Christmas was a time for people to reconnect, particularly those who have been away for a long time. One particularly notable return was Bennie and Marina, who have moved to San Francisco earlier that year. A lot of their old friends from Project Phoenix were there to see them. Karen was doubly glad she didn't go to New Zerzura with the other models. Unlike some of her fellow models, Karen actually reveled in the cold weather, though it hasn't gotten quite cold enough for her preferences.
When Bennie and Marina finally showed up, there was a very obvious change. Bennie was still in great shape, but Marina's belly had grown out quite a lot. To those who had been in regular contact with the orcas, this wasn't a surprise. But there were still plenty of people who haven't seen them for a long time. "Congratulations," said Vivian, "How long have you been expecting?"
"Well, I started showing signs back in May but I think it happened in April," said Marina, "Though a mundane orca can take up to 18 months before she gives birth."
"Which means that our calf should be right around the corner," said Bennie.
"Well, you'll definitely have to show us when it's born," said Karen.
"You know, you're not the only couple who's expecting," said Daniel.
"You and Mandy?" asked Bennie.
"She's two months along now," said Daniel.
"I wonder what they'll look like," said Mike, "I mean, you two have very different fur patterns."
"I'm sure they'll turn out beautiful," said Eugene.
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This wasn't the only place that was discussing upcoming babies. Lenny was spending another pleasant Christmas with Milly's family, though he'll be part of the family soon enough.
"You do know it's not going to be a big wedding," said Myrtle, "I mean, some people just won't understand."
"Mom, you know I'm a legal adult," said Milly as she admired the engagement ring on her hand, "As long as you guys accept it, I don't care who doesn't." She had declined on the trip to Egypt with the rest of the Modeling School. She preferred to spend her Christmas with her family and her fiance. Also, New Zerzura had a few too many cats for her liking.
"I do want to work on your wedding dress though," said Myrtle. She had dreamed about seeing her little girl wear her old wedding dress, but this was happening a lot sooner than Myrtle had expected. And the dress would need to be altered a lot as Milly was a lot more busty than she had been. Then again, Myrtle was much bustier as a mouse than a human.
"I'm sure whatever we can do for you will be fine," said David. He wasn't completely ready to let his little girl go, but she clearly wasn't little anymore. Anyways, a small wedding would mean less expense on his part.
"I just want us married before breeding season starts," said Milly, "Nothing too fancy."
"Mildred, I thought we said not to discuss this in front of your father," said Myrtle.
"Well, you two are getting ready to breed too," said Milly, "I'm going to have brothers and sisters before the year's out and they'll already have nieces and nephews."
Myrtle gave Lenny an exasperated look. Lenny just shrugged his shoulders and said, "What can I say? Milly is just an outspoken woman."
"Yes, she gets it from her mother," said David.
"It comes from your side of the family and you know it," retorted Myrtle.
This was definitely going to be an unusual family structure, but Lenny was just glad to be part of a big family. He was definitely looking forward to the wedding and especially the honeymoon afterwards.