Disclaimer: Disclaimer: KISS, Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons are real persons, and this story is not meant to harm or demean them in any manner. It is a work of fiction. Trynia Merin and other characters are property of the author. Rated R for sexual content and language, so no readers under 18 please.

Trynia shed her clothes, feeling much like a lizard shedding their skin. Entering a vulnerable phase where any predator could strike. This time the predator was the unknown, not any tangible threat. Granted the environment was one she had seen a few times before, the pastel walls and oceanfront paintings conveyed some sense of tranquility on the surface. The ob/gyn clinic was the same place, down the hall from her husband's home consultation office. Instead of two or three visiting rooms, the gyn clinic run by Cindy was an all enclosed room with 'pods', separated only by movable partitions, which gave the patient a constant audio contact with their ob/gyn. Most unusual by contemporary standards, but designed with conversation in mind. A changing screen, much in the fashion of the country doctors was where Trynia was positioned now.

"You know I just feel like I needed a checkup because I seem to be gaining weight awful fast..." Trynia said, emerging in the soft examining gown, decorated with purple flowers. It tied a bit overlapping in the back. She walked over to the examining table, in another 'pod' and regarded Cindy nervously.

"How long have you felt like this?" Cindy asked, dressed in a set of teddy bear scrubs and rubber gloves."For a few weeks now. I just can't help but think that I'm much bigger than Terri was at this point."

"Hmmm. that is a concern." Cindy nodded. "Have you kept your correct caloric intake."

"Yes..." Trynia nodded, shifting up onto the table with the aid of the step stool Cindy brought over. Paper crackled as she sat down with some effort, and shifted to get more comfortable on the table's edge.

"Well the nurse said you were on the high end of the normal range for a woman of your stage of pregnancy..." said Cindy, glancing over her charts. "I think it was a very good idea for you to come today. Any other indications you feel... uneasy?"

"Sometimes I feel as if there are more then one baby in here... I feel so large... and I could swear I feel like an elephant..."

"Well your body does have its own awareness, and many doctors don' t consider that a patient often knows their body far better then many of us would like to admit," Cindy laughed."And for awhile, Paul told me it was all in my head. I think he was afraid that I was just being self conscious, but NOW even he won't deny it," Trynia said, twisting the cloth on her gown. "I'm DEFINITELY bigger than I should be.... At least I THINK so."

"I have your height and weight measurements I've looked over. I would like to do a sonar to hear your baby's heartbeat..."

"Ok.... Sure...." Trynia nodded, exhaling nervously. "There are.... Uh.... Twins in my family."

"Yes," nodded Cindy. "You had mentioned that. Have you had any... sensations?"

"I think I've had those too. Sort of a strange scratching type of sensation, from the inside. Isn't it too early to be feeling all this?"

"No..." said Cindy, turning a way for a moment. "Hold on, let me just get the Doppler..."

As Cindy crossed the examining room, she moved over to an area where various equipment was stored. Trynia craned her head to watch while Cindy readied the necessary hookups and brought the unit over. She indicated Trynia lay down across the table, paper crackling under her as she positioned herself.

"And there are ladies in my pregnancy aerobics class that are due the same time as me and they are just now thinking about maternity clothes. I've had problems fitting into my clothes now for WEEKS," Trynia said."All right, I'm getting the Doppler here..." Cindy said. "This is going to be cold..."

She winced when gel smoothed over her abdomen, and Cindy placed the receiving end of the small Doppler unit by her belly. Quizzically she glided it over the three dimensional surface, stopping to listen in various positions. Trynia held her breath in concern, because waiting for the doctor to locate the heartbeat was always worrisome.

"Damn, I wish Paul was here," she muttered to herself. Cindy frowned a bit, stopping the monitor. Paper crackled under Trynia's nervous fingers as she kept her eyes trained on Cindy's expressions.

"Don't worry, it's nothing wrong... I could have sworn..." Cindy muttered to herself.

"I need to quit worrying, right? I remember Terri telling me it takes awhile sometimes to locate a heartbeat" she chuckled weakly.

"Wait..." Cindy said. "That's true... but in some cases..."

"I can tell it's alive.... Right? I mean, I just heard a heartbeat there somewhere, right?" Trynia asked, worried something was dreadfully wrong. An odd sound, much like the whooshing of a washing machine echoed in the room.

