{"id":103,"date":"2020-06-11T03:11:22","date_gmt":"2020-06-11T03:11:22","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/solstice.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2020\/calendar\/?p=103"},"modified":"2020-11-04T22:35:53","modified_gmt":"2020-11-04T22:35:53","slug":"june-11th-be-fruitful-and-multiply-by-dawnwind","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/solstice.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2020\/calendar\/?p=103","title":{"rendered":"June 11th- Be Fruitful and Multiply by Dawnwind"},"content":{"rendered":"

Click here to read the first story-<\/a> A Woman\u2019s Work is Never Done<\/a><\/em><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Click here to read the second story- If There Had Been Wise Women, They Would Have Brought Food–And Diapers<\/em><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Click here to read the third story- <\/a>Merger and Acquisition<\/a><\/em><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

It was the miracle she\u2019d never expected to have in her lifetime, pregnant for the second time. When she\u2019d mated\u2014hopefully for life\u2014with Linda, Minnie hadn\u2019t given a thought to motherhood. Linda had, and over the course of their first year together, Linda managed to convince her that it was possible.<\/span><\/p>\n

Their daughter Noel was living proof. She toddled across the floor dragging a basket of nearly bald dollies behind her. Why all her dolls were bald, Minnie had no idea, but it kept Noel busy while her mothers were at work.<\/span><\/p>\n

Minnie rubbed her rounded belly, trying to sooth the baby swimming inside. The little one had been more restless than usual all morning. Combined with a crampy pain in her lower back, Minnie was really uncomfortable. But she\u2019d done this before and knew that there were always odd pangs with pregnancy.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHutch is at the Homestead,\u201d Linda said, pointing out their south facing window at the formerly empty lot planted with vegetables. \u201cHe said he\u2019d come in after he picks the lemons and plants another crop of spinach.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe spinach is that popular?\u201d Minnie marveled. Not her favorite by half. \u201cThat trashy partner of his with him?\u201d She gazed at her lover from across their office. She adored the way Linda\u2019s curved abdomen filled out her green and white striped maternity dress. The color beautifully set off the long red ponytail that flipped behind her whenever she turned her head. Next to Linda, Minnie felt like an elephant stuffed into a denim muumuu.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t see him, but I\u2019ll take Noel out for a walk when I finish with the invoices.\u201d Linda smiled, watching their daughter put the baby dolls to bed in a milk crate. \u201cDid you get the grant proposals written?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Minnie scowled, mentally telling her little passenger to get some sleep for a while. This one was destined to be an Olympic level swimmer. \u201cTold you that you should be the one writing those. You went to college!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFor two semesters.\u201d Linda rolled her eyes. \u201cBefore the police academy. We need that grant money to pay office staff while we\u2019re both on maternity leave.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI remember, I remember,\u201d Minnie groused, well aware she was being what her old grandma used to call peevish. The baby took that moment to punch hard on her bladder. Once more, and she\u2019d have to run for the toilet.<\/span><\/p>\n

She and Linda had conceived on the same day, at the same time. Sure, they\u2019d basically stacked the deck each time they tried: syncing their cycles and inseminating on the same day. Yet, even that hadn\u2019t worked the first time around.<\/span><\/p>\n

Only she had gotten pregnant two years ago.<\/span><\/p>\n

One year ago, only Linda had been with child\u2014miscarrying eight weeks later.<\/span><\/p>\n

They\u2019d waited after that, grief surrounding their little family like a fence. Minnie could still feel the pain of loss, especially when holding Noel close, Linda\u2019s arms wrapped around both of them, as if she could pull them inside her where the fetus had so briefly lived.<\/span><\/p>\n

Linda\u2019s conception issues had scuppered their remaining ties with the Bay City Police Department. It had been difficult enough fielding questions from their fellow cops on how Minnie had an \u201cout of wedlock\u201d baby and chose to live with Linda. It had been quite another when Linda lost a baby while living with Minnie\u2014nary a man in sight, as far as anyone knew.<\/span><\/p>\n

