Notes: Gabrielle is from Xena Warrior Princess which belongs to StudiosUSA and Renaissance Studios. All other characters are fictitious and are of my own creation. Please send comments to dante0220@yahoo.com.

Preface [Queen's Hut Amazon Village 84 AD]

Gabrielle, Bard-Queen of the Amazons, writes....

The first year of David and Angela's marriage was an exciting one as we have already seen. Accordingly, they wanted a quiet Christmas at her parents' farm. It was a nice weekend indeed and a bonus present involved in the bargain.


Chapter 1 [Halloween]

A brisk, biting wind blew across the countryside of Upstate New York and flurries flew in the black evening. At the Blackwells' farm in Wabash, the residents kept themselves busy. Bill worked on some carving in the corner. His wife, Jennifer, sat in the corner, knitting a sweater. Despite this activity, they missed their daughter, Angela. Although she had moved away years before, she had visited a couple of times a year. However, since she had moved out to Arizona along with her husband, she had only returned to the northeast on one occasion...and then, not for almost a year. 

On this night, the loneliness hit particularly hard for them.

"I spoke to Angie today," she indicated.

"Oh? How's she doing?" he wondered.

"Great. She and David are both working hard," she replied. "Apparently, their projects are keeping them busy."

"Those kids," he sighed. "Do they ever give themselves any free time? I wish we could get them up here for Christmas."

She set her knitting down and walked over to him. "I know how you feel, Bill. However, those kids have their own lives. We can't force them to come back."

"I know," he agreed. 

Just then, the phone rang. "I'll get it. Hello," he told her.

"Hi, Papa B.! It's Dave! How are you?" Dave asked.

"Well, hello there! How are you both?" he inquired, a smile coming to his face.

"We're fine. I'm up to my neck in work and your daughter's the classic workaholic," his son-in-law informed him. They still don't know about her role in that kidnapping and I mean to keep it that way.

"Is she eating okay?"

"I make sure of it," Dave admitted. "I told her that if she doesn't, I'll spoon feed her if necessary."

He laughed. Well, he's taking care of her at least. "How are the professional things going?"

"Okay...as a matter of fact, that's why I'm calling. Angie and I will be at a conference in Albany between December 22nd and 24th. Since we don't have to be back here until January 3rd, I was wondering if w could have Christmas with you at the farm. Of course, I would need to see my family too."

"Of course you both can spend it with us! We'd love to have you. How many of your family were you thinking of?" Bill inquired.

"My brother and sister, their spouses, my niece, Miranda, my Mom and grandmother," Dave replied.

"Consider them all invited," the farmer agreed. "We'll take care of everything on this end. Meantime, we'd love to hear you and Angie speak."

"Absolutely. She'll be on Cloud 9 when she hears about this. Thank you," the librarian expressed.

"No trouble at all, Dave. Give her a kiss for us," he concluded, hanging up.

"What is it, Bill? What did David want?" she asked. 

"The kids have a meeting in Albany on Christmas Eve. Dave wanted to spend the holiday here with us. Would you mind having his family over?"

"They're all welcome except for his father. After what happened the day after the wedding, that man won't step foot in this house while I'm breathing," she stated firmly. 

"Dave would never ask that. I really don't think he wants any part of the man-not that I blame him," he agreed. "Well, looks like we'll have that family Christmas after all!"

She smiled warmly and went back to her knitting. Good for you, David. This is just what the doctor ordered.


Chapter 2 [Tucson]

Dave hung up the phone feeling wonderful about himself. Imagine a Christmas without wedding plans! Awesome! It'll be really nice. After grinding some coffee beans, he returned to his research notes. After years of work, he finally had this project under control. Even more special though, Angie would be co-presenting with him. While her boss had asked her to take the project for the UMC, she had wanted to collaborate on a presentation to get the flavor of his research.

Just as the clock struck nine, Angie strolled through the front door, whistling a tune. "Hi, Honey!" she cheered.