"That's your body's normal sounds. But listen to this... It's down here... listen to this... it's almost as if there is... more then one would you say?" Cindy asked. "Almost like it's out of sync?"

Trynia's eyes opened wide as she searched Cindy's face. "One trying to keep up with the other... very fast..."

"Now can you see why I was perplexed..." said Cindy. "This MIGHT explain why you're so large this early... I would like permission to do an ultrasound..."

"It's running from you, huh?" she laughed. "Oh, Cindy, of COURSE, but you've got to tell me what you're worried about"

"When you said you had twins in the family... it got me thinking... I don't want to worry you or plant false hopes, it could be an echo..."

"But I won't know for certain till I do the ultrasound..." she says, rushing over to the phone to call the ultrasound technician to stop by. Although she had her clinic in the home, she had the services of an ultrasound technician for her prenatal visits, one always on call depending on the times of appointments.

"So, what you're saying is it MAY be two? Or even MORE?" Trynia gasped."Two heartbeats," she said, positioning the Doppler again. "Hear it... one is beating at a different rate then the other..."

"Damn, it's...TRUE...." Trynia whispered, in stunned silence, broken only by that alien noise that was coming from within. However, it was not alien, but very much human in nature.

"Hold on... the tech is coming over... and we'll know for sure in a half hour..." Cindy said, gripping Trynia's hand and giving it an excited squeeze. For a time, they listened to the heartbeats, while the technician arrived, and they readied the ultrasound device.

Soon the mesh of gray and black lines merged on the conical shape on a monitor, both Cindy and the technician, Jenny, trying to make sense of the quizzical blurs. They formed into various structures present in Trynia's abdomen, the end of the ultrasound replacing the Doppler. Jenny fiddled with various settings while Cindy directed the scan over the gel slick abdomen.

"Damn it, and Paul's over at Holly's house, writing some new songs. I don't even know her phone number" she whispered, still in shock.

"Well we can see one sac," Cindy said, pointing to the monitor.

"Yes... definitely," Jenny agreed. "Try down there, didn't you say that's where you heard heartbeat number two?"

Trynia strained to see the monitor. She has to squint at it, groaning as they brought another object into view.

'Yes! I can see it!" she cried. "That strange round surface? Is that an amniotic sac?"

"Yes! That's one baby!" Cindy nodded.

"Oh lord... it's so small... and yet...""And lets look... " She curved the monitor over several places. "Up here... no.. wait... to the right... look... look at that..."

"Another sac," the technician muttered. "Down there..."

"Not identical... but fraternal..." Cindy observed.

"Two!! It's TWO!!" Trynia gasped, shivering.

"Two sacs, and two little babies..." Jenny nodded, pointing to the monitor. "It's a definite..."

"Oh....God...." Trynia cried.

"Well, congratulations, you have twins." Cindy smiled. "Fraternal twins. If it were identical, they would be in one enlarged sac... and if we position and scan a little deeper, we can make out the little head of one here... and a body... oh yes... another body here with its little head..."

"You can't tell the sex, can you?" Trynia asked.

"Not at this stage... it's hard to see... the cord is in the way of one, and the placenta is here of the other..." Cindy said. "Jenny, just double check here and make sure if there are any others..."

"Oh.....crap....." Trynia breathed, trying to smile but failing for a moment.

"What's wrong... look I can understand you're frightened..." Cindy asked.

"This CERTAINLY complicates things, doesn't it?" Trynia shook her head.

"Would you like to have us call your fiancée?" Cindy asked.

"My mom and dad....they don't even know yet, and here it's going to be twins."

"I see..." Cindy sighed, and grasped Trynia's hand. "Look, Don't worry about that now. Your job now is to stay healthy, and follow some directions I'll give you."

"I just keep picturing me on the road with two small babies." Trynia inhaled again, still stunned.

"I'm going to give you specific instructions because of the increased risk of multiple pregnancies."

"I have to write them down..." Trynia fumbled, trying to get up.

"Easy there. I'll give you a booklet with them, about multiples, just relax. Jenny's going to pack up the instrument and I'm going to clean the gel off..."

"Thank God for you, Cindy. This is all just a major shock, and here I SWORE I was ready for this."

"I know it's frightening," Cindy nodded, swabbing off the slimy substance. "but you have a very good man on your side."

