THE FAMILY IN RUTWELL FOREST

By Kthanid

With input from SerenaKitty

Chapter 15: Words of Wisdom

“An’ then we got borned!” Tristan blurted out.

The other kits cheered and giggled. Serena and Monica rolled their eyes and sighed. They looked at each other with knowing smirks.

“If only it had been that easy,” Serena sighed.

The silence that settled on the room was deafening.

Serena and Monica looked over the cute, smiling, expectant looking kits and Martin’s “You two goofed, you two tell the next part” look.

Serena groaned softly to herself then smiled hopefully at Monica.

“Technically you did pop first,” Serena said.

Monica smirked at Serena.

“Okay, but you have to tell your part…All of it.”

Serena sighed and nodded.

Serena moaned softly as her eyes slowly opened. She felt a delicious massaging of her lower back. Martin lay next to her, his muzzle open and snoring softly. She could see Monica’s dark-grey, hairless paw on his chest. She looked over her shoulder to find Shiela’s grinning bill.

“Good morning”, the young platypus whispered cheerily. “And how are we feeling this morning?”

“Huge,” Serena said quietly as she rose up on one arm. “But that feels nice.”

“Not as huge as me big sis,” Shiela grinned. “Yet.”

Serena looked across Martin to where Monica began to stir as her younger brother gently massaged her lower back and rubbed her belly. Shiela was right. Monica’s belly had grown quite large over the last four months. Monica had told her that she would lay eggs in four to five months and that the eggs would take around four months to hatch. Serena rubbed her own swollen belly and smiled. She was only about a third as big as her pregnant mate but that would change. The last four months had been interesting to say the least. After the reception, the newlyweds had rushed home. Harley and Wannah had moved to Martin’s place and the twins stayed with their parents at Monica’s old home. Three days later, the newlyweds got around to their wedding gifts. Most were the usual, practical gifts…Appliances and dish sets and the like. Randy’s gift had been several bottles of vitamin-E and Bunny hormone extract and the Skunk sisters had given them several ‘Marital Aids’, some of which the trio still had no clue as to what they were for.

The neighbors had left them completely alone for about a week. During that time they had hardly left the house, (Or the bedroom). They took an occasional foray to the lake but saw no one other than the three of them. After the week, Monica had begun to show and Martin shifted into protection overdrive. He escorted Monica everywhere, even to the bathroom. He massaged her feet, rubbed her back, he brought her and Serena breakfast, lunch and dinner in bed. Checked to see that she was comfortable, made sure she got her vitamins and generally made himself at her disposal 24/7. Monica rather enjoyed being doted on. Serena found the situation humorous, until she began to show, two months later. Suddenly Martin added her to his duties. It was nice at first but Serena had always been very independent and liked to have her own way and do things for herself…But Martin would hear none of it.

“You two are my mates,” Martin would tell her when she objected to his attentions. “You are carrying our kits and it is my duty to watch over you and protect you and make sure you’re comfortable and happy.”

If it hadn’t been for Shiela, Serena had been sure that she might have inadvertently snapped at Martin and hurt his feelings. Cleo had been teaching Shiela about the care and feeding of expectant mothers and fathers as well as the practical skills of being a mid-wife. The young platypus had taken to her instructions like a fish to water. She was careful to keep an eye on Martin and came up with little errands for him whenever he began to strain Serena’s or Monica’s tempers. This wasn’t to say that The Mother’s to be got their way all the time. Shiela had her orders from Cleo as to how much the first-time mothers were allowed to get away with. When she wanted to, Shiela could be very strict.

Serena looked down at her belly again and wondered, for the hundred thousandth time, just how many kittens she was going to have.

“Cleo never did tell us how many kits we were going to have,” she said absently.

“Nope,” Shiela said. “And she won’t tell me either.”

“I don’t see why not,” Serena said as she looked up at Shiela.

The young platypus had fallen silent and was staring wide eyed at Serena’s chest.

“Serena,” she whispered in an awe-struck voice. “The tittie faerie was really good to you!”

Serena looked down at her chest and giggled. Shiela had always seemed to have a thing for other female’s chests, especially Serena’s. Serena had supposed that was because the younger platypus’ own chest was small, almost boyish. Not quite jealousy, perhaps, a bit envious or even a little hopeful worshipfulness. Serena had to admit, her own breast size had increased of late.

