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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
- 34
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- 36
July 3, 2012 Philadelphia, PA

“Hey Michael, where are you going?”

“Chloe’s got swim meet tonight so I’m heading up there.”

“Oh cool! Can I go?”

Michael stopped in mid-stride. “Denise, it’s a junior swim meet.”

“I know. I haven’t been to one since I was a junior swimmer. Come on, let me go!”

“Fine. Miles and Bob are already heading for the car.”

Brent, who was coming upstairs, stopped in front of them. “You’re going to a swim meet?”

“How did you hear about it?”

“I was right there on the stairs. Can I come?”

“Why?”

“Because it’s a swim meet! We’re all going stir crazy here and I’m bored.”

“All right. But that’s it. No one else can come.”

Denise and Brent exchanged high fives before Denise dashed off in one direction and Brent went another.

“I’m going to the car and you’d better be there in five minutes!” Michael called after them.

&&

“So who is Chloe’s team swimming against?” Brent asked as he belted in.

“It’s Hazelton at Hatboro. Chloe swims for Hatboro.”

“Has Chloe won any races yet?” Denise piped up from the third row.

“No but she’s okay about it. She’s against kids who have some experience and she’s a little hesitant off the blocks. Her best finish was third in the 200m last week so she’s coming along.” Bob answered then saw Michael looking at him. “What? I talk to her. Is there a law against that?”

“No but she’s just a kid.” Michael said. “Don’t pressure her.”

“She’s at a great age for swimming. You guys have your charms but kids her age are more fun. First off, she listens and doesn’t sass me unlike her father. Secondly, she’s going to be a great swimmer but she doesn’t have a complex over not finishing first unlike her father. Thirdly, I’m really sure that she’ll never take me on a ride in a vehicle with spinning rims unlike her father. She’s like you but better.”

“Bob! You keep that up and I’ll get a complex.” Michael protested while his teammates laughed.

“Seriously Michael. You were a great swimmer to coach but I was just too young to appreciate some of your –uh quirks.”

Miles leaned forward, “He means your weirdness.”

“Nah, Michael didn’t get weird until he hooked up with Ian.” Bob said. “Back then it was just quirks.”

“If Ian and I are weird, that would make Chloe weird too.”

“You would think but somehow she’s managed to escape that horrible fate. Must be Grant’s positive influence.”

“Oooh. I’m so going to tell Ian you said that.”

&&

Showing up at a junior swim meet with the coach of the US Olympic Team was probably not such a hot idea, Michael thought as he watched all the other parents watch Bob watch their kids. Of course, the upside of this was that no one paid any attention to him or Ian or Grant or Pieter.

“Ian, I think we should ask Bob to all of Chloe’s meets.”

“He’d probably come too if he could work the travel angle. Why?”

“For the first time, no one’s staring at us.”

“True. But you know they weren’t ever really staring at us; they were staring at the boys.”

“Really?”

“Really.” Ian confirmed, looking down at Robbie sitting happily in his carrier attached to Ian. “We’re third string now my love.”

“Speaking of love, I have the night off and tomorrow too.”

“You do?”

“Uh huh. We’re not having a barbeque or anything are we?”

“No but we’ll have to make an appearance next door.”

“You’d better make more of an appearance, Ian.” Grant said. “Pieter and I have put a lot of time and effort and it’s our first party in the house.”

“But Grant, Michael will be home.” Ian whined.

Pieter turned around, “Suck it up. You’re coming and that’s it or we’ll hold the boys for ransom until you get there.”

Ian and Michael looked at him and Ian shrugged, “You think offering us childcare is a threat?”

“Pieter, what were you thinking?” Grant admonished. “We revise our previous threat. We’re going to hold Gail hostage.”

“Ha! That’s an even more hollow threat. Gail could kick your asses up one side and down the other.”

“Leave me out of this.” Gail exclaimed then added, “But it’s true.”

A short while later, after Gail moved four rows away to avoid their tiff and Harry’s diapering emergency was dealt with; Michael sat back down in time for Chloe’s first race.

“You’re back! This is the ten and under 100M Free.”

“Gosh, Chloe does look really tall compared to the other girls.”

“She does. I’ve been delaying getting her school uniform because we just bought her summer clothes and they’re already small on her.”

“Good plan. They’re starting!”

Michael couldn’t help tensing as Chloe stepped carefully up and adjusted her goggles. Every swimmer had their own ritual and he watched as Chloe tilted her head back and made sure her goggles were set and her ears were tucked in before taking her mark.

He cheered when Chloe made the first turn in fourth place and held his breath as she came out of the second turn solidly in second as he took a moment to curse 25 yard pools. Before she got to the third wall, something seemed to happen and he could literally see Chloe pulling her race together as she surged past the girl in first place to jet out of that turn.

He didn’t even realize he was on his feet until he found himself hugging Ian as Chloe touched the last wall with half a pool between her and the rest of the field. Harry and Robbie were not happy to be squished between them so he totally missed Chloe’s time being posted.

“Oh my god. Michael, do you see that? She won and her time was really good too.” Ian said, nodding to the makeshift time board.

“Wow!” Was all Michael could say as he saw Chloe getting hugs from her teammates, coaches and other swimmers.

“Wow indeed. She swam a great race.” Bob said from in front of them.

Twenty minutes later, Chloe was getting ready for her second race and Michael couldn’t help getting tense all over again. The 100M Fly was the event he set his first age group record in at 10/u and Whitney still held the 11-12 group record after almost twenty years.

Ian reached over and put his hand over Michael’s. “Relax. She’ll swim her best and we’ll be proud of her whatever happens.”

“I know but it’s the butterfly. She’s only been doing that stroke for six months.”

“And it’s your event.”

“That too. God, I’m not sure I can watch.” Michael moaned still staring at the area where Chloe was standing.

“You’ll watch. Are you going to do this every time she swims?”

“Probably. Oh, there’s the block horn.”

Michael twisted his hand around to grip Ian’s hand tightly. He was so nervous that he was seriously considering closing his eyes but he didn’t want to miss her swim.

Chloe again did the goggle/ear check and took her mark. The horn sounded and she went off strong. Not the first in the water but by no means the last. She was already in second place at first turn and kept that position as she seemed to cruise behind the girl in first through the next lap and three quarters. Then she seemed to gather herself as she approached the last turn and came out of it in first place with her speed increasing as she headed for home with almost a quarter of the pool between her and second.

“Oh god. Oh god. Oh god. Chloe, go. Go. Go!” Michael said as he again rose to his feet. He heard the solid thump as Chloe touched and watched her turn to the other lanes. The slight delay before another swimmer appeared seemed to throw her for a loop but she figured out she won when her coach leaned down and gave her a pat.

As the rest of the field finished, the crowd kept cheering so the jubilation in the Thorpe-Phelps section fit right in.

“Ian, did you see that?”

“I did! She was fantastic!”

No one but Bob seemed to be concerned with Chloe’s time and he was checking his stopwatch as he waited patiently for the board to catch up. He wasn’t surprised that there was a delay. He was pretty sure that Chloe had just set a record and the junior meets had a policy of triple checking their timekeeping before posting those.

“Coach, you look very pleased.” Denise said.

He showed her the dial. “The record is 1:01:08.”

Denise blinked and rubbed her eyes. The dial still read 1:00:53. “Wow! I’m suddenly really glad that I don’t swim the butterfly but I’m sure there were lots of people back when Michael was ten who said the same thing and then look what happened.”

Bob smiled as the board finally popped up with Chloe’s official time. 1:00:54, he wasn’t going to quibble about a tenth of a second.

By this time, Chloe was out of the pool and looked shocked when her coach suddenly hugged her and told her the news. The news spread quickly through the stands but it took Michael and Ian a moment to catch up as the crowd seemed to be applauding for no reason.

“Bob, what’s going on?” Michael asked, leaning over.

“Your daughter just set an age group. Congratulations!”

“No way!”

“Yes way. Look at the board.”

Ian and Michael looked over and saw ‘Thorpe-Phelps, C. – 1:00:54 NR’.

“Oh my god!”