"Hi, Princess!" he replied, walking into the living room and kissing her.

"Mmm...that's nice," she sighed. "I smell coffee. Did you save me any, pray tell?"

"Of course," he chuckled, walking into the kitchen. He spooned out a bowl of salad and warmed up some soup for her. Placing both on the table in front of her, he directed, "Manga. Your father's request."

She arched an eyebrow at him. "Oh really? What a good son-in-law, you are." 

Then her stomach rumbled.

"You're as bad as I am," he told her.

"Yeah, I know," she admitted, eating heartily. "This tortellini soup is good though. Did you talk with my folks today too?"

"Uh huh," he replied, filling her coffee cup. "What would you say if I told you that we're spending Christmas at the farm with our families?"

"Our families? Dave, you know how I want to spend the time with my folks, but if your father even thinks about it...." She started to fume.

"You think I would allow that? Not unless you want the Child to bust loose and kick his tail back over the state line," he told her.

She shook her head, recalling the last encounter between those two. "No thanks. Anyhow, I know Momma will keep him away and I would like to see everyone again. Meantime, Mike and Randy can bring the snowmobiles and we can have some fun."

"Sounds heavenly!" she agreed, grinning as she drank her coffee. 

He shrugged and joined her at the table.

****

[Next night-Tucson Mall]

After a busy day for them both, they met at the mall entrance adjacent to Dillard's. A quick kiss and they were ready to go.

"Hi, Dave, bring your list?" 

He held up a sheet of paper. "Yeah. And you?"

"It's in my head," she replied confidently. "Shall we get started?"

They plunged into the shopping frenzy in fast and furious fashion. Finally two hours later, they left with their arms full of stuff.

"Okay!" he exclaimed, closing his spoils up in Bessie's trunk. "What do we do for dinner? Olive Garden or Appleby's?"

"Olive Garden. I'm in the mood for Italian," she replied. "Let's walk. It's a great night." They headed over to the restaurant where they had a great meal, wine, and could relax a bit. After the waitress left with the order, she frowned and shook her head.

Uh oh. He thought to himself. "Okay, Princess, out with it. What's up?"

She looked at him dejectedly. "I'm wondering....Dave, do I spend enough time with you? I mean, sometimes...well...my work keeps me from being a good wife. I wish I could be there for you more often." She started to cry. "Excuse me."

He dipped his napkin in a water glass and handed it to her. "You're dripping mayo again."

"What? Oh, I didn't realize that this is the same suit that I wore in San Antonio. But seriously, reminiscing isn't going to solve the problem," she pointed out.

For a minute, he pondered what he would say. Then he responded, "And what problem is that, Angie? These are the 1990s not the 1390s. We're not like your parents, all right? Yes, I admit that a part of me would like to have you waiting when I come in the door every night, but that wouldn't be fair to you. You're the best companion I could hope for and you need your career."

"I can't even get romantic," she complained.

He snorted at that comment.

"What was that for?"

"I beg to differ. Remember after the Parsons' case, you gave up your celebration for me? How about the waffles in Istanbul? You are very romantic, all right? C'mere!" he disagreed, kissing her. "I love you just the way you are, Angie Dubois."

Her eyes sparkled. "And I love you. You're the greatest friend, companion, husband, and one day, father."

"Amen," he agreed, raising his glass. "To our future family and to the woman who will bear those kids for me."

She raised her glass as well. "To the man whose kids I will bear. May he be proud of them and may I be worthy."

"You already are," he told her as they clinked glasses. "And our combined effort will knock them dead in Albany. Now, here comes the food. Now eat everything or I'll make you eat it when we get home."

"And how's that?"

He grinned and arched his eyebrows.

"I just might take you up on that, but I know you want to enjoy the restaurant and being away from everything. I'll be a good girl tonight."

He grinned and ate a mouthful of fettuccine.



