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The Sweet Life	By : jai Category: Individual Celebrities > Athlete/Sports Misc Views: 8241 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. I do not know the people written about in this fanfiction. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 24
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October 13, 2010 Philadelphia, PA

Although Ian had worried about dressing Chloe more formally, Michael convinced him that comfortable outfit would probably be better. When they stood as the family court judge entered the room, Ian watched Chloe trying to kick the seat in front of her and had to agree. Besides, she looked very cute in her blue skirt and coral sweater set.

They were all nervous but Nina was coolly collected when the bailiff finally called their case at two thirty three.

“Ms Dubois, are all the parties present?” The rather dour older man asked.

“Yes your honor.”

“Mr. Phelps?”

Michael stood so fast that Ian had to catch his chair to prevent it from falling over. “Yes your honor?”

“Do you agree to grant second parent rights to Mr. Ian James Thorpe?”

“Yes your honor.”

“Good. Sit down. Miss Chloe Phelps?”

“Yes ma’am?” Chloe asked then stood at Ian’s urging.

“Do you understand what adoption is?”

“Yes. It means that Papa will be my real papa.”

“Do you like Mr. Thorpe?”

“Yes ma’am. He takes me to school and helps me with math and we walk the puppies and swim and-”

“Thank you Miss Phelps.” Ian could have sworn a faint smile passed over the judge’s face and felt his nervousness ease.

“Mr. Thorpe?”

“Yes your honor?”

“Are you are of your parental duties under the laws of Pennsylvania?”

“Yes your honor.”

“Very good. Petition for adoption granted.” The judge signed a piece of paper, passed it to the bailiff and rapped his gavel. “Congratulations Mr. Thorpe. You can file the paperwork with the clerk down the hall.”

“Thank you your honor.”

The bailiff handed the paper to Nina who shook their hands and led them out into the hallway. “Congratulations guys. The clerk’s office is just down here. You’ll want copies right?”

“Yes. Thank you.” Michael said as Ian swung Chloe up into his arms and walked down the hall.

“You’re really my papa now?”

“I’ve always been your papa but it’s officially official.”

“Can I have an allowance?” Chloe asked, looking between her fathers.

“Um. Daddy and I will need talk about that but we’ll see. What are you prepared to do for an allowance?”

“I can dust and pick up my toys and brush the dogs and I’ll even clean the kitty box.”

“Oh, that sounds like a lot of work. What about your homework?”

“I’m going really well in school.”

“You’re doing well, this is true. Hm. What do you think is a good allowance?”

“Five dollars a week?”

“That sounds fair but Daddy and I will talk it over and get back to you.” Ian stopped and took the pen Nina handed to him. “Uh.”

“Here, let me have her.” Michael said, holding his hands out. Ian let her go then turned to sign the document.

“That’ll be one hundred and fifty dollars.” The woman behind the desk said.

Ian nodded and pulled out his check book. He wrote out the check quickly and signed it with a flourish. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome and congratulations. I’ll be right back with your copies.”

“Nina, we’re going to tea at the Swann Lounge to celebrate. Would you like to join us?” Ian asked.

“Oh. I love tea and I’d be happy to join you. Shall we meet there? I’ve got another appointment at four thirty so I’m going to need my car.”

“Great. We’ll see you in a few minutes.” Michael said putting Chloe down as Nina hurried away.

The clerk returned and after stamping each of the seven copies, put them in an envelope and handed them over. “Have a good day.”

“Thank you, you too.” Ian said, taking it from her then holding his hand out to Chloe. “Come on; let’s go let Daddy buy us some tea.”

&&

December 11, 2010 Philadelphia, PA

Michael waved to Chloe and his mom then pulled the car out of the garage. “Okay guys, we need to set limits regarding the amount of money we’re each going to spend.”

“Why?”

“Because Chloe has plenty of toys and the like.”

“But it’s her first Christmas with us. God only knows what Christmas was like for her before.” Ian pointed out.

“And all the more reason not to overwhelm her. She can only play with so many things at one time.”

“So we should get useful boring things? You’re no fun, Michael.”

“Guys, I’m just trying to think of Chloe and she’s got a birthday a little over a month after Christmas. We have to be sensible or she’s going to get a lot of stuff she’ll outgrow before she even uses it. Between us and the parents and the rest of the family, she’s going to get a ton.”

Ian tapped the list he’d made against his teeth. “Okay, you have a good point but what do you suggest?”

“We compile our lists so we’re not repeating any gifts then we decide if she really needs what’s left. If two or more agree, we get that gift. Ian, you’ve already got my list and Chloe’s.”

Ian turned to look at Grant and Pieter. “What do you think?”

Pieter sighed and handed his list over while Grant shrugged. “I didn’t make a list. I was just going to pick up things I thought she’d like.”

