The Price Legacy - Generation One - Chapter Sixteen

[pastryqueen]

Joshua says he's fine with Don's sudden emergence in his and Marci's lives - but is he?





It started like any other day.



Marci was still sound asleep. Most nights, it was impossible for her to relax and drift into a deep slumber. The pregnancy was difficult on her, but rest especially didn’t come easy for her in the third trimester. As her due date approached, she developed fatigue and backaches, and couldn’t walk long distances without tiring herself out.

Joshua quietly climbed out of bed, put his slippers on, and crept downstairs to check on the twins.



Thankfully Holden and Lea were sleeping soundly as well. He noticed someone put in a load of laundry in the washer, and he had a very good idea as to who was responsible: they were washing the colors in the wrong setting. Since the babies didn’t require his immediate attention, he waited for the machine to finish, then threw the clothes into the dryer.

By the time he came upstairs, Joshua heard someone rustling around in the kitchen, with the radio playing music at a low volume. He ventured towards the kitchen area…



Only to be greeted by the sight of Don Lothario in his underwear.

Joshua: “Don…what are you doing?”

Don: “Making breakfast. Want some?”



Joshua: “You’re not wearing any clothes.”

Don: “Sure I am.”

Joshua: “Let me rephrase that: you’re not wearing anything besides your underpants.”



Don: “Is that a problem?”

Joshua: “You’re a little exposed…”

Don: “Not completely! What’s the problem? We’re adults, aren’t we? Besides, it’s hot, and this is how I combat the heat. I got to let my skin breathe.”



Joshua inhaled and exhaled deeply. He mentally counted to five – then reminded himself to make an appointment with his therapist. He tried again with Don.

Joshua: “Don…I know you don’t mean any harm, but my son, a child, lives here. And you’re not related to him by blood. You understand why I want you to cover up, don’t you?”



Don: “Oh, right. I didn’t think about that.”

Joshua: “All I ask is that you put your pants on.”

Don: “I’ll get on that…”



Don: “Right after I fry up these eggs.”

Joshua: “The eggs can wait!”

Don: “They’ll be ready in a minute!”



Joshua: “What are you cooking? It smells interesting.”

Don: “The Lothario special! Which admittedly isn't that special. Just some scrambled eggs with chorizo and peppers, with toast on the side. I was going to make omelets, but Marci specifically demanded this.”



Joshua: “Sounds delicious, but isn’t that a little high in fat and salt? And I thought Marci hated spicy foods.”

Don: “She does, but those pregnancy cravings are wild - and sure, you can’t eat this every day, but I’m enjoying her newfound appreciation for my cooking while it lasts.”

Joshua: “I don’t know, she’s so close to giving birth, and we really need to be careful with her diet.”



Marci: “What’s all this talk about ‘we’? I’m the one who’s gotta eat.”

Joshua: “Oh! Good morning. I didn’t hear you get up.”

Marci: “I got up not too long ago. What are you giving Don flak about?”

Don: “The usual. Your husband thinks I’m trying to poison you.”

Joshua: “No! He exaggerates. I was only suggesting we steer clear of spicy foods for the time being. Remember when you were pregnant with the twins, and you got heartburn in the third trimester? Not to mention we should’ve been monitoring your blood pressure all this time.”



Marci: “Josh, I love you so much, but last I checked, I’m the one with this devil's spawn growing inside me! And I couldn’t even eat in the first trimester because the morning sickness kicked my ass. I was lucky to have an appetite two months ago!”



Marci: “Mama needs to spoil herself now. I got us this far. I deserve this.”



Joshua: “All right. Fine. Clearly I’m outnumbered here between you and Don.”



Don: “You were outnumbered with or without me. Mom and baby are the bosses now.”



Don: “Food is ready! Leave some for me, I’m going to throw some pants on.”



Marci waited until Don was out of the room. She scooted closer to Joshua.

Marci: “Muffin…”





He waited for her to continue. Instead, she caught him off guard and started tickling him – and unfortunately, he was extremely ticklish.

Joshua: “Ah! Hey! Knock it off!”



Marci: “I am begging you: relax! And lay off Don! He’s just trying to help. I promise he doesn’t plan on staying past the baby’s arrival. Then we can have the house back to ourselves just how you like it.”



Joshua: “Marci, I swear, I don’t have a problem!”

Marci: “Uh huh…”



Joshua: “Really, I don’t! I just…let my anxiety get the best of me. You know what’s best for your body right now. I was trying to be helpful, but I overstepped.”



Marci: “If you really want to help, then start by rubbing these knots out of my shoulders.”



Usually, Marci was the one who gave him back and shoulder massages; all those hours of standing and painting, without a proper seat or space, put a great strain on his upper back and arms. Joshua wasn’t as good as her, but by this point, he knew her body well and where she carried the most stress. He worked out the knots in her shoulders, and she’d practically melted on the spot.

Marci: “Ohhh, yes…I really needed this.”

Joshua: “I bet. How are you feeling? Better than last night?”



Marci: “I’m doing fine, but I can tell this kid is getting ready to disembark from my womb. I kept running to the bathroom all night. She must be pressing on my bladder for dear life.”