"I know I do, and I don't want to burden all this on you, but I know that you are Paul's friend and I think of you as more than my doctor."

"Good, because I am your friend too, remember," Cindy reminded her, grasping Trynia's hand to squeeze it again. "And I know Paul pretty well... And I know he'll be VERY proud of you now."

With the back of her hand, Trynia wiped her eyes. She nodded, and felt a stinging tear of gladness. Still she protested, "Cindy, WHAT am I going to do if I can't travel with him? What if he says two newborns are too much for the road? I've promised him since the beginning that I'd travel with him."

"Now hold on..." Cindy stopped her. "I am SURE you will cross that bridge when you come to it."

"After all, if there is a will there is a way."

"I know, but you have to understand. Paul's a sex symbol for women everywhere. What's going to happen if....."

She stopped a moment and puts her hand on her chest. Trying to fight the worry, she blinked hard.

"Don't even worry about hat..." said Cindy firmly. "Right now your concern is taking care of yourself and those babies inside of you...""I wonder what he'll say? I mean, TWO Starbabies," she smiled.

"I know he'll be VERY happy, that's for sure," Cindy laughed.

"I know he will be too, once he gets over the shock and we have a minute to come up with a plan. It's just that we were hoping to take the babies on the road. That's starting to look like QUITE a chore"

"I know it's overwhelming, but you must take one step at a time." Cindy told her. "I have to warn you there is a chance that these babies will be premature. It's lucky if we can get them to week 35..."

"I heard about that...shorter gestations. I've been surfing the web a bit just on the off-chance that it IS two."

"Ever the scientist, aren't you?" Cindy teased.

"I guess I'm not so much worried as I am just kind of stunned. We have the resources financially to care for them of course...." she blushed, worried she was bragging. "It's just I hope I can be a good mother to two at once."

"You will have LOTS of help. With twins in our day and age, there is every chance this could be a very routine pregnancy..." Cindy said matter-of-factly.

"And of COURSE, Paul is going to want to know about...." she blushed again, ".....well, bedroom activities."

"Has your mother had a history of miscarriages?" Cindy asked. "Or has she managed to carry all to term?"

"No, she's not had any problems that I am aware of."

"That's a point in your favor," said Cindy. "Also, since you are in excellent health..."

"I've been trying to follow your suggestions, as far as diet and exercise."

"Good. Now not to ignore your previous question, in terms of bedroom activities, I can't see why you can't have sex..." Cindy explained. "As long as you take it easy... and don't overexert yourself."

"He'll be VERY happy to hear that," Trynia smiled.

"Perhaps in the third trimester there might be issues... but I'm certain you'll be creative... No worse then when he had his surgery."

"I can hear him now, Cindy....."I'm 50 years old and having TWO babies."

"Two for the price of one," Cindy giggled. "A binary star."

"And his mother is going to buy out the infant department at Bloomindales," Trynia laughed.

"See you have LOTS of support already," Cindy pointed out.

"I know I do. I guess I just need to let Paul know and pray he takes it OK."

"Now, would you like to call him, or shall I have the office contact him?"

"I....I probably ought to. I'm not exactly sure HOW I'm going to tell him, but I'm going to try to make it special," Trynia answered tentatively.

"Is someone coming to pick you up?" Cindy asked.

"He's sending Chris to come get me. At a matter of fact, he should be here soon. He and Gina are trying, you know."

"Do they need a good ob/gyn?" Cindy asked, packing up the rest of her equipment.

"Maybe I can give them some tips. Apparently I am QUITE good at it" she joked. "You would love Gina, Cindy. She's just amazing."

"Well, I just wanted to tell you something else..." Cindy stopped her, before she climbed down from the table to get her clothes. "I think I have to adjust my calculations for the age of the babies... you appear to be at 14 weeks..."

"My mother is going to take one look at me in my wedding dress and she's going to know. I wonder if Paul and I should reconsider...." Trynia groaned. Taking her pile of clothes, she walked behind the changing screen.

"Well, perhaps you could announce it at the reception after the wedding?" Cindy suggested.

"I guess that's another thing I need to discuss with Mr. Stanley" she sighed.

"Don't' loose heart. You have a LOT of people pulling for you."

"I just hope he doesn't snap. He's got so many things on his plate. I just don't want to see him sitting up nights, worrying about me and the babies," Trynia muttered, pulling on her garments slowly.

