I do receive approval from both the General as well as the medical department to carry a foal. In the meantime, a group from the Followers of the Apocalypse have arrived and set up shop working with Site Paddock but housing those who work at Site Paddock in several of the barracks of the 4^th Regiments camp.

After three months of being home, I am scheduled for the procedure. I can’t believe I am really going to do this. As we leave the house and head toward Site Paddock, Sutures smiles at me, “You ready dear?”

I nod my head nervously, “Yeah, I am just glad the Followers are allowing you to assist in the procedure.”

“Part of the advantage of having worked with them on the way to Coltlumbia. I got to know them pretty well and they got to know Millie and I as well.”

“Makes sense,” I tell her.

She then tells me, “I was rather surprised to find out that Buttermilk had decided to do this also.”

I laugh lightly as I tell her, “Dear, not nearly as surprised as I was. But then again, it seems like the site has been rather busy this last couple of weeks.”

“I guess so, especially with the cattle. They really took this to heart; I have even heard that the Brahmin Maude and Moorella have asked about carrying a calf. From what I understand they said they want to honor their ancestors and help their cousins' bloodlines.”

As we follow the now well-worn path from White Cloud to the entrance we are greeted by Buttermilk and Purchase Order. Yeah, we really do have a group of us going in at one time. The funny thing is, once we suggested it to Lieutenant Cake and the Followers, both groups got excited about it. Doctor Good Start, a unicorn who is the chief Oby/Gyn for the Followers section at Site Paddock even went so far as to say, “That should help both our patients relax about the procedure as it will be shared with others they know, and it also makes it where we can perform more of the procedures per day as we will not have to re-sterilize the whole room for each patient.”

Once there I lay down on a table like the others who are there with me. Then the staff uses a spell to render us all unconscious. Normally I would be more uncomfortable knowing they would be doing this, but Sutures is there to help me. As I begin to go under the spell, I feel Sutures running her hoof through my mane and I hear her say, “I will be here the whole time love.” Then the world fades to black.

When I awake all of us who were undergoing the procedure are laying in beds in a different area of Site Paddock. I look up and I see Sutures smiling at me and she kisses me gently on my forelock. Then I hear Buttermilk joke from the side, “Hey Sutures, could I get a kiss too?”

Then I hear her moo in surprise as my wife goes and does give her a kiss on her forelock between her small horns.

I look to the other side and I see Purchase Order is still asleep, but Epona has joined us and is sitting there next to her holding her hoof while she sleeps.

Soon after this Sutures then tells us, “Mollygirl, Buttermilk, the procedure went fine, but there is a problem. Your two’s embryos got mixed up. There was nothing we could do once they were implanted. I am sorry Mollygirl, Buttermilk.”

My eyes go wide and my ears back, “But, but, Sutures, I am too small to carry a calf. Tell me you are kidding, please.”

She looks at me with a serious expression, then I see her façade break and she starts to laugh. “Yes dear, I am kidding. I am sorry, but I could not resist.”

From the other side, I hear Buttermilk say, “Mollygirl you should have seen your face, it was great.”

Then I ask her, “Weren’t you afraid about carrying a foal instead of a calf?”

She is still smiling as she says, “No not really, I just figured it would be a slightly easier delivery. Besides, it would really bond the cattle to the ponies now wouldn’t it.”

Later after all three of us are awake and fully cognizant we have our lunch. Then Doctor Good Start comes in to talk to us. As he sits down in front of us he tells us, “The procedure went fine. As we discussed each of you was implanted with two embryos to increase the chance of a successful pregnancy, as is our standard practice. Part of your aftercare though will include weekly checkups to make sure both you and those babies are healthy, and if not so we can see what we can do.”

We all nod our heads in understanding. Then he tells us, "Also, Sutures here has been assigned by the Followers as your Midwife along with her mother Doula. If they give you any medical advice, I expect you to listen to it.”

We all nod our heads. And Buttermilk laughs lightly as she says, “I will Doctor, I expect those two have no choice as they live with Sutures.”

I see him look at her, then us and he says, “Well I guess that will make a bit of a difference.” He then looks at Buttermilk and then he tells us, “I can see you older two have had foals and calves before,” he then looks at Purchase and tells her, “Young mare, it seems you have some good support. However, I mean it, talk to Sutures and have her check you every couple of weeks even after she has let you know the pregnancy is normal.”

