Watching Brad

[chris0626]

If this story is still going when the twins graduate high school...

LOL!! God I hope it is still going then...

 

[gmoney]

Once again, another great chapter. One would never know you have never raised children. You're doing a great job!

Gary

 

[gsdx]

I think I must leave this message here today. Today is sort of special for me. It is my birthday. I am already 28 years old now. And I am still alone.

May I wish you a Happy Birthday, flyboy.



It doesn't sound live a very happy one for you, though. I've never found 'true love', either, and, at my age, it's doubtful that I will. This story has, I suppose, become the life I would have liked to have had.

Real love exists, no matter who shares it, and, where you find it may surprise you. Like Ted and Brad, it may find you, even when you're not looking for it

 

[Blktiger58]

May I wish you a Happy Birthday, flyboy.



It doesn't sound live a very happy one for you, though. I've never found 'true love', either, and, at my age, it's doubtful that I will. This story has, I suppose, become the life I would have liked to have had.

Real love exists, no matter who shares it, and, where you find it may surprise you. Like Ted and Brad, it may find you, even when you're not looking for it

Me too, Neil and Flyboy007... One day someone will come our way.
Thank you for the story Neil. I would like to find someone like Ted, Brad, or Barry.

I like those twins! They are precious!

Keep the chapters coming.

Have a good day!

 

[newkidondagayblock]

Hi Neil, nice going. Im not too happy 'bout the fact that you are posting only half as many days as before, but you are still doing a splendid job of it.

Keep up the good work.

 

[gsdx]

WATCHING BRAD
Part 93​

Wednesday evening found Lindsay and I out shopping. Brad was home, giving the boys their baths. I pushed the cart and followed Lindsay around the store. In her hand was her shopping list for her party and she picked everything out herself. Terry had been an enormous help to her, giving Lindsay a list of games to play and things to do and snacks and things to buy. So, being the dutiful father that I was, I let her do everything and simply pulled out my wallet when we made it to the checkout counter.

She was so excited about Saturday night. Her friends would be showing up around seven o'clock and would change into their pyjamas. Of course, I also had to buy Lindsay a pair of pyjamas. After all, you can't have a ‘pyjama' party when you're wearing a nightgown. Lindsay hated pyjamas, but she would wear them for her party.

They had decided to sleep on air mattresses on the floor in the den instead of in the big bed in the guestroom. I already had two - a large one and a small one - and Mark promised to lend us two more large mattresses. He would bring them over on Thursday evening when he came to work. There was plenty of room for all the girls to sleep, if any of them did any of it.

After buying all the drinks and snacks, including two bags of large marshmallows and enough chocolate bars and Graham wafers to make lots and lots of S'mores, we set out in search of the things she needed for her games. Fortunately, I remembered to buy the half-dozen icing piping bags Bernice had asked me to buy for decorating the cupcakes. She already had some of her own, but not enough for all the colours she wanted to prepare.

By the time we got back home, it was after the twins' bedtime and I took them to bed as Lindsay showed Brad all the ‘neat stuff' she'd bought.

"Daddy? Can we have a pyjama party with you?" Justin asked as I tucked him under the blankets.

"Sure," I told him. "I don't have any pyjamas, though."

"You can wear pants," Jeremy suggested.

"Thank you," I smiled. "Now, come on. Time for you to go to sleep." I gave them one final kiss for the night and told them, as I always did, that I loved them very much. They curled up together, as they always did, and I left them to sleep. It still looked strange, seeing them lying there without their Teddy bears, but I was getting used to it.

I rejoined Brad and Lindsay. She curled up into my lap and Brad moved over so he could cuddle his arm behind me.

"Daddy?" she said. "It's scary downstairs at night."

"Would you rather sleep upstairs in your bedroom? I think there will be enough room there if we move your bed out for the night."

She twisted around to look at me and a smile broke out on her worried face. "Would you do that?"

"Of course we would," I told her. "It would only take a few minutes."

"But we can still play downstairs first, right?"

Sure," I said, "but I want to promise me you won't let anyone roast marshmallows without Brad or me there, okay?"

