The Cooke Legacy: Chapter Thirty Six - Life of a Princess

[thayerlove]

Hey there! Welcome back to the thirty sixth chapter of The Cooke Legacy. This is a joint legacy between ilovereecee and meadowthayer, two members of the forum Simania (http://www.z12.invisionfree.com/sim_mania).

Before we begin I want to say thank you, very much, for coming to read this update written by ilovereecee/Katie. I also want to give you a quick recap of the last update so you're all caught up for when Odette tells you how her life ended up as a Cooke heiress. In the last chapter we saw the O generation go to college. Owen met and married an elder named Katy. They adopted two dogs who ended up having three puppies. Odette was declared heiress and married Derek, who was her perfect match ;) Oliver married a woman named Joy and together they welcomed a little boy named Patrick. They also adopted two dogs. Orlando moved in with his fiancee Danielle and they partied pretty hard until Danielle learned she was pregnant. Then they got hitched before baby boy Paul joined the family. Otto, the youngest of the O generation, married Jane. Together they had two boys: Peyton and Prescott. They also adopted two of Owen and Katy's puppies. So they had a pretty full house. This leaves us with one last update from the O generation: Odette. I'll let her take over the narration from here...


"Mom can you believe I'm getting married tomorrow!? It seems like time has flown by since I've met Derek. We were made for each other. I can't believe tomorrow he is going to be offically joining our family!" It was the night before my wedding to Derek King, my fiance. I still couldn't wrap my mind around the fact that the next morning I would be a wife. I would have a husband and together we would be responsible for bringing in the next generation.


"I wish I'd gotten to know him a little more before you two decided to get married. It's a little worrying that I'm giving my only daughter away to a man I've just met, Odette."

"You have nothing to worry about," I dismissed my mother's silly fear. "Derek is a great guy. He's sweet, smart and very handsome! I know he'll make a great husband. Besides, it's like I said; I just feel like we're made for each other!"


"My mom is freaking out about the fact that she and Dad just met you. I see where she is coming from though. I wish you guys could have spent a little more time together before we announced our wedding."

"Yeah, it all happened so fast though. It's not like we've been dating for years and years. I'll get to know them though. I'll prove to them both that I can take care of you and I'll be a good husband."


"You better be a great husband!" I joked playfully, pulling Derek in for a kiss. At the time I was still giddy from thinking about our wedding. "Think about it, Derek. This time tomorrow we'll be husband and wife!"

"And I can't wait to make you my bride! You're going to be the most stunning bride that has ever lived." Derek planted another kiss on me before we got ready for bed. That was the last night he was Derek King.



The next morning was pretty hectic! Thankfully, I have a wonderful mother who took over most of the wedding plans. She hired a bartender and invited all of the guests: which were my brothers and some of their wives. I wish all of my sister-in-laws and nephews could have made it, but I understand that school and work can't be skipped. Especially when Derek and I announced that our wedding was going to be held in one day!


Two of my brothers are pretty wild. Owen and Orlando usualy are the partiers, so I was surprised when I saw normally do-gooder Otto partaking in the pre-ceremony festivities. I'm happy that my wedding guests are having a good time though.


Once I got ready, the day seemed to go by pretty quickly. Before I knew it, I was standing under the altar with my fiancee!

"Derek, I take you to be my lawfully wedded husband until death do us part. I promise to always be kind, patient and loving."

"And I take you, Odette, to be my lawfully wedded wife. I promise to always be caring, devoted and faithful forevermore."



After the vows were said, we exchanged wedding bands and offically became husband and wife! Derek took my last name, as is tradition for the men marrying an heiress of the family legacy. He is now Derek Cooke! Until that point in my life, that was the happiest day I had ever lived!


As Derek and I shared our first loving kiss as a married couple, our family stood up to cheer us on! I'm so glad that my parents and brothers got to be at my wedding. It took a lot of planning on my mother Arcadia's part and quite a bit of money, but it was definitely worth it!


When the ceremony ended, we all moved indoors for cake, food and drinks. We had a beautiful vanilla wedding cake to share. Thankfully, Derek didn't smach a slice into my face! I spent too much time on my hair and makeup for it to be ruined with silly games like that. Mom told me later that while she was watching us cut our cake, she was reminded of her and Dad's wedding. It made her happy to see us so in love.


"If I could have everyone's attention please!" My mom Arcadia began a speech. I was surprised because she didnt' tell me she had planned on making a toast. "When I woke up today, I was a little sad. I knew that today I'd be giving my one and only daughter away to a man I'd just met. I won't lie, that scares me a little. But when I watch Derek and Odette together, I can't imagine a better couple. I can tell that they love each other and genuinely are meant for one another. I'm thankful to call Derek my new, and only, son-in-law. So, cheers to the newlyweds! May your marriage be blessed!"


