Thursday, Tim and his family started their trek back to Limerick after plenty of hugs and kisses. Liam reminded Tim about the online guitar workshops they could do and encouraged him to keep at it. He also advised him to keep in touch with Fionna and to take things slow and easy.
Waterford was quite a city, Terri found everything she could want to augment her dining set. Large crystal tumblers and wine flutes were on her list.
They made the rounds of the pottery shops and Danny was enthralled by the styling and finish of the wares. The best place of all was the Ardmore pottery gallery. The designs and execution were fantastic and every possible glaze was evident.
A woman named Mary Lincoln was demonstrating her methods at the wheel. Danny peppered her with questions and he was invited to throw a pot at her wheel. Most of the other tourists moved on as Danny shaped a very elegant vase, when he had finished the basic shape he used the available tools to form a series of flutes around the rim.
"My goodness, you're not just a tourist are you, you're a genuine potter. I've people in my classes for three years that can't manage that. Such an elegant shape. With your permission I'd like to fire and glaze this piece and use it as an example for my students," Mary exalted.
"Really, you like it that much?" Danny asked incredulously.
"I do, it's a piece I would cherish and I'd like you to sign it if you don't mind. Can you drop by tomorrow to do that. I'll keep it in the rack tonight and you can scribe your signature on it then," Mary suggested.
"I'll have to ask but I know we're in town until Sunday," Danny beamed.
Liam watched all this with pride. He loved seeing Danny so happy.
With Mary's card in hand, they caught up with Terri and Connor at a café in a small close behind a vaulted gate. The food was Portuguese but they had something similar to a pastie and Danny and Liam were happy with that and fritas from the menu.
Danny related excitedly of his experience at the Ardmore gallery and received assurances that he could return and sign the piece.
The next day it was museums. Reginald's tower was very interesting and the Museum of Science and Story of Time fascinated the whole family. Danny received the okay to phone Mary Lincoln and he was invited to return any time, the vase was ready.
Mary greeted Danny and Liam and then introduced herself to Connor and Terri. "You have an impressive talent on your hands," she smiled. "He's done a lot with little instruction, just look at this." Mary held out the vase which had dried to a point where it could be handled carefully.
"You did this? Oh Danny, we have to do more than put a wheel in the shed for you. Connor and I will discuss something."
"Well, there's room behind the garage for a workshop, He and Liam could share and store their materials in the space Liam is using now," Connor proposed. "I've space in the garage for a kiln as we discussed before."
"Well Danny, did you come up with a signature to use?" Mary asked.
"Yes, I did, it looks like this," Danny held out a sheet of paper.
"Oh, that's a good one and also unique, "Mary agreed.
The vase was positioned and Danny scribed his initials and the outline of a guitar surrounded by a lozenge shaped border. He used a razor blade to remove the excised clay and then went over the signature again.
"Excellent, such a steady hand, my students will be shocked when I tell them your age. And now let's discuss the glaze. I think the shape lends itself to a white under color, but feel free to disagree, after all you're the artist," Mary smiled.
"That sounds good with a dark blue at the top with flecks of copper and maybe another color in the grooves between the flutes," Danny spitballed.
"That sounds very nice, let's consult Maureen, she does the bulk of the glazing here. She's a magician," Mary winked.
Maureen was summoned and consulted; she suggested tiny copper stars on the blue field and a copper line between each flute. It would take two firings but based on the vase it's the thing to do," Maureen insisted.
"Sounds good to me," Danny agreed.
"Well then, I'll take this to my space and get started then, will you be able to come back to see it?"
"We've a lazy day planned for Friday, just lying about and light exploring close by. We're all a bit worn out by the pace," Connor volunteered.
"Friday afternoon then? And we can get a photo of the artist with his creation," Mary suggested.
"We can do that," Terri affirmed.
"Did you show her the piccy of yer salt glaze experiment?" Liam asked Danny.
"Um no, I forgot, would you like to see it Mary, er, Ma'am? Danny stumbled.
"Mary's fine, anyone who creates at your level is on an equal footing with the best potters I know, let's have a look."
Danny found the photo and handed Mary his phone.