Except for a handful of staunch friends, Noel\u2019s fathers included. Not that she biologically had two daddies, but technically she did. Starsky might have contributed the sperm that inseminated the egg to create her life, but Hutch gave her equally as much love as his partner did.<\/span><\/p>\n

Minnie jolted out of her reverie when the phone jangled.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMama!\u201d Noel said urgently, holding her Fisher Price phone with the googly eyes aloft. \u201cRing ring!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Minnie reached for the receiver on her desk but Linda beat her to it, answering the communal line from her desk.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBay City All United Social Enterprise,\u201d Linda said briskly into the telephone. \u201cHow may we help you?\u201d She pursed her pretty lips, listening intently to the caller on the other end of the line. \u201cThat\u2019s wonderful!\u201d she enthused. \u201cWe appreciate all donations, as well as knitted items and crafts for the children. You know our address?\u201d She nodded, repeating the caller\u2019s information and writing it on her intake pad.<\/span><\/p>\n

Minnie and Linda had worked with the Child Protection Unit for more than a year before they\u2019d quit the force. It could be both heartbreaking and joyful, sometimes in equal measure, on the same day. They\u2019d helped separate children from abusive parents, aided in finding homes for children whose parents had died, and championed foster parents wanting to adopt the child they\u2019d cared for. All of which had proven how vital supportive services were to families in need.<\/span><\/p>\n

Then Noel had dropped into their lives ahead of schedule.<\/span><\/p>\n

After a marathon session of what do we do now, BCAUSE was formed. They could bridge the gap between the CPS and the social programs provided by the state: part social activism, guiding families to the programs that could help them, and part neighborhood guild, offering everything from a food pantry, community garden, caregiving services, and more.<\/span><\/p>\n

Little passenger bounced on Minnie\u2019s bladder, causing a leak onto her undies. She ran for the toilet with all speed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u201cOut, Mom-mom,\u201d Noel tugged on Linda\u2019s arm, causing her to smear the B in her signature.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust a minute, lovey,\u201d Linda promised, writing the rest of her surname. A little crooked but legible. \u201cAll right, you have your sweater on!\u201d She chuckled. Noel had it on upside down and backwards but Linda wasn\u2019t about to correct that. Noel could throw quite a temper tantrum when provoked. Which certainly gave Linda pause thinking ahead to when they\u2019d essentially have twin babies, plus a two and a half year old at the same time. Good thing Starsky and Hutch had promised to babysit\u2014regularly.<\/span><\/p>\n

No one had been quite sure who fathered Noel at her birth, but after only a couple weeks, definite Starsky traits had shown up. She had her daddy\u2019s deep blue eyes, crooked grin, and mischievous nature. Combined with her dark curls and caf\u00e9 latte skin tone, she was a beauty.<\/span><\/p>\n

Noel shoved two dollies into a tote bag for their walk.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMin?\u201d Linda listened to the toilet flushing in the bathroom. \u201cWe\u2019re going out now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll hold down the fort,\u201d Minnie called back.<\/span><\/p>\n

A disheveled man with long shaggy hair pulled into a messy ponytail, wearing a shirt and jeans that hung off his skinny frame, came up the stairs. \u201cThis the place where I get assistance?\u201d he asked with a curl of his lip.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure thing!\u201d Minnie closed the bathroom door, pressing a hand to her belly. \u201cSit on down. I can help you.\u201d She waved at Linda and Noel. \u201cHave fun, you two.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou want to help your poppy with the lemons or the spinach?\u201d Linda took her daughter\u2019s hand to lead her down the front steps. The other major life change they\u2019d made six months ago was the purchase of a four bedroom house, combining their home space and office space in one. The day they moved in, Starsky and Hutch had manhandled furniture and boxes inside. At lunchtime, while eating sandwiches with chips and cokes on the front porch, Hutch had noticed a for sale sign on the vacant lot next door.<\/span><\/p>\n

