An Ounce of Prevention

Natalie had inherited Carmen's blonde hair and the touch of violet in her eyes. Matthew had dark eyes and dark hair. People frequently commented that they didn't look like twins. They were, born from a surrogate mother. Maybe that had something to do with it.

Alex stood the children on the floor and joined Carmen. "Can I help you?"

She nodded. "You can put that milk in the refrigerator. I'll clean up here. Supper is in the oven. It's ready; I just left it in there to keep it warm."

There was a time that he might have asked what was for supper, but it had ceased to matter. Whatever it was, it would be delicious. Carmen was an excellent cook - not in the elegant cuisine way, but always healthy, hearty and tasty.

Alex put the jar of milk in the refrigerator and turned to find the twins watching him. He grabbed a happy squealing child under each arm. He pushed the barn door open with one foot and exited the door sideways. Carmen released the goats and followed him to the house. As they entered the kitchen, he paused, noting that the table was set and ready for them. He headed for the bathroom, speaking over his shoulder to Carmen.

"We'll wash our hands while you get the food on the table."

Amid an inordinate amount of giggling, they all managed to get their hands washed and dried. Alex grabbed them by the back of their pants and shirt, a writhing giggling child in each hand, and toted them to the kitchen where he ceremoniously deposited each in a chair at the table.

"Okay, settle down now," he said.

Leaning down, he kissed Carmen on the cheek before settling into his chair at the head of the table. For the next few minutes they each bowed their heads in silent prayer. They had no more than finished prayers when the doorbell rang.

"I'll get it," Carmen said as she stood. "It's probably Katie."

She left the room for a few minutes and when she returned, Katie followed her into the kitchen. Katie glanced at Alex and the children, her expression reflecting surprise. "Oh, you're eating. I'm going to pick up the pizza we ordered on the way back."

Natalie and Matthew looked at each other and cried in unison. "Pizza!"

Alex glanced at Carmen and she shrugged. Pizza wasn't something they ate often, but once in a while they had a treat.

Katie gave Carmen a covert look. "Did you tell him?"

"Tell me what," Alex asked Carmen.

Carmen looked embarrassed. Alex looked up at Katie. "Tell me what?" he repeated.