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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
- 44
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- 46
June 21, 2013 Cockeysville, MD

Ian reached for another crab and flipped it over on its back and dug his thumb into the key, expertly opening the crustacean. It had taken many years but he was finally comfortable eating the red creatures that resembled spiders. Grant and Pieter, who were opposite him weren’t going as fast as he was but they’d also gotten the hang of it. Good thing because in a crowd of Phelpses and Callahans, crabs could disappear in heartbeat.

The beer and conversation were also flowing fast as the various family members caught up with each other. His mum, who wouldn’t touch a crab if he paid her a million dollars, was sitting at the end of the table with Hilary’s son Christopher in her lap as she talked to Deb, Jackie and Siobhan.

His dad was over at the grill with Fred, Ryan and a few of the other male relatives. Michael was busy with his own pile of crabs and laughing with Art and Colleen over something while Chloe and her cousins ran around the yard, dashing in and out of the sprinkler in their swim suits. The boys were in the play area with the younger cousins and the big Styrofoam blocks and the rest of the family was spread throughout the yard and patio.

They’d told the parents about the babies earlier and it had gone well. Debbie was much calmer now that she knew Ian wasn’t going to whisk Michael and her grandbabies off to Sydney forever; she even joked that she once worried about never getting any grandchildren and now she was going to have number seventeen and eighteen! His mum had gotten a little teary eyed and hugged him hard before turning him loose for his dad’s hearty backslap and more hugs from the rest of the family.

So far so good but from the looks and whispers Grant and Pieter were quietly exchanging over their beers and crabs, all was not as happy with his friends. He knew they were also considering surrogacy for their family and he hoped their quietness didn’t mean what he thought it meant.

Ian waited until the next day to track down Grant which was easy enough to do since his friend was not teaching that summer and Ian needed to check on the progress at the house anyway so he traipsed next door around two pm. Grant answered the door with a distracted look on his face and a sheaf of papers in his hand.

“Ian! Hi. Where we supposed to go do something?”

“No, I just thought I’d stop in and see how you were doing. What are you working on?”

“I’m reviewing a paper for publication. Come on in.”

Grant led the way to the dining room and the table covered in print outs, books, and other materials and after Ian turned down the offer of a beverage, settled into his chair while Ian sat down opposite. They chatted for a few minutes about the party, the remodel and miscellaneous things before Ian finally asked the question.

“Grant, is everything okay with you and Pieter?”

“Huh? Yes, of course it is.”

“Then what was all the whispering you were doing yesterday?”

Grant looked down for a minute and then reached under one of the books to pull out a piece of paper. He unfolded it and handed it over to Ian who instantly recognized what it was.

“This is an ultrasound.”

“Yes. Pieter and I are also expecting a baby; we were going to tell you guys next week.” Grant said with a smile.

“Grant, what wonderful news!” Ian said, getting up and hugging his slighter taller countryman. “I wish you would have said something earlier.”

“Well, we wanted to wait for the ultrasound on Friday and then you two were gone on Saturday.”

“When are you due?”

“In October. We’re having a little girl.” Grant said, a grin splitting his face. “Pieter’s over the moon.”

“Aw, a little girl. So, tell.” Ian sat down again and handed the picture back.

“We called our parents yesterday. Astrid and Cees are ecstatic and Mum and Dad are also pleased. Mum said she couldn’t wait to start shopping for baby clothes.”

“What room are you going to use for a nursery?”

“The one next to ours but we’re going to try co-sleeping at first. I know it’s not for everyone but it’s going to be difficult enough leaving Lenora during the day and we want to be close to her.”

“Lenora? That’s a lovely name.”

“It was my great grandmother’s name. Pieter wants Margaret for a middle name but the poor tyke is going to have a long enough name as it is so I’m pushing for Lenora Ann.”

“Are you going to hyphenate?”