"Mmm, simple honest shape and the glaze is interesting. Do you remember the formula you used? It looks wonderful and considering it's a first effort with a difficult glaze, hmmm. I can't find fault with it. Next time do a firing with a brown wash first and then do your salt glaze. I'll email you instructions and ingredients for the wash. It'll just be a low temp firing to set the wash. If you send me the formula you used, I can get Maureen to look it over and make suggestions if you like," Mary said analytically as if speaking to a colleague. "Even your signature was wonderful, you should keep that design, it's fantastic."
"Liam has been teaching me to carve wood for guitars and other instruments. That's how I was able to keep my signature neat," Danny pointed out.
"He's got the knack, no question," Liam beamed at Danny.
"You build guitars?" Mary asked. "Two such talented boys, I'm amazed."
"Yes, they are amazing and modest too. They're both outstanding musicians, they are wonderful boys, I can't imagine what will happen in their teens," Terri said with great pride.
After a bit more conversation, the small family walked back to the hotel and up to their suite. The lift was slow so they didn't bother with it if Terri felt up to using the stairs.
Terri sat down and looked at her belly, "You two have a tough act to follow, I hope you're up to it."
"They'll be what they become and we'll be behind them all the way," Connor told her, kissing her cheek from behind the chair.
Danny and Liam cuddled in their room off the lounge, it was a generous suite and offered privacy for both bedrooms.
"I'm afraid to turn loose of you, you might float away. I'm so happy for you, Danny. I knew you were somethin' special and now a lot more people will know," Liam whispered.
Liam gave Danny a passionate kiss and Danny reciprocated, things got steamy from that point but they remembered to lock their door. Two hours later a rap at the door woke them. Liam pulled on his shorts and opened the door.
"Are you lads hungry, we thought we'd eat in the caf downstairs unless you want something special," Connor suggested.
"I think that would be fine, just some simple food like a burger and chips would be a nice change. I'll wake Danny and we'll get dressed proper," Liam promised.
Connor left and Liam went to work rousing Danny, "Are you hungry, Love?"
"That depends on what you want to feed me," Danny replied a bit groggy.
"Well that's impressive, I thought we exorcised that demon, I'll have to have another go then," Liam quipped.
"Let me pee first and if there's anything left you can have it," Danny grinned.
"I guess you're out of luck, but I'm sure I'll be able to accommodate you later and mutually," Danny giggled upon his return.
"Well then, let's get dressed, there's a hungry pregnant woman out there and we don't want her gettin' cranky," Liam cautioned.
It had been a nice afternoon and the physical contact had been very nice indeed. The boys exchanged kisses and dressed for dinner.
Friday afternoon they returned to the gallery and viewed the vase in its finished state. Danny was agog and Liam was thoroughly impressed with the glaze scheme. "It's just as I was imagining it in my head," Danny burbled.
"It really did turn out nicely, didn't it? Would you mind posing with it? I'd like to show my class what someone who is truly motivated can accomplish," Mary remarked.
"May I hug you?" Danny asked.
"Well, I'm not used to being hugged by my students, but they tend to be older," Mary smiled holding out her arms.
"Do I get one too?" Maureen asked.
Danny obliged enthusiastically. Thank you Maureen, I hope I can learn to glaze like that."
"You're welcome Danny, I'm flattered by your praise. It's mostly chemistry, a steady hand and a good eye, you have at least two of those down now. You keep throwing clay and I'll be bragging about our meeting," Maureen grinned.
"I need to send you something so I'll need your address dear, will that be okay?" Mary looked to Terri for approval.
"That's fine, and he's already got your email. You may regret that," Terry chuckled.
That may have been the highlight of Danny's vacation.
Maeve joined them for the trip up north; they all but took over a small inn near the Giant's Causeway.
All too soon, it was time to start the journey home. They spent a night in Montreal and caught a nonstop to LAX the next morning; the boys were surprised to see the time was just after one when they arrived in the terminal. But it soon dawned on them that passing through several time zones had done the mischief.
Their driver was waiting at the lobby once they cleared customs. Connor paid a bit of duty on a couple of items and they flew through the procedure.
"I've a bit of a surprise for you lads when we get home so just take yer bags up to yer room and meet us back in the sitting room, got it?" Connor announced.