Joshua: “Do you have any cramps? You heard what the doctor said. Every pregnancy is different, and you might not feel the baby drop this time around.”

Marci: “Don’t worry so much. This time, I know what to expect. Thanks for the massage. I better make a plate before he gets back and stuffs his face.”



Joshua: “Well? How are the eggs?”



Marci: “Oh! Spicy! But so damn tasty…”

It was a joy to see Marci enjoying the third trimester of her pregnancy.



During the first two, she was too depressed about her falling out with Don to get excited about the baby. Joshua tried to fill the void and promised he was going to love the new addition to their family no differently than Holden and Lea, but at the end of the day, she missed her best friend.



When he reemerged and promised to participate in their child’s life, it was a surprise. A pleasant one for Marci. As for Joshua, he was still on the fence as to whether he trusted Don…



…but he couldn’t deny the man seemed interested in making up for the lost time and changing his ways.

Marci: “Sorry. I really needed to lay down. It’s not as bad as it was with the twins, but I still can’t stay on my feet for too long.”

Don: “It’s cool. Are you feeling any better? Do you need anything?”

Marci: “I’m okay for now. This is no big deal. My body just kinda wears out at this time of day. Your spawn hasn’t exactly gone easy on me. I’ll just take a bath later. That helps.”



Don: “Has she…you know…”

Marci: “Started kicking? Yeah. She started last week.”

Don: “It’s still weird, how you have a whole other person in there. How do they feel? I remember Ka….somebody explaining they feel like butterflies in your stomach.”

Marci: “They do when they start. Then they just feel like muscle twitches. You don’t always feel it in the beginning, but the first time it happened with the twins, I had a really bad panic attack. Those were intense.”



Marci: “Oh! Here, she’s doing it right now.”

Marci grabbed his hand and placed it on her stomach.



Don waited for a moment before he said anything.

Don: “Uh…I don’t feel anything.”

Marci: “Neither do I. Huh. She was doing it all morning.”



Marci: “What’s with your face?”

Don: “It’s me, isn’t it?”

Marci: “What are you talking about?”

Don: “Everyone always says babies pick up what’s going on around the mother, that they get to know people’s voices. I haven’t been here. My daughter doesn’t know me. She probably heard me and froze, and she’s just waiting until I stop talking and leave.”



Marci: “Don, that is probably the dumbest shit I ever heard come out of your mouth. Our daughter doesn’t have a preference right now. Right now, she’s nothing more than a fetus who’s feeding off my energy to grow. She could barely survive outside the womb right now if she were born.”

Don: “You sure know what to say to comfort someone, Marci.”

Marci: “I’m just saying, don’t read too much into it. That’s just your guilt talking. And I’m not trying to hurt your feelings here, but that’s for you to work out, not me.”

Don: “Yeah…I know. You’re right.”

Marci: “Besides, this is our kid we’re talking about. Between the two of us, she is not going to turn out shy. We got our work cut out for us.”



Marci: “What are you doing down there, anyway? You look fucking bushed.”

Don: “I uh...I am. Didn’t really sleep last night. I just didn’t know if I could sit on the bed. Josh is home, and you and I aren’t--”

Marci: “Oh, shut up and get up here.”



Marci: “I just hope you know, as soon as your brat is out of me, you’re getting a proper ass kicking from me, and that is not an exaggeration. You are way overdue.”

Don: “I wouldn’t expect any less.”



Marci: “I...am glad you’re here, though.”

Don: “So am I.”



More importantly, Marci's spirits lifted up so much, Joshua thought it was best to offer Don a place to stay until the baby arrived.

Don: “Are you sure about this? I can just crash at Worthington’s place for a while.”

Marci: “It’s all the way on the other side of town though, and you work right across the street. Staying here makes more sense. And Joshua was the one who suggested the idea, not me.”

Don: “Really? What’s your motive?”

Joshua: “None, I swear. It’s just the right thing to do. I know when Marci was pregnant with the twins, I worked from home because I wanted to be close-by in case she needed me, or in case something was wrong with the babies. You’ll have to sleep on the couch, but they’re comfortable enough.”

Don: “Do I need to pay rent? I gotta warn you, I don’t make much.”

Joshua: “I think we’re going to be okay without the money. If you have to, we’ll ask. We can use help around the house though, if you want to pitch in.”



Marci: “Josh is too nice to come out and ask point-blank, but we need help with the babies, and childcare in and outside the home is fucking expensive. He works here now and has to focus on his painting whenever he can, and I can’t do much around the house anymore. And you have all this free time on your hands now. You up for the task?”



Don: “I don’t know how I feel about being hired as a nanny. What’s the pay rate?”

Marci: “Oh, I am so sorry! See, I thought having your child and extending the Lothario bloodline was enough for compensation, but what was I thinking?”



Don: “Heh. You got me there. Still, if you need me out, let me know. I can always crash on another couch until I can get my own place.”



Marci: “I don’t think that’s going to happen. I’m cool with you being here, and...Josh, are you sure about this? Say the word, and I’ll boot this bastard out myself. No offense, Don.”