Chapter 3 [Christmas week]

The rest of the semester flew by for them both. Dave's assignments kept him secured to his desk. Meanwhile, Angie's duties made sure she ran around while at work. As hard as it all was, time moved quickly.

****

On the last day prior to leaving for Albany, he walked into the library. As he got to his office, he found Caitlin waiting for him.

"Hi, David! How's everything?" she asked.

"Great! I'm almost ready to go here! I just need to gather some items up at the last minute," he replied. "What's up?"

"Mike Fishburne wanted to see you over at the Student Union. Angie's with him. Go ahead. We've got you covered here. Congratulations on a great first year."

"Thank you. You all have made it easy," he responded as he departed heading for the Union. As he entered the faculty club, he saw them waiting for him.

Angie waved to him, signaling for him to come over.

"What's new?" he asked. "Caitlin just told me. I hope you two weren't waiting long."

"Not at all," the administrator assured him. "Take a seat, David. I just wanted you both to know how much I appreciate what you're doing. In fact, have you seen the new Chronicle yet?"

"No, I haven't. Why?" the librarian queried.

He smiled. "Here it is." Dr. Fishburne produced the newspaper. On the front page, their pictures held center stage over the caption "TEAM SUPREME: Counterparts in Life and Scholarship-Equal Commitment to All."  "Caitlin and I wrote the article on you both. You're a real success story."

Her eyes bugged out and she gasped shyly, "I don't know what to say. Thank you."

"That goes double for me," her husband added. "This will make a nice piece to frame and the folks will love it."

"Funny you should mention that," the administrator hinted, motioning to Lori who brought over a framed copy.

"Congrats, you two," the secretary told them. "Thanks for being so nice, Dr. Dubois. Dave, you're really a super guy. I wish there were somebody out there for me."

The librarian shrugged. "You'll find someone when the time is right."

"And when you do, never let him go," Angie continued and gave her husband's hand a quick squeeze.

"That's why you two are such an inspiration. Well, eat up. I don't want you being late for your flight," Dr. Fishburne told them.

They nodded and followed orders.


Chapter 4 [Albany, The next day]

Dave and Angie spent the day attending different session on medical history. The various presentations and techniques intrigued them. They saw many people, meeting some for the first time while he introduced her to several other experts. All in all, the trip seemed productive. After the day's meetings, they met Dr. Haddad, their colleague from Istanbul, for dinner in town.

"How's everything going with your piece?" Dr. Haddad inquired.

"Great! Dave's going into the history and will give an overview. My piece will deal with the medical nitty-gritty," Angie replied.

"I really like how Angie's graphics are set up," he complimented. Seeing their odd looks, he asked, "What?"

"Typical guy, Angie. Always thinking with something else other than his brain," the Islamic doctor cracked.

"Oh yeah, I know," his wife teased, winking at him.

He shook his head. "Try to give someone a compliment. I guess I'm in the doghouse, huh?"

Angie almost responded but saw the sparkle in his eye. He got me back.

"You two are wonderful together. Any plans for having children?" Dr. Haddad asked.

They both shrugged. 

"Some day," Angie responded. "We hope."

"Oh, by the way, since we know each other better now, please call me 'Marie'. We're friends as well as colleagues, are we not?"

"Well then, Marie, Angie, shall we get dessert and coffee?" he wondered, looking at the menu again.

****

About 3:00 on the following afternoon, Dave and Angie set up their presentation materials in the auditorium and waited anxiously for her parents.

"Where are they?" she fretted.

He glanced up from where he was looking at his notes. "Angie, they'll be here soon. Relax."

"I can't!"

"They'll be fine," he told her. "In fact, there they are." He waved to her parents as Mike and Cybelle guided them into the room. "What a surprise!" he greeted his sister and brother-in-law. "How's it going?"

"Fine," Mike replied pleasantly. "We got up here early and decided to help our hosts out. Besides we wanted to see you in action."