^^^
After the meet, Chloe came running over holding her three ribbons and danced around Michael and Ian as they gathered up all their stuff.

“Dads, I’m so happy!”

“We’re happy for you! Do you want to go out for a celebration dinner?” Ian asked, giving her a hug.

“No. Can we go home and have pizza though? I want to call all my friends.”

“Yes we can and you need to make several other important calls first.” Michael said with a grin.

“I do?”

“Uh huh. You need to call the Grands and you especially need to call your aunts. You want to use my phone in the car?”

“Can I?”

“Sure. Now go talk to Bob since he looks fit to burst.”

Chloe ran over to Bob and did her little dance again. Ian grinned at the look on Michael’s face.

“Talk about fit to burst. You look very happy.”

“I am.”

“So you’re totally over what people will think about Chloe swimming?”

“I am serene. We’re damned if we do and damned if we don’t so anyone who doesn’t like it can jump in a lake.”

“I like that attitude. Do we have everything?”

“Yes, I think so. Grant, Pieter?”

“We’re ready.” Grant said, patting Liam’s bottom. Pieter nodded as he adjusted his carrier and hoisted a diaper bag over his shoulder.

“Michael, are you going to take everyone back to Penn then come home?”

“I don’t know. I could always give Bob my keys if you don’t mind taking me in tomorrow.”

“I don’t mind at all. Let’s go see what Bob says.”

Chloe however had already invited Bob, Denise, Miles and Brent back to the house for pizza and Michael found himself back in his car and driving to Chestnut Hill.

“Michael, that was so cool seeing Chloe win her first races. Thanks for letting me come along.” Brent said politely.

“You’re welcome. I’m just flabbergasted at how well she did.”

“Two firsts and a third isn’t so shabby for her third meet. The 200M might be too much distance for her right now.” Bob said. “But when you consider she finished eighth last time in that event, it’s a good improvement. Now she knows what it feels like to swim a great race and she can build on that.”

“So when’s her next meet?” Miles asked.

“Thursday, at her pool. Unfortunately, I can’t make it but I’m sure Michael will tell me all about it and Margaret promised me a copy of the video.” Bob answered.

&&

At the house, the rest of his family was already in action including the boys who were corralled in their pen right off the patio and exploring under Ken’s watchful gaze.

“Michael, there you are! Wonderful race our girl swam today.”

“Yes it was. You guys want to come inside or should I bring drinks out here? Looks like we’re having pizza alfresco.”

“It’s nice out here and look, free entertainment.” Miles said, sitting down near Ken as the others joined him.

“Fine. I’ll see what we have and be back.”

Michael opened the back door and went inside to find most of the family in the family room and kitchen. Ian was busy putting together a salad, Margaret was sliding garlic bread into the oven and Pieter was getting the plates and cutlery together.

“Hi everyone. Where are Chloe, Grant and Gail?”

“Gail’s upstairs changing; Grant and Chloe are picking up the food.”

“Did she call Mom and Dad yet?” Michael asked as he stole a kiss from Ian.

“No, she said she’d wait until you were here.”

“Okay. What else needs to be done?”

“We stopped and got ice and drinks. Can you take the chest and cups out?”

“I’m on it.”

Michael took the items out and served the beverages before going back inside, bringing out sippy cups and a couple of beers for Bob and Ken then returning with the boys’ clamp-on chairs for the table.

“The food will be here in ten to twenty minutes. Evidently we’re having an International take out night. Pizza, egg rolls, sushi and tarts from the Night Kitchen. Possibly Lo Mein too. Chloe was considering getting Chinese instead so Ian said we’d get both since it’s still cheaper than going to Morimoto.”

“Chloe likes sushi?”

“My daughter loves sushi,” Ian said as he came out with the salad. “We went there for her tenth birthday and had a wonderful time.”

“That was all your idea.” Michael noted.

“Since it was an excellent idea, of course it was mine. It was a birthday present she really liked. Can you wrangle the boys into their chairs?”

“Yep. What’s on their menu tonight?” Michael asked as he got up.

“Spaghetti with Cheese with Peach Apricot Muesli for dessert. I think a fine vintage of white grape juice for their beverage would go well.”

“Okey dokey.”

With the help of Miles, Brent and Denise the babies were in their seats and feeding commenced forthwith and went quickly since the boys were good eaters and didn’t mind who feed them as long as their feeding person kept it coming.

Grant and Chloe arrived just as the boys were enjoying their desserts and the seemingly massive amount of food on the table was quickly disposed of by the eleven adults and one preteen girl.

Chloe was still glowing from her accomplishment but seemed to write off the record as a fluke. She even mentioned that she felt too flat in her third race because she was more tired than she expected. She had a lot of fun talking to Denise about girl swimming issues and the two of them disappeared into the tree fort to have a private chat.

Michael completely forgot about calling his parents and sisters until an hour or so later when his cell phone rang and he noticed his mom’s number on his caller ID.

“Mom! Hi. I’m sorry I didn’t call.”

“Oh that’s okay Michael. I like hearing about my granddaughter on the news.” Debbie said a little touch of acid in her tone.

“Chloe was on the news?” Michael asked with a guilty wince.

“Yes. On Channel 13. It was just a blurb for the eleven o’clock news so tell me what happened.”

“She did great, Mom. Two first places and a third. It hasn’t been officially confirmed but she set an age group record for the 100 Fly.” Michael said proudly.

“That’s wonderful! Is she at home?”

“Actually she’s out in the tree fort with Denise Welsh.”

“The backstroker?”

“Yeah, they’ve been out there for a while though. I can go get her.”

“It’s okay. We’ll see her at Grant and Pieter’s tomorrow. You’d better call your dad and sisters though.”

“I’ll do that right now. See you tomorrow and drive safely.”

“I will. Love you sweetie.”

“Love you too Debs.”

Michael ignored the oohing and awing sounds his ‘friends’ were making and dialed his dad. The answering machine picked up so he just left a message before calling Whitney.

“Hello?”

“Hey Big Sis.”

“Michael, I wouldn’t use the word ‘big’ around me right now.”

Michael snickered. “How’s pregnant life?”

“Pregnancy is great. Awesome. Really.”

“I’m sensing sarcasm, sister mine.”

“That’s smart of you. I can’t believe I’m having twins. You realize this is your entire fault right?”

“Hey, I definitely had nothing to do with it. Anyway I was just calling to let you how your niece did at her swim meet.”

“Oh. Okay.”

“Two firsts and a third. Unofficial age record in the 100 Fly.”

“Awesome! We’re officially a swimming dynasty now. I hope this doesn’t mean I have to wear large shoulder pads.”

“Huh?”

“Dynasty, the TV show? God, five kids and you’re still such a whelp.”

“Whatever Whit. Hey, are you coming up tomorrow?”

“Sure. I’m supposed to bring –uh uh uh cookies!”

Michael pulled the phone back to look at it then put it back to his ear while shooting a glance at Grant. “Pieter and Grant asked you to bring cookies all the way from Maryland?”

“I’m bringing Berger Cookies. No one sells them up there and you did get Ian addicted to them. Pieter and Grant didn’t ask. Ian did.”

“Oh. Well can you bring extra? Because I know he won’t leave me any.”

“I’ll do that. Hey, I gotta pee. See you tomorrow.”

“Bye Whit.”

Hilary’s phone didn’t even ring on his end before she answered, “Hi Michael.”

“Hi Hilary. Mom already called didn’t she?”

“Yeah but I saw something about it on TV.”

“In Colorado?”

“Yep and it’s pretty exciting, huh?”

“It sure is. How’s Craig?”

“We’re in the middle of painting the spare bedroom actually.”

“Oh really?” Michael asked archly, “Does this mean-?”

“That Mom and Ryan are coming to visit? Yes it does. And there’s no way I’m getting pregnant right now. Call me evil but I’d rather let Whitney have all of Mom’s attention at the moment.”

“Good move. Guess I’ll see you next month?”

“We’ll be there with bells on. Tell Chloe congratulations for us.”

“I will. Talk to you later.”

Michael hung up the phone and fixed his eyes on Grant. “So what did you ask my sister to bring tomorrow?”