I see her smile shyly and she tells him, “Yes Doctor. I had already planned on it.” Then she puts a hoof over her belly and I see her close her eyes gently and for the first time in a long while I see a sense of peace come over her face.

“Ok then, off with you three, I have three more coming in in a couple of hours I have to prepare for. I will see you all in a month.”

We nod our heads and begin to head home. Sutures staying behind to assist in the day’s procedures. As we go up the trail towards White Cloud Buttermilk smiles and asks, “Shall we go have some tea?”

I see Purchase smile at this and I answer, “Of course Buttermilk.”

We are sitting in the White Cloud Pub enjoying our Tea when I see Sirocco come in. He is still in his uniform and talking with his Executive Officer. He sees us and asks, “Do you mind if we join you?”

Buttermilk taps the seat next to her, “No, not at all. Please join us.”

They both sit down and I notice Sirocco and his exec both order black coffees. As Blueberry Crisp turns to take the coffee pot back she asks them, “Do you gentlestallions need menus?”

Sirocco nods his head, “Sure, we came here for lunch anyways.”

“It is good to see you again Sirocco,” I tell him.

He nods his head, “Good to see you three also. I heard a rumor that you were planning on visiting Site Paddock, have you set a date yet?”

I see Buttermilk smile and I watch as Purchase actually blushes. Then I put a hoof on his and I tell him, “Actually, all three of us just came from there.”

“Well, I’ll be. I am glad to hear it Mollygirl. That makes it seem like eventually, things may go back to almost normal around here.”

Buttermilk nods her head and tells him, “Actually, they already are starting too. But it just takes time, Colonel.”

He looks at her and replies, “Very true, but I know my people are all itching to get back to their normal lives. Not have to stay on active service all the time.”

I nod my head in understanding as does Buttermilk. Then he surprises me and asks, “Speaking of getting back to normal when are Laura Lee and her battalion heading back to Hackamore and Harness?”

I look down at my tea when he asks this. I know it has to happen eventually, but I am so going to miss her, as is the rest of our family here. Even though I do not answer right away, I guess my feelings show on my face though.

I feel Purchase put a hoof on my shoulder and she says, “I know you are going to miss her too Ma. But she may have to be here longer than she expected. I heard her and Sutures talking the other night about how risky the trip back to Harness would be with her carrying twins. Sutures even said she may have the military doctors give her orders to prevent her from traveling until the foals are born.”

I sniffle a bit, then I say, “I know, but that keeps her away from Blue Moon and the rest of our family in Harness. I feel bad about it and selfish for not wanting her to go.”

Sirocco nods his head, “You're right and I am glad to hear you understand that about her too. I am also sure she will miss you all when she goes back to her home there.”

I sigh again, “Yeah I know. We have been lucky to have her here this long.” I pause and then I ask, “Sirocco, how has Sunset been doing? I have not seen him much or gotten a chance to talk to him since we got back other than for a few brief minutes?”

This time he sighs, “Honestly, he has taken the loss of Pages really hard. I would say harder than when we lost his mother. He really loved that mare.”

“I am so sorry to hear that, but I do understand.”

Then I hear Purchase say, “Ma, he may be taking it hard, but Blondie and Trouble are right there for him too. According to Sunny, they took one of their spare rooms and he is living there now too.”

This gets me to raise an eyebrow, but I ask no more. Then I hear Sirocco say, “He is also worried a bit about his old buddy Cloud Dodger. He has been having a hard time recovering from his wounds at the 2^nd Manesville,” I hear Sirocco laugh lightly, then he says, “Funny thing is those wounds kept him here when the rest of the 2^nd shipped out. That is probably all that saved him. From what I have heard his wife has been taking it hard too.”

We continue to talk for a while longer and they eat their meal as we have more tea. Once we are all finished, they head back to their regiment, Purchase gives Epona a kiss on the cheek and puts on her apron as she heads to the bar, and Buttermilk and I head back to our normal jobs. As we head out the door, I hear Purchase call out, “See you when I get home love.”

