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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
- 30
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- 32
March 25, 2012 Austin, TX

Michael closed the door, dropped his bags and immediately dialed home on his cell phone as he looked dubiously at the bedspread. God, he really hated hotel rooms.

“Hello?”

“Hi Ian, I made it.”

“Michael love, how was your flight?”

“It was fine but I’m worried.”

“About what?”

“Chloe didn’t want to come along. It bothered me the whole way here.”

“Michael, are you pouting?”

“Yes.”

“Well stop it. So Chloe wants to stay home this time, it’s not the end of the world.”

“Yes it is. I only have three more meets before I retire; she doesn’t even have school this week.”

“No but she does have her own practices and she doesn’t want to miss them.”

“Humph. It’s not fair.”

“Get used to it. Next thing you know she’ll be dragging guys home and dating.”

“Lalalalala. I’m not listening.”

“You don’t have to listen, just wait until she’s body slammed by puberty and we have to talk to her through her door. Besides, this is your fault.”

“How so?”

“You should have waited to tell her about the room switch. She’s been packing since she found out; I had no idea she had that much stuff.”

“Gee, I wonder where she gets it from.”

“Are you accusing me of being a packrat?”

“If the shoe fits, lover boy.”

“It’s a good thing you’re so far away or you’d pay for that remark. I’m very organized and the antithesis of packrat.”

“Then why can’t you ever find things in the closet?”

“Because I share it with you and you’re messy.”

Michael paused as the door to his room opened and Miles entered. “And there’s my roomie. Want to say hi to Miles?”

“Sure.”

Holding out the phone, Michael smiled. “Hey Miles. Ian wants to say hi.”

Miles took the phone, “Hey Ian. Uh huh. Yeah. No. Really? I really don’t-. Well in that case, sure. Okay. I’ll tell him.” Miles hung up then picked up one of the pillows off his bed. “Ian said you’d know what do with this and he’ll talk to you later.”

Laughing Michael took the pillow and tucked it behind him. “So, how have you been?”

“I’ve been good. Thanks for the graduation present by the way.”

“You’re welcome. You want to go grab dinner before the meeting?”

“Sure. The clerk downstairs said the Texas Chili place down the road was good.”

“Sounds like a plan.”

&&

March 26, 2012 Philadelphia, PA

Ian woke up at seven am and rolled over to look at the empty pillow beside him with a sigh before forcing himself out of bed and into the bathroom. It was mornings like these that he really regretted being so far from a coffee maker.

He threw on sweats and a T-shirt, toweled his hair dry and peeked in the boys’ room to see Harry sitting up in his crib and staring back at him. As soon as Harry saw him, he started bobbing up and down, his little hands holding tight to the crib railing.

“Ba!”

“Well good morning, Harry. When did you learn to that?” Ian asked as he picked the baby up. “Oh, you’re very smelly this morning.”

“Ba Ba!”

“I know and I’m so proud of you. You’re very smart to learn that all by yourself.”

They continued their conversation over a diaper change, quick bath and fresh clothes when Ian heard Gail come in the nursery.

“Hello Ian. You’re up early.”

“Yes and so was Harry. He’s made it into the sitting up club.”

“Ooh, good for him.”

“Ba ba!” Harry said insistently.

“And he’s asking for a bottle?”

“I have no idea but I’ll take him down and get the assembly line started.”

“The water’s on the stove and the coffee should be done by now.”

“Ah, bless you. Call me when the next one’s ready.”

“You got it.”

Margaret was already in the kitchen, sipping a cup of coffee when he walked in, baby in tow.

“Morning Mum.”

“Good morning Ian. Is that Harry up already?”

“Yes. He was wide awake and sitting up.” Ian said as he pulled one of the high chairs over and sat Harry down, buckling in him and clicking the tray in place. He grabbed the zip bag of Cheerios and put a small pinch of the cereal on the tray so Harry would have something to keep him occupied while Ian fixed a bottle.

“Harry, do you want apple yoghurt for breakfast or peaches, oatmeal and bananas?”

“Ba!”

“That’s a good choice; you have very refined taste Mr. Thorpe-Phelps.”

“Ba!” Harry said louder.

“I know and it’s on the way.”

