Delivering the news

[Lovely]

March 24, 2009
8:45am
Veinna Estate - Scotty's office

Josie approached Scotty's office to bring him some news about one of their daughters, she could hear from outside the door the familiar sounds of her husband playing a game on his computer. She tried to use the fact that he was playing the game to sneak into the room. She arched her eyebrow as she realized Scotty was 'bam' shooting monkeys on the PC in his office.

"Well since you frown on me shooting the hired help... HAHAHAHA... got him!"

"Damn it.. I can never sneak up on you.. " Josie pouted, slipping from where she'd been trying to 'hide' to come wrap her arms around his shoulders.

"Hold it... hold it...," he shrugged free a moment while his fingers clicked and the sounds of frightened, screaming chimps responded to his rounds in the poaching game. "I LOVE this game. Jo, do we still have that resort spot in the Indonesian sector? Hm.. nevermind. There's a temple there. Natives get testy when you blast up their idols. HAHAH! Got another one." He let go of the mouse and paused the game, leaning back into Josie's touch. "You were saying?"

"That I'm running off with a giant ape.. I just came to kiss you goodbye on our way to the jungle." She giggled, kissing his neck softly and leaning over him so he could see the sparkle in her eye. "Where did you find this game? My new husband is going to be awfully offended by it.. and what about the children, darling? You'll be sending them the wrong message about their step father."

"Goodbye? You're going somewhere? New.. what? What ape? I'll have to send Marc out to eat him." He hoped she was teasing.

"Mmhmmm I knew you weren't really listening to me. For someone with such good ears.. " She tsked and scolded him, with a slight arch of her eyebrow. "A woman needs to know she's the center of a man's world or he's apt to lose her to some big ape, who pays more attention.."

"Hearing and listening aren't the same. That's something I've been telling the girls for years. Apparently they learned that confusion from their mother," he teased back, wondering what was really going on. "I'm listening now."

"Sure you are.." She smiled and stroked her knuckle over hes cheek. "You know very well our kids all get any bad trait they have from you.."

[Lovely]

"Told you I'm listening, Jo. No need to sweet-talk me, unless there's bad news you're getting me ready for."

"I'm not trying to sweet talk you or get you ready for bad news.. my goodness.. well.. other than to tell you one of your daughters is in labor.. but that's not bad news.."

"Labor? Which one, did you check?" His attention was fully grabbed and he was in too high spirits to think of either 'father' hurting his girls at the moment.

"Jaime.. she's just starting, so it could be awhile before she's done. I checked and called Aberto.. he's with her now.. That's why I took a moment to come see you."

"Is she alright? Anything with two heads?" He was genuinely worried about that given Patrick's dual nature, though the man had made himseld less of a nuisance to cater to Jaime recently and not cause Scotty more headaches. He looked back at the screen and shut down the game.

"She's in labor dear, of course she's not alright." Jo gave him a small reassuring smile. "She's asked for Patrick.. of course and I've told her she can call him.. he should be with her for this, even if we don't approve of him." Josie reached for Scott's hand, needing him and some reassurance herself.

The way she'd said 'we' reassured Scotty. "He's got a pass. She can squeeze the holy water out of his hand instead of mine," he grinned, remembering fully well Jaime and Jordy's arrival from which he proudly wore the scars on his knuckles.

Josie leaned to kiss him, smiling softly as they came to an agreement without any harsh words. "Should we sit here and fret awhile.. together?"

"And leave him alone with our daughter? No, I want to hear him scream when she does. He did this to her, it serves him right. The together part is up to you. Martini?"

She laughed and wrapped her arms around him again. "I love you." She nuzzled into his neck and then nodded about the drink. "Make it two.. this could be awhile.."

"Good thing he has two hands. Wait, then he won't be able to drive home. Fine. He stays, under watch - get Mitch on him later, but he can stay."

"You're such a giving and kind man.. " She teased him, excited and scared -this would be their first grand child. She'd had her share of children and though each was special, the excitement was different as she'd done it many times.

"I am not. Don't let the kids hear you say that, Jo," he pleaded like a teenager. "I'm just having a moment. Blame it on the monkeys, or the martinis. I'll bring the pitcher. Whenever you're ready to go watch."

"Your secret is safe with me.." She sighed, clutching his hand tighter and curling into him. "Just.. give me a minute.. I just need a minute here with you.. okay?"