"Well, perhaps he needs to have a talk with Gene about this..." said Cindy. "Maybe he needs to cut back on what all is on his plate."

"That's easier said than done. Paul's been running in multiple directions since I've met him. He feeds off that. I just know he's going to be a great father. Heck, he already IS."

"Yes, but he'll have to prioritize," Cindy said firmly.

"Well, I am going to nurse, so from his prospective that should make it a bit easier on him."

"True. but you might want to consider a breast pump."

"Terri's already given me the information about purchasing one," said Trynia, emerging fully dressed. She stepped into her shoes and took her purse.

"Good. Now don't worry... just take it easy. And if you have ANY questions please call..."

"Thanks for the ride," she said to Chris as they pulled up to Paul's home. Actually it wasn't just his home, it was their home. Why was it difficult to simply admit that to herself, she wondered?

"It's my job, Miss Merin," he said. "If I had known you'd wanted to do shopping you could have left me a list and I'd have picked some things up for you... or else Gina could have..."

"I enjoy getting out a little bit now and then, and it's for a good cause," she answered.

She noticed Paul's Porsche absent from the curve of the drive as the limo pulled around. Her heart pounded in her chest, and she clutched her purse more tightly as Chris emerged and opened the limo door for her to get out.

"Should I get the bags for you?" he asked, reaching his hand to her to help her to her feet.

"You don't have to," she smiled.

"It's not a problem, believe me," Chris nodded. "It's my job to make your life easy, you know..."

"I know," Trynia grinned back. "And for that I'm grateful..."

"So just relax and let me get to it then, Miss," he joked. "And you can get your surprise ready..."

"And what makes you think I've got something up my sleeve?" she teased him. He grabbed several packages out of the trunk, and laughed when she grabbed the bag from him. However, he took the two heavier grocery parcels before she could reach them.

"Oh, perhaps the stop by the fish market, and the Wicks and things store might have been a slight hint that something's up?" Chris commented, carrying both bags effortlessly as he nudged the limo door shut with his foot. Trynia extracted her house keys and started up the stone winding walkway.

"Once you drop those off, why don't you take off the rest of the night. I'll have everything covered here..."

"Oops, let me get the door for you, your hands are full..." he offered.

"Yours are fuller then mine, and I've got the keys smarty," she reproved him gently, dodging before him and unlocking the door. Relenting, he entered after she held the door for him. They carried their burdens into the kitchen, where Henri was just putting together a Cesar salad.

"You've got the night off, Henri," Trynia told him. "After one more little detail..."

"Ma'am? I was just putting together a fine salad with tangerine..."

"It's okay, I'll wrap it for Paul's lunch tomorrow... I'm taking over the cooking tonight, and you've got the rest of the night off, and tomorrow, okay?" Trynia said with a smile.

"Are you sure?" Henri asked, a bit surprised.

"Please, I've got something special in mind for Paul..."

"Would you like me to prepare it for you, it wouldn't be a problem," Henri offered, scratching his head.

"Well, actually you could give me an idea on how you do that grilled sea bass so well and I thought you could give me a hand..."

"Excellent choice, I'd be glad to," Henri smiled, while Chris started to unpack the groceries.

"Thanks. Chris, could you give Henri a ride home, or wherever he wants when we're done here?" Trynia asked.

"Sure..." Chris nodded. Under Henri's tutelage, she got to work.

***

She had just lit two candles, placing them into a crystal bowl, when she heard the sound of a car pulling up outside. Headlights flashed shortly in the window, reflecting off the crystal set out. Like a binary star, the candles floated on their scented oil atop the water, painting the dark dining room in their gold radiance. She lit other strategically placed candles, hoping he would clue into the secret message before him. Rushing out to greet him, she heard the click of the key in the door, and moved before it. ON the way she grabbed a foil and paper wrapped present with the single purple rose attached.

The door swung open, revealing her standing there with the rose held just under her nose. She smiled, enjoying the sight of him standing there with guitar case and briefcase in hand.

"Hey honey, I'm home!" he joked, with a wide grin on his face. She leaned up on her toes and kissed him. Paul let his guitar case drop as he put his arms around her tightly. She wrapped one arm around his neck, pulling his lips to hers briefly yet sweetly.

"I noticed and I'm VERY glad," she teased. "Get any good lyrics out of Holly this time?"