“Ummm…Serena?” Shiela asked hesitantly.

“Yes?” Serena asked, looking back at the younger fur, expecting the question on the Platypus’s mind.

“Can I…I mean…They’re so pretty…And big…”

“Well…” Serena said with a wry grin as she teased Shiela.

“Please?” Shiela pleaded softly as she rubbed Serena’s belly.

“I guess so,” Serena smiled.

Shiela’s face lit up with joy. She laid her head on Serena’s upper chest and nuzzled her breasts. She cupped one breast in one hand, massaging and squeezing it and kissed the nipple of the other before suckling gently at it. Serena purred softly and smiled. Monica propped herself up and smiled at Serena as Shelby suckled and played with her breasts.

“I see our self appointed comforters are up early this morning,” Monica chuckled.

“Yup,” Serena giggled.

“I can’t wait ‘till you two start making milk,” Shiela said, pausing briefly to switch breasts.

“Me either!” Shelby chimed in.

“Just be sure you two save some for the kits when they’re born,” Serena giggled.

“We wouldn’t dream of taking the kits milk,” Shiela said. “But until they need it…We wouldn’t want you two walking around with sore titties and wet shirts now would we?”

“Shelby! What are you…Oh! MMmmmmmm.”

Serena looked over to Monica. She could see that Shelby’s hand had slipped under the covers. She could guess where. She smiled and leaned over to kiss Martin. All this activity was beginning to arouse her.

“Hmmm…Wha?” Martin groaned as he struggled to wake up. His eyes settled on Serena as she snuggled up against him. “Good morning Serena, good morning Monica.” Then, after a soft sigh, “Good morning Shiela and Shelby.”

“Good Morning Uncle Martin,” the twins grinned in uncanny unison.

“And how are my two mommy-furs this morning?”

“I’m good,” Serena purred.

Monica merely clutched Martin’s arm and groaned happily. Martin frowned at her reaction until he realized where Shelby’s hand was. Serena took advantage of his momentary distraction and rolled up to straddle his hips. Shiela crawled up into the bed next to Martin and snuggled up to him, much to the mink’s embarrassment. Serena smiled and leaned down, kissing his nose and muzzle. Martin returned her kiss and caressed her belly. Serena felt the tip of Martin’s shaft poke her rump cheek. She smiled and purred and reached behind her to stroke his swelling male pride. Shiela licked at Martin’s cheek and rubbed his belly. Martin looked up at Serena, a questioning expression on his face. Martin had learned of Monica and Serena’s little arrangement with the twins rather abruptly about a week before when he had awakened to find all three females making a lolly-pop of his minkhood. He always tried to make sure that things were okay with his mates when the younger platypi became involved. Serena smiled reassuringly and shrugged her shoulders. Serena had become more or less comfortable with the arrangement. The twins didn’t make pests of themselves over it and Shelby had actually become shy around both Serena and Monica, participating in love-play with them only if Shiela instigated the activity.

Having gained Serena’s approval, Martin turned his head and kissed Sheila, moaning happily as Serena continued to stroke his minkhood. Monica suddenly gasped and clutched at Martin’s chest as her brother fingered her to orgasm.

“Oh…Sh-Shelby…” she gasped. “Th-thank you…”

Monica was a bit less comfortable with the twins joining them. They were her brother and sister after all. If pressed about it, however, and only to her mates, she would admit that she did enjoy the twin’s occasional company.

Martin grasped Serena’s hips and coaxed her to rise up a little. Serena obliged, letting Martin shift under her and position his lover’s tool between her swollen outer lips. Serena lowered herself onto him while Shiela watched her pussy swallow every inch of Martin’s shaft with hungry eyes. Monica caressed Serena’s lower back and her ‘special spot’ at the base of her tail. Serena began to purr loud and steadily. Martin thrust his hips under her, gently pistoning his lover’s tool into her love tunnel. Serena mewed and purred as she bounced on Martin’s groin feeing his hot throbbing male flesh fill her pussy again and again. Her belly began to tingle as she neared climax. Martin pulled her against each thrust, pushing all the way to her cervix. He thrust faster and faster. Serena dug her fingers into her male’s chest as she rode the edge of her orgasm. She threw her head back with a loud purring moan as her climax flooded through her thighs and swollen belly. Martin flooded her love tunnel a moment later with his sticky-slick seed.