I watch as Epona grins and calls back, “See you then my little mother-to-be.” As she heads back towards Manesville along with Buttermilk.

Once back at my Camp Rice Paddy-Tenderhoof I make a quick tour of the facilities, stopping to talk to my battalion commanders and their staffs. When I get back to my headquarters, I am asked right away by Paper Work, “Would you like some tea ma’am?”

“Yes, please, if you would.”

“Oh, two more things, the exec is already in your office waiting for you, and how did it go?”

I grin at him, “Well so far so good, I guess, but we will know for sure in another month or two.”

He grins at me, “I am really glad to hear that Colonel.” He then looks up the stairwell and I follow his gaze to see both Windy and Dull Beak waiting for me.

“Well, I best get up there, I will see you when you bring the tea.”

As I get into my office, I hang my hat on the peg next to the door. I look at both of my friends and I hear Dull Beak say, “So you really did it eh?”

I nod my head, “Yep, along with Purchase Order and Buttermilk.”

From the side, I hear Windy giggle lightly. When I look at her, she smiles and says, “I was just thinking of how busy your house will be that night, especially if you both carry both fetuses to term.”

I sit in my chair with my forehoof on my belly and I smile as I answer, “It really will be, here’s hoping at least.” Then I turn my attention to some of the paperwork on my desk and I ask, “So Windy, you ready to fill my seat already?”

She grins, “Yeah, but let’s not rush it, ok.”

I grin back, “You're right, oh and Dull Beak, just so you know, we will need your recommendations for who you feel should take over your battalion. I got your advancement to the regimental XO approved for when Windy takes over.”

I see him nod his head and smile with his eyes as he says, “Sounds good ma’am, I will have a write-up for you in a couple of days. So, just curious, did you really get implanted with mule embryos?”

I smile at him and tell him, “Yes I did. Once we are sure if I will carry them both to term or not, I will then pick out names.”

I see the grin on his face as he suggests, “Milo, perhaps?”

From the side I see Windy stifle a guffaw. I simply smile at him and answer, “Who knows DB, who knows, so when are you and Summer Solstice going to have another one?”

This time I see him blush and he looks up at me and says, “Well, I was going to ask you to have Sutures or Doula check her for us. She says she is late again.”

At this Windy begins to laugh and I simply raise an eyebrow and smile. Then I sweetly ask, “So Windy, when are you due?”

She stops laughing and looks at me, “That is not funny Mollygirl, don’t you swear at me like that, three was enough.”

When she says this both Dull Beak and I look at each other and we begin to laugh. It is moments like this that make me realize how true my daughter's toast with the peppermints was. Sometimes when life seems bitter or painful, we can still find sweetness in it.

Two days later we receive the official orders from Harness for Laura Lee’s battalion to return home after the arrival of their reliefs. I take the orders over to her personally after Chain Lightning brings it to me from Paper Work after it arrives in the morning couriers’ packet from the Brigade.

As I walk into her battalion HQ, she is smiling behind her desk, I notice that she has begun to really show that she is pregnant now. As I come in, she begins to stand up and I tell her to sit back down. As she sits back down all I can think of is that if both of them take, I am going to look huge, at least Laura Lee has a bit of height so her normal thinness will not make her look as bad as me.

I see her smile, then she asks, “So did you go through with it?”

I nod my head and smile back, “Yeah, I did. So did Purchase and Buttermilk.”

I watch as she smiles and says, “I don’t know who will be happier, Johnny or Milo and Gus? I mean the bucks back home are going to be so happy to hear you wanted to carry a mule.”

“I don’t know why they would be surprised, after all, they know how I feel about them and you.”

I see her shake her head in amusement, “Mollygirl, you really don’t see us like many others do? Do you?”

I am perplexed, “I guess not, I just see stallions and mares with long ears that I like to nibble on.”

I get a kick out of watching her squirm some as well as the blush that colors her cheeks. “Mollygirl, promise?”

I smile, “Of course dear, of course.”

She grins back at me then says, “I know you did not come here just to tease me, so what’s up?”

It is at this point I take out the packet that has her battalion’s orders in it and hoof it to her. She looks at it seriously and then begins to read it. When she is finished, she looks up and asks, “Have you read these yet?”

