A new night came around, and the kids were in bed as well as Sweet Pea as Callie checked papers and did legal work while listening to the radio.

"This is for all you night owls burning the candles," the radio guy said. "Stay hungry my friends." Hungry Like the Wolf by Duran Duran started to play. She looked up to see Sweet Pea walking into the room.

"Your senses are sharper than ever," Sweet Pea commented. "You are doing actual work which means I can't tell you to not look into murder investigations and go to sleep."

"That was actual work," Callie defended herself. "Not entirely legal."

"Barley legal," Sweet Pea stated as he sat at the table. "You said you wanted to talk to me about something...but when I got home you were asleep."

"Juniper and Dagwood's birthday party," Callie began. "I have parent-teacher that night, but if you could take the kids to the party."

"You can count on me," Sweet Pea assured; putting his hand on top of hers. "I got a couple of days off, it should be no problem." Callie leaned over and kissed him on the cheek.

****

At school, Callie was standing in Weatherbee's office with Archie and Kevin.

"Parent-teacher night is always a nerve-racking event," Weatherbee explained. "But this one is truly make-it-or-break-it for us. We need to show the parents that we can educate and protect their kids during these troubled times. Archie and Callie, I'd like you to join Kevin in giving tours of the school."

"Good idea," Kevin agreed. "With Toni out on bed rest for pregnancy, we're short on tour guides."

"We can do that," Archie assured.

****

As a tradition, Callie took her kids to the park after school when Betty approached her. 

"What's up, Betts?" Callie asked as Betty took over to push Lottie on the swings.

"Glen isn't allowing Jughead or even you on the case," Betty answered. "It's now an official FBI case." Callie looked over at Betty. "I hate to do this...bugging."

"Your phone or the office?" Callie asked. 

" I can put it in the office," Betty answered. "But I just need to make sure Glen doesn't see it."

"Hook it up to your laptop," Callie suggested. 

"He's going to see it easily," Betty quickly denied.

"Not if it's covered correctly," Callie answered. "You have laptop stickers right?"

"Clever," Betty nodded. "I'll handle the placement...any word on the highway?"

"According to Sting, a couple of the drivers are seen in and out of that junkyard," Callie answered. "They have license plates of some."

****

Callie arrived in the apartment to see the door across the hall wide open. She could see Sweet Pea, Toni, and Fangs sitting around a table.

"Hey," Callie greeted knocking on the door. 

"I needed a favor," Toni said as she put her hands together. "Sweet Pea says you make this thing called Pirate Soup." Grady looked up happily at Callie, as Lottie ran over to Fangs. 

"I can make it," Callie smiled as she walked in. 

"But after dinner, Jughead wants you to go down to the Pops," Fangs informed. "He wants to talk to you about aliens and a book." He was playing with Lottie, waving her hands all around like a cheerleader. 

"That must mean his literary agent liked his new idea," Callie stated. "But for now, Pirate Soup." As Callie was preparing with help of the others; Sweet Pea nudged her. "Yout truly liked it?"

"You were a good cook back then and you are a good cook now," Sweet Pea answered; she looked up at him. "I think I'm getting the hang of getting our kids to bed on time. So don't worry about rushing home." Sweet Pea looked down at her; their eyes locked. 

"Mommy," Lottie chimed; breaking the tensions, Callie looked down to see Lottie tugging on her leg. " I want to help." Callie picked up Lottie so she could join in on the making of pirate soup; she looked back to see Fangs and Toni working with Grady.

*****

After dinner, Callie went to the diner; he told her all about what Samm told her.

"Science fiction isn't your forte," Callie said as Jughead poured her coffee. "Sure you've read books, but murder mysteries have always been your thing...so why aliens?"

"Well, aliens can add to a murder mystery," Jughead answered. "I just need to channel Stephen King." He turned toward the laptop. "Screw you, Stephen King." Callie laughed, and moments later Glen's voice filled her ears.

"What's up?" Glen asked. 

"There's something on this tape," Betty answered; there was some commotion.

"How are relations between you and your wife Alice, at this point?"

Hal's voice surprised Callie. "We weren't in a good place. She wouldn't touch me or even look at me. So I started connecting with women on Nedslist."

"That's how women working the Lonely Highway make their connections too," Betty informed.

Callie was snapped back to alert when Jughead snapped his fingers in her face.

"What's up with you?" Jughead asked. "You were listening and then you weren't."