Suddenly the boys were wide awake wondering what it could be. Not the workshop, they hadn't had any input yet and Da wouldn't do that. Liam suddenly had a thought but kept it to himself. He remembered a conversation he had with his da before they met Danny and Terri. Da had seemed enthusiastic about the idea but things got busy and it fell by the way.
The black Escalade backed out of the drive as Liam grabbed Terri's bag from Connor and lugged it inside. With the family assembled in the sitting room, Connor began an explanation.
"Our friend Bryce has been shepherding a few contractors to complete a project I discussed with Liam more than a year ago. There's something for us all but it will require extreme care with your wee brothers until we're sure they understand," Connor grinned.
Connor led them to the family room at the rear of the house and opened the French doors. Liam had been grinning like a Cheshire cat because he knew that he had guessed correctly. Where the lawn had once been a beautiful expanse of blue stretched out invitingly.
Danny squealed a bit girlishly but he had been in overload for a while. "It's beautiful!" he squeaked.
"It did turn out nicely, I think," Connor understated.
The large rectangular pool had a slide and a low diving board, lanes were clearly striped on the blue floor and a six-adult Jacuzzi type spa was attached and covered by the rear awning. The wooden fence was gone and a textured concrete block wall seven feet tall would guarantee privacy.
Patio furniture was spread out over the concrete areas surrounding the pool and raised beds offered fragrant flowers.
"Can we swim today?" Danny inquired?
"I'm assured that the pool service was by today and certified that the chemistry is safe, so yes, we can swim today," Connor answered.
Meanwhile Danny was a blur of motion, with a speed that would have shamed superman he was out of his clothes and in the pool as Connor's words still echoed in the patio.
"I can't let him swim alone, it's not safe!" Liam giggled as he stripped and joined Danny.
Connor looked at Terri raising his eyebrows.
"You go ahead, I want a shower and a swimsuit. I'm not going to skinny dip in this condition," Terri grinned.
Connor hesitated, then asked, "Shall I help you up the stairs?"
"No, stay here and watch them. You could fire up that spa but not too hot, it wouldn't be good for the babies," Terri requested.
Connor did as asked and then joined the boys in the pool. The boys ran out of steam quickly after all the airport and travel time.
Terri returned with an armful of towels and tossed one to each boy as they approached the door.
"I'll buy more towels for guests and we'll put in a cabinet out here to store them," Terri informed them.
"Da, is the pool heated?"
"The spa has a gas heater and it cycles water from the pool but the pool has a solar array on the winter side of the garage roof that should keep it swimmable late in the year. We can discuss details like the pool cover and such tomorrow," Connor explained.
"Cool," Liam chirped.
The boys showered off the chlorine and dried off again. In ten minutes, they were stretched out on their bed sound asleep.
Connor roused them around seven and asked if they were hungry.
"I could eat, not a lot but eating would be good," Liam responded.
Danny groaned but finally agreed to dress and discuss dinner.
"I thought we'd order in and shop tomorrow. We've no milk so I'll go to the little dairy on Foothill and we'll have it for breakfast. Ernie's will be delivering pizza and cinnamon sticks fairly soon. We've plenty of crisps and other snacks," Connor pointed out.
"Sounds good Da, I think the dairy closes earlier on Saturday, though," Liam told him.
"And I'm on my way there now, why don't you come along and let Danny wake up," Connor invited.
In the car Connor smiled at Liam, "I'm sorry it took so long to act on getting a pool put in. I guessed from your expression that you knew what the surprise was as soon as I mentioned it."
"You did sort of give it away, if Danny hadn't been so tired he might have guessed, too. I think it's safe to say that it's a big hit," Liam grinned.
"I'm glad you guys liked it. Will you mind helping with the maintenance?" Connor inquired.
"I'll have to learn what needs doin' but I'm happy to help, you know that," Liam agreed.
For the remainder of the summer Liam and Danny stayed busy hosting swim sessions in the back yard. Todd, Darren, Brian and Calvin became more frequent visitors even though Darren's family had a pool. The Dennehy family pool had, or perhaps lacked something important. Darren's sister. Her stay at a Cheer camp led by nuns did nothing to improve her behavior, so she had spent the remainder of the summer restricted to home with only a few approved visitors.