I nod my head, “Yeah, yeah I did right before I came over here.”

“Mollygirl, most of my troops are ready to head home, heck I am ready to head home. No offense to you and our family here, but I miss the rest of my family, especially Blue Moon.”

I sigh, “I know exactly how you feel. I felt like that every time I left Hackamore to come back here. So don’t feel bad my love.”

Then she looks down at her belly and asks, “Mollygirl, I am in no shape for such a march. Not with twins. I, I can’t lose one or both of them. Mollygirl, what am I going to do?”

I nod my head in sympathy and understanding and I tell her, “I will be having you be checked out by Doctor Lancet today and we will let him make the decision. But honestly, I can not see you making that trip like that, even if Sutures were to escort you. So, I have a feeling Milo will figure something out.”

I hear her sigh, “I hope so.”

We talk for a while more then I get up and put a hoof on her shoulder before I go. When I do this, I tell her, “Dear, we will get you through this. I promise.”

I see her nod her head and she leans her head in my direction and I take the chance while I can with no one else around. I gently kiss her ear that is closest to me. “I will see you at home tonight if not before then.” Then I am out the door and head over to the stable to check in with Moon Pie for my appointment with her.

On my way in I come across both Pearl and Woodrow as they cross the atrium. When they see me they divert in my direction. Once close enough they both salute me and greet me. “Afternoon Sergeant, Corporal. How are you two doing today?”

They both look at each other and finally, Woodrow says, “Actually ma’am, really well. In fact, we were hoping to see you so we could ask you to attend our wedding.”

After all these years, I had not expected them to actually get married. I just thought of them that way. I grin and tell them, “I would love to. When is it?”

Pearl answers this time, “Colonel, we are planning on having it in two weeks when our duty rotation lets us have a week of leave.”

“I look forward to it,” I tell them.

Then Pearl surprises me and asks, “Ma’am, I was thinking of going to Site Paddock. Ya know, so Woody and I can have a foal to raise together. Do you think there will be any mule foals?”

This time I surprise them and I tell her, “Yes, I am sure of it. I was there this morning myself and from what I understand they have mules, donkeys, ponies, and even cattle. If they were sentient, they had some embryos stored there.”

I watch as she nods her head in understanding. Then Woodrow asks, “So did you get to choose which type of pony, or did they do it for you?”

“Actually Woodrow, I got to choose, and I am carrying two mules right now.”

I see both of them have their jaws drop in surprise. Then Woodrow asks in a stunned tone of voice, “Mollygirl, you really are carrying mules, and on purpose?”

Smiling I nod my head, “Yes Woodrow, I am. I am not sure why you are so surprised. After all, my family has named one of the colts after you.”

He smiles and answers, “Well, it is one thing to name a foal after one, it is another to be a mother to one. Many mares would not do so.”

I nod my head in understanding as I remember what Lieutenant Cake has told me about his family and their attitude towards his mother, him, and his sister. “Maybe not Woody, but let’s be honest, you have always known how I feel about mules.”

I see him grin, “Yeah, I remember you and Milo way back when too. “

At the mention of Milo’s name, I have to smile and nod my head, “Yep. He is a special one that is for sure.” Then I look at my PipBuck and I tell him, “Well I best get going, I have an appointment to keep.”

They both tell me goodbye and then I trot off towards the medical section of the stable.

After my appointment with Moon Pie, I head over to the brigade HQ to talk with the General about what is going on with Laura Lee. As I explain to him about her and my concerns for her trying to travel back to Hackamore, and Harness, he nods his head.

Finally, he tells me, “Once I have the paperwork from medical, I will contact Harness and we can figure something out. Mollygirl, thanks for the heads up on this, I really do hate being blindsided.”

“I understand sir, I really do,” I tell him. “And thank you for being willing to help her like this.”

I watch as he leans back in his chair, “Mollygirl, she is one of my officers. Of course, I will try and look out for her health and wellbeing.”

“I know, but sir, not all officers lookout for their subordinates as well as you do.”

I see him nod his head and hear him grunt slightly, then he says, “You still haven’t forgiven Colonel Chappy after all these years, have you?”

“No sir, and I have begun to wonder if I ever will.”

