by Rikki Dyson
Jennifer was holding one of the babies and said, “Eric, I want one of these.”
“Sure thing honey, just ask Stacey which one you can have.”
Jennifer playfully slapped Eric’s arm and said. “That’s not what I mean and you know it.”
Eric laughed and said. “Next year honey, I promise.”
“When’s the big wedding?” Stacey asked.
“It will just be a big reception,” Jennifer said. We were married in Las Vegas three weeks ago.”
“Surprised you, didn’t we?” Eric said with a grin. “We took a page out of yours and Shane’s book.”
Shane shook Eric’s hand and kissed Jennifer’s cheek, as he congratulated them both.
“Does your parents know yet?” Stacey asked Jennifer.
“Not yet, they’re coming out to spend Christmas with us. We’ll tell them then.”
“Do you think they’ll mind?” Stacey asked.
“No, not really,” she said. “It may be a relief. My brothers are such jerks. My grandmother is old and I don’t want to put her in the middle of their nonsense.”
The week passed so fast. Aunt Lora and Richard joined them for supper one night along with Annie, Hugh and little Matthew. The guitars were brought out and a lot of picking and singing was involved. Stacey sang a couple of Faith Hill songs and Eric sang some Tim McGraw songs as well as some old-timer songs of Jim Reeves and Conway Twitty, and Stacey harmonized with him. Between Eric and Stacey, there was much bantering and laughter back and forth. Eric and Stacey sang three love songs titled, ‘You’re my kind of woman, you’re my kind of man., and you’re the reason god made Oklahoma.’ “Don’t forget, ‘Golden Rings.’ Aunt Lora said, “Those were three of the patrons’ favorites at the Hanging tree.”
After a few ditties, Eric started singing, “Small town Saturday night.” Stacey and Aunt Lora joined in with him. After the singing with Aunt Lora included, there was much reminiscing about when Eric and Stacey were young and how small the town of Rawhide was.
“And still is,” Stacey said.
“If you blink your eyes, you’ll miss it,” Eric added.
Aunt Lora was laughing and said, “You wouldn’t believe the first time Jessie and I saw the ranch. There was nothing there, but a windmill and a hole in the ground. You must remember we were city girls from Houston. We had never lived in the country.
Jessie and Sam were so in love. They lived in that basement as they built the ranch house around it. Jessie sure loved that man.”
“She still does,” Stacey said with a smile and my dad loves her too. Remember I was born in that basement.”
“I was seventeen when Harlan brought me to the ranch,” Eric said. “There was nothing to do on Saturday nights, but ride up and down Main Street or go to the Dairy Queen or the picture show, if you could find somebody with wheels and money for gas you could head to Waco or Austin. When Stacey was fourteen, Doctor Scott fixed the basement up with a jukebox, a dartboard and a ping-pong table. The next year he put in the tennis court and the swimming pool. The ranch was full of kids on the weekends. Of course, we all still went to the lake when Mr. Chen was available to chaperone.”
“I remember all the kids looked up to Eric,” Stacey said. “Because he was older, and very quite the first couple of years, then with Tony and Rich, we became the four musketeers. Lots of girls wanted to be my friend because they wanted to impress Eric. It didn’t take me long to figure that one out. I was never, ‘one of the girls.’ My three best friends were guys. Tony, Rich and I grew up together and got in trouble together until Eric came along with an older, wiser head and showed us the error of our ways.”
Jennifer, Hugh, Richard and even Shane saw their spouses in a whole new environment. After being friends for four years, Annie was right at home with Stacey’s family, of which Eric was very much a part. The night before Eric and Jennifer left for China, they all had dinner at Aunt Lora and Richard’s. Hugh and Annie with little Matthew were invited too. The talking and laughter went on for hours while the babies slept straight through.
The next afternoon, a taxi came to take Eric and Jennifer to the airport. Stacey couldn’t imagine why, but she held on to Eric a bit too tight. “What’s wrong baby cakes?” He asked
“I don’t know,” Stacey said. “I just don’t like you going so far away.”
Eric kissed Stacey’s forehead and said, “Don’t you worry your pretty head, Jen will take good care of me.”