"Hmmm tell you later," he whispered, pulling back for a brief moment. Into his hand, she pressed the rose, wrapping his fingers around the stem.

"This is for you, love," she whispered.

"Aww, flowers for me?" he joked. "This IS a special occasion I don't know about? You shouldn't have gone to so much trouble just for little ol me coming home from a long day at work..."

"Oh, just because. You just worry about your own self there, mister surgery." she teased.

"I'm MUCH better thanks to your ministrations, nurse Merin."

"You know, if I weren't such an understanding soon-to-be-wife, I'd be just a bit jealous of you spending all that time with a beautiful woman as I sit here getting fatter and fatter" she winked.

"Well you can stop the jealousy love, because I couldn't WAIT to come home to my baby, both of them," he joked, kicking the door shut behind them both. He picked up his case, put it to one side, and hugged her again. She inhaled the scent of his musk and the leather of his coat, pressing a kiss to his chest.

"I know, and I've been VERY busy preparing you a most delicious feast, kind sir."

"Oh... did you?" he winks and licks his lips. "As much as you didn't have to, I'm VERY glad you did..."

Clasping his hand, she led him through the darkened house. He followed her to the dining room. Stopping him, she tugged at his coat, and he let her take it from him and take a minute to hang it up in the closet. Another sound indicated she was taking his guitar and briefcase to their usual place in the studio. A minute later she returned, beckoning him into the dining room. He followed, amused and excited by the turn of events.

She gently pushed him toward his chair, urging, "Here. Sit. Let me wait on you this once."

"Hmmm. if I didn't know any better, I'd say that you were going to an awful lot of trouble..." he commented, sitting down. Taking a bottle of wine from the sideboard, she poured him a glass. With amusement, he noted how the bottle was already uncorked and wrapped in a white towel to keep it cold. She playfully stuck her finger in the bottle and licked it.

"Aren't you sure you won't sit down? I mean you don't' want to tire yourself out..." he suddenly said with concern.

"Hmmm, this will be delicious with sea bass."

"Now, now, Cindy says that I'm doing just fine and it's good for me to stay active.... Besides, I'd MISS pampering my man once in awhile." she pouted playfully.

"Well if the doctor recommended it... how can I argue?" he shrugged with a laugh. "What was that about sea bass?"

"You just make yourself comfortable, Mr. Stanley, and I'll be right back to show you. Taste the wine. It's delicious," she said as she walked over to the stereo in the other room. Depressing the power button, she initiated the slow jazz CD, dimming the chandelier over the table.

Taking the glass in hand, he held it under his nose to absorb and inhale the wine's rich bouquet. "Umm, Sutter home, Cabernet Sauvignon," he commented. His eyes traveled to the source of golden light at the center of the table, two flickering stars dancing in a shimmering miniature ocean of scented water.

"Hmmm, we need SOME light in here to eat, I suppose. Don't want to get TOTALLY carried away by romance, now do we?" she teased, re-entering with a triple wick candle to place nearby the bowl.

"Aww," he pouted. "And here I was already to wait for the right moment to sweep you off your feet..."

He indicated the floating candles, and sipped his wine. Upon closer inspection he noticed they were star shaped, glittering purple wax dotted with silver, about two inches from point to point.

"You like them? There's two of course. That should be perfect. Now I won't have to worry about you gouging your eye out with your fork."

"Hmm how appropriate," he smiled. "Two candles..."

Trynia stared at him for a long time as he started to eat his Caesar salad. Silently she hoped he would pick up on the inferred message before him.

"Two is a good number, right?" she said. "Don't you think?"

"Absolutely. One for you. And one for me..."

Wincing shortly in frustration, she realized he hadn't gotten the message. She rose from her chair, and leaned over to kiss him softly on the cheek. Tugging on her sleeve, he joked, "And baby will soon make three. Just what I had in mind, sweetheart."

"Oh, yes...three..." she answered, absently. "I'd better go get dinner."

"Although, I wouldn't mind a few more in the bowl... If you know what I mean..." he winks. She hurried into the kitchen and soon emerged with a tray filled with various bowls and pans.

"You know what they say, honey. Be careful what you wish for," she laughed, setting a plate laden with food before him. His eyes widened at the sight of the sea bass flanked by new potatoes and glazed baby carrots.