Martin pulled Serena against him and kissed her deeply. Serena returned his kiss. Monica joined in the kissing and licking with her mates.

“Monica’s turn,” Shiela announced.

Serena giggled and vacated her spot. Martin looked at Monica, a sad ‘I’m sorry’ look on his face. For the last month, Monica had not been able to have intercourse. Partly because Cleo had advised against it and partly because Martin couldn’t work out a way to do it without bumping, shaking or swinging her swollen belly. This, however, did not stop him from pleasuring her. He quickly shifted so that his head was down by her cunny. Already sensitive from being fingered by Shelby, Monica squealed happily as martin kissed and licked along her slit. She took Martin’s minkhood in her mouth and licked and suckled and kissed its length.

Serena rose slowly and a little awkwardly from the bed with a slight assist from Shiela. She made her way over to the dresser where Shiela helped her into her maternity outfit.

“I’m going for a little walk,” She said.

Martin’s head popped up, his muzzle wet with Monica’s juices.

“Wait!” He called, his voice verging on panic. “I’ll…I mean, we’ll come with you!”

Monica clamped her thighs around Martin’s head and winked at Serena.

“She’s a big girl,” Monica chided Martin.

“Very big,” Serena chimed in.

“She can take care of herself and you have another mate with needs to worry about.”

Serena grinned and Made her way out to the living room. Shiela followed her out.

“I’ll have breakfast ready when you get back,” Shiela said cheerily. “Enjoy your walk.”

Serena still couldn’t get over how helpful the twins had become over the last couple months. They had moved back in when their parents had gone back to Australia, (As had Harley and Wannah). With Cleo having given her a little authority, Shiela seemed to have matured quite a bit. Shelby was still Shelby but perhaps a bit less snoopy and moody. He helped Shiela with the household chores and keeping Martin busy. Of course, all this help left little for Serena and Monica to do. So Monica and Serena had taken to morning walks with one of them distracting Martin, (Not an unpleasant task), while the other walked about the neighborhood. This morning was Serena’s turn.

She stepped out of the house and inhaled the crisp morning air. The forest always smelled good to her. She set off slowly down the trail. She was down near Randy’s place when she heard a soft moaning from just off the trail. Her curiosity piqued, she followed the sounds. Presently she came upon Randy Rabbit sitting with his back to a tree, his feet flat on the ground and his knees drawn up. He slowly stroked his bunnyhood, grunting and panting softly as he neared climax.

Serena covered her mouth to stifle a giggle and snuck up along side the tree. She saw his flanks tremble just before his shaft began to spurt long streams of creamy white bunny cum. Serena was surprised by how long and hard Randy came. The spent Rabbit moaned and shivered afterward as he slowly relaxed. Serena leaned against the tree and smiled down on him.

“Relieving yourself of your morning wood, I see,” She giggled.

Randy’s eyes snapped open and turned to Serena.

“Huh?! Oh! Serena!” he managed to say in a somewhat flustered voice. “I see you’re looking radiant this morning.”

Serena noted with some interest that the rabbits spent member was already beginning to swell again.

“If ‘radiant’ is what you want to call it,” Serena grinned as she pat her belly.”

“You really do look good, Serena,” Randy said. “How’s Martin holding up? We haven’t seen much of you three of late.”

“Well, you know how it is,” Serena sighed. “Monica and I pregnant, married and Martin driving us both insane by treating us as if we were made of glass. Typical of first time father jitters, I guess. I know he means well and I love him just the same…”

“Sounds like Martin,” Randy chuckled. “But where are my manners?”

Randy got up and offered Serena his place.

“No thanks,” Serena said as she eased herself uneasily down the side of the tree. “I’ll just sit here.”

Randy sat down next to her and smiled warmly.

“So, have they started kicking yet?”

“They’re moving a bit, but they haven’t kicked yet.” Serena said.

“My mom always said me and my brothers and sisters kicked up a storm. She blamed that on my dad for poking his thing up there with us all the time. She said we were ‘getting’ even.”

Serena giggled. Randy, however, became thoughtful and his eyes lowered to take in Serena’s belly.

“Almost…” he said distractedly. “If Cleo hadn’t stopped us…”

“What?” Serena said, not sure what Randy was talking about.