“We’re still talking about it but neither one of us is thrilled with idea of Hackett-van den Hoogenband or van den Hoogenband-Hackett. We’d probably be brought up on child abuse charges before we even left the hospital with her. Pieter’s cool with just using Hackett but that’s not very fair and Pieter did eventually learn to spell his last name; besides Lenora van den Hoogenband is a very classy name.”

“Did you have a boy’s name?”

“Yes but I’m not going to tell you what it was; wouldn’t put it past you to steal it.”

“Grant! I’m shocked. You’re right but I’m shocked!”

Grant threw his head back and laughed.

&&

October 20, 2013 Philadelphia, PA

Pieter finished changing Liam’s diaper and helped the toddler stand up. “There you go.”

“Thank you Oomie.” Liam said, turning around and plopping down in Pieter’s lap. “Tell me story?”

“You’re welcome and how about the red dog story?” Pieter asked, spotting the first book within reach.

“Okay.”

Opening the book, Pieter started reading and was soon joined by his other nephews who couldn’t resist a story.

Michael came in five minutes later and sat down a couple of feet away with a very full laundry basket and listened in while he folded the boys’ shirts and pants. Two additional stories later, the laundry was done and the boys were ready for their nap.

Last month, they’d started the boys on the transition to big boy beds so nap time meant the full size futon mattress in the far corner. There had been a scene when Michael and Ian first attempted to change the cribs into toddler beds so for now, the boys slept in their cribs at night and on the futon during the day.

Pieter and Michael repaired to the kitchen twenty minutes later and Pieter made them a couple of sandwiches while Michael changed over laundry loads and brought a finished load of sheets to fold.

“Michael, do you want Swiss or American cheese on your sandwich?”

“Swiss please with that spicy mustard.”

“You got it. How are you and Ian doing on picking out the babies’ names?”

“Not well; we have a couple of ideas but I guess we’ll wait to settle on them until the twins are born. We were all ready with Marah Athena but I guess we’ll have to wait to use it the next time.”

“Is Ian serious about taking care of Lenora while I’m at work and Grant’s in class?”

“He wouldn’t have offered if he wasn’t. You know he’ll take good care-.”

Pieter waved his hand, “Oh, we’re not worried about that. We know Lenora couldn’t be safer here. Grant is just conflicted about not taking paternity leave to stay with her. His schedule next semester will be much better and Sheila will be joining us and then I’ll be out of my residency next May and down the hill.”

“So this happened sooner than you expected.”

“Yes. We really liked Brenda and she wanted to have the baby before Christmas so here we are. I had to pay Grant five euros because I thought it would take a third try and-.”

“It took two times for you guys too?” Michael asked.

“Yes. Oh. Too?”

“Yeah. Um. Did you feel kind of-?”

“Less than a man? Oh yes. Thankfully, Grant didn’t mind letting me have my manly way with him.” Pieter said with a wiggle of his eyebrows. “And it only took two months.”

Michael laughed as he placed the last of the folded sheets in the basket. “And I’m sure Grant enjoyed every moment of it.”

“Good, you’re done. Now sit and have your lunch. Grant and Ian should be back soon and then we’ll have to exclaim over their hunting prowess.”

“They’re shopping, not hunting.”

“It’s the same thing for them. I like to shop but I’m always amazed how those two can literally shop until we drop; I’m glad today is Gail’s day off or we’d be stuck out there with them. Where were they going again?”

“Some auction.” Michael said with a shudder. “Man, that’s even worse than hitting the mall.”

“Hm. Should we be worried that they’re going to come back with some weird stuff?” Pieter asked.

“I suppose so but not worried enough to go with them besides; Ian reminded me that I bought a house this year so he’s a little behind in the conspicuous consumption column.”

Michael finished his sandwich just in time to get the next loads of laundry switched around and brought back the basket of his and Ian’s jeans and t-shirts.

“I thought you usually did laundry during the week?” Pieter asked as he helped fold.