Don: “None taken. Honestly I’ve been called a bastard so many times, I respond faster to that than my own name.”



Joshua: “Need I remind you who brought up the idea in the first place? If I had a problem with Don being here, I wouldn’t have offered. All of us can benefit from this, and if he wants to pitch in, who am I to stand in the way of that?”



Marci was extremely grateful for the gesture, and at the end of the day, her comfort and happiness mattered, especially as they drew closer to the baby’s due date.



Joshua wouldn’t admit it out loud, but truth be told…he lied.



He had plenty of problems with Don.



When he wasn’t helping out around the house or working at the food stand, Don worked out...



Took long afternoon naps…



And left messes all over the house.



What was once Joshua’s neat and tidy sanctuary turned into a chaotic scene. Don almost never put anything back in its proper place, or closed the cupboards, or picked up after himself.



Joshua: (Sighs)



Joshua: “And here I thought I was a few years away from raising a teenager...”





Joshua: “Say, Don, while I have you down here…”



Joshua: "The next time you throw in a load, can you actually make sure to sort through the whites first and see if anything mixed in with them?”



Don: “Uh, okay? I already do that. In case you haven’t noticed, more than half my wardrobe is red and white. If I mess that part up, I’m screwed.”

Joshua: “Then do you know why all of my white shirts and socks come out faded and pink from the last load? I had to throw them out because they couldn’t match anything else I wore.”

Don: “Sorry to hear that, my dude, but shit happens. And I definitely wasn’t the last person to use the dryer. It might’ve been Louis for all I know. Why do you automatically assume it’s my fault?”



Joshua: “I’m not making assumptions. It’s just a friendly reminder to be careful. That shouldn’t be a problem, right?”



Don: “Right. Sure.”



Joshua: “Well! Speaking of Louis, I better go and check if he’s started his homework. Oh! And I forgot to mention, try and empty the lint tray every single time you use the dryer. We wouldn’t want to start a fire so close to the nursery.”





Don: “‘Just a friendly reminder’...pffft. Eat my ass.”



His bad habits were rubbing off on Louis, too.



Joshua couldn’t help but notice a subtle shift in Louis’ traits and behavior. He knew Don was going to bring different masculine energy to the household, but he hadn’t anticipated his son gravitating towards it.

Although he wanted to claim Don was a negative influence on Louis, it was quite the opposite. Truth be told, it was no different than his wife bringing out a different side in his son. Both Marci and Don were highly assertive people, and in turn, Louis became more self-assured.



And much to Joshua’s surprise, Don helped Louis out with his homework sometimes.

Louis: “When did you learn how to make volcanoes?”

Don: “I think everyone gets forced to make them in school - but it isn’t that hard to put together. Once you get the vents in place, you’re good to go.”

Louis: “What about the lava? How do we make it erupt?”

Don: “Oh, that’s easy. All you need is baking soda, vinegar, and some red food coloring. When you’re done with the clay, I’ll show you.”



Louis: “Did you like science when you were in school?”

Don: “I wouldn’t call it my favorite subject, but I used to be good at it.”

Louis: “Why’d you stop liking it?”

Don: “I discovered girls. It was all downhill from there.”

Louis: “Why? Where were girls before you found them? What did they do?”



Joshua: “Let’s put a pin in this conversation for another day, Louis.”

Don: “The boy’s gonna learn sooner or later, Josh! Don’t delay the inevitable.”



Joshua wondered if he was being too hard on Don in his own head. Sure, his quirks didn’t mesh well with Joshua, but was it really so bad having him around the house, as an active participant in their little family? Louis thrived off their busy atmosphere and a bigger household. He still expressed his anxieties regarding his absent mother, but the arrival of Marci, Don, and his half-siblings seemed to fill the void.





Joshua: “Thanks for helping him. You didn’t have to do this. I appreciate it.”

Don: “Heh. You’re welcome. I still think we should put his army men all over the volcano as civilians, though. They could get swallowed up by the lava.”

Louis: “Oh! That’s a sick idea! Can we do that, Dad? Please?”

Joshua: “Why do you and Marci insist on corrupting my son?”

Don: “He makes it so easy.”



True to his word, Don stepped up and helped with the twins, while Joshua went to work and Marci was ordered to remain home for the remaining duration of her pregnancy. Joshua encouraged it, not just for his own benefit, but to ensure Marci’s baby received the best care and attention from her biological father. Despite his initial doubts, Holden and Lea brought out a softer side in Don as it did with Marci.



A selfish part of Joshua was grateful to have the extra helping hand. It was easier to produce commissions and his own personal work when he didn’t have to stop every few minutes to check on the babies, especially with Marci having to relax as much as possible.



And as much as he didn’t understand it…

Marci was ecstatic to have Don back in her life.

Now that they patched things up, their relationship was improving for the better, and she was starting to trust him again. Enough to grant him the privilege to name their child.



Even so, Marci still gave him grief.

Don: “So, how’s our little Trixie today?”

