Adult-FanFiction.org : Celebrity

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
- 41
- 42
- 43
September 13, 2012 Philadelphia, PA

Michael heard the garage door roll close and sighed again at the injustice of it all. The boys were going to their first dental appointment and he was stuck in the house. He’d forgotten (again) to charge his electric chair and going on his crutches was not an option because the boys hadn’t quite learned not to make sudden starts and stops in front of him.

There had been a couple of close calls so Michael tried to contain his time on crutches to when the boys were eating in their high chairs or napping. And since the boys were out of the house, there was no time like the present. He did a few rounds on the first floor and then stopped in the kitchen to load the dishwasher, wipe the counters and stove down and straighten up the kitchen table, all things that had been left on the rush out the door. It took him three times as long but he managed and felt pleased with the accomplishment when he was done.

Then he checked the daily menu - baked chicken salad for dinner. Knowing the way Margaret and Ian worked, he wasn’t surprised to find eight already cooked chicken breasts wrapped in plastic in the fridge and figured he might as well get dinner started. Standing wasn’t easy at the moment so he pulled out one of their canvas shopping bags, loaded it up and slung it over his shoulder for the trip to the table.

Even with the bag it took three trips – he forgot the cutting board and then realized he needed something to put the waste in but he was soon happily chopping his way through the ingredients. If a few pieces of chicken ended up on the floor, he wasn’t going to be bothered by it as the dogs appreciated the windfall.

He also prepped some green beans and carrots and after another trip to the pantry and fridge, decided to make squash and apple casserole for the grown up side dish. By eleven, he had everything ready to combine and took a rest before going to get the casserole dishes and mixing everything up. He also considered the fact that he had enough for two chicken casseroles or he could divide the ingredients, boil some eggs and make cold chicken salad for lunch tomorrow. While he was in the middle of making up his mind, the back door opened and Grant appeared.

“Michael, what are you doing home? I thought you were going to the dentist.”

“I didn’t charge the battery on my go-mobile and I can’t navigate on crutches with the boys walking around. What are you doing here?”

“I finished up my classes for the day and stopped in at the market. They had some fantastic corned beef so I picked you guys up some along with sauerkraut, cheese and rye bread; you know how Pieter and Ian love Reuben sandwiches. What are you doing?”

“Making baked chicken casserole for dinner. Or trying to. If you’re free for a bit, would you mind giving me a hand?”

Grant set down the shopping bags and rolled up his sleeves. “What do you need?”

“Can you bring the casserole dishes over here and then put some eggs on to boil?”

“Certainly, just let me put the perishables away.”

“Can you leave what you brought for us out? I’ve got a recipe for a Reuben casserole that only takes thirty minutes and I can put that on for lunch.”

“Hold that thought. Let me get the dishes out and the eggs on, and then I’ll run next door and get one of our casserole dishes if you’ll give me your recipe.”

“No problem. It’s a lot easier than making individual sandwiches and I think that red casserole dish on the drying rack is yours anyway from the stuffed green peppers you brought over last week.”

As they worked, Grant whistled tunelessly for a few minutes then turned to Michael. “You know, we make a hell of a lot of casseroles for being as cool and as hip as we are.”

Michael laughed. “Casseroles don’t really have a cutting edge reputation do they? How many casserole recipes do you think we have all together?”

“I have no idea but I think we’ve probably eaten hundreds over the last couple of years.”

“They are quick and easy. Are you going to bake up your Reuben now or wait until later?”

“I’ll wait for Pieter to come home. Why?”

“Then you’ll want to leave the bread off or it will get all soggy. How do you like Wharton?”

“I love it so far. There’s even been a couple of rowdy debates in class which is always fun. Not that I didn’t have smart students at CHC but for the most part, I felt like I was teaching to the sheep. I’d ask questions and they’d bleat back answers but it was so hard to get them engaged. Now I have students who not only want to learn but they challenge me to stay ahead of them. Just fantastic!”

“I’m glad that it’s working out for you. Hey, can you rise off the green beans and carrots?”

“Sure. May I ask why you prepared so many?”

“Ian likes to give them to the boys as snacks. You know what’s funny? The boys will eat them raw or cooked but if there’s anything added, we have irretrievably ruined their lives and will be paying for therapy over the trauma for years.”