Jennifer hugged Stacey and said, “We’ll take good care of each other. Don’t worry.”
After Eric and Jennifer left, Stacey fed the babies and put them down for a nap.
When Shane came home, he found Stacey sitting on the daybed in the nursery. “What’s wrong sweetheart?”
“I don’t know,” Stacey said. “I feel like I have a cold spot around my heart. I’m afraid to leave the babies alone. I know I’m being over protective, but I can’t help it. What if something happened and I wasn’t here?”
Shane didn’t deride Stacey for her feelings or premonitions. They had dealt with them more than once. Shane kissed Stacey and said, “Shift over and I’ll join you.”
Chapter-51
Gramps and Grandy’s visit
After a couple of days Stacey’s foreboding feelings went away. Gramps and Grandy Scott along with Uncle Rusty, Ramona, Jason, Chris and Brandon came for a few days. Stacey was so happy to see them. Shane was glad too, as he felt this was just what Stacey needed to put those other feelings behind her.
Brandon was enthralled with Stacey’s two baby girls. “Where did you buy dem Stacey? Dey pretty. Did you buy dem at de hospital?” He asked.
Stacey hugged him and said, “Yes, as a matter of fact I did go to the hospital to get them.”
Brandon turned to his mommy and asked, “Mommy, why don’t you go to de hospital and get us some like dem?”
Ramona said, “Why don’t you run ask your daddy, Brandon?”
Grandy got a big laugh out of that as Brandon ran to the living room where his daddy, Gramps and Shane were talking. Brandon interrupted and excitedly asked his daddy, “Can Mommy go to de hospital to get us some pretty babies like tacy’s?”
Rusty sat Brandon on his knee and said, “Son, we went there three times and all they had were boys. I’m not sure we could afford more, of course, if you want to give up your room and your pony, we can look into it.”
Brandon frowned at his daddy and said, “I think about it.”
Aunt Lora and Richard had taken Jason and Chris to a museum. They loved having Rusty, Ramona and the boys staying with them. There wasn’t enough room at Stacey’s for all of them. Richard was in seventh heaven, with all this family around.
He told Lora, “God blessed me the day I met Shane and Stacey. All these good things have come into my life, beginning with you, my love.”
When the boys returned to Shane and Stacey’s flat, Brandon told them where Stacey got her babies. Jason acted surprised and said, “She did? I thought she got them from the cabbage patch.”
Brandon said, “Don’t be silly Jason; if dey come from de cabbage patch dey would have dirt’s on dere feet’s.” The flat was filled with laughter. Shane was so glad Stacey’s family had come to visit. They were just what Stacey needed. Little Brandon was a riot. Shane loved being with him and knew how much Stacey loved him. He was such a joy to have around. Shane took Gramps, Rusty and the three boys to a cricket game. The next day they toured the tower of London. Jason and Chris wanted to see where people got their heads chopped off.
Next, they rode the London eye. It gives you a bird’s eye view of London. Then they walked across Tower Bridge. Jason and Chris were full of questions about Britain.
Shane could hardly believe it when Jason told him, he now rides bulls in the Junior Rodeo. Shane said with great admiration, “In that case, let me shake the hand of a real man” Jason ducked his head and smiled. He was a little bashful when compliments came his way.
Shane re
membered when he was that age and he did the same thing. “Well, he’ll grow out of it,” Shane told Stacey. “I certainly did.” Stacey saw how much Shane enjoyed having the boys around. She knew Shane would want a son someday. She hoped she’d be able to give him one. At the present time, that was no sure thing. Well, Stacey thought to herself; I’m not gonna worry about that, the future can take care of its self. We have our little girls and that’s enough to take care of at present, but Stacey couldn’t help but notice how much Shane enjoyed talking and playing sports with the boys. They took the babies and they all went to the park one afternoon. Shane instructed the boys on how to play rugby. The week passed way too quickly as for as Shane was concerned.