“I do but the washer broke on Tuesday and it took a couple of days to get it fixed. I really wish we’d brought ours here but I didn’t think it was necessary until the one in there bit it. I’ve been doing laundry all weekend to catch up.”

“How has it been down at the hospital?”

“Good. I’ve got a really challenging patient right now; a seven year old hit by a car and spent three weeks in a coma from head injuries along with a broken collarbone and two fractured ribs.”

“Is she resisting therapy?”

“No. She’s eager to go but her parents are a pain. Her mom’s okay but she’s hyper-protective now and freaks out every time Melissa gasps. The dad is weirded out by having the gay guy touch his daughter. I understand that but he’s right there on top of us at every session. I wouldn’t even mind if he there to learn how to help her do the exercises but he’s like Neanderthal man and only grunts at me.”

“It sounds like your time with her is loads of fun.”

“She’s a great kid and she works so hard so I can deal. How’s your current rotation going?”

“It’s interesting. We’re seeing so many stress injuries in young athletes that are really unnecessary. So many kids are only concentrating on one sport these days. I know I’m not the best example of sports diversity and I guess it’s a good thing to have active children but seeing a kid with the same type of injuries over and over again is not good.”

“Lots of soccer injuries?”

“That’s the worst one with all the year round playing the youth leagues do here but lacrosse and field hockey are right up there. I’m not sure if the injuries are from overplaying or poor habits but it can be frustrating when you see someone for the fourth time in two years with the same problems.”

“I hear that. Have you told anyone there about Lenora?”

“I told the head of the residency program last month so he’ll know when I go dashing out although I’m beginning to wonder if Brenda is ever going to have the baby. She was due this week you know but according to the exam on Thursday there’s no effacement or dilation and Brenda says there’s no sign of contractions.”

“And you’re freaking out.” Michael stated knowingly.

“No. Well yes. I’m so eager to see her but I’m trying to be patient; I have the feeling that this won’t be the last time I wait for our daughter to make an appearance.”

“Are your parents and Grant’s parents coming over once she’s born?”

“My parents are coming the third week of November and Mother says if Lenora isn’t here by then, they won’t be leaving until she is. Maggie and Nev are going to wait until Christmas. Our parents get on fairly well but Maggie said if they were all here at the same time, no one would get enough time with Lenora.”

“It’s nice to hear that my parents aren’t the only ones who make their children feel like second class citizens once the grandkids show up.”

“No Michael, I think that’s universal. How is Kim doing?”

“She said she was doing fine but she’s really big. Dr. Phillips said she might go into labor early because the twins are getting really big too. They’re both over five pounds already and that’s gotta hurt, carrying that around.”

“Are you going to be in the delivery room with her?”

“Of course but Ian’s already claimed holding her hand so he wouldn’t get the full on view.”

“Still with the blood thing?”

“Oh yeah. We watched the tape of the boys’ birth a month or so ago and he made me stand by the TV and put my hands over all the grody parts.”

&&

November 7, 2013 Philadelphia, PA

When the phone rang at three thirty in the morning, Ian and Michael woke with a speed they’d previously only shown in the pool. Kim had been having Braxton-Hicks contractions for the last six days and they were both on edge.

“Hello?” Ian said after finally finding the receiver.

“Ian? It’s Grant. Brenda just called and she’s gone into labor!”

“Oh. Are you heading down there?”

“Yes. Sorry to wake you up but we wanted to let you know.”

“Good luck and call us later.”

“We will!”

Ian hung up the phone and flopped back onto the mattress. “That was Grant. He and Pieter are leaving for Delaware.”

Michael flopped down next to him. “Oh. So Lenora finally decided to show up?”

“Yes and it’s a good thing because Grant might have torn his hair out if she took much longer and really, he can’t afford to lose anymore.”

Michael chuckled as he snuggled up to Ian. “It’s almost four, you just woke up and yet you can’t resist teasing the poor guy. They’re going to call us later?”