Ian quickly struck through a few items then started reading off the remainder. They all quickly vetoed the scooter from Chloe’s list and moved on to the forty or fifty other things.

They were just turning into Christiana Mall in Delaware when Ian finished rewriting the official list. “I think we’ve done well, men but I reserve the right to buy one or two splurge gifts that we didn’t think of.”

Six hours later they were fighting their way out of the mall on their third trip to the car, loading the back and piling in. Michael turned the key and backed out carefully as there was already a car waiting for their excellent spot.

“That was madness. Next year, we should shop earlier.” Pieter commented. “Why are we not leaving?”

“We’re waiting to leave.”

“What about another exit?” Grant asked, taking a good look at the twenty or thirty cars ahead of them.

“Oh no. I’m not going through that again. I’ve always tried another exit then gotten lost. This time, we’re going to be patient and leave by this exit that will take us right to I-95.”

“What do you think Chloe got us for Christmas?” Ian asked.

“I don’t know. Mom was taking her to the outlets in Lancaster and she had about two hundred dollars to spend.”

Ian looked out his window and Michael gazed at him suspiciously. “Ian, tell me you didn’t give her more money.”

“I didn’t give her any more money.” Ian said quickly.

“Ian! You slipped Mom a credit card, didn’t you?”

“And? So what if I did? You have a lot of relatives and she would have felt bad not getting everyone a gift. I told Debs to not use the card unless Chloe really needed it.”

“God Ian. We talked about-”

“No we did not. You told me not to give her any extra money and I decided to not follow your orders. Or am I not allowed to make up my own mind about things?” Ian asked testily, even his nerves frazzled by six straight hours of tax-free shopping.

“That’s not fair! She’s -.” Michael stopped and took a deep breath. “Ian. We all grew up without tons of money and we turned out just fine. I don’t want Chloe to turn out to be one of those snotty rich kids and I don’t want to fight with you over it.”

“Chloe is nowhere near that. She’s a sweet caring child. Yes, we have money and Chloe has a trust fund. We’ve got to give her a chance to learn how to handle money in a responsible manner.”

Michael thought that over as they moved three more cars up in the queue. “Okay but why didn’t you say that before?”

“Because you were so busy laying down the law. I’m not throwing money at her, Michael. Can we sit down and work out a compromise about how we can teach her about money? We did both graduate from business school.”

“I’m sorry that I came on so strong about it then. You’re right. Maybe we should take her to open a savings account. That would be a good first step.”

“Good. Let’s sit down after Christmas but before her birthday. No hard feelings?”

“Nope.” Michael said, extending his hand which Ian took.

Grant let out a gusty sigh from the backseat. “Don’t you two ever have a proper fight? There was no screaming or yelling, where’s the entertainment value in that?”

“Hush Grant. We don’t scream and yell either. Now that you have settled the matter, let’s more on to something more interesting: have you picked out any baby names yet?”

“Pieter, we’re not naming a child after you. We love you but it would be too confusing with all of us in the same house.” Ian said.

“I wasn’t even going to suggest it. I was just wondering.”

“Well, we’ve narrowed it down we think but we’ve got a long way to go. We both like William and Edward for a boy but not together. William Frederick or Edward Kenneth. For a girl, I like Olivia but Michael’s stuck on Clarissa.”

Slouching down, Grant stroked a finger over his chin. “William Frederick Thorpe. W. F. T. Edward Kenneth Thorpe. E. K. T. Those are both acceptable.”

“So glad you approve.” Michael said dryly as he inched the car forward. Only ten more cars to go.

“Hey, sometimes parents don’t say the whole name out loud and you end up with Anne Sara Simmons. They used to call her Anne of the Ass.”

“Oh. Good point. Anyway, Olivia Margaret Thorpe. O. M. T. or Clarissa Margaret Thorpe. C. M. T. Okay. Clarissa and Margaret aren’t going to work. Our kid is not going to be named after the hayseeds and banjos channel.” Michael said.

“Are you stuck on Margaret as a middle name? And what happened to James Frederick?” Pieter asked.

“I want to use Margaret as a middle name and we aren’t naming our son after ourselves. That’s too tack- uh.” Ian stopped and looked over at Michael Frederick Phelps III.

“Go ahead. I’m not all that thrilled being a third myself. Dad’s already resigned to the fact that one of the girls is going to have to do it because I won’t. I’m not too fond of Frederick either. What about Richard?”

“Huh. William Richard Thorpe. I could live with that. We’re going to call him Liam of course not Will or Bill or Billy or Willy and if we use Edward we’re going to call him Ward.”

“And Livvy for Olivia?”

“No, Libby and I know it’s ridiculous to give children names then use nicknames but we want something dignified for when they grow up and become senators or prime ministers or whatnot.”