“You’re kidding me? The boys usually aren’t such fussy eaters.”

“Gail says their taste buds are starting to develop. And please note that I didn’t say the boys won’t eat it if there’s sauce or other flavorings but the looks we get! Harry especially. The other night Margaret made garlic green beans and I swear that Harry looked like one of those slow motion action sequences. He stole them off Ken’s plate and crammed them in his mouth, then he got this look of surprise, recoiled, his eyes went wide and his little nose flared. Man, he really cracked me up but he just kept eating and even stole more and went through the whole thing again.”

“So you’re enjoying your time at home even with a bum leg?”

“Oh yeah. I feel like I’m really connecting to them now and it’s going to be so hard to go to work.”

“Was it easier before?”

“No but now that they’re walking and trying to make sense of the world, it’s worse. Now they really miss me too. You should have seen the mob scene on Tuesday when I got back from my check up. Of course, they do the same thing for Ian when he just goes to take a shower so it’s all relative.”

“Do you think the boys love Ian more than they love you?”

Michael stopped layering ingredients in his casserole dish and looked over at Grant. “Do you really want to know what I think?”

“Would I have asked if I didn’t?”

“At this point, I don’t think they really know what love is. All they have is preferences; they prefer this blanket over that blanket or they prefer carrots over Brussels sprouts and they definitely prefer Ian over anyone else although I think I qualify as a close second or tie with Gail most of the time. Ian’s the one they spend the most time with so of course they prefer him. They’ve bonded with him to a certain degree but they’re also bonding with me and it’ll all work out in the end.” Michael said, and then shot Grant a mischievous grin. ”And if it doesn’t, I’m going to buy them all zippy sports cars on their sixteenth birthdays so they’ll love me forever.”

“I’m glad you’re not all conflicted about this.”

“Well I was for a long time and I felt really guilty about not being here for Chloe every day and then the boys showed up so there was even more guilt. It took me a while but I finally realized that my kids have two parents who love them very much and that Ian and I have a partnership. Between the two of us, we parent the stuffing out of those kids. I wasted too much time worrying about what could happen in the future when I should be living in the now and doing the best I can do this very minute.”

“So this is your parental training philosophy?”

“Yep. Totally the opposite of swim training too. That’s all about the long term, pacing yourself, going the distance but it doesn’t work with that well with kids. By the time you get to the long term with them, they’re waving at you from the back of a motorcycle driven by an unwashed pot smoking elementary school dropout on their way to an S&M club.”

Grant laughed. “I’m glad to see your free floating anxiety is still intact but Chloe just doesn’t seem to be the type.”

“I was thinking Jamey for that one. Chloe’s going to be the one who travels all the time and never call her poor lonely parents but sends us lots of trinkets from far away places with cheery notes attached. ‘Sorry I didn’t call but Ralph was gored by a water buffalo. Sadly he didn’t make it but Daniel, your new son-in-law, was here to take away my pain. I’ll stop by with the grandkids someday.’”

“What about Robbie, Liam and Harry?” Grant asked around his continued laughter.

“Robbie’s going to be a scientist, he’ll discover some fantastic way of doing something and the government will sock him away in an obscure research facility and he’ll only be able to send us bland emails that talk about the weather. Harry will join the Peace Corps, meet some fascinating person, marry him or her, have twenty kids but they’ll be colonizing the moon and the trip home will be too expensive so we’ll treasure the 3-D holographs. I’m not so sure about Liam but he’ll probably be constantly touring with his books or his movies; he’ll stop by occasionally but he’ll always bring his laundry. I’m sure I’ll be pathetically grateful to do it too.”

Grant got up and staggered to the sink to splash some cold water on his face. He finally got himself under control by not looking at Michael for a while and sat back down a few minutes later.

“Seriously, that’s not how you really think the kids will end up.”

“No but I’m preparing myself for the possibilities. Hey, I think we’re done. Ian said they’d be back at noon so can you put the Reuben casserole in the oven at 350?”

“Not a problem. Do you want these other casseroles in the fridge?”

“Yes please. Are you heading home now or can you hang for a while.”