"Sorry, Juggie," Callie apologized. "It was only a matter of time before someone came to me about bugging in this town."

Jughead smiled. "Betty at the FBI office?" She nodded. "How did she hide the bug?"

"She said she'd handle it and she did," Callie answered. "Now, perhaps you need to do some research on aliens before you write a novel involving them?"

"Are you suggesting I go down to the library?" Jughead asked. "I'd rather just go to the Blue Velvet and rent all the alien movies."

"Which is now Veronica's jewelry store," Callie reminded him. "La Petite Bijoutiere." Callie leaned over the counter. "Another pressing matter, what's going on between you and Tabitha?"

"Nothing," Jughead quickly asked as he closed the laptop. "Friends and co-workers."

"Grady and Lottie don't think so," Callie said; Jughead shook his head and walked away. 

****

Morning came around; Callie was wrapping gifts for Juniper and Dagwood with help from Lottie.

"Hot breakfast from Pops," Sweet Pea announced as he walked through the door with Grady; he was having a piggyback ridge. 

"How much do I owe you?" Callie asked.

"Nah," Sweet Pea denied. "We are a family." Callie looked over at him. "Serpents and Vixens take care of each other."

"Right," Callie breathed as Lottie put the name tags on the gifts. "Speaking of which...I do have a meeting with the Vixens." Sweet Pea looked over at her. 

"Would it be alright if I came to this meeting?" Sweet Pea asked. "With all the serpent meetings you've attended in the past."

"Sure," Callie nodded. "Do you remember where the Farm was located?" Sweet Pea gave her a strange look. "Gotta hold it somewhere. Let's jsut drop Lottie off at Toni and Fang's place and Grady at school.

****

After a few stops; Callie got back to the apartment building to see Sweet Pea waiting with his motorcycle out front. She had a small montage of flashbacks of Sweet Pea waiting outside her dad's house with the same bike.

"Are we going to the meeting or not?" Sweet Pea asked; raising his eyebrows. 

"Uh, yeah," Callie nodded. "Let's go."

Sweet Pea smirked. "You don't seem so confident, Watson."

"Let's go," Callie rolled her eyes as she walked up. It was just like all those years ago; she sat in the back holding onto Sweet Pea as he took drove the motorcycle. Callie closed her eyes; she had a flashback to when the Ghoulies and Serpents had a drag race; the first time she had ever ridden on his bike. Sweet Pea glanced back at her a couple of times, he was glad she could not see him smiling. Soon they got to the place; there were a couple of bikes and cars.

"Boss," a vixen greeted; eyes laid on Sweet Pea. "Who is this?"

"I'll explain...is everyone here?" Callie asked. With a nod, everyone went inside. "Vixens this is Sweet Pea of the Serpents...Sweet Pea these are some of my Vixens...one's that are allowed to know my identity." The Vixenbs looked at each other; then at Sweet Pea; which made him look at Callie. 

"Callie, I want to talk to you about the Lonely Highway," Misty began. 

"Also whispering from Hiram Lodge's prison," Sting added. "Hiram Lodge as well." He handed her a small booklet.

"Can I speak to her?" Sweet Pea asked as he grabbed Callie. "Thanks." He pulled off to the hallway. "Are you seriously investigating the murders on the Lonely Highway? I thought you'd left that serial killer business behind."

"I'm doing to for Betty," Callie answered.

"That is exactly how it happened last time!" Sweet Pea hissed. "You have kids to worry about now! Our kids!"

"I am well aware of that!" Callie exclaimed. "I want to know what happened to Polly as much Betty and her mother...along with all those girl's who's bodies are being found at the swamp." She opened the booklet to see the information.

"Shortstop...if things get too dangerous---"

"I will be pulling everyone out of the case," Callie answered. "From this...I could use some Serpent and Vixen help." Callie dragged Sweet Pea back to the others.

"What do you have in mind for the prison breakout?" Sting asked.

"It's obvious that we will not be able to stop it," Callie answered. "Since a couple of them are being told to target the school I want my teachers there to be on alert for anything." A couple of them nodded. 

"Ma'am, what is palladium?" one of the Vixens asked.

"Palladium?" Sweet Pea asked. 

"According to this, the reason he targeted Southside high," Callie answered. "He has been having his prisoners dig for it at the prison."

"But what is it?" Misty asked.

"It's a metal rarer and worth more than gold," Sting answered. "The SoDale project was just a cover." A few hands raised.