“I can hear it now. ‘Now starting in lane five, Libby Thorpe.’ That has a good ring to it.” Grant said.

“Aha! I have it.” Pieter said suddenly. “Ian, give me your pen and a piece of paper.”

Ian reluctantly handed the items over as Michael finally pulled out and drove down to the right exit. He whooped when they came out in exactly the right spot.

“Yes! Gentlemen, for the first time I didn’t get lost coming out of this mall.”

“Really? And as Delaware is a very tiny state, I find it hard to believe you could ever get lost in the first place.” Grant commented teasingly as Pieter scribbled something down and passed the paper back to Ian who took it with a bit of reluctance.

Ian looked down and said the name to himself silently before trying it out loud. “Athene Marah Thorpe. Michael, what do you think?”

“Athene? Oh, because our relationship started in Athens. I like that. Where’s the Marah from?”

“Margaret and Deborah, first and last syllables. I suppose you could spell it with a double ‘R’ but then it would look too much like Farrah. Athene also works with Chloe because they’re both Greek in origin.” Pieter explained.

Nodding, Ian turned to grin at Pieter. “I even like it better than Olivia.”

“I do too. This means we now have four names. Two of each just in case.” Michael said. “Not that we won’t change our minds before the baby comes but I think Athene Marah is a keeper. Thanks, Pieter.”

“And now for the important questions of the day. How will we keep Chloe from seeing all the presents and when are we putting up the Christmas tree?” Grant asked.

“Chloe is not supposed to be back before eight. Mom was taking her to dinner so we’ll have an hour or so once we’re home. And I’m not sure where we should put the Christmas tree. Last year we didn’t have many presents so it was fine in the corner but I think we need to move it.”

“Then why don’t we hide all the presents down in our apartment and work on getting the tree up once we get home? We can do the outside lights tomorrow; the weather is supposed to be fine.” Pieter suggested. “Or even better, one of us can make dinner while the other three move the presents and get out the decorations? I’m starving.”

“I’ve already got lasagna in the fridge so dinner will be ready quickly.”

“Good planning Ian. Lasagna!” Michael said.

“Wait! Is this one of the little pans of lasagna or a big pan? I’m just as hungry as the rest of you.” Grant complained.

“Big. With Michael there are no little pans. In fact, I made two so we can have it for lunch tomorrow. Chloe is really looking forward to putting the lights up.”

&&

December 11, 2010 Philadelphia PA

“Ian, are you sure you didn’t forget something? Like another ton of Christmas decorations?” Grant asked as he toed one of the boxes in the middle of the floor.

“It’s a big house Grant. You can’t just throw a string of lights out on the porch and call it done. Is Pieter still in bed?”

“Yes, it’s Sunday and he’s having a lie in but I heard you moving around up here and figured there would be coffee. Where’s everyone else?”

“Well Chloe and Deb are wrapping her presents upstairs but Michael’s in his study. He’s got a final exam on Friday. How has your semester going, by the way?”

“It’s been interesting. Want to take a look at the exams I wrote? I’m not sure I’m wording things clearly.”

“Sure. Can we do it after we decorate?”

“That will work. How many boxes of lights to you have anyway?”

“I have no idea but I did get the web light things this year so the shrubbery won’t be too difficult. Mind unloading those boxes by your foot? Those are the wreathes and greenery for the windows and I’m going to have to change the ribbons out. The red will now clash with the house so I bought mulberry which should work nicely.”

Grant put his coffee aside and started unloading boxes. “I’m glad you’re making the decisions like that. Oh, these are the swags. Want me to take the ribbons off as I go?”

“That would be nice. Any thoughts on having the open house again this year?”

“That would be nice and I have people I’d like to invite as I’m sure Pieter does too.”

“Not a problem. I was thinking we’d do it on the second this year. Chloe’s got school the next day but if we make it eleven to four, that’ll give us time to get her wound down and into bed at a decent hour.”

“You’re such a good dad. What room are you going to make into a nursery and are you going to find out the sex before he or she is born?”

“The room across from Chloe’s, with the rose wall paper. It’s right at the top of the stairs and large enough in case we need two cribs. We’ve decided on having only two eggs implanted so we could have twins but we don’t want to know the sex. Chris doesn’t want to know either.”

“Is it going to be tough, having her pregnant in England while you’re over here?”

Ian set aside the lights he was checking. “It will and it won’t. Yes I’d like to be there to see every little change and know that’s my baby growing in there but I’d probably drive Chris crazy. And it would be kind of weird and there are some details I just don’t want to know. The phrase ‘mucus plug’ especially.”

“Ew. I don’t blame you. When’s the big day?”

