~ Oh, Mother! ~

	It was Madra's first day home from the hospital. Max had made sure it was a wonderful day for her. The twins were so happy and excited to see her, as they had missed her terribly. They made a banner that said "Welcome Home Mommy," and had sandwiches and cakes to celebrate her homecoming! Gene and Jax had come over with the children. All were happy to be there with her and all too aware that they had almost lost her. When everyone left, Max could see that Madra was exhausted. He ran a bubble bath for her and told her to relax while he took care of the children. He got the girls into bed, and planned a cozy, romantic dinner for two. He had the cook prepare her favorite meal, and he insisted that they dress up for the occasion. Madra came down to find Max sitting at the table with a bottle of her favorite champagne chilling in the ice bucket. He helped her into the chair beside him and poured her a glass. He raised his glass and looked at her and said, "To the woman who completes me....I love you, darling." Madra raised her glass as she held his hand, "Nothing will ever come between us darling......."
The quiet romantic evening was interrupted by the sound of the doorbell. They heard the butler let a couple in and then loud voices. The loud voices erupted into the dining room, amid a barrage of protests from the butler. The woman barging into the room told the butler, "It's alright you insulent little man, believe me, Madra will want to see me!" Max felt Madra hand grip his more tightly as they both recognized the voice. Oh, no, Max thought -- that's all we need! Mummy burst into the room with a man in tow. He looked like he had just emerged from an old "B" movie of the 40s. Mummy was smiling and very excited to tell her daughter her news. "Darlings," she announced, "I've returned home, and I want to introduce you to my new husband!" Madra nearly choked - "Your Husband!" she exclaimed. "Mummy, when did you get married? I thought you were in the South of France with Glynnis!" "Oh, dahling, you silly girl, you know how I hate staying in one place too long....I got bored and went to Spain. And, that is where I met Fernando!" she said as she practically cooed and nuzzled up against him.
As they left the room, Max looked at Madra and his heart nearly broke. Madra had tears sliding down her face. He arose from his chair and came behind her and put his arms around her. The nerve of that woman he thought -- her daughter was in the hospital for weeks and she doesn't even call, let alone come to visit, and now she arrives with her new husband (now which one is this 4, 5 - who can count). Max kissed the top of Madra's head and said, "It will be alright, darling, please don't worry. I love you so much."	At that point Fernando spun her around and grappled her right in front of them -- he practically had her on the dining room table! Madra squeezed Max's hand even tighter, and Max could feel the anger rising in his gut. "Ahem!" he said, "you must both be exhausted after your long journey. Why don't I get the butler to show you to your rooms. I'm sure the two of you would like to rest a while. Mummy giggled like a school girl, "yes," she said in a coy tone, "oh, yes, we would love to 'rest' a while.......oh," as Fernando kissed her neck and slid his hands over her bottom. The butler arrived at Max' call, and led them from the room. As they followed him, Mummy could be overheard whispering in Fernando's ear, "see, darling, I told you they'd take us in...."

~ * * * ~

Jax looked up at Gene at that moment and said, "Gene, you are without a doubt the most remarkable woman I have ever known! You have treated Simon as if he were your own. I don't think you could love him more if he were." "You silly," she said, "of course I love that little boy! He's your son, and a part of you! He looks just like you. Besides, he's so easy to love." Jax kissed Gene and said, "You are the love of my life and I'm so happy I found you!"

Gene and Jax got home from Madra's welcome home party and put the children down for a nap They sat together and enjoyed a few quiet minutes to themselves. Jax nuzzled Gene's ear and said, "I think we're alone, honey." Gene giggled and said, "oh, yes, just me and you, the children, the nanny, the butler, the maid, the cook....." Jax laughed and said, "OK, I get your point." "Speaking of people in the house, have you seen my mother lately? She seems to be out so much. I wonder what project has her so busy!" "Oh, Jax," Gene said, "it's good for Rebecca to be busy -- you know that!" "Speaking of projects," she began, "you know it'll soon be Simon's birthday! I think we should plan a wonderful party for him!"

"Come on," Gene said, "let's plan that party. I have a wonderful idea! I thought we could have the party in the club house behind the pool. It's close to the stables and it's big enough that we could have the party in the club house. We could have pony rides.........." Jax cut her off laughing, "I see you have this all thought out! It sounds wonderful, honey, let's do it." "Oh, I'm so excited!" Gene exclaimed. "Let's to see how much work the club house will need to ready it for the party." She started to pull him up from the chair and he arose and said, "OK, let's go check it out." They held hands and chatted lightly as they walked down to the club house. Jax opened the door and stopped dead in his tracks. He was in shock and disbelief at what he saw! Gene gasped... The noise was enough to disturb the couple in the club house. They looked up at Gene and Jax and merely said, "Oops!"

To be continued.......