"I promise, Daddy," she said. "If anyone tries, I'll call you."

I hugged her and kissed her. "I just want to see you safe, that's all."

"I know. But we can be alone sometimes, right?"

"You can't have a proper pyjama party with Daddy sitting around now, can you? I'll only be there when you need me."

"Thank you, Daddy."

"Would you rather have Grandma Hayes or Terry be here?"

She turned her face away from me and thought for a few moments. "No," she said finally. "I think you'll do."

"You hear that, Mommy?" Brad smirked as he winked at me.

I remained silent, but my lips said, "Fuck you."

Brad's smiling lips replied, "Please do."

I did - after Lindsay went to bed.

* * * * *

Saturday couldn't get here fast enough for my daughter. Friday night was a terror. Even after she had gone to bed and Barry and Nathan and Brad and I were having a friendly game of poker, Lindsay came out of her room wanting to go through her list one more time to make sure she hadn't forgot to get anything. I assured her we had everything, but she would have none of it. So, for the umpteenth time that night, we unpacked all the bags and went through her list item by item.

After the bags were repacked and put securely back into the pantry, I picked up Lindsay and carried her (and her list) back to bed. "I want you to try to get some sleep, Sweetheart," I said softly as I tucked her in once more.

"Promise you won't eat any of our snacks?" she asked.

I crossed two fingers over my heart and held them in the air. "I promise my very best promise. We won't eat any of your snacks."

"What if J and J sneak out and eat some?"

"They won't do that, Sweetheart. They know how important this is to you."

"What if the girls don't have any fun?"

"Lindsay, Sweetheart," I said softly as I stroked her hair. "Don't worry. You have lots of games and lots of good snacks, and tomorrow, Grandma Hayes is going to help you make cupcakes and all the icing and decorations so you can decorate your own dessert any way you want. Your friends are going to have lots of fun."

"Promise?" She had such a sad, worried look on her face.

"I can't promise that, Sweetheart, but I promise to do everything I can to make sure they have the most fun we can give them, okay?"

"I'm scared, Daddy," she said.

"I know, but I want you to trust me, okay?"

"Okay."

"Come here," I said, holding out my arms and motioning her forward with my fingers. She sat up and fell against my chest. I hugged her, stroking her hair as I kissed the top of her head. "I want you to try to get some sleep now, okay? I'll stay right here with you if you want me to until you fall asleep."

I could feel her nodding her head ‘yes'. "Will you read my unicorn story?" she asked into my chest.

"With pleasure, Sweetheart." I laid her back into bed and tucked her in once more before getting her favourite story from the shelf. She was too old for this story now, but it was still her favourite and it soothed her.

I sat gently on the side of the bed, opened the book, and started reading. Three pages later, her eyes closed. By the time I finished the next page, my Sweetheart was asleep. I closed the book, gently stroked her hair once more, and kissed her forehead. "I love you, Sweetheart."

I replaced her book on the shelf, turned out the light, and pulled the door almost closed.

"Pretty excited, eh?" Nathan asked.

"Oh, yeah," I said as I sat back down at the table. "She's so worried her friends aren't going to have any fun."

"From all the stuff I saw, I don't think she has anything to worry about," Barry added.

"She'll be fine, Pops," Brad said. "Stop looking so worried."

"It's my job to worry," I said, "so Lindsay doesn't have to."

Nathan crinkled his eyebrows. "This ‘fatherhood' thing is a lot of work, isn't it?"

I nodded my head. "But the pay is great and the benefits are outstanding. At least one hug and one kiss a day from each of them? Who could ask for more?" I looked at the faces of my two friends, and then at Brad. His eyes were locked on me and he was shaking his head slowly back and forth.

"And you wonder why I love you so damned much," he said.

We finished our poker game and adjourned to the livingroom sofa, but not before I took a little trip to Lindsay's room. She was sound asleep, thank goodness, and I knew she would be there until morning.

* * * * *

"I bet the adoption being final is a big load off your mind, eh, Ted?" That was Nathan asking the question. We were sitting together on the sofa with my arms wrapped around Brad. Barry sat near Brad, holding Nathan in his own arms. Our beer bottles and munchies sat on the coffee table within easy reach.