“Oh, I’m sorry,” Randy apologized with a sheepish grin. “I was just thinking out loud. I was thinking about that day you went into season…How I…I mean how we almost…”

“What?” Serena asked, not sure she liked where the conversation was going.

“I…I’m almost sorry that Cleo stopped us,” Randy admitted.

“Wh-why?” Serena asked, looking curiously at Randy. “You have Joy.”

“I don’t know, really.” Randy said in a matter of fact tone. “I do want to settle down with Joy eventually but…That moment…I just can’t get it out of my head. I was just thinking about it when I was…well before you came up.”

Serena noticed as Randy talked his bunnyhood swelled and throbbed.

“I mean…There we were,” Randy continued almost dreamily. “Mating happily…your eggs waiting and fertile, my seed eager and willing and me more than eager to spill my kit juice into your waiting belly…(Sigh).

“Have you ever thought that Joy might feel the same way?” Serena asked, tilting her head as she tried to work out just how serious Randy was.

“I know she does,” Randy said. “But we both know I’m not ready for a family. It’s ‘that moment’ that I can’t get out of my head. The afterward part wasn’t even a consider-ation. That’s selfish as all heck, I know…But still…”

“Hey, you aren’t being selfish,” Serena said, cupping his chin in her hand and raising his eyes to meet hers. “I think you’re being very smart waiting for the right time.”

“That’s the first time anyone’s ever accused me of being smart,” Randy smirked.

“I don’t see why,” Serena said with a warm smile. “You’re a very smart rabbit. I think so anyway.”

“If I’m so smart, why did I just recount a fantasy that really turns me on and give myself another stiffy after just having gone to all the trouble of getting rid of the last one?”

Serena looked down at Randy’s raging hard-on and a mischievous glint appeared in her eye.

“So you like the idea of a female accepting your seed?” Serena asked, her voice becoming soft and velvety.

“Well, yeah,” Randy said, sweat beginning to bead up on his forehead.

“You like the idea of a female carrying your fawns?” Serena continued needling Randy’s libido. “Imagining what it would be like to feel them kick inside her…To know that you created that life with your female?”

Randy panted softly. His erection throbbed and bobbed as his blood surged and coursed through it. He shifted sideways to hide his arousal from Serena but from the motion of his arm and shoulder, it was very obvious what he was up to. Grinning broadly, Serena moved up and rested her chin on his unmoving shoulder watching him stroke his bunnyhood vigorously.

“Touched something did I?” she whispered huskily.

“I…wish,” Randy panted.

Serena smiled and continued her teasing.

“Just imagine what it would be like to hold them for the first time. Imagine their tiny hands wrapping around your finger.”

Randy groaned and stroked faster. Serena could feel the rabbit trembling as he neared climax. She eased up and whispered in his ear.

“Imagine bouncing them on your knee, watching them take their first hop. And just imagine hearing them say their first words…‘Dah-dah’!”

Randy’s head lolled back. He groaned out in ecstasy as his love juice shot from his tool in long thick jets again and again and again. Serena felt a small pang of regret as Randy continued to cum long and hard. She began to wonder if he was ever going to stop. At length, Randy collapsed against the tree trembling with the after effects of his orgasm.

“You did that on purpose,” Randy panted with a knowing grin on his muzzle.

“You looked like you could use a little help,” Serena giggled.

“Oh I can always use a little help,” Randy grinned. “Thanks.”

Randy shifted back around to Serena.

“So Martin actually let you out on your own?”

“Well, not really,” Serena said with a smile. “Monica is on distraction duty this morning.”

“Oh? Not having any problems, I hope?”

“No,” Serena said, a little distractedly. “Not really.”

“‘Not really’, eh?” Randy said, raising an eyebrow. “Want to talk about it?”

“I was just feeling a little smothered, that’s all,” Serena said. “Everything’s fine, really.”

“Martin’s getting a little overprotective is he?” Randy smirked. “I guess that’s natural in a male whose mates are with kit.”

“But this overprotective?” Serena said, smiling at the thoughts of Martin’s efforts on her and Monica’s behalf. “He waits on us hand and foot, he panics every time we take a deep breath thinking we’re going into labor…He won’t let us out of his sight…Basically he won’t let us do anything!”

