The evening finally came to an end. Peg and Mack tucked the children in bed, those that were going home, left, and everyone else called it a night. Robert and Heidi decided to spend the night in the motorhome. It was the first time they had been alone in weeks. Always taking care of the children, always having other people around.

“Finally, alone,” Robert breathed a sigh of relief, as he wrapped his arms around Heidi. He kissed her neck and made his way up her throat to her mouth, where he kissed her with so much passion, it took her breath away.

“Robert?”

“Um hum.” He continued to ravish her neck. When she didn’t answer, he stopped and looked at her. “What’s the matter?”

“Can we talk for a few minutes, it’s the first time we’ve really been alone since we met.”

“Can’t we talk later?” He kissed her forehead.

“I’d like to talk now. Please.”

“Can I undress you while we talk?” he whispered, kissing the tip of her nose. Suddenly, she stiffened and tried to move away from him. Memories of her past and her boss came rushing back. 

 He instantly realized his error when he saw the fear in her eyes. “Oh, Heidi, forgive me.  I’m sorry. Come and sit down. Of course, we can talk.” He knelt in front of her and held her hands. He kissed each one. “Please forgive me, I didn’t mean to scare you.” He leaned forward and kissed her stomach. “How are my babies?”

“That’s what I wanted to talk to you about. Robert, how can Colin know these things? I don’t even know if I’m pregnant. Shouldn’t we make sure first, before we start making plans for triplets?”

He gave her a questioning look. “You don’t think you’re pregnant?”

“I didn’t say that, I don’t know if I’m pregnant.”

“We could go and get one of those pregnancy test kits, would that help?”

“I don’t think they work this early.” Suddenly, her eyes got real big. “Robert, remember when Colin said I was going to have a panda girl?” Robert nodded. “Do you think he could have known then? Do you think he knew I was pregnant three weeks ago?”

“I don’t know. I should have been able to scent a change in you. We all knew Andrea was going to have a girl from the day she found out she was pregnant.”

“So, you can tell the sex of the baby, too.”

“Usually. I keep forgetting you never knew about any of this. You haven’t met Nancy, yet, Bill’s adopted daughter. We could tell she was pregnant, but we couldn’t tell if it was a boy or a girl. It was because she was having twins and we didn’t know. Does Colin know?” Heidi nodded. “Oh, my, god.”

“What?”

“Maybe that’s why we can’t tell if Jackie’s baby is a boy or a girl, she’s having twins. I’ll bet Colin knows.” Heidi started to laugh.

“Now what?”

“She could be having triplets. That’s way too many babies for one house. When we get back, you’re going to have to get busy and build us a house.”

“No, remember the other night when Mack asked Charlie? He said, boy or girl, it didn’t matter, he’d love them both. They’re having twins.”

Heidi gave him a big smile. “I think you’re right.” She thought for a moment, calculating in her head. “If I am pregnant, that means I’ll be due early April. How do you feel about becoming a dad?”

“You’ve given me the best Christmas gift ever, you’ve made me very happy. I couldn’t help thinking about how much we were going to miss Elyse and the boys. Now we’ll have our own children. Are you going to tell me?”

“According to Colin, you’re going to have two boys and a girl.”

“Two big, strong boys to look out for, and protect, their cute little panda sister. Heidi, you have made me the happiest man in the world.” He leaned in and kissed her.

She put her arms around his neck and kissed him back. “And you have made me very happy. I think we should go to bed, I want to show you how much I love you.” She took his hand and walked to the bedroom. Robert enjoyed one of the best nights of his life.

                                                  *****

The next morning, when Robert and Heidi walked into the kitchen, no one was there. “Anybody home?” Robert called out. No answer. “Where is everyone?”

“They all went down to the café,” Jeremy told them as he walked into the kitchen with Bella in his arms.

“To the café? What in the world are they doing there?”

“Bill wanted to give Peg a break. She’s been working like crazy getting everything ready for the wedding and the kids. Bill wanted to fix everyone breakfast for a change so she wouldn’t have to. He invited all our friends. You better get down there if you want breakfast. You can use Peg’s snowmobile.”

“What are you doing?”

“I’m going to take Andrea and the baby home. She wants to rest and be ready for the ceremony tonight. If you guys want to go, I’ll close up. Congratulations, by the way. Are you really having triplets?”

“According to Colin.”

“That is one amazing little kid.”

“No kidding.” He looked at Heidi. “Are you hungry?”

“I’m starving.”

“Okay Jeremy, we’ll see you tonight. Take care of that little beauty.”

“I will. Get going or you’ll miss out.”

Robert and Heidi joined everyone at the café. Bill was making omelets and pancakes for everyone. When they arrived, Colin ran to them.

“Aunt Heidi, Uncle Robert, this is really cool, Uncle Bill owns his own restaurant and he knows how to cook, too.”

Robert laughed. “He does? Wow.”

“You’re silly, Uncle Robert, you knew all along, huh.”

Robert picked him up. “Yup, I’ve known Uncle Bill for a long time. You know what else?” Colin shook his head. “I know the secret.”

Colin looked at Heidi. “Did you tell?” he whispered.

“Yes, but I didn’t tell anyone else, so it’s still a secret, okay?” she whispered.

“Okay.” He whispered back.

“Alright big guy, we need to get something to eat, we’re hungry.” He set Colin down and they joined Mack and Peg. “Is everything okay this morning?”

“Yes, I think yesterday was a combination of being in a new place, being over tired and a little sad. I think Colin will be alright now. We’ll take things slow.” Peg told them.

“Good. I think we figured out why we can’t scent Jackie’s baby.”

“Because she’s a cat, right?” Mack said.

“I think she’s having twins,” Robert whispered, “and I’ll bet Colin has known all along. I don’t want to spoil Charlie’s surprise, so don’t say anything.”

“I’ll bet you’re right,” Mack replied, “how are you guys doing after receiving your news?”

“Couldn’t be better. We realized Colin actually told us three weeks ago, but we weren’t paying attention.”

“No kidding.”

Peg smiled at them. “An April baby.”

“Babies.” Heidi corrected her.

“That means you’re going to have a house full.” Mack added. “Let us know when you start building your house, we’ll come for a visit and give you a hand.”

“Thanks, Mack. I’ll hold you to that.” Mack seldom left Yosemite.

“Don’t worry, we’ll be there. We might even borrow the motorhome for a while. We’re thinking of taking a road trip to visit Luke and Paula.

“Does the fact that Vicki and her mate Dorran will be there, have anything to do with it?” Robert asked.

“Wouldn’t you like to know what Colin’s true potential is? I know I would. Not only that, they can tell us how to deal with it.”

Robert nodded. “You have a point.”

“All right, everyone, time to pay up.” Charles announced.

“Pay up? I thought this was your treat,” someone to shouted.

“I’m just pulling your leg. I said it was my treat and it is.” Bill started to clean up and Elyse started to clear the tables. “Thank you, Elyse, but you don’t have to do that.”

“I like to help, Uncle Bill.” She continued to clear tables. “Maybe I can work for you sometime.”

“Only if it’s okay with Nanna Peg.”

“Okay.” Elyse continued to clear tables.

Mack stood up. “I would like to make an announcement. You are all invited to the double bonding ceremony this evening at the lodge, six o’clock. Charles and Robert have finally found their mates.” Everyone cheered. “There will be an informal dinner following the ceremony.” Another cheer went up. Everyone congratulated Charles and Robert as they left the café.

Mary and Peg helped Bill clean the kitchen, while Elyse wiped the tables. When everything was done, Bill and Mary went home, and the McCormicks headed back to the house.