On my way out of the stable, I come across Serenity and Sky. They both wave to me as I approach them. “Good afternoon Colonel.” They both say.

“Afternoon. How have you two been?”

Serenity answers first, “We have been doing fine. Colonel. How’s the family?” Beside her, I can see Sky nodding her head in agreement.

“They are all doing well. Laura Lee will be here a bit longer now though because of the foals she is carrying. It looks like Epona and Purchase will be having a little one now too.”

They look at each other and both shake their heads. Then Sky says to Serenity, “Don’t even ask, we have already agreed, no foals. Dearest, I like it just the way it is with us.”

Serenity laughs and replies, “I had not even thought about it. Besides if Firefly wants the family line to continue, that is on him and Dusty. I am happy the way we are now.”

I grin at them both and tell them. “Mares, I am just glad to see you both happy together.”

“Thank you, Colonel. Oh, and you may want to stop and see Firefly and Dusty. She just got the news last week, so…”

I shake my head, “Uh, what news is that?”

Sky says, “Oh, that she will be a mother soon too.”

I shake my head, we may have lost a lot of ponies and cattle, but it seems we are really going to town on making up the losses. I grin at them and tell them, “Well thanks for letting me know, I best get going, but we will be having another party soon at the farm, why don’t you both come if you can.”

They both nod and Serenity says, “We would be glad to. It has been too long since we have gotten to see the old gang.”

“Ok, I will make sure I let Sunset and the others know when we will have it for sure. See you later.” I tell them as I continue on my way back to my regiment.

That afternoon I am notified by Doctor Lancet that Laura Lee is not fit for long-distance travel. I notify Brigade HQ and have a reply back by the next morning from Harness via the radio. Plans are being adjusted and she will stay here until after her foals are born. Her XO will take temporary command and lead them home after her relief shows up. Then she will be on detached duty to my HQ until she can travel again. Not that I mind that idea.

Once I tell her this, I can see both relief and disappointment conflicting on her face. When I ask her about how she is feeling, she answers me, “Mollygirl, while I am very happy, they are working with me on this, I hate having to lose my Battalion like this, even if it is not permanent. I have worked too hard to.”

I gently place a hoof on her shoulder and I tell her, “Yes you have, but dear, I am sure Milo will not let this be a permanent thing.”

“Mollygirl, it is not Milo and Harness that has me worried. It’s what the War Department in Junction City will say.”

I nod my head, “I do understand, believe me. But I am sure they won’t do that to you.”

“What makes you so sure about that?”

I smile and tell her, “Because you have already proven you are a fighter, and even if we are not at war right now, we will still need them.”

“Ok, you have a point. Thanks, Mollygirl, now I best get back to this paperwork so I can be home on time tonight. I will see you then dear.”

I smile at her and I tell her, “Sounds good, I will see you then.”

The next few weeks go smoothly and I am very happy when we receive a mail packet from Harness and Hackamore. While most of the mail is for my troopers in Laura Lee’s battalion, we do receive a few letters from our family in Harness letting us know that they have heard about Laura Lee being pregnant again and how excited they all are.

I also notice that Moon Lily and her brother Pine Box are exchanging letters now too. Moon looks up at me when I see her reading it and tells me, “We really got along well and we had fun exchanging spells. He also wants to know what he has to do to get wings as he says that would be really cool mama Mollgyirl.”

I grin at her and simply say, “That would be cool for him to get wings too. But I am afraid he may not ever be able to. Besides, whoever heard of a male alicorn?”

That is when I hear Millie snicker from beside Moon as she says, “Obviously you have not talked with the Followers enough ma. They have a few now from what I have heard.”

I see Moon nod her head, “Yeah mama Mollygirl, I already have heard about Surprise having been born to alicorn parents in that one special camp the followers have.”

I shake my head and ask, “Ok, who or what is surprise?”

They look at each other and finally, Millie says, “Ma, they figured out how to turn some of Choo Choo's other sisters into stallions so they can reproduce. Surprise was the first one that was born. I heard Mama Sutures talking about it on our way to Coltlumbia.”

“I had not heard about her being born. I do remember them mentioning it to Quick Frost and her reaction though.” I tell them.