“Of course they are.” Ian said as he yawned.

The next time the phone rang, at a more civilized eleven thirty three am, Michael was just getting ready to leave for work so he grabbed the phone as he slid into his shoes, making a note of the strange number on the caller ID display.

“Hello?”

“Michael, I’m a daddy! Grant’s a daddy! We’re daddies!” Pieter’s voice was filled with happiness tinged with exhaustion.

“Congratulations. What time did Lenora arrive?”

“At ten twenty two. She weighs seven pounds and ten ounces and she’s twenty one and a half inches long and she’s absolutely beautiful.”

“Aw, Pieter. I’m so happy for you. Can we come down and see her?”

“Only if you really want to. We should be able to bring her home on Saturday.”

“That’s great news. How’s Brenda?”

“That woman is amazing! She used the birthing stool and she was already up and walking around twenty minutes after the afterbirth was delivered. I’m not sure if she was joking or not but she said she barely broke a sweat. Once Lenora made up her mind that today was the day, she didn’t fool around. Brenda’s water broke and Lenora was born thirty minutes later. Oh, I’m so giddy I’m babbling.”

“I’ll be sure to tell everyone here. Have you called your parents? Pieter?”

“My mother is going to kill me! It all happened so fast that we didn’t even call from the car. Oh and Maggie’s going to beat me senseless.”

“Pieter! Stop worrying about it. You just went through a life changing event and its best that you didn’t call until it was over so they didn’t spend hours worrying about it.”

“I suppose you’re right but I’m going to have you talk to my mother if you’re not. Oh, it’s my turn to hold her!”

“Pieter, I’ve got to get to work but-.” Michael stopped talking when it became obvious that Pieter had hung up on him. Grinning he shook his head and went to find Ian.

&&

Ian looked out the front window for the sixth time in the last ten minutes and wondered when the hell Grant, Pieter and Lenora were going to get home. The Thorpe-Phelps had spent all morning doing the final preparations (although the boys’ assistance was mostly playing with the new baby’s toys) and now all they needed was for the actual baby to arrive.

“They’re here!” Chloe announced.

“Finally! Now we can’t all rush them.” Ian said as he moved to the door only to stop when Michael snagged his arm.

“No, we can’t and that includes you Ian. Let’s all sit down and wait for them so we don’t scare her.”

Sitting down with a pout, Ian folded his arms over his chest. “I wouldn’t have scared her; I was just going to help them bring the baby stuff in.”

Michael gave him a look that patently said he didn’t believe a word of that and Ian pouted even harder. The pouting finally ended when the door opened and the baby arrived. Only Michael’s hand on the back of Ian’s shirt kept him from jumping up and demanding to hold Lenora.

Twenty excruciating minutes later, he finally got his wish as the little darling was laying calmly his arms. Oh, he really missed holding the boys like this and although he knew he’d be holding their own babies in just a couple of weeks, in his heart of hearts he admitted that he wished they were having another little girl. Missing all those precious years with Chloe was painful for him to think about sometimes.

“Grant she’s so beautiful,” he said softly to his friend who was hovering near by. He didn’t blame Grant one bit for being so protective. He’d felt the same way with the boys.

“Thanks Ian.”

“Pa, can wes see?” Robbie asked with Jamey nodding beside him.

Ian tilted her up a little and leaned forward. “Boys, this is your cousin Lenora.”

“Enora.” Jamey repeated, reaching his hand out to stroke the baby’s arm. He and his brothers had been around plenty of babies, including their other cousins, so Ian wasn’t worried about them being careful.

“What name did you decide on?” Ian asked as Robbie made faces at her.

“Lenora Margaret van den Hoogenband. Mum cried when we told her.”

“I’ll bet.”

&&

November 12, 2013 Philadelphia, PA

Ian heard the phone ring but since he was in the middle of chopping onions for dinner, he waited for someone else in the house to pick up.