Listening to Mom's speech made me tear up a little. She definitely gave a good toast, one that came from the heart.


"So, Arcadia kind of stole my thunder, but I also have a surprised planned for you." Derek nervously joked while sitting down at the piano in our bedroom. "I've been working on a tune to play for you on our wedding night."

I stood and listened to Derek skillfully play the piano. It was a sweet, slow paced melody that was perfect for our wedding day. I couldn't believe he'd worked on this and kept it from me since our engagement! Derek truely is a sweet and thoughtful husband and at that moment I know just how lucky I was to now be married to such a man.


"So Odette tells me that you like grilled cheese, Mr. Cooke."

"You can call me Nate, son. We're family now!" My dad responded. "But yes, I'm fond of the sandwich. It's my second declared aspiration in life."

"Oh, that's cool, uh... Nate. Mine's family." Derek said back awkwardly. "First is popularity."

"Interesting that you would put popularity before family. I chose family as my first aspiration. It's the most important thing in life."

"Oh, well... um. I... yes, sir, I agree."

My parents and Derek didn't get to know a whole bunch about each other before the wedding. But now that Derek is my husband, he's making a genuine effort to befriend them both. He desperately wants to become great friends with them. Although, things were a tad awkward starting out, I have to give my Dad and Derek credit for starting somewhere!


A few days after my wedding, my family said goodbye to our pets Tabby and Felix. I knew they were getting on in their years, but I was still sad to see them both go. 


I was a little concerned when I started feeling sick so soon after my wedding. Derek and I hadn't talked about having kids yet, so I wasn't sure how he would react when he found out that I thought I was pregnant. In fact, at that time I wasn't sure how I felt about possibly being pregnant either!


Dad adopted a new cat. I think he misses having Tabby and Felix in the house. With them gone, we only had their cat child Fuzzy left. Now Fuzzy has a new friend to play with. Her name is Franny!


I started working in the medical field as a Specialist! I got to start pretty high up thanks to my three years of college. I wished that I'd finished school though, because I could have started out very close to the top if I'd received my degree. Oh, well, at least I'm chasing my dream of becoming Chief of Staff!


"As my twin brother, I wanted you to be the first to know the good news, Owen!" I said excitedly to my twin. "I haven't even told Derek yet. But... I'm pregnant!!"


"Really, Odette!? That's awesome. I know just how excited you must be!" Owen exclaimed. I was a little confused when he said this, because he never had any children himself.

"Oh, how so?" I asked.

"Well, you know Katy and I were thrilled when Leroy and Dakota had their three puppies. So I've been here before. I was so excited when we knew Dakota was pregnant."

I was pretty sure that my brother's excitement at puppies was no match for how I was feeling at the time. But I didn't say that to Owen, I still feel bad that he and Katy couldn't have biological children and have accepted the fact that their dogs are as close to their own kids as they'll ever get.


Later that night when Derek got home from his job as a Teacher's Aide, I told him the news!

"I can't believe this happened so quickly! I'm going to be a father. This is so exciting!!"

"Dude," Owen started, "I know just how you feel. Congrants man!"

I tried so hard not to bust out laughing as Owen and Derek shook hands in congratulations; with Derek trying not to look at my twin like he was the dumbest person on Earth!


My pregnancy was very easy at first. I only remember throwing up once or twice and the only thing that really changed was my appetite. I could eat enough for my whole family while I was pregnant! No matter how much I ate, it was never enough.


I decided that it would be best if I took my full maternity leave while pregnant. So I stayed home from work while carrying my first child. It was then that I found my hidden love for nature! I was watering the plants outside one day, when I realized that I really enjoy being outdoors. I told Derek this later that night and even shared that I'd like to plant my own garden once our baby was born.


As the end of my pregnancy neared, I was always hungry and tired and cranky. Derek was good to me though! In fact, he was more than good to me. He put up with my moody days and massaged me when my bach was aching from the baby weight.


He even started our garden outside! I couldn't get out to work in what he called our "love garden", but Derek promised that he was taking good care of it. At the time, since neither of us had any gardening experience, Derek simply planted tomatoes.


It wasn't long before I gave birth to our first child! The labor was pretty intense and I wasn't prepared for the pain at all, but once I saw my little boy none of that mattered. I can't describe to you, even now, what it feels like to see your firstborn for the very first time. Derek and I welcomed a brown haired, blue eyed baby boy. We decided to name him Paxton and call him Pax for short.


