"Sorry, Mom..." Dukey said, barely audible. He was a grown man of 35, but he would always respect his mother, despite their slight difference in age.<br/><br/>He went back into the house, and sat down next to Clara once more. He said, "Mom chewed me out...and left me for you to deal with. Don't be too rough with me. On second thought, be as rough as you like," he chuckled, and winked.<br/><br/>He finished his soup slowly, and looked into Clara's eyes, remarking, "You really are beautiful, you know that? And I'm sure the...tw...uhh, triplets are gonna be amazing, you'll see."<br/><br/>He stroked her hair back and kissed her cheek again, before stating, "all the night chores are done."<br/><br/>"Time for bed?" he asked with a mischievous grin.