"Duckie?" Callie asked.

"What are we to do about the Lonely Highway?" he asked. "We've kept track of license plates that in and out of the junkyard a lot."

"I do not want any of you going into the junkyard alone," Callie answered. "Especially the ladies, since women are the main target among this killer or killers. If you feel are being watched get out immediately; and make sure you are not being followed." The meeting went on for about two hours; Sweet Pea focused on Callie as they watched the others leave.

"You're a good leader," Sweet Pea complimented.

"You can thank FP for some of the lessons," Callie said. "I did learn that some lessons are dealt with as time goes on." Sweet Pea smiled. "What?"

"You are back like what...a few months and are already tackling things such as serial killers and Hiram Lodge?"

"For your awareness, I have been dealing with Hiram Lodge before I came back," Callie answered. "The serial killers are just back on the tune of songs to sing." 

"I think we should go to Pops and get shakes or down to the Whyte Wrym," Sweet Pea suggested.

"I think we should go sing that song again," Callie agreed; Sweet Pea grabbed her hand, dragging her to the bike. They arrived at Pops in no time; Jughaed was the most surprised to see the two arrive together.

"Where are you two coming from together?" Jughead asked.

"Callie just had a Vixen meeting," Sweet Pea answered. 

"Didn't you two go to Pops after every Swords and Serpents meeting?" Jughead asked. 

"With a strawberry milkshake to share," Callie recalled as she leaned over the counter. "Extra strawberry."

"Just go find a seat," Juhead instructed; the two did as they were told. For a bit, Jughead kept looking over as Callie shared some notes with Sweet Pea; and the two talked. 

"What's going on with those two?" Tabitha asked. "For months, Callie has been a bit hostile toward Sweet Pea."

"It's just as my dad predicted," Jughead answered. "All the old feelings will jsut come rushing back to the surface." Tabitha looked at him. "Callie? When should I--"

"In a few minutes," Callie answered looking back. "We have to go grab pirate prince from the school."

****

Later that night, Callie was wide awake in bed, and Lottie was fast asleep between Sweet Pea and Callie. The little girl had gotten a nightmare and refused to sleep in her room in case the monsters lingered there. Her attention got grabbed by the little footsteps approaching the room; she looked up to see Grady with his stuffed animal.

"Mama," Grady grumbled as he walked over. "I can't sleep." 

Callie grabbed him; pulling him into the bed. "I guess this calls for a sleepover." She put him next to Lottie. "What's keeping you awake?"

"Jealously," Grady answered. "I heard you and dad take Lottie in here and never came back out." Callie smiled, then kissed the top of his head. Callie looked back at the clock; she felt shuffling; she looked over to see Grady getting in between Lottie and Sweet Pea; pushing his sister over to Callie. "Night, Mama."

"Night, Grady," Callie nodded. 

*****

Morning came around; Callie woke up to both kids still asleep; she looked over to see Sweet Pea in confusion.

"When did Grady come in?" Sweet Pea asked. 

"About two hours after we got Lottie back asleep," Callie answered; Sweet Pea looked over at her, and studied her. "What?"

"There truly is no way to fix the past is there?" Sweet Pea asked as he rolled on his side; Callie shook her head and she did the same. This was one of the many things Sweet Pea envisioned when he was going to ask Callie to marry him. "Tonight is parent-teacher, kid's birthday party, and a prison break-out."

"Do you still--" Callie began.

"I got a new pair," Sweet Pea answered as he clutched his fist. "Yes, I can bring them to the party."

****

Night came fast, Callie was at the school for the parent-teacher night and Sweet Pea was at Cooper's house with the kids. Calli was now with Archie, Sergent Taylor, Kevin, some other teachers, and the parents.

"And this is where I leader your shining stars in song," Kevin informed. 

"Kevin is an amazing glee club director," Callie added.

"As a matter of fact..." Kevin began; the lights went out. Callie turned around; and sent a quick text to her Vixens and Sweet Pea.

"Not to worry, folks," Archie began. "It's probably just a circuit breaker."

"Why don't you guys wait here, and we'll be right back?" Callie asked; she nodded to one of the Vixens in the room. The two walked out of the room.

"Be on your guard Archie," Callie informed as she started to go in a separate direction. "There's been a prison break-out."

"I'm not even going to ask," Archie said.

******
Over at the Cooper residence, Sweet Pea had gone and put Lottie up for a nap upon getting Callie's text. Grady was downstairs when the doorbell rang. 