Grant jumped a little but managed to hold it together. “Uh, nothing that I’m aware of. Why? What did she say we said to bring?”

Turning on a bit of a glare, Michael replied “She said cookies but I don’t believe her.”

Grant shifted in his seat and looked carefully at but past Michael. “You doubt your own sister?”

“Daddy! Hey Daddy!”

Michael turned to see Chloe running across the lawn but still noticed that Grant quickly got up and started clearing the table. Damn. He knew they were up to something and now he wouldn’t be able to corner Grant to find out what it was. Grant was, after all, the weak link.

“Daddy!” Chloe said again, rather impatiently.

“Huh? What pumpkin?”

“Can I show Denise my room?

“Sure.”

“Awesome! Thanks Dad.”

Michael wondered why Chloe would ask permission like that. It was her room after all and – oh. So Chloe was in on the whatever it was they were hiding from him. Oh god. Ian must have decided to move up the kitchen remodeling program or something icky like that and they all knew about it. Michael watched Ian get up and take Jamey over to the OK Corral. Then again, he could forgive just about anything for the man who looked that good in shorts.

He spent a nice moment admiring the long line of Ian’s bare legs and how the muscle flexed just so in his thighs. Oh, it had been much too long since he’d- Michael train of thought was cut off by something hitting his face. A napkin?

“What the heck is this?”

“For the drool. You were drooling.” Bob said with a smirk.

“I was not.”

“You really were Michael.” Gail confirmed.

“Gail! You’re supposed to be on my side.”

“Ha! I’m on my own side first last and always. Besides, it’s kind of cute how you two make eyes at each other.”

“Actually it’s kind of disgusting.” Brent said without really thinking about how that would sound until he caught the looks of shock everyone was giving him. “Hey! I didn’t mean it like that. I meant, they’re married. This happiness vibe they’re giving off is just wrong.”

“What’s wrong with being happily married?” Ian asked as he walked over and sat next to Michael.

“Nothing but it’s making me want to get married and I’m way too young for that. Besides, my mom told me she’d kill me if I made her a grandmother before she’s fifty.”

Michael smirked, “Brent I hardly think you have to worry about getting Evan pregnant.”

“Ha! That’s where you’re wrong. He’s already talking babies and buying a house and honeymoons; I’m not even going to be able to tell him I was here or he’ll be asking me about how cute the kids were. Not that your kids aren’t great but I’m only twenty four. I’m so not ready for kids.”

“Says the man who hasn’t let go of Harry for the last hour.” Miles observed.

“I never said I didn’t like kids but see, if he starts crying or needs a diaper change – I’m not his parent and it’s not my problem. Having my own kid means never being able to say ‘here, he needs a new diaper.’”

“It’s different when it’s your own kid. Sure, I don’t love changing diapers but someone has to do it.” Ian said.

Brent responded to that by holding Harry out. “Good because here, he needs a new diaper.”

Michael stood up and took the baby. “Oh he certainly does. Harry, you are a very stinky baby. Pee ew!”

“Pee ew!” Harry repeated and giggled.

&&

“Is Chloe asleep?”

“Not yet but she was almost there.” Michael said as he came in their room and closed the door behind him.

Ian looked up from his magazine, “I know I say this all the time but she is growing up so fast. Last week, she and her posse were checking out men in the mall.”

“Men? Not boys?” Michael asked with alarm, halting with his shirt half off.

“Men. It was mostly fashion judgments though so don’t worry. Melissa was nice enough to compliment me on my shirt so I felt very validated.”

“Aw man, you got to go to the mall with Chloe and her posse?”

“Yes I did. They didn’t even make me sit at another table in the food court.”

“Whoa. I’m scared of you.”

“You should be. I’m the ‘coolest dad ever’ and I always don proper footwear. Then I totally lost my coolness factor when I told Chloe she was still not allowed to wear make up.”

“Oh. Sorry baby.”

“It’s okay. I’ll be cool again one day I’m sure. So are you going to just stand there half naked all night or are you joining me in bed?” Ian asked, patting the mattress next to him.

“I – uh. Let me just get a shower. I’ll be back in two minutes.”

“Good because I have lots of wallpaper samples for you to look at.” Ian said, looking back down to his magazine.

It took a minute for Michael to stop thinking that Ian was weird to want to look at wallpaper samples on the one night they had alone before the Olympics. Oh. Right. Wallpaper. Heh.

He finished washing quickly and dried off even faster, making sure that he brushed his teeth thoroughly before turning off the bathroom light and taking a running leap into bed. He ended up sliding a little and landed right next to Ian. Perfect!

“Hi!”

“Well hello there. How are you?”

“I’m fine.” Michael said as he inched a little closer. “How are you?”

Ian grinned. “You already started your taper.”

“Well sure; I’m swimming in less than a month. Why, is it obvious?”

“Just a little.” Ian said as he moved his thigh closer to Michael’s groin and opened his magazine again. “So, what do you think of this wallpaper?”

Michael looked down in horror at the wallpaper sample book Ian was brandishing. “We’re really picking out wallpaper? Tonight?”

Ian tossed the book on the floor and wrapped his arms around Michael’s waist. “Of course not, you boob. What kind of idiot do you think I am?”

“I wasn’t sure there for a minute.” Michael said as he hooked his leg over Ian’s waist. “Can I kiss you?”

“Since when do you have to-?”

Michael leaned forward and licked his tongue over Ian’s lips. “Can I touch you?”

Ian’s eyes got wide and Michael could feel the shiver run down Ian’s body as Michael slowly pulled the sheet down.

“God, Ian. I love your body. Your smooth skin and- holy shit! Ian, you shaved down?”

Flushing a bit, Ian could only nod. “Chloe asked about it and I showed her on my arm. It was just a little patch but it felt funny so I shaved my arm. Well, then the other arm felt funny so I shaved that too. Well then it all had to go. It’ll grow back.”

Michael only half listened to the explanation, too intrigued by the fact that he was able to see *all* of Ian to really care how it happened. He ran his hand over Ian’s chest and circled a finger around Ian’s left nipple. “Oh. I like it. Hey, do you still have that vanilla oil stuff?”

“It’s in the bathroom under my sink.”

“I’ll be right back.” Michael said before dashing off. He returned at lightening speed and jumped back up on the bed to straddle Ian’s thighs. He popped the lid on the oil and poured some into his hands. “Did I mention today how much I love you?”

“Why no, I don’t think you have.”

“Well I do.” Michael said as he started working the oil into Ian’s chest. “Good thing I’m here tonight or you’d be pretty itchy tomorrow. Anyway, I wake up every morning in my tiny little bed and my tiny little room and I try to turn over to nuzzle on you but let me tell, the wall doesn’t really appreciate nuzzling although I’ve been throwing some quality time into it.”

“Ah oh. So you’ve been cheating on me with a wall?” Ian managed to ask as Michael’s hands massaged him.

“Yes. Then I wake up a little and wait to hear Robbie babbling away or Chloe’s shower but all I hear is one of the guys who gets up really early so he can positively reaffirm his manhood or something.”

“You have magical hands. There’s a guy who wanks off every morning in the communal lav?”

“That I wouldn’t mind so much. No it’s just Vince Atchison; he spends a half hour every morning reciting his stats then he starts on how well he’s going to do next month. It’s kind of pathetic in a way because he goes through this whole routine of winning his race then the medals ceremony and the anthem.”

“You’re kidding?”

“No I am not. I know he doesn’t realize I can hear him because he stops as soon as my alarm goes off.”

“He’s one of the incredible homophobic duo, right?”

“Yeah. I know they haven’t changed their minds but at least they’re not being so obvious anymore. Oh, your abs are really tight. Have you been working out?”

Ian preened a little, “Why yes I have been. Chloe and I go for a jog every other morning and I spend an hour or two in the pool while the boys are napping. I’ve even started the boys on yoga. Well, Chloe and I do yoga and they sit around making weird faces at us but it’s the thought that counts.”

“It certainly is. So back to how much I love you.”

“My favorite subject!”

“I know. The worst part of the day is nap time. You saw how small that bed was but I always move over to make room for you. Nap time isn’t any fun alone and the wall is really getting some strange ideas about me.”

