Parental Advisory Rating: L, N, AC

Break out those V-Chips, everyone!

Credits:

Created, Produced, Directed and Written:

Fanatic and TNovan

I roll over and scrub my face. Is it morning already? I swear a Mack truck ran over me, back up, ran over me again, and then parked on my chest. I prop myself up on my elbows and slap the alarm off. Kels groans and rolls over. I pat her hip. "Sorry, hon."

We’ve been up all night. Brennan is sick. We guess she has an ear infection of some sort. Her little hand has been digging at her ear. She broke our hearts, crying and screaming the whole night. She was so miserable. Brennan finally fell into a fitful sleep an hour or so ago.

"Poor little thing," I whisper, peering at her in her bassinet. "Feel better, sweetheart." We put Collin upstairs in their nursery so he could get some sleep. We figured one member of the family should be well rested.

I stumble to the bathroom and manage to stay awake in the shower. I don’t want to go to work today.

I don’t. I don’t. I don’t.

Kels isn’t coming in to work today. Brennan needs to go see Dr. Thompson. Besides, there is no way on this planet, I am tearing Kels away from her daughter. I think she feels as bad as Brennan does.

I don’t want to leave either of them. Or Collin. Our little guy isn’t sick yet, fortunately. I hope it stays that way. Two miserable people are bad enough. I don’t need three.

When I step out of the bathroom, I find Kels rocking Brennan. "She wake up?"

Kels looks up, distress evident on her face. "A few minutes after you started showering."

"I’m sorry, chér. I didn’t mean to bother her." Great, Harper, way to go. I walk over to my girls. Brennan is all red. When I lay my hand gently on her forehead, I can tell she has a fever. "When are you going to Dr. Thompson’s?"

"The recording says his office opens at nine. We’ll be on his doorstep."

I nod. I don’t want to go to work. But I know Langston needs me. We’re setting up post-inauguration interviews with the incoming administration. And they’re mine, all mine.

Brennan lets out a cry and resumes clawing at her ear. Kels looks like she’s going to cry at any moment.

"She’ll be fine, sweetheart."

"Oh, you know she will, if I have to sell my soul to make it happen."

I drop a kiss on Brennan’s forehead. "I think we can leave bartering our souls to the devil until a later date … maybe during teething."

This earns me the first smile in quite a few hours. "Okay, I’ll save mine for teething, you save yours for dating."

I groan and clutch my heart. "Don’t say the ‘d’ word. I’m thinking we’ll do arranged marriages for both of them."

"Yeah, right." My girl doesn’t believe me. Brennan begins fussing again and Kels focuses on getting her calmed down. "You think this little girl will go for that? She’s already showing how defiant she can be. She’s going to be as bad as you. If not worse."

This time I cover Brennan’s ears. "Shh. Don’t give her any more ideas. Let’s hope she’s more like you than me." I steal a kiss from Kels while I can. "I gotta run. Will you call me after you see the doctor?"

"You better believe it. As soon as I know anything, you’ll know."

"Thanks, sweetheart. I’m going to go say goodbye to Collin. I’ll have my beeper and my cell phone at all times." I won’t even set phasers to stun. I want to know what’s going on with my little girl.

"I’ll call as soon as we’re done at the doctor’s. I’m going to take her there, and then bring her right home. We’ll call you en route."

I kiss everyone goodbye once more and hustle out of the room before I change my mind and stay home like I want to. I bound upstairs and find Collin awake in his crib. He’s laying on his back, kicking his little legs around. When he sees me peer over the side, I am rewarded with a terrific smile. "Hi, Fuzzy," I greet him. I reach in and pick him up. "You’re such a good boy, waiting for Mama to come see you." He slumps against me, both happy to snuggle and a little tired still.

I can feel he’s wet through his sleeper and I take him to the changing table. "And you’re not even fussy. You must know your Mommy and I had a hard night." When I unsnap his clothes, I bend over and give him a raspberry on the stomach. He giggles and kicks his legs. One of his hands buries itself in my hair, grabbing it firmly.

How can such a small person have such a strong grip?

When I finally disengage his hand, I keep a safe distance away and quickly change him. "You’re my man. Yes, you are." I kiss his cheeks and nose.

"I thought I was your man," Brian says from the doorway.

"Right," I reply in the most sarcastic voice I can manage at this hour, with this little sleep.

"Well, now," he replies in a major queen’s voice. He walks in and ruffles Fuzzy’s hair affectionately. "You look like you could use a little more sleep. Brennan have a hard night?"

"That’s the understatement of the year. Of course, it’s only January 8, so it’s still early in the game." I kiss Collin one more time and then hand him over to Brian. "Okay, buddy, I have to go to work. You take good care of your Mommy and sister, all right?"