"I'm serious, sweets. I'm like one of those stars in middle age..." Paul joked, rubbing his hands together in anticipation. She repositioned his napkin on his lap, and sat down with her own plate catty corner to him.

"How so?" she asked, amused.

"I need to start forming new stars... while I'm in my prime love... The more the merrier... besides it's a BIG house."

"Don't be silly, Paul. Your dad is in his mid-80 and he's still extremely active. I wouldn't be surprised if he still...." she stopped and blushed.

"Hmm, still what?" he winked, chewing a mouthful of potato.

"You know what I mean, bad boy. You come by those good genes honestly," she teased, prodding her sea bass with her fork tine.

"You're made of good star stuff yourself sweets," he nodded back, mouth full of food. Sweetly she smiled at him, and motioned toward him with her fork. As he tasted his sea bass, he watched the candles floating together, twinkling.

"So, how's your dinner? I didn't leave you wishing the cook never left us tonight, did I?" she asked him.

"This fish is EXCELLENT," he said, savoring each bite, then washing each one down with a sip of wine. "And the baby carrots, put the cook's to shame."

"I appreciate that, love." She said, finishing her potatoes.

"I'm serious," he said, reaching across to take her hand. "This is WELL worth the wait..."

"I'm so glad you like your dinner," she smiled warmly.

"This is definitely the best dinner I've had in a LONG time," he sighed. "May I have seconds, sweetheart?"

"You most certainly may," she nodded, leaping up to get the pots from the kitchen. Taking his plate, she disappeared once more to load it again with delicious food. Paul's eyes riveted to the food as she placed the plate before him again.

"Those candles, I just get a kick out of them. Star shaped and all... they're lovely."

"Yes, they are. You don't think there are too many, do you? I mean, should I have just gone with one?"

"Two is a nice number." he commented. "I like some things... in pairs..."

"That's sort of what I thought, because they look so beautiful together.... A matched set. Twin stars, if you will," Trynia nodded, trying to avoid the slow smiles creeping over her face. Was he finally getting it?

"Binary stars," he laughed. "Like in Terri's SF stories."

"Yes, exactly. So you don't think it's overdone, then?" she asked, sipping her diet sprite.

"Why would I think that?" he teased, not entirely sure just WHAT she was talking about, but attempting to humor her anyway. "I mean hey, they give twice the light, don't they? And it is a big bowl..."

"I had three to put in there, but that's just too much. It has to be two. It just fits," she added, sighing to herself.

"Baby, not to change the subject..." Paul asked carefully. "But is everything all right... I mean how did the visit to the doctor go?"

"Hmmm, yes. Everything is great, love. I'm just glad you're home."

"And...." he asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Oh, damn, I forgot to tell you about that. Cindy says hi, of course."

"Well, I'm sure she said more to you then hi..." Paul said, waiting for the news.

"And she heard the heartbeat just fine. And much to my surprise, she did an ultrasound."

"Is everything all right... I mean did she see," he asked, eyes widening in concern. "Did she find out why you er... well... seem to be further along?"

"Oh, yes, everything's fine. Just fine. She put me at 14 weeks, which means that the baby was conceived much EARLIER... in fact I happened to mention that night you and I uh... made beautiful music together?"

"Jeez honey I KNEW there was something special about that night!" he laughed and shakes his head. "Not that every night isn't INCREDIBLE with you..."

She shook her head, and commented, "There's just something about that night."

"Yes," he said, taking her hand. "It was TWICE as intense."

"It was just perfect, right?"

"Just perfect," he nodded. Again, he puzzled over the candles in the bowl, trying to guess the riddle of what she was trying to tell him.

"Too bad we didn't have these candles back then. They would have looked beautiful in our music room.... Us making love by candle light...." she smiled.

"Oh yes. It's funny, it makes me think of something really strange just now..."

"Yes, VERY appropriate," she grinned and looked at them.

"I don't know why... but I'm thinking of Paul revere..."

"What's that, sweetheart?" she asked, rising from the table.

"One if by land... two if by sea..." he muttered. "Funny, huh?"

"How many if by music room?" she asked nervously, hiding her face behind her glass, biting her lip.

"By music room?" he muttered and looked a bit confused. Then he glanced at her then back at the bowl. Paul stopped chewing, and swallowed his last mouthful hard.