“I can hang. What were your plans until they get back?”

“How about firing up the Nintendo 4 and playing a round of Gotham City Racer?”

“Oh, are you that desperate for an ass-kicking?”

&&

Ian’s morning went much differently as he discovered that the boys weren’t that interested in sitting in a dental chair and having some strange man put his fingers in their mouths. Dr. Hardy took the biting thing well but it was embarrassing to have one’s child go screaming from the room in mid exam.

“Dr. Hardy, I’m very sorry about this. I brush their teeth twice a day and they normally don’t act like this.”

“This isn’t the first time it’s happened but let’s try this again. It might work better if he’s sitting on your lap.”

“Good idea.”

It took a little doing but Ian got Jamey to not struggle as they walked back into the exam room and he even sat relatively still for the doctor although he definitely didn’t like it.

“Well he looks good. You can get up now and I’ll see him in six months.”

Ian stood up, nodded and left only to return a few minutes later with Robbie.

“Oh hi. Did you have some questions about Jamey?”

“No but this is Robbie. Uh, you did know there were four of them right?”

“Now I do but I was wondering why you kept changing your son’s shirt. Go ahead and sit down and let’s see if this one goes any better. Was Robbie one of the ones in here earlier?”

“No that was Liam and Harry. I figured I’d give everyone a chance to recuperate from the trauma.”

An hour later and after many tears from the boys and Ian, the boys’ first dental exam was over. Ian had two exams himself because it was the only way Liam and Harry would open their mouths. Ian was glad to hear that the boys’ baby teeth were coming in nicely and that he remained cavity free.

As the boys were walked onto the minibus, Ian was glad he’d brought his parents and Gail along to assist since the boys had needed extra individualized attention. He was also glad to get them strapped in and get the bus started since he felt like his head – ah damn. He tried to focus on a street sign and saw the unwelcome aura of light around it.

He unbuckled his belt and stood up, feeling nauseous already.

“Gail, can you drive home?” He asked quietly.

“Sure Ian. Are you okay?”

“I’ve got a migraine coming on, I’m afraid.”

“Here, sit down and buckle up. I’ll get us home in a jiffy and you can lie down.”

“Thank you.” Ian closed his eyes after he sat down and fumbled for his belt. He didn’t open his eyes until he heard the motor turn off and then carefully stood up. He’d never thrown up from a headache before but that fact didn’t help the queasy feeling that jumped around in his stomach at every sound.

“Ian, why don’t you go in and we’ll bring the boys? We can handle getting their lunch.” Margaret said softly.

“Thanks Mum.”

Ian stumbled off the vehicle and through the back door, almost tripping as he came through the kitchen. He ignored Michael’s startled voice and made for the bed on the first floor, crashing down onto it without bothering to take off his shoes or clothes.

There was blessed silence for a while and then he felt something warm and moist being set against his upper shoulders and neck. The relief wasn’t immediate but the pain eased a tiny bit and Ian groaned a little. He heard a muffled thump and wondered how Michael was managing but he was gently turned over and moaned as the pain boomeranged through his head.

“Ssh. I know it hurts Baby. Just hold on for a minute and I’ll take care of you.” Michael whispered from somewhere nearby and then strong but tender hands were on his head and searching out the sore spots.

At some point, Ian drifted off to sleep as Michael’s fingers worked their magic and sleep was the best thing for him at this point. Several hours later, he opened his eyes and almost cried at the absence of pain. Once again, Michael had saved him from several days of agony and painkillers.

He gingerly rolled over and wasn’t surprised to see a sports drink sitting on the night stand along with a few pieces of dry toast. He gratefully opened the bottle and drank the whole thing down in measured swallows. The migraine had vanished for now thanks to Michael but he had to be careful or the whole thing could come crashing back on him.

The toast went down easily so he hauled himself out of bed and into the bathroom. Ah, there was his favorite robe and comfy sweats already set out for him. The shower eased the last vestiges of tension in his shoulders and once he was dried off and dressed, he felt like a new man. He noticed the house was strangely silent and hurried his step out to the family room to see what was going on.

“Michael, where is everyone?”

His spouse was looked up from the almost muted TV and smiled. “I thought I heard the shower. How are you?”

