Chapter 36

When I arrived at the airport, I was dismayed to discover my flight had been canceled. The thought of being stuck in an airport terminal for hours with three tired, cranky kids did not appeal to me at all. I purchased a snack for the triplets and paced back and forth impatiently. I stared at the board searching for the latest information on our flight when I noticed a flight to Lucky Palms was leaving within the hour. I have heard of Lucky Palms before and it's nickname: Sin City.

Lucky Palms wouldn't be tropical, but it would be warm. And fun. And maybe a little crazy. I walked up to the counter and asked if there were any seats left. There were enough seats for me and the triplets. We'd be out of the airport and I would be heading toward adventure. I was feeling the urge to take a walk on the wild side, to push the envelope. Maybe I am just looking for a distraction. Maybe I am trying to cope with hurt and mistrust that has rooted in my heart and this is my way of coping.

I purchased the tickets and the triplets and I were in the air heading for Sin City in no time at all. There were enough empty seats to spread the triplets out, let them relax and encourage them to sleep. I was also tired, but instead of sleeping I found myself conversing with an elderly couple. Unlike the majority or the passengers, they were not tourists or business visitors. The Crenshaws owned a home in Lucky Palms and also owned a small real estate business to supplement their retirement. Before the plane landed, they had showed me all the available houses on their laptop and I had selected a new home.

Day 158

Lucky Palms is breathtaking and so is my new house! The Crenshaws dropped me off with a key and a promise to have the local used car salesman contact me today, so I wouldn't be without a vehicle for long.

It's time to change out of this winter wear!

The triplets immediately changed into their swimsuits and raced for our new pool.

I changed into some comfortable clothing and enjoyed the beautiful view from my bedroom window. The beauty surrounding me has inspired me to start painting again.

After feeling chilled for so long, it felt fabulous to soak up the heat.

A view of our backyard and the back of our house.

While I was painting a cute, friendly kitty showed up in our yard.

The beautiful cat was obviously well cared for, but she did not have a collar or tags on her. I told the triplets to stay out of the pool and I left the cat with them at our new house. I started down the street looking for her owner. There wasn't anyone directly next door, but I found a neighbor arriving home a couple of houses away.

This incredibly hot hunk introduced himself as Argus Hulin. He explained to me the cat that was in my home was named Serena. Serena is the lucky cat of Lucky Palms. She moves from home to home on her own whim. She settles in with a new family and stays until she decides to move in with someone else. The residents welcome her with open arms because she seems to bring Lady Luck with her. Well, I couldn't argue with that. I considered the fact that I discovered this eye candy within hours of landing in Lucky Palms quite lucky indeed.

We stood around chatting a bit, getting to know each other. Argus has a good sense of humor and he is a fun conversationalist.

I checked on the kids and they were having fun in our new home. They said Serena kept drinking out of the toilet even though they gave her a bowl of water. Silly cat.

I couldn't tear myself away from Argus and we ended up chatting all afternoon.

Must. Keep. Hands. To. Self.

Nice package ;-)

I check on the trips and they were already munching on cereal for dinner, so I suggested to Argus that we go out for a bite to eat.

The view on the way to The Blooming Cactus was breathtaking.

After sharing a bottle of wine with our dinner, we stopped being so cautious with one another. The flirting commenced.

I knew the kids would tuck themselves into bed early after their long night of travel, so I was game when he suggested we go to Hotfoot's Casino.

I couldn't wait to try the slot machines. I did not have the luck Argus did, but I had fun anyway.

Maybe it was the wine, the flashing lights or excitement of gambling, but moved from friends to more than, happened without effort.

Despite the obvious mutual attraction between us, I went home alone. For tonight anyway.

Day 159

After traveling and a late night, I slept in while the triplets readied themselves for school.

I made a decision to go into town for a new makeover. I am overdue a new look.

The back of the school.

The front of the school.

It was time for a tough decision. A little trim or chop it off? One thing was certain, I would be hitting the tanning booth a little, I am tired of looking so pale all the time.

After my makeover, I walked next door to the Coffee Pod to shoot a bit of pool.

I managed to time my returning home perfectly and the triplets were arriving home from their first day of school in Lucky Palms just as I was pulling up in the driveway.

Then Serena showed herself to be a naughty kitty.

Argus called to chat while the kids went to burn some energy off from being cooped up in school all day.

I invited Argus over for dinner. I whipped up some hamburgers and raised my Cooking Level to a 9.

Bad Serena!

Argus and I went outside to watch the stars, while the kiddos readied themselves for bed.

And later we went back inside.

Day 160

Someone woke up with one thing on his mind.

"I'd like to dip my pen in your inkwell."

Argus decided to fry up fish for his breakfast.

The smell of it was too much for me to handle.

We decided to go out to the park for a bit.

Awww! Flowers for me.

And a smoochie for you.

We went to the Coffee Pod. Argus ordered a drink. It was only three in the afternoon, but it's five o'clock somewhere.

I was hit by another bout of nausea and had to run for the bathroom.

...and it's called Supernatural...

I helped create and promote it. I have a fan club now.

I checked on the trips; they are doing fine on their own.

Argus and I went to get a bite to eat at a different coffee house.

More flowers <3

And then we went back to my house.

Day 161

When Argus woke up I gave him the news of his impending fatherhood.

Argus decided to read and I decided it was time to get the garden started. I chose to upgrade the sprinklers immediately. It is important to conserve water in the desert.

Ordering pizza for dinner.

Pizza is on the way, Argus!

*sigh*

Fried ice cream

Water conservation is very important =D

Dude, why are you sleeping outside?

Day 162

Argus decided to start his day with rancid ice cream???

Dude, you are so NOT kissing me with that mouth.

Dishwasher repair required, please.

The results of rancid ice cream. Ugh that toilet needs cleaning!

I could go for some nachos about now.

Argus was exhausted and went home. Jadyn brought a friend home from school. Today is the triplets' birthdays.

Joel's new trait is: Kleptomaniac. Well, doesn't that make a mother proud.

Jadyn's new trait is: No Sense of Humor. Fun times ahead.

Jared's new trait is: Nurturing.

The house had been tidied up post-party and I was turning off the TV in the family room when I went into labor.

Just after midnight I gave birth to twins. First born was Aiden with the traits: Virtuoso and Couch Potato. Next was Avery Rose with the traits: Light Sleeper and Genius.