Less than a week later, he\u2019d been out there, planting the first crop. She hadn\u2019t asked where he\u2019d got the money for the land, but graciously accepted his generosity. Linda grinned, seeing him then\u2014clearing out rocks, old beer bottles and a few discarded syringes before sowing beans and potatoes\u2014and now, reaching up to pluck winter lemons from a tree. Amazingly, the tree had already been there, neglected and forgotten in the tangle of weeds and debris. It, and all the other plantings, had flourished with Hutch\u2019s care. People from every corner of the neighborhood started showing up to help, bringing seeds, cuttings, and bags of fertilizer. Like the story of stone soup, where one stone and some water had been the beginnings of a pot of soup, the garden had emerged from the outpouring of strangers.    <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPoppy!\u201d Noel ran over, hopping from one foot to the other.  \u201cI can eat?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNope.\u201d Hutch hoisted her onto his hip, handing her a large yellow lemon. \u201cVery sour. But smells great.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou remember that song?\u201d Linda shivered slightly. It was colder than she\u2019d expected. \u201cLemon tree very pretty<\/em>\u2026\u201d she sang, knowing full well Hutch would join in. Took very little to get him to sing when he was surrounded by growing things.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd the lemon flower is sweet<\/em>.\u201d Hutch crooned in his mellow tenor. \u201cBut the fruit of the\u2014\u201c<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPoor lemon is impossible to eat<\/em>,\u201d Linda harmonized. The infant in her womb seemed to sway to the music.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLemon tree<\/em>!\u201d Noel sang along, nodding her head in time.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI have a great recipe for salmon using lemon juice and Dijon mustard,\u201d Linda said, inhaling the wonderful scent of the fruit. \u201cInterested in sharing dinner with us?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou always knew how to seduce me,\u201d Hutch laughed. \u201cStarsky will be here soon. He had some stops to make, and I asked him to pick up \u2013\u201c<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDaddy!\u201d Noel launched herself out of Hutch\u2019s arms as a bright red Pontiac Firebird pulled into the driveway that divided Hutch\u2019s Homestead from the Baylor\/Kaplan residence.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNoel! Don\u2019t run close to the car,\u201d Linda cautioned, trotting after her. Damned pregnant belly, like a whale attached to her front hips. Made her feel clumsy, and left her breathing heavily after only a short distance. There\u2019d been a time she could run down a perp\u2014wearing heels\u2014in nothing flat.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPipsqueak!\u201d Starsky grabbed Noel around the ribs, swinging her into the air like a mini airplane.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u201cGimme all your money,\u201d the man demanded, holding the pistol like it was an extension of his hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

Minnie\u2019s police brain identified the weapon as a Viet Nam era Smith and Wesson model 10, a six shooter similar to what cowboys in westerns used. Her heart pounded against her rib cage, terror racing through her body. This was not at all what she\u2019d expected when he came through the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

They got their share of indigent people needing the basics: food, clothing, and a roof. She\u2019d mentally lined up the relevant paperwork for him while opening her desk drawer, and looked up straight into the gaping maw of the pistol.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoney, we don\u2019t keep any cash here,\u201d she said as calmly as possible. She\u2019d been a cop, for God\u2019s sake, she should know how to handle this. Except it had been over two years, closer to three, since she\u2019d worked vice. \u201cWe facilitate getting you into the system. You need something to eat\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBitch, I just want cash,\u201d he snarled, leaning into her. \u201cWhere is it?\u201d He inclined his head at her drawer.<\/span><\/p>\n

The little passenger inside her lurched against her hipbones, shoving hard into her bladder. A sudden contraction seized her abdomen, paralyzing her in a painful spasm. Minnie panted, leaning back in the chair. No! Baby, not the time.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

