#debukefarmhold

"Easy to hear, hard to accept." Theodore admits, "I admit, them not being married troubles me. I'm set in some ways. It's not that I judge em, mind, but ..it's powerful easier to make it through this life when you've got someone by your side, a true partner. Heck, you and CC seem to work together well"

"Thank you for that." He nods. "If I might offer a, perhaps cloudy, half-full glass? Caesar will support them, but he will not keep them from finding that bond if they choose to seek it, I think."

Theodore lowers his voice "Tween you and me, while it's not what I would have envisioned, I think April would be happy with as close to a marriage as he'd offer. If he were a non satyr, I'd be offended by it on her behalf. But he is what he is and never lied about it."

"You think she would?" curious.

"She's powerful smitten. And he respects her academic pursuits."

"She has said as much to you?"

"She's leapt to his defense with a steel in her spine... I aint' no boggan, but I can read things"

"Mmmmm. And the other girls? May clearly looks forward to broadening her horizons."

"May's got to have her lead I guess. I don't know what she wants. She's..drifted too far from what her mother and I taught her. I blame myself for that but I know she won't be happy if I try to haul her in. She seems fond of Caesar enough, but no real attachment."

"June seems least likely to welcome contact." Non-judgementally.

"Yeah, wee bit surprised by June." he admits "Didn't think she'd be that open minded..then again.." Polite cough "Didnt' see a lot of things happening that did."

a voice booms out "First one is born! It's a boy!"

at that announcement , Theodore says 'Oh thank Dagda!"

The other men share their own views "I thought this alphabet was going to be devoid of Ys at this rate!"

"Nice to have at least one Stick in this ring toss"

"Hear that..."

The boggan strongly suspects that if any woman walked by these men would all pipe down quick

Emerson offers Theodore a celebratory bottle-clank. "Congratulations!"

"THanks" He says "Maybe I'll have someone I can take fishing. May did sometime, but even she got tired of it"

"Oh, don't give up on the girls; many women are well known to fish."

"Oh, odds are good atl east one will" He says "Got numbers."

"Speaking of which" ANother DeBuke says "Someone mark the times. Bets and wagers due at the end of this"

ANother half hour passes "Last one is out, she's a girl!"

"That poor little fellow," Some mutter "All alone in the crowd"

"Well, these two seem to be staying here." He points out.

"Well, good."

"No I see what he means"

"Caesar best get used to pink I'm thinking."

"Now now, girls can wear any color too..."

"Long as it's pastel"

"Hurumph, right. My daughter wants to wear black and be a 'goth'"

"She wants to Sack Rome?"

"If she did, I'd be all for it, but no"

And Maude's voice can be heard "Theodore, Emerson... "

The call is something that sounds like a hog call, loud, carrying, and not to be ignored

"She who must be obeyed......" And off he goes towards the new family.

"Huh... yeah, you may not have a ring but you're married all right" Theodore says

Emerson gives him a startled look, but it does not slow him down.

And he follows

THey are introduced to the newest additions. "This is Cooper," June says with pride, of her son on one side "Named after my grandfather."

And then she smiles to the girl, "And Dad, this is Theodora"

He takes CC's hand to squeeze, then approaches June. "Well done, my dear." And she gets another cheek-kiss.

"Thank you" She says

Theodore grins "Shoot, June, I'm not supposed to have favorites"

"Oh, no, thank -you-." Sincerely.

He steps away, allowing others their turns.

"You bettrer not!" Maude says to her husband at mention of favorites.

"Course not," Theodore says, then winks at Theodora grandpa to grand daughter

CC whsipers in his ears "June just did a powerplay didn't she?"

A very slight nod.