Their lives settled down to a routine for the next couple of weeks. Annie and Matthew came often. She and Stacey took the little ones out for fresh air. Annie would be going back to teaching in the fall. Gracie’s mom was going to be the nanny to little Matthew. Gracie and her family had become very close to Doctor Grant and Doctor McLeod’s families. Gracie was now a healthy sixteen year old teenager, thanks to Doctor Hugh Grant, cardiologist.
The first week in September, Shane, Stacey and the twins flew to Scotland for a long weekend. The McLeod’s were in ecstasy having their granddaughters with them. Grandmother McLeod would hold on to Stacey’s hand and tell her how much she loved her and how happy she was that she had come into their lives.
Chapter-52
Country legends living and dead
Stacey had just finished bathing the girls and putting them down for a nap when the phone rang. It was Annie, “Hi sweetie,” she said. “I can’t explain now, I’m in a hurry to get to Surry, but there’s a student I think you might like to talk with. He heads a project that might be right up your ally. When would be a good time for him to meet you?”
“Now is as good a time as any,” Stacey said. “The girls are napping. What’s this all about, anyway?”
“I’m in a hurry sweetie; David Halquest will fill you in on their project. He will call you soon.’’
A few minutes later, the phone rang again. Stacey talked for a few minutes, then invited the young man over. After listening to his request, Stacey asked, “Could you give me a few hours to think about it and see if I can make some kind of arrangements, I do have four month old twins that come first.’’
Stacey was intrigued by his request. The more she thought about it, the more she wanted to be involved. First, she called Aunt Lora. With the go ahead from her, she called Mr. Chen.
Gradually, Shane had extended his hours at the hospital. It was almost always six p.m. or after by the time he arrived home. Stacey had the girls fed, bathed and sound asleep by the time Shane got home. While Shane was eating, Stacey was telling him about the offer from the school entertainment committee, and how thrilled she was to be asked to be the director of the show.
Stacey could tell from the look on Shane’s face he wasn’t anywhere near thrilled. After a few more bites, Shane pushed his plate back and said, “Don’t you think you may be taking on a bit too much with the girls and all?”
“No, Shane, I don’t. I’ve already talked with Aunt Lora and Mr. Chen. They both are more than willing to help. It’s only for six weeks. Stacey didn’t understand what Shane’s objections were. She assured him, “We won’t be out late. We’ll probably be home before you are.”
“Well, sweetheart, it seems you have everything all arranged; even before you bothered to consult me.”
Stacey had been sitting with her leg folded under her leaning on the table while talking to Shane. Now she sat back and said, “Shane, I’m not asking your permission to do this. I’m trying to tell you, that you won’t be inconvenienced.”
Shane slowly folded his napkin, laid it on his plate and said, “I find it bloody inconvenient to be the last one to know. I am your husband.”
“Okay, your objections have been noted,” Stacey, said. “Perhaps I was wrong not to have informed you of my intentions before I made all the arrangements for your life to run smoothly. But my ultimate decision would have still been the same.”
“Right, well in that case I guess there’s nothing more to discuss,” Shane said. “I have an early surgery tomorrow morning, so I’ll say goodnight now.”
Stacey filled the dishwasher and turned it on, then went upstairs. She checked on the girls, then took a shower. She put on her pajamas and went to her dresser to get...? Stacey was standing in front of her dresser trying to remember what she came in to get. She was looking in the mirror with her hand holding her hair up off the back of her neck lost in thought.
Shane was lying on the bed watching her. He asked, “What’s wrong, Stacey?”
“Nothing, I just forgot what I came in here to get.”
Seriously, Shane said, “That’s what happens when you get old and senile.”
There were three cushions laying on an over stuffed bench at the foot of the bed. Stacey picked up one and playfully threw it at him. Shane threw it back, then Stacey threw two more. That led to a pillow fight, which landed Stacey on the bed with Shane tickling her. Through her squealing and giggling, she said, “If you make me wake up our girls, I’m gonna hurt you.”
With a satisfied grin, Shane said, “Then hush up and kiss me.”
Later as Shane held Stacey in his arms, he asked, “Are we okay?”
“Yes, very much so,” Stacey said. “All couples have spats.”