There was no way she could have this baby now! Noel had insisted on coming over two weeks early. She wasn\u2019t due to deliver this baby for a month and a half. Stay in,<\/em> she silently implored the infant, knowing it would have little effect. Her children were willful, impulsive beings, no doubt about it. Bent on being born at the most inopportune times.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe don\u2019t keep\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRickey said you gave him money,\u201d the man snarled, obviously angered by her deterrence.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rickey, Rickey. <\/em>They had so many needy people come through. Minnie tried to recall who Rickey might be, hearing a car pull into the driveway and Noel call out to her Daddy.<\/span><\/p>\n

Minnie did her Lamaze breathing to work through the worst of the contraction. Starsky was here! She was sincerely grateful that Linda and Noel were safe in the yard with the men. That alleviated most of her worries. Now, how to save this baby, and herself, of course.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRickey Conover?\u201d She finally put the name to a face. Tall, spindly guy with twitchy eyes. \u201cWe gave him a voucher for the transient hotel. Not cash.\u201d The contraction was dwindling away, leaving her wasted.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou preggers?\u201d the man asked suspiciously, eyeing her gravid belly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cObservant, aren\u2019t you?\u201d she commented, vainly trying to keep the sarcasm at a minimum. \u201cWhy don\u2019t we start over? I\u2019m Minnie. If you put away your gun\u2014\u201c<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo can do. You\u2019ll call the cops on me.\u201d He looked out the window at the red car. \u201cWho\u2019s that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGardeners,\u201d Minnie lied blandly. \u201cTaking care of the vegetables. Listen, what\u2019s your name? I can get you a voucher\u2014\u201c Tightness griped her abdomen, pushing down toward her vagina. She gasped, clenching her teeth. This one was coming far faster than Noel. Not good at all.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t fucking want a voucher.\u201d He pushed the pistol up to her belly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo!\u201d Minnie cried, terrified, wrapping both arms around her large abdomen as if that alone could protect the baby. \u201cPlease, tell me your name, how I can help you!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAin\u2019t nuthing you can do, bitch\u2014\u201c<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Kaplan?\u201d Starsky pushed through the front door. \u201cLemons all picked. You want us to\u2014\u201c He stopped short as if seeing the intruder for the first time.<\/span><\/p>\n

Minnie wasn\u2019t fooled and apparently neither was her captor.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGet outta here, we\u2019re having a private conversation,\u201d the gunman said, swinging around to point his weapon at Starsky.<\/span><\/p>\n

Minnie snatched the stapler sitting on top of the forms in her drawer and swung it hard against the man\u2019s head. \u201cCops came,\u201d she said triumphantly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat the hell?\u201d he shouted, raising a hand to fend off her blows.<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky shoved his gun arm sideways, wrenching the pistol out of his grasp. \u201cHands behind your head, turkey. You are under arrest, and have the right to remain silent, etcetera, etcetera,\u201d Starsky commanded, pushing him against a wall to subdue him. \u201cMin? You all right?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHangin\u2019 in there.\u201d She blinked away the tears, not quite sure she was furious or terrified. \u201cBut we have more than one complication.\u201d A strong contraction ripped through her belly and she knew for certain that urgent need to go pee earlier had not been urine. Her water had broken.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cStarsk?\u201d Hutch called from the front step.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAll clear, Hutch,\u201d Starsky replied, pressing a knee into the back of his prisoner\u2019s legs. \u201cYou got handcuffs? Have Linda call for backup.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis is police brutality!\u201d the man whined, twisting his neck to sneer at Starsky.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGrabbed them from your car.\u201d Hutch rushed in, thrusting the cuffs at his partner. \u201cLinda\u2019s on the police band now. Min?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGuys,\u201d she said, dragging her concentration away from her own bodily functions. \u201cI got some action over here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky yanked the cuffed prisoner upright, staring at Minnie.<\/span><\/p>\n

