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


Preface

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

During the first solstice season following Francesca's and the twins' respective arrivals, the Duboises enjoyed some successes. This scroll details the happy time.


Chapter 1

Dave sat in his office during the last week of final exams, feeling very content. The Electronic Text Center was almost completely up and running. If Francesca can get that text from Florence, everything will be set.

Almost on cue, a knock came from the door. "Hello, Dave!" Francesca greeted.

"Were your ears burning?" he asked humorously. Although he could talk to her in Italian, he was glad that she was mostly using English. Sometimes they conversed in her native language as well.

"Yes. The family sends their love. My things should be coming soon although I don't know exactly when they'll get here. I also have something for you," she told him.

"The text?" he asked.

"Si," she agreed, handing him a disk carrier. "It's on six floppies in there."

"Oh wow! Gratze!" he expressed.

"Don't mention it. Grandfather thought you'd react like this," she laughed.

"And what did they have to say besides that?" he queried.

"Well, they still wish I was over there, but they're glad that you are all here. They loved the picture of Angie, the girls, and you," she reported.

"That's good," he replied pleasantly, looking at the pictures on his desk. "They are something, aren't they?" Looking at his watch, he saw that it was almost 6:00. "It's time to go meet them. Are you done here?"

"I was just going to take the bus. Are you heading that way?" she asked while he put his coat on.

"Absolutely. Do you mind a little walk first? The car's at the UMC," he indicated as they left the library. As she agreed, they headed up Cherry Boulevard, utilized the underpass to get across Speedway and avoid the rush hour traffic, and arrived at their destination in good time. 

"Finally!" she huffed. "I forgot that Aunt Beatrice warned me about your walking."

"It's good for you," he laughed as they entered the lobby and headed for the elevator. Upstairs, they found Lori Applegate, sitting at her post. "Good afternoon, Lori."

She looked up in surprise and smiled. "Oh, good afternoon, Dave and Francesca! How are you both?"

"Never better," he replied. "I'm just waiting for the ladies."

"And I'm along for the ride," Francesca jabbed. "How are you?"

"Great. It's been really quiet with finals around here. Give me a minute and I'll buzz your wife," Lori commented, dialing the number.

****

Angie had endured a long day on the phone and around the hospital. Besides the usual staff meetings and duties, she had talked to Cambridge University Press about the book she was co-authoring with Dave. Then, she spent an hour talking to the distributor about new online services for the library. 

At 5:50, Belinda McDermott stuck her head in. "Excuse me, Dr. Dubois."

"Hmm? Oh. Hi, Belinda. What's up?" Angie asked.

"Not much. I just wanted to thank you for the opportunity to work on your cases while you were gone," the resident indicated.

Angie smiled. "It was no problem. You did a fine job and I've let Dr. Fishburne know as much. How are your rounds going?"

"Very well, thanks. Everybody's been so nice, especially you. Dr. Landers said that you were the best oncologist, and I believe it," Belinda praised.

Angie blushed as the phone rang. You know she really means it. "Dr. Dubois."

"Hello, Doctor, it's Lori. Dave and Francesca are standing here. Should I send them to your office?"

"No, I'll meet them at the nursery. Thanks though," Angie replied. "Have a good evening." Then she hung up and responded to Belinda, "That was very kind of you, Belinda. Dr. Landers is a very old and dear friend to both my husband and me. And you came with the highest recommendation from him. Besides, you're a nice person and a hard worker. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to meet my husband and my cousin. Good night and thanks for coming by."

"Same to you, Dr. Dubois," Belinda concluded happily and went back to her rounds.

Angie locked the door and trudged over to the nursery, feeling her mood picking up more with each step. One perk of the UMC's daycare program was that the daycare center was on her floor. Consequently, she could check on the twins frequently. On this occasion, she got there just as her companions walked up.  "Hi, guys!"

"Evening, Princess." He beamed as he kissed her. "How was everything?"

"The usual drudge, but I made it. Everything's finally starting to come together!" she smiled.

Angie looks as good as I've seen her in a long time. "The phone guys weren't too tough on you, were they?"

"No. Not at all. The publisher seems ready to roll," she giggled.

He nodded. "Yes. I got a set of galley proofs today. Guess what I'll be doing this weekend in between basketball and baby breaks?"

Francesca teased saucily, "You can't get enough of those, can you?"

"Never," he retorted warmly as they walked in. Spying the twins, they went over and gently lifted them up out of their little basinets and put their coats on.

Of course, this activity woke them up and they gurgled a bit.

"Hello, Precious," Angie told Karen. "And you too," she added to Lauren. "Did you behave today?"

"Hi, Girls," he greeted them warmly.

Francesca smiled and waved at her two little cousins.

After the little ones were set, he asked, "Shall we?"

"Sure. I want you to see my apartment!" Francesca invited.

"Sounds good," Angie agreed as Dave unlocked the Subaru. 