“You did tell the wall you were married I hope.”

“That’s the first thing I said when it started getting fresh with me.”

“Well you tell that wall it better knock it off or I’ll go down there and have some words with it.”

Michael and Ian looked at each other and they both started laughing. Michael laughed so hard he started snorting and then his hand slipped on Ian’s oily chest and they were soon face to face while Michael tried to keep from smooshing Ian.

“Heh. You seemed to have slipped there.”

“It was all part of my plan.”

“You had a plan?”

“Uh huh.” Michael said before leaning in to kiss Ian. Ian must have liked that plan because he kissed back with enthusiasm. Michael ran his hands up and down Ian’s oh so smooth body, touching each intriguing dip and caressing every interesting ridge.

Ian had definitely been working out because he was totally ripped. In fact, Ian had a few muscles that Michael didn’t remember ever feeling before so of course he had to investigate them. He trailed his lips down Ian’s jaw and started down his chest when Ian suddenly shifted and tried to pull Michael back up.

“Love, I would normally want to spend all night letting you nibble on me but it’s after ten, the boys are getting up at six these days and you do need your sleep. I don’t want Bob blaming me if you’re tired on Thursday.”

Michael slid up slowly, rubbing all sort of their body parts together. “You’re turning down foreplay?”

“Yes but just this once. I’m already ready but I think I used a little too much lube and it’s a tad uncomfortable.”

“You- you.” Michael babbled. “You got all ready and I missed it?”

“I know but I didn’t think you’d be up there for a half hour. I had quite a show planned too.” Ian said with a faint pout.

Michael kissed it away and maneuvered around until they were lying on their sides, Michael spooned in behind Ian. “I like this way the best because you like it the best. I love the way you moan when I enter you. The way your back arches and your body welcomes me in.”

Following his words with action, Michael entered Ian slowly and couldn’t help smiling as Ian moaned and clutched at his arm. He had certainly used plenty of lube and despite the fact that they hadn’t made love like this for a while, Michael’s cock slid in deeply.

“Okay Baby?”

“Gah, yes. Michael, you have to move.” Ian said as he arched his back.

“Yes oh pushy one. Long and slow or hard and fast?” Michael asked as he ran a hand down Ian’s front and circled his fingers around Ian’s penis.

Ian slid his hand down to cover Michael’s and direct it exactly where he needed it to go, down between his legs to cup his balls. “I don’t care, just move.”

Michael took a moment to suck on the tendon in Ian’s neck, causing Ian to moan in both frustration and pleasure before he rocked his hips a little. “Is this what you want, Baby?”

“Yes, like that. Just like- oh. Yes, Michael. God, that’s-yees. Oh yes.”

Although he was tempted to stop just to see what Ian would do about it, Michael flexed his hips and bit lightly at Ian’s nape while caressing all of Ian’s hot spots with his hands. Balls, perineum, cock and nipples where all stroked and teased while he worked Ian into a frenzy. He could feel Ian’s balls contracting as Ian went quiet and knew it wasn’t going to be long now. When the body he was holding seemed to freeze and then thrash around, he stroked faster and deeper, hitting just the right spot over and over again.

At the end, Ian twisted his head around to capture Michael’s lips as he came, his semen spurting across the sheets as his body arced and twisted. Michael’s own orgasm followed quickly as Michael’s body reminded him that it had been quite a while since the last time it had had this kind of fun.

A half hour later, Ian roused himself and tapped a dozing Michael on the leg.

“Ump?”

“We need to clean up a bit.”

“Yeah yeah and I thought I was supposed to sleep.” Michael complained as he got off of Ian and carefully rolled off the bed in the other direction.

“You’ll sleep better in a tidy bed. Just help me take the sheet off, there’s another one underneath.” Ian said.

Michael tossed their pillows on the chair, “You crafty devil.”

“Not only that, but the sheet we were on is that rubber backed one and there’s no way I’m sleeping on that. It’s too sweaty.”

“Amen to that although it did save us a lot of trouble when the boys were in here.”

“True. And ew. Did I really spooge on the floor?” Ian asked as he used the sheet they just removed to wipe his foot and the carpet.

“I hope that was a rhetorical question. Here, give me the sheet and go start the shower.”

“Yes dear.”

&&

Tidied and squeaky clean, they got back in bed ten minutes later. Michael was just about to reach over and turn off the light when Ian reached into his nightstand and took out a gaily wrapped present the size of a large book.

“What’s that?”

“I believe we call this a birthday present on my planet. Here.”

“Ian, you didn’t have to-”

“Oh yes I did. Aside from Mum agitating me over what I was going to give you, there is that rather large present out in the back yard.”

“But that’s different.”

“Yes it was and although this is nowhere near that, I hope you like it.”

Michael opened the present to find cardboard box filled with what looked like copier paper. He rifled through the first couple of pages and his breath literally caught in his throat. “Oh Ian!”

“So you like it?”

“You have to ask?”

“Well it’s not done yet. There’s still three more months to go and I do plan on having it bound for you, with pictures and all.”

“This must have taken you months to put together.”

“Not really since I write in my journal every day and I write about them a lot. Chloe’s in there quite a bit as well. I know you feel like you’re missing so much of their lives and I thought this would help.”

“Ian, this is the best present ever. I do get to take it back to camp, right?”

“Of course you do.”

Michael carefully put the pages back in their box and reverently set it on his nightstand before turning to pounce on Ian. “Thank-kiss-you-kiss-so-kiss-much! You are the most exceptional husband in the history of the world.”

&&

July 4, 2012 Philadelphia, PA

Despite three tons of evidence to the contrary, Ian always considered himself a pretty laid back person. Yes, he did like to live his life in an orderly fashion but he didn’t care what other people did with their own lives. Until those people somehow inflicted their mayhem and disorganization on him. Then he got a tad ticked off and felt free give the stink eye to the offender.

“Ma’am, I’m sorry but we don’t take checks. Cash or credit card only.” The patient clerk said for the fourth time.

“But I don’t have cash on me and you don’t take my credit card.”

“Ma’am, there’s an ATM right around the corner. I will gladly hold your stuff right back here until you return with cash. Now, if you don’t mind there are other customers waiting. Just come right up to me when you return.”

The woman finally gave up and stomped out, muttering about rude clerks, bashing into people with her large tote bag as she headed for the exit without even apologizing. Ian just shook his head and stepped up to the counter with his money in hand.

“Hi Beverly.”

“Hi Ian. Your stuff is all ready. It’ll be fifty three dollars twenty two cents.”

Ian handed the money over and Beverly gave him three pennies in change then stepped into the back for a second. “Ian, go on through with Jimmy. He and Phil will load your stuff for you.”

“Thanks Bev. You’ll stop by later?”

“Wouldn’t miss it. Tell Chloe that we’re bringing our stuff with us for her sale.”

“I’ll be sure to do that.” Ian said as he slipped behind the counter and caught up with Jimmy.

“Hey Mr. Thorpe, how’s it going?”

“Not bad. Thanks for helping me with this.”

“No problem, Mr. T.”

&&

Ian pulled out of the alley and drove down to the pharmacy. He had hoped Donna and Thaise would be able to stall Michael and as he was still inside when Ian got there, it appeared they were successful.

Ten minutes later, Michael came out clutching a prescription bag and jumped in the passenger seat. “I can’t believe it. Donna lost Ken’s prescription.”

Hiding a grin, Ian looked at the bag. “What’s that?”

“She found it again but then she had to fill it. They’re usually so reliable too. Sorry it took so long.”

“Not a problem. The longer we’re away, the less work we have to do helping Grant and Pieter set up.”

“You’re not kidding. I peeked over there before we left and they didn’t have anything ready.”

“I’m sure they’ll be fine. One more stop at Barnes & Noble to get that book for Mum.”

“Okay. Why don’t you drop me off in front and I’ll run in and get it.”

“You don’t mind?”

“Nope and it’s easier than trying to find parking.”

“Okay, I’ll circle around until you come out.”

&&

Ian waited until he was safely around the corner before dialing Pieter’s cell.