"Two starbabies." She smiled, blushing. "They are perfect already."

"Wait a minute..." Paul repeated slowly. "You mean.... Two?"

"Yes," she whispered.

"That's why... two?" he asked, eyes widening, as he remained silent.

"Twins.... Oh, Paul, I SAW them today. They are so...."

Paul pushed away from the table in sheer shock. Rising, he turned away and paced around the table. He whispered, "You... saw them on the ultrasound?"

"Yes. They were so...small.... So perfect," she answered, heart pounding and unsure of how he was reacting.

"Trynia, baby...." he said, turning around with a smile on his face.

"That is so...."

"It's a Merin thing," she said as she wiped tears.

"AWESOME!" he cried, giving a war whoop like onstage. Grabbing her chair he tugged it out and pulled her up into his arms to whirl her about.

"Paul!" she laughed. "Put me down you big goose!"

"ALL RIGHT!" he shouted.

"I thought you'd be happy!" she grins.

"The Stanley seed is potent as ever!" he joked, hugging her tightly.

"Two for the price of one this is INCREDIBLE!"

"Oho, now we're not going back to that Stanley versus Simmons fertility thing, are we?" she laughed hysterically, tears of relief in her eyes.

"No baby! Only that with you, I'm twice as happy, and I'm getting my family faster then I imagined..." Paul smiled happily. Gently he set her on her feet again.

"I'm so glad..."

"So... are they identical... fraternal?" he asked, rubbing her belly and urging her to sit.

"Fraternal, so there's a chance at a boy and a girl," Trynia nodded. "I know how badly you want a baby girl."

"That's even BETTER!" Paul beamed, kissing her cheek softly. "One of each..."

"Star critters, as you call them" she smiled. "But this means there will be a few things to discuss you know."

"Maybe..." he smiled.

"Two wonderful, beautiful babies in there," he whispers. She rested her hand atop his, guiding it over her abdomen.

"I'm so glad to see you happy about this, love, because it's definitely going to give us some challenges. An infinite amount of happiness, but some challenges too."

"Honey, that's got me thinking... that maybe we should move he wedding day up?" he suggested, taking his chair again. At this, Trynia sighed. "I mean... if you are still nervous... about well... you know."

"I thought about that too. Paul, I'm going to be pretty obviously pregnant before long, if I'm not already," Trynia groaned.

"Well why don't we get married next month? OR in the next two weeks?"

He asked practically.

"God.... Oh...damn, that's so soon. Can we be ready?" she asked, in shock.

"Well I know it's crazy... but if we did it here... I mean if we moved it to LA... I mean I don't want you flying out to the East Coast in your condition..."

"California?" she whispered, closing her eyes. "How is that going to go over with your mom and mine?"

"Uh well..." he says slowly. "I was thinking I could pay to fly your family out here? And maybe... we could find a very nice banquet place or country club... and put everyone up in the best hotel... Look, I know it's not quite what you planned... but I'm sure Gene and Terri will be sure to give us whatever help we need planning this shindig... Unless... you don't want it that way..."

"I don't think we have any choice. If we wait another month, I'll be waddling down the aisle. Not to mention that my father would be standing beside me, shot gun in hand," she commented sadly.

"Well then we have to do it in the next 2 weeks love," Paul agreed, taking her hand and kissing it softly. "You have your wedding gown and the bridesmaids gowns picked out... And if we have the ceremony in one of the hotels, one of the BEST ones, they can cater the event...

"Honey, I have to admit that I'll feel better once this is out in the open and we are truly together," Trynia agreed. "But what about the priest and the rabbi?"

"I know a rabbi out here who's a good friend, who'll be happy to marry us on such short notice," Paul said. "But a priest... in LA... would you want me to fly Father Houlihan out here?"

"Yes, I'd love to have him out here. He's such a sweet, understanding man. I think he'd be happy to fly out here to perform the ceremony, since he knows us," Trynia nodded. "IT will smooth things over somewhat. I don't look forward to telling my folks, but let's face it. The world is going to have two more Eisens, regardless of whether it's ready or not."

"Yes..." he smiled, watching her touch one of the candles with her fork.

"And my parents, well, they'll just have to deal," she nodded.

"After all, I'm picking up the tab for them," he joked.

"And your parents are wonderful. Your dad is the best, and I think I'm actually on your mom's good side..."