Brian spins Collin around in his arms and holds up Collin’s little hand, waving it at me. "We have it covered, Mama. No sweat. You have a good day. I love you."

For some reason, that strikes me as hysterical. When I can breathe and speak again, I kiss my boy one more time. "I love you too, Collin." I clap Brian on the shoulder. "Thanks, Brian. I feel better with you here."

"I’m glad. That’s what I’m here for. I’ll make sure everyone gets enough rest."

I sigh. "I wish I were staying home then. Oh, well, mountains to conquer, dragons to slay and all that. I’ll see you tonight."

"Try not to worry. Everyone will be okay. I promise."

I wave goodbye and head out to work. Try not to worry? Sure. Ask me to do something easy – like forget to breathe.

* * *

Dr. Thompson peers into my daughter’s ear. She is so very not amused and tries to kick him away. "Hold still, little lady. This is only going to take a second." He rubs her head soothingly and continues to examine her.

When he’s finished, he tosses the tip in the disposal and pockets the scope. "Good call, Kelsey. She’s got an ear infection."

"Is it serious?"

"No. Lots of babies get them. We’ll get this cleared up, and keep an eye one her. Some babies have them a lot. Others get them only occasionally. As long as it’s not a reoccurring problem, she’ll be okay." He wraps my girl back up in her quilt, and hands her back to me. "Are you sure you and Harper are first-time parents? Most first-timers call me with the first sneeze."

Brennan fusses until I settle her closer to me. "Well, Harper and I know babies get sick. Her fever wasn’t raging high last night..." Then I need to ask. "Did I do something wrong by not calling last night?"

"No. No. I didn’t mean to imply that at all. You did just fine." He pats my hand. "Kelsey, you’re a good mother. I can tell it comes naturally to you. Brennan is fine. I’m going to put some drops in her ear, write a couple of prescriptions, and send you both home to go to bed."

"Have I mentioned how much I like that idea?"

He smiles compassionately. "You look tired."

"I am. She was not a happy girl last night."

"She won’t be a happy girl for the next few days, but you’re doing a great job. Just make sure you get enough to eat, and rest too, or you won’t be any good to anyone. How’s Collin?"

"He’s okay. He’s home with the nanny. I didn’t see any sense in bringing them both out in this weather."

"Good choice." He takes his pad out and writes the prescriptions. "I’ll put some drops in now and give her a dose of antibiotics that will hold her over until you can get those filled."

"She’s gonna be okay, right?" I have to know as I look to my little girl, who looks so miserable. I need to cut her tiny nails. She managed to scratch her face last night while she was clawing at her ear.

"She’s going to be fine. While she’ll need to take the full prescription, after two or three days of ear drops and antibiotics, she’ll be feeling right as rain."

I can’t help but laugh softly. I haven’t heard that expression since I was a child. My grandmother used it. Somehow, I know everything will be all right. Amazing how a few simple words could make all the difference in the world.

* * *

Once Brennan is settled in her car seat, I try to make her happy and comfortable before heading home. The drops the doctor put in her ear seemed to have helped some. I know my little one is still feeling bad and there’s not much more I can do other than what I have been doing. I’ve never felt so helpless.

I take a deep breath before starting the SUV to warm it up for us. I reach over and hit the button for Harper’s cell. It rings once. "She fine," I say even before she has a chance to speak. "We were right; she has an ear infection."

"She’s okay otherwise?"

"She’s fine. Just cranky. She wants to go home and lay on the couch with me."

"Funny. That’s exactly what I want to do. She must be my daughter." She pauses a moment and then asks in a gentle voice, "How are you, sweetheart?"

"I am tired and hungry. I’m going to go home, send Brian out to fill Brennan’s prescriptions, and have him stop by the deli for something truly evil, like chocolate cheesecake. Next I’m going to take our baby girl and curl up on the couch with her to try to convince her to sleep for a couple of hours."

"Good plan. Need me to bring home anything?"

"Just yourself. How’s your day going?" I reach over and caress Brennan’s cheek when she lets out another loud cry. "I know it hurts, sweetheart. We’re going home."

"Ooo, I got you a good interview."

"Tell me it’s with the world’s leading pediatrician. " I put the SUV in gear and Brennan and I are on our way. I want to get her home where it’s warm.

"How about simply the world’s leader?"

"Ah, you mean the newly appointed President? Hmm…I’d rather talk to an ear specialist."

She’s laughing at me now. "I’ll work on that too."

"You do that, Tabloid. In the meantime, how are you going to get Langston to let me off the desk long enough to go to Washington? You know, you’re never gonna get him to New York." I refuse to say the name of a man who so blatantly stole the White House; I am still reeling in shock that Harper voted for him. Shouldn’t she be a Democrat? I’m not sure how I’m going to survive the next four years.