Mary Lincoln sent Danny a beautiful ceramic piano with a guitar leaning against it. It was rendered very carefully and had Mary's cartouche and an inscription to Danny. The enclosed letter explained the inspiration for the piece and also took him through the reaction of her adult students.
Tim, Danny and Liam Skyped regularly and Tim was becoming adept at blues finger picking styles. He had spent two weekends and attended a dance with Fionna at her school.
Both Liam and Danny were noticing the onslaught of more pubescent changes. They both grew quickly and both gained muscle mass with good tone due to an active lifestyle. They rode several times a week and swam daily. Liam's voice had settled into a smooth sound at the higher end of the baritone range but it was likely not done changing.
The recording session had been at a studio in Burbank and had gone extremely well. They received thanks from Dan Quickwire and Desmond McClowery along with the studio engineers for their patience while they struggled to mic and level the Irish pipes Liam was playing.
Danny's Uncle James visited again but this time with Graham Mitchell and they were astonished to discover he was a baron. He insisted that they referr to him as Graham or Uncle Graham. "I'm sad to tell you that one of your cousins is in a diabetic coma and not expected to recover. The other has lost one of her feet and is now in a board and care home. It's a very nice facility and she's quite comfortable. To that end, we thought it would be nice to show you the estate."
Connor and Terry signed off on the day trip and Danny and Liam found themselves overlooking the ocean behind the large mansion.
"What style is that even in?" a perplexed Danny prompted.
"During my sister's time it went from a nice example of a late eighteen hundreds Victorian structure to its current nightmare state that includes both Italianate and Rococo influences and badly done at that. The interior suffered, as well. I have been talking to a number of people about returning the place to its original Victorian roots and appearance. It will be expensive to undo all the travesties that this house has suffered but the trust will cover all that. That is to say as long as you agree," James clarified.
"Are there pictures of the house before it was modified?" Danny probed.
"Yes, I have the folder in the car and I can email the entire file to you for your review. The problem will be rebuilding the original corner towers. I'm assured however that the original plans are still in the hands of the trust and they can be reconstructed. There are also a couple of missing cupulas and the chimneys will need restoring. So what do you think so far?" James inquired.
"The grounds are certainly nice and that old carriage house doesn't look like they changed it at all," Danny observed. "Let's go back and look at the photos."
"Yes, it's odd, but none of the out buildings or cottages were molested, only the main house. That may be because my sister's health began to fail and her daughters would just as soon have lived in a posh hotel as here," James imparted.
"You only refer to them as my cousins or her daughters, were they that bad?" Danny asked.
"I don't wish to burden you with our family's sad truths but I never had any fondness for either of them. They were born grasping and it just got worse from there. Your father was a different case completely. He was kind despite the conditions he was raised in. He tried to appease his sisters but they only regarded him as an obstacle."
"Well, we can't let it stay looking like this can we, if it was alive it would be embarrassed to look this way," Danny affirmed.
"Shall we have a look inside, there are photos of the original rooms as they were on the wall outside each room. In the right market and careful demolition, many of the current fixtures will offset the cost of tracking down original looking items. The best news I can offer is that in one of the outbuildings there are several priceless original chandeliers and other materials removed from the interior," Graham added, putting in his oar.
"This is actually Graham's field of expertise, he's a qualified architect and he has restored many of the buildings on our place and in other locations."
Liam kept quiet as they wandered through the mansion. They discovered the back of the house had not been molested as much as the sitting rooms, ball room and other public rooms. The solarium contained an intact if in need of restoration, original Victorian style pool with English tile designs. The Victorian cast iron furniture had survived as well, along with the light fixtures and skylights.
"The tile in the pool will need to be stabilized and regrouted and the pump system is from the fifties," Graham informed Liam when he asked about the condition.
They concluded their tour and Danny reviewed the photos with Liam as they were driven to a restaurant for a late lunch.
On the way home James pointed out several buildings in the downtown area that were owned partially or in full by the trust.
"When you take charge, any sales or acquisitions of real estate will have to go through you," James informed Danny.
"I hope I can graduate before I have to do that," Danny muttered.