"Oh, yeah."

"I know what you told us before about the twins," Barry said, "but from what that PI of yours said in court, and from what the twins said. . ."

"Please, Barry," I said softly. "They're my sons now. That part of their lives is over. This is the only part I want to think about now. They still remember it. I want to make them forget."

"Sorry," Barry said just as softly. "I didn't mean anything. . ."

"I know. Let's not talk about it anymore."

"Okay," Barry said, "but I have one small question. Were abuse charges laid against the guy as well?"

"I don't think anyone even knew about it until the twins started talking about it in court. No charges were ever laid against him for it. The murder conviction is enough. He's going to be in prison for a very long time."

"How do you do it, Ted?" Nathan asked, probably to get the subject changed as quickly as possible. I was grateful for that.

"Do what?"

"Well," Nathan continued, "everything. Your work, the house, the kids, Brad. How do you find time for everything and everyone?"

I smiled. I never saw myself as Super Dad, but everyone else seemed to see me that way. "Well, the work I have to do. The kids? That's easy. They're my kids, and it's easy enough to find time for them. As for Brad, well, we make our time for each other with whatever is left over. And don't forget my Tiger, here," I said, giving Brad a hug and a kiss on his hair. "He does more than his share around here, and that makes more time for me. Then there's Terry, and Brad's parents. In a few weeks, my Mom and Dad will be here, too. They all make my job a bit easier."

Brad twisted around and looked at me. "And I thought I was here because of my pretty face and tight jeans."

"If I'm going to have a live-in babysitter, I might as well have one that I don't have to pay and looks good in denim."

"A live-in babysitter, eh? And what if I start wearing khakis?"

"Oooo," I said, raising my eyebrows. "Or maybe cargos. Or something in a nice, soft, narrow cord. Or maybe something in span. . ."

Brad's lips stopped me from continuing. Barry knew what I was going to say and started laughing. Nathan caught on a few moments later and joined his lover. Brad didn't laugh. He just kissed me.

When Brad reluctantly and finally ended the kiss, I glanced over at Barry and Nathan. "Wait until Summer gets here and he starts wearing his cut-offs," I said. "Woof!"

"Ted!" Brad's look of surprise was precious.

"Better than the Speedo?" Nathan asked.

"Oh-h-h-h-h, yeah."

If nothing else, it got Brad kissing me again. I'd have to remember that little trick.

Barry and Nathan ended up staying the night. I wouldn't let them drive home in their condition. They were good friends and houseguests, actually. Nathan always insisted on doing the cooking and Barry was always playing with the kids. It wasn't like they just sat there drinking beer and sucking up the air. They became part of the family when they were here.

Brad and I spooned ourselves in bed that night. He pressed himself up against my back, wrapped his arm around me and we fell asleep that way. When Lindsay woke us up the next morning, I was spooned against Brad's back.

"Daddy," Lindsay called from the doorway.

I was awake immediately and rolled over to look at her, but not before I took a quick peek at the alarm clock. It was ten minutes past six.

"What is it, Sweetheart?" I asked.

"We have to get ready for my party," she said hopefully.

I felt like telling her to go back to bed for another hour or two so I could go back to sleep for another hour or two, but I don't work that way. I could sleep later. If my daughter's party was important at six-ten in the morning, it was important to me as well.

"I'll be right there, Sweetheart," I smiled. Lindsay's face lit up. She was happy. "Wait for me in the kitchen, okay?"

"Okay, Daddy," she said and disappeared from the doorway.

I rolled back toward Brad and hugged him and kissed his neck. "You go back to sleep, Tiger," I whispered. "I'll take care of this."

Brad moaned, but it wasn't a moan of pleasure. It was a moan of agreement.

"I need a kiss first," I said.

He turned his head around to give it to me. When he turned his head away from me again, I lay there for a few moments gently stroking his hair and cheek. This time, I got a moan of pleasure out of him. I kissed his neck lightly once more and got out of bed.

Lindsay was already eating her cereal when the twins came tearing out of their bedroom and into their chairs at the kitchen table. I poured their orange juice and served it.