"But can your friends get time off?" he asked.

"I think so... I mean at least my grad school friends... but my family..."

"Well, they can come over a weekend and be done in time to go home if they have to," Paul nodded. "I wonder how Gene and Terri would feel about helping me pull this off VERY quickly."

"You're lucky, though, Paul. Your dad is going to be happy and support you. Mine, however..." she trailed off, shutting her eyes tightly.

"Well let's not think about that right now. You're getting married, and I won't have you worrying yourself..." he said firmly. "And anyway, that's all the more reason to marry you in two weeks instead of two months."

She takes his hand and squeezes it, voice choking, "I can already hear him talking about his bastard grandchildren."

"Our children are out of love," he said, taking her hand.

"Besides... Claudia... she wasn't a bastard, ever," he whispers to himself.

Trynia looks at him, feeling terrible that she's hurt him, and pulled her hand from his. "I'm sorry I didn't..."

"Honey no, I didn't mean it like that..." Paul said quickly. "I meant that no child should be blamed for their parents lack of marriage. And the label BASTARD is incorrect. I won't stand for any child we create together being labeled that nasty word."

"Love, you have to remember that my dad has disowned his own flesh and blood because he doesn't like the way he is.... The way he lives."

"You mean... Chas for example?" Paul asked. "Because he didn't get married to a woman? Or become a priest?"

"Absolutely," she said, with a firm look in her eyes.

"Well then we have one more invitation to make," he says. "Where does he live? I want to get him out here..."

"He's in Colorado, not far from here at all, and he's a Kiss fan. He wouldn't miss it for the world."

"Great, you call him tonight and invite him." Paul said. "Tell him I want him as an usher in the wedding, and that I'm flying him out here."

She looked at the candles again and smiled, rubbing his hand. She whispered, "Thank you."

"Hey, it's my job love."

"You never even knew Claudia, but you've gone out of your way to take care of her. She's a top notch violinist and that's mostly because of you, sending her to the best schools, giving her the best teachers," Trynia said slowly.

"Yes I have," Paul nodded. She brought his hand up to her and kissed it.

"I love her... And I know that these children are going to want for nothing..."

"And I'm sure Gene will be HAPPY to help you out," he smiled. "Planning the wedding.

"Well, we already had some ideas. We just need a way to make them work."

"I'll talk to him about reserving a hotel room..." said Paul.

"I guess we'll have to scramble for music. I don't think the band will be able to make it out here for the wedding. Remember they said their schedule was very tight," Trynia sighed. "And maybe he can make the arrangements for that, and the catering... Maybe we can have a DJ. I know you don't want one, but..."

"Aww no," Paul sighed. "Maybe Gene or Terri could... We could call Bruce and Eric... Maybe Gene can get some of the guys together and play?"

"Hmmm, we could try, if Grand Funk isn't touring," Trynia mused.

"Hell I'll take GFR as our band," he joked.

"You really hate the DJ idea, then?" she said, sipping her drink.

"Well, let's say I like live music honey. Ask Gene, maybe he knows a good up and coming band. Who might like a wedding gig?"

"Let me get with the Man. With all the people he knows, I'm sure he'll grease someone's palm and get some nice music," she laughed. "Now, about our honeymoon..."

"Definitely, that's Geno..."

"Our wedding suite must be perfect." Trynia added.

"Hmm how about someplace local in California... Or we could drive to Vegas," he jokes.

"I want red rose petals scattered all over our bed," she whispered, kissing his ear softly as she leaned over.

"Hmm," he smiled.

"And we can close our eyes and PRETEND you're taking my virginity away," she teased.

"If we stay in a five star hotel in LA... we'll have a SHORT trip to the bridal suite," he winked.

"The shorter, the better!"

"Definitely," he smiled, kissing her wrist. "And also... the hotel I'm thinking of serves the best food... and they have the nicest rooms... we could have the ceremony in their Italianate room... with the marble pillars and paneled walls... And it would be like being married in the Mediterranean... and the reception could be right in the banquet hall next door..."

"And flowers?"

"Tropical ones, all around, so it will be like the jungle..."

"That sounds perfect, and I love the tropical theme. Someone the idea of getting you alone in the jungle just gets me all... oho.... Animalized. Bring your special underwear, love!"

"For you, especially," he whispered, as she slid her hand under the table and up his leg.