"I have ways, darlin’."

"You tell me when to be ready to go. My bags are always packed."

"It’s a day trip for you, Kels. I’ll go down the day before, but you only have to be gone for the workday. I want you home with our babies."

I look over at my little girl, who has finally decided to sleep. "So do I, Tabloid, so do I." I take a deep breath and make another turn. "Sounds good, Stud. We’re going to go home now and nap, so we’ll be awake and hopefully not too cranky when you get home tonight."

"Great. I’m gonna get some work done so I can get home on time. Bye. Kiss our girl for me."

"Absolutely, sweetheart. Love you. See you tonight. Bye." I disconnect the call and concentrate on getting us home.

* * *

I feel much better hanging up the phone. My daughter is going to be fine. My son is well. My wife is tired. I am tired. We’ll all live.

I pick up the phone and quickly punch in a number I know very well. Two rings and Mama answers. "Hello?"

"Mama, it’s Harper."

"Mon Coeur. Are you still digging out from all the nasty snow that fell last weekend?"

"Fortunately, I have no shovel, so no one can put me to work. I was wondering if you could give Kels a call later today."

"Sure. Is everything good?"

"Brennan has an ear infection. I think it’s spooked Kels a little. In times like these, you need your mama." That is so very true. I wish she could come up here, make us some hot chocolate and make everything okay. "But wait a few hours, please. Kels said she was going home and trying to get Brennan to sleep a little."

"Will do. Now, get to work, mon Coeur."

"Oui, Mama."

Okay, now I feel like everything will be all right. I head to a production meeting, stopping to grab as large a coffee as I can possibly pour. I briefly consider taking the whole pot and putting a straw in it, but decide that might be overdoing it a wee bit.

While I do wish I had one of my kids in a snuggle pack with me, it does feel good stepping into the war room. I take my place to the right of Langston. A spot I claimed a couple weeks before Kels and I left for the birth.

Jac is sitting at the end of the table, looking puffy and tired. She’s been doing most of the fluff pieces lately. Anything that requires real planning or management has gone to Josh, Doug or me.

With Papa’s and Matt’s connections, I managed to land a big fish. A very big fish. There’s something to be said for having a father-in-law who is a major contributor to the Republican party, and who co-chaired several fundraising events for the President-elect.

Langston walks in and takes his seat at the table. I often am tempted to look under the table and see if his feet touch the floor. The man is short. He grunts his greeting to all of us and then points at Josh. "What’s happening with your piece? Did the lab come back with the results?"

Josh scratches his chin. This means no. I am glad I am not Josh at this moment. Langston doesn’t ask if he doesn’t care. "Not yet, chief. I’ll get on their back though."

"Dammit, Levy! That one’s scheduled for next week’s show. When do you plan on finding out if the central fucking premise of the piece is true or not?" Good point. The whole piece is based on the assertion that nutritional supplements don’t really have what they claim is in them. Lab results will be important.

"I’ll have it by end of day."

Langston grunts. "Doug, talk to me about the interviews you have lined up for the missile defense story."

Fortunately, Doug is better prepared than Josh and he rattles off a list of pentagon officials and military contractors he has lined up for Brenda to talk to. God, Brenda got that piece? That should be interesting to watch.

Jac’s piece is on forgiveness. I wonder if she’s ever experienced it? Or given it?

He saves me for last. "Kels is going to have an exclusive sit down with Bush after the inauguration. Laura will be there for part of it, discussing her role as the First Lady."

Jac snorts. "That should be interesting."

Langston ignores her. "Security clearances taken care of, Kingsley?"

"Kels has been in the White House before interviewing Hillary. Shouldn’t be a problem. The rest of the crew is also being processed. I’m on top of it." I glance at my notes. "I am going to need to extra APs to get this done right." Assistant producers are important work dogs on the show. Getting a first rate crew down to D.C., and being the first interview with the forty-third President of the U.S. requires a logistical plan that is superior on all accounts.

Langston nods. "Take Harron and Ashford. Let me know if you need anything else. Good work on snaring this one, Harper. Fuck Dateline and Forty-Eight Hours. We’re the best goddamn news show on primetime. Let’s make sure everyone knows it."

"Yes, sir."

Oh, yeah. It’s good to be back at work.

* * *

My euphoria is short lived, however. I am sitting at my desk when I hear the door close to my office.

Fuck.

Brenda.

Or rather, no fuck Brenda. I look for some type of defensive weapon on my desk but find none. I gotta get some mace. Or maybe stop showering. Nah. Kels wouldn’t like that.

"Hi, Harper. Welcome back."

"Brenda."

"Happy New Year."