"Thank you, Daddy," they said.

"Can we have Rice Krispies?" Jeremy asked. Jeremy rarely ever spoke first, especially when it came to choosing what to have for breakfast.

"With a banana?" Justin added.

"Coming right up," I said as I set about preparing their cereal. I poured out the cereal into their bowls, sliced a banana on top of each, and set the bowls in front of the twins. I grabbed the milk pitcher and poured. As soon as I was done, the boys leaned their ears close to the bowls and began giggling to each other. Snap, Crackle, and Pop never ceased to amuse them. Rice Krispies is one of the happiest cereals ever invented.

I poured myself a mug of coffee and sat down to watch my children eat. I loved watching my kids eating. There was only one thing as important to me than them, and that was to make sure they were never hungry when they shouldn't be.

Back to business at hand, though. "Can you think of anything else you want for tonight, Sweetheart?"

She shook her head ‘no'. "I think we have everything."

"Don't worry," I told her. "If you think of something later, or if you run out of something, we can go get it, okay?"

"Thank you, Daddy."

"While you're at your Grandma's making your cupcakes, we'll go out and get some real wood for your campfire and sticks to roast your marshmallows."

"Are we going, Daddy?" Justin asked with undisguised excitement.

"Unless you want to stay here alone."

Both boys shook their heads back and forth so vigorously that their hair stood out straight.

"Then you can go."

Their twinkling eyes met mine and the sweetest little smiles formed on their lips. Those were the faces that could turn the rainiest day into blue skies and sunshine.

After breakfast, I sent the kids off to brush their teeth and to get changed while I cleaned up the table and wiped up the toast crumbs from the counter before sitting down to another mug of coffee. Soon, I was being entertained by the sounds of Saturday morning cartoons.

The evening before, Nathan had asked me ‘how I did it'. To be frank, I didn't know. It comes with the territory. Somehow, somewhere, I find it inside me to do what was necessary. If you love your kids as much as I do, you find a way. You forget about the short nights of sleep and the early mornings and long days. You forget about all the tears and pain. You forget about all the time you spend providing for them. You forget about all the exhaustion and the sore muscles. You forget about everything when you see one of their smiles. That alone stamps the bill, "Paid In Full."

As I was drinking my second mug of coffee, Nathan wandered into the kitchen.

"‘Morning," he said cheerfully. "Have you eaten?"

"Nope," I replied. "Not yet."

Nathan moved to the refrigerator and began gathering things to cook up. "Barry will be right up," he said. "How do you feel about pancakes this morning?"

"Sounds yummy," I answered. "There's a mix in the pantry."

"Don't ever say that word around me again," Nathan warned.

I turned to look at him. "What word?"

"Mix."

"You make pancakes from scratch?" I asked. He smiled at me as if I should have been embarrassed for even asking. "Never mind. Stupid question. Jeremy!"

A few seconds later, the sounds of running footsteps came flying into the room and Jeremy slid to a stop beside me and parked his arms on my leg as he looked up at me.

"Go wake up Brad," I said. And off he went. Moments later, I heard the wild, hysterical giggling of a little boy drifting down the hall from my bedroom. Brad's laugh soon joined in.

"Pancakes for four," Nathan said, "and coffee for twelve."

I turned back to my coffee and listened to the sounds of my son's and my lover's happiness. Barry arrived soon after and took his place across the corner from me.

"Sleep well?" I asked as Nathan set a mug of coffee in front of his partner.

"Eventually," he said with a wink. "So, what's on your agenda for today?"

"Gathering wood for the fireplace tonight so the girls can make S'mores."

"Why don't you have a little campfire out back?" he asked.

I hastily shushed him and leaned toward Barry and whispered, "I didn't think we could do that in town."

"Sure, as long as it's a small fire and you don't leave it unattended," Barry said in a hushed voice. "Besides, you're sort of cooking food on it, so it counts as a barbeque."

My heart began to pound with excitement. "Do you know how to make one? A real one?"

"Campfire?"

I nodded.

"Yes."

"Could you do it without Lindsay knowing about it?"

