Ryan Ch. 11

After helping Dani onto the examining table, Ryan took a seat in a nearby chair, more anxious than he wanted to admit. He'd prayed that there wouldn't be any complications and so far things were going well, but they had a long way to go.

Dr. Grant, who had delivered Haley's son, pushed Dani's blouse up and assisted her with lowering her slacks, revealing her gently rounded belly. She explained the procedure to both of them before applying the ultrasound gel. Afterward, she placed the transducer on Dani's lower abdomen and moved it around. The doctor explained to them how the transducer worked by allowing sound waves to travel through the body and bounce off the fetus thereby creating a picture.

Dani was smiling at Ryan when the doctor said, "Oh, my!"

"What?!" she and Ryan exclaimed in unison.

Pointing to the screen around, the doctor said, "See this...... and..... this?"

They both nodded.

"Twins. Congratulations," she said looking at the stunned couple.

Dani felt the prick of tears and knew any moment now she would be a weeping mess, but she didn't care. Ryan got up and put his arm around her as they watched the screen.

Then Ryan said, "Oh, my God, baby. We're going to have twins. Twins!"

Dani was crying softly with joy. She didn't know that she could be happier, but having two babies was much, much more than she would have ever expected. She tried valiantly to get a grip on her emotions knowing that there were questions she needed answered.

Finally, sniffling she said, "I had an ultrasound when I was in the hospital at six weeks; they didn't say anything about twins."

"I read your records from the hospital," Dr. Grant revealed.

"They did all the proper tests, but only saw one baby via the ultrasound, which is understandable that early in a pregnancy. I've had patients who weren't showing twins at 7 weeks, but suddenly at 12 weeks they were. It's all perfectly normal," she assured them.

"Can you tell the babies' sex?" Ryan asked.

"I can't tell right now, they're not in the right position. But, as the pregnancy progresses, their positions will change. We may be able to tell a few weeks from now. Are you sure you want to know the sex?" she asked.

Dani was the first to answer. "I don't know," she said.

"I think I would like it to be a surprise then on the other hand I want to know now," She laughed through her lingering tears.

Chuckling, Ryan said, "Don't worry doc, that's normal for her."

The doctor laughed, fully understanding the emotional nature of women and expectant mothers in particular. She completed the exam in short order and afterward assured them that the babies were healthy and growing at the expected pace.

Congratulating them again, the doctor left Ryan and Dani alone to absorb the news.

"Twins," Dani whispered as Ryan helped her sit up.

Then she realized she'd forgotten to ask Ryan what he wanted.

"Would you like to know the sex of the babies as soon as we can?

"I'm perfectly willing to wait until they're born, if that's what you want," he said, "I'm just happy knowing they're healthy.

"Me too."

By the way," Dani said, "Do you have any twins in your family? I don't have any on my side of the family; at least I've never heard that we did. I'll ask Mom to be sure."

"As a matter of fact," Ryan said, "my paternal great-grandfather was a twin. I don't know of any others.''

So this is on you," she charged, grinning as he helped her off of the examining table.

"You're welcome, baby," Ryan said returning her grin.

*

That night Dani called to tell Crystal her news.

"Damn, Dani, when you do something, you really do it up right," she exclaimed.

"You do know that Mom and Dad are going to lose their minds. Don't be surprised if they want to move back to Tampa to be near the grand kids."

"Oh, no!" Dani screeched.

"I love them, you know I do, but they would drive me crazy. They'd be here everyday and Mom would say that everything I'm doing is wrong."

"Yep," Crystal agreed.

"They've wanted grand kids for a long time, now they'll have two of them to spoil rotten."

Thinking that over, Dani said, "It might not be a bad idea to have them here for a while. I'll need a lot of help in the beginning, but I don't want anyone taking over. I'll just have to find a way to let Mom know that without her being offended. I really don't think she'll move back here, though. She and dad are having a great time in Jacksonville."

"You can say that again," Crystal interjected. "Their social life is busier than mine."

"Exactly," Dani said.

"There would be the same issue of them missing their friends that they had when they lived in Tampa before. Besides, the drive isn't long and they could see the twins any time. Yep, that's it. I've convinced myself that they won't move back here," she laughed.

"I see your logic on that," Crystal declared, "but I put nothing past our parents."

"I wouldn't either," Dani agreed.