“Ba ba ba ba!”

“Well if you really feel that way about the service, don’t leave a tip.” Ian said, testing the bottle’s temperature. “There, it’s done and I hear it’s a very good vintage.”

Harry snatched the bottle before it could hit the tray and started sucking, making little grunting sounds.

“Mum, why are you smiling?”

“You used to make that same sound. You were such a greedy little baby.”

“It’s not greed, its appreciation.”

“You just keep telling yourself that.” Margaret said as she patted his hand.

Ian started to head for the coffee machine when he heard Robbie wailing upstairs. “Mum, will you?”

“Watch Harry? Of course.”

‘Thanks!” Ian took off at a sprint as Robbie wailed even louder. He made it upstairs as Jamey joined his brother and found them in their cribs while Gail was finishing up with Liam.

“Ian, can you change Robbie? I’ll take Jamey down with Liam and get their bottles.”

“I’m on it. Robbie, you’re getting so big. Wet, dirty and hungry. What a way to wake up.”

“Ba ba?”

“Yes ba ba in a minute.”

&&

By the time Ian brought Robbie down Chloe was downstairs and feeding Liam, talking over her plans for the day with Margaret and Gail.

“Hi Pop. You want some coffee?”

“Pop?” Ian mouthed. He was happy to see the cup in front of him but ‘Pop’?

“Are we going to get paint for my room today?” Chloe asked as she sat down and continued feeing Liam.

“Did you pick out a color already?” Ian asked as he got Robbie settled, a bit surprised. Geeze, she’d only been told about getting the attic on Friday.

“Uh huh. Cream and periwinkle stripes with touches of green. Dad said I could paint the headboard and Grant said he’ll help me prime the walls and tape them so we’ll be ready when Dad comes home.”

“Do you have a comforter in mind?”

“I saw one at Strawbridge’s last weekend that I really liked but I’ll need an advance on my allowance to get it.”

“Chloe, that’s not necessary. You’re moving to a full sized bed and you have a twin comforter. We can pick it up this afternoon if you want to make sure your paint matches.”

“Thanks Pop! If you’re going to do that, I can go get my chair off layaway at the antique store.”

“What chair?”

“I saw it a couple of months ago and it was only a hundred dollars. Its wicker and Granny Jackie said she’d help me make a cushion for it.”

“Oh.” Ian said faintly. Dear lord, she was buying furniture; Michael was right to be worried.

&&

“Is that it?” Ian asked as he stopped the stroller where Chloe was standing in front of display.

“Yes Pop.”

“It’s very nice.” Ian said with approval at the cream background, scattered periwinkle petals and random green leaves. It was feminine without being overtly girly. “Do you want the sheets and all that?”

“Can I?”

“We should just so you have the whole set. Don’t you think, Mum?”

“I agree.”

“It’s lovely, Chloe.” Gail commented, “You have good taste.”

“Thank you, Gail.”

“Okay then, let’s grab it and get going to the paint store.” Ian said as he leaned down and grabbed the toy that Jamey threw out for the second time.

&&

The paint store took a while and while the women discussed just what shade would be best, Ian took a moment to find a seat and check the boys. Thankfully they were all dry and more or less happy although Robbie was constantly trying to scoot down and kick the back of Jamey’s carrier. Ian solved that by switching them around so Robbie was now in front.

He pulled a teething ring out for Harry and buttoned Liam’s pants again. “Yes, I think it’s very clever that you know how to do that but you’re not a nudist.”

“Ah gah.”

“No you are not. Don’t argue with me. Jamey, what’s wrong? Why are you trying to do? No, you can’t get out. Ah, I know. Let’s have some juice! Yes, that got your attention didn’t it?” Ian dug into the bag and found their sippy cups, setting off much babbling since the boys all recognized those.

He handed out the brightly colored plastic, making sure not to give Jamey the red one since Jamey was currently objecting to red and just watched them, enjoying how they each watched him.

“Bah!” Robbie complained, holding out his hand a few minutes later.

“What?”

“Bah! Bah bah bah bah!”

“Cheerios?”

“Bah da!” Robbie nodded.

