Delectable Benefits

Twenty One

History had a funny way of biting you up your ass.

Anya was shocked and annoyed to find out that the party which they scheduled on the night before Christmas had to be moved to Vegas because the ball room they reserved suddenly developed piping and electrical problems. And now the Stone Enterprise under Erick Stone financed the entire party goers move to Vegas.

Nick on the other hand was bewildered and knew his ballroom was fine and the plastering they were doing was simply a ruse to get Anya back to their first night. The employees of the justice department were floored by the generous offer of the family. They were all given letters informing them of the situation and the Stone Enterprise will take care of the expenses of transporting employees including family members back and forth from Vegas to Chicago and vice versa.

Candy was looking at her boss bemusedly. The young woman was currently indisposed in her private bathroom throwing up her breakfast. "It's just a wonder how your husband hasn't figured out why you've suddenly gained weight and you are sensitive to some foods.

Actually, Nick was aware. His hand had brushed against her breast. By accident while sleeping almost making her howl in pain. Tears had gathered behind her eyes and almost spilled over. She coughed and pretended something got caught in her throat. Her husband didn't believe her.

Then there were those days when he would catch her having her evening sickness and she would pass it off as food poisoning. He still didn't believe her.

Anya brushed her teeth and gurgled with her minty mouth wash. She had taken a whiff of a malodorous body odor and had to rush to her chambers and see her digested breakfast in the toilet. "Believe me, he's noticed."

"Well you two are going to split up after the holidays then perhaps you can take a breather before he starts accusing you of flatout lying to him about keeping the triplets a secret."

"I am not keeping it a secret. I just don't want to influence his decision in anyway. I want it to be of his own volition," she stepped out of her personal bathroom and looked at Candy.

"You should tell him, it will make him happy, extremely happy," the older woman said with certainty.

Anya gave a sad look, "No, I don't think I can stomach the idea of knowing that my husband is in love with another woman and I am keeping him because I'm emotional and pregnant."

"You're right. But you're an idiot. He might change his mid you know. He did love you once."

Anya shook her head and returned back to the courtroom.

Nick entered her courtroom and couldn't believe what he saw. He wife was wearing a surgical mask and there were three lit scented candles in front of her. He gave her an incredulous look and approached a courtroon officer. "Why is the judge wearing a mask and has three lit scented candles in front of her?"

The court officer sighed, "One of the defendants went on a no bathing strike. The guy hasn't taken a bath in a moth and he smelled from hell to kingdom come. Almost made everyone sick, judge made it to her private chambers and demanded to freshen up the courtroom. Emptied two bottles of lemon scented water and lit several candles all at once."

"Did she hear his case?"

The man nodded, "She tried but had to gag several times before she sent the courtroom in recess again and told the accused if he wanted to be taken seriously a long clean bath is neccessary." the officer smiled, "The next time his case will be heard he will be checked for cleanliness otherwise he will be taken to the local jail and she will personally bathe him in his cell."

Nick frowned at that. He sat on one of the benches and saw Pam looking at Anya with a frown. "Your honor, would you like to request a recess until after the holidays? You look green."