"Oh, by the way, Crystal said, "I was going to call you anyway with some news of my own. I was so stunned by your good news, I almost forgot about mine."

"What, what?!" Dani urged.

"Isaac and I are getting married!" Crystal squealed. Dani marveled that her take it as it comes sister actually squealed.

"Oh my God, Crystal, how could you forget that? I'm so happy for you. When, where? How do Isaac's girls feel about it?" Have you told Mom and Dad?" Dani rambled without giving her sister a chance to answer.

"Hold it! Hold it!" Crystal laughed.

"First of all, Isaac's girls think it's great. As for Mom and Dad, I haven't told them yet. He just asked me last night and frankly I wanted time to think about it before I said yes. I went over to his place this morning and said, yes, yes, yessssssss."

"Gee, Sis, I don't need to know about the yessssssss!" Dani said with an exaggerated groan.

"Well, it was...well... hell, never mind," Crystal said sheepishly.

"Anyway, we haven't decided on a date, but I'd say probably some time next year. I want to be sure, Dani. I love Isaac and all, but I want us to have time to adjust to the eventuality of sharing our lives. There still are a lot of things we need to talk about. I don't want to be married more than once."

"I understand Crystal. You need to do what's best for you. Still, I'm happy that you've found someone to love too. My life would have been just the same old, same old without Ryan. I might have been happy not knowing the difference, but now that I know the difference, I wouldn't have it any other way. We're doubly blessed with the twins."

"Tell you what," Crystal said, "why don't you call and tell Mom and Dad about the twins and I'll tell them about the engagement in a few days. It'll give them time to let your news sink in and give me time to let the thought of being Mrs. Isaac Washington sink in."

"Ok, Crystal, that sounds like a plan."

"I'll call them tonight. Oh, by the way, we're having a dinner for Ryan's birthday on the thirty first of this month, you're invited. No presents. Ryan insisted, but I've got something for him, the painting I've been working on the past few months. I finally got to finish it."

"Great! I can't wait to see it," Crystal said, "and of course I'll be there for the dinner. Is Isaac invited too? "

"Yes, of course," Dani confirmed.

"Ok, Crystal. I have a couple of things to do before I call the parents. I'll talk to you later."

"All right, later," Crystal said.

* The day before the birthday dinner, Zane came by the house to give Ryan and Dani some additional information on Keith Hall's case.

Sitting outside they listened to the latest news.

"Hall's sentencing hearing will be coming up in three weeks, but you won't be required to attend Dani," he said.

"With the charge of aggravated battery on a pregnant woman he could get up to fifteen years in prison with additional time for felony fleeing. He'll probably get a break on the felony fleeing charge because he turned himself in. However, there is something else I need to talk to you about."

Ryan felt Dani's body stiffen beside him and asked,

"Are you all right? Zane and I can discuss this alone if you'd rather not hear it."

"No. I'm fine," she assured him. "Go on, Zane."

Zane glanced at Ryan before addressing Dani.

"Hall wants to see you Dani, to apologize."

Almost before the last words were out of his mouth, Ryan exclaimed sharply, "Hell no! He isn't getting anywhere near Dani, ever!"

"It's ok Ryan," Dani said caressing his arm."

To Zane she said, "Tell him that I don't want to see him. I understand what drove him, but that doesn't mean I'm ready to forgive him. I could have died and along with me our babies. Life is short and I can't and won't spend it hating him, but I'm ready to put this behind me. Tell him I appreciate the decisions he's made that will allow me to do that, but there isn't anything that we need to say to each other."

Nodding, Zane said, "He didn't think you would agree to see him, but he thought it was worth a try. I've delivered the message and I'm done. Do either of you have any questions?"

"No, I'm just glad it's over." Dani said and Ryan echoed the sentiment.

"Ok," Zane said coming to his feet, "I need to get going."

When Ryan and Dani stood, Zane said, "Congratulations again on the twins," then quickly glanced at his watch.

"Another date?" Ryan asked curiously.

"Yeah," Zane said anxious to leave before Ryan asked any more questions.

"I gather it's the same woman," Ryan said, amused at Zane's discomfort.

"Yeah," Zane said unwilling to elaborate.

Shaking his head, Ryan declared, "I sure would like to meet the woman who's made you nearly speechless, but I don't see that happening any time soon. I knew you were closed mouth, but you're almost mute now."