“Okay okay. Good thing I brought some, huh?” Ian pulled out the zip bag and opened it. The other boys demanded their share as soon as they spotted the treats and Ian handed out four or five to each of them.

“Papa, where are you?”

“Over here.”

Chloe ran around the corner and held out three paint swatches. “What do you think?”

“Oh, that’s a very pretty combination. It’s going to look really good with your bedding.”

“Nana and Gail say I need two gallons of cream, a gallon of the periwinkle and a gallon of green plus the primer and paint for the trim and the headboard. I’ll also need brushes, rollers and pans.”

“I suppose it’s time for a credit card?”

“Uh huh.”

&&

Bedding and painting supplies purchased, they returned to the house and after the boys went down for their naps, Ian got out the wagon and walked down to Germantown Avenue with Chloe to get her chair and do a few errands.

“Pop, is Dad really upset that I didn’t go to Texas with him?”

“He’s not upset but his feelings are a little hurt. He was really looking forward to going with you and Debs but he does understand about swim practice. You do still want to go to the trials and the Olympics, right?”

“Uh huh. Will Dad still come to my meets?”

“He might have to miss one or two but he’s going to come to all the rest. Can I ask you a question?”

“Uh huh?”

“Why are you suddenly calling us Pop and Dad?”

“Oh, I’m trying it out. Does it bother you?”

“I like being your papa.”

“Can I get my name changed?”

Ian came to a dead stop confused at the sudden subject change. “Huh? Why?”

“Because the boys are Thorpe-Phelps. Can’t I be one too?”

“Ah. Well.” Ian started walking again, catching up to her and putting his arm around her shoulders. “That is a big decision. Is it something you’ve been thinking about?”

“Uh huh. Mary Alice asked why Daddy and I have one name and my little brothers have a different name. If you’re my papa and their papa, we should have the same name.”

“I see. Let me talk it over with Daddy.”

“Okay. Do you think he’ll be mad?”

“Chloe, when has he ever been mad at you?”

“He was mad the other day when you got that paper from the man at the door.” Chloe said, her eyes glancing at him and skittering away.

Hell, Ian knew she’d been home but he’d hoped she was busy upstairs when the process server showed up. “We were both mad but not at you. Remember when I got hurt and couldn’t see for a couple of days.”

“Yes, that was really scary.”

“Steve, the man who hurt me, also hurt someone else. Daddy and I have to testify. Remember at the adoption when the judge asked us questions?”

“Yes.”

“We have to do that again but this time we have to tell the judge what happened that day and we really aren’t looking forward to it.”

“The man who hurt you is in jail though. That’s what Daddy said.”

“He is in jail but now they’re going to decide how long he’s got to stay there.”

“Are you scared?”

“I am. It’s always scary to face something or someone who hurt you.”

“Is Daddy scared? The man didn’t hurt him, did he?”

“No, he didn’t hurt Daddy. I think Daddy’s worried.”

“Oh. Maybe I should keep calling you Papa and Daddy then. Just until he’s not worried so much.”

“That’s very kind of you, Chloe.”

“It’s okay.” Chloe said with a shrug, happy to move on to other matters now that her curiosity was satisfied. She stopped in front of Bird in Hand, one of the consignment shops. “It’s in here. Should we get it first?”

“Hm. Good question. We need to go to the post office, florist, bakery, cheese shop, library, bank and the Gap. How big is this chair?”

“Big enough so Uncle Grant could sit in it.”

“Gasp. It’s a giant’s chair.”

“Hee. No it’s not. You and Daddy are as big as Uncle Grant.”

“Are you calling us giants, young lady?”

“You’re the tallest dads in school.”

“We are?”

“Uh huh. All the older girls say you’re cute too.”

“They do?”

“Yep. Jennifer Rossiter even has your picture in her locker. The one with you in your undies. She and Carole Brocchio are always watching you when you drop me off in the morning. Noreen and Kate like Daddy best and Cathy thinks Oom Pieter is dreamy.”

“And what do you think of that?”

“They’re crazy. You’re my dads and Uncle Grant is the prettiest.”

“No way. Daddy is much prettier than Uncle Grant and I have better hair. Did Uncle Grant put you up to this?”

“Maybe, maybe not. I’ll tell you if you buy me an ice cream.” Chloe said slyly.

