Chapter 14 – Getting Ready For Ashley's Birthday

"What's special about Oct 22nd?" Mabel asked. "Ashley's birthday." I said
looking confused. "And how far off is Oct 22nd?" she asked. Suddenly the light
came on. "Oh yeah, 3 weeks from now." I replied.

"Right." Said Mabel. "Now Helen and I have been talking and..." Helen
continued "...if you're going to do what you promised Ashley..." back to Mabel
"we need to do some planning. So...?" and they looked at me awaiting my
answer. "Of course I plan to keep my promise. Did you think I wouldn't?" I
replied.

"No, but we were just double checking. Oh and by the way, we've got lots of
time as we know what the girls are up to tonight. No need for you to worry
about getting back. They'll keep one another... let's say occupied." and at
that both ladies grinned.

"Here's what we think need to be done before Ashley's birthday." Said Helen
and she and Mabel proceeded to lay out their plans. It was obvious that they'd
had a number of discussion, both between themselves and also with Tara on some
occasions. I agreed to their plan and gave Mabel and Helen the okay to take
Ashley out shopping for her special occasion. It appears that Tara's special
night had a deep impact on her and she wanted Ashley to have the same
experiences.

"We're going to have Tara over for the night so it will be just you and
Ashley. Paul has been told that you're taking Ashley out for a special grown
up birthday and that Tara will be staying with us that night." She paused and
took a deep breath. "Helen and I have been talking about something else. We
believe that both Paul and Harry have an idea as to what's going on at your
house. Knowing both of them so well, I'm absolutely certain that neither of
them will say a word. They were as distressed as we were when Peggy was killed
and with your condition after. Remember, we have no proof that the boys know
anything, it's just a sense that they do. Don't say anything to either of
them, all right?"

"Whew!" I said. "I don't know what to say, except that I had wondered how we
were able to keep this a secret. I'll make sure I don't say a word."

"Okay, now one other item. Do you mind if Helen and I get Ashley a 'toy' like
Tara has?" Mabel grinned.

"Oh you evil minded ladies! No I don't mind; in fact I'm glad you're going to
do it. It's not something I'm real comfortable with doing - going into and
'adult' store and buying a vibrator for a young girl." The two ladies laughed
until they were almost falling off their chairs. When the finally got their
breath back, they came over and each gave me a big hug and a kiss on the
cheek. "Go home and have a good night's sleep..." said Helen, "that's if the
noise from Tara's room doesn't keep you awake." and with that both of them
started laughing again. I frowned at them then smiled, waved goodbye, and went
back home.

The next day when I got home after work I was met by tow excited girls.
"Daddy" "Dad" they both started to talk at one time. Tara jumped in "Dad, the
two Grandmas asked us if they could take us shopping on Saturday." Ashley
jumped in "Can we?" I smiled and told them yes. "That means I can laze around
the house and don't have to shave and I can just watch football and drink
beer." I grinned.

"Nope!" Ashley replied, "When we get home all 7 of us are going out for
supper. Grandpa Paul and Grandpa Harry are taking us to that Italian
restaurant that you like. They said it was to be an early birthday supper for
Ashley." "So, Dad," Tara continued, "when we get home you better be shaved and
not smelling of beer. Do you hear?" She shook her finger at me.

I put a sad face on. "Aww, just when I thought I could have a lazy Saturday
for once and you guys have to spoil it."

Tara grinned. "Nice try Dad. Nice try." Then off they went to change and come
back and help me with supper. I asked Ashley to go and thank the two grandpas
and tell them we'd accept their offer. While she was gone I asked Tara if she
knew what the shopping trip was for "Duh, Dad! Of course I do. Grandma Hazel
and Grandma Mabel and I have been planning this for a couple of weeks. I'm
going to make sure that Ashley has as good a thirteenth birthday and I did –
or maybe even better." and she smiled. "Hope you've got lots of money in your
bank account as you're going to have to pay for FOUR females shopping!" Tara
giggled at that thought.

"I think I'll be able to deal with the bills, we may have to eat macaroni and
cheese for a month but that's okay." I said with a smile. Tara giggled and we
continued getting supper ready.

Saturday rolled around and off the four went. I shuddered to think of what the
bills would total when they got home. I took the time to go down to the local
wine merchant where, after some discussion with the lady who owns the store, I
purchased several bottles of wine. Next I went to Mario and Lydia's and made
reservations for Oct 22nd. I made a mental note to come back on the 21st to
re-confirm the reservations and to 'grease the skids' as it were with the
maitre'd.

When I got home I took a shower and dressed in some casual but nice clothes –
an open necked shirt with a pair of linen pants. All I needed to do was put on
my dress loafers. I spent the balance of the afternoon listening to music and
reading. About 3 pm I heard sounds of a pair of very excited girls. In they
came with bags and wrapped packages. It was impossible to tell what they were
saying as they were both talking at the same time. Finally they ran out of
breath and I held up my hand – quiet. "Okay, you chatter boxes, what all did
you buy. Tara and Ashley exchanged looks then Tara started. "Well, Dad, we
can't show you everything 'cause some of it is..." and she blushed. "I know, I
know, well how far in debt am I? How long will I have to work to pay this
off?" I grinned at the girls. They knew that money was not an issue but that
they still needed to be responsible.

"I bought two pair of jeans, in case you hadn't noticed, the ones I'm wearing
now are getting pretty tight." Said Tara

"Oh I know they're getting tight and oh how I love to look at your behind in
them. Shows off every dimple and pimple." I said laughing.

Tara put her hands on her hips and gave me a scorching look. "DAD!!! You're
being nasty! Ohhh..."

I ran over and put my arms around her and hugged her. "Gotcha', didn't I?" and
I laughed. Tara couldn't who couldn't stay mad long giggled and punched me in
the arm. Ashley watched that exchange and laughed too. "Great one Daddy."

The girls went up and put their stuff away and when they came out we went and
had supper with the 'Grandparents'. As we ate I kept thinking of Helen and
Mabel's comments about their husbands. I tried to get a feel as to whether the
ladies thoughts were correct but noting twigged me. After supper we came back
home and, even though both girls were in my bed, it was just a cuddle and kiss
night.