After they were all inside, he drove them down Speedway, heading east.


****

Francesca's apartment bore all of the trappings of her Italian upbringing. Books written in the Tuscan dialect sat on her shelf. A picture of the Virgin Mary stood watch over her living room from the mantle. Spice plants lined the shelf in front of the living room window. 

"You've done some nice things with the apartment," Angie complimented.

"Thank you. Yes, it does have a few touches of home. The kitchen's not exactly Mama's, but it'll have to do," the hostess sighed.

"It does have a unique ambiance," Dave agreed, admiring the furnishings even as he bounced Lauren on his arm. 

"Well, it gives you an idea of your family heritage, Dave," his cousin stated, picking up a stringed instrument. "Uncle Lorenzo played a mandolin such as this one."

"Indeed he did and that one is at Mom's house," he agreed. Then he smelled a pleasant aroma. "I know that smell," he laughed.

"Sauce?" Angie asked.

"Yes. You're having dinner here tonight. I was going to make some baked ziti. Dave, could you make that salad of yours?" Francesca requested.

"Be right back," he agreed.

"Bring their bottles, Sweetie! It's dinner time for them as well," Angie reminded him.

"Yes, Dear," he agreed, stepping out the door.

"How are your projects going?" Francesca asked.

"They're proceeding along very nicely. Dave's ready to put both books out within the month. I have my own oncology study coming out sometime soon too," the oncologist reported eagerly.

"The paper and the plague projects? He's talked about them, but not at great length," Francesca noted.

"He's kind of on pins and needles about them. But I hope he gets the credit he deserves when they come out. And how is your project?" Angie replied.

"The Beatrice work will be out by Easter. Dave has been so much help with the details in his critiques. He's shown me things about the Commedia that I had missed. If only Uncle Lorenzo were still alive," Francesca reported.

Angie nodded. "From what the profs say, Dave could have used just a little more introduction to the skills, especially his languages. His grandfather could have helped with that. As it was, he was unfocused until recently."

"I think you have a lot to do with that, Angie. I'm looking forward to meeting your friend, Karen, in February," the literature professor added.

Angie blushed. "Thanks. I hope I make his life brighter. I know he has that effect on me. As for Karen, she's a very dear soul mate to Dave. They are like siblings and we're all family."

"Doesn't that bother you? They were lovers once, no?" Francesca wondered.

"No, it doesn't. It's because of the bond that we share. While it's true that Dave loved her once, she's married to another man. Dave's married to me," she asserted.

"Amen to that," he agreed, reentering the apartment with salad and bottles in tow. After setting everything on the counter, he added, "And I feel the same way."

"Thanks, Sweetums!" she purred, testing the heat of the liquid in the bottles. "Formula's perfect. Okay, girls, dinner time." Sitting down, she gave each one a bottle and supported them as they sipped away. 

Francesca walked into the kitchen and stirred the sauce. Then she drained the pasta and advised, "Dinner will be ready soon."

"Sounds good," he replied as he sat down and relaxed. This is the good life. No strife or anything.

****

He spent the next couple of days revising his manuscript. After fighting through every grammatical and historical nuance known to mankind (and probably several alien cultures to boot), he wrapped up the work. Then, he placed the text in an envelope and sealed it. It's done. FINALLY!

"Believe it," Angie affirmed, coming up behind him. "You've done it, Lover." She kissed him affectionately. 

Seeing the negligee on her brought a smile to his face. "Don't you have to work to do?" he teased.

She picked up a packed envelope and told him. "All done. Now, I think we have some catching up to do. Let's go."

He stood up, feeling more than ready for something other than work. "I'm coming," he advised, heading after her.

"Just make sure that you don't grunt too loudly. We don't want to wake the girls," she jabbed.

He snickered while shutting the bedroom door behind him. "Who's grunting?"

****

Another week passed and now, Christmas was only a few scant days away. He was in the library hanging up the phone from a conversation with the book editor from Cambridge. They've been accepted! YES!!!

Way to go, Chief! I knew ya could do somethin' positive!

Oh zip it!

Big words comin' from the outside, Bro.

Just then, Angie stuck her head in. "Hi, Sweetums! The girls and I were wondering if you're ready to go."

"Almost. I just had an interesting conversation with our editor," he advised, sticking stuff in his satchel.

"About what? Will the revisions never end?" she moaned.

"They just did." He grinned. "It was accepted."

"WOW!" she exclaimed.

"I guess that folder of yours is going to get fatter," he joked.

"And so will yours," she retorted.

"And why would that be?" Caitlin asked, sticking her head in the door. "Good news?"

"You can stick another item in Dave's folder. He just got through on both projects," the oncologist informed her.

"I just received the fax telling me that. Congratulations to you both! This notice will go in the folder right now. Happy holidays!" she wished, departing the area.

"How are we going to celebrate?" he asked his wife.

"Now, Dearest. Christmas isn't that far off. You can wait," she giggled, picking up a twin's carrier.