“Hello Ian. What’s your ETA?”

“We’re down at the bookstore so about ten minutes.”

“Excellent. We’re all ready here so bring him back whenever. Our lookout’s already in place.”

“I’m still bringing him through the side gate?”

“Yes.”

“All right then. See you in a few.”

Driving back in front of the store, he spotted Michael patiently waiting out front with a plastic bag and pulled over.

“Any problems this time?”

“Nope and it looks like a good book. You think Margaret will let me borrow it?”

“Of course she will. Ready to head home?”

“I guess but it’s almost lunch time. Should we stop and get some nibbles so we’re not starving by the time the party starts?”

“We’ve got something at home I’m sure.”

“You’re right. I think it’s awesome how fast Grant and Pieter’s house was finished. Are you still planning to use their contractor for the kitchen?”

“Yes I am. We have an appointment with them in September.”

“Oh.” Michael said, looking relieved.

Ian wasn’t sure why Michael was relieved but he’d bring it up later. He pulled into their driveway and was happy to see absolutely no sign that anything unusual was going on. “Michael, would you help me get the breads next door?”

“Sure.”

Ian made sure that Michael was not carrying anything breakable and followed behind him as they approached the gate. He braced himself a little when Michael walked in.

“SURPRISE!”

&&

“Ian, I can’t believe you did this to me.” Michael said two hours later as he finished the last of his bratwurst and surveyed the tons of people strewn about Grant and Pieter’s backyard enjoying his surprise belated birthday party.

“Consider it a preemptive strike. This will totally eliminate any possibility that you will throw me a surprise party this year. It would be tacky and inconsiderate to have two in one year.”

“Very sneaky, Ian.”

“Thank you, love.” Ian said smugly.

&&

“But I don’t wanna go back to camp.” Michael said with a faint whine as he clutched Jamey later that evening.

“You’ll see us all tomorrow night. Now hand over the baby and get your butt in the car.”

“God Pieter, stop being so mean!”

“Mean? You call me mean after I *slaved* away for you all day long? Opened our house to your weird friends for your birthday party? Well!” Pieter said, heading for a total snit.

“Michael love, put Jamey down and I’ll walk you out. Bob is waiting after all.” Ian pointed out.

Reluctantly, Michael put his son down then did another round of hugs and kisses with the children. Grant handed him the last bag of birthday presents and patted him on the back.

“Only a few more weeks to go mate. Don’t let it get you down.”

Looking like a man going off to his own execution, Michael walked out to the car and got behind the wheel after stowing his bag in the back. Bob was semi-patiently waiting in the passenger seat as were Miles, Denise, Brent, David and Aileen.

“Um, sorry about the delay.”

“So what finally got you out of the house?” Bob asked, not looking too upset.

“Pieter was mean and then got snitty when I called him mean. It was best that I left when I did although I don’t like it.”

“I’ve seen Pieter in a snit so you did the right thing by leaving.”

“Tell me about it. Also, he was making me feel ungrateful and I hate that.”

&&

July 16, 2012 Philadelphia, PA

Ian woke up at six twenty two am and listened to the rain beating down on the roof for twenty minutes before he felt wake enough to get up. Although he didn’t have an official job, Mondays were still an unnecessary evil in his opinion. Sighing, he got up and took a quick shower, not bothering to shave before peeking into the boys’ room.

His little morning glories loved sunny days and despite the blackout shade, they all had the Phelps preternatural sense of when the sun rose and were usually up to greet it. Thanking the overcast skies for keeping the anti-vampires snoozing, Ian skipped a little as he went downstairs to enjoy his coffee.

The boys were wonderful complex beings that he loved in ways he couldn’t even express but it was sometimes hard to remember that when he didn’t get his caffeine fix. Coffee just wasn’t the same after nine and he’d even had to stop using the automatic start function after several pots burnt while he dealt with the boys.

The dogs were waiting for him at the back door so he let them out then turned on the machine, getting out his cup and watching the brown nectar stream into crystal clear receptacle. So lovely. He woke back up when Gizmo barked to be let back in.

Ah, that meant the coffee would be done in a moment and sure enough there it was. He poured a cup and drifted out into the family room while breathing the aroma in. He sat down in his favorite spot on the couch and put his feet up.

He slipped slowly at his coffee and pulled out his pen and yesterday’s newspaper and flipped to the crossword puzzle to finish it up. He was on his second cup and still trying to figure out the answer for ‘Houyhnhnm’s creator’ when he heard the first sounds the babies were waking up over the monitor.

Penning in ‘Swift’, he smiled as he listened to the boys babbling to each other. He used to go rushing in the room the second he heard a noise but Gail suggested giving them some time to wake up on their own.

He wasn’t sure if the boys really communicated with each other because they were so young but his research made him wonder if this would turn into a secret language. Of course, not being able to understand the boys would be irritating but how cool would it be if they did have one? Well, as long as they didn’t use it to tunnel out of the house or something.

The mini-morning vacation over, he got up and started his day for real when Jamey’s babbles turned into loud complaints about the state of his diaper. Gail joined him a few minutes later and they quickly got the boys ready for breakfast.

After breakfast and some yoga, Chloe disappeared out into the garage with some of her friends and the boys played for a while then while they were taking their morning naps, Ian threw a load of clothes in the washer and changed quickly before heading out to the pool.

An hour and a half later, he hauled himself out of the pool and went inside. The boys were just waking up so while Gail got lunch ready, he ran upstairs to dress and switch loads over and brought down the load Gail had switched earlier.

The system he and Gail had worked well and by the time he’d folded all of Chloe’s clothes, lunch was ready and so were the boys. The post-lunch diaper duties were not his favorite time of the day but the playtime afterwards was fun since this was the time of day when the boys were most active.

“Gail, it’s not weird that they’re not walking is it?” Ian asked as he lay on his back and Robbie and Jamey used him as a crawling wall.

“You ask me that once a day and what do I always answer?”

“That ‘they’re only nine months old and just because they sat up and stood up earlier than normal, it doesn’t mean they’ll walk earlier.’”

“There ya go.”

“That’s what Pieter says too.”

“Gasp! You’re consulting an actual pediatrician behind my back?”

“Ha ha. Pieter’s not a pediatrician yet. Has Liam figured out the baby gate yet?”

Gail twisted around for a second then shook her head. “Nope. I think the double gates have him momentarily confused. He’s analyzing them closely though.”

“Ga! Bup!” Harry said, holding up one of the blocks he’d spent the last fifteen minutes passing over to Gail.

“Thank you, Harry. You’re such a good sharer. Shall I put them on the stack?” Harry didn’t answer since he was already crawling over to the corner to find more blocks. “Ian, you know what you need? To get out of the house.”

Ian looked over at the windows at the rain. “And will you provide a snorkel first?”

“Very funny. No, I mean you need to get out with the boys.”

“I take the boys out.”

“To see Michael three times a week.”

“He’s their father!”

“I know but you could take them other places. I’d go with you.”

“But people are so rude when I’m out with them. Just taking them to the store that time was traumatic.”

“And it really bothers you that people assume I’m your wife.” Gail said knowingly.

“Yes! Uh. Well, uh. Gail-.”

Gail couldn’t help giggling at the look on Ian’s face. “Although you’re cute, you’re not my type either Ian. It’s okay. I know how much you love Michael so I’m not offended. Just promise me that once Michael’s back home, you’ll take the boys out.”

“Oh, I promise. And why are you complaining? I take you to the grocery store!”

“Speaking of that, we’re low on baby food again.” Gail mentioned as she stacked yet another Harry procured block on the pile.

“You’re kidding? I even bought extra jars last week. I’d worry that they were eating too much but they’re not fat. Uh are they?”

“No they’re not. See, this is the downside for having kids on the top end of the growth chart. They’re tall for their age and very busy little boys so they’re always hungry. By the way, doesn’t it hurt when Jamey pulls your hair like that?”

“A little. But not now that he’s stopped. Uh, where are they going?” He asked when Robbie, Harry and Jamey headed off in one direction.

Gail whipped around, “Ah, Liam’s got the gate open so they’re making a break for it. Let’s head them off at the pass.”