It didn't take long for Pax to become the center of the household. My father, needless to say, was absolutely in love with his new grandson! My dad is a family aspiration and so every time my newborn even whimpers, my dad is right there to make it all better.


Derek really enjoyed Paxton's newborn years as well. Whenever he could sneak our son away from my father for a minute or two, I could always find my sweet husband feeding or bathing Paxton.


I started to get worried about losing the baby weight from my pregnancy right after Paxton was born. I didn't seem to be losing much weight, and my appetite was the same as when I was pregnant.


"Derek, I think that Odette is pregnant again. I know it's not been that long since baby Pax was born, but she's showing all the signs of pregnancy. Do you think it's possible?"


"What? No! That's crazy. Paxton was just born. Surely you can't get pregnant again that quickly. Right, Arcadia?"

"It's very possible. Guess we'll find out soon enough huh?"

What everyone didn't know yet, was that I did think I was pregnant again. Derek and I hadn't planned on having another child so soon after Paxton's birth, but things happen!


Around the same time that I realized I was pregnant for the second time, I also realized that our new cat Franny was going to be a mother! She and Fuzzy are expecting a kitten of their own.



I was starting to show already when Paxton's toddler birthday arrived! My mom and Derek wanted to throw a big bash, so we invited over all of my brothers. They showed up to help us celebrate little Pax turning into a toddler. I can't believe time has already passed this quickly!


Paxton grew up to look a bunch like Derek! In fact, I think the only thing he got from me was his blue eyes! I planned on telling Derek that night that Pax was going to be a big brother soon, but between me being exhausted and entertaining my brothers, there wasn't enough time to break the news.


So the following day, I pulled my husband aside to tell him about the baby on the way.

"I wanted to tell you last night, but I just was too tired. I couldn't stay up waiting on you to come to bed after the party ended, so I just went to sleep." I took Derek's hands in my own, "And the reason why I was so tired last night is because I'm pregnant! We're going to have another baby!"

"Odette, that's great! Arcadia and I figured that you were. Well, we thought so, but I didn't think it was possible so soon after having Paxton. This is great news, honey!"



When I realized that my baby boy wasn't a baby anymore, I was a little overwhelmed. I already had hormones raging from my second pregnancy, but seeing Paxton growing smarter and bigger everyday really made me sad. But also happy at the same time! I was so proud when Derek taught him how to walk and couldn't believe he was already learning colors and shapes at such a young age.


As my due date came closer and closer and my belly got bigger and bigger, I wondered if I was carrying a little boy or girl. So far, in the P generation of my family, all boys have been born. It's a little fascinating, but I can't help but want for a daughter of my own.


Dad was the one who taught Paxton how to talk. His first word was grandpa, so of course my dad was over the moon. He didn't stop bragging about that for weeks!


We were all excited when Franny gave birth to her two kittens! She had a girl and a boy; we named them Scarface and Tiger Lily.



Right after Franny had her two kittens, I also gave birth to two newborns! Derek was at work that day, so he didn't get to witness the twins birth. My father Nate was the only one home. I was thankful to have his help once I realized I was having more than one baby! I gave birth to a girl that I named Penelope and a boy I named Phillip. I was thrilled that they were both healthy babies; and secretly rejoicing the fact that I got a little girl.


Derek came home with a promotion the same day that the twins were born. He is now an elementary school teacher. Derek really doesn't have any desire to advance further and enjoys teaching young children who are eager to learn, so he's decided not to pursue any futher promotions. We aren't in any way hurting for money, and I just want my husband to be happy, so his choice is fine by me.


When I was feeling all better from Penny and Phillip's birth, I was able to get out to my love garden. It was looking a bit neglected at the time, because we'd all been so busy raising Paxton, but with a little TLC, I was able to get it healthy again!


Dad is thrilled that I had twins! Now he has Paxton and two new infants to entertain him all day. He is officially retired now, so he is able to be a full time grandpa 24/7. And he said it's the best job he's ever had! He even wants Derek and I to try for another baby! I don't know if that will happen, but we'll see.


"Just think, Arcadia, if Odette has another baby, they can name it after a cheese or type of bread or something." My dad Nate was still hoping I'd want to have another baby soon. And I'm pretty sure he honestly thought I would name my child after a sandwich.

"You're ridiculous, Nate. They aren't going to name their baby after food! Just because you are obsessed with grilled cheese, doesn't mean everyone else is too."

"I don't know. I think I could talk them into the name Provolone. Provie for short, maybe?"

"I'm going to bed now." My mother rolled her eyes and walked away.

"What? Provie's a cute name!"



