#rivervale_lodge

And meanwhile, the phone at the lodge rings!

Frank hears it from upstairs where he's going through... all the STUFF you collect when you've lived in a place for decades, and are leaving. He goes down and squeezes into the phone closet to answer. "Hello, RiverVale Ranger Station."

"Frank? It's Jonas... there was a surprise , more than one. The babies had to be delivered, a lot earlier than we expected. Piper is fine. The twins are... well, the photos got something wrong. One is a girl. And, well, we thought folks there should know"

A long pause.

"Mother and children are well? Healthy?"

"Piper is as good as can be expected given she was carved open." He answers, "Both infants are premies, and they're keeping a watch on Franklyn Lyric... she had complications and will need extra care and time. But they've got them both in NICU and both should be fine."

He does sound a bit concerned, but keeps it stoic otherwise.

"Valr Harper , our son, he's hopefully going to be in our arms soon again."

"Siv is at the NICU right now to keep an eye over the babies, I'm with Piper in her room."

"Can we bring food? Is there anything at your apartment that needs taking care of?"

"How did you get to the hospital?"

"I'm asking about the food, though she'll be having tomato soup soon. " He ponders "I think Siv has neglected to eat, so maybe somethiing for her if you do." Then he goes on "Appartment should be fine. And, well, we drove"

"In what?"

"Siv's car took Siv and I. Piper was already at the hospital when we got the call that they were about to peform the C section. " He does not mention that Siv drove like a bat out of hell

Another pause.

"How did Piper get there?"

"She had an appointment . I believe Rikki dropped her off, we were going to get her after the appointment."

"The timing was a surprise to everyone" he says in case there is a need to explain WHY folks weren't all in the same locale

"Usually is. Ok. So there's no vehicle out of place and needing a move. The apartment is fine. Food for Siv, and you I suspect. Siv's car... does it have the baby seats in it already?"

"Actually, we were going to put those in in the next few days. Those probably ARE at the apartment, ready to be installed. Franklyn Lyric, well, it maybe two weeks before she can go if things go as expected. Hopefully Valr Harper and Piper herself can go sooner." He says the names as if making sure he is getting them commited to use for himself, then goes on "We are contemplating... special methods of speeding the process, ones only available to us, but we don't want to gamble too much. "

A very long pause.

"Sorry... say again?"

A beat

then, "Well, given our nature, we might have resources for faster recovery that most don't? I'd go into more direct detail but I don't know if they record hostpital calls"

"I understand."

Frank clears his throat, a low rumble.

"And sorry if I'm not being clearer, it's been... taxing for all of us. Piper most of all. "

"I'll get the seats installed. You're perfectly clear."

"Normally I'd say no need for you to do that, but in this case? I'll just say thank you."

one can almost hear a rare smile "I hope you are happy to be a grandfather, and that Brekke will be pleased to be a grandmother"

"For myself, while it's not something I ever anticipated, I am very happy everyone is healthy and well. I look forward to meeting them, when the time is right."

"Hopefully visitors will be let in soon. Piper is most hopeful for that. Thank you, Frank. Please spread the word to the others for us? Piper is already calling her moms"

"If you are sure?" carefully "You might want a few days to ... acclimate. People will be in touch."

"Well, I'm torn, Piper seems a lot more sure than I am. But I'll pass your advice on. This is.. .our first time so, experience is appreciated"

"But yes, please, let folks know that the babies have been born"

"I will start the ball rolling."

"Babies are born, mother and children doing well."

"Much appreciated. I need to let you go. Sorry, got Piper's moms on another phone, and Piper is ah, napping"

"We'll keep you updated on any changes. THanks again" ANd.. he hangs up.

And Frank sets out to see who's at the Lodge, and then make the appropriate phone calls.

He finds Sally Mae in the kitchen. When she sees him, she says "Frank, can I get you something to eat?" Unaware of the news

Frank looks at her oddly. "Pardon?"

"Would you like something to eat?"

The kinain appears to have something on the stove "Working on some enchiladas"

"Mm. No, thank you. There's news, I've been asked to share it."

"oh?" She perks up "Well, please, let her rip"

"Piper has had the babies, early. Mother and children are healthy and well."

"Oh my!" Sally Mae fights a whoop "How much did they weigh? Do they have names picked?"

"They were born early, I didn't ask specifically but I imagine they have a low birth weight. I believe they have names picked, but I don't know who is which. They are a boy and a girl."