All of a sudden, the room was filled with a loud, pulsing sound. "What's that?" Abby asked, more alarmed than before.

"That's your baby's heartbeat. And the swishing sound is your amniotic fluid."

Tears fell from Abby's eyes. "Oh, my gosh, this is amazing."

"Okay, now I'm going to position the screen so both of you can see your baby."

Abby was so excited; her heart rate noticeably increased. "Don't be afraid," Dr. Logan said in a soothing voice. "This is the best part of my workday."

"I'll try," Abby said, a slight tremor in her voice.

Dr. Logan fixed the screen so that all three of them would be able to view it. She rubbed the transducer back and forth. "Look, there's the head," she said.

"Oh, my G.o.d, it's real!" Abby exclaimed. "I mean, I can see it! Chris, look! That's the head!"

He chuckled. "Indeed it is."

"Oh, wow," Dr. Logan said.

"What?" Abby asked. "Is everything where it should be? It's hard to tell." She stared at the image on the screen, saw her baby's head, but it was hard to make out the rest of its little body.

"Look closely." Dr. Logan ran the transducer over her belly and pointed at the screen. "This image is a bit awkward. It's a little hard to know what you're actually seeing, but I can tell you this." She pushed down a little harder, causing Abby to wince. "Sorry, but I need to push a little in order for you all to see what I'm seeing."

"I'm good," Abby said.

"This is the baby's head, as you can see, though over here . . ." She pointed to another part of the baby, which didn't look like a baby should look.

"Oh, my G.o.d, is something wrong with my baby?"

"Calm down, Abby. Your baby is perfect. It's just that there seems to be two of them in there." She pointed to the other head, and Abby almost fainted.

"Does that mean what I think? They're twins? Oh, my gosh! Oh, my gosh! Chris, there are two of them. Oh. My. Gosh."

"Yep, you're having twins. Congratulations, Mom and Dad. Now, do you want to know the s.e.x? I saw a 'no-tell' mark on your chart. You're still good with that?"

"No! I want to know! Right, Chris? We want to know." Abby was so overcome with . . . She wasn't even sure, but it was a good thing-whatever it was.

"Yes, we want to know," Chris parroted.

"Well, it appears you've hit the baby lottery. I see a little boy and a little girl."

Abby broke down and cried. Chris went to her and held her in his arms, not caring about the machine or proper protocol. "We did good, huh? One of each. Hot d.a.m.n. Sorry," he said.

"Hey, 'hot d.a.m.n' all you want, Mr. Clay. You're the proud papa of a pair. Now let me take a few pictures for you to take home and brag about, and then we're through." She punched a couple of keys on the machine, then hit a b.u.t.ton. "Let's get this gel wiped off. Then you can put your top back on." The doctor wiped Abby's belly with a warm, wet wipe; then she gave her one of the paper towels to dry her stomach. When Abby reached for her blouse, her hands were shaking badly. She couldn't do the b.u.t.tons.

"Here," Chris said, and b.u.t.toned her up, but Abby saw a tremor in his hands as well.

"Here you go. Bragging material." Dr. Logan handed Abby a copy of the ultrasound. "Abby, I'll want to see you twice a month, since we've got double duty in there. Don't worry-it's normal. The babies' hearts are strong. They have two arms and two legs. Continue to do what you feel comfortable doing. If you feel extra tired, that's normal. Up your intake of good fruits and veggies, and you're good to go. Doctor's orders."

She patted Abby's shoulder and shook Chris's hand. "Now go tell the world you're having twins."

Abby was in a complete and total daze. She scheduled an appointment for two weeks; then the next thing she knew, she was back in the car.

Both were quiet, needing the silence to allow them to take in the fact that they were going to have two kids. A boy and a girl.

"We'll have to double everything. Two cribs. Two ba.s.sinets. Two dressing tables. Two . . . Chris, can you believe this? I am so totally in love with you right now! I could cry, but I won't, because I'm too happy. I am going to be the mother of twins! One of each! How blessed we are."

"I know, baby, I know. This is the icing on top of the icing. Man, I can't wait to tell Tootsie. She'll have a fit. I can't wait to tell her so I can see the excitement on her face!"

