Don Showers

Don stood in the shower for a long time, enjoying the feel of the hot, steamy water as it slipped down his body. It seems he was never alone anymore. As soon as he walked in the door, Casey demanded his attention. As much as he loved her, sometimes he missed being able to just come home, plop down on the couch and turn on the t.v. Those days were certainly gone. If it wasn't Casey, then Cassandra was demanding of his time.
And then there was Mortimer...Don knew that Mortimer was watching his comings and goings like a hawk. He was certain that, with just one slip-up, Mortimer would run straight to Cassandra and that would be it. Don had tried to earn the old man's respect, and when it came to Casey, he thought he had been successful. But it was hard to completely change your whole lifestyle. Don thought often of Kaylynn...and he thought even more often of Nina. He remembered their last night together. Nina was so passionate and seemed to enjoy their lovemaking as much as he did. He should give her a call...no! What was he thinking. Mortimer might be reading my thoughts right now! Don quickly finished his shower and got out.

Casey Lotherio

Mortimer made sure Casey had the best nanny that money could buy. And he made sure he was home often so he could supervise things carefully. Nothing was going to happen to his first grandchild.
Casey cried out, wanting out of her crib. Don hated to hear her cry. Walking to her crib, Don thought, "How quickly she is growing up!" He suddenly thought of Donald. Don had not seen Donald for several months. He called occasionally, but it was too hard for him to see Kaylynn with someone else. He didn't really understand the reason why. He certainly didn't love her...yet...she was so beautiful...and so sexy. But, why did she seem to have fallen for Darren Dreamer of all people? Don and Darren were definately not friends. Darren had a "thing" for his Cassandra, and the very thought of that made Don angry.

As Mortimer cooked breakfast, Don played with Casey. She was practically walking on her own now. Don was glad that Casey wasn't so much of a baby anymore. It was nice to be able to talk to her, to play with her...and he was fascinated with the subtle changes he saw every day in her.Cassandra loved to see Don and Casey together. She wanted to have another child, but Don had told her he didn't think that was a good idea right now. "We need to give Casey all the attention she needs from us now. If we had another baby now, we couldn't give her that," Don told Cassandra. In reality, Don did not want another child. The whole experience had been good, but Don didn't want to repeat it. He was looking forward to having more free time for himself once Casey was a little older and started school.

Toddler Casey

Casey was growing up fast. Mortimer took Casey to her birthday cake, blowing out the candles for her. Mortimer knew that, unless Cassandra had another child very soon, he would not be around to enjoy another grandchild grow up.
Casey transformed into a beautiful toddler, who loved her "Grandpa Mortimer".
Mortimer held little Casey close. She reminded him so much of Cassandra as a toddler.

Mortimer and Don

Mortimer watched as Don held his daughter Casey. Reluctantly, Mortimer had to admit that Don had certainly surprised him in the way he acted with Casey. Don truly seemed to love spending time with her. He held her often. The only thing Don didn't help with was changing Casey's diaper. He drew the line there!
Don loved to walk throughout the house, just holding Casey and singing to her as he walked. Casey would look up at him and smile. It thrilled Don to see her smile! Don was happy, looking at his beautiful daughter. Don just wished he could spend more time with his son Donald as well.
Mortimer had watched Don since his marriage to Cassandra. He had grown a certain respect for Don. As far as Mortimer knew, Don had been faithful to Cassandra. And no one could question his love for his child, Casey. Mortimer was getting and feeling much older. He wanted to make certain that Cassandra would be well cared for when he was gone. He had spent his entire life looking after his children, and now Casey was just as important to him as his own children were.

Dustin/Young Adult

Today was Dustin's birthday. Brandi found Dustin in his room, laying on his bed. "Happy birthday, Dustin!" Brandi said, handing him his gift. Dustin took the gift from Brandi. He hadn't asked for anything because he knew money was tight. What had she bought him?Dustin's only wish was to be able to go to college. His mom had given him the best gift of all. She had said he could take some classes at the University, though he would have to live at home...at least for now. Dustin was just happy for the opportunity!
Dustin was now a young adult. He was finished with high school and would be taking college classes while living at home. Brandi was determined that Dustin would have a better education than either she or his dad did.

Christopher Broke Is Born

The months passed, and the time finally came for Brandi to have her baby.
Brandi had another boy...she named him Christopher. He looked very different from Dustin and Beau. While they favored their dad...this little guy favored Brandi. He had her dark hair and her eyes.
Beau and Dustin were happy to have a new little brother. It would have felt strange to have a little girl in the house!

Brandi And Dustin

When Brandi found out about Dustin's night out and his "almost" arrest, she was furious. She didn't believe in yelling at her children...especially when they were nearly grown...but Dustin was just being foolish. She couldn't just let him throw his life away! Dustin listened in silence as Brandi got onto him for what he had done.
Afterwards, Brandi felt awful. Maybe she had been too hard on Dustin. Maybe she had been expecting too much of him. She had naturally turned to him when Skip died, but was that fair to Dustin? No...because Dustin had every right to be a teenager. And her problems weren't his responsibility. Brandi decided to not be so hard on Dustin, and to take on more of the responsibilities of running things in the house.
Brandi was showing her pregnancy now. After this baby was born, Brandi would find a job and even wanted to send Dustin to college. She couldn't afford to have him move to the campus of the University, but why couldn't he live at home and take classes? If she got a job, they should be able to afford that. Dustin was thrilled with the suggestion. He was going to get a college degree after all! Things definately got better at home. Everyone seemed so much happier. Even Dustin.
Dustin tried harder than ever to keep his grades up. He managed to get all "A's" for the first time in his life!