"Cybelle's already done that," her brother cracked.

"That's really droll, Dave," the priestess told him, the steam coming from her ears.

"I couldn't resist," he chuckled and hugged her.

"Thanks, Dave. By the way, everyone should be here at 8," she responded.

"Better make it 8:30 if Dave's mother's driving," Angie advised her mother. Checking her watch, she saw the clock moving close to 3:30. "It's time."

"It is indeed," Marie concurred, approaching them. "Welcome, everyone. I'm Marie Haddad of the American University in Istanbul, a close friend and the event's host. And you are?"

"Bill and Jennifer Blackwell," Mr. B introduced.

"Mike and Cybelle Rogers," Cybelle added.

"Very nice to meet you all. Please make yourselves comfortable. Well, shall we?"

"Let's go," Dave agreed.

Angie nodded and followed his lead onto the stage.

With that, Marie stepped to the podium and started, "Good afternoon, everyone, and welcome to the final session. This presentation deals with a unique angle on the AIDS virus. In this case, a comparative case will be built and examined by two experts. First, Dr. David Dubois will look at y pestis, the bubonic plague and it's effect on the medieval and early modern worlds. Then, Dr. Angela Dubois will apply his framework, adapting it to today's world. David?"

"Thanks," he accepted and proceeded. Over the course of the next half hour, he talked about the plague, tracing it from China, through the Middle East and into Europe. He gave comparison studies, showed charts, and gave detailed analyses before adding questions for the audience to ponder. "And for the modern period, I turn it over to my colleague. Angela?"

His wife flushed. I hate having to be so formal and I know he does too, but that's what's needed here. "Thanks, David. The scenario that you just described fits our time as well." Using the framework, she discussed modern cases and the spread of the virus across the world before going off in new directions.

Watching from his vantage point, her husband grinned. She's so brilliant. I wish she wouldn't get so down on herself.

From the audience, Cybelle nodded. Pauline would be proud as would her husband.

Questions came from the audience for almost twenty more minutes before Marie closed off the session and called for applause. 

The response almost brought the house down.

After they had left, Dave and Angie packed their things up and met their family members.

"What did you think?" Angie asked anxiously.

"That was marvelous!" her mother complimented.

"Indeed. We're so proud of you both," her father agreed.

Mike lowered the camera and powered it down. "I taped the whole thing. Great job, guys."

"Too bad Randy didn't come early. He and Terri missed a great show," Cybelle noted.

"Dave's model set the tempo," Angie pointed out.

"But your commentary developed it. We did the work as a team and we share the credit," Dave pointed out.

She blushed and nodded.

"Excuse me, Marie?" Mrs. B. wondered.

"Yes?"

"Do you have a place to stay?"

"I have a hotel room for tonight and tomorrow. My flight leaves on the 26th."

Angie glanced at her husband and he nodded. "I think you've been invited by Angie's folks, Marie, to stay with us. Right, Momma?"

"I couldn't! I..." Marie started to protest.

The farm wife shook her head. "Nonsense! Come and enjoy. We've got plenty of room."

"Can I get your bags?" Dave offered.

"Sure. We'll go to the hotel and then, I'll follow you all there," Marie accepted. 

The group agreed and tailed her to the motel. Once she had packed everything, they all headed up the state road for Wabash, arriving just at sunset. 

Nobody knew it yet, but the night would be a busy one for them all....


Chapter 5

Unfortunately for their plans, the other Duboises' plans kept them from joining the group at the farm until the following morning. Sarah needed to finish her shift and was invited over to her daughter-in-law's house. Randy and Terri spent the night entertaining her and his in-laws before heading to his father's.

Accordingly, the remaining people sat around the table enjoying each other's company. The potluck atmosphere helped to contribute to the positive atmosphere. Mrs. Blackwell's roast made everyone's mouths water. After running to the general store-and surprisingly finding what she needed-Marie made a dish of saffron rice. Dave's cucumber and pepper salad got rave reviews as did Cybelle's spiced cider.