They both look at each other and I hear Ginger from the door to the room laugh lightly and she says, “Yeah, I remember that all too well. She was not overly happy with their suggestion that she may want to change.”

As we are talking, I hear a knock on the front door of the house. Millie and Moon both get up to get it together. I am curious as to who it is, but figure it is just probably Xailynn; but then I remember I saw her, Raven, and Rain Water playing along across the road next to the family graveyard on my way in.

As they open the door, I see a familiar-looking Pegasus filly standing in the doorway and I hear Millie say, “Hi Mills, come on in?”

“Hiya Millie, Hi Moon, I was wondering if you could come out and play for a bit with me and my brother?”

Both of my daughters look at me and I nod my head. “Sure, go ahead and have fun.”

As they get ready to head out the Pegasus filly says, “Oh Colonel, my pa says hi, and thanks for talking to him about coming out this way.”

I smile and tell her, “You're welcome, I am glad to have all of you with us now.”

With that, the three fillies turn and run out into the farmyard giggling and laughing as they head towards the farm fields to explore the world they are followed by Sugar Glider as she yips in excitement too.

As I close the door and hang up my hat and equipment, I see Sumac standing in the door smiling at me. She gives a half laugh and says, “It sure is amazing how them youngsters have so much energy. Oh, to be young again.”

I nod my head, “Yeah, I understand Sumac. Goddesses do I miss the days too.”

“So how did it go today?”

I smile, “It went fine. Purchase and Buttermilk did it also.”

She tilts her head slightly and asks, “Are you ready to be a full-time mother now?”

I shake my head, “No, I am ready to be a farmer who is a mother and who will finally not have to leave her family behind at the drop of a hat.”

“Good. I am glad to hear that. Somehow, I am beginning to think that you may almost end up having that life that Epona said their sides you had.”

I give her a hug and I tell her, “Thank you, I sure hope so. Now how can I help with dinner tonight?”

The replacement Battalion for my 3^rd Battalion arrives a month later. After a three-day turnover, they form up on the drill field across from my headquarters and next to Laura Lee’s Battalion. To say the least, I am a bit surprised to see they brought a few tagalongs with them.

As the new Harness Battalion is forming up, I have to smile at how sharp they look. I watch as Laura Lee and her relief perform a change of duty ceremony where the new commander accepts the assigned duty and relieves her.

After the ceremony is complete, I say a few words to welcome the new troopers as well as to say farewell to those departing. After which they begin their trek to the waterfront and then the rest of the trip home.

As they begin to march away I notice the earth pony Lieutenant Colonel talking to Laura Lee, and I overhear him saying, “Yeah, I was told you would be staying for a bit. I knew it was a medical condition, but I will say, I never expected this.”

She grins back, “tell me about it, talk about lighting striking twice in the same place. I will be danged if I ever expected it.”

He shakes his head, then he says, “But Laura Lee, isn’t the father of your daughter one of the bucks in your extended family up here?”

She nods her head and replies, “Yeah, but honestly, how many jennies do you know that catch once, much less twice.”

Then they notice me there and change the subject. I notice the name tag on his uniform is Ore Pass and raise an eyebrow at it. Then he says, “Good Afternoon Colonel, thank you for your kind words to our troops.”

“Your welcome Ore, I really did mean it both ways. We appreciate what all you folks from down in Harness and Hackamore are doing for us by this.”

I see him grin, “Ma’am, it is only fair. We all heard about what happened to the 2^nd Regiment before we left, and after what you did for us down there. How could we not be willing to stand with ya when you need us.”

“Again, thank you. I also have to say thanks for bringing the civilian entourage you did with you.”

He looks surprised and then glances from Laura Lee to me and back again. Then he asks, “Ma’am, why wouldn’t we? This way Laura Lee can have her daughter with her, and her spouses and the other foals that came can have an escort both ways.”

Laura Lee laughs and then says, “Is that all Ore, I mean, I noticed you checking out some of the jennies and mares that came up for Site Paddock.”

He puts a hoof to his chest, “Now Laura Lee, what kind of stallion do you take me for?”

She grins and tells him, “I know what kind of stallion you are. Remember we dated before I got with Gus and Milo.”