"Oh, my gosh! We're supposed to go to the grand opening of The Canine and Feline Cafe!" Abby looked at the digital clock. "We're late."

"Somehow, I don't think anyone will care if we're late. Especially after we tell them our news."

"You're right.... You're right. I'm so emotional right now. I can't seem to think clearly. Yes, let's go to the cafe. There's really no reason not to, right?"

"Right," Chris said; then he reached for her hand. "You and I and our son and daughter are gonna be all right."

Twenty minutes later, they were parking in front of The Canine and Feline Cafe.

Chapter 30.

Toots was beyond pleased with the turnout. She'd been advertising the grand opening for the past two weeks. Pets and their owners lined up to have a turn inside the cafe.

The architect who'd worked on the project with her had a clear vision of what she wanted to achieve, and now here Toots was in her new, little doggy-and-cat cafe, which had a line at the door that went around the corner. They were handing out Jamie's homemade treats for both dogs and cats. They hadn't come up with a recipe for farm animals yet. Jamie, however, had a.s.sured Toots that when the time came, she would do her research and figure out something for them, too. Both Dr. Wrights had volunteered to spay or neuter the animals for free. Their appointment book was already full.

"You might regret this," Toots said, indicating the long line.

"Never. We love it. It's what we do," the Mrs. Dr. Wright said.

As usual, Toots had enlisted what she now called "the gang" to a.s.sist her with the opening. Mavis, being a true people person, greeted the pet parents and their pets at the door. From there, they were allowed to bring the pets inside. However, because it was so crowded today, the animals had to wear a leash if at all possible. Bowls of water were placed in the grooves specifically designed for this purpose. Toots and her architect pal, Rona Grandy, decided this would be perfect, so the dogs wouldn't knock over the bowls.

People next signed up to have their pets neutered or spayed. From there they were given a brief tour of the cafe. Toots was planning on holding a pet event each week. She and Abby had a list to choose from, ranging from photographs for the holidays to specialized training for all breeds of dogs and cats, and all ages. The fees were minimal, just enough to keep the doors open. This was not going to be a profit-making investment for Toots. She didn't care. The satisfaction on the faces of the pet parents and their animals was enough.

Chester, Coco, and Frankie acted as mascots. Goebel kept them on a short leash while the animals took the tour. Abby had printed hundreds of flyers to pa.s.s out, letting the public know that Dogs Displaced by Disaster was up and running. They continued to have a full house. Abby and Chris hired a permanent crew to maintain the facilities, and to take care of the animals. Local vets were standing in line to offer their services.

Sophie walked around the open s.p.a.ce, acting like the Dog Whisperer. She told Toots she could home in on the animals' vibes, too. And Toots believed her. She said that some of the owners she saw didn't deserve the animals. Not that they were mean, just neglectful. Dogs needed to have interaction with their owners; Sophie said she could point out the jerks if Toots wanted her to. Toots declined, suggesting another time when the place wasn't so crowded.

Glancing at the clock, Toots saw it was late, and there was no sign yet of Abby and Chris. She wasn't too concerned about it. Her first thought was that they had probably gone out for lunch after the doctor's appointment and forgotten all about her grand opening.

Then Toots thought, No, that isn't like either of them. They always call if they are going to be late or unable to make whatever event they've scheduled.

Growing worried, she found Sophie. "Let me use your cell phone. Mine's in the back, in my purse."

"Sure," Sophie said, taking the phone from her jeans pocket. She was rarely without the phone since she and Karen had become Facebook and Twitter buddies. They'd agreed to tape a special sometime next year, but Sophie or Goebel didn't care about the missed opportunity. They were so busy with their new home; and Psychic Investigations was getting more calls each week. Sophie said that before you knew it, she'd have to hire a part-time psychic just to keep the business up and running.

Toots dialed Abby's cell. Abby answered on the first ring. "Mom, we're looking for a parking spot. We'll be in as soon as we find one."

"Fantastic, I was getting a bit worried."

"Long wait at the doctor's office. See you in a few," Abby fibbed, and ended the call.