"Too bad the others had to cancel," the hostess lamented.

"They'll be here tomorrow," Cybelle assured her. "Terri dragged Randy and Mom into tonight's plans."

"Well, we'll enjoy their company tomorrow then," Mr. B. noted, setting the bowl of peas on the table. "Pass me some of that rice, Marie, if you would."

"Here it is," she agreed, handing the dish to him.

"Thank you," he accepted, putting a portion on the dish for himself.

"What are we doing tonight?" Mike wondered.

Angie supposed, "Do you think we can take a snowmobile ride tonight? Mine's out in the barn."

"That sounds like a good idea. Can you take Marie on yours?" Dave asked.

"Well, Marie?" the oncologist offered.

"Sure," her friend accepted.

****

As soon as they finished dinner and cleaned the dishes, the two couples and Marie bundled up. Dave and Mike took their three sleds off of the trailer and onto the snowy terrain as Angie disappeared into the night.

Dusting off the Snow Jet, the librarian inspected his souped-up snowmobile. A look under the cover showed that everything was still in order. My modifications are still good from last winter. Great. Putting everything in place, he looked around for his wife. "Honey?" he called.

Then a red 1986 Wind Jet stopped beside him. "Sorry, Dave. My old sled here needed some oil. I'm fine now. Come on, Marie, hop on."

"Okay, Angie and Marie will take the lead. Mike, you and Cybelle will be in the middle. I'll take the rear," Dave directed.

"It's what he does best," his sister cracked.

"Tell me about it," Angie added.

"Enough of that," he retorted although smiling while he did it. "Let's rip."

They took off into the snow-covered woods. The clear dark night provided guidance from the stars for them. The wind only blew in occasional whispers. The moonlight sparkled on the pristine white ground.

Angie enjoyed this trip. During her teenage and college years, winter had meant taking such nightly rides across this countryside. It's always so beautiful. This brings back memories. For the better part of an hour, she led them through the trails before stopping at a clearing in the woods.

"This looks like a great place for our coffee break," she told her companions.

"Indeed," Marie admired. "This is a wonderful place, Angie."

"I'll say," Dave concurred, taking out a thermos and some Styrofoam cups. "Okay, fresh mocha java for what ails ya." He poured cups for everyone and then, one for himself.

Accepting hers, the oncologist took a sip and removed her helmet. Then, after looking up at the dark sky, she joked half-seriously, "Too bad your Bedouin tent couldn't go out here. Otherwise, I'd have to offer myself to you, my Sultan."

Cybelle shook her head. "Sultan?"

"You remember the bomb that went off at the university?" Dave asked.

"Yeah. So?"

"How about the fighting in Belgrade four days later?" her brother asked.

"I remember that," Marie interjected.

He smiled and cracked in Arabic, < "When I speak, people listen." >

The Muslim professor gasped, "You were the Arab! The mysterious Suleyman Dihouri!"

"Yes he was," Angie continued. "He fooled almost everyone. Guisanto was looking for him and my professor here snuck in right under his nose. You should have seen his face when Dave pulled the exploding arrow trick. Was he ticked off!"

"Enough of that, my Dear," her husband urged, not wanting to ruin the night with further talk of that misadventure. "I want to enjoy the scenery."

"Yes, Sweetie," she agreed in an exaggerated tone.

Everyone broke out laughing.

Finally, Angie put her helmet back on and told them. "Come on. It's getting late and we have an early start tomorrow."

They fell in line and returned to the farmhouse.


****

After they put the sleds away and hung their snowsuits up, the group walked back into the farmhouse.

"Enjoy yourselves, kids?" Mrs. B. wondered.

"Yes, 'm," Dave replied, sniffing the air. "I smell cider and your apple cake."

She laughed deeply, "Land sakes, David! Your nose is as sharp as a razor!"