This gets me to raise an eyebrow and turn a questioning ear as I am amused to find out a bit more about her past too. It is surprising how much we often do not tell others because we forget they did not already know.

Then he turns to me and says, “Oh, and before I head over to my HQ, Ma’am thank you to the rest of the Regiment for being such gracious hosts last night at the welcome and farewell ball. I have heard many of my officers and troops comment on how much it felt like we were at home.”

I grin at him and answer, “Remember, Harness and Hackamore has been a second home to many of us, both in the 1^st, and the 2^nd Regiments, then when Dull Beak and his battalion came back last time, they became the 1^st of the 3^rd Regiment.”

He nods, “True ma’am very true, now with your leave, I will take over my battalion.”

“Very well Lieutenant Colonel, take care and I will see you in the morning,” I tell him as Laura Lee and I head to my headquarters.

As we walk, I ask her, “Did you have any Idea that Cedar would bring all the foals to come to see you this week?”

She shakes her head, “No, but to be honest, I am just about tickled pink she did. I have missed my family so much, besides, I think she was just hoping to get another shot at a foal with Archer.”

I laugh out loud and simply say, “Ya think?”

She laughs her mulish laugh now and says, “Well I think we all got the hint after the foals were down for the first night and she all but tackled him and all but begged for another foal too.”

“Yeah, she was pretty subtle wasn’t she,” I say and we both share another laugh. Then I tell her, “I hope she gets her wish. I really do,” as I put my hoof to my belly and hope that my check-up in the morning will result in more good news for my family as well.

The next morning, I go to the medical department at Site Paddock. It is now run as a joint venture between the NCR military’s medical department and the Followers of the Apocalypse. This time only Purchase Order is going with me. Buttermilk has her appointment tomorrow. Today I am being seen by Doctor Good Start again. He performs the check along with his nurse first on me. After he has finished, he tells me, “Congratulations Colonel it seems both have taken. Even though the embryos were already started when we implanted them, you will have roughly the normal 11-month gestation period.”

“Uh, doctor, how far along am I then?”

He smiles, “You are about one month and five days now.”

“Thank you,” I tell him and I put a hoof around Purchase as she takes her turn to be examined.

This time I see him nod his head and then I see him cringe a bit. Finally, he tells her, “Congratulations Purchase, one of your foals took.”

I see the look on her face and she asks in a brittle tone, “Doctor, one of my babies didn’t make it? Is, is there something wrong with me?”

I give a light squeeze with a forehoof around her shoulder. He closes his eyes and then opens them again he says, “No dear. You are a perfectly healthy mother. But to be honest, a large number of these embryos will not take. That is why we usually implant at least two. To give you a better chance of having a successful pregnancy. Purchase, I think this one will be fine.”

I hear her sigh, “But, I was hoping for twins. I shouldn’t have gone to work the day I got implanted. It is my fault.”

He looks at me and then her and I watch as he gently places a hoof on her shoulder and tells her, “No Purchase that would not have made a difference. That little one was not going to make it no matter who we put it into. That is just the way it works sometimes.”

I hear her sniffle some, then she asks, “Do you really mean that Doctor?”

He nods his head, “Yes I do Purchase. And to be honest, I think you will make a wonderful mother. I can see you have had some very strong role models to support you as well.”

She sniffles one more time and then she nods her head, “Thank you, doctor. I really appreciate you telling me that. I was so afraid it was just me.”

“No dear, it is not just you. I was very lucky is all.” I give her another light squeeze. “To tell the truth, I think you will be a better mother than I am even.”

She sniffles a bit and asks, “Really Ma?”

“Really Dear. You are one of my fillies now. Just so you know, I will be here with you for everything ok?”

“OK Ma, she tells me as she leans into me.”

Time passes quickly. It seems like only yesterday when Laura Lee found out she was pregnant. She and I have just gotten home and she tells me, “Mollygirl, I think I am starting to go into labor,” as she puts her hoof on her stomach.

“Are you sure?” I ask her. She nods her head yes and then I watch her start to have her legs buckle as she is hit by a major contraction, and she lets out a scream of pain.

Millie, Moon Lily, and Blue Moon run into the room and I tell them, “One of you go get Sutures now!”