“What?” Ian squawked in mock outrage. “I’ve seen your bank balance, Missy and if there’s anyone buying ice cream here it should be you!”

“But that’s my savings.”

“Uh huh, I’m wise to your ways.” Ian said, running his hand down her back and tickling.

“Papa!” Chloe shrieked and danced away from him.

“Let’s pay for your chair then go to the post office first since it’s the farthest and work our way back. Hopefully the shopkeeper will hold it for our return.”

&&

One of the things Ian liked about living in Chestnut Hill was being able to walk to the various shops to do his errands. Over the past three years, he’d gotten to know many of the store owners and clerks not to mention other customers.

For the first six months, there’d been looks and whispers about the celebrities in the neighborhood but everyone had soon settled down and treated them as normal people. Of course, he didn’t walk up the street with a big wicker chair on his wagon every day so there was quite a bit of amusement spreading up the street.

“Papa, why are we stopping here?”

“We need sushi.” Ian answered, pulling the wagon to a stop in front of Osaka.

Chloe leaned against the chair and gave him one of the looks he was more used to getting from Michael. “Was sushi on your list?”

“Chloe, there are many things in life you’re going to need to know. One of those things is that sushi is always on the list.”

“What about Yasai Maki?” Chloe asked.

“Hm. That’s on the list too. Want to go in with me?”

“I’ll wait out here. Mr. Kim always wants me to try the squid.”

“Okay. Remember, no-”

“Talking to strangers, walking up to cars or looking for lost puppies.” Chloe finished.

“Exactly right.”

&&

They got home, unloaded the wagon then Ian carried the chair into the attic for Chloe. “Where do you want it?”

“By the window. See now I can look out at the fort and wave to you.”

“So you can.” Ian put it in place then stepped back so she could sit down. “Very nice.”

“I like it. Papa, why did Daddy say I could have his office?”

Ian flopped down on the bed and rolled over so he was facing her. “You’re ten now and you’re growing up fast, as much as we don’t want to admit it. You’re going to be a teenager soon and teenagers need their space.”

“Will you take me shopping?”

“We just went shopping.”

“Coach said I really should start wearing a bra; so does Ms. French. Papa? Papa are you choking?”

Ian shook his head as he tried to stop choking. “Ack. No.”

“No you’re not choking or no you won’t take me shopping?”

“I’m not choking and we’ll go shopping for lingerie when your father comes home. Ms. French really said you need a bra?”

“Uh huh. She also said I should probably get some stuff just in case.”

“Uh. Stuff?”

“You know. Girl stuff like tampons or pads; Granny Deb said I shouldn’t use tampons right away though so probably pads.”

As Ian considered all the ways he was going to kill Michael for being gone for this discussion, he tried to remain cool and calm. “I see.”

“Are you freaking out?”

“Uh huh. Um. Okay. I can do this.” Ian took a deep breath. “Why does Ms. French think you’re going to need uh, feminine protection?”

“Because I’m the tallest girl in my class and I’m getting hips and boobs already.” Chloe said, standing up and pulling her pants in around her waist. “See? She said it won’t be long before my period shows up.”

Michael was so dead. “All right. That’s something else we can do when your dad comes home; why should he miss all the fun?”

Chloe came over and joined him on the bed. “But what if it happens before Daddy comes home?”

Ian tried not to look as horrified at that prospect as he felt. It was a natural and wondrous part of becoming a woman but this was his daughter for crying out loud. “Then I’ll go out and take care of it.”

She glanced at him skeptically. “How will you know what to get?”

“You won’t be the first woman I’ve bought pads for, Chloe.”

His daughter seemed to find that really amusing. “Did Aunt Chris make you buy them for her?”

“No, it was Annette.”

“Who’s Annette?”

“She was a girl I used to date. She was staying over at my house and-,” Ian broke off when he realized that this probably wasn’t something he didn’t need to talk about with Chloe although she looked half scandalized and totally interested.

“You used to date girls?”

Oh dear.