The next day Aunt Lora arrived at the flat to help Stacey with the girls. Stacey was ready and waiting. They took the H-3, and headed to the university auditorium.
David was there with a group of students. The billboard would read, “Country Legends Living and Dead.” This was where they needed Stacey’s help. Professor Grant had told them about Stacey working at a country western club and mimicking singers.
Stacey listened to auditions from three p.m. to five p.m. Some were very good. David Halquest had already screened the most talented ones. Stacey introduced the idea of back up singers and dance people. The next week was full of auditions for back up singers and dancers.
“All we have to do is look at the videos and mimic them,” Stacey said. “We can rent costumes. You do have a budget, don’t you?”
“Yes, a small one,” David said.
“Don’t worry,” Stacey assured him. “As long as we have boots and hats, we can improvise.”
And improvise they did. Jeans were cut off very short. Halter-tops were in vogue. Chaps, jeans and cowboy shirts were easy to come by, so were wigs, hairpieces and mustaches.
Shane had been trying very hard to keep his ambivalent feelings to himself. He knew Stacey’s helping out with the show was for a good cause. Mr. Chen had arrived the same weekend Stacey had started helping out. Between him and Mrs. Wyatt, the house was running smoothly. Stacey and the girls were almost always home by the time he was. Shane couldn’t fault her there. He felt a bit guilty about his ambiguous feelings.
Sir Richard, called Shane and asked him to have supper with him one night this week. Jokingly, he said, “We neglected husband must stick together.”
Shane met Richard at his club. After dinner and a brandy Richard asked, “Has Stacey told you how well the rehearsals are coming along?” “No,” Shane said, “But I’m sure that’s my fault. I’ve neglected to ask.”
“Why don’t you come by and watch rehearsals one afternoon,” Richard said. “Those young people are giving it all they’ve got. I wish you could see your baby daughters, they are laughing and cooing at everyone. I find myself quite enjoying these young people and their music.”
Shane had noticed Stacey’s electric guitar was missing from the downstairs closet, so on Wednesday afternoon he decided to go join his family and watch the rehearsals. He took the stairs to the balcony where he could watch without being seen.
A group of young people were playing and singing. Stacey was one of them. Shane sat and listened for a while. He could see his wife was enjoying herself. Stacey had a rapport with
these people. Shane chided himself for being a fool. Of course, she does, she fits right in with them because they are her peers.
Between songs, they were laughing and talking. Aunt Lora, Richard and even his baby daughters seemed to be a part of this, but Shane felt like an outsider. He watched and listened for a while, then quietly left the auditorium.
Hugh had noticed Shane was preoccupied. On the next Wednesday afternoon at the athletic club, he asked, “What’s up mate? You look like you’ve lost your best friend, however, I know that can’t be, because I’m right here.”
Shane smiled at him and said, “I know you are and I appreciate it.”
“What is it, about this concert that’s bothering you?” Hugh asked. “I know you’ve been reluctant to talk about it. Is it taking up too much of Stacey’s time?”
Shane didn’t answer Hugh’s question, but asked one of his own, “Did you know Stacey is going to be performing in the concert also?”
“No, I didn’t,” Hugh said, “But I assumed she would. Is that what’s brothering you?”
“Yes, and No, I have ambiguous feelings about this and I don’t know why.”
“Have you discussed this with Stacey?” Hugh asked.
“Of course, not,” Shane said. “If I don’t understand my own feelings, how can I expect her to do so?”
The concert was scheduled for the first Friday night in November. Shane had promised Stacey he would attend. On Wednesday night, Stacey had just put the babies down for the night and was on her way downstairs for supper when the phone rang. It was David Halquest with bad news. Jodi Burns had been taken to hospital with pains in her side.
“Is it bad news?” Shane asked.
“Yes,” Stacey said. “Our Shania Twain has just been admitted to hospital with pains in her side. Hopefully it’s not serious. Things have been going so smoothly.”
David called again at nine o’clock, “Jodi’s having an appendectomy as we speak. What are we going to do now?”
“Good question,” Stacey said. “I’ll go see her tomorrow. She’s going to be so disappointed. We can always cut Shania from the show, I guess.”