"Well, I plan to be around for quite a while, my health is excellent. And of course you can name a proxy like your father in the unlikely event that I am no longer able to act for our interests," James added cheerfully. "And I remind you that you have several relatives that you've never met and they're all from Father's side of the family. Most are anxious to meet you, some are simply too old and infirm to entertain the idea of a new relative, and they probably wouldn't remember meeting you for more than a few minutes."
Danny related all this to Terri and Connor while Liam filled in details that Danny missed.
"It sounds like something I would have enjoyed seeing. Did you take pictures?" Terri asked.
It was August and Terri was getting bigger by the day. Liam and Danny did laundry, made beds and performed other housework as needed. The doctor had warned that there would be a point when Terri was confined to a bed near the end of the pregnancy. He also put conception in early February instead of March. It would probably be an induced birth if not Caesarean in mid-October. The babies would be viable at that point and only require incubation for a short while. Of course, all bets were off if Terri went into labor on her own and they would assess and deal with the situation as needed.
"Mam, I'm kind of worried, we have to start school next month and Da has work. Shouldn't we get someone in to see to the house? And you might need a nurse for that last month," Liam wondered.
"Oh Liam, you are such a down to Earth little guy, your dad and I have had that conversation and we've been in touch with an agency for some housekeeping support until I'm able to deal with it again. You'll still be on the hook for some things but you also have schoolwork to contend with. As far as a nurse goes, the doctor has a recommendation for one and I won't be bedridden, but my movement will be confined to the house. Connor has a chair lift being installed until we no longer need it, I think we've thought of most of the potential problems and we have a plan. Your dad will be taking October off except for emergencies so don't worry too much, okay?" Terri implored him.
"I promise, I'll only worry just enough, I'll let Danny know because he's worried too. There are some prats at school that told him a bunch of rubbish about women having twins. He's afraid to tell you about it for fear you'll get upset," Liam shared.
"Yes, there are always people who speak with authority on a subject they couldn't possibly understand. You go ahead and talk to him and then ask him to come see me. He is quite a worrier and that will probably never change," Terri concluded.
Later after soothing Danny's worries, Liam was sitting with Connor, going over the progress the contractors were making with the work shop.
"It will be ready before your birthdays, the biggest delay was getting the electrical service to the kiln. Re-siting it outside under a metal roof allowed us to justify pulling a new drop from the power company so the workshop will have its own meter and the Kiln is three phase so it won't be terribly expensive to run," Connor recounted.
"I can cover the electric bill Da, you and Mam have done so much for us already. Danny will want to put in too. I don't think he's really all that comfortable with being a millionaire, he's afraid someone will kidnap him or one of us to get the money," Liam informed him.
"I wish he had said something, there's no reason for him to worry. As long as you lads don't spout off about being well heeled there's no reason for anyone to find out. No one at the trust will leak information like that. They'd face prosecution if they did. Besides, the way Gavin has him trained up, I wouldn't fancy a kidnapper's chances with him. I'm sure he wouldn't go quietly but it's always a good idea to mind yer suroundin's," Connor advised.
"We've learned that well enough, Gavin is a good teacher, Da. We're not paranoid, just vigilant," Liam smiled.
"That's good lad, I'm proud of the two of yas. You'll be great minders for yer brothers," Connor grinned.
Maeve arrived in late September, she and Terri supervised the final touches on the nursery.
Liam and Danny raced home from school to see her and quite a few kisses and hugs were exchanged.
"It's good to have Shan here, eh," Liam nudged Danny. "She'll help the nurse and supervise the cleaner and keep Mam company."
"Yeah, it won't be long now, Cheri keeps bugging me for details but what can I tell her. I just don't know what's next," Danny complained.
"She's just excited for us, I know she means well," Liam affirmed.
"Our brothers are celebrities and they aren't even born yet. Are you ready to change diapers yet?" Danny grinned.
"I've done it before, it's not that difficult and we won't have a chance for the first month or better. Um… how are you with stuff like that? Do you get sick easily?" Liam asked.
"I think I can cope, we were all at that stage in the beginning. I'm not that great around vomiting though, I'm too sympathetic and I start getting sick too, if it happens a lot," Danny admitted.
"It doesn't bother me that much but seeing a little one in pain just tears me up, seeing you hurt does it too," Liam whispered.
"Do you know what tomorrow is, Danny?"