“Around last weekend in January. Chris is coming over that week and we’ve got an appointment on the twenty eighth. She’s going back on the third and she’s a bit excited. This will be her first trip away from the kids but Mum and Dad will be there. We’re going to England for spring break regardless but hopefully we’ll find out then.”

“What if she’s not?”

“She’ll come back with us. We’re only doing this three times although Chris said she’s willing to do however many it takes but I can’t ask that of her. If it’s meant to be it will happen and if not, we can adopt.”

“There you are!” Pieter said as he came into the room and took over Grant’s seat and coffee cup, his hair still mussed from sleep. “You’re up early today.”

“It’s after nine Pieter. And that’s probably cold.”

Pieter took a sip and grimaced. “You’re right. Want another cup?” Pieter asked looking at both of them.

“Please and are you going to shower?”

“I will after we decorate since I’m just going to get sweaty anyway.” Pieter answered as he sailed from the room with both cups.

&&

“It looks great guys but I’ve got to get on the road or Ryan will wonder if I’m ever coming home.” Debbie said as they stood in front of the house.

“Thanks for coming up, Debs. We’ll see you on the twenty third.” Ian said giving her a hug.

“You’re welcome and I had a blast. Hopefully we can make this a tradition, right Chloe?”

“Right Granny! Thank you for taking me shopping.” Chloe gave her a big hug and a kiss.

After Grant and Pieter had their turn, Michael walked her to her car. “Thanks a bunch, Mom. Chloe really had a good time.”

“You’re welcome sweetie. I did too and I’m serious about having a special day with Chloe for our shopping.”

“Sounds good to me.” Michael said as he leaned down to hug her. “You’ll call when you get home?”

Chuckling, Debbie nodded. “Yes, Mom.” She got in her car and beeped the horn as she drove off.

“Grant, do you have those tests?” Ian asked as they all headed indoors. “I have time to look them over now.”

“I’ll bring them up.”

“Daddy, will you help me make my angels?”

“Angels? Okay. Do you have everything you need?”

“Uh huh. Granny helped me buy it. I’ll be right back.” Chloe said as she took off up the stairs.

“What is she talking about?” Ian asked as they all took their coats and gloves off.

“I have no idea but if it involves a glue gun, you’re helping. I always burn myself on those things.”

Pieter snorted and said something under his breath, ducking Michael’s swipe. “You don’t even know what I said.”

“I can imagine. Guess we’ll set up on the kitchen table.”

Michael had just cleared the table when Chloe ran back in holding a shopping bag. She took out a small box from Staples, two bags of beads and a spool of narrow white ribbon but no glue gun causing Michael to heave a sigh of relief.

Ian, Pieter and Grant, who just happened to be hanging around all hid smiles and came a little closer to see what Chloe was planning.

“Okay, tell me what we’re going to do.”

“Granny said you knew how to do this. They’re angels with paper clips and beads. Like the one you made her in school.” Chloe picked up the Staples box and pulled out one of the butterfly clips. “See? Granny said you put two beads on each side and one at the top with a ribbon.”

“Oh! I remember now and they’re really easy. How many do we need to make?”

“Twenty two. They’re for school. Mrs. Swain said we can’t spend more than three dollars if we give them in school and everything cool costs too much. Granny said this only cost a dollar fifty for each angel. She helped me do that math so we bought a stamp and some card stuff so I can make a card to go with it.”

“Sounds like you did some good planning. Want to get started?”

&&

December 24, 2010 Frederick, MD

Michael picked up a sleepy Chloe after he’d made the rounds saying goodbye to everyone. Siobhan and Art threw a hell of a party and it was good to see his family but it had been a long two days and he was eager for head home.

Ian was already outside loading the last of their stuff in the car and Michael headed out the door with a final wave and went down the stairs.

“Is she asleep?” Ian asked as he tried to fit the last box in the back of the already running SUV.

“Almost. She’ll probably sleep all the way home.”

“With all the running around she did with the cousins, it’s no wonder.” Ian came around and opened the back door, helping Michael get Chloe settled. “Do you want me to drive?”

“Do you mind? I’m still fighting off the last of my cold.”

“No problem. Get in where it’s warm and I’ll be there in a sec. Maybe you should sleep on the way back too.”

Michael fought that advice but was faintly snoring with his seat tilted back thirty miles down the road. Ian wasn’t tired but between the horseback ride out to get the tree yesterday, sleeping on a full size bed with a sick and restless Michael last night and all the festivities, it was nice to have a little peace and quiet.

He loved Michael’s family but they were certainly a loud and boisterous bunch who never stopped talking. As the miles disappeared beneath the wheels, Ian let his thoughts drift towards how they would manage to get all the stuff inside and all their gifts under the tree and prep for dinner tomorrow and-. Ian stopped himself before he could get wound up again.

