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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
- 25
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- 27
May 3, 2011 Philadelphia, PA

“So, Michael. That’s the second time you forgot to turn in the chart on a patient today. That’s very unlike you so what’s going on?”

Slumping in the chair across from Dr. Tyree, Michael rubbed his eyes. “I haven’t been sleeping well. I’m keeping a secret from Ian and it’s killing me and I can’t tell him until Saturday because he’s got finals.”

“Ah. Is it a bad secret? You’re not sick are you? You’ve looked a bit green this week.”

“Um. No I’m not sick and I’m sorry I’ve been such an airhead. It’s great news but its big news.”

“Okay, so tell me.”

“Ian and I are expecting.”

Dr. Tyree dropped the pen she was holding. “Expecting as in a baby?”

“Uh huh. Um. We have a surrogate and we did the first implantation back in January and she had an ultrasound on Saturday.”

“Wow. Congratulations. You know how lucky you are that it worked the first time? What clinic did you use?”

“The Fertility Center of Maryland and I know we’re really lucky. Boy, are we lucky.” Michael said with feeling. “I’m sort of still in shock at how lucky we are.”

“Ah. Well IVF, that’s what you used?” She paused then continued when Michael nodded. “IVF has a higher than average rate of multiple births. Is it twins?”

Michael shook his head and grabbed her pen and note pad, writing a number then circling it and drawing little stars before passing it over.

“Oh my!”

“Yeah. I’m almost sick because I want to tell everyone but I can’t even say it aloud because I’m afraid I won’t stop. I can’t even tell his parents or Chloe or Grant and Pieter and it’s getting harder every day.” Michael said miserably.

“Do you want to take the rest of the week off? Not that we wouldn’t miss you because you’re a great therapist but your head clearly isn’t in it this week.”

“No. I’ll be okay but I need to work. Could I maybe work on the charts? It’s just hard when I’m with people.”

“That’s a good alternative. I guess this means you’re going to disappear on us sometime this fall?” Dr. Tyree asked with a smile.

“Huh? Oh, are you asking me back next year?”

“Of course. I meant it when I said you were a great therapist. The kids love working with you and we had quite a fight on our hands because the clinics really wanted you but we’d like to keep you here. Your ideas for hydrotherapy are very intriguing and Dr. Ablers and I would be happy to oversee your research.”

“Really? Wow. Dr. Tyree, that’s fantastic. Thank you and I promise I’ll be back in the game next week.” Michael stood with her and shook her hand. “Wow!”

“I’m glad you’re pleased and don’t worry about it. Just let me know when you need the time off and we’ll work something out.”

&&

May 7, 2011 Philadelphia, PA

Today was B-Day. Ian had finished his last final yesterday and had gone to bed early last night, totally exhausted. Now it was ten a.m. Saturday morning and the deadline Michael had set for himself to tell Ian was running out.

As they all finished breakfast courtesy of Grant, Michael decided that he couldn’t wait any more. “Hey baby? Are you busy?”

“Well, I was thinking of getting another cup of coffee and going back to bed but I could change my plans with a little persuasion.”

“Oh. Um can we go upstairs for a minute?”

Pieter put down his cup with a sigh. “Finally! You’re going to tell Ian what’s been bothering you all week?”

Taken aback, Michael just stared at Pieter then saw everyone else nodding.

“Really! Michael you’re normally weird and I’ve adjusted to that but this week, you’ve gone off the weirdness scale.” Grant said.

“Now boys. Stop picking on Michael. I’m sure he’s got a good explanation.” Ken said.

Chloe looked a bit worried as Ian stood up but Michael ducked down and kissed her cheek then whispered, “Don’t worry, its happy baby news.”

“Really Daddy?”

“Really. Let me tell Papa then we’ll tell everyone else.”

“Okay!”

Michael went up to their bedroom, following Ian and closing the door behind them. “Can you get on the bed? You’d better lay down too.”

“Ooh.” Ian said as he climbed up. “Should I undress?”

“It’s not that kind of conversation.” Michael said as he lay down next to Ian and propped his head up on his hand and placing the other hand on Ian’s chest. “Chris had an ultrasound.”