Marci snorted. Joshua didn’t need to turn around and check the expression on her face; he heard the disdain in her laughter.

Don: “Seriously? What’s wrong with that one? Trixie Price has a ring to it.”

Marci: “Full offense, if I knew you were going to cycle through nothing but stripper names for our daughter, I would’ve never let you call dibs on her name.”



Don: “Okay, fine. Message sent. Trixie is out. How about Olivia? Adeline? Oh! Ella? That one is cute.”

Marci: “Oh sure, those are…okay, if you want our daughter to be basic. Do you want her to share a name with every other girl in her school? Imagine calling for her in the school yard and a dozen Ellas come running at you.”



Don: “Um, good point, I guess? How about Charlotte, then? Renee? Meredith?”

Marci: “Ugh! No. Those are old lady names.”



Don: "Alright, you want something more unique and youthful? How about Willowleaf? Nightfist the Undead Supreme? No, wait, I got one: Flittermoon."

Marci: "Now you're just yelling out nonsense and cartoon characters!"



Don: “I may as well, Marci, because you shoot down every single name I put out there! I’m really trying here! Josh, help me out! You don’t think anything’s wrong with those names, right?”



Joshua: “Oh, don’t drag me into this. I’m lucky she let me name Lea. And that was my grandmother’s name.”



Marci: “I don’t mean to be a bitch about this, believe me, but names are super important! They define you! They give people an impression of who you are and what you’re about! I just want you to put a little more thought into your daughter’s name. She’s going to walk around with it for the rest of her life, or at least until she’s old enough to change it herself. The least we can do is make sure it doesn’t sound stupid or weak or--”



Marci: “Oof!”



Don: “What’s wrong? Stomachache? I told you to lay off the Tabasco sauce. Hold on, I’ll go and fetch the tums--”

Marci: “No, I…”



“I think I’m going into labor. I’ve felt them come on all day, but I thought they were just Braxton hicks.”



Don: “Wait, what? All morning?! Why didn’t you say something sooner?!”



Marci: “I mean, I went through this with the twins, and they weren't as bad as the last time. And I didn’t give birth until the very next day! I didn’t want to worry you guys until I was certain.”



Joshua: “Marci, you’re so close to your due date! You’re supposed to let us know if you feel weird no matter what! Your labor might be shorter this time! How close are the contractions? When did they start? Do you have your overnight bag packed yet? Here, let me go in the bedroom and--”



Marci: “See, this is exactly why I didn’t say anything, you drama queens! Take a chill pill, won’t you? It’s not that big of aaaaaugh ow ow ow! Fuck! That hurt!”

Joshua: “That’s it. You’re going to the hospital, right now.”

Marci: “Okay, okay! Just let me go to the bathroom first.”



Marci got up and went into the guest bathroom, leaving Joshua and Don alone.

Joshua: “Alright, well...I can go in the bedroom and see if she packed a bag. I should probably check the laundry downstairs in case she forgot anything. You should call a taxi and get her ready to go--”

Joshua stopped talking once he realized Don wasn’t listening to him.

Don: “I can’t do this.”



Joshua: “Don, calm down. We talked about this. You knew this day was coming.”

Don: “I can’t – I can’t fucking do this. This is too much.”



Joshua couldn’t help feeling frustrated with Don. It wasn’t unusual for first-time fathers to have panic attacks, but this man was absolutely petrified in place, as though he had the right to shut down.

Joshua: “I know what you’re going through right now. I was here not too long ago with Louis. You must put aside your anxiety right now and deal with it later, though. The baby’s coming whether you’re ready or not.”



Don: “That’s the whole problem, though! The baby’s coming – and I’m not ready! I can’t be a father! I can't even pick the right name for her! You two keep saying differently, but I know better! I’m just not wired that way! I—"



Joshua: “Ugh! For fuck’s sake, just go then!”



Don: “Wha… what did you say?”



Joshua: “You heard me! I warned you, if you wanted to be here for this baby, then you need to be here a hundred percent and get your shit together! And now you want to second guess yourself? Now, of all times? You may as well get out now if you’re still having doubts about this.”

Don: “Are you telling me to leave? I thought you said you didn’t want to try and keep me out of this?”



Joshua: “I will if I have to!”

Don: “What the hell does that mean?”



Joshua: “What do you think? Marci's my wife! Those first four months, where were you when she was going through morning sickness, got depressed, and deal with pregnancy hormones and helping with our twins? You were right next door, mooching off that woman and her daughters, and completely shutting Marci out! And now that you’re here, and she’s excited about having you in this baby’s life, you...what, change your mind? Just like that? I refuse to let you hurt her again, and I won't tolerate this childish behavior from you!”



Don: “I knew it.”

Joshua: “Knew what?”

Don: “You don’t like me.”

Joshua: “This… this isn’t about us!”



Don: “To hell, it isn’t! You can stand there and pretend otherwise, but you are so full of shit. You are the most passive aggressive person I know. Fake, too! Marci might buy into this nice guy act of yours, but I never did. I saw right through it.”



Joshua: “This isn’t an act, Don. I’m not the one here with an agenda.”