"Um… I'm not sure, what happens on the twenty-ninth?"
"One year ago tomorrow Miss Grace assigned you to guide me to Science class and I met the most wonderful person on the planet," Liam prodded.
"Oh crap, I um… I'm sorry I forgot, I never thought about the date. We should do something special, right?" Danny suggested.
"How about dinner at the Dancing Snake, just you and me?" Liam proposed.
"That sounds great, I love that place. I'm glad you aren't freaked out by eating there, I mean after what happened," Danny sighed.
"That wasn't the restaurant's fault, why hold it against them," Liam countered.
Danny leaned into Liam and they stayed cuddled together for quite a while. Eventually they dozed off and Connor roused them for dinner.
Liam told Connor their plans for an anniversary dinner and Connor thought it was an excellent idea. He would discuss it with Richard and make the arrangements.
"We want to pay for it ourselves, it's important to us and we have the cash," Liam insisted.
I think that's a fair request. I think after the year you've had together you deserve to celebrate in your own fashion," Connor agreed.
"Thanks Da, when Mam is able to get out you should do the same, Danny and I will watch the boys," Liam promised.
"Thank you son, you are well and truly a good lad, and you'll be a fine man someday."
On October eleventh, Terri was rushed to the hospital with labor pains, they passed but the doctor kept her overnight and labor began in earnest early the next morning. After several hours, the decision was made to go Caesarian and two very near full term boys were welcomed to the family, Callum Michael Dennehy and Brendan James Dennehy were presented to the happy family and Terri was able to nurse them both.
Connor, Maeve, Danny and Liam all took turns holding each boy as photos were taken. Callum had been named for Connor's grandfather and Brendan for his father. Terri chose the middle names, Michael for Mike Hanlan, and James for Danny's Uncle James. The babies would spend some time in incubators because they were technically premature but after two days, they were deemed healthy enough for regular care. Terri spent two more days in the hospital and then she and the babies were brought home.
The contractors had finished the shop building and only an inspector's approval was needed to operate the kiln. Danny helped Liam lug all his luthier supplies down from the shop above the garage. Liam worked tirelessly getting both his and Danny's work shop areas ready for use. Liam could now run his steamer on 220 volts and he experimented with different bending jigs.
Danny and Liam drilled the anchors for Danny's throwing wheel. It was a top of the line variable speed unit and Danny could hardly wait to use it. He stopped by the ceramics lab at school periodically even though he had already completed the class. He invited Ms. Van Parr from school and Mrs. Dolan from his night class in pottery to see the new workshop. They both approved and were treated with an introduction to Callum and Brendan as well as the rest of the family.
Danny sent photos of his new work space to Mary Lincoln and she praised his layout and wished him luck with his projects.
Liam and Danny spent a lot of time with their brothers, they burped them after meals and changed diapers. They soothed them and rocked them to sleep and sometimes just held them and gazed down at them. Danny became adept at changing diapers quite quickly. He learned from experience how to stay dry in the process. Both boys did diaper duty without complaint, Connor had to edge them out occasionally just to keep his hand in.
Danny and Liam announced that they did not want a big deal made of their birthday, perhaps a small gathering out back with close friends and an easy dinner like deli meats. As the anniversary of the shooting approached, Liam became pensive. Danny didn't know what to make of it and went to Connor for help to understand.
"He might be thinking about what he would have missed if that boy had been successful. I don't think he's frightened or anything like that but I plan to discuss it with him and you should be there," Connor soothed.
Danny hugged Connor and sighed.
"I've been thinking a lot about what happened last year and all that's happened since. If Doug had hesitated or Dave had known more about guns or if I hadn't seen the gun in the mirror. All the things that would have been different if one little thing was changed. But it didn't happen that way and I'm glad," Liam concluded.
"I thought that might be the case but I wouldn't be much of a father if I didn't ask. And you Danny, has the anniversary of that day given you any trouble?"
"I've had a few bad dreams but they seem to have stopped," Danny acknowledged.
"Well then, it was worth havin' a chat about it, eh? If either of yas are bothered by it, sing out and if I can't help you, we know a counsellor who can. Fair enough?" Connor asked.
"Sure Da, but I think I'm fine now," Liam affirmed.