“Joy would kill to have me wait on her hand and foot,” Randy chuckled. “He’s just worried about the two of you and the kits. Remember, after the initial…Well, start of the process, a male has to sit back and wait while the females carry the kits. He has to do something to feel useful.”

“I know he does,” Serena smiled. “I appreciate the help and I’m grateful to have him around. But, you know, it does get a little annoying after a while.”

“You might talk to his mother about him.”

“You think maybe she can help me out with Martin?”

“I doubt she’d even recognize him,” Randy chuckled. “But it could be worth a try.”

“I could use some motherly advice,” Serena admitted. “I don’t have a mother to talk to and my nearest in-laws are Martin’s parents. To tell you the truth, I don’t know the first thing about raising a kit. I may seem all calm and cool about all this but inside I’m scared to death. What if I make a mistake?”

“Relax, Serena, I’m sure Martin’s mom will have all kinds of motherly advice. C’mon, I’ll even walk you there.”

“That’s okay, Randy,” Serena said. “I can get there on my own.”

Serena struggled to get to her feet. Randy hopped up and lent a helping hand. Serena fell into him a little. Randy caught her, holding her close. Serena looked up into Randy’s eyes. For the briefest of moments he seemed almost afraid. Suddenly, he hugged her tightly to him and pressed his lips to hers. Serena was caught completely off guard, both by the kiss and by the unhurried gentleness of it, so uncharacteristic of Randy’s usual love play. She found herself melting into it. She found herself returning his hug. Slowly, reluctantly they parted.

“Wh-why?” Serena asked, her voice almost timid.

“I’m sorry,” Randy said. “I…I couldn’t help myself. I don’t know why…I can’t explain it. I…”

Serena cupped Randy’s cheek in her hand and smiled warmly at him though inside, her heart fluttered in her chest.

“You are a dear, good friend, Randy Rabbit,” she said, noting a twinge of sadness in Randy’s smile. “I’d better get going though.”

“I understand,” Randy said. “You take care now.”

Serena kissed Randy’s cheek, then hurried back down to the trail and started off toward the edge of Rutwell Forest. Randy stood by the tree and watched her go. Only after she had gone out of sight did he turn toward his burrow and walk slowly to the entrance. He looked once more in the direction Serena had gone and sighed, a sad little smile on his face.

Serena had almost reached the edge of the forest when she caught the sound of rustling bushes. Her first thought was that a pair of Rutwell Forest’s citizens were ‘playing’ nearby. She started to move on but the sound came again, a little closer.

“Who’s there?” she called.

“Ummm…No one?” came a voice she recognized as belonging to Shelby.

“Alright, Shelby,” Serena smirked. “Come on out.”

Shelby came out from behind a bush, a sheepish grin on his bill.

“H-hi, Serena,” he said, embarrassed that he’d been caught.

“And just what are you up to?” Serena grinned, putting her hands on her hips.

“I wasn’t spying on you,” Shelby said quickly. “Well, not for myself…Not this time. Martin wanted to come with you but me big sis wouldn’t let him out of bed. So he asked me to follow you and make sure you were okay.”

It’s not his fault, Serena reminded herself. He’s just concerned for my well-being.

“I’m fine Shelby,” She said, keeping her annoyance hidden. “I’m just going to visit Martin’s parents.”

“Can I come too?” Shelby asked hopefully.

“Hmmm, I suppose so,” Serena said. “If you behave yourself.”

Shelby rushed to Serena’s side and gallantly offered her his arm. Serena grinned and took Shelby’s arm and the pair started off again.

Serena had suspected that Shelby had wanted to with her only to keep an eye on her. She couldn’t think of any other reason he might want to visit Martin’s parents with her. As they walked along and chatted lightly, however, Serena noticed that Shelby seemed to be enjoying the walk and their conversation. She also noticed that Shelby pointed avoided any references to sex play of any kind. He simply seemed to enjoy being with her. She had to admit to herself that the walk did seem more pleasant with Shelby’s company.

In short order, the pair reached the Mink’s house. Serena knocked on the door. After a few moments the door opened. Mr. Mink stood in the doorway. His face lit up when he saw Serena standing there.

“Serena! How nice of you to come and visit,” Mr. Mink said. Then, noticing her protruding belly, he became concerned. “Oh dear! Please come in, dear. Take a load off your feet.”