"For your cooking, darn tooting," he giggled.

"You scamp!" she cracked, playfully slapping at the air beside him.

They sat in the living room enjoying dessert and coffee for another forty-five minutes.

Angie yawned. "Well, it's time for bed. Isn't it, Dave?" She gave him a knowing look before she headed to their room.

Here? In her parents' house? Oh why not? "Coming, Princess. Good night, everyone!" he wished them all as he headed up the stairs whistling a happy tune.

"Looks like our little hen's got the coop wide open," Mr. B. remarked dryly.

"They are married now, Bill," his wife pointed out.

"Well, if you folks don't mind, I think we'll take their hint," Cybelle added. "Come on, Mike. Marie, it was nice meeting you. Have a good night."

"And to you as well," her new friend replied.

After they went upstairs, Marie whispered a silent prayer in Arabic.

"What did you wish for?" the host wondered.

"For them to be happy," their guest explained. "Good night." With that, she walked toward the downstairs guest room.

**** 

Dave and Angie walked into their room and sat down on the bed.

"Thanks for getting us back here," she expressed. "This is so nice!"

"Who says it has to end here?" he suggested, closing the door and starting to unbutton his shirt.

"Here. Let me," she requested. Slowly, she undressed him, enjoying every movement. "How was that, my Sultan?"

"Not bad. My turn," he replied, sliding off her clothes and underwear. 

Just as he took the small box out of the suitcase, she shook her head. "No, Dave, not tonight."

"But what happens if?"

She smiled, suddenly feeling quite warm. "If it does, it does. I have a special feeling about tonight." Lying down, she tugged him onto the bed beside her. Then they started their dance.

In the midst of this activity, he felt something go. I knew it. Oh well. With that, he kept going until he fell asleep.


Interlude [Faerie Realms]

Although not one to usually pry on such matters, the Faerie Empress peered into her watch crystal carefully. I see the sprites did their work. It's a good thing I keep that pixie dust under lock and key.

"Indeed," Grimwilkin concurred.

"Have we taken to not knocking?" she teased.

"No more than you, My Lady. And I agree-it's time for...a push, shall we say?" the wizard chuckled.

"It was a creative nudge," she stated.

"Still, you did notice that the dust hit Cybelle too?" he pointed out.

She looked at him incredulously. "What? I told the sprites to be careful!" She sighed. I'll need to have a talk with them. A priestess shouldn't conceive now so close to the winter solstice. Too late now. Her child will be something to behold as will her nieces and nephew one day. Goddess, preserve us.

"If you will excuse me, I'm about to leave for there," she indicated.

He nodded, vanishing into the mists behind him.


Chapter 6

About 6:00 on the next morning, Angie rose from her slumber and walked to the bathroom. Wow! What a night!

As she got there, she ran into her sister-in-law. 

"Angie, I'm sorry. I was just going to see if...well..." She held up a jar with some herbs.

"Umm, what's that?"

"A homeopathic means of finding out what we both want to know," the priestess noted.

She shrugged. I can always get a doctor to confirm it later.

"There will be no need for that, Angela," the Faerie Empress advised, materializing in front of them. "I can tell you the answer that you seek."

"And that is, Lady?" Cybelle requested, bowing.

"You are indeed both with child," the elf queen informed them. "Congratulations. You will find out the future, as you need to know it. For now, share the news with your loved ones." She smiled warmly. "Please accept my blessing on their behalf." With that, she disappeared.

The two sisters-in-law soaked in the news for a minute before hugging each other tightly. 

"Let's tell the guys!" Angie exclaimed, running off. She bolted into the bedroom and jumped onto the bed. "Dave!"

"Angie? What's wrong?" he muttered.

"Nothing!" she exclaimed, kissing him. "About last night, well...."

"Well what?" he asked. Then he realized and inquired, "You're kidding!"

"No. The Faerie Empress confirmed it herself," she replied.