"They're here, but they can't seem to find a place to park." Toots gave Sophie's cell phone back to her. "And that's a good thing. Look at the turnout. You'll have animals from the entire state of South Carolina waiting in line. This place rocks, you know that?"

"I do."

"What happens when you guys have a cow or a pig waiting to be seated?" Sophie asked.

"I already told you, this place isn't equipped for livestock. 3Ds will be taking care of that. I'm just hoping to attract the locals. People love their pets, yet a lot of places won't allow you to bring them inside. Not here. This is just for the little furry friends."

"I'm sure it will be a success. Everything you touch turns to gold, but you already know that," Sophie teased.

"Not everything. Remember that flying car I invested in? And the charcoal underwear? I lost my a.s.s on those, big-time." Toots laughed at her play on words.

"Well, as far as I can tell, it looks like it's returned, only it's new and improved, bigger and better." Sophie laughed so hard, even her mascara started to run.

Toots wanted to flip Sophie off, but it would have to wait until they were alone.

Ropes, chewies, b.a.l.l.s, KONGs, catnip, cat gra.s.s, all the things dogs and cats loved most were there for them to have fun with; and if they really liked a toy, it was theirs. Frankie had become very attached to a rag doll. He carried it everywhere. When Coco came close to it, he would growl at her. So Toots decided if the animals wanted a plaything, they would be allowed to keep it. No fights at The Canine and Feline Cafe. When they were officially open to the public, the display case would be filled with Jamie's homemade treats. Just as with The Sweetest Things, Jamie planned to do all the baking for the cafe. If the time came, and they needed to broaden the palates of the animals who came in, Jamie said she'd been experimenting with a new recipe for all-natural dog food. Toots had tried it out on Coco, who was very particular, and she loved it. Frankie scarfed it up so fast-Toots knew he never actually chewed the food. Chester wasn't too fond of it, but he was used to fine cuts of beef, such as prime rib and the occasional porterhouse steak. Abby took very good care of her men. Toots just knew she would be the best little mother ever. And speaking of the angel, there she was.

The doors opened. Toots was thrilled to see her daughter and son-in-law/stepson. Both wore mile-wide smiles.

"I take it the ultrasound machine was working today," Toots said as she hugged them.

"Double time," Chris said; then he winked at Abby. They'd agreed to tell everyone about the babies, but not here. Abby planned to invite "the gang," as her mom now called her dearest friends and their mates, over for dinner tonight. Nothing fancy, Chris said. He would grill burgers and hot dogs. They didn't think the menu would matter, once they told them their news.

"What a great turnout, Mom. This is way more than we expected."

"Yes, and I'm totally thrilled. I'm sure things will slow down, once the novelty of the place wears off, but we'll have our regulars, just as a regular cafe does. It's a great feeling, seeing all these people with their animals. I know why you decided 3Ds was right for you. The satisfaction is so worth it. So, what's the baby news? Were they able to see the baby? Are we having a boy or a girl?" Toots spoke so fast-well, Abby could hardly understand her.

"Mom, not here! Listen, Chris and I are having a cookout tonight. We want everyone to come over. Then we'll tell you what the doctor said-and not even one hint before then. So don't even ask, okay? Six o'clock. Tell everyone to be there, please, please, please. And, yes, I know I sound like a five-year-old. I'm going to go and say h.e.l.lo to the Doctors Wright. Then we've got to go grocery shopping for the cookout. You will be able to make it at six, won't you? Aren't you closing at four today?"

"Did the doctor give you a shot of speed today? I haven't heard you issue orders so fast since you were the editor in chief at The Informer."

"Sorry, I just have a lot to do. Now, Mom"-Abby kissed her cheek-"make sure you're at the house at six. Where's Phil? I want him there, too. You know Chris and I are crazy about him."

"Yes, and I'm glad, because he won't stop proposing, and I might have to say 'yes,' just to get him to shut up. Keep that between us. Now you go on. Let me take care of my canine and feline clients, and I'll see you at six."

Toots, Mavis, and Sophie spent the next two hours petting dogs, kissing cats, and cleaning hair off their clothes. They didn't mind-they were having the time of their lives.

Chapter 31.

Abby practically cleaned out the grocery store. She'd needed to stock up on a few things anyway. They fed the animals free-range chicken, and they'd been on sale, so Abby bought every one available and stuck them in the freezer.