“Oh! Is everything okay? Should I call-?” Ian started to get up but Michael’s hand kept him prone.

“She’s great. Wonderful in fact. I even called her doctor to check.”

“Oh. Well I don’t want to know if we’re having a girl or a boy. You don’t know do you?”

“Nope. But do you want to know how many we’re having?”

Ian opened his mouth and snapped it closed. He tried again. “How many?”

“Uh huh.”

“Twins? We’re having twins? That’s fantastic! Wait till Mum and Dad hear!” Again Ian tried to get up but stopped when Michael slung a leg over his hips.

“Nope. Try again.”

Ian blinked. “Triplets? Well. That’s a surprise but still fantastic! We’ll have to make a few investment adjustments because we can’t depend totally on scholarships but-”

Ian looked down at the hand holding him down. “Michael, if you say the next word and then don’t let me get up after that, I’m going to smack you then have a nervous breakdown.”

“Nope. The next word is it.”

Sinking back, Ian looked up at Michael. “Quadruplets?”

“Uh huh.”

“Oh. Um. Oh. I’m a little light headed I think.” Ian said weakly. “You’re not having me on?”

“Nope. Four babies. In fact,” Michael said, reaching into his nightstand and pulling out a picture from the ultrasound. “This is what they look like.”

Ian clutched the paper. “Four?”

“Four. See? The obstetrician labeled them for us.”

“Oh my god. Four.”

Michael got Ian’s glasses and turned on the light so he could see the picture more clearly. “Pretty cool, huh?”

“Four. Michael, there are four. Do you know what this means?”

“We’re going to need a nanny?”

Ian looked at Michael, “You’re taking this rather calmly. How long have you known?”

“Since last Saturday. I would have told you right away but you had finals. I’m sorr-.”

“Oh, don’t apologize. I’m glad you waited because I really couldn’t have sat in a classroom after hearing this. God, no wonder you were acting so weird.”

“I know. I’ve been a complete mess and you have no idea how many times I clicked on the webcam.”

“Webcam?”

“Yeah, David thought it would help if you could see Chris every day so he set up a webcam. She’s in front of it every morning at nine our time. And she’s doing great. I did call the doctor and I researched him too. He’s got a lot of experience with multiple births and Queen Charlotte is also where the support group for the British multiples society meets. Or whatever it’s called.”

“Oh my god. I can’t believe this. Four.” Ian said, taking another look at the picture. “Mum and dad are going to have a cow.”

“I know. I hope Chloe takes it well and I’m not even thinking about what we’re going to tell my parents.”

“I’m totally in shock. Michael, is Chris sure?”

“About the babies or keeping them all?”

“Either. Both.”

“Yes. She and David talked it over before she called me and the doctor said the risks of selective reduction are sort of fifty-fifty with having quadruplets. You know Chris. She’s like you because you can’t tell either one of you something’s impossible.”

“Oh my god. I know I keep saying it but oh my god. She’s definitely getting a housekeeper now. How can she expect to-.” Ian fell quiet when Michael placed a finger on his lips.

“She knows and she’s okay with getting a housekeeper. She’s not going to be stubborn about it either. She and David do want to spilt the cost with us and that’s a good thing too.”

“How is that a good thing?”

“Because Chris will want to choose someone she can trust and get along with and not feel like we’re foisting some diet Nazi on her.” Michael said, giving Ian a knowing look.

“Hey! Diet is an important part of-. Well, now you’re having me on. Okay. I’ll go along with what Chris wants and I think as long as I can see how she’s doing, I’ll feel better. Thank you, love.” Ian leaned up and gave Michael a sweet little kiss. “Wow.”

“I know. Good thing we have four names picked out. Liam, Ward, Athene and Libby. Those are good names.”

“Um.” Ian said, biting his lips.

“What? You’ve changed your mind?”

“Yes. Edward Kenneth, William Philip, Athene Marah and Marina Christine.”

“No Olivia?”

Ian blushed a little and looked down, “Not since Mum pointed out that I used to date an Olivia.”

