Chapter 87 - Merlin's Retirement

Merlin looked in the mirror, old age had finally caught up with him.

Merlin had decided that it was the right time to retire. Spock needed a carer and Dominic needed to be flexible to be able to progress in his career. Owen held a family meeting where they all pledged to help Dominic with Spock's care. They would all do their bit around their different shift patterns, but Merlin would be there to help with the shortfall. 

Merlin was very fond of his first grandchild, even if he did look rather startling. As he had grown he had looked more and more alien. People certainly gave him a second glance, but he seemed to be being accepted into the neighbourhood. 

Spock wasn't the only grandchild either, Harriet Wesley had given birth to little Anne and was now pregnant with her second. 

Both Harriet and Jeremy seemed to be thrilled.

These weren't the only editions to generation five. Aidan River, the oldest son of Evelyn and Lance had had a little baby boy called Robin with his girlfriend Sadie Wolf. Sadie was now pregnant with their second child. 

Sadie had moved out of her families home and into a little house with her son. Aidan as yet had decided not to follow her. Owen hoped that Aidan would man up to his responsibilities. The other arrival was to Jerri River, one of the imaginary friends become real. Her little girl called Spice showed off her mothers blue hair and eyes.

Owen was now a city council member and as the council had big plans but were lacking in funds they were relying on donations. Those members that bought them the largest donations were surely going to do well. Owen now thanked his foresight in marrying off his sisters to rich old men. He talked to Keith Shah who was more than happy to help and give a large donation.

Dominic was now single again. After Spock's birth he had found it hard to talk to Emma. He hadn't felt comfortable explaining what had happened and a distance had grown between them. In the end he had decided to end it and had told her so, she had been surprised and distraught.

Dominic found that instead he felt very close to his family. He and Owen would spend many a happy hour playing chess or hanging out.

When Owen was busy Dominic often visited Einstein and his family, who lived next door.

It wasn't all births in the River family. They had all been shocked and saddened by the sudden death of Denver Baggett. He had collapsed in the park with a heart attack and was pronounced dead on arrival at hospital.

This was only a year after the birth of Marie Curie's fifth baby boy. 

She was shocked and saddened by his death but just a year on she was now dating another rather elderly gentleman and she had moved in Cruella Hammonds to her home. Cruella was a half sister to her two eldest children. Merlin looked on in alarm and wondered with the calming influence of Denver taken away if Marie Curie was going to be making trouble again.

The only thing missing in the many births across the River family was the birth of an heir to Owen and Martha. Owen was focused on political success but Merlin hoped he would soon refocus his energies and give him another grandchild to bounce on his knee.