The Best Agent is who now?

Chapter Eleven

Ray’s POV:
“Yeah, I’m good. I missed the banter,” I replied. “You need to really step up your game,” Archer said. “It’s like nothing fazes her,” I said. “Oh I have ways of fazing her,” Archer said. “I’m sure you do. I’m gonna excuse myself to go to the little boys room,” I said and headed inside. When I was finished peeing, I left the bathroom.

“Oh Ray. I’m sorry if I made you uncomfortable,” Mary said. “Oh honey no. You didn’t,” I said, hugging her. “You’re not mad?” she asked. “No, I’m not mad, sweetie,” I said, kissing the top of her head. “Promise?” she asked. “I promise. I just have to up my game to get you back,” I replied and she looked up at me.

“I’m glad I found Al Krieger. Sure he’s kooky and somewhat insane, but I love him. I’m just afraid I’m not enough for him,” she said. “Mary, you have nothing to worry about,” I said, steering her to the living room. “How do you know? What if he realizes I’m broken goods?” she asked as we sat in her armchair. I pulled her close. “Honey, he loves you too much. And you’re not broken goods,” I said.

“You guys good? Oh fuck, Mary. Are you ok?” Archer asked, rushing over. “Same fears as Krieger,” I replied. “Wait, really?” Mary asked. “Yes, he thought he wasn’t going to be good enough for you. And I’ll tell you what we told him. You are worth it.

“You both deserve each other. You both love each other. And I honestly I see you guys lasting a very long time,” I said. “Me too and if I’m not invited to the wedding, I will crash it,” Archer said. “Hey guys. Everything ok?” Krieger asked, coming into the living room. “Yeah, seems like the doubting bug is going around. Archer, you better not doubt me,” I said.

“Oh, I don’t,” Archer said. “Did she fall asleep?” Krieger asked and I looked down. Mary was breathing softly and drooling against my chest. “I’ll take her,” Krieger said. “Put on something dry. I just know Mallory is the one who bought the furniture,” I said. “Ok, be right back,” Krieger said.

“Ray?” Mary asked, groggy. “Yeah?” I asked. “Movie marathon?” she asked. “Actually yeah,” I said. “I’ll tell the others,” Archer said. I went to talk to Mary, but she had fallen back asleep. “I call Hatchet!” Mikey yelled. “I know that you aren’t planning on sitting on the nice new furniture with your wet bathing suits,” Mallory said, sternly.

“No, Auntie Mallory,” Melody said and they went up to their rooms to change. The others followed suit, Archer helping Matrix up the stairs. Mallory sat in the other armchair after placing Raylene in my arms. She screeched in happiness and snuggled close. “I swear that girl is a genius,” Mallory said. “Yeah, I have to agree with that. Raylene are you a genius?” I asked and she squirmed in my arms.

“It’s the smells and voices,” Mary said, wrapping her arms around mine. “She is super alert,” I said. “Hmm, when she gets older maybe I’ll have her tested,” Mary said. “Oh, by the way, Krieger is going to cuddle when he comes down,” I said. “Really?” Mary asked. “Oh please with the doubting. Krieger loves you. He completely took down his virtual girlfriend to be with you,” Mallory said.

“I love you, Mare Bear,” Krieger said, entering the room. “I know,” Mary said, getting up with Raylene. Krieger took my place in the armchair. Mary carefully crawled onto his lap where Krieger wrapped both arms around both her and Raylene. “I call Auntie Pam!” Mikey said. “Then I get Uncle Ray and Uncle Archer!” Melody yelled, jumping into my arms. “Alright, let’s get snacks while we wait for the others,” I said, carrying Melody into the kitchen.

“Coffee anyone?” Archer asked, helping Matrix onto a couch. “Meee!” Mary said, perking up. “Is it safe?” I asked. “Only three cups a day. I’m gonna take at least one now. Oh and can I have that food. I’m still hungry,” Mary said. “Got it Mare Bear,” I said and I warmed up the food and brought it to her. “Meine Liebe,” Krieger said and Mary cuddled against him. “I love you so much,” she said. “I usually don’t say this but, aww mushy stuff,” Cheryl said, plopping on the sofa.

“You guys wanna help get snacks?” Archer asked and Pam came in and helped. “Don’t be alarmed, but Cheryl has Raylene,” she said, putting on a pot of coffee. I went out to the TV room with some bowls of chips. I was gonna protest Cheryl holding the baby, but saw Raylene was safe. “I thought you hated babies. And kids,” I said. “I’ve made an exception for Mary’s squirts,” she said.

“Oh really now?” Archer said. “Yup, they are not so bad,” she said. “Does that mean you’re ok with changing diapers?” I asked, fetching a coffee for Mary. “Maybe,” Cheryl said as I made it the way Mary liked it. “She’s making her poopy face,” Krieger said. “I’ll change her. You wanna learn how?” Mallory asked. “Sure,” Cheryl said, following Mallory to the nursery upstairs.

I handed Mary her coffee and she held it with both hands. “Thanks,” she said, blowing on it. “No problem, hun,” I said. “You two pack yet?” Mary asked the twins. “No, but after the movies we will,” Melody said. “Pack for a week,” Mary said. “Got it,” the twins said.