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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
- 26
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August 8, 2011 Rome, Italy

“Okay Chloe now that Daddy’s off, let’s review the rules for Rome.”

“No running, I must stay with you and if people tell me that I’m very cute, I must thank them, grazie molto. And if you do get lost, I must call you immediately on the cell phone.” Chloe recited, patting the cell phone at her waist, hidden by her shirt.

“Then I think we’re ready to go. What shall we do first?”

“I want to go to the market.”

“The food market?”

“Uh huh. You said we would be eating dinner at the apartment and Oom Pieter said we should visit the Mercato di Testi-.” Chloe struggled to remember.

“Mercato di Testaccio?”

“That’s it. Then we can go look at stuff.”

“Since we’re going to have bring everything back, how about we go to the Campo de’ Fiori instead? It’s only a short walk down the next street.”

“Is there food?” Chloe asked, showing once again just whose child she was.

“Yes there is.”

“Okay!”

&&

The food shopping done, Chloe was now willing to investigate Vatican City because she wanted to see the Sistine Chapel and the other artwork and because Ian admitted he’d never been.

They definitely needed a rest after climbing the three hundred and twenty two stairs to St. Peter’s Basilica cupola at the end of their visit and Ian was grateful to find a street café to rest his legs and get some refreshments. Between the heat of the city and the crowds, Chloe was just as happy to sip her limonata, munch on several slices of pizza margherita and people watch.

“Are you too tired to do more, Chloe or shall we see a few fountains on the way back?”

“I need a nap.”

“That’s what I thought you’d say. Do you want to take a taxi back?”

“No, I can walk.”

&&

Michael returned a half hour after Ian and Chloe got back to the apartment and wasn’t surprised to find his little family snoozing on the couch together. After a quick shower, he went into the kitchen to make a snack and was surprised to find plenty of groceries.

Shrugging, he pulled out everything needed to make a tasty dinner and got to work, stealing bits of the veggies as he sliced and diced. His pasta salad might not be authentically Italian but it was perfect for a hot day and it should have plenty of time to chill before they ate.

He threw together a fruit salad and since he seemed to be working with a theme, made a green salad for good measure then tossed the fish filets he found into a marinade. After a bowl of cereal, carefully transported over in their luggage, Michael picked up Chloe and put her into bed after taking off her socks and shorts.

Ian was a different matter and complained the whole way back to their bedroom before Michael got him on the bed and shut him up with a kiss before helping him off with his clothes.

“Um. When did you get back?”

“A while ago. Did you have a good day?”

“Yes but Chloe wanted to see the view from the cupola.”

“Ah, no wonder you guys were sacked out on the couch.” Michael said as he skimmed out of his clothes and got under the sheets. “I see you did the marketing.”

“Um. Uh huh. Sleepy.”

“I know.” Michael kissed Ian’s forehead and soon followed him into dream time.

&&

“I could get used to this lifestyle.” Ian commented as they ate a late dinner on the terrace.

“The napping lifestyle? I don’t think you’re going to get a choice.”

“True. Chloe, eat your olives.”

“But I don’t like the black ones.”

“I’ll take them.” Michael volunteered, reaching over to scoop them off her plate. “So what will you guys be doing tomorrow?”

“A car tour to Tivoli and Hadrian’s Villa returning via the Appian Road or a trip to Pompeii. Chloe is still trying to make up her mind.”

“The Pompeii trip is long, isn’t it Papa?”

“About eight hours with lunch while we’re there. It might be a little scary too.”

“Because of the volcano and all the people who died.”

“Yes. Do you need more time to think it over?”

“Uh huh. Can I have more pasta salad?”

“Of course.” Ian said, picking up the bowl and passing it over. “Are we staying in tonight or going out?”

“Um. I could do with a walk.”

Chloe looked up from her plate, “Who is going to stay with me?”

“Oh honey, you get to come with. How about we head for one of the fountains, get a gelato and people watch?” Ian suggested.

&&

Chloe’s favorite part of the trip was watching her father compete for three nights and getting to finally meet the legendary Bob, the subject of many of her parents’ stories, along with meeting many of the other swimmers she’d only seen on TV. She even nabbed one of Michael’s swim caps to get several autographs, especially from the female swimmers.