Her? Here? 

Just then, Mike stuck his head in the door. "Dave, did you hear?"

"What? Cybelle too?" the librarian wondered.

"Imagine that," his sister cracked.

"Unbelievable!" Dave agreed, hugging her too. 

Just then, Angie's parents and Marie rushed in. "What's going on?"

"Momma, Daddy. You're going to be grandparents sometime this summer," Angie informed them happily.

"Are you sure?" her father wondered.

"Trust her. We got the news from an impeccable source," Cybelle stated. "By the way, me too."

"You're...as well? What a Christmas present!" Mrs. B. exclaimed.

"It figures," her husband chuckled. "You know, Angie, that bed you're sitting on was the bed you were born in. Dr. Benson can attest to that and I'd like to have him check you both over. Your mother's going to be in for quite a treat, Dave."

"Don't I know it? Well, shall we get dressed? I feel like listening to Brother Tony if that's okay with everyone?" Dave suggested. 

After the others left, he got up and put his robe on. What a Christmas indeed.

****

An hour later, Brother Tony stood in the middle of his church, straightening the pews and thinking about his sermon when a knock came from the door. Who? Opening it, he saw Angie and the others.

"Excuse us, Brother Tony?" she asked timidly.

"Angela! Hello! This is a most welcome surprise! Merry Christmas! How long have you been back here? Is David with you?" he greeted, embracing her.

"Right here," the librarian indicated. "How are you?"

"Fine, my young friend. I see you brought Mike and Cybelle as well. How are you both?" the minister replied even as he thought to himself. It's good that she's here. The Empress is indeed trying to bring about peace between our faiths.

"Great!" Mike responded.

The elderly man scanned them. "There's a special glow about you four. Is there something going on?"

Dave looked at Angie and she beamed, "Brother, I'm pregnant."

Brother Tony grinned and expressed, "Congratulations!"

"I am as well," Cybelle smiled. Walking over to him, she whispered, "The Faerie Empress let us both know this morning."

He nodded and smiled. "Will you please stay and hear the sermon? Angela, where are your parents?"

"They'll be here in a minute," she stated. "We couldn't wait to tell you the news."

"And I'm glad you didn't. This is a most welcome Christmas announcement. Come in!" he urged, waving them into the facility to talk.


Chapter 7

Randy Dubois looked at his directions again. This is the road, right? Yeah, it's Allabash. Turning onto the street, he drove his car down the road. With him, Terri, Miranda and his mother enjoyed the trip although they did sleep for parts of it. Finally at 11:30, they pulled into the Blackwells' driveway.

"Okay, everyone! This is it," he indicated.

"It's really nice," Sarah complimented, opening the door and looking around at the rustic scenery. "Let's get inside, it's really cold out here."

Randy nodded and walked up to the door. There, he rapped on it.

Marie opened it, asking, "May I help you?"

"I hope so. Is this the Blackwell residence?" he wondered.

"It is indeed. You must be Randy Dubois," she realized. "Please come in! The others went to an early morning church service. Would you like some coffee? I have some brewing."

"Thank you, but why didn't you go too?" Terri asked.

She folded up her prayer rug, replying, "They invited me to do so, but I declined. I wanted to worship here on my own...and following my own faith." Walking across the room to the kitchen, she asked, "And you two ladies are?"

"Oh, sorry," Randy realized. "This is my mother, Sarah, and my daughter, Miranda."

Sarah added, "Pleased to meet you...."

"Marie Haddad, I'm a friend of David and Angie's," the Islamic professor replied, pouring coffee for the others. "Pure Arabica beans...only the best for my friends. Two days ago, these were in the Istanbul bazaar. And speaking of the best, hello, Miranda! You know how much your aunt and uncle speak of you? May Allah bless you, little one!"

"Thank you," Terri asked. "Where did you meet them?"

"I met Angie in Istanbul and David in Cairo right after their wedding. Believe me, with them life's an adventure. They are a great team indeed as they proved again yesterday."