Don: “Oh, I have an agenda now?”

Joshua: “You tell me. Look at yourself. What have you been doing in the last few weeks? You barely clean up after yourself, you don’t work, you nap in the middle of the day--”

Don: “But you have no complaints when I watch your kids, do you?”

Joshua: “That’s the bare minimum! Anyone can watch a baby! What are you going to do when your daughter is older? Do you want her to watch you and follow your example? Live off other people, care only about herself and her feelings, do as little as possible? Bail on a job or relationship as soon as it gets too hard?”



Don: “Right, because everyone has to live up to your standards, right? Tell me, did you put Marci through the wringer, too? She was living in a shithole with no money when you met her, remember?”

Joshua: “I’m not talking about Marci. I’m talking about you.”

Don: “Well, you got me! I’m a screw-up! That makes you feel better, to hear me say it? The thing is, I never pretended otherwise. I have been nothing but my authentic self since I got here. Unlike you. You put on a really good show, pretending you haven’t been bothered by me and Marci all this time. It’s fucking weird if you ask me. I knock up your wife and you’re cool with it. I crash on your couch and you put up with me like the family dog. What’s next, you invite me to the bedroom? ‘Sure Marci, you guys can fool around! I’ll just roll over and stay out of the way, no problem!’”



Joshua: “I... I, uh...”



Don: “Wait...you would! Damn. Maybe I read you wrong. Here I thought Marci and I were freaks, but you were right under our noses the whole time.”



Joshua: “I - I mean it, Don, stop it!”

Don: “It makes sense now. You get off on it, don’t you? The two of us? Marci told me all about your arrangement, but it’s funny how she hasn’t mentioned you like getting cucked. She has no idea, does she?”









Before Joshua could say anything, Marci’s voice called out from the nearby bathroom.

Marci: “Hey! What’s going on out there? Is everything okay?”



If Don told Marci the truth, Joshua wouldn't have blamed him. Instead, the man just laughed.

Don: “Yeah, Marce! Everything’s fine! How are you doing in there?”

Marci: “I’ll be out in a few - but what were you guys shouting about?”

Don: “Don’t worry about it! Just make sure you don’t push the baby out in the toilet! I don’t want to fish her out of the drain!”

Marci: “Fuck you! Once your brat is out of me, I’m kicking your ass!”



Joshua: “Don, I am so, so sorry. I don’t know what came over me.”



Don: “Oh, I do. I crossed a line, and you let me have it. No hard feelings.”



Joshua: “Really, I shouldn’t have hit you. I damaged your nose.”

Don: “You call this damage? When I was a kid, my father used to come at me with his belt if I mouthed off. Trust me, I can survive a sucker punch to the face.”

Joshua: “You might, but it wasn’t right, and our fight should’ve never escalated like that. This isn’t a reflection of who I am.”

Don: “Are you kidding? Josh, this is probably the most real that you’ve been with me since we met. It’s about damn time if you ask me. You oughta let loose more often.”



Joshua: “Well, you get a kick out of this side of me, but I have my reasons for holding back - I can’t afford to ‘let loose’. I don’t know if Marci told you, but I have an anger management problem. I need to keep my temper under control, or else I’ll slip right back to where I was a few years ago. So, no matter what you tell me, I shouldn’t have punched you. It was wrong.”



Don: “I get it, but holding yourself back to the point where you never get pissed isn’t good, either. That shit can't be healthy. You’re too tightly wound up!”

Don’s words struck a nerve, unexpectedly so. Was Joshua really that bad at expressing himself? All this time, he kept his anger in check and prided himself on a job well done. Was Don making excuses for himself, or did he truly see a red flag that everyone, including Joshua himself, was missing? It was worth a discussion with his therapist later.

Joshua: “Are you sure you’re okay? That’s a lot of blood. Did I break your nose?”



Don: “Probably not.”

Joshua: “Probably?”

Don: “What do I look like, a doctor? I just know it fucking hurts, that’s it. If you really want to do me a favor, grab me a rag?”



Joshua retrieved a rag and waited for Don to clean the blood off his face. There was some slight swelling from the punch, but at least his nose was no longer bleeding.

Joshua: “Well, how do you feel now?”

Don: “Like I got punched in the face, but...y’know, could’ve been worse.”



Don: “Look...I get why you don’t trust me, Josh. I put myself first for a long time. Marci is probably my only friend left, but I bailed on her, too. You’re just looking out for her and our daughter. You’re more of a man than I am - more than I’ve ever been my whole life. Hell, you’re stepping up to take care of a kid that isn’t even yours. I don’t know many people who could do that, myself included.”



Joshua: “That’s not true, Don. I’m no better or worse than you. I wasn’t always a good husband or a good father.”



Joshua: “My ex-wife left me over my outbursts...”



Joshua: “...and my son was afraid of me until I got into counseling.”



Joshua: “My point is, I'm not perfect by any stretch of the imagination. Unlearning bad habits and breaking cycles isn't easy. I still have my concerns about you...but maybe I was too quick to judge, as you said.”