Bob even arranged to let her take a couple of laps along side Michael in the competition pool, much to her delight early on the last day of the meet.

“The kid’s got good form.”

“We’re not pushing her.”

“She’s nine?”

“Yes but you already knew that.”

“There’s a great coach for kids in Philly.”

“I dare you to suggest that to Michael.”

“Hey, sometimes all kids want is for their parents to tell them its okay to want to compete.”

“And Michael is retiring next year. I think he’s waiting until after New York to talk to her about it.”

“Oh. He wants to coach her?”

“I’m not sure. He hasn’t specifically said so but maybe he just wants to be around to keep an eye on any future coach. He’s also worried about injuries if she goes out too soon.”

“Hm. Can’t say I blame him considering. How long has she been doing the butterfly?”

“A couple of months.”

Bob rubbed his chin. “You guys wouldn’t consider moving back to Michigan, would you?”

“Why?”

“Well just look at her. She’s got his feel for the water but she rides the wave like you do.”

“So you want to coach Phelps, the next generation?”

“Look around Ian. I’m not the only coach watching her.” Bob said dryly.

A glance was all it took to confirm that Bob was speaking the truth. One of the Italian coaches even seemed to be taking notes. “She’s nine.”

“Girls start earlier then boys.”

“We’re still not pushing.” Ian said desperately as Chloe touched the wall to a ripple of applause. “She’s just a little girl.”

“Okay. Just start preparing yourself. Here’s something to make you feel better; we’ve picked our training camp and I believe you’re quite familiar with it.”

“Ann Arbor?”

“Nope. Sheerr Pool. We’ll be staying at Hill College House.”

“Oh. That’s a nice residence hall. Michael will be in town?”

“Yep. We had other candidates but as Head Coach, I thought Philly was a good choice.”

“So Michael can come home some nights?”

“Or you can bring all the tadpoles down.”

“Thanks Bob. That will make life a lot easier.”

“You’re welcome.”

“There’s bound to be complaints about it though.”

“Eh. How many medals have they won?” Bob asked with a grin as he walked off.

&&

Ian loaded his bag into the overhead compartment then crammed in their other two bags before taking his seat on the aisle. It was a short flight but Michael was in the window seat with Chloe between them. There was only so much room in coach and this way, they both got a little shoulder room although Chloe would probably spend half the flight in Michael’s lap, looking out the window.

As he looked down, Ian reconsidered because Chloe was already fast asleep. “Is she sleeping more or is it just me?”

“You did run her little feet off, Ian with all that shopping.”

“What shopping?”

“All the stuff you had shipped home. I hope you bought her clothes a little big because I think she’s growing again.”

“I- well. Oh, who am I trying to kid? Yes, I bought at least a size bigger, including her shoes.”

“But not the ones on her feet?”

“Aren’t they adorable?” Ian asked, admiring the fine leather.

“Yes. So how much did you ship home?”

“Not much considering we have babies on the way.”

“And you needed a new wardrobe too.”

“Exactly. Uh. It wasn’t a whole new wardrobe. Just a few sweaters and such.”

“Ian, that’s like Imelda Marcos saying it’s just a few shoes.”

“I am not a shopaholic.” Ian said, starting to defend himself then stopped when he spotted Michael’s grin. “Stop that.”

“What? I love it when you get all defensive. Besides, we’re heading to wherever to buy baby strollers. Did I complain about that?”

“Vicenza. And no you didn’t.”

“Frankly, I’m glad you’ve finally gotten a start on getting baby stuff. I was getting a little worried.”

“Uh huh. You’re glad that *I’m* getting the baby stuff.” Ian asked archly.

Michael instantly realized he’d made a big mistake. “Oh. You were waiting for me to shop with you, weren’t you?” He asked in a small voice.

“Uh huh.”

“Oh. I’m sorry?”

“Too little too late. Talk to the hand for the rest of the trip.”

“Ian, that works better if you actually put your hand up.”

“You are not worthy of the hand. You’ll just have to imagine it.”

&&

“What do you think?”

“Um. It’s a baby stroller.”

“It’s beautiful, Papa!”