They were putting the groceries away, when Chris said, "We shouldn't have made Toots wait. She was hurt, I could tell. This is her first grandkid, scratch that. These are her first grandchildren. We should have taken her aside. I feel like s.h.i.t for not telling her."

"Chris, why didn't you say something? You're right. I'm just so d.a.m.ned gung ho that I want to share it with everyone all at once. Do you think it would be cheesy if I called Mom and told her over the phone?"

Chris stacked cans of peas in the pantry. "Yeah, I do, since you had the chance to tell her at the cafe, but it's up to you. You asked, and I answered."

Abby unloaded the shopping bags, thinking. "You know that old saying, 'There is no time like the present'? Well, I am calling Mother now. I don't care what she thinks of me. She can call me a rotten daughter later."

Abby used the house phone to call her mother's cell phone. It rang six times; then it went over to her voice mail. She wasn't going to leave this news in a voice mail.

"I tried, and she didn't answer. I need to grow up and act like the mother of two children, instead of acting like a child."

"Oh, sweetie, I shouldn't have said that. These are our children. We decide what to do. And that doesn't make us bad people. We're kinda new at this, too, remember? We've only known for a few hours. Toots won't say anything, and don't mention this to her. It'll just hurt her feelings more, if we haven't already. Now, how would you feel about slicing the tomatoes and onions? You do such a nice job, especially with the onions. You slice them nice and thin, just the way I like them."

"Chris Clay, you are such a b.u.t.t kisser, but I would be happy to a.s.sist you in your unending and dedicated pursuit of culinary excellence."

"And you call me a 'b.u.t.t kisser'!"

"Hey, I'm calling it as I see it, and, yes, I felt your mouth on my right b.u.t.t cheek this morning."

Chris held up his hands. "Guilty! But you need to keep that cute little rear end of yours out of my face. It's dangerous when I wake up with that as my first glimpse of the day."

"You can't hold me responsible for what position my a.s.s takes during the night."

"Whatever you say, Mom," Chris teased.

"You got that right, Dad. It's going to sound so odd, you and I referring to ourselves as 'Mom' and 'Dad.' "

Chris placed the packages of ground sirloin in the sink in a bowl of cool water to get the last bit of ice off the edges. "We'll get used to it. We don't have a choice in the matter now."

Abby dropped the paring knife. "Chris, you're not sorry, are you?"

He rinsed his hands, then came up behind Abby and looped his hands around her belly. "Now, how could you think this would make me sorry? Sorry it didn't happen sooner, not sorry it happened. Abby, other than the day you told me you loved me and accepted my marriage proposal, there is nothing that pleases me any more than you and I starting a family. We've lucked out, too, because we're getting a twofer. It's like a buy-one-get-one-free special at the supermarket. I'm looking on the bright side early, because when I look at double education, double cars, double weddings, well, then I'm not so sure of everything. Abby"-he turned her around so that she faced him-"don't ask me this again. I am the happiest I've ever been. I have you, these two babies, Toots, and the gang. Now tell me, what more could a sane man ask for?" He leaned in and gave her a soft, slow kiss.

"After that kiss, a lot. But you invited the whole gang over, so we need to make sure we have something to feed them before we tell them the good news."

"Abby, surely you're not telling me that you're going to wait until after dinner to tell everyone. That's just too cruel, and I won't let you do it."

Abby placed her hand on her right hip and jutted the other out to the left. "Well, of course, husband, I will do exactly as you ask. 'Your command is my wish.' Or is that 'your wish is my command'? I forget," she said, sticking her tongue out at him.

Unable to keep a serious face any longer, she burst out laughing. "Ha-ha, I had you for a minute. And, no, I am not going to wait until after dinner to share our news. See, that way, if I eat two hamburgers and two hot dogs, it will be understood that I'm eating for two . . . well, three, if I count myself in the equation, and I am, so no one can say I'm overeating. See, Mr. Clay, I've got this all figured out."

"Oh, yeah, Mrs. Clay." Chris grabbed a warm tomato from the bag sitting in the windowsill and acted like he was going to throw it at her.