Ian jumped up and started to grab the escape master when he paused. “Gail, let’s see where they’re going. Maybe if we knew that, we’d figure out why he keeps doing this.”

“Okay but don’t lose them; they’re moving fast.”

Nodding, Ian quickened his step to keep up with the four crawlers as Liam looped through the family room and into the kitchen to stop at the basement door. He sat up and pounded his hand on the door.

“Gat! Gat!”

“Oh how cute! He wants to play with Grant.” Gail said as Liam’s brothers joined him at the door.

“How did he know that Grant lived down there?”

“Well Pieter and Grant did take them down there when they baby sat. Maybe he associates that door with Grant.”

Just then, Flannel came sauntering through the kitchen to check the status of his food bowl and froze. That was more than enough time for the baby mob to notice him and start moving in his direction.

“Gat! Gat!”

Ian never knew that Flannel could move that fast. For a second he was sure the damn thing broke the sound barrier trying to escape. He looked at Gail. “The cat. He’s after the cat.”

“So he is and he’s not done yet.”

“Got him.” Ian said as he swung the baby in question into his arms. “Heya Liam, whatcha doing?”

“Gat! Pa gimme gat.”

“No. Leave the kitty alone.”

“No! Pa gimme gat!”

“Liam, is it nap time?”

“Noooo!”

Ian leaned down and scooped up Jamey then walked back into the sunroom. He could hear Gail dealing with Robbie and Harry so he put both boys in the corner pen. He knew they all hated it and Liam was still not able to get out but he couldn’t let them terrorize the cat. Over the cries of protest, Ian told Gail he’d be right back and went looking for Flannel. He found the poor beast up in their room, looking very spooked.

“Aw, there you are. I’m sorry that the boys are looking for you and I promise not to let them get too close.”

Flannel was thoroughly unconvinced and started cleaning his bottom right in Ian’s face. Par for the course, Ian thought before he grabbed the boys’ bunnies and going back down. The four part chorus was still going but Ian just stepped over the rails and sat down amidst the mayhem.

Robbie was the first one to break and crawl over into Ian’s lap.

Ian gave him a cuddle, rubbed his back and rocked a little. “It’s okay Robbie. Papa loves you and you’re not being punished. It’s okay. I know you don’t understand but you can’t play with the kitty.”

Soon he had a lapful of damp overwrought little boys and after some face wiping, cuddling and sippy cups; their outlook was a little brighter although their eyes were drooping. Being outraged took a lot out of a baby.

“Gail, can you hand me a couple of blankets? I’ll stay with them for nap time.”

“Are you punishing yourself?”

“Maybe. I could have handled that better instead of just tossing them in here.”

“Well you know Liam wouldn’t have given up. It’s better to teach them quickly about the animals; you don’t want Flannel getting ambushed and scratching them. And this pen isn’t a jail cell. You only use it to keep the boys safe.” Gail said as she handed him the blankets.

“It’s one thing when they’re in here to protect them from the evilness of the vacuum but this was my fault. I should have just got them back instead of being curious.”

“But now you know what Liam’s looking for so it wasn’t a complete loss.”

“True.” Ian squirmed around until he had two boys on each side and they were all covered up although his arms were now pinned. “Uh, can you put the other blanket over me?”

“Sure. Are you comfy?”

“Yes, this padding is rather nice.”

“Well if you’re all settled, I’ll head to the grocery store and get a couple of jars to hold us over until Wednesday.”

“You might as well get diapers too then. You have your credit card?”

“It’s in my purse. Oh, wait.”

Gail disappeared from Ian’s line of sight and reappeared with the phone. “I’m going to put this down out here so one of them doesn’t call Antarctica or something and I turned the ringer down.”

“Thanks. My keys are on the hook in the kitchen and will you check on Chloe before you go?”

“Okay.”

The house fell silent a few minutes later except for the rain and the little snoring sounds the boys made. Ian felt his own eyelids drooping some time later, soothed by the warm bodies snuggled up to him.

He didn’t think he slept long because he woke at the sound of the backdoor opening and heard Chloe and her friends raiding the fridge for drinks although they were being rather quiet about it.

“Papa?” Chloe whispered from the door.

“Yes Chloe?” Ian answered softly.

“Oh, I thought you were asleep.”

“I was but now I’m not. Can you give me a hand with the tykes so I can get up?”

“Sure.” Chloe hopped the fence and moved Robbie and Liam over, carefully covering them again.

Ian rolled away and up to his feet, stepping over the railing as Chloe hopped back into ‘free’ territory.

They both walked into the kitchen and Ian greeted the six girls sitting around the table before turning to Chloe.

“What did you want?”

“Can we have lunch? I could fix sandwiches.”

“How about soup and grilled cheese? I think we have tomato and rice or chicken noodle.”

The girls quickly reached a consensus – since they’d learned that while Ian didn’t mind feeding them, he wouldn’t do unlimited menus – and Ian put the tomato and rice soup on to heat while the girls put their sandwiches together in whatever way they wanted. Ian manned the grill and even made a couple of extra sandwiches, not surprised when the back door opened and Grant appeared.

“Hello Ian, hello ladies!”

“Hello Grant. Unsurprisingly, you’re just in time for lunch.”

“Good because I brought over pasta salad.” Grant said as he held up a large Tupperware container. “I made too much yesterday so I’ll trade you a sandwich and some soup for it.”

Ian took the container and popped the lid. “Good gravy! Why did you make this much for the two of you?”

“I made the mistake of planting cherry tomatoes and cucumbers. Then I wanted to try out my new pasta machine. Obviously I have a portioning issue here since that’s only half of the batch I made.”

“Yes you do. Those are ham and cheese sandwiches or you can add your own stuff.”

“Ham and cheese is fine, thanks.” Grant said as he put them on his plate and helped himself to soup.

Ian set the pasta on the table with a spoon and wasn’t surprised when the girls all took some. They were really working hard at their sale. He sat down with his soup and sandwiches and included a helping of the salad.

“Grant these tomatoes are very tasty. Do you have any more?”

“Yes unfortunately. There’s at least a pint or two coming ripe every day although this rain might slow them down. Why, would you like some?”

“Yes I would. There’s a spiced cherry tomato chutney recipe I saw online the other day that sounded interesting.”

“I can bring some over tomorrow if you’ll share the results.”

“Done. So girls, how is your preparation going?”

“We’re almost ready, Mr. T. We have our displays organized and all we need is two more tables for the small stuff. We asked around but I think we’ve borrowed all the tables in the neighborhood already.” Amanda said.

The girls all looked at him with big eyes and Ian sighed. God, he was such a sucker. “Well I could go buy two more tables at the warehouse store I suppose. How much will you be willing to pay in rent?”

Ian and Grant exchanged amused looks as the girls huddled to discuss the matter. Chloe broke it off a couple of minutes later. “Well if you got the really long tables we could use them for crab feasts later and return the other three tables we’re renting. How does ten dollars each sound?”

“Oh, I have a better idea. I’ll buy the tables and let you use them rent free if you’ll all come do twig duty for me two weekends in a row this fall.” Grant offered.

That required another huddle but they were soon shaking on the deal and the girls trooped back to the garage. Grant helped wash up the dishes and tidy the kitchen then they went out to the playroom.

“Ian, where did Margaret and Ken go?”

“They’re down in Baltimore and thanks for reminding me. I’m supposed to go pick them up at the train station tonight. Ryan invited them down for a baseball game yesterday and they stayed over.”

“Isn’t there a baseball team here?”

“Well yes but we’ve never been. Michael’s a little rabid on that question so I try to avoid discussing baseball with him. We are planning on going to a football game downtown this year.”

“He’ll go to football but not baseball?”

“Don’t ask me. They’re both interesting games but I’m don’t follow them. What have you been up to?”

“This and that. I unpack stuff during the day then Pieter gets home and tells me where to put it all. Hey, are you free tomorrow – uh aside from going to see Michael?”

“I should be. Why?”

“I’ve been thinking about getting another car. We’ve been fine with the one vehicle so far but the timing can be tricky in the winter. Not that we’re wimps but I hate walking home in the cold and so does Pieter.”