“Isn’t it?” Ian ran his hand over the bonnet. “It’s fully collapsible and the seats double as infant carriers.”

“And there’s room for all the babies.” Chloe pointed out.

“Also, Signore Thorpe, you can convert it for three or even two carriers. There is also a single carriage and the seats for older children. This should last you until the children are four or five.”

“Thank you, Signore Tomasi. This is truly a work of art.”

An hour later after getting a through lesson on the use and care of their new stroller, Michael walked out carrying the work of art in a bag slung over his shoulder.

“Is it heavy, Daddy?”

“No not really. How about yours Ian?”

“Since I’m only carrying the single carriage, it’s very light.”

&&

They had to rush to make their train in Milan after eating but they quickly settled into their sleeper cabin and were soon watching Northern Italy fly by as the sky darkened.

“Daddy, what time are we getting to Paris?”

“Um. I think we arrive at seven. Then we have an hour to wait before catching the Eurostar.”

“That’s the train that goes underwater?”

“Yep.”

Chloe climbed into his lap so she could see better and rested her head on his chest. “Daddy, will I still get to go on trips when the babies come?”

Ian looked up sharply from the brochure he was reading.

“Of course you will. Did you think we’d leave you alone at home and just take the babies somewhere?”

Chloe didn’t answer and Michael shared a look with Ian.

“Dearling, the babies aren’t going to be up to traveling for a while. Would it be really bad if you got to go to meets with Daddy and Granny Deb while I stayed home with the babies?”

“You don’t want to go with Daddy?”

“Well I’d love to go with Daddy but the babies will need one of us to be home for a while. If you remember, I had a hard time leaving you at first too.”

“Am I still going to be your daughter after the babies get here?”

“Aw. Chloe.” Ian said, pulling her into his lap. “You’re my baby too. You’ll always be my baby.”

&&

“Hi, David.”

“Hi guys. Hello Chloe. Michael, you want some help?” David asked, taking in the sight of Chloe draped over Ian’s shoulder and Michael trying to handle all their baggage.

“Yes please.”

“Wait right here, I’ll get a luggage cart.”

“Gee. A luggage cart. Michael, why didn’t you think of that?”

Michael didn’t answer but Ian knew he was going to pay for that remark at some point or another. David came back with two carts and helped Michael load them up.

“Now I know why you guys took the train. Hope you’re ready to pay the overage on the flight back.”

“Actually the two big black bags are strollers. We were hoping to leave them here if you think it won’t bother Chris.”

“Why would it bother Chris? And you bought strollers in Italy? What kind of strollers are they?” David asked, not seeing Michael’s wild head shaking until it was too late.

David found out just what kind of strollers they were through the walk out to the car, the loading of car and the half hour trip to the Williams’ house. Ian was still talking when David parked the car but Michael insisted that Ian and Chloe get inside while Michael and David took care of the luggage.

“Man, David! Did you not see the signal? Were you not the one who warned me about that?”

“God God! I thought Christina was bad. He’s like ten times worse than she is. Mate, are you sure you want to have children with him?”

“It’s too late now. I’m doomed. Doomed!” Michael said dramatically.

“Yeah yeah. Shut yer yap and help with the bags. How’s he doing, really?”

“Incredibly moody. How’s Chris?”

“Strangely enough, there has been no sign of the Thorpe Effect this time around. It was the one part I was dreading but so far so good. Of course, Ian’s gone in there and smeared his impending parenthood anxiety all over her so who knows.”

“Ew.”

“Oh. Sorry. Bad choice of verb there.”

“Boys! Who got him started?” Margaret asked as she came out of the house.

Michael pointed at David.

“David! You know better.”

“I know. Is Chris going too?”

“No. In fact, she and Ken are really amused which is quite ironic. Which one of these is the stroller?” She asked.

“Both of the navy bags. It’s two strollers actually.”

“Michael. I don’t need to hear it again. Just bring them in; Chris wants a look.” Margaret said before returning to the house.

&&

August 18, 2011 London, England

“She’s so big.”

“I know but four babies need a lot of room. She looks really good, very glowy.”

“That’s not a word. She’s so big.”