&&

The bed felt very comfortable that night when Ian finally got in, setting his tea on the night stand and fluffing the pillows as he relaxed. The children were all bedded down for the night and his parents had also turned in early. He could hear Grant and Pieter returning from their date and the TV in Gail’s room but tuned them out as he flipped on the baby monitor and picked up the novel he’d been trying to read for the last three weeks.

He patted Michael’s side of the bed and waited for the dogs to get comfortable before reaching for his tea. It was only ten and Michael wasn’t supposed to call until eleven so he hoped he’d finally get past chapter three.

Ten minutes later, his hopes were dashed when he heard a knock his bedroom door and Grant stuck his head in.

“Hey Ian, have a moment?”

“Sure. What’s up?”

Grant pushed the door open and walked in followed by Pieter who came over and sat on the end of the bed leaving Grant to bring the desk chair over.

“Okay, do you want the good news or the bad news?” Grant asked.

“Bad news first I suppose.”

“Pieter and I are moving out.”

“What? Why? Is it the children?”

“No, no. Nothing like that. The good news is that the Biedemeyers are selling their house and we’ve decided to buy it.”

“How is that- wait. The Biedemeyers who live next door?”

“Yes.” Grant confirmed.

“Oh. I wasn’t aware they were even considering selling.”

“Dan’s retiring next month and they’re going to move to Georgia to be closer to their daughter and the grandkids. Glenda was telling me about it at Christmas when I was helping them put up their lights. It’s a big house and they’re having a hard time keeping up with it. They’re planning on buying a condo so they have more free time.

“Well. Right next door?”

“Yes. We love Chloe and the boys and next door is the only place we’d consider moving. Besides, um, I’ve finally convinced Pieter to make an honest man of me.” Grant said, holding out his left hand and showing off the platinum ring he was wearing.

“You’re getting married? That’s fantastic! Congratulations.” Ian got up and gave them both hugs. “I don’t blame you from wanting to have a little distance from the mad house.”

“It’s not that,” Pieter said, rushing to reassure Ian. “In fact we’re expecting to be over here all the time. We’ve just both always liked the Biedemeyer’s house and we love it even more after Glenda gave us a tour last week. We won’t be moving in for several months though. It has great bones but it needs a new roof and a serious update.”

“I’m really happy for you. Have you already signed a contract?”

“No. We’re closing next month but we need a reference from our current landlord to complete our loan.” Grant said, pulling out a form and handing it to Ian.

“Ah. I’ll be happy to this out. You’ve been excellent renters.” Ian said as he grabbed his pen.

“Ian, you don’t have to do that right this minute.”

“No time like the present and I know how nerve racking buying a house is. So tell me about it.”

“It has five bedrooms but they’re small so we’re planning on making it a three bedroom and adding a bath upstairs. There’s a lovely sweeping staircase in the foyer and the living room is huge. The kitchen needs a complete overhaul but it’s roomy and we love the dining room. It has built in corner cupboards, paneling and a gorgeous fireplace.” Pieter said, his hands waving with excitement.

“We’re going to have to strip it all though because they painted it all green but it’ll be beautiful.”

Ian shook his head at them. “No you idiots. I’ve been in Glenda and Dan’s house several times; I was talking about your engagement and wedding.”

“Oh.” Pieter said, looking at Grant. “We haven’t really gotten that far. I proposed and he accepted, we’re buying a house and we’ll worry about the wedding later.”

“But we’re going for a small intimate ceremony. Just our families and you and Michael and the kids. Your wedding was a lot of fun, Ian but you were getting a little crazy there at the end.” Grant added. “You’re going to be my best man, aren’t you?”

“Oh Grant. Of course I will and I’m honored.”

“Good because I’m going to ask Michael to be my best man. We’d like Chloe to our best maid, because she’s much too cool to be a flower girl and we think the boys will look really cute dressed as little cherubs.”

“Uh. No. Pieter, you had me until you mentioned the cherub thing.” Ian shook his head, “There’s no way.”

“Damn.” Pieter said, reaching into his pocket and handing over a five dollar bill to Grant.

“See, I told you he wouldn’t go for it.” Grant snickered. “We aren’t serious about the cherub thing, by the way.”

“I’d hope not because you’d be footing their therapy bills for years if I let that happen. Are you going to Canada or back to Holland for the ceremony?”