“What are you thinking about getting?”

“A nice four door sedan with the dual system like the SUV.”

“Do you want a ride down to a dealership or something?”

“Yes and would you negotiate for me?”

Ian couldn’t help teasing his friend a little, “Dr. Hackett wants me, a lowly MBA, to negotiate a business deal for him?”

“Yeah yeah. Get off my back. Will you do it?”

“Sure. Have you gone for a test drive or anything?”

“No. I have four models picked out but I haven’t tried any of them.”

“Okay. Do you want to go in the morning? Gail was just saying I need to get out more with the boys.”

“You want to take the boys with us?”

“Oh, you’re right. Michael would never forgive me for depriving him of their first car shopping trip.”

&&

A short while later, the boys woke up and the first thing Liam did was point at Grant and announce, “Gat!” before crawling over and signaling that he wanted out, right now and let’s not waste another second. Grant obliged him and gave him a raspberry on the belly.

“Hello, Liam. How are you today?”

“Okay, I’m confused.” Ian mentioned as he and Gail sprung the rest of the boys. “You’re ‘gat’ but that cat is also ‘gat’. I hope they are not thinking you are a cat or vice versa.”

“Maybe he’s saying ‘that’. As in ‘I want that’.” Gail suggested. “Are we doing music time this afternoon?”

“Hm. And yes we are since that’s why Grant came over.”

“Hey, I’m not ashamed to admit I love music time.” Grant said as they all sat down and Ian readied the remote.

The CD in the stereo started up and the sounds of ‘Wiggle Time’ filled the air. The boys immediately started bouncing and waving their arms. Ian, Grant and Gail bounced and waved too. When Robbie tried to stand up and shake his booty, Ian put his hand out to help and that led to all the boys wanting to stand and boogie down. With help, they grooved to the funky music. Halfway through the third song, the boys started losing interest so Ian changed the CD over to the boys’ favorite song; ‘Itsy Bitsy Spider’ and everyone sang along or tried to depending on their vocabulary level.

Harry had almost mastered the hand movements that the grown ups did but Liam, Robbie and Jamey just liked to sing in their own yodel like way. Music time ended with a soft instrumental version of ‘Advance Australia Fair’ and the finale was a round of hugs kisses and cuddles.

Following a short rest period and another diaper change, the boys were installed in their high chairs and they each got a plastic bowl with a little pile of Cheerios, a sippy cup of formula and settled in to watch as dinner was prepared.

Ian paused at the refrigerator as the boys started babbling at each other and he made a concerted effort not to stare at them and just continue on with his tasks. “Grant, are you and Pieter joining us for dinner?”

“I suppose. What are we having?”

“Spinach and ricotta stuffed chicken breasts with lemon sauce. I put them together last night so they just need to go in the oven for a half hour while I make the rice and corn.”

“Sounds good. Are you sure you have enough?”

“Yes. I made twelve so there should even be one or two left over to take to Michael tomorrow.”

“Okay. What time were your parents coming in again?”

Ian checked the clock, “I have to leave in an hour.”

“In that case, why don’t I call Pieter and ask him to swing by the station? He’s already downtown and it’ll save you a trip.”

“Oh. Well, thanks Grant. Pieter won’t mind?”

“Let me call and ask.”

Grant washed his hands and went over to the phone. “Hi Morton, its Grant. Is Pieter available for a second? Great! Oh, I’m fine. How are you? Really? Well I think you’ll have a lot of fun. Talk to you later then and thanks. Pieter, hi. Yes I know so I’ll make it quick. Can you pick up Margaret and Ken at five? They’re coming back from Baltimore on Amtrak. Right, 30th Street. Great! By the way, we’re eating dinner at Ian and Michael’s. Nope, no pasta. Okay, see you soon and drive carefully. Love you too.” Grant hung up and turned back to Ian. “There you go.”

“Thanks Grant. So I guess this means you’ll be around for the feeding frenzy?”

“Of course. Besides, I was bored at home; unpacking is the pits.”

&&

Since four thirty was the time that Chloe’s friends had to clear out, she came in a few minutes later and made the salad, set the table, helped feed her brothers and get them cleaned up afterwards. Her next set of chores was to take her clean clothes upstairs, change over the laundry and bring down the dry load so Gail and Ian could fold it while she played with her brothers.

Ian got up when the oven timer went off and entered the kitchen just as his parents and Pieter came through the back door.

“Mum, Dad! How was your trip?”

“We had a good time at the game.” Ken said. “I still can’t believe how much those people get paid.”

Margaret rolled her eyes and kissed Ian on the cheek. “How are you?”

“I’m good. The kids are in the family room and dinner will be ready in twenty minutes.”

“Great! I’m starving!” Ken announced, patting Ian on the back as he hurried to the family room. Margaret followed him and Ian heard them greeting Gail, Grant and the children.

“Pieter, thanks for picking them up.”

“Not a problem. Need any help?”

“Can you get the rolls out of the oven?”

“Certainly.” Pieter said as he quickly washed his hands and picked up an oven mitt. “Did Grant ask you about the car buying?”

“Yes. We’re going tomorrow.”

“Good. I have the day off so I can stay here if you like.”

Ian looked over at Pieter with concern. “Is everything okay with you and Grant?”

“Yes, why wouldn’t it be?”

“You don’t want to go with us?”

“Not really.” Pieter said with a shrug. “Besides, you and Grant haven’t had a chance to go pal around for a while.”

“Ah. Was this Michael’s idea to get me out of the house?”

“No, it was Grant’s idea since he doesn’t want to pay too much. Does Michael think you spend too much time here?”

“No. I guess I’m just being paranoid.”

“Or weird.”

“Yes that too.”

&&

While everyone else ate, the boys who were back in their high chairs and occupying themselves with a baby biscuit and some Jell-o cubes. They didn’t eat much of either but it worked better having them at the table than in another room. That was paramount to torture according to the boys and they were sure to let everyone know about it.

“I know the rain stopped but how’s the weather outside?” Ian asked as he cleared the table.

“A little muggy but there’s a nice breeze. Are you considering taking the boys on a stroll?” Pieter asked, getting up to help.

“Yes. We didn’t get our walk in earlier and I’m sure the dogs would like a stroll too.”

“Grant and I can go with you.”

“I can go too!” Chloe volunteered.

Ian caught Grant and Pieter exchanging a look and turned off the water in the sink. “Okay, what’s going on?”

Pieter took Grant’s hand and gave it a squeeze. “Chloe, Grant and I have something we want to talk about with your dad. It’s really good news for us and we’ll tell you all about it but we want to talk to Ian first.”

Chloe scrunched up her eyebrows, “Are you having a baby?”

“Something like that.” Grant said carefully.

“Oh. Can I still go if I walk way ahead of you? I didn’t get to walk the dogs this morning and I don’t want to fall behind on my chores.”

Grant and Pieter looked over at Ian who shrugged back at them. “It’s up to you guys. Chloe’s ahead on points so far this week.”

“But I’ve got meets this week too. I promise I won’t listen.”

&&

A half hour later, Chloe had Gadget’s leash and set off walking thirty feet or so ahead of them. Ian had Gizmo on a lead while Grant and Pieter each got to push a double stroller.

“So is this thing you two want to talk about why we were going car shopping tomorrow?”

“Well yes. We’ve decided to try to have a baby.” Grant stated, “As I’m sure you’ve already figured out.”

“Congratulations.”

“Thanks. We’re flying out to California in September to meet with several gestational surrogate candidates.” Grant continued.

“Several?”

“Three. We like them all on the phone but we’re waiting to see how it goes in person.” Pieter said.

“Ah. Well I’m happy for you but why the big production?”

“Here’s the thing: two of the surrogates are sisters. Cathy and Ellen. They mentioned that they’d like to be pregnant at the same time, that it would be a bonding thing for them.” Grant explained.

Ian stopped walking and looked at Grant then swung his gaze around to Pieter. “And you want me to talk to Michael about us having another baby? Is the duel pregnancy thing some kind of deal breaker with them?