"Me too," Danny added.
In the next six months the new babies grew and lost their birth hair, once their eye color had set they were emerald green and the new hair coming in was nearly white. Maeve's eyes were that shade of green and so were those of Terri's mother.
Just before the six month, Callum was up on hands and knees and Brendan thought it was a good idea so he followed suit the next day. Before long, they were moving around quite quickly, babbling the whole time. Both gained an understanding of the word "No" and generally followed the restrictions imposed upon them. Terri and the rest read to them quite a bit and it seemed to catch their attention, Callum's first discernable word was "kitty" which floored everyone except Danny. He had been reading a book about kittens to them and showing the pictures as he read.
"I always liked cats," Terri told Connor one afternoon. "Maybe when the boys are old enough to be around them we could get a kitten or two. I would fear for their safety around two babies if they get to boisterous."
"I think I understand, we had an old Tom that would accept food from us and an occasional stroke but he was wild and wouldn't be domesticated. He was much friendlier with Mam than me but he was a champion vole hunter," Connor shared.
Brendan led the way with speech but Callum soon followed. Tantrums were rare and short lived when they occurred. Usually they were caused by frustration as the two boys strove to gain a new ability.
At nine months they were both tottering around upright, by ten months, breakables needed storing on a higher shelf.
"Callum keeps trying to find a way past the gate for the stairs, I think he'll be up those stairs in a month's time, Da. What can we do?" Liam asked.
"I'm putting in a motion sensitive camera, it will send a live feed to all of us if he gets past the gate. I watched him study that thing and he'll figure it out soon enough. Where he goes Brendan will follow," Connor reassured him.
"Mom says the doctor told her they're way ahead of schedule with regards to their development," Liam observed.
"She also shares the opinion that Callum is more like you and Brendan is more like Daniel personality wise. Brendan is a bit more mellow and Mam says Callum reminds her of you to the heels," Connor chuckled.
"I wonder what they'll be like when they can really communicate. I'll bet they make Danny and I look like chimps when they go to school. We'll want to watch them and make sure they don't get bored with a regular school. They may need a private school to achieve their potential, Da."
"I guess we'll deal with that when the time comes, I won't be one of those people that sucks the joy out of childhood by constantly pushing. Besides, they both seem quite driven to learn whatever they can every day. Callum watched a butterfly for an hour yesterday. It was on a plant in one of the widow boxes but he never took his eyes off the thing. They go through picture books like they're ravenous and Callum was arranging and counting Legos this morning. I think they'll need a very good school to cater to those brains of theirs. We can only encourage their curiosity.
Callum did figure out the folding gate for the stairs and learned to climb one tread at a time. By the time they were ready for preschool, they were running and climbing with older kids and holding their own. They were enrolled in a private school and had separate classes where they each excelled. Callum was stronger in math but Brendan could read well beyond the first grade level.
Liam and Danny swelled with pride and were the best big brothers they could be. They remained dedicated to their brothers long after they graduated high school and moved on to University. Liam considered Trinity College in Dublin but when both boys were offered enrollment at Cal Tech they decided to remain stateside and close to home. They refused the scholarships they had been awarded and suggested they go to those less fortunate financially. It was kept quiet and the grants were assigned to more financially challenged students. When asked they simply replied, "We have all we need to go to the school of our choice. It would feel wrong to take money that should go to people who aren't as well provided for."
They located a nice quiet neighborhood in Arcadia and bought a pleasant two-story 1916 bungalow. They tore down the dilapidated garage and built a new garage and work shop to accommodate both of their hobbies. The garage was complimentary to the style of the house which kept the neighbors happy.
For now, we will leave Liam, Danny and the rest of the Dennehy clan to get on with their lives.
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[Author's note:]
I have truly enjoyed writing this story. I hope to revisit Danny and Liam at a future date. I will be graduating soon and I plan to take a year off for travel. After that, I have been accepted to a prominent Engineering School where I plan to pursue a doctorate in physics.
I wish to offer thanks to True Fan for hosting my stories and to my Editor who I refer to as BBD. He is responsible for making my writing readable without severe headaches. I also need to thank my technical advisors who helped me with the Dublin accent and dialect.
Thanks to all the readers and those of you who sent along comments.
Juju