On any other day, she might have laughed at the twin horrified expressions on her friends\u2019 faces. As it was, she spread her legs, aware of a very familiar sensation. There was a baby\u2019s head practically between her thighs. What had the doctor called it last time?<\/span><\/p>\n

Crowning. <\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMinnie, are you in labor?\u201d Hutch asked, coming closer.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPrince or princess already got their crown on and ready to make an entrance,\u201d she said, panting to hold this inpatient child in for a bit longer. At least until someone with a medical license arrived. Paramedic, maybe?<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHutch!\u201d Starsky gasped. \u201cI got\u2014\u201c He gulped a panicked breath. \u201cI got a first aid kit in the car. I\u2019ll go get it.\u201d He dragged his prisoner out the door as if fleeing a burning building.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUh\u2014\u201c Hutch inched closer, bending down to look directly at Minnie. \u201cYou want to stay here or lie on the couch?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t make no difference at this juncture.\u201d Minnie grit her teeth. How did this keep happening? She and Linda had planned everything\u2014when and where to have the babies\u2014together. Babies could sure screw up a schedule! \u201cThis one is halfway out.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMinnie?\u201d Linda dashed in, her ponytail swinging wildly. \u201cStarsky said\u2014\u201c She stopped at the edge of the desk, going pale. \u201cOh, doll\u2014\u201c<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019s Noel?\u201d Minnie didn\u2019t want a two-year-old witnessing this. This was too early. What if the baby didn\u2019t survive?<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWith the Saeturns,\u201d Linda said distractedly. \u201cDon\u2019t push! The ambulance is coming.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBelieve it or not,\u201d Hutch said, his voice a bit shaky. \u201cI have delivered a baby before. Linda, get some towels?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t have time to boil water, honey,\u201d Minnie said softly, her entire body bent on shoving this baby out. Felt like everything in her was rushing madly toward that tiny opening. Logic said a baby shouldn\u2019t fit through that hole. \u201cI have to push\u2014\u201c<\/span><\/p>\n

Linda ran to the bathroom, emerging seconds later with an armload of terrycloth. Hutch just had time to tuck them below Minnie\u2019s chair when bloody fluid gushed out, heralding the newborn.<\/span><\/p>\n

Minnie moaned, the pressure and force near to ripping her stem to stern. Butt half off the seat, she clasped the arms of the chair, bracing her feet on the floor for support.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI can see the head!\u201d Linda marveled. She pressed a kiss on Minnie\u2019s sweaty forehead before stooping between her bent knees to push her dress up.<\/span><\/p>\n

The squalling cry came first, as Linda scooped both hands around the emerging head. \u201cYou\u2019re amazing, Min!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Happened in seconds: one moment the baby was part of her, and the next it was separate. Minnie sobbed, unable to control a single emotion. The baby\u2019s lung power was astounding. It was shrieking.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIs it alright?\u201c She craned her head to see Linda wrapping the infant in a blue towel, umbilical cord trailing down to the afterbirth still inside.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s beautiful!\u201d Linda said in awe. \u201cShe\u2019s\u2014\u201c<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBlond,\u201d Minnie and Hutch said at the same time as Linda rubbed a towel over the tiny girl\u2019s hair.<\/span><\/p>\n

A corona of wispy blonde hair framed her face. Round blue eyes, and a surprisingly long, straight nose for such a tiny being. She was far paler than Noel had been. Minnie wasn\u2019t sure if it was because she was early, or because it was abundantly clear that Hutch was her father.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLike a fairy.\u201d Minnie reached for her daughter, craving to hold her. The baby cuddled into her, cries diminishing as Minnie hugged her close.  The chair was no longer an uncomfortable perch, now it felt like a throne.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s your daughter, Hutch,\u201d Linda said smugly, rubbing her own rotund belly. \u201cCouldn\u2019t be any other.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2014\u201c He hitched a breath, touching her flailing hand. She wrapped miniscule fingers around his forefinger, holding on tightly. \u201cA fairy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The door slammed open. \u201cGot the first aid\u2014\u201c Starsky dropped the red plastic bin with a loud bang. \u201cI missed it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMeet Fairy\u2014\u201c Linda said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFaerianne,\u201d Minnie corrected.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