“I feel much better and I think you managed to nip this one in the bud. But where is everyone?”

“Relax. They’re over at Grant and Pieter’s. Grant knows what the smallest sound does to you when your head’s aching so he offered their house up. The boys were so wired when you guys got back so it’s a good thing they weren’t here.”

“Oh. God, Grant and Pieter certainly keep saving our asses don’t they?”

“Yes they do. Anyway, do you want to eat your dinner in peace or shall I call over and get them back?”

Ian wanted the children back but considered how the boys would react to him eating without any food being offered to them. “I’ll eat first. Is there anything made?”

“You have your choice of cold chicken salad, chicken salad casserole or Reuben casserole. The last two will need to be heated up.”

“A chicken salad sandwich would go just right. Want anything while I’m up?”

“Another water please. The salad’s in the bowl with the orange lid.”

When he found himself eating a third spoonful straight out of the bowl, Ian gave up on the pretense that he was going to make a sandwich and just took the bowl, the spoon and two waters back out to the family room.

“Are you going to eat the whole bowl?” Michael asked.

“Yes because I know you and you’ve already got the majority of the batch stowed away in another bowl for your own eating pleasure later tonight. Besides, I’ve missed two meals.”

“Oh, I’m busted.”

The bowl didn’t last long and Ian took a moment to stretch out and rest his head on a pillow near Michael’s left hip. “Did Chloe make it to swim practice?”

“Yep, Pieter took her. She did really well on her geography quiz too.”

“Good for her.” Ian sighed as Michael’s fingers started combing through his hair.

“Grant and Pieter were thinking about going to a couple of farmer’s markets on Saturday. Do you want to go along with them?”

“Just me or you and the kids too?”

“You can go alone but I think the kids would enjoy it.”

“If we can keep the boys from running off somewhere.”

“That’s why we should take our carriers with us. They aren’t nearly as restless when we’re carrying them.”

“True and I intend on billing them for our collective chiropractic bills later. You know, we should also see what the co-op place in Mt. Airy is like.”

“There’s a co-op in Mt. Airy?”

“Evidently.”

“I’ll bet you want me to call over and get the kids back now.”

“Yes please. The house is too quiet.”

&&

September 14, 2012 Philadelphia, PA

The annual parents’ meeting at Springside School had become something Ian looked forward to every year. He enjoyed talking to the other parents, discussing the latest trends their daughters were crazy for and hearing the latest news.

This year the talk was about the new restaurant on Germantown Avenue, the long term street repairs on Willow Grove and Michael’s accident. Most of the other parents came over to ask how Michael was doing, to talk about his injuries or (in the case of the lawyer parents) to offer him their services if he wanted to sue the driver.

Thankfully, the meeting was called to order before that got too out of hand and people were soon busy trying to avoid being drafted onto various committees. Well, Ian admitted to himself, that was unfair since the school had many very involved parents but there were many others who never volunteered, never contributed one penny more than the school fees but felt like their ideas were so much better than anyone else’s.

“Baby, you’re gritting your teeth.” Michael whispered as he rubbed his thumb over Ian’s wrist.”

“I know and you know why.” Ian replied just as quietly while he shot a death glare at Brenda Kreston who was sucking up valuable time with her plan to revamp the whole damn library.

“Easy there; you don’t want the poor woman keeling over.”

“No, you’re right. That would just waste more time. I wish they’d just get to the dinner announcement already.”

“Relax. No one’s going to complain about having the dinner in a restaurant. Hey, why is it that the dinners are here in the cafeteria anymore?”

“The crème Brule accident.”

“Oh right. Ah, Alex is reaching for her gavel.”

The chairperson did indeed close the open discussion portion of the meeting very quickly and moved on to the committees. Michael hid a grin as Ian shuffled his feet through the spring flower sale, art show, book fair (blech!), website and photography reports before Alex finally called for the new parents’ dinner.

Ian stood and cleared his throat a little nervously. “As most of you know, Michael’s had a bit of a fluff up. After discussing it with the other committee members, we’ve decided to move the dinner from our house to the Valley Green Inn starting at six thirty. Dinner will be served at seven fifteen and we should all be home by ten. I can provide directions for anyone who needs them and if you previously signed up to bring a dessert, you don’t have to worry about it now.”