As he made the transition onto I-95, Ian drove a few more miles admiring the Christmas lights he could see from the highway before deciding to pull in at the Maryland House rest stop.

“Michael love?”

“Whazzit?”

“We’re at a rest stop. Do you need to pee?”

“No. Water?” Michael managed to croak out past his dry throat.

“I’ll get you some. I’m going to take Chloe with me and lock you in.”

“Tay.”

Shaking his head, Ian got out and opened the back door. “Chloe? Wake up for a minute.”

“papa?”

“Yes dearling. Do you need to pee?”

“Uh huh.”

“Okay then.” Ian unbuckled her and tucked her into his coat, closing the door quietly and clicking his remote to lock the car. He hurried into the building and Chloe was awake enough by the time they got in to head into the bathroom on her own.

Ian used the facilities himself and once they were both done, went over to buy a twelve pack from Cinnabon, gaining Chloe’s immediate approval. “We’re going to hide these in the back and have them for breakfast tomorrow so don’t tell Daddy, okay.”

“Okay. I call dibs on two tomorrow because Uncle Grant and Daddy will eat them all if I don’t.”

“And I’ll help you protect them.” Ian said as they shook on the deal.

Shrugging off his coat, Ian helped Chloe put it on for the run back to the car and opened the door for her. Michael appeared to be still sleeping but Ian saw the unmistaken twitch and hurried to get Chloe secured and himself behind the wheel.

They were back on the road before Michael woke up and took a big sniff. “Ian, did you stop at Cinnabon?”

“Daddy, here’s your water.” Chloe said.

“Oh. Thanks Sugarplum. I smell Cinnabon.”

“They were giving out free samples so Chloe and I had to try them. We would have brought you a piece but we got the last of them.”

Michael didn’t appear to really buy that explanation but drank his water in silence.

“How are you feeling, love?”

“Better. I guess I just needed a nap or all that cold medicine finally kicked in. I think I caught it on the plane back from the meet. There was a guy a couple of rows up who kept coughing. Probably got the whole plane sick. People like that shouldn’t be allowed to fly.” Michael groused.

&&

The house was ablaze with lights when they drove up and Ian stopped for a moment before pulling into the driveway.

“It really looks good. We should take a picture for our Christmas card next year.”

“Hm. Maybe we’ll have something else for that.” Michael said with a wink as he got out.

Ian opened the door for Chloe who picked up the Cinnabon bag and two others before taking off inside the house.

“Why is she in such a hurry?”

“She wants to go to bed?”

“Uh right. Let’s get this unloaded.”

&&

December 25, 2010 Philadelphia, PA

Christmas morning dawned bright and early for Michael who had tried to stay up to set out presents but ended up throwing in the towel at eleven. He had no idea what time Ian had gone to bed but it had been after one because Michael had briefly woken up around then and there had been no sign of Ian.

Getting up quietly, Michael took a quick shower and dressed comfortably before heading downstairs to find Chloe sitting on the couch with the dogs piled around her and staring at the tree that was set up in the sunroom.

“Hey Chloe. Have you been up long?”

“Uh huh. Papa left the lights on last night and it’s so pretty. I didn’t open any presents but I poked a couple of them.”

“I think poking is allowed. Did you let the dogs out?”

“Uh huh. Just like you showed me and I put the alarm back on.”

“Good job. How about a fire in the fireplace and I’ll make us some cocoa.”

“Okay.” Chloe said her eyes still glued on the tree.

Shaking his head, Michael went in to kitchen and put the water on, the coffee on and checked the fridge for the breakfast fixings. He did a little dance when he saw the Cinnabon box and pulled it out to see the big note Ian had taped to the top.

TMOAOO:
If you eat more than two of these before the rest of us have any, you’ll never eat any of these again.
Love you, TBLYEH

PS. Chloe gets two!

Snorting, Michael put the box on the counter, started the oven and pulled out the orange juice.

Ten minutes later he was snuggled on the couch with Chloe and the dogs, sipping cocoa and nibbling on their pastry.

“Daddy, what was Christmas like when you were my age? Were Granny and Grandpa divorced then?”

“Hm. Well, gee. I don’t remember it much but I think that’s the year I got a skateboard or a sled. To tell you the truth, it wasn’t a really good Christmas because my mom and dad were fighting a lot. They got the divorce the next year and things were better although I did miss dad a lot.”

“Did it hurt when your dad left?”

“Yes it did. It hurt for a long time and I was mad at Granny and Grandpa for a while. They were grownups and they were always telling me to get along with people so I didn’t understand why they couldn’t get along too.”

“Are you and Papa ever going to get a divorce?”

“Well I hope not but I’m not going to lie to you and say never.”

“What would happen to me?”