“Holland.” Pieter and Grant said together then laughed.

“We’re thinking we’ll do it next spring when the tulips are in bloom.” Grant said, staring into Pieter’s eyes. “We love tulips.”

Pieter smiled at him. “We’ll have to be careful not to go back to that field where we ruined those tulips that time.”

Grant grinned, his hand reaching out for Pieter’s. “We’re lucky that man didn’t shoot us for destroying his crop.”

“We didn’t ruin all of it. Just a small corner and only because you kept rolling us around.”

Ian sighed, watching the sappy grins spreading across their faces. Once again, someone in this house was going to be having sex and it wasn’t going to be him. Hm. Maybe Grant and Pieter were hoarding all the sex and that was why he wasn’t getting any. That bore some thought but in the meantime, he needed to break those two up before he saw something he really didn’t need to see.

“Uh guys? Which one of you is going to tell Michael?”

“Oh, we thought you’d want to tell him.” Pieter murmured his attention focused on Grant.

“Why do I have to tell him?” Ian asked querulously.

“Because he’s your husband.” Grant answered as he pulled Pieter up. “We’re going to, uh, talk about remodeling or something.”

The door closed behind them and Ian could hear them going down the stairs, giggling a bit. Well double hell. Not only wasn’t he getting sex but now he had to tell Michael. He briefly considered not saying anything and making Grant and Pieter do the deed but scratched that idea. Michael could always tell when Ian was keeping things from him and now was not the time.

When the phone rang promptly at eleven, Ian was ready. “Hi love.”

“Hi baby. How was your day?”

“You were right to be worried about Chloe.”

“Really?”

“Yes. She’s buying furniture.”

“Uh huh. Is that some kind of code?”

“It means she’s growing up. She’s getting hips and boobs; those are her words not mine and we’re to take her shopping for bras and other girl stuff when you get home.”

“Girl stuff?”

“Pads.”

“Gee. Already?”

“So Ms. French thinks. She’s the tallest girl in her class and we apparently have quite a fan base at her school although I don’t know how I feel about one of her classmates having a picture of me in my underwear.”

“How does Chloe feel about it?”

“She thinks Uncle Grant is prettier since we’re just her dads.”

“That little rat! Remind me to dock her allowance.”

“That’s not all. She called me ‘Pop.’”

“Ew.”

“That’s what I thought. She also interrogated me on whether you hate her for not going to Austin with you, just how I could have dated girls in the past and she wants to change her name.”

“No I don’t hate her, because you were in denial and I’m not calling her ‘Wind Chime’.”

“She wants to be a Thorpe-Phelps like the boys.”

“Oh.”

“You don’t like it.”

“No, it’s not that. Did you tell her we only used the hyphenated name because the woman at the hospital made us?”

“No of course not; I’m not about to try to explain crazy British customs and I still don’t buy what she said but it has grown on me.”

“I sort of like it too. I don’t really mind if she wants to change it but I’m not sure what we’ll have to do to make it legal.”

“I’ll look into it. Guess what else happened?”

“What?”

“Harry learned to sit up by himself.”

“Awesome! He finally made it. Is Jamey still on the anti-red kick?”

“Yes,” Ian sighed. “I just have no idea why either.”

“Maybe Robbie bonked him with the red rattle?”

“Who knows? I’m seriously dreading when they get more mobile and start hitting on each other for real.”

“We’ll separate them and do the time out thing. What about Liam?”

“He managed to get his pants off and was working on his diaper removing skills this afternoon. Also, he hates peas.”

“I don’t blame him, those things were nasty.”

“I still can’t believe you taste tasted all that baby food.”

“Why would we feed the boys something we wouldn’t eat? You tried them all too.”

“Only after you did. Oh, by the way Grant and Pieter are engaged.”

“Engaged in what?”

“Engaged to be married, you goof.”

“Really? Wow, I’ll have to call them tomorrow.”

“Why not call them now?”

“Because they just got engaged and don’t try to cause trouble.”

“Damn. Well they’re also moving out.”

“Why? Why would they do that?”

“Relax. They’re buying the house next door.”

“Glenda and Dan or Mark and Sue?”

“Glenda and Dan.”