"Juniper, sweetheart, would you mind getting the door for grandma?" Alice asked. 

"Are you expecting everyone?" Betty asked. "No, I may have forgotten to invite the Blossoms." They walked over to see two guys in orange jumpsuits walk in. "Charles."

"Hey, mom," Charles greeted. "Little sister." He looked over at the sound of footsteps coming down the stairs. "Sweet Pea." Sweet Pea stared at him; before going over to Grady.

"Hi, Betty," Chich greeted as he walked up. "Did you miss me?" Sweet Pea stayed with the kids as Alice and Betty were in the kitchen.

"How have you been, Sweet Pea?" Charles asked.

"Fine," Sweet Pea answered. "How is War Baby?"

"Still kicking," Chich answered; he looked over at Grady. "You must be Grady...based on the face; you are the father."

"Judging from the hair...sweet old Callie is the mother," Charles finished. "Always suspected you two to have a family together." The two then put guns on the table. "Where is Lottie?"

"Not here," Sweet Pea answered. "She wasn't feeling well."

"Shame," Charles said as Alice and Betty joined them at the table. 

"Why are you here, Charles?" Betty asked. 

"Destiny," Charles laughed. "There was an explosion at the prison, and while all the other prisoners headed off for the hills..."

"You know, we came here to celebrate with our family," Chic finished.

"Chic and I would like to be married with our family present," Charles announced. 

"How?" Betty asked. "Yuo don't even have a minister?"

"Um, about that..." Alice began. "Betty, um...Charles had me get ordained online so I could marry them in prison."

"But this is so much better," Charles lit up. "I mean, it's...Home, sweet home."

****

At the school, Callie had a few encounters with some prisoners, and from the sound of it so did Archie. She was now tying up two of the prisoners; her Vixens were standing by her.

"You know what to do with them," Callie said. "Discard, but do not kill."

"Yes, ma'am," the Vixens responded; Callie walked away wiping blood from her mouth, 

In the music room, one guy threw a backpack at Kevin. "Watches, wallets, cell phones, jewelry in the bag." He was pointing a gun at all of them; two of the prisoners stood behind him.

Kevin watched a disguised Serpent step forward; she took the guy's arm and twisted it making him drop the gun. By the time she picked it up; he had another gun pointed at her. "Don't do what he says..."

"Quick being stupid and put the items in the bag before someone gets hurt," the man ordered. "Come on, hurry it up." He looked when the commotion outside got louder. "What's going on out there, Tim?" 

The man stepped into the hall; out of nowhere Callie stepped out, and plunge a knife into him; she stepped back when Archie hit the guy with a  crowbar.

"You stabbed him," Archie panted as a couple of Callie's gang members stepped out of nearby classrooms.

"Enough to injure but not kill," Callie answered; Archie took care of the man holding the others captive. Kevin was in complete relief to see them. 

"There's two more by the circuit breaker," Archie informed as Kevin grabbed the bag. "The school's under some kind of attack."

"It was planned," Callie informed. "There was a break-out at Hiram's prison and it wasn't a coincidence it is happening on parent-teacher night."

"She's right," Kevin said; looking at her. "My dad just texted me the same thing."

"We need to move out," Archie urged. 

"There are 11 civilians in here," General Taylor reminded Archie. "We don't know how many armed inmates are out there. We stay put, Sergeant," 

Callie's phone went off; she gave it a quick glance. "There are about twenty or so heading this way."

"Then we barricade all entrances and secure all access points," Archie instructed. "Kevin, hold down the fort." He gave Kevin the blade; then walked out with General Taylor and Callie.

*****

Back at Cooper's the birthday party was put on hold for the marriage. Sweet Pea made sure that Grady stayed close to him; refusing to let go of his hand.

"In front of these witnesses, and by the power invested in me, by the Universal Life Church I now pronounce you husband and husband," Alice announced; there was a knock at the door; Juniper ran over.

"Juniper, don't get that," Charles ordered as he pulled out his gun. 

"Hey," Glen greeted as he walked in with flowers and gifts.

"Glen, what are you doing here?" Betty asked. 

"Glen, as in Glen Scott," Charles said. 

"Charles?" Glen asked. "It can't be."

"It is," Charles chuckled. 

"How do you two know each other?" Sweet Pea asked. 

"They went to the academy together," Betty recalled. She looked at her family and then at Glen. "Oh, is that why you're writing your dissertation about us?" 

