The Way We Were

The Way We Mother's Day

Marcy yawned as she got up. She went to pee; wash her hands, face and neck and brush her teeth before coming back to make sure Mal was still breathing before going to take her medicine.

She came back and fed the triplets (who were still sleeping in the master bedroom) before changing their diapers. She went to wet and soap up a towel to wash all three then went to their room to choose new sleepers for them (they were too young for most of their designer clothes).

One by one, she transferred them to their cribs then came back to wake up Mal. While he was getting ready, she went to get the other kids ready with Marionette.

It was Mother's Day but they still had church.

After getting the kids ready and having Marionette entertain them, Marcy went to dress and get ready. She made sure to look her best for someone who'd just had a set of triplets four weeks ago.

When the house was ready, they went to church and met up with the rest of their family. When services were over, they went to brunch but instead of the country club, they went to a fancy brunch spot called Estelle's.

They had a pretty good time before the women left to go to a spa to relax. The men wrangled the children and tried to make sure their gifts were great enough.

They came together for an early dinner because Mike, Mercedes, Quinn and the boys were catching the redeye back to California for the boys' first checkup.

The siblings went first, giving their moms gifts. Jeanette and Judy were so happy with their presents.

Then Marcus and Michael gave their gifts. Marc, Mike and Mal were reassured about their gifts for their wives after seeing the extra mile their dads went through for their moms.

Marc went first. "This is for you, babe. Happy Mother's Day."

Laura opened the envelope and took out a sheath of paper and a set of keys. "What is this?"

"You know that property you were looking at in Pasadena for your business? It's yours."

Laura's jaw dropped and she hugged him hard. "Thank you!"

"You're welcome." He was proud of himself.

Mike went next. "Here you go, guys."

Mercedes and Quinn each opened a box and lifted out matching violet and silver swirled tote leather handbags. "Yay!"

"They had to be specialty made." He beamed. "This color didn't exist until now."

Both burst into tears. "I love it! I love you! Thank you!"

He was super proud of himself. "You're welcome. They have matching wallets and coin purses inside."

Mal went next, hoping he could top that. "Here you go, baby."

Marcy thought it was a ring because it was a small box but it was a keyring. It was a fob for a car. "Did you buy me a car?"

"It's a BMW convertible. I thought you'd need something to drive just for you, where you can speed."

Marcy's eyes wet at his thoughtfulness. "Oh Mal."

He smiled at the happiness on her face. "I had it match Travis a bit. Green outside, blue suede inside. It's a dream."

She leaned on him. "Thank you so much."

"Mommy!" The twins wanted to give their present.

"What do you have?"

They'd pooled their money together for their gift. They handed it over.

She opened it and pulled out an expensive pair of sunglasses. "Oh my goodness! How'd you get this?!"

"We saved!" Mally was proud of himself.

Marcy sniffled. "Thank you so much!"

"Present!" Riley screamed.

"You have a present, too?"

Mal gave it to her. "We went to the store and she loved it immediately."

Marcy pulled out a large specialty candle with three wicks and four levels. She sniffed it. "It smells like raspberries!"

Riley sprouted baby talk.

"I love it." She planned on using it that night. "Thank you, baby. Thank all of you."

The parents (grandparents) were proud of their sons and grandkids.