"Ah," Barry said, nodding in understanding and tapping the side of his nose with his index finger. "A little surprise for her."

I nodded. "Yes. Can you do it?"

Barry smiled and winked again. "Leave it to me."

Impulsively, I leaned closer and kissed him on the lips.

"Hey! Hey! Hey!" Nathan said jokingly. "What's going on there?"

Barry and I separated and Barry put his finger to his lips and motioned Barry forward.

"Ted's asked me to stay and build a surprise campfire for Lindsay's party tonight so the girls can toast marshmallows and make S'mores."

Nathan's eyes lit. "Oh, what a wonderful surprise," he whispered softly. "Do you have any hotdogs, Ted?"

I shook my head. "Not many."

"Please, Ted. Let me plan it?" Nathan asked excitedly. "I'll buy the hotdogs and buns and we can give them a weenie and marshmallow roast. We can get Barry's guitar, too. He can't sing worth shit, but he can play."

I looked from Nathan's face to Barry's. They both looked so excited. "Thanks, guys," I said, and I gave them both a kiss this time.

"Leave it to me, Ted. I'll make sure Lindsay has a surprise she'll never forget."

Jeremy came running into the kitchen then, skidding to a stop again as Nathan returned to his preparations. "Brad's awake, Daddy," he said, grinning.

"So I heard."

"Do I get a kiss?" he asked.

"You get more than that, my Sonskyn." I picked him up and hugged him tight before giving him a great big smack on the lips.

Jeremy wrapped his arms around my neck and hugged me back. Then he suddenly let go, said "I'm done", and climbed down off my lap to run and join his brother and sister in front of the television set.

Barry found that uproariously amusing.

* * * * *

By the time Lindsay went to join Bernice to bake her cupcakes for the party, we four adults had secretly planned the surprise. John Hayes had a small stack of old chimney bricks stored at the side of his shed. They would be perfect for making a surround for the campfire. Nathan and Barry would leave after breakfast to go buy the hotdogs and buns. Nathan would bring the barbeque skewers for cooking the hotdogs. Barry would bring his guitar. They would come back and we would wait until Mark was finished his work before going to gather the wood for the fire and sticks with which to roast the marshmallows.

Later, Nathan and I would help Lindsay get everything ready for the party and Brad and Barry would build the campfire surround and chop up the wood. To keep her off our trail, we would even set the fireplace so Lindsay wouldn't know anything until later that night when the fire was burning and all the food was prepared. We would than all go outside at the same time to unveil the surprise.

I was getting just as excited as Lindsay. Now, I had to think of a way to get them all outside.

To Be Continued​

 

[Kyanimal]

Neil, Dude!

I wish I could step into Your story, and Live there for the rest of my days!!

Through Your words, though, You're allowing "Us" to do just that, aren't You??!

THANK YOU!, Man!!

Keep smilin'!!
Chaz

 

[GrayFox]

Neil,

You are making all our lives richer and fuller each day.

Thank you,

GrayFox

 

[Just4fun2]

Hi Neil!

I remember my sister's last pajama's party, It would have been cool to have had an open fire in the back yard for her. I will remember that and check and see if we can do that here?

What a family, it is just prefect.

Chris

 

[harry113]

Yes Chaz, we are all part of this happy family !!
Thanks yet again Neil for this fantastically wonderful story.
Peace & Love
Harry

 

[JayboyCDA]

It took me almost 2 weeks reading your story from the beginning to now. It's like i've been invited to Ted and Brad's life and that I have known them all these times. I've told my friends of my new addiction and they just shake their heads. At first, I really found the sex stuff really interesting. As the story progressed, I skipped the sex part and went on to read about their life. Don't get me wrong as the sex part is really REALLY hot, but I see Ted and Brad and their kids more as people and I care very deeply about them. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

 

[gsdx]

Jayboy, that was very kind of you to say, and thank you for sticking through 90-odd chapters.

One of these days, I hope to find some time to read it myself.

 

[gaygoth]

Don't be suprised if you read it all again, and are shocked by just how talented you really are. Love it love it love it!

 

[kcm17480]

Thanks again for this wonderful chapter.