“Ah. What if we have all girls or all boys or three of one or the other?”

“Then we’ll use Edward, Kenneth, William and Philip or Athene, Marah, Marina and Christine or a combination and they’ll all get the same middle name because choosing names drives me batty. Michael for the boys and we’ll switch out Christine for Michelle and give them all Christina as a middle name.”

“Whoa.” Michael shook his head, a little boggled by the explanation. “You figured all that out quickly and I’m sure you’ll write it down for me. You’d really use Michael as a middle name?”

“Of course. You’re going to be their daddy.” Ian sat up and grabbed his notepad. “We do have a lot of planning to do.”

“Uh, Babe? We have a daughter and parents waiting downstairs.”

“What? Oh, right. So what are you going to say to them?” Ian asked with a smirk.

“Me? Oh no. We can tell Chloe together but you get to break the news to your parents.” Michael said as he got up and opened the door to yell down the stairs. “Chloe? Where are you?”

“I’m coming!” Chloe said, popping her head out of her bedroom. She walked in with Hans in her arms, looking a little scared.

“Hi Papa. Hi Daddy.”

“Aw. Chloe love, what’s wrong?” Ian asked, as Michael helped her onto the bed.

“Daddy said it was happy baby news but you were in here a long time.”

“Oh, it’s very happy news.” Ian said as he pulled her closer and waited for Michael sat down next to her. “You know that Aunt Chris is going to have a baby for us? A baby that’s going to be your little brother or sister?”

“Uh huh.”

“Well, there’s going to be more than one.”

“Like Sandi and Nikki at school?”

“They’re twins but there are also triples and more. Triples are three babies and then there are quadruplets, four babies. Aunt Chris is having four babies.” Ian explained.

“Four? I’m going to have four brothers and sisters?”

“Uh huh. If everything goes as planned, we’ll have four babies when we all come back from England the next time.” Michael said.

“I get to go with you to get the babies, Daddy?”

“Yep. You’re going to be really important to the babies. Being a big sister is big job.”

“I get to be like Aunt Chris, Aunt Whitney and Aunt Hilary?”

“You certainly do; they were all excellent big sisters so I’m sure they’ll have a lot of pointers for you.” Ian answered.

“Papa, will I have to baby-sit?”

“Not right away but when you’re a little older like fifteen or sixteen, we might ask you to baby-sit. Do you think that would be okay?”

“Okay. Do I have to help change diapers?”

“Oh, that’s a tough one. Four babies are a lot of work and we’re going to ask for your help so you might have to change one or two.”

“Even the poopy ones?” Chloe asked, wrinkling her nose. “Amanda says her little brother’s diapers are really nasty.”

“How about we make a deal? No poopy diapers but you get to help with bed time. Not every night but the babies are going to need lots of stories and you are such a good reader.” Michael suggested.

“Oh! Can I tell them Papa stories? I remember all of them.”

“That’s a great idea, Chloe love. So you’re okay?”

“Uh huh. I won’t have to share Hans with them, will I?”

“Oh no. We wouldn’t ask that.” Ian assured her.

“Okay. Maybe I could get the babies some bunnies of their own, just in case?”

“Capitol idea! We’ll ask Pieter where he got Hans and find ones that don’t look anything like Hans just so there’s no confusion.”

“Thank you Papa! Can I go ask Oom Pieter now?”

“Uh.” Ian said, looking at Michael.

Michael surprised him though. “Chloe, you can tell Pieter and Grant but you have to wait until we’re talking to Nana and Granda. Let’s all go down stairs and we’ll get right on that.”

Chloe scrambled off the bed and ran out the door while Ian gave Michael a look of disbelief. “You’re going to let Chloe tell them?”

“Sure. It’ll be interesting to see what she tells them.” Michael said as he got up. “She’s still a bit upset about Amanda’s parents divorce. Hopefully, she’s really okay about it and not just telling us what we want to hear.”

Ian was following Michael out the door but suddenly pulled him back and shut them in the room. “When do we tell her about Sara?”