Mr. Mink all but carried Serena into the living room and over to the couch. Serena eased herself down onto the couch, trying not to be annoyed with Mr. Mink’s good intentions. Shelby plopped onto the couch next to her. Mr. Mink called out to the kitchen.

“Honey, we have company! Serena and…ummm…Shaun!”

“It’s Shelby,” the young platypus said with a frown then added belatedly, “Sir.”

“Yes, of course,” Mr. Mink said as he slipped a couple pillows behind Serena. “I’m sorry, Shelvie”

“Shelby,” Serena corrected Mr. Mink, noting with some curiosity Shelby’s glare at the elder Mink.

“Shelby!” Mr. Mink grinned. “I am Sorry.”

Shelby ‘hmphed’ and scooted closer to Serena. Mrs. Mink came in with a tray of tea things and cookies.

“Serena, what brings you to our home?” Mrs. Mink asked as she set the tray on the table. “The water will be a couple minutes more.”

“Running away from your son,” Serena giggled as Mr. Mink fluffed the pillows behind her.

“Running away?” Mrs. Mink asked as her husband started Massaging Serena’s shoulders. “Whatever for?”

“He’s become a little…Oh what’s the word?”

“Over protective,” Shelby offered with a grin. “Possessive, obsessive, frantic, a worry-wart, pest…”

“That about sums it up,” Serena giggled.

“Enjoy it while it lasts, dear,” Mrs. Mink smiled knowingly.

“Why is that?” Serena asked.

“Martin takes after his father, I’m afraid,” Mrs. Mink said with a sideways glance at Mr. Mink, catching him getting the tray of cookies and holding it out to Serena. “When I was carrying Martin and his brother and sister, Mr. Mink was the same way. But once they were out, the party was over.”

“I was never over protective,” Mr. Mink frowned, setting the tray of cookies down, ignoring that Shelby had been reaching for a cookie.

“Dear, building me a wheel chair from scratch and sitting up every night in case I might want something or that something might go wrong is being over protective,” Mrs. Mink said with a loving grin. “Sweet and thoughtful but over protective.”

“Well, he hasn’t built Monica or me a wheelchair yet,” Serena giggled.

“I imagine the poor dear is running himself ragged looking after both you and Monica.” Mrs. Mink grinned.

“Shiela and me help out,” Shelby piped up.

“That’s right, they do,” Serena said, ruffling Shelby’s head fur. “And they’re doing a wonderful job too.”

Shelby grinned proudly.

“I’m sure they do,” Mrs. Mink said. “They’ll be even more helpful after all the little ones are born, I’ll wager.”

Serena nodded in agreement.

“How soon until…?” Mrs. Mink asked, looking pointedly at Serena’s belly.

“Oh it should be five more months or so,” Serena smiled as she rubbed her belly.

You really shouldn’t have walked all the way down here from the forest, Serena.” Mr. Mink fretted. “I think I still have that old wheelchair I built…Shilbert there could push you home…”

“Dear,” Mrs. Mink chided her husband. “Hush.”

“But…”

“Hush.” Mrs. Mink repeated. “You’ll have to forgive ‘Grampa’, here”

Serena giggled. At least now she knew that martin came by his protective streak honestly.

“So how is Monica,” Mrs. Mink asked. “Is she holding up under my sons attentions?”

“She feels the same way I do about it,” Serena smiled. “It’s nice in small doses…But…”

“So you drew straws to see who got to escape for the afternoon?”

“I’ll let Martin pamper me and let Monica get out and about for a bit tomorrow,” Serena grinned. Then, looking down and her tone turning serious, “There’s another reason I came over today, though. Could we…Could we talk in private, Mrs. Mink?”

“Of course, dear,” Mrs. Mink said. “Honey, why don’t you show Shelby your workshop?”

“Certainly, dear,” Mr. Mink grinned. “Come along, Sheldurth.”

Shelby ‘Hmphed’ and followed Mr. Mink to his workshop. When they were out of ear-shot, Serena turned to Mrs. Mink.

“Does he do that often?”

“Do what?”

“Forget names like that?”

“Oh, that,” Mrs. Mink grinned. “He’s just holding a grudge. When we first met Monica, my husband flirted with her…Just to see what kind of a girl she was, of course. Monica seemed oblivious to it, or at least politely ignorant of it. Shelby, however, seemed to pick up on it. He ended up tying my husbands shoe laces together. Ever since then, he teases Shelby by pretending to not be able to remember his name. Personally I think it’s nice that the boy looks out for his sister like that, though.”