"Ryan, don't kid him," Dani admonished. "He's obviously smitten with this woman. Let's give him some breathing room."

"Ok, ok, spoilsport," he growled at her.

"Ok, you love birds, I have to go. See you later," Zane said, not sure that he liked the term smitten.

As he headed to the door, Dani and Ryan followed. They wished him luck with his lady friend as they saw him out.

After setting the alarm, Ryan led Dani back to the living room to enjoy a leisurely night at home. * As it turned out, there would be two less guests for Ryan's birthday dinner. Isaac's father had taken ill with a bout of pneumonia and was hospitalized. He and Crystal headed to Atlanta immediately after getting the news, which was a couple of days before the dinner.

Crystal kept in touch with Dani and informed her that Isaac's dad was recovering and would be out of the hospital in a few days. She and Isaac were going to stay long enough to get him situated with home nursing care then they would be returning to Tampa.

*

The night of the dinner, Dani was on pins and needles anxious to see how Ryan responded to his gift. She hoped he loved the painting as much as she did.

Dani virtually had nothing to do to prepare for the dinner since Ryan made arrangements through his usual catering service. He didn't want her slaving over a hot stove, especially in her condition. She'd tried to assure him that she was more than capable of managing dinner, but he wasn't hearing it. She gave in knowing that once he got his mind set, especially when it came to taking care of her, there was nothing to do but let him have his way.

Since they returned from their Honeymoon she had little to do in the way of cooking or cleaning. Ryan hired a housekeeper to come in once a week and he either cooked himself or had meals delivered. A few times he'd brought home food that was already on the menu at The Big Bang. The food was actually as good as homemade.

At four months pregnant Dani felt good, but Ryan wasn't above riding railroad on her to make sure she got enough rest. Except for mild morning sickness which really tended to occur any time of the day, she was fine. In the end she resigned herself to being pampered, not that it was hard having a gorgeous man tend to her every need.

*

Ryan was helping Dani put on her dress when the door bell rang.

After zipping her up and kissing the back of her neck, he said, "I'll be right back."

Checking his watch he noticed with a smile that his family was as punctual as ever. It was six thirty on the dot. He opened the front door and was greeted to a chorus of happy birthday. Grinning, he ushered them into the living room amid hugs and kisses.

Micah gave him a hearty slap on the back and said, "Happy Birthday old man you're now thirty four years old. Good thing you're producing kids two at a time. Maybe you'll have them all before you're too old to play with them."

"Yeah, Yeah," Ryan groused. "Let's not forget that you're only five years younger."

"Yeah, but that's five long years, Brother," Micah came back.

"Remember Micah, you're not even engaged yet or is there something you want to tell Mom and Dad," Ryan retorted with a sly grin.

"Don't start, Ry, they'll be on me next." Then exclaimed, "Damn, I am next."

Ryan looked at his youngest brother who had gone over to stand by the fireplace.

"What's wrong with Caleb," he asked Micah.

"No clue, except it has something to do with Amber. He was quiet when he picked me up. He said Amber wasn't coming, but when I asked if anything was wrong, he said he didn't want to talk about it."

Ryan saw the look of concerned on his parents' faces, but didn't want to embarrass Caleb by questioning him in front of them. He'd let it ride for the time being, but he was going to have a talk with him soon.

Ryan excused himself and went back to check on Dani.

When he got to the bedroom, Dani was nowhere in sight. He walked to the en suite bath and she wasn't there either or in the walk-in closet. Frowning, he wondered where she could be.

As he came out of the bedroom he heard her studio door open. Dani exited the room holding what he assumed by its shape was a picture wrapped in brown paper. As she started down the hall, she looked up and saw him.

Smiling she said, "This is for you."

When his mouth opened to protest, she said, "I didn't buy it, I painted it. I've been working on it off and on for a few months. I hope you like it."

Taking the picture from her he said, "I'm sure I'll love it."

Reaching up to him, she pulled his face down for a long kiss.

"I love you, Ryan," she whispered against his lips.

"I love you too, baby," he said, loving the softness of her body as he held her close with one arm around her waist.

After they separated he sighed wishing they were alone. But with a deep breath he took her hand and led her to the living room. He was now eager to uncover his gift.

"What's that?" Haley inquired, indicating the package in Ryan's hand.

Dani sat next to Ryan's mother; Ryan sat on her left and put the picture down in front of them on the table.