“Ian?”

“I’m in the kitchen, Dad!” Man, the longer they lived at the Inn the more Ian didn’t like it. It was a perfectly lovely place but the rooms had horrible flow and you never knew where anyone was and there wasn’t even an intercom.

“Ian, pick up the phone! It’s Kim!”

“Damn!” Ian put the knife in the sink and quickly rinsed his hands. “Kim, are you okay?”

“Hi Ian. I’m fine but I’ve been having contractions for the last hour and my mom drove me over to the hospital just to be sure things were okay.”

“Are they admitting you?”

“Yes they are because I’m five centimeters dilated and I’ve passed the thing you don’t want to talk about.”

It took Ian a minute to put it all together. “You’re in labor?”

“Yes, things are just starting to happen so you and Michael have some time but Dr. Phillips said you should probably start down.”

“Are you sure you’re okay Kim?”

“Ian, I’m fine. Women have been having babies for – well ever. Are you okay? You sound flummoxed.”

“I am but I’ll get over it. Let me get Michael on the phone and we’ll see you soon.”

“Okay.”

Ian shook his head to clear it and quickly dialed down to the hospital.

“Physical Therapy, Nurse Edwards speaking.”

“Hi Betty, its Ian. Is Michael around?”

“He’s in with a patient, Ian but he’ll be done in twenty minutes.”

“Is Dr. Tyree available?”

“Sure, she’s in her office. Hang on a minute.”

“Ian? Is everything okay?”

“Hi Dr. Tyree. Yes everything’s fine but could you clear Michael’s schedule for the rest of the day and for the rest of the week? I’ll be down to pick him up but our surrogate was just admitted to the hospital and her doctor said that today’s the day.”

“Congratulations and yes, I’ll take care of it.”

“Thanks!”

Ian hung up and cleaned up his mess before hurrying into the family room.

“Dad? Mum? Kim’s gone into labor. I’m going to go pick up Michael.”

“Ah, that’s what I thought it sounded like.” Ken said. “Go on and we’ll bring the kids down once you’ve called. Good luck son!”

Ian exchanged hugs with his parents before running upstairs, changing his clothes and grabbed their ‘going to the hospital’ bags. He snuck in to the boys’ playroom and kissed them all while telling Gail the news before jumping into his car. He made a quick stop at Chloe’s school to let her know then headed for Children’s Hospital.

On the way he called Grant and Pieter, who had given in to their parental impulses and were taking the first weeks of their daughter’s life off from work and then he was at the hospital and in the elevator. He found Michael in the break room contemplating the contents of the snack machine.

“Michael!”

“Ian? What are you doing here, baby?”

“Kim called. Everything’s fine but she’s five centimeters dilated and having contractions.”

Michael jumped into Ian’s arms and they bounced around for a couple of minutes; something neither of them would admit to later.

“Oh. Okay! Um, let me just go tell Delores and-.”

“I already told her and you’re cleared to go.”

“All righty then. Let me throw my stuff in my locker and we’ll hit the road.”

&&

Michael fidgeted nervously as the car finally crossed into Maryland and tried to keep his anxiety under control. He’d already called his parents and sisters and now all he had was the rest of the journey and trying to keep from tearing apart the car seats.

“Love, have you thought anymore on names?” Ian asked at just the right moment.

“I don’t know. I’d like to use Ryan as a middle name for one of them but I’m no longer so fond of Philip. Philip Thorpe-Phelps is just too odd sounding with the double ‘p’.”

“So we’ll avoid all the ‘p’ names. What about Charles?”

“Charles is okay. Did we put the baby name book in the luggage?”

“Yes, it’s in the red diaper bag.”

Michael reached back and extracted the book. “Let’s look at the names starting with ‘c’ again. I like Charles but I don’t want to risk ‘Chuck’. Hm. Calvin?”

“No.”