 

[wesleybs8]

Excellent additions to this wonderful story, Thank You

 

[caddymac]

Through your story we can live and love and Ted and Brad are. Thank you Neil.

 

[gsdx]

WATCHING BRAD
Part 94​

The answer to getting Lindsay and the gang outside came to me in a flash, so to speak. But, I'm getting ahead of myself, so let me fill you in with all the rest before I get to that point.

Brad walked with Lindsay over to his parents' home and talked privately with his father. Of course, John said there was no problem using the bricks for the campfire surround and offered suggestions to dig out the sod and set it aside until the next day. That way, they could build the fire on dirt for extra safety and not damage the grass. After the party, simply clean out the pit and replace the sod.

So, while Nathan and I kept the twins busy inside the house as Mark did his chores, Barry and Brad busied themselves outside building the fire pit. I didn't dare let the boys in on the secret. I didn't know if they could keep it.

Mark did an extra-special job of cleaning the house that Saturday. I hadn't even really expected him to show up that day, what with it being a long weekend and all, but Mark was dedicated to his job. He and his parents and brother would be going away to visit family later that day, but Mark had insisted that he come to my place and do his work.

Okay, so I can hear some of you asking yourselves, "What in hell is he talking about? What long weekend?" I shall explain briefly. That weekend is when we in the Commonwealth (or most of it, anyway) celebrate the birth of Queen Victoria. The ‘Twenty-Fourth of May Weekend'. Victoria Day is actually May 24, but it is celebrated with a long weekend by making the preceding Monday the celebrated holiday. If the twenty-fourth falls on a weekend, it is the following Monday which becomes the holiday. This year, the holiday was May 22. All clear? Good. The reasons for this explanation will become clear in a short while.

Nathan was wonderful, as usual. He more or less set up the entire party for Lindsay. He was so full of suggestions which I knew would make Lindsay enormously happy. He endeared himself to me that weekend, as did Barry. They didn't have to do anything at all, really, but they did it all for my daughter. Whether or not they did it to make up for past indiscretions I don't know, but I like to believe they did it all simply because they wanted to do it. Whatever their reasons, I could see Lindsay's party becoming more successful by the minute.

After Mark was finished his work and had left, the twins and Nathan helped me clean out Lindsay's bedroom to make room for the air mattresses. The boys did their best, but they simply got in the way most of the time. We dismantled her bed and carried it into our bedroom before gathering the air mattresses in the livingroom. We had only one foot pump and I let the twins use that. They took turns jumping up and down on it until their mattress was pumped up to what I thought would be a suitable hardness. Both Nathan and I ended up feeling rather light-headed from having to blow ours up with our own lungs.

Nathan made us a nice lunch. Brad and Barry weren't quite finished with their fire pit, but would have it done soon enough after we returned from our wood-gathering. So, with axe and handsaw in hand, we all loaded ourselves into the van after lunch and headed out to find our firewood. I decided to go to Dad's new property. There were lots of trees there and I knew we wouldn't be trespassing. It was during our drive to Maple Grove that I became inspired.

We passed a small, road-side general store and the front windows were covered with paper banners announcing the sale of ‘Victoria Day Fireworks'. I had my answer. I pulled off to the side of the road, turned around, and drove back to the store.

"Where are you going?" Brad asked.

"You'll see," I told him. I pulled into the small parking lot and we all climbed out of the van and went inside. A kindly-looking gentleman with a full head of grey hair stood behind the counter. He wore a white apron over his plain, white shirt and his rotund belly. He greeted us with a friendly "Good afternoon" as the bell over the door announced our arrival.

As soon as I stepped up to the shelf containing the fireworks, I heard Barry say, "Ah. Smart move, Ted." He knew immediately what I was thinking.

"What are these, Daddy?" Justin asked.

I pointed to a picture of fireworks exploding in the air. Of course, the ones available were mainly for backyard use, but they would still be pretty to look at and they would most certainly get Lindsay and her friends outside for the real surprise.

"Are we going to buy these, Daddy?" Jeremy asked with undisguised excitement.

"Yup," I said. "We're going to have some fun tonight when it gets dark."

