,” Jacobs said. Frankie stole a peek at his child being born and instantly wished he hadn’t.

“You’re…doing…great, baby,” he said fighting the urge to faint. “Really…Oh God. Why is the room spinning? Is it hot in here?”

“Nurse, take him out for some air,” Jacobs called seeing Frankie about to pass out. A nurse quickly grabbed him and walked him outside the room.

“Frankie, son, what are you doing,” Matthew asked seeing him exit the room with the nurse. AJ joined him.

“The head is crowning,” Frankie groaned. “Like a giant…bloody egg…and then the room started to spin.” Matthew pinched the bridge of his nose and shook his head before going into the room to support his daughter.

“Frankie, what the hell are you doing,” AJ demanded. “Your twins are about to be born and you’re out here?” He slapped Frankie hard across the face. “Get your ass back in there and be there for your damn wife!”

“Right,” Frankie said snapping out of it. “You’re right, AJ. I have to be there for Jules.” He went back into the room and found his father-in-law coaching Juliet through the birth. “I’m back. Sorry, baby. I’m fine now.” He took Juliet’s hand and Matthew smiled, patting him on the back before leaving the room.

“The head is out,” Jacobs announced.

“Frankie, I swear if you ever touch me again I will kill you,” Juliet groaned resting between pushing.

“I know, baby,” Frankie said mopping her brow. “Come on. We need you to push again.”

~~~~~~~~~~

“What do you guys think the twins are,” Joe asked. He arrived shortly after Juliet began to push.

“I think they’re girls,” Sabin said.

“Nah, one of each,” Alex said.

“I say boys,” Joe replied confidently.

“Care to make a wager on it,” Sabin asked.

“What’cha got,” Joe asked.

“Five hundred on girls,” Sabin replied.

“I see. High stakes, huh? Fine. I got five on boys,” Joe replied. The men turned their attention to Alex.

“Fifty cents on one of each,” Alex replied.

“Big spender,” Joe snickered.

“What? I’m broke until pay day,” Alex pouted.

“Whatever,” Sabin said rolling his eyes.

~~~~~~~~~~

“One more push, baby,” Frankie said watching his first twin enter the world. Juliet let out a grunt as she pushed one final time.

“We have a boy,” Jacobs announced as he laid the newborn in Juliet’s arms.

“A boy,” Frankie smiled. “I have a son! Boy is it a BOY!”

“That’s the umbilical cord,” Jacobs laughed.

“Oh,” Frankie chuckled flushing slightly as he was instructed where to cut the cord. The nurse placed the baby in his arms and he held his son awkwardly a moment before the baby was taken away to be cleaned up and assessed.

“The second twin is coming down,” Jacobs informed Juliet. “It will take a few minutes.”

“A son,” Frankie said taking a seat by Juliet and taking her hand and kissing the back of it. “You can tell me now, baby, is the other one a boy too?”

Juliet smiled wide and nodded. “Identical twins,” she sighed. “Boys.” She groaned as the contractions began. “And here comes his brother.”

~~~~~~~~~~

“Hey, here comes Frankie,” Sabin said seeing their friend coming their way. He wore a wide grin on his face and carried two little bundles in his arms.

“Oh! The babies,” Velvet exclaimed.

“Guys, say hello to Michael Edward and Joseph Franklin Kazarian,” Frankie said presenting his twin sons to his friends.

“Oh they’re precious,” Traci said.

Greg came to stand beside Frankie. He took a look at his nephews and smiled approvingly. “Ya did good, Frankie,” he said clapping him on the back. Frankie beamed from ear to ear, holding his sons.

“Pay up,” Joe smiled, holding out his hand to Sabin and Alex.

Sabin chuckled nervously. “You take checks?” Joe glared at him. “I don’t carry that kind of cash on me!” Joe sighed and shook his head as Alex placed the fifty cents in his hand.

Chapter 24

It wasn’t long before Juliet and the twins were allowed to go home. There never seemed to be a dull moment as visitors stopped by regularly to see the boys. Elizabeth, who had initially resisted the idea of being a big sister, adored her twin brothers. She took great pride in helping mommy with feeding them and changing them.

“Honey, can you give me Mikey,” Juliet asked Frankie as she prepared a bottles for the twins.

“Yeah,” Frankie said picking up one of his sons. “Come here, Sport.”

“Daddy, that Joey,” Elizabeth said giggling.

“I think I can tell your brothers apart by now, Monkeyface,” Frankie replied.

Juliet giggled shaking her head. “Really? Because you have Joey in your arms.”

Frankie looked down at the boy in his arms and at the one lying in the bassinet. “How the hell do I keep doing that,” he sighed as Juliet came over and picked up Michael, sitting down on the couch to feed him. She handed Frankie the other bottle for Joseph.

“You’ll learn how to tell them apart soon,” Juliet reassured him.

“Daddy, Mikey wearing blue,” Elizabeth pointed out. “Joey wearing gween.”

“Thanks, Monkeyface,” Frankie said feeding his son.

“That’s one way to tell them apart,” Juliet smiled. “Very good, Lizzy. What a big helper mommy and daddy have.” Elizabeth beamed at her parents and went back to playing.

“So, all I have to do is pay attention what you dress them in,” Frankie asked.

“That and Joey has a little birthmark on his left cheek,” Juliet chuckled. Frankie looked down at the baby in his arms and sighed. There plain as day was a small brown oval birthmark.

“Give us a big burp, Champ,” Frankie said after a while. He placed Joseph on his shoulder and patted his back. The infant let out a loud belch moments before spitting up all over his father’s shoulder and then filling his diaper. “Guess that’s my cue for diaper duty.”

He took Joseph into the nursery to change. Juliet burped Michael and rocked him to sleep. Just as she was about to put the infant into the bassinet for his nap she heard Frankie cry out. “WHY DO THEY ALWAYS DO THAT TO ME?” She couldn’t help laughing, knowing Joseph had gotten in more target practice on his father.

ONE YEAR LATER

“Cindy looked beautiful in her wedding dress, didn’t she,” Juliet asked as she and Frankie entered their house.

“She really did,” Frankie smiled. “I’ve never seen AJ smile so damn much.”

“He’s happy to have Cindy in his life,” Juliet said chuckling as she paid the babysitter and headed in to check on the children.

Frankie wrapped his arms around her waist, nuzzling her neck as she peeked into the twins’ room. “They’re all sound asleep,” he whispered in her ear. “How about we have some mommy-daddy time before we get some sleep?” She smiled and nodded, allowing him to lead her to their bedroom.

~~~~~~~~~~

“Lizzy, take it easy with your brothers, baby,” Frankie called as he stood at the grill cooking. The twins and Elizabeth were playing in the yard with some of her friends from school.

Matthew was in the house helping Juliet gathering things for Elizabeth’s fourth birthday party. AJ and Cindy were entertaining the kids playing games while Greg strummed his guitar and sang some kid songs. Velvet sat next to him, beaming up at him and admiring the rock he had just given her a few days before.

“Everything almost done,” Juliet asked coming out of the house with her arms loaded up. Matthew was close behind his arms also full.

“Yup,” Frankie smiled pulling the various meats off the grill to serve to the children.

Once the meal had been thoroughly enjoyed by all and Elizabeth had opened presents Juliet went inside to get the cake. Frankie came in to help and together the two carried the large cake out into the yard. Greg led the rendition of Happy Birthday and Elizabeth made a wish and blew out her candles.

Frankie looked around the yard at his friends and family, wrapping an arm around Juliet’s shoulders. His life had been changed when Juliet came back into it with Elizabeth, but he wouldn’t change it for the world. He couldn’t wait to see what this new life brought him.