Addressing the family he said, "This is a picture my lovely wife painted for me. She's been working on it for a few months and I get to see it now. I have no clue what it is since I don't go into her studio without permission," he said with a grin.

"Now?" he asked Dani.

She nodded and he started ripping off the paper like a kid at Christmas. He stared stunned as he heard oohs and ahhs from the family.

It was a picture of him, just as he looked the first time Dani saw him. Military fatigues, complete with his work boots and aviator glass hooked into his tee shirt. It was a full length painting. His wife was an incredible artist. No one could mistake the portrait for anyone else.

"Damn," Micah said, "it looks just like you, Ryan."

"Wow," came from Haley. "I didn't know you could do that with watercolor."

"It's the method that makes the difference," Dani said.

"The background is loose, which most people think of as traditional watercolor. But the actual figure of Ryan is tighter. The background was done mostly wet into wet, while the image itself was wet into dry. The pigment is deeper because there is less water to dilute it and it was applied to dry paper which gave it a crisper look. It took me a while to get the hang of using watercolor, but I did better than I thought I would."

"That's fantastic," Daniel said, with Helen nodding her agreement, "a really superb painting."

"It truly is beautiful. The painting, not you Ryan," Caleb smirked.

Ryan chuckled.

He was glad that Caleb had put aside whatever was bothering him, at least for the moment. He still wanted to know what was happening with his brother and Amber. Whatever it was, he surmised that it occurred tonight. While they weren't expecting Amanda because she was working on a presentation for tomorrow, there was no clue that Amber wouldn't be coming.

Turning his attention back to the picture, Ryan asked Dani, "Where do you want to hang it?"

Blushing slightly she said, "I was thinking, maybe, the bedroom."

"Oh, really," he said with a knowing smile.

"Uh, huh," was all she replied avoiding Ryan's heated gaze by looking down at her hands folded in her lap. The last thing she wanted was for her new in-laws to learn about her fetish.

"Anything you two want to share with us or is that look between the two of you a secret?" Dan asked with a grin and a raised eyebrow so reminiscent of Ryan.

"No," Ryan said in a stern voice, "there's nothing to tell," then ruined it when he grinned.

"I guess we're not going to be let in on the secret," Dan concluded shaking his head, "so let's eat."

The dinner was a boisterous affair, as was usual when the Sinclairs got together. Ryan's family was not staid or lackluster; they enjoyed being around each other and went at everything full bore.

Dan teased Ryan about having his hands full when the twins arrived and losing the parental battle when they learned how to divide and conquer or the first time one of them puddles up with tears because daddy said no.

The women gave Dani advice on making a schedule and learning to sleep when the babies slept. They pretty much agreed that she was going to be tired, especially until she got her routine down.

All the teasing was taken as it was meant, in good humor, and the advice on rearing the babies was welcomed. Dani knew that she'd be overwhelmed, but she had a good support system. She certainly intended to take advantage of every helping hand that she could get.

It was getting on in the evening when Ryan asked Caleb if he could speak to him in private. Nodding, Caleb got up and followed Ryan to the backyard. Everyone was curious, but no one said anything.

The men were the first to restart the conversation. Dan and Micah got into a discussion about sports. Dan was still smarting over the fact that the Miami Heat beat the San Antonio Spurs and Micah was still gloating. They also talked about next season's prospects and possible coaching changes in the NBA.

The women continued talking babies.

Dr. Grant told Dani that with twins she could go into labor early or she might need bed rest in the later months. However it went, she knew one thing for sure, she was going to be huge in a couple of months. She'd seen plenty of pictures of women carrying twins. That was a lot to carry around, but she would endure anything for their babies.

Ryan made no secret of the fact that he loved her roundness. He kissed her belly and talked to the babies every morning and said goodnight to them. Dani sighed contentedly as the women's voices drone on.

*

Once they were in bed Dani asked Ryan about his talk with Caleb.

"Is everything all right with Caleb?"

"Not really," Ryan said with a sigh. "He and Amber broke up."

Oh, no!" Dani exclaimed. "What happened?"

"Amber's job has always required a lot of time in foreign countries and even more so since she got a promotion last year. Caleb thought it would slow down at some point, but it hasn't. It's been two years and he just didn't see the end of it. He could write anywhere, but even if he went with her, they'd have little time to spend together. When he got to her place tonight, she informed him of another business trip coming up. They got into an argument and that was it."