“Baby, I think she knew something was up with her mom. I just hope it really was an accident.” Michael said sadly.

“She’d been fired from her job, she was broke and she was a couple of days away from being evicted. The only reason she filed for child support was because she was at the end of her rope.” Ian said, not unkindly.

“It still doesn’t make sense. God, she did mean something to me once and I would have loaned her the money even if Chloe wasn’t my daughter.”

“Michael, she wouldn’t have asked because Chloe was your daughter. You aren’t exactly Einstein but you can count. Her lawyer said that Sara was really unhappy with the idea that you could get visitation or even joint custody. She caught some really tough breaks but she would have rather kept Chloe from you instead of just asking for help.”

“Ian-.”

“I know I’m being harsh but Sara wasn’t doing what was best for Chloe, she was doing what was best for herself. Meanwhile, she left Chloe alone from the age of five because she couldn’t afford childcare. Unlike a lot of parents in her situation, she had options. She was too selfish to take them.”

“Ian-.”

“Yes, I’m mad. No wonder Chloe’s so mature. She really didn’t get a chance to be a kid. What Sara did was child abuse. Can you imagine how frightened Chloe must have been? All alone in that apartment night after night? It hurts to know she was scared and lonely.”

Michael leaned forward and kissed Ian. “Baby, I’m not disagreeing with you but Chloe’s probably dancing on the ceiling down there. Can we talk about Sara later?”

“Oh. Okay.”

&&

“Four?”

“You’re having four?”

Ian looked from his mother to his father. “Yes.”

Margaret stood up and walked to the window. “Good god, Ian! Couldn’t you control yourself?”

“Mum!”

She turned around with a smile. “Chris already told us. Congratulations!” She pulled him into a hug.

“Mum! How did you find out?”

“Really Ian. You know your mum. She threatened to get on the next plane and stay until Chris told her why Michael was acting so weird. Ow. Margaret, there is no need for violence.”

“Hush then Ken. Boys, we couldn’t be more thrilled. Oh, all the little baby things I get to buy now!” Margaret said as she hugged Michael. “It was killing me not to say anything to you but I promised Chris I’d keep quiet.”

“Margaret! It was killing me not to say anything. I even got in trouble at the hospital.”

“You did? What happened?” Ian asked.

“Oh. Um I had to tell Dr. Tyree why I was so distracted but on the bright side, they want me back next year.”

“Hang on a second. You knew, my parents knew and your boss knew. All before I knew.” Ian put his hands on his hips. “Somehow this does not seem right.”

“Um. Well I told Whitney and Hilary, too. Because they deserved to know.” Michael said.

“Oh, and I told the relatives back in Australia.” Margaret added.

“The blokes down at the Club were just gob smacked.” Ken put in. “Can’t wait to buy you a round.”

“Argh! This is not right! I demand that you untell all those people.”

“Right. If it makes you feel any better, you can tell my parents.”

“Like Whitney and Hilary didn’t already do that? You’ve left me with no one to tell. God, Michael. You even let Chloe tell Pieter and Grant.”

“Baby, you have literally thousands of people to tell.”

“Where? Am I supposed to start writing a blog or something?”

“Ahem. Graduation. You’re graduating next week with thousands of people. You could tell each and every one of them.”

“It’s not the same.” Ian said with a pout as he flopped down on a chair. “Besides, there’s no time to order something appropriate.”

Chloe knocked then opened the door. “Look what Oom Pieter bought me!” She threw her arms open to reveal a new T-shirt with the legend “Big Sister to be” with the ‘be’ being replaced with a picture of a bumble bee. “Isn’t it pretty?”

“Oh, that’s so cute. Chloe, you look great.” Michael said, crouching down to take a look at it.

“And see? Uncle Grant got me a matching tattoo.” Chloe pulled up her shirt sleeve. “He got me enough to wear one every week until the babies get here.”

“Wow!” Michael exclaimed, looking up to see Pieter and Grant at door. “Thanks guys. That was really thoughtful of you.”

“You’re welcome and Pieter is refusing to divulge where he got the bunny so I guess we’ll just have to take Chloe bunny shopping.”