"He's doing what?" Alice and Betty asked.

"What's a dissertation?" Grady asked looking up at Sweet Pea. 

"It's like a school paper," Sweet Pea answered.  

"Mr. Scott is writing a paper about serial killers," Betty added. "You know nature versus nurture. Specifically how it relates to the Cooper family."

"The hell?" Chic asked. "I don't count?"

"Of course you do, babe" Charles assured. "Since my old rival, the academy is so interested in learning what a serial killer tick...I think we should all play a game." Charles looked at Sweet Pea and Grady. "You two are welcome to join."

****

At the school, Callie and Archie were locking the doors, chaining them closed. 

"Would you put that gun away, General?" Callie requested. "We're in a high school."

"As far as I'm concerned, we're behind enemy lines, Ms. Watson," General Taylor defended himself as Callie looked over. 

There was a bang. "Hello, anyone in here?"

"Uncle Frank?" Archie asked;

"Archie, open up!" Frank pleaded; Archie quickly let him back in. "It's a good thing you told me about Parent's Night." He looked over. "Callie...is that really you?"

"Uncle Frank," Callie smiled as she hugged him. "I should have visited when I came back."

"Don't worry about it," Frank said as she pulled back.

"Can you tell us more about this prison break?" Callie asked.

"I overheard some of my fellow inmates saying they're getting paid to trash this town, especially this school," Uncle Frank answered. "I was lucky to not get beaten to a pulp when I let these people know that I was trying to reach my niece and nephew at the school."

"That would be m Vixen Gang," Callie answered; Uncle Frank gave her a proud look.

"Only Hiram Lodge would be crazy enough to do that," Archie said going back to the main subject. "Now, he's made us a target which means we gotta go." The prisoners showed up at the door; trying to barge their way through. Archie went over to his sergeant. "General, you only have six bullets in that gun. What are you going to do when you run out? The smart play here is to withdraw while we still can."

"You want us to lead civilians out into open hostile territory?" General Taylor asked.

"No, need to worry," Callie assured. "My guys are also out there trying to protect them."

"We went to this school," Archie added. "We grew up in this town. We can slip out through a tunnel behind the boiler, and then I can get everyone to the Sheriff's station safely."

"Sounds like a plan, Sergeant," Kevin said; they all looked to see Kevin with the parents and some of the teachers. 

*****
At the Cooper house, Glen was tied up to a chair, and Charles had a gun pointed at his head. Chic had a gun pointed at Sweet Pea, Alice, and Betty as the three kids sat on the couch.

"So, this fun game is called Pincushion Man, where the youngest member of a family takes a pin and sticks it in the pincushion man," Charles explained. "Tonight, that man is Glen."

"No," Alice breathed.

"And if memory serves, Junioer is the youngest member of our family by...three minutes?" Charles asked. "After we all take a turn, then can Grady and his gang member father, Sweet Pea."

Chic held out a large kitchen knife for Juniper. "Here's your pin, little lady. All you have to do is stick it in the pincushion man. Nice and deep." Juniper slowly reached out her hand; Grady could see Juniper's reflection in the knife. 

"Please, please, please," Betty pleaded as she got in the middle. "Charles, I'm begging you. She's nine years old, okay? This will scar her for the rest of her life. Me and you, we're lost causes. There's no hope for us. But there is still hope for them, okay? Please...Please let there be hope for the twins and Grady, who is six years old." Charles put the gun up by his head. "Please."

"You're right," Charles agreed. "Juniper doesn't need to lose her innocence tonight. But that means you have to take her turn. One round of Pincushion Man...then we'll get back to the wedding...and then we'll be gone in the dark."

"Fine," Betty agreed as she took the knife.

"Juniper, Dagwood, Grady, get upstairs right now," Alice ordered; the kids immediately did as they were told. Sweet Pea then stepped between Alice and Chic.

"Please, don't do this," Glen pleaded. 

"I don't have a choice," Betty said; she looked back to see that Sweet Pea was fixing something on his hand. She then got close to Glen." He grunted when Betty stabbed him. "Rot in hell, Glen."

"I can't believe she actually did it!" Charles rejoiced. Chic smiled wide, he looked at Sweet Pea; who punched him in the face while wearing his brass knuckles; Chic looked forward just for Betty to throw a knife at home; sinking into his chest. Alice then tackled Charles; the two began to wrestle with the gun. Sweet Pea quickly started to untie Glen.