“Caradoc? That’s a big no. Cassidy I like but that’s been co-opted as a girl’s name so no again. Chad?”

“I don’t like it. Chad Thorpe-Phelps.”

“You’re right. Chandler?”

“Oh don’t tease me like that.”

“Carl – nope. I think we need something with more than one syllable. Coleman, Clifton, Colton. No, no, no.”

“We don’t have to stick with a ‘c’ name.”

“True. Hey, how about Gareth? Gareth Ryan Thorpe-Phelps.”

“I like Garret better.”

“Garrett? G-A-R-R-E-T-T?”

“One ‘t’. Garret Ryan Thorpe-Phelps.”

“I like it. All right, that’s a total contender.” Michael checked the glove box and found a pen and pad of paper just as he expected. He wrote out the name and stared at it for a while. “I like that a lot. You know, it’s hard to believe we only had eight months to work on this.”

“Well I was hoping we’d be able to use Marah Athene so we’d only have one name to choose.”

“Are you disappointed we’re not having a girl this time?”

“Honestly?”

“Yeah.”

“Yes, just a little. I’m sure I’ll get over it as soon as we meet Garret and Yet-to-be-named. I got over it when Robbie, Jamey, Harry and Liam were born. Wow, we really should have named them something that made a word. It’s going to get confusing to say ‘the boys’ now because are we talking about the older boys, the younger boys or the boys collectively?”

“Not to mention that Mum calls us ‘the boys’ too. Geeze, we’re going to have six sons.”

“What? You just realized that?”

“No but it’s beginning to hit me. A daughter and six sons. Grant’s right, we’ve absolutely positively lost our minds.”

“Oh please. You don’t think Lenora is going to be their only child, do you?”

“No but here’s a thought for you – what if one of our boys married her?”

Ian risked a look at Michael and spotted the sly smile on his love’s face. “You’re diabolical! You know I’m going to have to suggest that to Grant; I won’t be able to help myself. Lenora van den Hoogenband Thorpe-Phelps. Ha!”

“Why do you think I said it? Just make sure Pieter and I are there when you do it.”

“I will. You know, you’re much less tense when Grant and I start teasing each other.”

“I know. I used to worry at first that one of you would go too far one day but you never do. I just didn’t want either one of you to get hurt. How about Callum?”

“Callum? What’s it mean?”

“Dove. It’s Gaelic/Celtic. It’s a diminutive of Malcolm. I like Malcolm too but Callum has a nice ring to it.”

“I like it. Callum what?”

“Huh. We could totally buck the trend and not give him a middle name.”

“And how would we explain that when he gets old enough to notice his brothers and sister have one?”

“Good point. Well, do you have any ideas?”

“Jacob. Callum Jacob Thorpe-Phelps.”

Michael wrote that below the other name and looked at them for a while. “I like them. Of course we could get there, take one look and realize we have a Daniel and Elijah but we’ll cross that bridge when we get there.”

&&

Kim was in transition and nine centimeters dilated by the time Michael and Ian got to the hospital, parked, checked in and found the right room. Paul was very happy to see them but Kim was too busy to really notice their arrival; Michael could certainly understand it since she was in mid-contraction. Once she caught her breath, she managed to smile at them and Ian took his place on her left side.

“I’m not going to ask how you’re doing but is there anything we can get you?”

“No, I’d just like this to be over now. Paul can tell you that I get a little out of control at this point so don’t take it personally.”

“We won’t.” Michael assured her.

Dr. Phillips joined them thirty minutes later and Michael got first hand proof at what ten centimeters dilation looked like as Kim moved into the second stage. The contractions spaced out and Ian and Paul helped her up onto her knees and supported her for a while as Michael gave her a light but soothing massage of her back and thighs.

When the doctor came back, Kim said she felt like pushing and after another check, he called in several nurses and told Kim to push when she wanted. Paul pulled out his video camera and operated it with his free hand as the first baby began to crown. Ian was doing a fantastic job focusing on coaching Kim and avoiding actually looking down.