Thank God it’s not midnight and she’s not puckering up. "Same to you. Can I help you? I’m kinda in the middle of something here." In fact, the best thing to do might be a tactical retreat. I feel the need to visit the editing bay. I stand up, gather up my file, and start to head to the door.

Brenda steps into my path. "How are the twins?"

I am almost too stunned to reply. That was the last question I expected. "Good. Beautiful. Perfect," I stammer. I see no need to go into Brennan’s ear infection with her.

"And Kels?" she purrs, arching her back and displaying her best assets.

I step to the right. "Kelsey is terrific. Excuse me?" I attempt to get around her once again.

"Is she feeling better? I know giving birth can be rough."

I frown. I wonder where this is going. "She’s in perfect shape."

"It takes awhile to get … umm … back in the saddle again though, doesn’t it?"

Ah, now I know. I form a puzzled expression on my face and cock my head. "Huh?"

She reaches out and runs a hand down my arm, playing with my fingers at the end of the caress. "You have needs that Kels can’t fulfill. I can. There’s no need for you to be deprived for months while she heals. I can take care of you."

Damn, that’s blatant. And wrong. I lean forward and put my lips by her ear. "You seem to forget we’re lesbians, Brenda. I have no Tab A to harm her Slot B right now." I push past her, ignoring that I must come in contact with her to do so. "I don’t think you’re really on our team, Brenda. Or, if so, you’ve never been laid worth a damn."

* * *

When I come home, I enter a war zone. I can hear both babies crying. Someone is crashing around in the kitchen and the phone is ringing.

Oh, yeah, parenthood.

I put my briefcase down, toss my coat on the rack and steel myself for battle. I enter the kitchen and survey the scene. Collin is in his little seat, thrashing around. He is clearly unhappy with life at this moment.

Brian is at the stove, trying to finish up looks like dinner. Although there is a lot of smoke drifting skyward which does not bode well for our eating prospects. He doesn’t even hear me walk into the room. He’s too busy stirring marinara sauce and cooing at my son.

I pick up the phone. "We’re not interested, thanks." The only people who call us on the home line are telemarketers. Everyone else knows to use our cell phones. Next, I unplug the phone. I pat Brian on the back. "How are things?"

He jumps about six feet up into the air. "Holy mackerel!" He spins around and gives me the evil eye. "You scared the life out of me."

I shrug. "How could you tell the difference around here?" I go over to my son and scoop him up out of his chair. "Hi there, buddy. What’s got you all grumpy, huh?"

"I think he’s got a dirty diaper. I just haven’t been able to change it yet. It’s been chaotic around here."

I unsnap his onesie just over his diaper and slide my finger inside it. "Yup, he’s wet," I confirm. I kiss his cheeks. "It’s okay, Collin. Mama is going to get you fixed up right now." I see his diaper bag nearby and I quickly retrieve everything I need to make my son’s world right again. Once I strip away the wet diaper, his crying stops immediately. He turns liquid blue eyes on me, blinking tears away. "That’s right, handsome, it’s Mama. Life is good." Unfortunately, I hear Brennan still screaming as if the world is ending. "Where are my two girls?"

Brian jerks his head toward the living room. "She’s trying to get her to eat."

"Speaking of that, has my little man been fed?"

"Bottle is in the warmer."

"Got it." I grab it and head into the next battlefield. Kels is sitting on the couch, trying to entice my daughter to breastfeed. Brennan is absolutely refusing. Her whole body is red and her little fists are curled up in anger. She has a scream to break glass.

Collin is now mercifully content and slumped against me. We enter the room. "Hi, honey, I’m home."

She looks up at me, frustration clearly written on her face. "Are you sure you want to stay? You can head for the hills now."

"Nah, I’m the cavalry. I’m here to make your day better." I bend over and press a kiss to her hair. "Why don’t you nurse Collin? And I’ll see if I can get Brennan to eat?" I hold our son up. "See? Look at how happy he is. Come on, I’ll trade you."

"Trust me, Tabloid, no one in this house has been particularly happy today. But, now that you’re here, I’m sure things will get better."

"Mais oui, chér." We do the baby swap and now my arms are full of sick, cranky baby. I look down at my daughter’s face. She is momentarily bewildered by the change of scenery, but the respite doesn’t last long. She lets out a hell of a scream. "Ooo la la, cherie. It’s going to be all right. I promise." I hold her close to me and confirm that Collin is still happy. He is. He’s having dinner. "Want me to take her upstairs, so you and Collin can rest?"

Kels waves me down next to her. "No, stay here with us. Maybe we can get them both calmed down at the same time. With Collin calmed down, Brennan may as well. They seem to work in tandem from time to time."

