The news crews and the crowd had followed the visiting royalty out to their ship. Most of the newsies had taken off in their own vehicles within seconds of the Royal departure. Bowing to the commandant, Zeer and Paris headed in to their favorite bistro for some supper. They were meeting Zo. Paris had run into Zo earlier as they were both coming out of the hospital. They had agreed to meet after the state visit.
Just outside of the hospital entrance, Par was stricken with the first cramp. "Preacher Man! Babies comin'."
He scooped her up in his arms and ran the last few steps to the hospital. At the door, they were met by a Paronese medic. She had been standing just inside the door talking when she had heard Paris’s cry to Zeer. The whole Par Cat community immediately knew that her time had come. The very efficient medical system took over leaving Zeer's head spinning. That evening, they became the proud parents of twin red haired Paronese Cat males.They named them Zac and Shannon.
Zeer sat by the bed and beamed at his new family, "At least they waited until my press conference was over. We canna have them spoilin' MY big day."
She gave a tiny, tired laugh, "Thee are truly funny, Preacher Man..."
"Oh sure. Just what we needed...more furballs around the place..."
"Silence, old man, or I willna let ya see the bairns..."
"Ya canna stop me, woman. A ghost goes where he pleases, in case ya've fergotten..."
“You two never stop, do ya'..." on they went, bickering at each other, paying no attention to Zeer. Who, for his part, spent the evening holding and staring at these two wonders. Without thinking, he began the "Song of Gathering." Paris and Zack had the good sense to stop their fighting and join in the song. Two Paronese Cat nurses stopped and sang with them. When the song was over, Zac left to go haunt the pleasure dome. Zeer kissed Paris and the boys and headed home to sleep.
Chapter 9