Millie spins on her heels and runs out the front door letting it slam behind her. Soon Raven and her brothers join us.

Moon Lily comes over and starts to examine Laura Lee. She then says, “Let's get her laying down Mama Mollygirl, I don’t know if she will wait long enough for Ma to get here.”

I quickly help her up onto the table and think of a night long ago when we did this very thing.

Sumac comes into the room and sees what is happening and runs into the other room for a mop and bucket. While she is there, I hear her begin to heat some water on the stove.

I am holding Laura Lee’s hoof when Archer arrives back home and I watch as he approaches her from the other side and tries to comfort her also. Finally, I begin to see the forehooves sticking out. She screams again in pain and I watch as the foal's head comes out.

Moon Lily is there guiding the foal and using her TK, just like I have seen her mother do. The foal is almost all the way out when Sutures comes running in with Doula right behind her.

Sutures is there next to her daughter as the foal finishes being born. Moon Lily quickly clears the little one’s mouth and nose and as it begins to dry, we can see the light green mane and tail that matches Blue Moon’s. Finally, Doula takes the little one into her hooves and examines it, then presents it to Laura Lee, “Congratulations dear, you have had a little colt.”

Laura Lee smiles and then her expression turns to pain as she is hit by another contraction. This time Sutures takes over and Moon Lily assists her.

While this is going on, the rest of our youngsters have come over and begin to fawn over their newest sibling. Then I hear Raven call out, “Here comes the other one guys.”

They all shift so they can see it being born also. Laura Lee is in between contractions and I hear her say, “I never imagined I would be giving birth before an audience.” Then the next contraction hits and we see most of the legs and the tip of the nose begins to come out. This time the birthing process seems easier as well as quicker for her. Within minutes her second foal was born. As the foal begins to dry, we all see the long ears and then we notice his coat has a grayish tinge to it. Then we all see that he has a light gray mane and tail. When I see this, I feel tears come to my eyes.

The foals together share their first suckle from their mother. As she looks at them, she smiles and then looks at Archer and says, “Looks like both of you fathered one of them.”

He grins and tells her, “It sure does dear, now what should we name them.”

She looks up and says, “Well how does Double Strike for the first of them, and Honey Badger for the second sound?”

I see a tear in his eye too and he kisses her gently and tells her, “Dear, I think those are perfect names for them.”

It is only a couple of months later and Buttermilk has her twins. She has to call for Sutures and Doula in the middle of the night. Once she gets home Sutures grins and tells me, “That went really well. She had two very healthy heifers. One looks just like her, the other is black and white.”

“I am very glad to hear that dear. Thanks for letting me know.”

“Oh, you're welcome. I figured that this news might help relieve both you and Purchase’s worries.” She tells me.

“It does, believe me. Hopefully, it will help Purchase also.”

That afternoon I go for lunch with Purchase in White Cloud and as I eat, I tell Purchase about what Sutures told me.

She sighs in relief, “Thanks for letting me know ma. I was still really worried.”

I smile as I tell her, “Dear, I fully understand, I was too. Besides, only another three months and it will be our turn.”

She grins at me and tells me, “You know, you are right. Soon enough we will be having ours too. Ma, you still promise to help me?”

I put a hoof onto hers and I tell her, “Yes dear. After all, that is what us moms are for.”

“I know, but what if I mess up?”

“Purchase Order, I worry about that every day. That is part of being a parent. None of us are perfect, we all make mistakes, you will do fine.”

She smiles at me and I feel her worries slowly begin to relax. The funny thing is by seeing her relax, I begin too also.

On my way back to the camp after lunch I find myself humming and feeling better about the future.

Dear DJ Pon3,

Recently I had the worst day of my life. I felt like my world was being torn apart and it was all my fault. But I had my fiancé’s mother, who has become one to me also with me. I can only hope I can be as good a mother as she and the others in our family. If you could please play A Mother Like You for her and me.

Thank You,

Purchase Order, White Cloud, NCR.

In this chapter, I have mentioned the name of Suprise. Suprise is the creation of Kkat in the original FoE and is of special note, but I will not go into that as I do not want to give any spoilers for those who may not yet have read it.

For those who wish to listen to this chapter's dedication song, the YouTube link is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_fqP-XJg2E