"You know, I will never understand how on earth you can talk to someone on the phone and still manage to break up a fight between four of the kids." Rita commented in amazement at one stage.
Babsie grinned.
"Practice." She replied.
"Obviously. But it's still weird to watch."
"Good. That's the way I like it."
Rita laughed.
"What's the book you're reading?" Babsie asked a moment later.
"Huh? Oh, it's a sign language dictionary."
"Oh. Kyle."
Rita nodded.
"I just want to make sure I get the signs right, especially in these early years. I mean, ok, I know he's only 17 months, but that doesn't mean he's not perceptive."
"Of course."
Then Babsie's phone rang again, and she rolled her eyes.
"Yo? … What is it this time Chad? … You have to be kidding me. You called me for that? … Look there is nothi- ahh!"
Rita looked up in alarm.
"Babsie?"
"Chad? I'll called you later." Babsie hung up and looked at Rita. "Contractions."
"What? Right now?"
"Yeah, ain't that exciting? No, really I'm overjoyed." She said dryly.
**********
It wasn't until after the concert that Rita was able to inform Isaac that Babsie had gone into labour. Naturally, he headed straight to the hospital.
"Babs?" he asked softly, walking in.
"Hi Ike." She smiled. "You missed the fun part."
Isaac had to smile.
"I picked up some flowers for you on the way here."
"I noticed. Thank you."
"So, ahh, what's the verdict?"
"Twin boys. Instead of twin girls for once."
Isaac grinned.
"So, I'm just trying to remember… what were the boys names we had decided on?"
"Good question. Umm, Julian Wolverine Hanson and Lachlan Gambit Hanson."
"That's right. Julian or Wolverine? I'm for Wolverine."
"Ditto. Lachlan or Gambit?"
Isaac paused.
"Well, that's weird. See, if we called him by Lachlan, well, that'll turn into Lockie, which is Psylocke's nickname. Which we use instead of 'Psy', so she won't get mixed up with Cyke."
Babsie gave him a look.
"Is that your long-winded way of saying we should call him Gambit?"
"Umm, yeah, I guess it is." Isaac laughed.