Michael sighed and sat up in bed. “Turn over, I’ll be right back.” Michael went over to his bag and pulled out the massage oil before getting back on the bed and straddling Ian’s hips.

“Oh. A back rub. It’s been so long.”

“I gave you one last week.”

“Eight days ago.”

Rolling his eyes, Michael warmed the oil up and got started. “Has your back been bothering you?”

“Um hm. Ever since I tried that sympathy belly on in class.”

“You shouldn’t have gone for the nine month model right off the bat, you have to work up to those things.”

“Well Jerry dared me.”

“Uh huh. And I guess we know who won the competitive parenting sprint. Good thing Jerry didn’t dare you to jump off a bridge.”

Ian snorted. “You have such little faith in me.”

“I have all the faith in the world in you. In fact, to prove it I’m going to tell you a secret.”

“A secret?”

“Uh huh. You know that lunch you’re having with Melinda when we get back?”

“The first week of September?”

“Uh huh. She’s getting you out of the house so Grant and Pieter can get it ready for a surprise baby shower.”

Ian struggled to turn over and finally managed once Michael lifted up a bit. “A surprise baby shower? That’s sweet of them but how come you know about it?”

“I saw one of the R. S. V. P. cards.”

“So you’re not in on it?”

“Oh no. Didn’t I promise never to throw you a surprise party?”

“You did. Thanks for telling me and I’ll do a good job faking it.”

“I will too.” Michael said, squirting out more oil and starting on Ian’s chest. “We’re going to have to figure out what colors we’re using for the nursery and if we’re going with a theme.

“Oh. That feels good. I was thinking we should go gender neutral and use pastel green and yellow. I saw a really – oh – cute crib set on line but I’m wondering if we should use something different for each one of them.”

“Then we’d have to remember which one was on what crib and what if they fought over them?”

“Good – ah – point. Okay. They all get the same thing then. I’d love to get a mural painted on the wall in there.”

“Really? What kind?”

“Um. Something sunny and fun. Maybe ships full of little kids sailing on the ocean with these exciting islands and cavorting dolphins. Oh. You have magic hands.”

“Thank you baby. I like your mural idea. Have you drawn it all out?”

“No. I just thought of it. But wouldn’t that be cool?”

“It would indeed. Philadelphia has a lot of muralists and we could do the bath with an underwater theme.”

“Ah. Um. Good. Michael?”

“Yes Baby?”

“That doesn’t feel like a chest massage.”

Michael looked down at where his hand had drifted. “This is a full frontal massage. You wouldn’t want me to miss anything would you?”

&&

August 22, 2011 London, England

Ian said goodbye to Chris and his parents, who were staying in London to help with the final months of Chris’ pregnancy, helped Michael pulled Chloe away from Iona, kissed his nephew and got into the car beside David.

He heard the back doors close and waved when David pulled out. “David, are you okay?”

“What? Of course I’m okay Ian.”

“We haven’t really spoken during this visit.”

“Oh. Well, I wasn’t home much was I?” David said mildly, sharing a look with Michael in the mirror.

“No. I suppose work has been keeping you busy?”

“Quite right. We’re about six months from rolling out the program so it’s getting frantic.”

At the airport, David parked and they were able to manage with only one cart to get their baggage to the check in counter because they left the strollers and two bags of the baby clothes back at the Williams’ residence.

“I’m not going to tell you to take care of anyone David, because you’ve always done an exemplary job but don’t let the parents drive you too bonkers.”

David laughed and returned Ian’s hug. “I won’t and I’ll be sure to run interference between Christine and Margaret. We’ll see you in October, knock wood.”

One more hug then David gave his niece a quick peck before turning to Michael and exchanging an embrace. Ian’s sharp eyes caught the little whispered conversation between them but didn’t bring it up until their flight was in the air and Chloe was occupied across the aisle.

“What are you and David cooking up?”

“Huh? Mutual support?”

“Uh huh. I don’t believe that. You’ve got that squirrelly look you always get when you’re planning something.”

“Well if you must know, David suggested that we hire a charter jet for the trip back. I was going to arrange it and surprise you but would you be comfortable going that route? You were fine on Carl’s jet but a small plane over the water?”