"Is that right, little girl?" I ask softly. Maybe if I speak in a gentle tone, she will relax as well. "Do you and your little brother work together sometimes?" I sit down on the couch and attempt to have her take the bottle.

She pushes it away and screams louder.

"Try holding her up upright against your shoulder, Harper, that has seemed to help a bit today."

I immediately follow my wife’s suggestion. It results in Brennan screaming a little softer. I pat her back gently and rock her. "It’s going to be fine, darlin’." Hmm, I remember what Mama said she used to do for us as kids. "Excuse us a moment." We head into the kitchen and I look in the cabinets for olive oil.

"What do you need, Stud?" Brian asks. I think he’s more anxious to get us out of the now peaceful kitchen more than anything.

"Olive oil. Can you warm some up and put it in a dropper for me?"

"Okay." He stretches the word out, indicating that I am insane.

"Thanks." I kiss Brennan and head back for the living room. Sitting next to Kels, I ask over Brennan’s cries, "So I take you didn’t get that nap you were hoping for?"

"No, I didn’t." She shrugs and adjusts Collin at her breast. "But that’s okay. She hasn’t been crying all day, so she’s gotten a little sleep." Deep sigh. "I had work to do at home today, too, before returning to the studio."

"I’m sorry, sweetheart." I give her what I hope is a reassuring smile, but am not so sure it worked. I am about to try again, when Brian comes into the room.

"Here you go, Stud." He hands me the dropper and hustles back to the safety of the kitchen. "Dinner is almost ready."

As I am about to put the first of the drops in her infected ear, Kels stops me, her hand light on mine. "Harper, what are you doing?"

Oops, probably should have explained first. "An old Kingsley prescription. Mama says it used to work wonders for us kids. You heat up a little olive oil and put about five drops in the infected ear. It sooths it and lets the baby calm down."

Kels hand moves away, but she still looks skeptical. "The doctor wrote a prescription for ear drops, Tabloid. But I’ll go with this to see if it works."

"Thanks, chér." Come on, drops, work! Don’t make me look a fool. As best as possible, I administer the drops to her ear. At first, she stops crying out of surprise. Then she begins again, but with less gusto. I smile at Kels. "Give it a couple minutes."

"No problem."

After a couple more minutes, Brennan lays her head on my shoulder and quiets down. Thank you, God! I glance over at Kels who is now burping Collin. At long last, quiet. I rub small circles on Brennan’s back. "That’s right, sweetheart. Everything is fine."

I am rewarded with a magnificent smile. "Good job, Stud. I’m keeping you. But Mama’s cure is not carte blanche not to give her the medicine the doctor prescribed."

I nod. "Absolutely not. The antibiotics cure it. This calms her. If we’re lucky, she’ll even sleep a little while now."

"Oh, I couldn’t get that lucky."

"Luck has nothing to do with it, Little Roo. This is pure skill." I am sure to say this in the most arrogant tone I can muster, with just a hint of teasing.

This time I am rewarded with a swat on my upper arm. "Oh, please."

"Darlin’, you know I am very, very, very skilled." I lean over to kiss her.

I am given a brief, chaste kiss. "Okay, I love you. Don’t make me kill you. The dog would miss you."

I laugh softly, so as not to disturb my little girl. "Speaking of Kam … where is the big chicken?"

"Oh, he’s been all but hiding under the bed today." Collin’s eyes are drifting closed as well. He lets out a satisfied sigh and snuggles closer to his Mommy.

"I’ll ask Brian to take him out later. I bet both of them will be glad to get out of the house for a little while." I reach over and squeeze my boy’s foot. "Do you want to lay Collin down on the couch and I’ll stay here with both of them? You could go take a bubble bath?"

"A nice hot shower." Her eyes glaze over at the thought. "Yeah, I could use a nice hot shower."

"Go enjoy. We’ll be here when you get out."

"Deal." Kels lays Collin next to me, his little feet against my thigh. He’s already sound asleep. She gives both Brennan and me a kiss and hurries into the bedroom before either of us can change our mind about this plan.

Once I hear the water start, I pull Brennan back slightly, to see if she’s asleep yet. While her eyelids are heavy, she’s still fighting it. Poor baby.

Let’s see, what else did Mama do?

She sang us lullabies. She was particularly fond of ‘Lullaby for an Angel.’ How did it go? I close my eyes and drift back two decades in time. I hear Mama’s voice singing softly in my bedroom.

When I glance down again, Brennan is sound asleep.

* * *

I stumble into the nursery as fast as I can get there. Hustling to Collin, I pick him up and take him into the twins’ bathroom, anxious to get him away from his sister before he wakes her. Kels had a devil of a time getting her to sleep tonight, the poor little thing, and I want both mother and daughter to sleep as much as possible.