“Thank you, Ian.” Alex said with a smile then continued, “Before anyone can ask, Ian and Michael are footing the bill and the budget thanks them for it. Moving on, we have the Spring Fling report from Amy Hannigan . . .”

Ian sat down quickly and let out his breath, glad that Alex had mentioned the money aspect and hadn’t called for questions. He felt Michael’s hand wrap around his and let himself relax. Now to get through the milling about after the meeting and they were almost home free. Well until the dinner. Damn he really hated discussing money with people. He knew people all knew that he and Michael were quite well off but he really didn’t think much they had or didn’t have was not an appropriate topic of conversation.

Michael started making little circles with his thumb along the back of Ian’s hand while he appeared interested in the proceedings but Ian knew otherwise. There was only one thing that could put that look on Michael’s face.

“Michael, stop worrying. The chocolate soufflé will still be there when we get home.”

“It better be. I saw the way Liam was looking at it, not to mention Ken.”

&&

September 28, 2012 Philadelphia, PA

“All right Michael, we have serious business to discuss. The invitations have gone out, the acceptances have arrived and the plans are set. So do you have any ideas?”

“I was planning to go get a few big boxes, wrap them up and let the boys loose on them.”

Ian looked over his glasses at Michael. “Empty boxes? You’re giving our sons empty boxes for their first birthdays?”

Unbothered by Ian’s scathing tone, Michael propped up his leg and released the Velcro on his new aircast, scratching at just the right spot. “Man I love this thing. And yeah. The boys aren’t going to appreciate presents at this point. You know how much they love ripping paper up and crawling around in things.”

“True and dammit, you thought of it first.”

“So what did you think we should get them?”

“I was thinking Big Bobby ride on cars. There are racing cars, ambulances, fire trucks, dolphins, semi trucks and they all have trailers. They thought your go-mobile was the most fun ever and push cars are good ways of working off some of their energy.”

“Huh. Well I like that idea too. Where have you been hiding them?”

Ian had the grace to look a little embarrassed. “How did you know I already bought them?”

“Because I saw the charge on our credit card. What the heck is a Music in Motion Roller Coaster and why did we need four of them? Wait, okay I know why we needed four but what is it?”

“It’s awesome. There’s this toddler sized track and a car that goes round and round. I bought four because not only did we need the extra cars but a little round track is boring. I have it all set up in the pool garage; do you want to go see it?”

“Oh heck yeah.”

Ian used the intercom to tell Gail where they were going then handed Michael his crutch and gave him a hand up. The aircast was much easier for Michael to handle but he was still not supposed to put too much weight on his leg.

“So are we keeping the kiddie coaster in the garage?”

“It would probably be wise but not with winter coming. I was thinking we could put it up in the living room now that we’re moving back up to our room. We’ll just have to be sure and take the batteries out of the cars when no one can supervise.” Ian said as he helped Michael down the deck stairs.

“I am so glad I can do the stairs now. You’ve spent most of the last month running up and down them.”

“I don’t like being so far from the children that’s for sure but what I’m really going to be happy about is when you can take over the laundry again. You’ve definitely spoiled me on that regard. Hold on a minute and I’ll get the door for you.”

The roller coaster contraption couldn’t be missed and Ian had arranged the tracks in ‘S’ curves. The various ride on cars and the plethora of trailers were parked near by and to Michael, it looked like a train set blown up to a child sized scale.

“Baby, this is awesome! The boys are going to flip out.”

“You really think so?”

“Oh yeah. Hey you know, the other garage is heated and if we put down some of that cushion flooring, the boys could have good place to play. It’ll come in handy for the playgroup too.”

“You want to park our cars in this garage? What about when it snows?”

“So we have a few more feet to walk and use the snow blower on. I think it’s a good trade off. The sunroom is a good space for them for quiet stuff like blocks and story time but do you want to be stuck in there when they get into one of their rambunctious moods?”

“You have a good point. Add in the six other kids for playgroup and that room could become sheer madness.” Ian said thoughtfully then got a crafty look on his face. “Of course for a true playroom, there really should be more than a few ride-on toys.”