Serena grinned and nodded in agreement, thinking that if Mrs. Mink knew why Shelby was so interested in his older sister’s welfare she might not think it so nice.

“Anyway,” Serena said, changing the subject. “The reason I’m here…You know that I’m sort of the strong one in our relationship…Martin, Monica and me.”

“Yes, I had noticed that.”

“Well, the truth is I’m scared to death. I don’t have any idea how to be a mom. I’ve never really had any motherly mentors.”

“Oh my,” Mrs. Mink said sympathetically. “There’s nothing to be afraid of. I’m more than happy to help you there. Please ask me anything.”

“Well, for one…How do you hold them?”

“Against your body, the little one’s body cradled in your arm. And be sure to support its head. That also places its head near your breast so it can suckle easily.”

Mrs. Mink held her arms as if she were cradling a kit to show Serena the proper position. Serena tried to mimic Mrs. Mink’s position.

“That’s right dear.”

“I feel a little silly having to ask you about something so simple,” Serena said with a blush.

“You’ll never find something out unless you ask,” Mrs. Mink said. “Also, be sure you talk to them. Your kits will never learn unless you teach them. It’s never too early. And sing to them too…But don’t let Martin sing to them.”

“Why not?” Serena giggled.

“Let’s just say it’s not his strongest trait.”

Serena smiled broadly.

“All right, I’ll sing to them. What else?”

“Plan on waking up in the middle of the night…A lot. Little ones have absolutely no sense of timing.”

Serena nodded.

“And then there’s the little job of changing them. There were days I thought Martin and his siblings were sneaking food on the side,” Mrs. Mink Chuckled. “More was coming out than was going in.”

Serena frowned, not getting the innuendo.

“I had to change them a lot.”

“Oh!” Serena grinned.

“And love them. The rest will come naturally.”

“D-does it hurt much when they…umm…to deliver them, I mean.”

“Oh, that.” Mrs. Mink said thoughtfully. “I won’t lie to you dear…But it’s not so much the pain as how long it takes. I gave birth to Martin and his siblings over the course of an hour but it seemed like much longer. As they showed me each of my sweet little kitlings, though, the pain seemed so trivial and unimportant.”

Serena smiled a little smile, imagining her sweet, perfect kittens.

“Be brave Serena,” Mrs. Mink said, smiling warmly. “You’re carrying new life inside you. Life you made with the mink you love. Giving your kittens life is worth all of it… Even my son’s over protectiveness.

Serena smiled as she felt a weight lift from her shoulders. Mrs. Mink came next to her and knelt down. She hugged Serena closely and tenderly.

“I’m so happy for you Serena…You and Monica and my son.”

“I just don’t want them to know I’m…I mean, one of us has to stay strong, right?”

“Each of you is strong in their own way, Serena. The trick is to be strong for each other and to find the strengths each other has.”

“Yeah, I guess you’re right,” Serena smiled.

Mr. Mink and Shelby came back in bringing the water for the tea.

“All done then?” Mr. Mink asked as he poured the water into the waiting cups.

“Yeah,” Serena smiled brightly.

The conversation became light as the afternoon wore on. Shelby and Mr. Mink verbally sparred a bit and Mrs. Mink offered Serena a bit more motherly advice. As Evening fell, Serena excused herself and Shelby, pointing out that Martin would be worried. Mr. Mink offered to escort Serena home but was overruled by Mrs. Mink who pointed out that Shelby was more than capable of walking Serena home. Serena and Shelby said their good-byes and headed for home.

As they entered the forest, Shelby looked up at Serena.

“Do you like Randy?” he asked suddenly.

Serena felt a chill run up her back.

“Of c-course I like Randy,” she said quickly. “He’s a good friend.”

“I saw him kiss you,” Shelby admitted. “He seemed…well, I saw the same look on Martin’s face when he started going with you.”

“I like Randy,” Serena explained. “And yes, I like to play with him now and again…But it’s nothing more than that. I’m just…Being pregnant has my hormones working overtime, that’s all.”

“No worries, Serena,” Shelby said, snuggling up against her as they walked. “I was just curious. He seemed…sorta serious though.”

I know, Serena thought nervously to herself. I know.

CONTINUED