"Hey, hey, little man, what’s wrong?" I ask him, kissing his wrinkled forehead. He sucks in air, ready to cry again, but then seems to realize I am holding him. He lets the breath out in a shaking sigh. "Good boy. Let’s check that diaper, okay?" I snap open his onesie and am immediately assaulted by the scent of baby poop. "No wonder. I’d be cranky about that too."

I am a pro at changing diapers. After endless nieces and nephews, I can get a baby’s butt clean, dry, powdered and rediapered in sixty seconds or less. Once that particular need of Collin’s is fixed, I drop his soiled clothes into the hamper. We sneak back into the nursery, where I grab a new onesie out of the dresser, and we head downstairs.

In a few more minutes, I have a bottle all warmed up and ready to go. Now that his nipple problem has been fixed, I am enjoyed feeding my son. I love the intimacy of the time we have together, and how he curls against me. While he eats, I stroke his hair gently.

"What are you going to do when you grow up, Collin? You going to be a lawyer, like all of your uncles? Or a television star like your Mommy? Or will you be a Hall of Fame quarterback? Hmm?"

Collin blows me a milk bubble.

"I hope that’s not a comment on football, son," I tease. I play with his tiny fingers. Who knew fingernails could grow that small? I saw a commercial the other night that made me cry. It was an awareness campaign about shaken baby syndrome. They showed a picture of a tiny baby hooked up to so many tubes, you couldn’t see the baby. How can anyone hurt someone as precious as my Collin? Brennan’s sick and Kels and I are sick with worry for her. It breaks my heart I can’t take the ear infection from her. And that she can’t tell me what she needs to feel better.

"You stay well, little man. One of you sick at a time, that’s the rule."

He pushes away the empty bottle and fixes blue eyes on mine. He seems to be waiting for something. A story. We always tell them a story before bedtime.

Okay, all the books are up in their nursery. And we’ve told him the classics ten thousand times in his short life so far.

What can I tell him?

I know.

"It was a very, very cold last day in December, just over thirty-three years ago. It happened in the same year your Mommy was born. Now, your Mama wouldn’t be born for seven more years, since your Mommy robbed the cradle, but that’s another story." Collin smiles. He must get my joke. "Okay, so it was a very, very cold day in December in Wisconsin. It was twelve degrees below zero, and with the wind blowing, it was minus forty-nine degrees with the wind chill. Brr." I mock shiver and cuddle him even closer.

"Two legends met on the field of combat that day. They were Vince Lombardi and Tom Landry. Lombardi was the heart of the Packers. And Landry was just beginning his ascendancy with the Cowboys. Remember, son, after the Saints, we love our ‘Boys. This was called The Ice Bowl. It is what football is all about.

"The heating system under Lambeau Field broke the night before the game. This made the field as hard and cold as an ice skating rink. Everyone thought the game commissioner would postpone the game, but he didn’t. He knew that these were warriors.

"The referees couldn’t use their whistles, because the little balls froze inside them. It was almost impossible to run on the field, and throwing wasn’t much better. In the fourth quarter, our ‘Boys led 17-14. The Packers got the ball back on their thirty-two yard line with four minutes fifty seconds remaining. Bart Starr marched his team down the field, finally arriving at the ‘Boys one yard line with sixteen seconds left on the clock on fourth down. Starr called a time out.

"Lombardi had a choice. They could go the safe route, kick a field goal, and send the game into overtime. Or they could go for greatness and attempt a touchdown. He decided to gamble the championship on one play. They were going to try a quarterback sneak. The Packers had noticed that Cowboy’s defensive tackle, Jethro Pugh, tended to pull out of his stance early. The Packers bet they could wedge him, and Starr could fling himself into the end zone. This would be hard. The field was slick. No one had been making good yardage. But Lombardi said to Starr, ‘Run it, and let’s get the hell out of here.’

"So they went back on the field. The ball was snapped. Starr tucked it close to his chest. Kramer and Bowman blocked for him and he made it into the end zone. Remember, son, only the ball has to pass the plane for it to count. The Packers won 21-17 teaching us to never settle when you can achieve victory. And that’s the story of the Ice Bowl."

I look down and Collin is sleeping peacefully in my arms. That’s my boy. I decide to not bother either Brennan or Kels. I stretch out on the couch, settle Collin on my chest, throw a blanket over both of us and fall asleep immediately.

* * *

With Brennan’s ear infection finally starting to clear up, I finally feel like getting back to work will be good for me. Or at least that ‘s what I tell myself. I ride the elevator up to my office to gather a few things before going to the studio.

In a few days, I may even believe it. Then again, maybe I won’t.