“Not at all. We just thought that since you and Michael mentioned you did want another, we’d mention this to you. Don’t make such a big deal out of it.” Pieter said, trying to keep things calm.

“Uh huh. Then why don’t you guys both have a baby if that’s the case? I love Robbie, Harry, Jamey and Liam but they’re a lot of work at this stage and I’d like to have a year or two before we even consider-.” Ian stopped talking because Grant and Pieter had stopped walking and were just staring at each other. “Oh. I guess that didn’t occur to you.”

Grant shook his head, not taking his eyes off Pieter. “No. It’s crazy though.”

“Well it would solve our problem of who goes first.” Pieter said slowly.

“It’s still crazy. Two babies aren’t any easier than one.” Grant said stubbornly.

“But we’ll also never hear one of our children ask why we had the other sibling first. Not that we’d raise them as twins or anything silly like that.”

“Uh guys. First rule of parenting? Don’t stop moving the strollers.”

Throughout the rest of the walk, Ian didn’t talk much as Grant and Pieter talked it over. They were still talking it over when they got back to the house forty minutes later and Ian was sure they’d keep talking about it for many more days.

Although he was touched that they thought of him and Michael, he’d been temporarily cured of the baby lust and just wasn’t ready for another. That didn’t stop him from putting the better clothes the boys had outgrown safely away but the clothes would still be wearable in a year or two. Unless they had a girl. No! He told himself sternly. You are not going out and buying girl baby clothes. No. No. God, Michael would kill him.

“Ian, are you okay?” Pieter asked.

“What?”

“Well we’ve unloaded the boys and put the strollers away. Chloe even took Gizmo from you but you’re still standing there.”

“Michael is going to kill you.”

“Why?”

“Because now I want another baby and it’s all your fault.”

&&

Evenings with the boys were quiet times. Ian read stories or made them up on his own, he played calming music or cuddled or just generally tried not to move fast. Although his children were practically perfect, bedtime was starting to become a sticky issue. Liam seemed to view his crib as just another jail cell and his agitation had spread like diaper rash to his brothers.

Ian had countered that by rocking Liam to sleep every night and while that worked at first, the other boys had also needed rocking and all that rocking made Ian dizzy. Not to mention that by the time he got all four boys asleep, it was way later than he approved of.

So then he tried having Chloe and his parents help with the rocking. That only lasted until Harry decided that waking back up three seconds after his bottom hit the mattress was a good idea. By that point, Ian had started to wonder if this was some concerted effort to drive him crazy. When Robbie began to get extra rambunctious in the evenings right before bedtime, he was positive.

Then last week, a miracle happened. Michael had been home for the evening after one of Chloe’s meets and the boys had actually gone to bed without fussing. After Ian got over the impulse to strangle his beloved husband, he noticed that Michael sang this little song the boys were asleep.

The following night he’d tried singing and after the boys stopped crying in horror and Chloe made him promise to never sing again, he’d almost given up. Tonight, he was unveiling a new plan.

After the boys were changed into their jammies and their cribs readied, he signaled his accomplices and went over to the new phone sitting on the boys’ dresser and autodialed Michael’s cell phone.

“Ian? What’s up?”

“Michael, we’re ready.”

“Uh ready for what?”

“You need to sing the boys’ bedtime song.” Uh. Ian supposed he should have warned Michael first.

“Okay. Um, I’m in the middle of a meeting.”

“And?”

“Fine. I suppose you’ve got one of them there?”

“Even better, I have a speaker phone now get singing.” Ian said, his tone telling Michael he meant business.

“Yes dear.” Michael got up, slipped out the door and started singing once he was a couple of feet down the hall.

‘A-weema-weh A-weema-weh A-weema-weh A-weema-weh
A-weema-weh A-weema-weh A-weema-weh A-weema-weh
In the nursery, the quiet nursery, Robbie sleeps tonight
In the nursery, the quiet nursery, Robbie sleeps tonight
A-weema-weh A-weema-weh A-weema-weh A-weema-weh
A-weema-weh A-weema-weh A-weema-weh A-weema-weh
In the village the peaceful village Liam sleeps tonight
In the village the peaceful village Liam sleeps tonight
A-weema-weh A-weema-weh A-weema-weh A-weema-weh
A-weema-weh A-weema-weh A-weema-weh A-weema-weh
Hush my Jamey don’t fear my Jamey, the night is not that long
Hush my Jamey don’t fear my Jamey, the night is not that long
A-weema-weh A-weema-weh A-weema-weh A-weema-weh
A-weema-weh A-weema-weh A-weema-weh A-weema-weh
Near the river the big wide river Harry sleeps tonight
Near the river the big wide river Harry sleeps tonight’

Michael was halfway through another round when Ian cut him off.

“It worked! We did the arm thing and the face thing and they’re all asleep. I am so bringing a tape recorder tomorrow and you’re making a tape for me.” Ian said excitedly.

“Okay but geeze, you could have warned me. Bob’s going to be really pissed that I walked out like that.”

“I’m sorry but I was at my wits end and Chloe said if I tried to sing it again, she was moving in with Grant and Pieter.”

“Well we can’t be having that. Baby, I need to go but I’ll call at ten like always.”

“All right. Thank you love.”

“You’re welcome.”

Ian hung up and peeked in the nursery where his sweet little boys were happily snoozing away. He carefully pulled the screen closed and skipped down the stairs quietly to join his parents and Chloe in the family room.

“Thanks for helping me with the boys tonight.”

“You’re welcome Papa. Can I stay up and watch TV for a while?”

“Sure. It’s only eight after all but not too late; you have a meet tomorrow.”

“Okay. There’s an old movie on that I really want to see.”

“Which one?”

“‘My Cousin Vinny’. Daddy said it was really funny and age appropriate.”

“I approve. Is that on tonight?”

“Uh huh. Want to watch with me?”

“I’ll go make the popcorn.”

Margaret and Ken went into their suite at nine, exhausted from their trip and Ian walked Chloe up to her room by nine forty five. He gave her a goodnight kiss at the foot of the stairs to her room and after checking the boys, walked into the master bedroom.

The large bed looked so empty and he gave himself a few minutes to miss Michael before going in and taking a shower. He straightened up the room and got into bed a few minutes before the phone rang.

“Hello love.”

“Hi baby. How was your day?”

“It was nice and thank you again for helping get the boys in bed.”

“It was my pleasure although I have to tell you that everyone heard me singing.”

“They did?”

“Yep. Well not everyone but Bob said he enjoyed my serenade and felt very sleepy. Miles asked if the boys were tone deaf. Steve mentioned that his mom still gave vocal lessons and she’d probably take me on for free if only to spare the world.”

“It got the babies asleep and that’s worth a million dollars. I’m sorry if you were embarrassed.”

“Eh, I don’t care. It really worked?”

“Yes.”

“Well then I’m happy. I just wish I could be there every night.”

“Only twenty eight more days until you’re mine all mine.” Ian said.

“You’re not going to share me with the kids?”

“I think not. They just don’t appreciate you like I do. In fact, I’ve already got a lock on the bedroom door and I plan on keeping you in here to be my pleasure slave for at least a month.”

“Ooh. I could get on board that idea. So we’re just going to abandon them?”

“Well I’ll still pop out to feed them but they’re on their own for the rest of it. Yes, we’ll probably emerge into a ‘Lord of the Flies’ scenario but it can’t be helped.”

“You would never in a million years consider that.”

“Okay I wouldn’t but I can still think about it when they’re all awake at midnight.”

“Ouch. Now I’m really wishing I could be there every night.”

“Me too but we’ll get there soon. Besides, I’m expecting you to win a gold medal for each of the kids.”

“Really?”

“Sure. You think I’m going to share mine with them?”

At ten thirty, Ian reluctantly said goodnight to his love although they could have talked to each other for hours more. Ian slipped back into the hall to look into the nursery and finally turned off his light at ten forty two pm.

Before sleep overtook him, he remembered the days when ten forty two was a time when his evening was just starting. He much preferred the baby filled, Chloe occupied and Michael obsessed life he had now. In the dark, he kissed a finger tip and pressed to the picture of Michael on his night stand.

“Good night, love.”
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The Sweet Life