"But we go to bed when it's dark," a crestfallen Justin said.

"Not tonight, my Sonskyn," I assured him. "You can stay up late to see them."

I decided to forego the packaged sets and picked out an assortment of individuals which I thought would be most suitable for our back yard. Again, Barry was instrumental in my decisions. Being a police officer who had investigated many cases of neighbourhood firework disputes over his career, he knew which ones to avoid. I didn't buy anything that would shoot much higher than my house. I bought several pinwheels as well, and two packages of sparklers. They were always very popular. I always hated those things - the sparklers - especially where kids were concerned, but I thought the girls were old enough to know how to use them safely and we could certainly watch over the boys, even if we had to hold their hands.

Brad carried the fireworks, including the half-dozen packages of firecrackers and a handful of mini-firecrackers he had picked up, and I held the twins' hands as we went to the counter. The gentleman was leaning on the counter with two large, flat suckers with paper sticks and blue and red and yellow and green spirals in the white candy held firmly in his hands.

He looked down at the twins who eyed the huge lollipops with wide eyes and drooling mouths. They held onto the edge of the counter and stood on their tiptoes so they could see. "Hi," he said politely. "My name is Archie. What are your names?"

The boys told him.

"Do you know what today is?" he asked the twins. My sons shook their heads ‘no'. "Today is the day all twins named Justin and Jeremy get a free sucker." He held out the lollipops.

Justin started to reach out for it, then stopped and he and Jeremy looked up at me. I nodded my head. They turned back to the man with smiles as big as their eyes and mouths agape and reached out for candy. "Thank you," they said in unison.

As Brad set the fireworks on the counter, I glanced at the boys who were waiting patiently for Uncle Barry and Uncle Nathan to tear the plastic off their candy. "How much?" I asked the man.

He simply smiled and said, "They already paid me."

"Can I get six more of them then? My daughter's having a pyjama party tonight." As the man picked out a half-dozen more suckers, I eyed the rest of the candy in the jars behind the counter. "Are those blackballs?" I asked as I pointed at the jar.

He looked where I was pointing. "Yes, they are."

"I used to love those things when I was a kid, but the ones they make today taste like sawdust."

He placed the suckers in a paper bag.

"Not these," he said as he patted his large belly. "I don't sell anything I wouldn't eat myself." He grabbed the jar off the shelf, opened it, and used a metal scoop to scoop out four of them. "Try one," he said as he held the scoop out to me. I grabbed one and popped it into my mouth. The man passed around the rest of the blackballs to Brad, Barry, and Nathan. Brad took one, but both Nathan and Barry declined.

The candy was just like when I was a kid. "A couple of scoops of those, please," I said. A visit to my childhood was worth a couple of scoops of candy, even if it did turn my tongue black.

The twins were licking at their huge lollipops now, and I squatted down, smiled with my lips closed, and stuck out my tongue. The twins started to laugh. "It's black!" Justin shouted. They looked at Brad, who stuck out his tongue as well, causing the twins to laugh even harder.

I stood up again as Archie tallied my bill and bagged up my purchases. I paid for them. "Thank you," he said. "Please, come again."

"Oh, don't worry," I said with a large grin, a black tongue, and a shrinking ball of candy tucked into my cheek. "We'll be back." I knew we would stop in that place every time we went to visit Mom and Dad. It's nice to be treated as a person instead of a wallet with legs.

* * * * *

As it turned out, it was my day for reliving my childhood. It's one thing to play on a swing or to fly kites or play croquet. It's another thing to get down on your hands and knees with your sons and dig in the dirt and lift rocks and roll logs in search of bugs and other creepy-crawlies. I did the lifting and rolling. The boys let the bugs crawl on their hands. I wasn't that keen to be a kid again. When I was their age, bugs were a curiosity. At my age, they were something for which I kept a can of pest spray under the kitchen sink.

While I entertained the twins, Nathan, Barry, and Brad gathered enough wood and kindling to keep the fire burning for days. Brad sawed, Barry chopped, and Nathan gathered and piled. I played with bugs.