The doctor was the first one to touch the boy but Kim had previously given Michael permission to be as involved as possible so he not only got to cut the umbilical cord but the nurse handed him a towel and Dr. Phillips laid the not so tiny boy right in his arms. It only made sense since Kim had another baby to deliver but Michael was beyond amazed that he was holding this creature.

Their son started crying as soon as he realized he wasn’t in a safe and comfortable place anymore but Michael quickly soothed him, rubbing his small hands and feet. He didn’t get to hold the baby long as the nurse needed to clean him up and check him over. Michael’s attention was caught by the second baby, now coming out of the birth canal. This time was just as exciting especially since he now expected what came next and he couldn’t resist bringing the baby around so Ian, Kim and Paul could see.

“Guys, he’s so beautiful.”

“He really is.” Paul said.

Ian put a tentative hand out and stroked Callum’s forehead. Michael didn’t know why he immediately thought this one was Callum but that was definitely this baby’s name.

“Michael, he’s got your ears.” Ian said softly.

“Hey, don’t pick on the ears. Kim, this is Callum Jacob.”

“Aw, that’s a great name. I thought you guys were still undecided.”

Michael paused when one of the nurses came and took Callum from him but immediately felt better when another nurse brought Garret over.

“Ian, do you want to hold Garret?”

“Yes please.” Ian took the baby like the expert he was and smiled. “This is Garret Ryan.”

“That’s another good name.” Paul said. “I’m glad you two aren’t into the trendy stuff.”

“Oh there will be none of that with us. Kim, Paul how can we ever thank you?” Michael asked.

“The looks on your faces are thanks enough. That and the fact that you two are such great dads. I’m almost tempted to ask you to adopt me.” Kim quipped.

&&

December 24, 2013 Philadelphia, PA

Ian finished wrapping the last present and handed it off to Michael. This year, they’d set up a small tree on a table because Robbie, Liam, Harry and Jamey were a little too interested in the ornaments and lights. As most of their regular ornaments were glass, Ian could only imagine the havoc eight hands.

The new ornaments, courtesy of a family craft night, were either felt or Styrofoam and after the third time the tree had been pulled over, they’d even hot glued the ornaments onto the branches. Voila, the perfect child friendly tree.

“Ian, is that it?”

“Yes it is and it’s only ten. We have at least a half hour before the twins want their bottles. Mr. Phelps, will you cuddle with me on the couch?”

“I’d be honored Mr. Thorpe.”

Once they were arranged comfortably, Michael in the corner with Ian sprawled out on him and across the couch; Ian couldn’t help a sigh of contentment.

“That was a big sigh.” Michael commented.

“But it was a happy one. It’s been a hectic but very satisfying year.”

“That’s for sure. Lots of changes.”

“Hm. The twins.”

“Yep. And Lenora.”

“Grant and Pieter got married.”

“Grant and Pieter *had* to get married.”

“Huh?” Ian said.

“They got married in May and had a baby six months later. Ergo, they had to get married.”

Ian laughed appreciatively. “You really need to stop saying those things. Grant and Pieter nearly had a heart attack over Liam marrying Lenora.”

“I’ll try to stop but it’s gotten to be a bad habit. Anyway, I started my first real job at the tender age of twenty seven.”

Ian snorted at that one. “We’re in the midst of the world’s biggest home remodeling project.”

“We bought a bed and breakfast that strangely didn’t have a working stove.”

“Which brought about the mystery of what did they serve for breakfast.”

“I don’t even want to know. Chloe graduated from fifth grade and has two more age group records.”

“My sister and I are living on the same continent again.”

“Is it weird to you that it’s the same continent but a different country? Ow!”

“You deserved that pinch.”

“Why?”

“Because you were making a jab at Australia. We still haven’t found a house or a property there.”

“But we will. Here, turn a little to the left.”