Don: “I know you don’t believe me, but I meant what I told Marci. Walking away from her and our daughter was a mistake – one that I don’t want to repeat.”

Joshua: “I hope you’re right. As I said, I don’t mean for it to completely inform my perspective on you, but I was here for Marci after your fallout. She might be okay now, but I know her. She doesn't handle rejection well.”

Don: “And I give you my word, that’s never going to happen again. I burned too many bridges to turn back now. Even if I had other escape routes, I made my decision. I’m not going anywhere. I mean, hypothetically speaking, not this place specifically—”



Joshua: “No need to specify. I understood. I’ll admit, you really stepped up for her and the baby…and for the ones that aren’t even yours.”

Don: “Bizarre, isn’t it? I didn’t even make eye contact with babies a year ago. They gave me the creeps. And now? All my clothes smell like them, good and bad.”

Joshua: “Get used to that. It clings to everything.”



Don: “I better check up on her and tell her to haul ass. Are you staying behind?”

Joshua: “For now, until I can arrange for a babysitter. I have a few faces in mind. I’ll meet you two at the hospital. And Don? Be careful.”

Don: “Be careful? Of what?”

Joshua: “Marci hates doctors. I found that out the hard way. She almost punched out the last doctor who delivered our twins. The whole drive over, she’s going to act as though you’re dragging her into a viper’s nest.”

Don: “Thanks for the heads up, but I have firsthand experience in talking our girl down from giving pricks beatdowns. I think we’ll be fine.”

***



Soon, Marci was transported to the hospital, where she was rushed into surgery.

Marci: “Don, you’re still here, right?”



Don: “Yup. Right here.”

Marci: “I hate this place so much. Fuck hospitals.”

Don: “Don’t worry, you’re safe. These days, everything is done with machines.”

Marci: “That’s the problem! Last time I was here with the twins, the doctor pulled my heart right out in front of me!”



Don: “Are you sure it wasn’t the drugs?”

Marci: “God, I wish they were that strong right about now. Ask Josh. Hey, why did that other doctor examine you? Did something happen to your face?”

Don: “Oh, that...I’ll tell you later. Just focus on this, and how we’re going to meet our kid in just a few--”



Don: “Hey! What gives? Can't you control this thing?”

Doctor: “Oh, this happens all the time! Machine against the machine, claw against suction...it’s all very ironic, isn’t it? All you can do is wait for the glitch to work itself out. Let them get their aggression out.”

Don: “You know what? We want another doctor. Right now.”



Despite the initial hiccups, their baby was delivered successfully, and she was deemed healthy.

Don always heard about the immediate intense love parents felt for their children, but to experience it firsthand was a rush. The very thing he feared for so long wasn’t so terrifying in the flesh.



Marci: “Oh God, are you gonna cry again?”

Don: “No, I’m fine, the air is just really dry in this room.”



Don wasn’t without some fears, though. Now that his daughter was out in the real world, in his arms, he felt small. He still didn’t have much to offer to this baby other than himself. Any money he made from his crappy job was nowhere near enough to cover the essential child care expenses. Marci was correct, she could easily take care of their daughter on her own, even without Joshua in the picture hypothetically, but that didn’t mean he wanted all the responsibility on her shoulders.

Not to mention he wasn’t exactly ‘father of the year’ material when his personal conduct factored into the picture. What exactly was his daughter going to think of him years down the line, if he hadn’t shaped up by then? Although Joshua apologized, his angry words carried a loaded truth: he had his work cut out for him if he wanted to set a better example for her.



Still, he didn’t regret this. He could never regret this.



To think, one misguided romp with his best friend led to this.



They still had shit to work out. Marci still had a husband and three other children, including her stepson.



Joshua and Marci were still trying to figure out how to explain everything to Louis, and more importantly, the appropriate time to do so. If the boy was aware of the situation, he hadn’t let on, nor did he appear uncomfortable. He was a bright and perceptive child though, so they were confident it wasn’t going to take much for him to understand everything.



More than half a year ago, Don wondered how factoring into Marci’s life in this capacity would work. It was still confusing, and there was no telling what was going to happen between the two of them from here on out...but fitting into her world was nowhere near as impossible as he expected.

***



Marci: “You gotta put her down and let her sleep sometime, Don.”

Don: “I can’t help it! She’s so cute. Look at this little face. I thought I was a good looking baby, but she blows me out of the water. She really hit the jackpot with our genetic lottery.”



Marci: “She sure did. By the way, the hospital called again. We really need to hurry up and pick a name for the birth certificate, or it’s just going to turn into a gigantic mess. Shoot some more of your terrible ideas at me, and we’ll see which one sticks.”



Don: “How about Tabitha?”

Marci: “... Huh. That’s actually really cute. Where did you come up with that one?”

Don: “You were shooting down all my ideas, so I thought, ‘Well, Marci loves Hallow’s Eve, and last year she dressed up as a witch...what if I just look up a list of witch names and go through them until I find a name that doesn’t make me roll my eyes or get the poor kid beat up in school?’ I had a few names in mind, but I don’t know...she just looks like a Tabitha to me.”



