She peered at her husband who slept soundly next to her. Quietly she got out of bed and made her way to the children’s rooms. Five-year-old Calvin just like his father slept soundly in his bed.

Slowly she crept into Brandon and Brian’s room. The three-year-old twins had crawled out of bed and were sleeping beside each other on the floor. Carefully she placed them back in their own beds.

The next room she entered held the one-year-old triplets, Cassie, Rudi, and Rachel. They slumbered in their cribs.

“Everyone asleep?” Came a voice from the doorway.

Cassie whirled around. “Oh Steve, you scared me.” Cassie spoke.

Steve walked over to her. “I’m sorry honey. I didn’t mean to. Are the kids alright?” There was a hint of concern in his voice.

“Huh?” Cassie wondered not really aware of what he had said. Her mind was still on the dream she had had.

“I said are the kids alright? I mean it’s 2:00 in the morning.” Steve moved closer to her.

“Oh yes, they are fine. I just had a bad dream.” Cassie gave him a serious look. “We had quadruplets.”

Steve’s face turned white. “Say what?”

“Two boys and two girls.” Cassie hissed. “Bringing our grand total to ten children.”

“Well” Steve laughed. “It was just a dream.”

“I don’t think it was funny ‘Buster’.” Cassie sneered.

Steve gently placed his arm on her shoulder. “Come on, let’s go back to bed before we wake the kids.” He whispered. “And I wish you wouldn’t call me Buster” Steve smiled.

They left the girl’s room and headed back to their own. “What would make you have a dream like that in the first place?” Steve asked when they were back in bed.

Cassie turned to him. “Steve. I think I’m pregnant.”

Steve could only stare open mouthed at her. “Are you sure?” He finally managed.

“No, not positive.” Cassie told him.

“Well when will you know?” Steve could barely speak.

“I have an appointment with Rudy in the morning. He should know by mid afternoon.”

“Do you want me to come with you?” Steve asked.

“No, someone needs to sat with the kids.” Cassie informed him. “Oh Steve if I am…”

“I know we will have seven kids, all under seven.” Steve sighed. ‘I mean Calvin isn’t even in school yet, he starts this fall, that is if you want him to. We talked about holding him back a year because of his age.” Steve yawned.

“I still feel that would be best.” Cassie agreed.

“Well at least that is settled.” Steve rolled over and went back to sleep.

“Yea. Sleep you big oaf. Cassie muttered. ‘I just can’t shake that nightmare.’ Cassie thought. ‘Imagine, ten children.’ With that she drifted to sleep…

Not again!” Cassie screamed. “Steve you call Oscar right now and tell him you are not going anywhere.” Cassie screamed.

“I don’t have a choice Cassie.” Steve stumbled over the words. “Oscar says it’s top priority.”

“It always is with him!” Cassie continued screaming.

“I can’t help it Cassie. You know Oscar and the OSI paid for this house after the quints were born.”

“I realize that. And they should have. We have fifteen children all under the age of seven. By the way will you be back for Calvin’s 7th birthday party? “Cassie asked as she cuddled two of their five most recent additions close to her.

“I don’t know. I’m not sure.” Steve sighed.

“You’re not sure?” Cassie shrieked.

“Oscar wasn’t sure how long I’d be gone Cass.” Steve smiled. “Look Rudy says he’ll send someone by to help you.”

“I want you to help me!!” She screamed.

As she continued shouting a car horn sounded outside. “Well that’s Oscar. He’s driving me to Dulles.” Steve informed her.

“Driving you to Dulles. Well he’s driving me crazy!” Cassie screamed from the porch step.”

The minute Steve left all heck broke loose. All five babies started crying at once. The 18-month-old quads also joined the gang.

“Oh good lord.” Cassie cried.

Not sure if she wanted to start comforting the children or cry herself the phone began to ring…

Again Cassie woke up with a start. The phone next to her was ringing. She picked it up. ‘Hello.” She shouted.

“Cassie, this is Oscar. Let me talk to Steve.”

Still not completely awake Cassie slammed Steve in the head with the receiver.

“What was that for?” He asked rubbing his head.

“Oh Steve, I’m sorry.” Cassie cried. “I guess I was still half asleep. You’re not going to believe what I dreamed this time. By the way, it’s Oscar.” She handed him the phone.

Steve sat up in bed. The clock on the bedside table read 7:00 A M. He looked from Cassie to the clock to the phone. “Oscar, I’ll call you right back.” Without waiting for a response Steve hung up. “Want to tell me about it?”

Cassie recounted the dream to Steve as they prepared for the day getting the children ready.

“Fifteen kids. Yikes!” Steve commented. “Now I know why you hit me in the head with the phone.” Steve chuckled.

“It’s not funny Steve.” Then she turned to him. “Oh Steve, what if I am pregnant?” Cassie was crying. “We already have six children. I really don’t want anymore.”