"Mom!" Betty cried as she grabbed the other gun, and a shot went off. "Mom!" Betty saw that Glen was struggling to breathe. "We need to get him to a hospital right now."

"Oh, my god!" Alice cried as Charles lay on his back; he had been shot in the chest. "Ohm my God!"

****

After cleaning up and getting Glen to the hospital, Sweet Pea returned to Elm street to see Callie sitting on the porch of her old house.

"Mama!" Grady cried running over to her, without words Callie pulled him and Lottie into a hug. She looked up to see Sweet Pea; his knuckles were bloody; he saw that she had been injured. They all stayed over at the Andrews's house; after getting the kids to bed, Callie was upstairs in the bathtub just thinking.

"Callie," Sweet Pea said as he opened the door.

"Pea!" Callie exclaimed as she quickly closed the curtain. "Knock!" There was the sound of a belt getting undone, and clothes falling to the floor. Sweet Pea stepped on another side. "Pea!" She covered herself. 

"We need to talk about tonight," Sweet Pea said as he sat down. "We put the kids in danger."

"It was stupid of me to let them go to the party, knowing about the breakout," Callie said. "I've got to be the worst mother ever."

"Not all," Sweet Pea denied. "One bad decision doesn't make you a bad mother."

"They could've been killed Pea," Callie reminded him.

"Not with their dad around," Sweet Pea assured.

"Next time, let's just say they are sick and leave them with Toni and Fangs," Callie said as she continue to refuse to look at him. 

"With that covered, you are injured," Sweet Pea said as he reached out a hand. "You can look at me."

"Pea, you are---"

"Naked," Sweet Pea finished; he got a kick seeing Callie grow more flustered. "Let me see your hands." Callie pulled her knees up to her chest, crossing them; then extended her left hand. "Bruised knuckles mean you punched a couple of people...my training paid off." Callie finally looked at him. Sweet Pea pulled his knees up to his chest so he could scoot closer; he moved his hand to her face; thumb skimmed over where her lip was cut. "I guess I have to find those inmates who did this to you." He looked down to see a couple of bruises on her. "The Serpents aren't going to stand by knowing the Vixen Queen got hurt."

"Don't worry about it," Callie requested. 

Sweet Pea smiled. "This time you don't worry about it." Callie looked down at his lips and then back at his eyes. 

"Callie!" Archie shouted as he pounded on the door, Callie and Sweet Pea both pulled away from each other. "There better not be another baby-making session between the two of you in there!"

Callie's eyes widen as she looked back at the door. "Archie!"

"I'm setting a time," Archie informed. "If you both are not out in five minutes, I am kicking his ass to FP and back!"

*****

Morning came around, Callie was downstairs with everyone else, and Uncle Frank was getting his nails painted by Lottie; Grady was feeding him chips and salsa.

"Hey," Eric greeted as he walked in. "How are you guys doing?"

"Uncle Frank's going to lay low here for a bit," Archie answered. "And my mom's gonna talk to the parole board about how he helped us out."

"I already did the legal work and faxed it to her," Callie added. 

"Yeah, fingers crossed Mary Andrews comes through," Uncle Frank pleaded; Archie got a call and walked away. "So, Sweet Pea do you live here as well?"

"At the apartment with Callie and the kids," Sweet Pea answered. Uncle Frank looked at him up and down.

"Uncle Frank," Callie warned. 

"Callie; when did you have the time to put together a gang?" Uncle Frank asked as he looked at her.

"It started in a sorority," Callie answered.

"I did not predict that answer," Eric admitted with a smile. "Your brother talked about you a lot while we were in the army together; I can see why." He looked at Sweet pea. "You're a gang member as well?"

"A Serpent," Sweet Pea confirmed. "She used to be one as well until she left; has the same tattoo as me." He pointed at his neck.

"Now that is wicked work," Eric complimented with a nod.

****

Callie went up to the school as Sweet Pea took Grady and Lottie next door. Betty and Alice were catching him up on everything.

"Thanks for being here last night," Alice said. 

"Not a problem," Sweet Pea smiled.

"Ms. Smith," Grady began.

"What is it, sweetheart?" Alice asked looking at him.

"Can you marry my mom and dad?" Grady asked as he swung his legs. Alice and Betty's mouth dropped open as Sweet Pea stared at him.

"Whenever they decide to tie the knot; my mom will be there," Betty answered. "I promise you." Grady and Lottie looked at each other smiling.