In direct contrast to her sister\u2019s dramatic entrance, Linda\u2019s baby arrived on a cool, gray day midmorning, without fanfare or histrionics. Cherry trees around the hospital were bursting with fluffy pink blossoms, and spring was in the air. Linda felt a weird, almost out of body zen gazing down at the chubby face of her newborn. This one had come on her due date, sliding out like a slippery eel to land in the obstetrician\u2019s gloved hands.<\/span><\/p>\n

She was perfect, from the top of her sweet head to the tips of her ten pink toes. Process of elimination pegged her as Starsky\u2019s daughter\u2014even without the obvious dark swirl of curls.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re one of triplets?\u201d the nurse, Esther, marveled after she finished a quick set of vitals and a mildly uncomfortable check of Linda\u2019s lower regions. \u201cThe two women waiting outside are identical to you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy sisters, Iris and Francine,\u201d Linda corroborated with a laugh. \u201cSend them in.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The door pushed open, hitting the wall with a bang. \u201cWe beat them.\u201d Starsky marched in carrying a huge a bouquet of red and yellow tulips.<\/span><\/p>\n

Balancing Faerianne on one hip, Minnie shoved the flowers into the nearest plastic water pitcher.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI say you had her on the first day of Passover, Hutch tells me it\u2019s Maundy Thursday,\u201d Starsky proclaimed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEither way, congratulations.\u201d Hutch bent to give her a kiss as her sisters, and Iris\u2019 husband, squeezed into the hospital room, all anxious to see the new arrival.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMake room for Francine and Iris.\u201d Linda beckoned her sisters. \u201cThey\u2019re going to take Noel and Faerianne home soon.\u201c<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky and Hutch let the women through, corralling Noel for a moment.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBaby sister?\u201d Noel pointed, trying to get to the bedside once more.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYep.\u201d Hutch grinned, holding onto her little hand. \u201cAnother sister.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou did it, Linda,\u201d Francine, the mother of twins, said with an indulgent nod. \u201cI\u2019m so proud of you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Her red curls were cut almost as short and frothy as Starsky\u2019s, while Iris wore hers in a stylish French twist. Linda felt a bit bedraggled with her long hair shoved back into a blue scrunchie, which only coincidently matched the hospital gown.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat a Christmas this will be\u2014\u201c Iris chuckled, tapping a finger on her protruding belly. Her husband Chad peeked around her shoulder. \u201cMine\u2019s due in the summer. Then there\u2019ll be ten kids under five between the three of us, waiting for Santa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019ll put us in debt for sure!\u201d Minnie commented, eyes wide at the thought of it.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cChristmas savings club, doll,\u201d Linda reminded with a chuckle. The little one was nuzzling her breast. The feeling of milk dripping from one nipple was unnerving and awesome at the same time.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll leave you guys alone now,\u201d Francine promised, grabbing the water pitcher full of tulips from Noel before she poured it on the floor. \u201cWhat do you think about your youngest sister, Noel?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cQual\u2019ty,\u201d Noel said decisively, having managed to liberate two dripping flowers.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWeren\u2019t watching her very closely,\u201d Starsky teased.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch didn\u2019t look particularly sorry about it.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s been learning a word for every letter of the alphabet,\u201d Minnie said as Faerianne let out a wail. \u201cYesterday was P for potty training.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll take this one.\u201d Chad grinned, scooping up the babe Linda had all but christened Princess Cries a Lot. \u201cC\u2019mon, gang. Leave the mamas and daddies with their newest addition.\u201d He shepherded Francine, Iris, and Noel out of the room, the flowers leaving a dripping trail behind them.<\/span><\/p>\n