“I agree. I think six is quite enough.” Steve stated.

“You darn right it is Buster.” Cassie seethed.

“I wish you wouldn’t call me that.” Steve winced.

“Well all I can say is I better not be pregnant!” Cassie shouted.

“Look. You’re jumping to conclusions.” Steve told her as he lifted Rachel out of her crib to be changed.

“I’m sure I am. I won’t know anything till late this afternoon. By the way, don’t forget about Oscar.”

“Oh yea that’s right.” He laid the baby back down in her crib and walked over to Cassie. “Don’t worry, I’ll tell him to hold off for a while.”

“I really want you with me Steve. Maybe we could get Callahan to watch the kids for a bit.”

“I’ll ask Oscar, Should I tell him what we suspect?” Steve wondered as he headed for the phone.

“I would really rather not.” Cassie called after him. “But I suppose you will have to.”

“Want to repeat that one Steve?” Oscar shouted into the phone.

“You heard me pal. Cassie thinks maybe she’s pregnant.” Steve sighed as he sat on the edge of the bed for a serious talk. “She has an appointment with Rudy in just a bit. I’m going with her.”

“Who’s staying with the kids?” Oscar wondered.

“I was hoping you could spare Callahan for a bit.” Steve asked.

“No problem. I’ll send her right over. She’s been anxious to see the triplets anyway. I’ll see you when you get here.”

“See you in a bit then Oscar.” Steve hung up the phone and went back to Cassie. “He’s in shock.” Steve said. “He also said Callahan could watch the kids, she’s on her way. What time is your appointment with Rudy?”

“You know Rudy. Never was one for appointments. He just said when ever I made it in.” Cassie laughed.

“Well that’s good.” Steve put his arm around her. “And just because you are, if you are, it won’t mean that your dream, both of them, will come true.”

“I suppose you’re right. But remember your prediction came true.” Cassie reminded.

They were interrupted when the doorbell rang. “That must be Callahan.” Steve started for the door.

“Hi Callahan.” Cassie greeted.

Callahan reached for one of the babies. “Oh have they grown. I can’t believe they are a year old already.”

“Yea, I know.” Cassie gave a low moan. “Well Steve and I won’t be long.”

“Take your time.” Callahan assured.

Steve and Cassie left the house and headed toward the OSI.

“Well Cassie.” Rudy said when the walked in. He snarled at Steve. “This is a pleasant surprise.”

“How are you Rudy?” Steve extended his hand.

“Shame on you.” Rudy teased. “Come on Cassie. Let’s see if you are correct.”

“I sure hope not.” Cassie sighed as she followed Rudy back into the lab

By late afternoon, Steve and Cassie were both pacing back and forth. Every time they passed one another Cassie would snarl and glare at Steve.

Finally at five the phone rang. They both raced for it. Steve got there before Cassie. “Yes? Rudy? Just a second.” He handed it to Cassie.

“Well Rudy, what is the verdict?”

“You’re not. I repeat not pregnant.” Rudy announced.

She gave a sigh of relief then gave Steve the thumbs up. He too breathed a sigh of relief.

Cassie finished her conversation with Rudy. “Thanks Rudy.” She hung up, and then turned to Steve.

“There has to be something…”

“I know. I agree. I really don’t want to go through this again. I mean six kids are more than enough.” Steve agreed. “I’ll call Rudy right now.”

“Great choice Steve.” Rudy said. “We can do it first thing in the morning.”

“That soon huh?” Steve was beginning to have second thought.

“Steve, it’s for the best.” Rudy chided Steve’s reluctance.

“I’ll be there Rudy.” Steve hung up the phone and turned to Cassie. “First thing in the morning.” He smiled.

“Fine. Cassie stepped over to the hall closet and brought out a blanket and pillow. “In the mean time ‘Buster’ you sleep on the couch.” She ordered.

“Aw come on Cassie…” Steve protested.

“Do you want fifteen screaming children all under seven?” Cassie hissed.

“I suppose you’re right.”

The next day Steve was at the office before Rudy. “A bit anxious aren’t we Steve?” Rudy teased.

“Cassie won’t let me near her till after the surgery.” Steve sighed.

“Well ok then, let’s get started.”

"Ok Rudy." Steve followed Rudy into his office.

"Now just lie down Steve, this won't take a minute." Rudy coaxed.

A half-hour later Steve and Rudy stepped out of Rudy's office. "You feeling better Steve?" Rudy asked.

"Yea better." Steve said. "I should have had this done after the triplets were born."

"Well you can go on home. Just let me know if you have any trouble."

"I will. And thanks Rudy." Steve turned to leave.

"No problem Steve. I'll see you later." Rudy waved to him.

“Yea , catch you later Rudy.” Steve left the office and headed home.