“Oh. Um. Well. Michael, that’s a good idea. No it wouldn’t bother me.”

“Good because it’ll give us more flexibility. We could be halfway to London in the time it took to arrange a commercial flight. What about the return flight with the babies?”

“Do we have to book round trip right off the bat?”

“Nope. Maureen’s already looking into it. There’s a twenty passenger jet that can make the flight in six hours. This is good because we might be in a hurry and my parents could travel with us.”

“I like it. Okay, I’m sold.”

&&

September 3, 2011 Philadelphia, PA

“Melinda, you’re going to give yourself a nervous breakdown. I know so calm down and just tell me what time we should head back.”

“Know what?” Melinda said innocently.

“About the baby shower. I’ll do a good job acting surprised but you can stop ordering food now. There’s no way you can eat three desserts.”

Sitting back with a sigh, Melinda put the menu down. “Who told?”

“Michael found out and clued me in which is a good thing because I don’t do well with surprise parties. What time are you supposed to get me back?”

“Three and it’s only two fifteen. And I thought you loved surprises.”

“Surprises yes, surprise parties no. There’s something about people jumping out and yelling at me that I find really disturbing. So relax. It’s not good for you to get all tense.”

“You’re right. And although I could probably eat another dessert, I’ll be up with heartburn if I do.” Melinda patted her stomach. “Thank god there’s only seven more weeks to go. Are you excited yet?”

“I’ve been excited all along. I’m just trying not to get all wound up about it.”

“How’s the nursery coming?”

“We’ve ripped out the carpet, stripped the wallpaper and primed. The muralist is supposed to start at the end of the month and we’re installing a new closet system next weekend.”

“Oh, a mural? What theme?”

“Oh please. Like Michael didn’t already leak that info?”

“Hey, give me a break. I bought your gift right after graduation so I didn’t need to know.”

“What did you get me?” Ian asked eagerly.

“Ha! I’m not going to spill and who says it’s for you? So what theme”

“Kids in ships on the ocean having all sorts of adventures. The bathroom will be under the sea. One of Grant’s colleagues is on the Mural Art Project board and hooked us up with Patty. She does fantastic work.”

“Sounds great. Have you bought cribs and all that?”

“No. We’re still looking. Michael thinks we should get those combination cribs, with the dresser on one end and drawers underneath.”

“The kind that converts into a twin bed later?”

“Yes.”

“Well, you are going to have four babies that need changing and you might need the surface area.”

“I know I should go with practicality but round cribs are so pretty!”

&&

Ian and Michael were both a bit frightened at the idea of a baby shower, especially one thrown by Grant and Pieter and they sort of weren’t comfortable asking their friends for baby stuff anyway so when Ian pulled onto their street and saw all the cars, he couldn’t help wondering what kind of surprise party this was going to be.

“Don’t people normally hide their cars?”

“You’d think, wouldn’t you?” Melinda said slyly. “If a surprise baby shower was actually what was happening here.”

“It’s not a surprise shower?”

“I’m not saying. You’ll just have to find out for yourself.”

Ian got warily out of the car, noting the people digging and planting in the yard. Pieter was on the front porch and came running over.

“Ian! Welcome to your baby-proofing party!”

“Baby proofing?”

“Yes! Everyone is working on making the house and yards as baby proof as possible.”

“You never intended this to be a surprise shower.” Ian said slowly.

“Oh no. After the swirly incident on your fourteenth birthday that Grant told me about? I wouldn’t dare. We just wanted to get you and Michael out of the house for a couple of hours so we could get organized and start working. The guys from the swim club are helping replace any plants that might harm small children out here. Your study group friends are in the back yard doing the same thing out there. Your dad was a big help in finding substitute plants.”

“Michael’s school friends are in the house, putting up baby gates, covering outlets and the like. The hospital folks are in the kitchen, working on getting all the cupboard things installed and the guys from your parenting group are working in the playroom.”

“Cupboard things?” Ian asked weakly.

“Those clippie things to keep the babies from opening the cupboards. Now, you and Michael are our refreshment crew so you can mingle around and talk to people but you’re not to pick up any tools. You’ll have plenty of work to do next month. The caterer is coming in an hour and a half with the food so there’s nothing for you to do on that front either.”