Linda pushed aside the neckline of her hospital gown. The newborn clamped onto the nearest nipple as if she\u2019d read the manual and knew exactly how to suck out maximum quantities of milk.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy girl knows what she wants,\u201d Starsky said admiringly, a goofy grin on his face. He was clearly in love all over again with his last daughter.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat is some quality nursing, Lin,\u201d Minnie approved, snuggling onto the hospital bed beside her. She leaned her head on Linda\u2019s left shoulder to watch the baby suck.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSeems to me Faery took much longer to get the hang of it.\u201d Hutch nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, our Princess Cries a Lot was a mite lazy at first, but she had to make up time,\u201d Minnie agreed. \u201cThose two weeks with her in the intensive care nursery were harsh. So blessed that she\u2019s loud and proud at home, now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Linda let their easy chatter wash over her, astonished at the fierce love she felt for this little girl. It was not less than her love for Noel and Faerianne, just somehow different. As each daughter was different, unique in her own way. Breastfeeding was a trip, however, both bonding and quite uncomfortable.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOw.\u201d She grit her teeth when the baby gave one last hard pull before she abruptly let go. Her wide eyes looked glazed, a satisfied grin transforming her face into an almost carbon copy of her daddy. \u201cAnd you did this until after Noel had teeth, Minnie?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt gets easier, believe me.\u201d Minnie kissed Linda on the lips and then her daughter on the forehead. She took the sleepy baby and expertly burped her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCan I hold her?\u201d Starsky asked, putting out his hands.<\/span><\/p>\n

Linda and Hutch peered at the black around his fingernails and thumbs. \u201cWhat were you doing? Changing the oil in the Firebird?\u201d Linda chastised. \u201cGo wash your hands first.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cActually,\u201d Hutch said with a chuckle as Starsky ducked into the tiny adjoining bathroom. \u201cHe was helping me at the Homestead. Those tulips are the ones we planted the week Faery was born.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAll clean.\u201d Starsky reappeared with slightly damp palms, and was rewarded with an armload of baby. The third go-around, they were all experienced with cuddling babies. \u201cShe\u2019s heavier than Faerianne was.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBy a lot,\u201d Linda said. \u201cNoel was six pounds nine ounces.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe Princess was five pounds five ounces and this one–\u201d Minnie touched her dark curls again.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEight pounds on the nose,\u201d Linda gloated, reclining against her woman.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat is quality, Lin.\u201d Minnie put both arms around her, humming softly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRepeating yourself, Minnie,\u201d Hutch teased, crowding in close to Starsky to encircle him and the infant. He craned his neck to kiss Starsky on the mouth.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cQuality,\u201d Linda echoed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHmm, babe?\u201d Minnie said, grabbing a camera from the bedside cabinet to take pictures of the two daddies.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cQuality Baylor,\u201d Linda proclaimed, clasping her hands together. They hadn\u2019t planned names for any of the girls, yet each time, the correct right names had come up when they least expected it.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe one and only.\u201d Starsky held her upright and her bright eyes popped open. \u201cPolice cadet at the Bay City Academy in\u2014\u201c He frowned, as if figuring out the date in his head.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTwo thousand and seven,\u201d Hutch and Minnie whispered at the same time.<\/span><\/p>\n

Quality farted.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Click here to read the first story- A Woman\u2019s Work is Never Done Click here to read the second story- If There Had Been Wise Women, They Would Have Brought Food–And Diapers Click here to read the third story- Merger and Acquisition … Continue reading →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3,4,5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-103","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-fic","category-sfw","category-slash"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/solstice.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2020\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/103","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/solstice.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2020\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/solstice.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2020\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/solstice.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2020\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/solstice.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2020\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=103"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"http:\/\/solstice.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2020\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/103\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":415,"href":"http:\/\/solstice.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2020\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/103\/revisions\/415"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/solstice.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2020\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=103"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/solstice.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2020\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=103"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/solstice.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2020\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=103"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}