“Grant, you sound all broken up about that. Maybe you should sit down?” Ian said sarcastically. “I can’t believe I don’t have anyone to tell.”

“Hey, we can jump in the car and go find my parents. I’m sure Whitney and Hilary didn’t tell them or we’d have gotten a phone call by now. Mom wouldn’t be able to resist.”

“Very true. Chloe, want to go to Baltimore?”

“Yes!”

“Then let’s hit the road. Michael you can call your parents on the way and make sure they’re home.” Ian stood up and started heading for the door.

“Babe? Ian? Clothes? Shoes? Wallet? Keys? Any of those things ring a bell?”

Ian looked down at his bare feet and pajamas. “Oh. Well. Chloe, we’re leaving in thirty minutes!”

&&

May 15, 2011 Philadelphia, PA

Ian adjusted his gown and hood as he lined up behind several of his classmates then almost fell forward when something ran into him from behind. He turned to see Melinda’s smiling face staring up at him.

“Hi Ian! Are you excited?”

“Yes I am. How have you been this semester? I haven’t seen you since our open house in January.”

“I’ve been great but I’m really happy I won’t have college anymore.” Melinda said, patting her slightly distended stomach.

“You’re having another baby? Congratulations!” Ian said, giving her a hug.

“Thanks. Kylie isn’t so sure but Jake’s walking around like a glow worm. Congratulations to you too.”

“Huh? Who the heck told you? Did Michael call?”

“What? Ian, I was talking about your summa cum laude. What are you talking about?”

Ian took a deep breath. “Oh. Um. Thanks. Sorry about that. I’m a bit jumpy these days. Uh, we’re having a baby too. Well, four babies.”

“You’re kidding me? Ee! Ian, congratulations!” Melinda gave him a hug and a kiss. For such a tiny woman, she could hug really hard. “When are you due?”

“Sometime in October.”

“My due date’s in October too! We’ll have to get a playgroup together. I’m having a boy. Do you know what you’re having yet?”

“No and we’re not going to find out. Michael and I want to be surprised.”

“That’s how I was when Kylie was born. Have your parents started pressuring you to find out yet? Jake’s mom was a mad woman about it.”

“Not yet.”

Throughout the rest of the wait, Melinda and Ian chatted about babies and only quit when the guy in the seat next to Ian shushed them as the ceremony started.

Ian looked around and tried to spot his family but it was a big stadium. When the Wharton grads started getting introduced, that was no longer a problem when a whole block of people near the stage held up stadium cards with the words ‘Go Wharton Grads!’ written on them.

“Oh he didn’t!” Ian groaned.

“Way cool!” Melinda exclaimed when the cards changed to ‘Go M B A Grads!’ then to ‘Go Ian!’ but Ian just groaned again.

&&

Ian was snagged by someone from ESPN as the new graduates left the stadium, much to his surprise as he hadn’t even seen the cameras.

“Ian, hi. Would you mind giving a quick interview?”

“Uh. Sure Amanda. What are you doing here? And how’s married life?”

“It’s great and we doing a story on Olympic college grads and the like. We were in New Jersey talking to an ice skater and the timing just worked. Congratulations by the way. Summa cum laude and all that!”

“Thanks. Oh, Amanda. This is my friend Melinda Ressinger. Melinda, Amanda Beard.”

As the ladies greeted each other, Ian used his height to try and spot Michael or Grant or Pieter.

“Ian, we’re meeting Michael and Jake near the squash courts.” Melinda said. “I just got a text message from Jake.”

Ian checked his phone and then remembered he’d left it with Michael. “Oh, thanks. I didn’t even bring mine. Amanda, do you mind if we find them first?”

“Of course not. Harry, Mike? We’re moving.”

“Amanda, I’m sorry we couldn’t make your wedding.” Ian said as they walked through the crowd.

“It’s okay. We ended up with a really small ceremony, unlike other people I could mention,” Amanda said with a wink at Ian. “I love the vase you sent, it’s got a place of honor on the mantle. Brian says it looks like me.”