“You would stay in the house and Papa and I would take turns visiting you. Or we’d find somewhere where we could all live close together.”

“Amanda’s mommy and daddy are getting a divorce. Amanda has to visit her daddy on weekends.”

“I know sweetie, Mrs. Swain told me about it. Is Amanda okay?”

“She was crying in the bathroom the last day of school because she wouldn’t see her daddy on Christmas. She was really sad so I gave her my cookies but she didn’t want them.”

“She’s going to be sad for a while honey. All you can do is be her friend and listen to her when she wants to talk. You know you can ask me if you have any questions.”

“Thank you Daddy. Can Amanda maybe spend the night one night when school starts? Her house is really sad and her mommy cries all the time.”

“Papa and I will talk about it and then we’ll talk to Mrs. Burns to figure out what night. Good?”

“Uh huh.”

“Hey, do you want to open one present? Then we can wake up Papa and the Uncles.”

“Okay. Which one?”

“Try one of the wrapped ones from me. How about the red one back by the window?”

Chloe got up slowly and went over. “This is one of the ones I poked because its funny shaped.”

“And it’s kind of heavy so let me help you pull it out.”

Michael helped her move it then stepped back while she ripped the paper off.

“Daddy! It’s a basketball hoop! That was on my list!” Chloe jumped up into his arms. “It’s perfect!”

“I’m glad you like it. We can put it up this week and play a couple of games of horse. Now, are we waking up Papa the nice way or the Christmas morning way?” Michael asked as he went into the kitchen and poured a cup of coffee.

“What’s the Christmas morning way?” Chloe asked as she followed him to the stairs.

“This is the one day of the year that you’re allowed to jump on our bed.”

“For real?” Chloe asked suspiciously, because jumping on the dads’ bed was strictly forbidden.

“For real.”

Chloe took off up the stairs at her normal speed and slammed open the door of the master bedroom door. “Papa! Papa! Wake up. It’s Christmas. It’s Christmas.”

Michael could hear Ian groan loudly. “No. It can’t be Christmas. It’s next week.”

“Na huh. It’s today. Daddy already let me open a present! Get up Papa!”

“Okay okay. I’m up.”

Michael walked in to see Ian trying to grab Chloe but not trying really hard as she giggled and headed for the foot of the bed. “Morning babe. Coffee?”

“Oh please!”

“Chloe, bed jumping time is over. Want to use the intercom to wake up the Uncles?”

“Okay!” Chloe jumped off the bed and Michael sat down next to Ian, handing him the cup as they watched Chloe pull the desk chair over and hit the intercom button.

“They’re going to kill us.” Ian said quietly. “We didn’t get to bed until two and it’s only seven.”

“You guys were up that late?”

“Um. Yes. We got to playing with something after we got everything set up.”

“The tree house kit that Chloe got from Dad?”

“Yes. How did you know?”

“Because you were fascinated by it when she opened it.”

&&

February 2, 2011 Philadelphia, PA

“Chris, how do you feel?”

“Ian, stop asking me that. For the fifteenth time, I’m fine.”

“Are you sure you should be flying?”

“If I could surf at five months with Iona, I can certainly fly today.” Chris said irritably then turned to Michael. “Thanks so much for the spa visit yesterday and take care of yourself and the numbskull, okay?”

“I will Chris. You do the same and call us if you need anything.”

“Humph. What I need is for Ian to stop being a pain in the ass but that’s probably not possible.” Chris gave Michael a kiss and hug before grudgingly hugging Ian. “Stop worrying Little Brother. I’m fine and I’ll call you as soon as I know.”

She waved as she went through security and Ian sighed mournfully. “Am I really that bad?”

“You offered to go get her a wheel chair Ian.” Michael said wryly before looping his arm through Ian’s and practically dragging him to the exit. “I know you’re nervous but you’re really going to have to take it down a notch or she’s going to take your head off.”

“I just- what if- she’s doing.” Ian waved his hand.

“I know, Babe. You just want to make sure she’s okay because what if something happened while she was doing this great thing for us. Chris knows the risks better than we do and getting on her case isn’t going to help her tension level. Remember, tension is bad for expectant mothers.”

“Do you think it worked?”

“I don’t know.” Michael shrugged as he opened his car door, “But I have a good feeling.”

&&

March 5, 2011 London, England

“Chris, this is a great house.”

“Thanks Michael. Want more tea?”

“No thanks. Um, when do you want to let Ian up?”

“In another ten minutes.”

“But you’ll let him go before Chloe and your folks get back, right? Seeing him like this might be traumatizing.”

March 7, 2011 London, England

“Ian. Ian?”

“I’m right here. Just nipped into the bathroom for a moment. Are you okay?”

“Yeah but aren’t you going to do anything?”