I know they’re okay. They’re home with Harper, and she is taking great care of them. Probably better care of them than I could. That trick with the olive oil made all the difference in Brennan’s life the other day. I had spent the entire day with her, trying to make her feel better, and Harper came home and within a half-hour she’s quiet and sleeping peacefully. Harper’s definitely got the touch.

Stepping off the elevator, the offices are pretty quiet. I need to pick up a couple of production files, and, since I don’t have an assistant at the moment, I’m fetching things for myself. Got to get a new assistant, quick.

Unlocking my office door for the first time in several weeks, it does feel good to be back to work, and back in a capacity that allows me to do anything I want. Not only physically, but also intellectually and from a creative stand point as well. As anchor, I have considerable power over the show and the direction it can go. I’ll be the first person they point to if we tank in the new year.

Welcome to the twenty-first century, Kelsey.

* * *

First stop: a short production meeting before we go on air. Everyone seems glad to have me back, which is nice. I’m given my script and a few last minute notes. The floor director tells me that he’s got some new things on the set he wants to show me, and advises me to be there a few minutes early. I nod and let him know I’ll be there.

Next stop, wardrobe and make up. Ah, yes, my clothes and my face. Good thing I don’t have to be responsible for either of those at the moment. The sweater I wore in tonight has baby drool on it. Not attractive, but necessary in my other job. I think that’s how children mark their territory.

Settling down into the make up chair, I lean back and close my eyes.

"Kels, it’s so good to have you back," Grace tells me as she pulls out the small box which contains the make up she uses on me. "How’s motherhood treating you?"

"Overall, I’m loving it. These last few days have been a trial in patience and understanding for the entire family, though."

"Hmm, sick baby?"

I glance back. "How’d you know?"

"I recognize the tired eyes of a mom with a sick baby at home. I’ve got three of my own. What’s the problem?"

"Brennan has an ear infection."

"Those can be nasty."

"So I’m finding out."

"Just you wait until they start teething."

"Oh yeah." I sigh and close my eyes. "It gets better, right?"

"Absolutely, Kelsey. The joy they bring is always going to outweigh the frustration. And you always get to sleep in after they grow up and move out."

"Cute. Thanks for the pep talk."

"Anytime."

* * *

I glance at my watch. It’s time. Switching Brennan to sit, rather slump, on the couch beside me, I pick up the remote control and tune into channel four. The theme music for Exposure comes on and Collin gurgles happily.

Coincidence? I think not.

I bounce my boy in my arm. "That’s right, Collin. Mommy is coming on TV." Brennan squawks in protest at being left alone. "Get up here, girl," I tease. I then scoop her up with my free hand and settle her next to her brother on my lap.

Kels’ magnificent face appears on the screen. "Good evening. I’m Kelsey Stanton and this is Exposure." She looks good. Grace always does right by my girl. If the makeup woman hates you, you can look pretty damn scary on television.

"Wave to Mommy!" I grab their little hands and wave them frantically at the screen. "We love you, Mommy."

Brian wanders into the living room, shaking his head. "You are insane, you realize?"

"… all of this when we return," Kels finishes up the intro and we cut to a commercial.

I lean down and drop kisses on Collin’s fuzzy head and Brennan’s near bald one. "Don’t listen to the bad man, kiddos. He’s just jealous it isn’t his mommy on television looking all beautiful and smart."

This comment causes our nanny to erupt in laughter, startling Collin. "Oh, God, the thought of my mother on television." He switches to a falsetto voice and mimics his mother, I presume. "‘You need to stop watching that tool of the devil, young man. All it does is teach people how to become perverts. Do you want to be a pervert, young man?’" He switches to a little boy voice. "‘Why, yes, mommy, I do want to be a pervert when I grow up.’"

"Talk about me being insane."

"So not only would you not want the Holy Roller on television, she wouldn’t come even if you asked her nicely."

"Our first story tonight," the station switches back from commercial and we see Kels again, "is about the screening of employees for potential violent behavior in the workplace."

"There goes you plan for Bruce, Stud."

Despite my chuckling, I hug my babies closer and manage to say to them, "Ignore your Aunt Brian. Now let’s all pay attention to Mommy. Her job is that of an anchor. Like an anchor on a ship, she holds down the show. It’s all up to her. She puts a face on the news. If people like her, they’ll believe what she said. Otherwise, they won’t. And they won’t watch us. That would be bad. We live and die by the ratings. And so do our bonuses." I note that Collin’s eyes are fluttering closed. Brennan is chewing on her fist.

"They don’t seem to be big news hounds yet, Stud."

"Next week I’ll give them popcorn to munch on while I explain stuff."