“Well, that’s what I thought too so that’s why we bought it.”

A few minutes later, they spotted Michael, with Chloe on his shoulders along with Grant and Pieter and as they got closer, Ian realized that practically every member of Michael’s family had come up to see him graduate.

“Wow, that’s quite a crowd!”

“Well I wondered how Michael got enough people do to the board thing.”

There were several rounds of greetings and Amanda not only got her sound bite from Ian but also made plans to interview all four men at a later date.

“Ian, I know you need to make a quick stop at the reception but we’re all going to brunch at the White Dog afterwards.”

“The White Dog? All of us?”

“Yes, we’ve got a private room and a buffet. You don’t mind if everyone starts eating before we get there, do you?”

“No, of course not. Chloe’s coming with us, isn’t she?”

“Sure, uh. Let me go find her. She’s probably with the parents.”

&&

June 9, 2011 Glenside, PA

Michael threw his backpack into the passenger seat and started the SUV, heading for the exit as quickly and carefully as he could. It totally sucked that he had summer sessions but he now had a three day weekend and today was Chloe’s last day of third grade.

He was so proud that Chloe had managed to catch up with her age group, skipping most of the second grade. One of the advantages of Springside was that she still had some activities with her second grade buddies but had spent the second semester doing work with her age level including math.

The traffic was light until he got close to the school and he quickly checked his watch. Whew. He still had twenty minutes to park and get in to the assembly; he only hoped that Ian had managed to save him a seat.

Brushing off his suit coat, Michael adjusted his tie and half-sprinted for the auditorium around the clumps of other people and finding Ian, Grant, Pieter and all the parents inside. Ian had saved him a seat on the aisle and he sat down gratefully.

“Hello love. You made it with five minutes to spare.” Ian said, giving Michael a quick kiss.

“I know, parking was a pain and I ended up over at the boys’ school. Do you have-?”

Ian handed over the video camera. “You really expected me to forget?”

“Forgive my stupidity.” Michael said, turning around to wave to his parents and hey, his sisters made it too.

The ceremony was short and sweet, as befitting for young children and they were on their way back to the house by three thirty, Ian riding with Michael and Chloe in with Debbie, Ryan, Fred and Jackie.

They had a little gathering of sandwiches and salad before Chloe was whisked off by her aunts to Baltimore for the night followed quickly by Michael and Ian’s parents. Michael went upstairs and got his overnight back, joining Ian in the garage where he was giving the final instructions to Grant and Pieter.”

“-and scrub everything you have sex on.”

“Oh like you scrubbed the couch that time? Really, Ian how can you-”

Pieter slapped his hand over Grant’s mouth. “Michael, Ian I hope you guys have a good time and we’ll make sure to take care of the house while you’re gone. Have a good trip!” Pieter pushed Grant back then waved with his free hand.

“Thanks Pieter!” Michael said cheerily, pulling Ian to the car and throwing his bag over the seat. “Ian baby, get in and let’s get going already.”

&&

“Michael, do you ever feel like we luck into things?” Ian asked as he popped open another pistachio and chucked the meat into his mouth.

“What do you mean?”

“We have a great life, a great kid; we’re having four more kids who are going to be equally great I’m sure, great families, and great friends. We even have great pets. Does it ever feel like it’s too easy?”

“Hm. How many miles did you log in the pool? What about college? You may have seemed to breeze through, Mr. Summa Cum Laude but I know you sweated for those grades. And then there’s our alarming tendency to attract the weirdoes.”

“Okay okay. So it hasn’t all been a walk in the park. I just hope our luck holds and the babies are fine. There are so many things that can go wrong with multiple births and-”

“Have you been reading those message boards again?”

“But they have good information!”

“And some of them are populated by people who exaggerate every detail in bizarre competitions to be the parent with the most tragedy in their lives.”

“Oh, and who is being judgmental now?”

“Ian, haven’t you noticed that some of them, not all thank god, seem to spend all day long on the boards? I’m not saying they don’t have good tips but you shouldn’t get medical information from any yahoo with an internet connection.”