"Fine," he sighed, following her. Even if we don't do anything, I still feel really good.


Chapter 3

By the time Christmas Eve hit, Dave, Angie, and Francesca had made their own shopping excursions up to the local malls. Everything came together for them as the holiday approached.

****

Angie pulled her Mazda into the parking space at the apartment and shut off the motor. It's good to be finished with the shopping! Okay, remember that Francesca's watching the girls tonight. She walked into the apartment quietly, being careful to keep things as out of sight as possible.

"Hi, Angie," she whispered. "I see that you've been shopping."

"You know it. How are they?" the doctor asked.

"Sleeping away. They're such good girls. I sang an Italian lullaby for them and they drifted off," Francesca recounted.

Angie walked over to the crib and surveyed the two sleeping bundles. "Momma's here," she told them.

"I see that everything's set. Did you need any more help?" 

"No. I can take it from here. Thanks, Francesca," Angie expressed softly. You can stay, of course."

"Sorry. I have some research to finish up before tomorrow. Are we still getting together?" the professor asked.

"Yes. I guess that Lydia will be driving you both over here after the Mass," Angie detailed.

"Sounds wonderful! Oh, Dave had to go to campus and get something. He'll be right back!" Francesca concluded, heading out the door. "Speak of the devil."

"Devil? Not me," he disagreed behind the door.

"That could be debated," Francesca teased.

He smiled as he entered the apartment. Noticing that Angie was stashing her bags in her study, he decided, I'll play along. "What's up?"

"I was out for a drive. And you? What are those bundles?" she replied, looking at the three packages under his arms.

He set them down. "This one's yours," he told her, handing her a blue paper wrapped bundle. "Dr. F. gave it to me at the library."

She opened it to find the first copy of her oncology text. "Oh wow! Thanks!" she sighed. "To think that my name's on the cover." She dabbed her eyes. When she saw him grinning, she asked, "Okay, now what?"

"Can you take the next one?" he chuckled. 

"Try me," she giggled, opening the next one. There, she saw their combined text on the plague. She felt the weight of the work. Flipping to the Introduction, she read his dedication and cried, "Oh, that's really sweet!"

"What else can I say about 'the lady who makes everything possible'?" he assured her, kissing her cheek. "Now, I have one to open." He ripped it open to find a copy of the paper study. "Here it is. I can't believe it!"

"As I said the other night, believe it," Angie told him. "Now that our daughters are set, what shall we do?"

"Let's enjoy the evening," he suggested, putting a Christmas CD on the stereo. Then they settled down to wait for Santa and snuggled on the couch as they did so.

Chapter 4

Early the next morning, Dave awoke well before sunrise to finish up his activities. First, he wrapped all of his gifts to everyone. Then, after drinking a cup of Irish Crème coffee, he walked into the twins' room and watched them sleep. Merry Christmas, Ladies. Thanks for all of the joy. He blew each of them a kiss and kept his vigil.

****

Angie rolled over and found herself alone in the bed. "Dave?" she asked drowsily, but didn't receive an answer. Where did he go? Throwing her robe on, she staggered out the door and followed a familiar aroma into the kitchen where another pot of coffee was brewing. Well, I can see that someone's been busy, she snickered. Hearing a sound from the nursery in addition to smelling still more coffee, she crept to the door and peered in.

There, she saw him looking at the girls warmly and heard him say, "You know, girls, you were our Christmas present last year. I don't have to tell you how much you mean to your Mama and me."

That's so sweet. She could see his eyes sparkle in the moonlight. Her eyes watered as she entered. "Dave?" she whispered.

He jumped. "Oh, Princess, what's the matter?"

"I missed not having you in bed with me. Actually, I'm glad I was here to see you being the good father to his kids. I've never seen such a lovely sight," she explained in a low voice and kissed him as they walked back into the kitchen and shut the door.

"It's the truth, but thanks," he replied. "Now, what are we going to do today?"

"Plan dinner, field phone calls, and wait for the others to come from the Mass. I also have to run Francesca over to her church. Who do we have coming?" she noted.

"Lydia and Francesca will come over after they're finished. Anyone else?" he said, double-checking his plans.

"Actually, Dave, I hope it's okay, but I asked Lori Applegate to join us too. She's by herself today," she informed him.

"Absolutely. Did you get her something? Sorry, but I didn't plan for this," he told her.

"That's okay. I have it under control. Well, since we're both up, I can go ahead and spring my surprise for breakfast!" she cheered.

"Now what?" he asked.

"See what I got at a tag sale?" she cracked, pulling out a fairly new Belgian waffle iron.

"Now that's a practical idea! I love those things," he reminded her.

"Don't I know it?" she giggled, plugging it in and letting the iron heat up. A few minutes later, she poured some batter from the refrigerator onto the bottom space and let it bake. "Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas," he agreed, kissing her on the cheek.

****