Michael resisted the urge to bring up the seven riding carts with trailers, the coaster thing and yes, even the little traffic signs he spotted in the corner. “You want to go hog wild don’t you?”

“You have no idea how much fun stuff there is for toddlers! There was this platform thing with a slide and some stairs, this place in Germany that has the coolest wooden puzzles-.”

Michael cut off Ian with a kiss and then pulled back to look at Ian. “You have carte blanche to do whatever you want to do but let’s wait until after the boys’ party.”

“Okay I can do that.” Ian held the door for Michael again, locked up the garage and they walked back up to the house. “Are you sure about the garage?”

“Yep. With me going to work and your parents traveling up to Canada every month, you and Gail are going to have your hands full and you won’t be able to take the boys outside. I just hope that the kitchen remodel will take care of our next problem: getting the groceries from the car.”

“I’ll make a note.” Ian said as he opened the back door and let Michael precede him in through the sun run and back to the family room. “Speaking of my parents, Dad was mentioning the other day that they’re considering selling their house and shipping the rest of their things here to the States.”

“Yeah, I heard him talking about it. How much stuff do they have in storage?”

“I don’t know. Mum said they did a through job of paring down prior to coming here. Now that they have more room in the basement, she’s feeling the need to have more of her things around her and she also wants to take some stuff up to Chris and David’s.”

“So they’ll need to go back to Sydney? When were they planning that?”

“In December. Chloe will still be in school so she’ll have to stay with Grant and Pieter, they’ve already said she could but we could go over with the boys for a few weeks.”

Michael eased down onto the couch and propped his foot up again. “It would give us a chance to look around for property or a house down there. I’ve been looking at real estate on the web but it’s hard to tell from pictures and I don’t really know the neighborhoods. On the bright side, I really like a couple of architects I’ve run across.”

Ian sat down next to Michael and put his feet up on the coffee table. “Do you think Chloe will be mad that she can’t come?”

“I don’t know. She might be but she’ll also like staying over with her uncles. Whoa. I really hope those guys don’t decide to hyphenate. Hackett-van den Hoogenband. Van den Hoogenband-Hackett.”

“They could always decide to mix their names. Van den Hackenband. Hoogenett. Bandhack. Well, maybe not. So we’re going to Sydney?”

“Yes we are.” Michael said. “Here’s a question for you – when are we going to get the new furniture in here?”

“As soon as you can help me move it in which will be once you’re out of the cast and cleared by a medical professional who is not named Phelps or van den Hoogenband.”

“Just checking. So are you ever going to show me the new kitchen plan?”

Ian sprang up without a word and dashed upstairs for his folder. He returned two minutes later and sat down with a big smile. “I was just waiting for you to ask. This is the drawing of our first floor as it exists and as you can see, we have a bit of a traffic problem in the kitchen in the fridge area especially. This is where we could go. See how the area is now oriented to the eating area?”

“Yep. What’s this here?” Michael asked pointing to a block with a big X through it.

“Ah, that’s the back staircase.”

“Are we keeping that?”

“I thought it would be convenient, what with the boys. It would save wear and tear on the main hall and it is historically relevant.”

“Okay but how useful is it really? They’re too twisty for the boys to use for a couple of years and the boys will be too big to use them a few years after that.”

“So you want to lose the stairwell?”

“Yeah. That spot would make a good dish pantry since its right near where the dishwashers and sink and we could use the space upstairs for a linen closet.”

“We do have a lot of dishes but we’ll have plenty of upper cabinets for those.”

“What about we lose most of the upper cabinets too?”

“What?”

“I can’t use any of the counter space under the cabinets right now because I bump my head when I lean over to see what I’m doing. That kitchen isn’t really scaled to us. So we use the island all the time for prep work. We could raise the cabinets but that makes them useless for anyone else in the house.”

“Hm. True.”

“If we have all that wall space, we could open up this wall to the family room and this one to the sun room which would be handy for keeping an eye on the kids. And if we really wanted upper cabinets, I really liked those ones that are built into the wall. Yes, we’ll lose a little floor space but they’re more convenient for all of us.”

Looking down at the plans he’d spent so many hours on, Ian realized he would almost have to start all over again. “You really want to open up the house like that?”