“Ah. Well that’ll take months. Not that Glenda and Dan aren’t charming people but-.”

“They’re stuck in the seventies.”

“That’s the kindest way to put it I guess. Wow, so when’s the wedding?”

“Next spring in The Netherlands. Grant asked me to be his best man.”

“Way cool. So we’re invited?”

“No, I’m going to do it via webcam. Of course we’re invited. Now, tell me about your day.”

“It wasn’t anywhere near as exciting as yours. Swimming, interview, more swimming, another interview; you know the routine.”

“I certainly do and I’m glad it’s you and not me.”

“I really wish it was someone else. Um. Did Dave call you?”

“No, why?”

“There’s a group that wants to put out a book on Olympic athletes; a coffee table book.”

“Oh. With lots of pictures?”

“Uh huh. They want use one of the pictures from our photo shoot with Bruce.”

“How do they know about that?”

“I have no idea but I already called Bruce and he said he didn’t tell anyone. We do have all the negatives so maybe it was one of his assistants.”

“We are not giving them one of the naked pictures.”

“I agree totally but what about the one where we’re not showing anything?”

“Hm. The standing one or the sitting one?”

“I like the standing one but I’m not sure I want everyone in the world checking out your butt.”

“I do have a very nice butt; maybe it’s wrong of me not to share it.”

“You certainly do but it’s partly my butt and I don’t like sharing also do you really want your butt gracing the lockers at our daughter’s school?”

“You have a point. Okay, I’m fine with the sitting one.”

“Good because that’s what I told Tim we’d use. We can go get it out of the safety deposit box when I get back.”

“I can pick it up on Wednesday; I’ve got to stop in and roll over one of Chloe’s certificates anyway.”

“Okay, just send it on to Tim with the negative.”

“No problem. Listen, can you do me a favor once you’re home?”

“Meet you naked in the pool?”

“That and will you talk to Dad? He hardly got out of bed today.”

“Is it his knees again?”

“Yes. Mum’s starting to panic a bit and I’m not doing much better.”

“You did suggest he see a doctor?”

“Well of course I did but you know how Dad gets.”

“Yeah, I know. He’s almost as stubborn as you are. Do you think he could make it out back to the pool? That should help for a little while if you turn on the jets. I’ll call Dr. Johannes and get an appointment for next week and have Pieter take a look at him to see if we should make it sooner.”

“He said he’d go if you went with him.”

“Oh. Not Margaret or you?”

“Dad says you’ll know if the doctor is treating him right.”

“Margaret’s okay with that?”

“She doesn’t care; she just wants to get him to a doctor. He’s in a fair bit of pain and his pills don’t seem to be helping.”

“Hm. Does he wince when you sit on the bed with him or is it just when he tries to stand?”

“Standing is the tough bit. I had to help him into the lav a couple of times.”

“You can touch his legs?”

“Yes. Michael, maybe you should call him tomorrow.”

“I fully intend to. In the meantime, see if you can get him out of that room and onto the chaise lounge in the family room. He loves spending time with the boys and he’s probably getting a bit depressed sitting there all alone.”

“Ah. I didn’t even think of that.”

“It’s been rainy there so his arthritis is probably flaring up something fierce. If you can’t get him in the pool, try a hot bath or even an electric blanket but not at the same time.”

“No, that wouldn’t be wise.”

“In fact, he should probably be using an electric blanket at night; it would probably help him sleep. Do your parents have one on their bed?”

“No, I don’t think so.”

“There’s an extra one in the hall closet on the top shelf; if it’s not there check the guest room closet. Don’t set it higher than five. And make sure Margaret is getting enough sleep. She always gets insomnia when she’s worried.”

“I’ll do that. Thank you, love.”

“For what?”

“For caring for my parents.”

“Hey, you know I love them and I am their favorite.”

“Yeah yeah. I really miss, Michael.”

“I miss you too.

“You probably need to get some sleep tonight; the meet starts in the morning.”

“I could talk to you for hours but I think Miles is probably ready for me to hang up now. I’ll talk to you tomorrow night unless something comes up.”

“All right. Love you.”

“Love you more. Sleep tight.”

“I will.”