“Thank you, Dr. Phelps. Ooh. Do I get to be Mr. Dr. Phelps? Wait, never mind. I knew I should have changed my name when we got married.”

“Don’t change the subject. Baby, there is plenty of literature from reliable sources if you want to scare yourself to death.”

“So you’re the guy who checked out all the baby books at the local library.” Ian said.

“No I’m the guy who has lunch with two pediatricians and a neonatal care specialist twice a week. Trust me, I’ve heard a lot of horror stories and I’m sure Pieter has a few of his own but I’m not going to worry about complications until I know there are complications we have to worry about. Now I’m going to change the subject. There’s a parenting class for men at the hospital on Wednesday evenings at seven. Do you want to sign up with me for a couple of them?”

“A class just for men?”

“Uh yeah. It’s new. I suggested it to Dr. Tyree and she took it to the right department and they approved it and it even got a grant. It’s sort of a rotating lecture thing with hands on stuff too. They have all these classes for mom and dad or moms on their own but nothing for dads on their own. Uh, I sort of helped design some of the classes and I’m going to be assisting with the infant massage class.”

“Michael, that’s fantastic! Wow, no wonder Dr. Tyree likes you so much.” Ian said teasingly.

“Ha ha. Actually, it ‘fulfills a much needed and long neglected segment of the parenting population.’ Or so Dr. Matheson said at the meeting.”

“Congratulations. Really. It is something that’s needed because I wasn’t looking forward to sitting through all the labor stuff to find out how to bathe a baby.”

“Still not willing to be in the delivery room?”

“Uh no. It’s a beautiful natural thing but no man needs to see his sister like that.”

“Well if Chris lets me, I’m willing to be there. I could even tell you when to look and when not to look if you wanted.”

“You’d do that?”

“She’s not my sister. Now if it was Whitney or Hilary, I’d be as far away as humanly possible but you know they’re probably going to do a c-section so you won’t be seeing much.”

“Ack! No. No. Ew. An operation? You want me to watch all that blood and flesh being cut into? Are you insane? You know I hate the sight of-oh ew!”

“God Ian. It’s not that bad. Haven’t you ever seen one of the programs on Discovery Health?”

“Michael, you know the minute I see surgical scrubs I change the channel.”

“So the answer here is never.”

“Nope. Nada. Not going to do it and you can’t make me.” Ian said, sticking his lip out.

“Fine. Do you mind if I watch? I could video tape it just in case you ever want to see it.”

“Fine with me and get out of the left lane. We can get Cinnabons on the way back.”

“But-!”

“Michael, you’re the one who was complaining about your pants getting tight.”

“But that’s baby weight!”

“And I have a ten inch cock. We’re going to the ballpark on Saturday and you’ll have plenty of chances to pig out there. Subject closed.”

Michael muttered something that sounded like ‘bossy’ under his breath as he changed lanes but Ian paid no attention. Three miles down the road, Michael suddenly sat up.

“Hey, wait a minute! You do have a ten inch cock!”

“Well it’s too late now.” Ian pointed out with a grin.

“I could always turn around.”

“Then we’ll be late for our dinner reservations.”

“True. Do you think Chloe is having fun?”

“She’s getting big sister lessons. Of course she’s having fun. Besides, Whitney and Hilary are the only ones she’ll go with to get a hair cut. I don’t get that. I was even going to take her back to the place they took her to.”

“Have you looked in a mirror lately?”

“Michael! Good thing you’re driving or I’d hit you."

"She won’t let me take her either. I think it’s a girl thing.”

“Probably. Are you ready to talk about our agenda for the weekend?”

“Does it include sex?”

“It does indeed.” Ian said as he pulled out his personal organizer. “We’re checking in to the hotel, having dinner at Charleston then you’re taking me on a romantic hike to the top of Federal Hill. A proposal of any kind is optional this time.”

“Good because you’re running out of fingers.”

“This is true. Tomorrow we’re having breakfast with the parents then we’re going to the zoo or the aquarium with Chloe and the parents depending on the weather. Chloe’s spending the night with your mom and Ryan and Mum and Dad. Saturday we’re shopping in the morning then going to the ball game in the afternoon and you get to throw out the first pitch.”