Ian flopped over a little and immediately groaned when Michael’s hand hit just the right spot on his neck. “That feels wonderful.”

“I’m glad. The boys – uh quads had a good year too. Their language skills have really expanded since they started daycare.”

“And we have potty training to look forward to.”

Michael and Ian shared a look at that prospect and Michael leaned down to steal a kiss. “Even that’s going to be good.”

“How do you figure?”

“Because we’ll be doing it together.”

“Aw. You are such a big softie.”

“Only for you. And Chloe. And Robbie. And Liam. And Jamey. And- aren’t you going to stop me?”

“No, I’m waiting to see if you’ll get the rest of the nippers.”

“Harry, Garret and Callum.” Michael said then blew a raspberry. “I know all their names, Ian.”

“I’m glad one of us does. I keep calling Callum Garret and Garret Callum. It’s disturbing because they look nothing alike and I never did that for the quads and they did look alike.”

“But you do know the difference.”

“Of course I do. Callum has lighter curler hair and the dimples; Garret has dark straight hair and the pointy chin.”

“Are you worried about that?”

“Not really. You know what I miss?”

“What?”

“Not being able to swim everyday. The pool here isn’t as usable as our pool at home.”

“Not right now it isn’t since its outside. Speaking of this place, what do you want to do with it once we move back home?”

“I’ve done a little market research and while a restaurant would probably do well here, the parking sucks even with the additional spaces. If we do keep it, I suppose a bed and breakfast is the way to go but we’d have to redecorate and update not mention finding a manager.”

“It would probably be wise to either enclose the pool or put in a hot tub or spa too. Having the pool here is nice but since it can only be used part of the year, the upkeep doesn’t really make sense.”

“So we’re talking about spending more money. We could just put it back on the market.”

Michael nodded. “That would probably be the best for us time wise. Do we really want to get into another remodeling project?”

“I haven’t really minded the remodeling at home. It’s a lot easier if we’re not actually living amongst it.”

“And you enjoy making all the choices.”

“That I do. It’s nice having an activity outside the house and it gets my creative juices flowing although I know you don’t feel the same way when it comes down to picking out sconces and faucets.”

“Are you getting antsy staying home with the kids all the time?” Michael asked, chewing his lip.

“No love. To be frank, I can’t imagine what kind of job I’d like to do and I don’t see the point working just to be working. Would it totally blow your mind to let me have free reign here once we’re back home? I have no idea what I’ll end up doing.”

“Nope. I trust your judgment. Hey, does this mean I don’t have to get you a Christmas present?” Ian poked him and Michael couldn’t help laughing. “I’m joking!”

“You’d better be. I’ve been very good this year and I haven’t even picked up that box on your side of the closet.”

“Gasp! You didn’t fall for the decoy present?”

“No. Like I said, I’ve been very good.”

Michael eyed him appreciatively. “I’ll say.”

“Now now. Don’t even think about it. You know the minute we start getting busy, the twins will start crying.”

“Yeah I know. Their timing is impeccable; frustrating but impeccable.” Michael looked up at the clock and cocked an ear to the ever present baby monitor. “In fact, we should probably go ahead and get their bottles ready. Garret’s making that grunting sound.”

Ian sat up and stood, pulling Michael up with him. “How did you hear that?”

“I’ve got bat ears as you’ve previously pointed out. Hey, wait a second.”

Ian turned and found himself engulfed in a hug. He snuggled in and sighed again. “I love you Michael.”

“I love you too Ian.”

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

FINALLY! This is the last chapter of The Sweet Life. I am so grateful to everyone who has commented here and at Olympia and to all those who sent an email. The rest of Diplomatic Relations is my next project but I plan on continuing Ian and Michael's story after that. I'll be uploading the word doc of TSL to my website sometime this week for those who want to the whole thing in a huge chunk. Again, thanks for reading and I hope you had as much fun reading this as I did writing it.
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The Sweet Life