Michael could feel the side of the bed dip down as Ian sat next to him and shivered as one of Ian’s hands ran over his chest.

“I will when I’m ready. Since I spent twenty minutes tied up and you didn’t help me, it’s only fair that I repay the favor. Besides, now that you’re blindfolded, I can do something I’ve been wanting to do for a long time.”

Holding his breath, Michael waited and wasn’t surprised when he felt Ian’s warm mouth on his right ankle. At first he was just going to go along with Ian’s thing but when that mouth wrapped around his big toe and sucked, he realized it wasn’t going to be that easy.

“Oh. Ah. Ian. Oh, m-. Ian… oh. Oh.” Michael tried to move but with his arms and legs tied, he could only bounce his hips a little as Ian’s teeth nibbled along the arch of his feet just on the line between tickling and pleasure. “Please. Ian. Oh. I’m gonna. Baby. Come… oahwah.”

A few minutes later, Michael found himself on his stomach, limbs free and blindfold removed but pinned by the sensation of Ian’s lips trailing over his shoulders and spine. “God, Ian.”

“Hm? I suspect you liked that.”

“Uh – oh hell. What?” Michael clenched the pillow he was holding when Ian’s tongue licked over his anus. “Ian? Oh. Oh my god.” Michael bit down on the pillow as he was penetrated by a fluttering torture instrument. Ian’s hands on his hips prevented him from moving up or away or oh heavens!

Ian had large hands and now he was not only holding Michael down but he was using his thumbs to open Michael up and give his tongue more access. As a sweat broke out on Michael’s skin, he keened into the pillow once again riding a crest of pleasure.

Ian didn’t give him any recovery time, just slicked up and drove that large penis into him, those big hands coming up to hold Michael’s and that tongue licking Michael’s neck. He was surrounded and invaded by all that was Ian and he couldn’t help the tremble that ran through him.

“Are you okay, love?” Ian murmured, his penis gently stroking in and out.

“Gah uh.” Michael tried to nod but nothing was cooperating as the remnants of his second orgasm ran through him. He sincerely doubted Ian was going to get anything else out of him but his traitorous cock had other ideas when Ian rolled them to their sides and ran a hand down Michael’s front.

Michael reached his own hand down, not sure if he was trying to stop Ian or urge him on when Ian’s cock brushed against his prostate. He would have thrashed as he started coming again but he could only kick his foot a bit and drop his head, Ian joining him a couple of minutes later.

He never lost consciousness but he could only lie passively as Ian cleaned him up and pulled Michael close, drawing the sheets and coverlet over them. Ian thoughtfully handed him a bottle of cool water and Michael snuggled close, still buzzing from everything Ian had done to him.

“I’m sorry I let Chris sit on you.”

“And gag me.”

“I’m sorry I let Chris sit on you and gag you.”

“And you helped.”

“I’m sorry I helped Chris get you on the floor so she could stuff a gag in your mouth and sit on you. I’m sorry I laughed a little.”

“You’re getting a little ahead of yourself and you laughed a lot. It’s not like I could defend myself against her either. She’s a girl and she’s pregnant.”

“Um. So how does impending fatherhood feel?”

“Exciting, frightening, over the moon, worried, terrified and that was just the first minute. It didn’t really seem real until I saw her and she showed me the stick. I mean, I knew but-. Well, it’s really going to happen.”

“Yes it is.”

“I supposed I did go a little overboard.”

“Well, offering to hire a chef so you’d know Chris was eating properly? Yeah, maybe a little. Chris has been pregnant before.”

“But she’s going to have morning sickness and her feet will swell and oh god, what am I doing? How can she-?”

Michael clamped his fingers on Ian’s lips, pressing them together. “Don’t you dare question a loving and selfless gesture. Chris knows what she’s getting into. Daniel knows what this involves. I know it’s hard for you to accept things that you can’t reciprocate, especially from your family but you need to sit back and let this happen.”

“But-.”

“No. Chris loves you Ian. She’s not doing us a favor, she’s loving her brother. Because she knows that this is the one thing you’ve always wanted and she can do this. Don’t cheapen it by questioning the motives.”

Ian sighed and nodded, resting his head against Michael’s. “You’re right. Will you help me not drive everyone crazy over this?”

“You know I will. Besides, now we know we have a nursery to decorate in seven or eight months. Won’t that be fun?”

“I sense that you’re trying to distract me dangling shopping in front of me.”

“Is it working?”

“I’m ashamed to say that it is.” Ian admitted as he snuggled close. “I’ve been sneaking peeks at cribs and bedding. What do you think of round cribs? They’re a bit impractical but they’re so cute.”

Smirking, Michael ran a hand down Ian’s back. “I think you’ve been doing more than peeking. I like the convertible cribs, the kind that turn into toddler beds then into full sized beds.”