"How did their piece go?" Sarah wondered.

"Fantastic! They know where to blend history and medicine for the best of all worlds! In fact, this afternoon, Dave will be testing Mike's tape of it."

"That's right," the librarian agreed, tromping in the door. "How's everyone?"

"Great!" his mother replied. "The trip was lovely. Your grandmother wasn't feeling well so she stayed home. I must say this place is grand."

"Thank you, Sarah," Angie's mother accepted. "I see coffee's on already?"

"Yes! It smells great!" Angie concurred, proceeding to hug everyone. "How's everyone?" 

"Everyone's fine," Terri replied warmly. "Still, even for Christmas, you and Cybelle are too bouncy right now. What's up?"

Angie blushed. "Guys, which one of us should start first?"

Cybelle put her hand up. "I will. Mom, guess what?" Her eyes were sparkling.

Sarah looked at her, trying to guess what she was getting at. Then it hit her. "Oh, I can't believe it!"

"It gets better," the priestess told her.

"What else is there?" her mother inquired.

"I'm pregnant too," Angie added.

"Are you sure?" Randy asked.

"Dr. Benson agreed after checking them over," Mr. B. agreed. "By September, they'll be parents."

"And we'll be grandparents," his wife noted.

Sarah's eyes teared up. "Kids, what can I say? What a Christmas present!" She hugged the four people in front of her. 

"How about 'I'm hungry'?" Mike teased.

Cybelle shot him a disapproving look.

"Dinner's on. Mrs. Blackwell, I followed your instructions, but I'm going to need your help with the final steps," Marie indicated.

"Coming," Mrs. B. agreed, putting on her pot handling mitts to assist in the meal. "Everyone, get washed up. Dinner will be on in a few minutes!"


****

They gathered around the dining room table to eat the feast. Just after Marie and Mrs. B. took their places, the old farmer cleared his throat. "Normally, the man of the house says grace, but when his son-in-law does it quite well, he lets him go for it. Dave?"

Dave looked at Angie. Seeing her eyes sparkle in the candlelight, he nodded and began: "Lord, we thank you for the feast before us and the chance to share in each other's fellowship. We also thank you for the double blessing, which we have received on this day. May we prove to be good parents. Finally, my thanks again for bringing these wonderful people-most notably, the brunette on my left-into my life. She's a treasure and I would have no other woman as the mother of my children. Thank You. Amen."

"Amen," everyone added.

"Would you like to add your own blessing, Marie?" Dave offered.

"No. Thank you, but one of my blessings proved potent enough last night. Believe me, I have watched you both over the last year. You're great people..." Raising her coffee mug, she continued, "And will be great parents."

"Hear! Hear!" everyone cheered.

They all enjoyed the meal and the company that afternoon. The presents seemed nice that were under the tree. However, the greatest ones were promised...and would be delivered later the next year. And those were the ones they couldn't wait for.


Conclusion

By the next day, most of the merry group had departed. Randy had taken Miranda, Terri, and his mother back to Massachusetts. Dave and Angie took a drive to Albany where they dropped Marie off at the airport before returning to her parents' farm.

That night, the Blackwells and the expectant parents sat in front of the fireplace, rocking serenely.

"Imagine!" Angie sighed. "I'm going to be a mother. That's unbelievable."

"Hey, think positively. Remember, that's our kid you're carrying," Dave reminded her.

"That was a strange coincidence. Now you four are bound together," Angie's mother noted.

"Yeah...now Cybelle and I can suffer together," she teased, elbowing her husband.

"Whatever." He shrugged.

"Well, it's no biggie for now. What's say we all get a cappuccino at the café in town?" the oncologist suggested.

"Sounds delightful," her mother agreed, standing up.

With that, they piled into Mr. Blackwell's truck and drove into Wabash proper toward those hot drinks...and a better future.

THE END

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