“Which I’ve been practicing for.”

“Yes you have and you’re going to do us all proud. After the game, we’re having a snack and Chloe is staying with your dad and Jackie and Mum and Dad. Sunday morning, we’re having brunch and loading up my parents and Chloe then going home to sterilize the house.”

“Honestly Ian. They’re not going to have sex anywhere inappropriate.”

“Well I think they’ve had sex in our bed.”

“They have not. Pieter would have told me and besides, I think we creep them out sometimes.”

“Hang on. You and Pieter talk about sex?”

“Sure. Don’t you and Grant?”

“Of course not! God, I don’t want to know what Grant does in bed; especially with Pieter.”

“Gee, no wonder they think we’re creepy. Everyone talks about sex.”

“I don’t. And we’re not creepy. They have some nerve calling us creepy. Where do they get off?”

“Mainly in the shower I think.” Michael said with a smirk.

“Oh! Ew! God!” Ian covered his eyes. “Now I’m going to need to sterilize my brain and Pieter’s going to have to move out. I’ll never be able to look at him again.”

“Pieter but not Grant?”

“Have you ever spoken of our sex life with Grant?”

“No.”

“Then he can stay. Pieter’s got to find a new place to live, preferably in Antarctica.”

“Ian, you’ve watched Grant and Pieter have sex. Not together but you’ve even had sex with Pieter. Don’t you think you’re being a little silly?”

“God! Do you and Pieter sit around comparing me or something?”

“No. Pieter said he could barely remember that weekend.”

“What?”

“Well he’s lying but Ian, we don’t talk about details. It’s not like we’re holding sex clinics or something.”

“Humph.” Ian said, crossing his arms over his chest.

&&

“Baby? Ian? Please talk to me.”

“No.”

Michael stepped into the shower and put his arms around Ian, hooking his chin over Ian’s shoulder. “I’ve apologized, I’ve promised to never talk to Pieter about sex in any form. What else can I do?”

“You still won’t agree that Pieter needs to move.”

“Don’t you think Grant would miss him? Just a tiny little bit? Do you really want a six and a half foot moping man around the house?”

Ian sighed and picked up the soap. “I guess it would lose its entertainment value after a while. Okay, Pieter can stay but the other condition still applies.”

&&

“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?”

“It really is.”

“Do you ever miss living here?”

“Um. Not really. I like Philadelphia. I didn’t think I would but it’s grown on me. Do you regret not living in Sydney?”

“Sometimes I miss the things I was used to but I don’t have any regrets. Besides, we’ll never be able to move from Philly. I like my tree fort too much to give it up.”

“Ah. Well it can be moved you know.”

“I know but I like it just where it is.”

They sat in silence for a while, enjoying the city view spread out below them when Ian’s eye was caught by something on their left.

“Michael, what’s that building? Is it a restaurant?”

“No, that’s AVAM; the American Visionary Art Museum. I went there a couple of times on school trips and they sponsor the Kinetic Sculpture race. I remember being fascinated by these tiny embroidered pieces that were done by a guy serving a life sentence. He pulled the threads from his socks to do them. They were amazing.”

“Hm. Sounds interesting. Do you think that’s something Chloe would enjoy?”

“Probably. It’s got some odd things but I think she would. Are you thinking we should substitute the museum for the zoo or the aquarium?”

“Not this trip but it’s something to put on your list for the next visit.”

“Or you could come down with Chloe. You’d probably get a kick out of it.”

“That’s an option. It’s getting a bit late, are you ready to go back?”

“Okay.” Michael said, standing up with Ian and starting for the stairs. “Hey, I’ve been meaning to ask. Are you coming with me to meet in Rome in August? I’d really like it if you would.”

“Ooh! That sounds like fun. We’d take Chloe, right?”

“Of course. It’ll give you a chance to get her a snazzy wardrobe for the new school year.”

“Forget Chloe, what about me? Don’t I deserve pretty stuff?”

“Ian, you are the pretty stuff.”
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The Sweet Life