All too soon it was time for another birthday in my home. Derek and Mom both wanted to have a big get together again, so we invited all my brothers and their wives. Some of my sister-in-laws were able to make it, which was wonderful! I loved having everyone there to celebrate Pax, Penny and Phillip's birthday.

Paxton grew into a handsome little fellow! I couldn't believe how much he was starting to look like Derek. It's amazing! Pax may look just like his father, but his personality turned out to be a good mix of us both.*

*Paxton's personality is 1.1.9.10.10. No inbetweens, just total extreme in every category! This means he's a total slob, extremely shy, but playful, active and nice!


My sweet little girl Penelope aged into a beautiful toddler! Again, I was shocked when she looked exactly like Derek. His features look beautiful on a girl, though.

*Penny's personality is very unlike the rest of her family, everyone else is a total slob, but not this little one! She got ten whole neat points, her full personality is: 10.1.7.7.2.

Last, but not least, on the birthday rounds that night was my youngest son Phillip. He is the child that resembled me the most. He got my blue eye color and eye shape. I was very pleased at the way all of my children turned out. I think they are all beautiful in each and every way!

*Phillip's looks and personality are different from his twin sisters. He got a personality of 0.9.9.10.5.


Later that night Mom and I were settling the kids down for the night, when my belly suddenly popped out! Looks like my dad is getting his wish, I'm having another baby!


"No, no Penny! You don't push his nose." Paxton complained one morning when Penelope wasn't playing with her toy correctly. "You pull his ears and he talks to you! Here let me show you. . ."

Once Penelope and Phillp aged into toddlers, my oldest son Paxton wanted to play with them constantly. He loves teaching them how to use their toys (correctly) and always wants to play peek-a-boo with them. I think it's so sweet that Pax likes playing with this brother and sister.


I loved that Pax enjoyed his siblings, but that didn't mean he could neglect his responsibilities. He still had to do his homework every night and study a little so that he could earn scholarships for college.


"Come on, baby. Come to Mommy!" I was thrilled when Phillip first started walking. He was the first of the twins to do so, and I couldn't have been more excited. It wasn't long after that night that Phillip was running all over the house!


"That's right, Penny! I'm Grandpa. Good girl!" My father praised as Penelope spoke her first words.

Of course her first words were Grandpa. Paxton also said Grandpa first. I think I'll teach my children how to talk from now on, that way they can have a larger vocabulary than just "Grandpa"!

 So I've noticed that Kaylynn, our housekeeper, has been staying very late hours and rarely finishes cleaning the home. I know this has a lot to due with the fact that we are very messy people. I always leave puddles from the shower in the bathroom, my parents never clean up their dishes and Derek doesn't feel the need to flush the toilet. However, when I saw her playing with the cats for half an hour, I figured maybe that had something to do with it as well.
Speaking of the cats, Scarface and Tiger Lily are now adult cats! They're no longer kittens in the home.


Derek still loves being a dad. He especially loves having a daughter. There is a special bond there, I can tell already. Penelope and he can play together for hours and not get bored. She adores him and it's likewise for Derek.


When I stopped a second and watched all three of my kids running around the house, I couldn't believe how big they'd gotten so quickly! Paxton is aging to a responsible and caring young gentleman and the twins are growing like weeds! They're walking and talking and capturing the hearts of everyone in the home already.


When it was time for Penny and Phillip's birthday, nobody had any particular wish to invite the whole family over. I was thankful for that, because I was feeling extra exhausted that evening from my pregnancy. However, the twins still had a nice celebration with just the immediate family.


Penelope aged into a beautiful little girl. As a child she still looked more like Derek than me. That doesn't matter to me though, because she's a gorgeous little girl.


Phillip is my only child that resembles me more than Derek. He still has Derek's brown hair, but he's got my eye color and shape. I think he's a handsome little fellow!


"Daddy, knock knock!"

"Who's there?" Derek played along.

"Brr!" Paxton shouted.

"Brr, who?" Derek questioned, already knowing the answer.

"Brr, it's cold out here, let me in!"

Derek laughed like it was the funniest thing he'd heard. This is what makes him such a great dad. He genuinely loves spending time with the kids and joking around with Pax, no matter how corny the joke!


Well, the same night that Penny and Phillip aged into children was also the birthday of their little sibling! I went to bed early because I wasn't feeling very well, but I continued to feel worse as the night progressed. I woke up a few hours after the twins aged in full labor mode! Derek was thankfully by my side every step of the way. He was a great comfort and soon we welcomed the newest additon to our family. . .
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Well I feel like this is a perfect place to end this chapter ;)
Thank you again for coming to read! I hope that you enjoyed this update. Look back next time to find out if Odette and Derek welcome a boy, a girl, or both!
-Katie