Marci: “Tabitha Price. Tabitha...Tabs...oh, Tabby! I like it!”



Don: “Does it get your official seal of approval? Call an ambulance, I think I’m going into shock!”

Marci: “You joke, but I’m glad you took this seriously!”

Don: “Believe it or not, when I put my mind to something, I can do anything! Not that this was an easy task. You’re a challenging woman to please, you know that?”

Marci: “Well, you’re not without your challenges, Lothario. More than a few. You practically came out of the womb with a 'caution' sticker on your forehead.”



Don: “Yeah, trust me...I know.”

Marci: “What’s wrong?”

Don: “Nothing. I’m surprised you let me name her, after what I did. Hell, I’m surprised you gave me another chance and tried to forgive me at all. I just hope I don’t fuck this up.”



Marci: “Hey...I’m still kicking your ass as promised, but you being here for Tabitha? That’s all you have to do. You don’t have to be perfect or have all your shit together. Half the time, I don’t know what I’m doing either. All she’ll care about is that her parents love and protect her.”



Marci: “We’ll figure everything else out together, okay?”



The morning Marci went into labor, it started as a typical day in the Price household.

The week itself ended with a new addition in the family.



Everything was slowly falling into place.

Joshua: “I’m glad they let you come home so soon. Good thing the surgery went easier this time.”

Marci: “Yeah, Don told the first quack to beat it, so my little black heart wasn’t ripped out of my chest like the last time!”

Joshua: “We ought to have taken a picture of that moment. ‘Proof that Marci Price has a heart.’”



Marci: “I’m so glad you finally came around to my twisted sense of humor. Oh! Guess what? Don finally picked a name for the baby: Tabitha Price!”

Joshua: “Oh, I like that! It’s very mature.”

Marci: “And in case you were wondering? Don’s nose is fine.”



Joshua: “Oh, no. He told you about that?”



Marci: “No. He’s not a snitch. I figured it out when it started bleeding again in the delivery room. He wouldn’t tell me why you hit him, though. He just told me to drop it.”

Joshua: “It’s a long story, and besides, we worked it out.”

Marci: “Fine, suit yourself. I’ll get the real story out of him sooner or later. You wouldn’t believe how loose his lips get when he drinks tequila.”



Marci: “No offense to you guys, but I am so fucking done having babies. Three is enough for me – four when you include Louis. How are we going to manage so many kids?”



Joshua: “We’ll figure it out. We have space and the means to care for them, and Louis is old enough to help with some of the chores around the house.”

Marci: “True. He already helps with the laundry. That kid has more motivation in the mornings than I do in a single week sometimes.”

Joshua: “And Don promised to stay active in Tabitha’s life. I’m sure you two will work something out once he gets his own place.”

Marci: “Sure…we can do that.”



Something was off in her voice.

Joshua: “Honey, what’s wrong?”

Marci: “Nothing. Everything’s great, actually. We have each other, four healthy children, jobs, money, a roof that never leaks…it's more than I could've ever asked for.”

Joshua: “But…?”

Marci: “I don’t know, I… I guess I got used to having Don here. Sorry, I don’t mean to make this weird between us.”



Joshua: “It’s okay. You don’t have to apologize. I know you care about him, too.”



Marci: “I do, but there's more to it than that. I never really had a family until now. I don’t doubt he’s going to be around for Tabitha, but when I picture our lives together, raising our kids, we…hmm, never mind. I guess it doesn’t matter. We made a deal, and he’s already got a place lined up.”



Joshua: “Well…who says Don has to leave? We were talking about expanding the basement for a while, and we have the funds. Why don’t we set up space for him downstairs? That is if he’s open to the idea. I’m sure he wants to spend as much time with Tabitha as possible right now.”

Marci: “Josh, that isn’t fair to you! That space was supposed to be your studio!”

Joshua: “It was…but it’s not a priority right now, and I can paint anywhere. I want you to be happy, and I want our kids to have the best life possible.”



Joshua: “Tabitha is important to me, too.”



Joshua: “If we can have her whole family under one roof, we should make that possible for her.”



Marci: “I don’t know, Josh…are you sure you're ready for this? Think of what the neighbors might say. Me, living here with my cute husband and sleazy Don. You, living with your wife and her baby daddy.”

Joshua: “Trust me, I thought about it. And I’m going to take a page out of your book: screw them.”

Marci: “Hah! No, seriously. Can you handle this? I don’t want to do this if it’s going to cause you any stress.”



Joshua: “Marci, we’re all adults. What we do in our house is no one else’s business but ours. Besides, I wouldn’t have suggested it if this isn’t what I wanted. We’re not the first people to try something like this. If it works for other couples, I don’t see why it can’t work with us.”



Marci: “You know, Josh…you’ve been the most supportive husband throughout this whole messy ordeal. I know it hasn’t been easy for you, either.”



“And that’s why…”



“I plan on making it up to you as soon as possible.”



Joshua: “Marci, stop, just gave bi – mmf!”







Joshua: “Wow. Are you going to kiss me like that every time we move one of your boyfriends in here? Maybe we should talk your fourth husband into joining us.”