* * *

Thank God, it’s Saturday. That was a long week. A very long week. Between going back to work and Brennan having an ear infection, it has been so stressful. I gaze down at the little girl asleep in the crook of my arm. The antibiotics seem to be kicking in and the warm olive oil seems to do the trick every time she gets cranky. I had Kels drop some in mine last night, just to check it out. It was kinda cool, to be honest.

Despite the infection, Brennan, and Collin, are growing like weeds. Every day something seems to change with them. Collin looks more like a little man every day. Despite his scary beginning, he’s beginning to chunk out. A linebacker in the making. Brennan looks like the hell-raiser she will be. Her blonde hair is filling out, but it is still a bit sparse. Her eyes are an unmistakable green. She takes my breath away, the same way her Mommy does every time I see her.

Kels and I, and Brian too, have fallen into an easy rhythm. I head to work before Kels, so she covers the morning feedings. But I am back while Kels’ day is only half done, so I get them in the early evenings. Brian covers the middle.

I never pictured myself having all this. I figured it’d be leather pants, a Harley, and a new woman a night until the day I died. Or until the day all of it caught up to me. Now, I’d die if this were taken away.

Brennan smacks her lips in her sleep. Dreaming about nursing. I dream about Kels’ breasts too. Like mother, like daughter. We wander back from the sun room and into the living room floor where Kels is sitting, reading some production notes, and Collin is laying happily on the floor beside her. Her hand rests lightly on his belly and she tickles it absentmindedly every few seconds, eliciting happy kicks from my boy. I put Brennan in her sling chair and plot down beside my son.

"Are you happy with your Mommy, Collin?" I ask him in a voice I swore I’d never use in my life. "Are you?" I blow a raspberry on his stomach, between Kels’ fingers.

Kels laughs and wipes her hand on my shirt. "Well, yuck. Thanks so much."

I capture her hand and bring it to my lips, giving it a gentle kiss. "You’re welcome, chér. I sure do love Saturdays."

Even as I settle on the floor beside Collin to play with him, the doorbell rings. I wait a moment for Brian to answer it, before realizing that he’s spending the day with Doug. I groan and push myself to my feet, being very careful as I thread my way through the living room to avoid stepping on babies, the multitude of toys, or the wife.

I open the door and find a guy in an expensive overcoat standing outside. He must be one of the other tenants in the building we haven’t met yet. "Hi."

"Hello. Are you Harper Kingsley?"

I nod and hold out my hand. "I am. And you are?"

"Phillip." He shakes my hand firmly. "Does Kelsey Stanton live here too?"

A little warning buzzes in the back of my brain, but it’s natural for a neighbor to inquire about a celebrity in the building, I suppose. "Yes. Can I help you?"

"Would you be able to give her something for me?"

"Sure, but can I ask what this is about?" I am feeling entirely less friendly right now.

"You and Ms. Stanton have been served. Have a good day." He puts two thick envelopes in my hand and turns and walks away quickly.

Jesus H. Christ. That guy was a service processor. How the hell did he get upstairs? The doorman and I are gonna have a very long talk about this. Before anything else can happen, I step back and close the door, locking it securely.

I sit down on the stairs and open the envelope addressed to me. I pull out a sheaf of paper and quickly scan the contents.

Petition for Rights of Visitation.

What in the hell?

Petitioner: Katherine Lesley Stanton.

"Son of a bitch!" I swear loudly, not caring about the damn swear jar at the moment. "Son of a fucking bitch!"

I am imagining the various ways I can kill my mother-in-law, when I see her daughter in the hallway with me. "What’s wrong?"

"Your mother." I hand her the envelope marked for her.

"Oh, what has the witch done now?"

"I haven’t read it the whole way through, but she’s suing us. She apparently wants court ordered visitation rights to the twins." I begin flipping through the stack of papers, trying to get to the bottom line.

Kels joins me on the stairs, pulling her copy of the lawsuit out. I hear something that sounds suspiciously like ‘dispose of the body’, and I wonder how she managed to read my mind.

"Let me go fax a copy of this to Robie," I say, pushing myself up from our seat. Force will meet force, you scrawny assed bitch. "Should I do the same for Beth, as well?"

"Oh, no." She shakes her head. "I’m gonna call Beth. But fax a copy to my Dad."

I laugh. "Matt will sure enjoy getting this. He’s been wanting another good reason to kill his ex." I can’t even call Katherine Kels’ mother anymore. This forfeits all her rights. Forever.

"I can’t believe she’s doing this. She has completely lost her mind."

"She’s gonna lose a helluva lot more than that when we’re done with her." I lay my hand on her shoulder and squeeze it gently. "You okay?"

"No," she grits out. "But I’m too damn mad to do much of anything but plan the shrew’s death."

"Slow and painful, right?"

"Oh, yeah. Very slow. Very painful."

<fade out>

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