“Pieter. I’m. Really.” Ian said, not able to form words.

Pieter just smiled and gave him a quick hug. “I see Grant’s plan for a successful surprise is a big hit. He’s going to be thrilled. Oop! My crew needs me!”

Ian turned to Melinda was wearing a big grin. “You were in on this?”

“Well the fake invitation was my idea but this was all Grant’s brain child. He’s the one who thought of the baby proofing party.”

“I had no idea you knew Grant so well.”

“I didn’t until he called a couple of months ago. The Thorpe Quad Committee has been a lot of fun. We’ve been meeting once a week all summer and Jake thanks you for giving me a reason to get out of the house. I’m going to be really glad to get to work, let me tell you. Now I’ve got to run because I’ve got my own assignment.”

“Melinda, you’re not working here!”

“Nope I’m not. Chloe, Karen and I are the babysitting committee. Besides, I’ve been dying to see your tree fort.”

Ian was left standing in the driveway and was still there three minutes later when Michael pulled up.

“Uh Babe? What’s going on?”

“We’ve been had.”

“We have?”

“Yes. This is our baby-proofing party.”

“Not a shower?”

“No. That was the fake out.”

“Oh. Um, are you disappointed?”

“No. I’ve been standing here trying not to cry.”

“Aw Ian.” Michael put his arms out and Ian went into them gratefully.

&&

Five hours later, the five members of the household were sitting around in the back yard surveying the damage that seventy odd people could do to a catered barbeque.

“Grant, Pieter. Thank you so much for doing this.” Ian said.

“You would have done the same for me and I know how uncomfortable a gift giving thing would have been for you both. Not that that stopped people from bringing things but I did my best.” Grant said as he motioned to the boxes and bags near the deck.

“Thank you anyway. Now we’re several steps closer to be being ready for the babies and it was very sweet of people to also bring things for Chloe. We have a mess of thank you notes to write.”

“And I have a list of everyone’s addresses and my able assistant will be happy to provide it to you. Pieter?”

“I’ll have to enter the gift stuff in and match it with the addresses; I’ll print it out for you tomorrow. I suppose we should start cleaning this up.”

“Ian and I will take care of it.” Michael said from one of the lounge chairs. “It’s the least we can do.”

“Eh. More hands means it will take less time.” Pieter said.

Three minutes later, they were all still sitting around.

“Why aren’t we moving?” Ian asked.

“I’m not moving because I’m too full.” Michael answered. “I think it was the second bunny cupcake. They were so good I couldn’t resist. Chloe, did you really help make them?” Michael lifted his head when she didn’t answer. “Ah. She fell asleep.”

“No wonder. She must have been up and down into her clubhouse fifty times playing with the other kids. And yes she really did help make them, even found the instructions on the internet. Don’t worry; I was sitting right with her the whole time. Man, can she type fast.”

“I know. I’m considering asking her to type all my research notes. Heck, I’d even pay her.”

Chloe sat straight up. “How much?”

“Weren’t you asleep?” Ian asked.

“Daddy said he’d pay me. How much?”

“Why? What do you need money for?”

“Christmas presents. There are only one hundred and twelve shopping days left and I have lots of people to buy for including the babies.”

Michael exchanged a look with Ian. “Are you going to negotiate yourself or should I talk to your agent?”

Chloe turned around and stared at Ian. “Papa?”

“Oh. Well, if I recall the price for typing in college is about a dollar a page. Are we offering a discount for relatives?”

“Um.” Chloe said stroking her chin. “I guess because its Daddy maybe we should. Ten percent?”

“Mr. Phelps?”

“That’s acceptable.”

Chloe got up and solemnly shook his hand before crawling into his lap. “Can I take yoga lessons, Daddy?”

“I suppose. It is good exercise.”

“Papa showed me some of the positions and Kylie takes yoga and I can already do more poses than she can.”

“I see. You know it’s not a competition, right?”

“Uh huh. Can I call Granny Deb? She asked me to call her tonight and tell her all about the baby party.”

Ian pulled his cell phone off his waistband. “Here, use mine.”

“Thanks Papa!”
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The Sweet Life