“Yeah. It’s not really in keeping with the style of the house I know but the kitchen is sort of isolated the way it is and we spend a lot of time in there.”

“If we do this, we could really be hurting the resale value of the house.” Ian said slowly as he started thinking about the possibilities.”

“Yes but if we live here for the next seven to ten years I think it’s worth it to have a kitchen we really love. We can’t be the only people in the world who hate closed off rooms.”

“Huh. So those built in cabinets. Are you talking about the ones that are recessed? Like the ones in Chris and David’s new house?”

“Yes. You really liked them and I did too.”

Ian checked his watch and started putting away the papers. “School’s almost out and the boys will be awake soon so let’s continue this in the kitchen.” He got up and put the folder out of the reach of little hands before helping Michael stand up. “Michael I have to admit I’m surprised here. I thought you hated the thought of remodeling the kitchen.”

“Oh I do but if we’re going to do it, let’s do it right. If we end up with something we love and that makes life easier, I can deal with the limited food options.”

“I should have known it was all about the food.”

“When isn’t it?” Michael asked as Ian took yet another casserole out of the fridge – this one was a chicken biscuit pie. “What temp for the oven?”

“400 thank you. Do you want cut tomatoes or cucumbers?”

“Cucumbers. They don’t roll so much. Hey, did you have a counter in front of the window there? How would that work with the sill being so low?”

“I planned for a short counter there for the kids. We could still use it for a grocery landing spot but mainly we’d store the kids’ snacks there, they’d have a small sink and a fridge drawer for their yoghurts, juices and the like.”

“Ian, that is brilliant!”

“Thank you love. I really do want them to learn to love cooking and this is just my sneaky way of getting them involved.”

“That is pretty sneaky. Do you think Chloe will ever learn to like cooking? She does okay but having to make her own meals when she was younger really seems to have ruined the whole thing for her.”

“That’s because she was stuck with boxed mac-and-cheese, ramen blocks and canned soups. She does okay when she’s with us in the kitchen, she enjoys baking but she’s just not interested in cooking. We really shouldn’t push her.”

“I know and I won’t.” Michael replied as he hopped over to their recipe box. “Can you get the onions and a can of those oranges out for me?”

“Sure. Oh, what are you going to make?”

“Sweet cucumbers and orange salad. I’ll put some cucumbers aside from the boys.”

“You know what’s amazing but really shouldn’t be? How you have almost total recall of any recipe you’ve ever read.”

“I forget the ones with stuff I don’t like in them.”

“So that’s what, three?”

“Ha ha.” Michael said as he took the onions from Ian. “Do we have carpool today?”

“No today it’s the Rogers turn. We have next Tuesday and Friday. What else goes in that?”

“Sugar, vinegar, salt, pepper and a fresh herb. What do we have?”

“Thyme, mint or coriander.”

“Let’s give mint a try.”

“What does the recipe say to use?”

“Tarragon or any other fresh herb.”

“Mint it is.”

They both paused as the first sounds of the boys waking up came over the intercom then smiled at each other when they recognized Jamey’s cooing and Robbie answering babble.

“They’re so amazing, aren’t they?”

“They really are. Guess that means I’d better hurry up on their dinner.”

“Yeah you really should. Can you put this in the fridge for me and I’ll go up?”

“Of course love.”

Michael grabbed his crutch and started for the stairs, knowing that by the time he got upstairs the boys would probably be ready for some attention. Sure enough, he met Gail coming out of her room just as the first ‘I’ve got a dirty diaper’ cry came.

“Hi Gail.”

“Hi Michael. Shall we?”

“After you.”

“Oh no after you. That’s Jamey and you know what that means.” Gail said with a mischievous grin.

“Yes I do.”

&&

Michael was so glad to finally hop up the stairs and be involved in the boys’ night time ritual again. Singing to them downstairs was just not the same. He sat in one of the rocking chairs with Robbie and Harry in his arms while Ian held Jamey and Liam. The boys’ little eyes were closing and they were so sweet looking as they yawned and tried to fight the inevitable. The scent of powder, freshly washed skin and their soft curly hair – it was all he could do not the hold on to them all night long.