Ian tilted his head back and gave Michael a long look. “You’ve been doing more the peeking too.”

“I never said I wasn’t.”

&&
April 30, 2011 Philadelphia, PA

Margaret and Ken had settled into the house as if they’d always been there. Because Ian now had an office in his tree fort, he’d even given up the study, they’d added a shower to the powder room and turned the study and rarely used living room into a suite for the elder Thorpes.

It not only gave them all a bit of separation but Ian had had some worries about how well his dad would do going up and down the stairs. Ken was healthy and fit but the years of gardening had taken a toll on his knees. It had been a hassle having a contractor in the house for a couple of weeks but it had been worth it in the end.

They’d even quickly settled the cooking situation. Margaret had insisted on taking over the weekday meals because she loved cooking but ‘the boys’ did all the house cleaning, laundry and weekend cooking and she swore it was like having a vacation every week.

Ken had taken over the yard care, fussing with the plants but was happy to leave the heavy work to the younger men. Grant had returned from his spring break in Australia with his doctorate and a contract from a major publisher to turn his dissertation into a textbook so he had drafted the most of the household to read over various chapters along with a couple of his fellow professors at CHU.

Between Pieter’s residency, Ian’s frantic preparations for graduation and Michael’s own educational endeavors they were a busy household but Margaret helped keep them all on track. If Michael had ever doubted his suggestion to have his in-laws live with them, the sight of Chloe, Ian and Ken heading out for an afternoon at the Cricket Club let him know he’d made the right choice.

Michael touched the wall and heard his watch beep a few seconds later. Ah. He’d swum a little faster than his set pace but not by much. Sighing, he looked over to see Ian, Pieter and Grant playing ‘Marco Polo’ with Chloe in the recreation pool. Soon he wouldn’t have to train every day and he’d be over there too.

He hauled himself up and grabbed his towel, tossing his goggles and cap on the bench and sitting down, stretching his legs out for a minute. He was just getting reading to head for the hot tub when his cell phone rang and he picked it up, noting it was Chris and Daniel’s number.

“Hello.”

“Hi Michael. Are you alone?” Chris asked.

“Um. We’re at the pool but Ian’s over with Chloe across the way. Did you want me to-?”

“No!” Chris said frantically. “Just go somewhere where he can’t see you for a minute.”

“Chris, is everything okay?”

“Yes, yes. Everything’s great just go into the changing room or something.”

“Uh. Okay.” Michael said slowly as he got up and did as she said. “Are you sure-?”

“Michael don’t go all Ian on me. Are you there?”

“Yep.”

“Okay. I went in for the ultrasound today. Are you sitting down?”

“Um.” Michael went for one of the benches with a gulp. “Yes.” Michael heard what she said after that but he really didn’t comprehend it. “What?”

Chris repeated it, this time with a laugh. “Can you believe it?”

“Oh my god. Chris are they sure?”

“Yes. They did it three times and I’ve even got a video tape. You’ll have it on Monday.”

“Um. Since you’re telling me this -?”

“Hee! Do you think you can handle it? Daniel and I have already decided that we’re good with it although if Ian suggests that full time housekeeper again, I’m taking him up on it. Daniel says we’ll split the costs. By the way, *you* get to tell Ian and Mum and Dad and you get to keep Mum and Ian off a plane for the next four months.”

“Gee thanks.” Michael muttered as he scrubbed his hand over his face, still overwhelmed.

“Hey, are you okay?”

“I think I should be asking you that, Chris. Are you sure?”

“Yes, a thousand percent sure. After all, I don’t have to pay for the shoes or the school fees.” Chris said teasingly then sobered a bit. “Michael, I’m fit as a fiddle and the specialist they called in said it will be hard but not impossible. I’ll be very careful, I promise.”

“God. Wow. I’m just. Wow.”

“I’m sort of giddy. I feel like I’ve drunk a whole bottle of Champagne all by myself and Daniel keeps cackling madly.”

“How are you feeling?”

“Oh, I’ve had a bit of morning sickness and don’t tell Ian but those ginger crackers he sent really helped even if he had to nag me into trying them. Aside from wanting pee every half hour, I’ve been good. Daniel’s been using that massage technique on my back you showed him on my back and it’s really helped too.”

“I’m glad.”

“And here’s the best part. Daniel’s hooked up the webcam and we’ve got a T-1 line now so Ian can check on me every day. I’ve already emailed the link to you.”

“That’s awesome. Chris, I can’t tell you-.”

“Aw. I know. Now I hear the bathroom calling my name. Tell Ian not to call to late and let me know how he reacted. Ta!”

Chris hung up before Michael could get too mushy on her and Michael turned off the phone now faced with having to tell Ian. Good lord.
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The Sweet Life