Marci: “Pffft. Nah, Johnny’s got Dina now. Our ship sunk before it ever embarked. But trust me, you're doomed once I get my full strength back.”

Clearly, it didn’t take much for Marci to get on board with the idea.



As for Don…well, they needed to lay down some neglected house rules.

Joshua: “You need to do your part around the house. Clean up your messes without being told, for instance.”

Don: “Got it.”



Joshua: “And if you’re going to live here, you need to get a better job. One that's preferably full-time.”

Don: “Full-time?! You’re killing me, man! I haven’t put in an eight-hour shift since the day I got out of school. And you paint at home! Why do I have to get a desk job?”

Joshua: “I paint here, but I have other means to make money outside the house. And I didn’t say anything about a desk job! I literally don’t care what vocation you choose, just as long as you’re working.”

Don: “You say that like it’s easy. My resume is less than one page and bailing on my family got me branded for life. The only one who has it worse than me is Johnny Zest.”



Marci: “I call bullshit on that! Johnny has a house and pays his own bills.”

Don: “He lives in a trailer! It floods when it rains!”

Marci: “At least he cleans up after and still manages to keep a garden! If I ever saw you turn on our vacuum, I’d faint on the spot.”

Don: “Your faith is the wind beneath my wings, you ball buster.”

Joshua: “Seriously though, listen to me! Marci just started out not that long ago, and she eventually got her promotion. Think of this as an opportunity to start fresh and make yourself over. You mentioned you wanted to work in the athletics career. Start there and see where that takes you.”



Don: “I mean, I was just throwing that out there like a pipe dream…but I guess it wouldn’t hurt to try. How hard can it be?”

Joshua didn’t have the heart to tell him how long it took to make a name for yourself in any industry. At least the man was excited about a career. Perhaps this was a step in the right direction – and off their couch permanently.



Don: “So, you’re cool with this, right? With me? You swear you got all your frustrations out and I’m not going to wake up one day with you standing over me with a pillow over my face?”



Joshua: “Wha—what is with you and Marci constantly having murder on your minds? You talk about getting killed, she talks about strangling people…”

Don: “We both made our share of enemies. We’re always on the lookout. You can’t be too careful.”

Joshua: “You joke, but I assure you, as long as you keep your word and do right by Tabitha and Marci, you won’t have any problems with me.”



Marci: “Now, if you boys are done having a moment, Don and I have a score to settle.”

Joshua: “See? What did I tell you: murder.”

Marci: “Not murder, my dear. Vengeance. Good old fashioned vengeance. Get over here, Lothario. Face your punishment.”



Don: “Humor me, Josh. You know anything about this?”

Joshua: “Just a little. You’re not going to like it.”

Don: “Oh, great…”



Marci: “This morning, it occurred to me: I’ve been too soft with you. Maybe it was Tabby and pregnancy brain fog confusing me, throwing me off my game, letting you off the hook for being such a jackass…well, that stops here! I’m cutting you a deal: instead of one major ass-kicking, I’m going to deliver tiny little punishment over the course of four months – which was exactly how long it took you to remember pissing me off is a mistake.”

Don: “How tiny are we talking here?”

Marci: “Nope! You don’t get to know anything about them! They’re pleasant surprises! Well, for me. I can’t speak for you. Don't look at Josh, he can't help you get out of this!”

Don: “Can I opt-out of this?”

Marci: “If you do that, then Josh and I have to gang up on you. He already hit you in the face without my encouragement. Imagine what he’ll do at my beck and call.”

Don: “Well, my face still hurts, and I saw you in action before. I want to live. So, deal. As if I had a choice.”



Marci: “I’m so glad you see things my way. Let’s shake on it. Seal your fate.”

Don: “This is so stupiDAAAAAUGH!”

When Marci broke the news of her pregnancy, and the baby's father, Joshua never thought the dynamic in their household would change so dramatically in less than a year.

He never pictured himself willingly inviting Don Lothario into their home, into their lives…



Don: “What the HELL did you put on that buzzer!? Is it wet? I swore I saw God for a second there!”



Marci: “Puh-leeze! Don’t give me that! You already know I’m dragging you down to hell with me when it’s my time!”

As he watched Marci—who didn’t have a family before and after moving out to Oasis Springs—light up so much in the last few years, however, especially the last few months...



He knew it was the right choice for them.



She always compared falling in love with Joshua as a lightning strike; so powerful, so chaotic, so rare – a high that she never wanted to cut herself off from, if it could come around again.



If there was the faintest possibility that lightning could strike twice for her, who was he to stand in the way of that?

***

AUTHOR'S NOTES

I uh, had the bulk of this chapter saved in a draft but awhile. I held off on finishing and posting this update for nearly two years. My mental health took a plunge for the worse due to a huge loss in my family. All interest I had in writing - even something as simple and silly as this - vanished. I only just started getting the motivation back. I finally am back in the swing of it and ready to continue with this project of mine.

I doubt this story will gain traction, or even just a few readers, but in the likelihood you stumble across this, I hope you enjoy my protagonist and her family's shenanigans.