He watched as Robbie’s eyes closed one last time and felt Harry snuggle up and knew it was time to put them in their cribs. There was only one problem. He wasn’t sure he could get up with both of them in his arms.

“Having a problem over there?” Ian asked quietly, a grin on his face indicating that he knew what Michael’s problem was.

“Yeah. Can I get a little help?”

“Certainly.” Ian got Jamey and Liam situated and then came over and relieved Michael of Robbie and held out his free hand so Michael could get up.

“Thanks baby.”

Harry was put into his crib, kisses were dispensed and blankets were tucked before they finally left the room. Michael made it down to the master bedroom and collapsed across their bed.

“Oh hello bed. How are you? I’ve really missed you. Yes I have.”

Ian chuckled and sat down on the mattress. “This was the mattress we were sleeping on downstairs.”

“I know but I like it better up here.”

“So you have a situational love for the mattress. How sad for the mattress that your love is so conditional.”

“I know but that’s the breaks. Hey. We’re in our room. Alone.”

“Michael if you wiggle your eyebrows any harder they’re going to fly off your face. Come on and I’ll help you with a shower and then we’ll talk about sex.”

“But I want to take a bath.” Michael said as he got up and hopped into the bathroom. “Hello bathtub. I love you bathtub. I love your smooth surfaces and your saucy jets.”

“Now you’re just going to make mattress jealous.”

“True.”

“Are you sure you want a bath?”

“Yes. I’ve been dreaming of taking a bath for a month.”

“All right then but I’m not getting in there with you. It’s just too risky with your leg.”

“Okay but I expect a double bath when the aircast comes off.”

“Done.” Ian reached down and got the water started in the tub. “Do you want suds?”

“Nope. Just water and the jets.”

“Okay. I’ll go get your other cast.”

“Thanks.”

Ian was highly amused when Michael started humming ‘The Rubber Ducky Song’ once he was in the tub but then, what else would a man sing while he was playing with a rubber ducky?

“Did you steal that from the boys?”

“Yep. They have six and they’ll never miss this one.”

“Well while you’re occupied, I’ll go down and let the dogs out and tell everyone we’re in for the night.”

“All right.”

Ian went down the stairs and into the family room where his parents, Gail and Chloe were playing Monopoly.

“Hey, why wasn’t I invited to play?”

“Papa, you know you’re not allowed to play Monopoly. Nana says it gets your financial cut throat instincts all riled up.”

“Gasp. Mum! That’s so not true.”

“Oh please. You used to hide the game after you lost.”

“I never lost a game of Mono-.” Chloe started giggling and Ian knew the gig was up. “You’re a cold hearted woman, Margaret Thorpe.”

“I call them like I see them. Are the boys’ down for the night?”

“Yes and so are Michael and I. He doesn’t want to hop down the stairs again. I’ll let the dogs out and we’ll see you in the morning.”

“I’ll get the dogs son.”

“Thanks Dad. Chloe, don’t stay up too late and if you do stay up late, don’t leave any evidence.”

“Okay Papa. Good night.”

“Good night.”

Ian grabbed two cider bottles out of the fridge and went back up, making sure to check on the boys, turn on the monitor, lock their door and then drag a chair into the bathroom. Michael was truly enjoying his bath and was all laid out with the jets going full blast.

“Now that you’re off your meds, would you like a cider?”

“Oh. Thanks Ian. What’s Chloe doing?”

“Gail and my miserly parents are playing Monopoly with her.”

“Are you still under a life time ban?”

“That would be a big fat yes.” Ian said as he stood up and started taking off his clothes.

“Oh, did you change your mind?”

“No the saucy jets are all yours. I just realized that I could go ahead and take my shower. I don’t know what it is about parenting but I end up so grungy at the end of the day.” Ian remarked as he turned on the shower.

“Well you do have powder all over your jeans.”

“I had macaroni in my hair earlier so no big surprise. Ah.”

A minute later Ian turned around and smirked. “Are you staring at me Mr. Phelps?”

“Why yes I am Mr. Thorpe. You are a beautiful sight too.”

“You keep up that kind of talk and you’re certainly going to get lucky tonight.”

“That’s what I was hoping for.”
- 41
- 42
- 43
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

The Sweet Life