Ian hung up and looked over at the cat who was curled up on Michael’s pillow. “Don’t get too comfortable you miserable bag of fur, Michael will be home on Sunday.” He sat for a moment then slid out of bed and pulled on his robe and shoved his feet in the Tasmanian Devil slippers that had been a Christmas present from Chloe. Yes, they were silly but he wore them anyway because they made Chloe and Michael laugh.

The blanket was just where Michael said it was and after looking in on the kids, Ian went downstairs and wasn’t surprised to see the light on in the kitchen.

“Michael said you’d probably be up, Mum.”

“Well your father is worrying me.”

“He said that would be why. Is Dad still awake?”

“Yes, he’s watching a movie. Well that’s what he says he’s doing but I think he’s in too much pain to sleep. Why did I marry such a stubborn man?”

“Because he loves you madly still.”

“That would be why. Why are you carrying a blanket around?”

“Michael thinks it will help Dad sleep. If he’s still awake there’s no time like the present.”

Ian lead the way back to the first floor suite and after knocking on the door, found his dad sitting up in bed and trying look cheerful.

“Son, I thought you’d gone to bed.”

“I did but then I talked to Michael. Mum, can you hold this while I plug it in?”

“Of course.”

“What is that?”

“It’s an electric blanket. Michael said it might help you sleep and he’s definitely taking you to the doctor’s next week. He also wants Pieter to take a look at you tomorrow to make sure you can wait on the doctor until next week.”

“I won’t unless Michael takes me.” Ken said, his jaw jutting out.

“But Dad-.” Ian said, spreading out the blanket and making sure the dial wasn’t too high.

“No, I’ve made up my mind. You know I hate having them poke and prod me.”

“Yet you’ll go with Michael?”

“Course I will. He won’t let them do anything bad to me. You picked a winner in him, you know that don’t you?”

“I know, Dad.” Ian said, well used to the love affair between his parents and Michael. “How does that feel?”

“It’s warming up. Maybe I won’t be so cold.”

“Ken, if you were cold why didn’t you say something? I’ll get you a sweater.”

“I told you it was cold in here, Margaret. Now stop fussing at me. Michael’s blanket should warm me up right quick.”

Ian shook his head and left the room as his mother continued to fuss and his father continued to tell her to keep her sweaters to herself. He turned off the light in the kitchen and checked the alarm system, purposefully not going anywhere near the basement door to avoid the temptation to interrupt the lovebirds.

Patting himself on the back, he went silently up the stairs and looked in on Chloe then into the nursery. Assured that the little bodies were still safe and asleep, he went back into his room and back into bed after rousting the cat from his side.

He picked up the phone and dialed Michael’s number.

“Hey baby.”

“Did I wake you?”

“No. Miles decided he needed a snack and ran down to the 7-11.”

“And what is he getting for you?”

“A Yoo-Hoo. I really wanted ice cream but it’ll keep me up all night. How’s Ken?”

“Complaining at Mum who is complaining back at him.”

“That’s just how they are.”

“I know. By the way, are you drugging my parents? Been practicing hypnotism on them?”

“No. Why do you ask?”

“Because when I took down the blanket with my own two hands, Dad called it ‘Michael’s blanket’ like I’m merely your minion.”

“You mean you’re not? And don’t feel so bad, my parents like you better than me.”

“That’s true but how come it’s my parents living here and giving you all the love?”

“Life’s just funny like that. Hey, we could always ask Mom and Ryan to move when Pieter and Grant move out. Or how about Dad and Jackie?”

“Uh no. I love your parents but I couldn’t imagine living with either set. Besides, we’d be interrupting their poker games.”

“Poker? I thought they were playing bridge?”

“Bridge does not require chips. Just be glad it’s not strip poker.”

“Arg! Arg! You bastard. Why did you have to say that?”

Ian grinned and tucked a foot under Gizmo, scratching the dog’s chin. “My parents have sex right down stairs. Feel my pain.”

“You’re diabolical.”

“I know.

“I love you anyway.”

“I know that too.”

**

Obviously I didn't get as much written over Christmas as I expected and I'm not quite ready to finish up with the Thorpe-Phelps. Many thanks to everyone for reading and reviewing, the next chapter should be up this weekend.
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The Sweet Life