Before we left, we found plenty of proper marshmallow-toasting sticks. A good wash, peel the bark off the tips if necessary, and they would be perfect for toasting those big, fat, puffs of sugar.

I cleaned up the twins as best I could before loading them into the van. When we got home, Brad, Nathan, and Barry unloaded the wood as I carried the twins into the house and straight into the bathroom. We stripped and climbed into the shower and we stayed there until I couldn't feel the imaginary creepy-crawlies climbing all over me anymore.

We finished our shower and I patted the boys dry before sending them off to get dressed. I dried myself and went to my room and began pulling some clean clothes out of my dresser and closet. I had barely got my underwear pulled up when the twins came running back into my room. They were still as naked as they were in the shower.

"I told you to get dressed," I told them as I sat on the bed.

They climbed onto the bed and into my lap. "We didn't know what colour to wear," Justin said with a grin as they wrapped their arms around me.

"You know you're not supposed to run around the house with no clothes on," I said. "I'm going to have to punish you now."

Their smiles disappeared as I grabbed them in my arms, stood up, got onto the bed on my knees, dropped the boys on their backs, and started tickling the daylights out of them. Their looks of concern and reservation quickly vanished and my ears were suddenly assailed by the loud, hysterical laughter of my two sons. They fought against my onslaught with valiance and honour, but they were no match for their Daddy. I tickled them everywhere and blew loud, wet raspberries into their bellies.

They twisted and squirmed beneath my hands, trying to escape, but I was relentless in my torture. "Daddy!" they screamed through their laughter, but I didn't give up. I was having too much fun. My fingers found the sides of their ribs and the hysterics grew to another level. They grabbed at my hands and slapped at my arms, but I continued my attack. And then I grabbed them in my arms and I rolled onto my back, lying crosswise on the bed with my feet on the floor.

It was the twins turn to tickle me and they had me in hysterical laugher as well. They continued until I got my arms around them and pulled them to me and smothered their faces with kisses as I told them how much I loved them. They did their own share of kissing me, too.

The boys were still clasped against my chest and they lay atop me as we quieted down and caught our breath. Their heads rested on my shoulders as I hugged them. Their breathing slowed long before mine did. The next thing I knew, they were sound asleep.

* * * * *

Nathan woke me by shaking my leg vigourosly and calling my name. The boys were still lying on top of me and I still held them in my arms. A blanket was tossed over us.

"Brad says Lindsay is finished and ready to come home," he said quietly.

"Thanks," I said. I glanced at the blanket. "Did you do this?"

"Yes," he said. "I hope you don't mind. When things got quiet and you didn't come out, I came down to see if you were okay and you and the boys were asleep."

"No," I replied. "I don't mind. Thank you."

Nathan left the room. The twins were awake as I sat up in bed. Justin lifted his head and looked up at my. A sleepy smile crossed his face and he linked his arm around my neck and pulled my face down so he could kiss me.

"You're the bestest Daddy in the whole world," he said.

Jeremy kissed me as well.

"And you're the bestest sons a daddy could ever want." I gave each another kiss. "Now, go pee and put some underwear on. I'll be there in a minute to get your clothes out, okay?"

"Okay, Daddy."

The blanket fell to the floor at my feet as I stood up and set the boys down. They ran out the door and down the hall as I quickly finished dressing. I grabbed up the blanket, folded it and placed it on the bed, then headed out to the hall. A glance into Lindsay's room showed me that the mattresses were all in place and had been made with sheets and blankets. Another sheet hung over each mattress, attached somehow to the end and tacked a metre or so up the wall to form something of a tent over each mattress. Two pillows lay on each mattress and, on each pillow, lay a small, colourful flashlight.

Nathan, I thought, and I smiled.

The boys were waiting for me in their bedroom. They wore matching underwear. "So, do you want the same or different?"

"Same," they both said.

I found a pair of matching jeans for each, then matching T-shirts and socks. I helped them get dressed, then took them to the kitchen where I gave them what was left of their suckers. Nathan was there. Bowls of snacks and trays of Graham crackers with pieces of chocolate were spread all over the counters and table and he was busy filling and covering even more with plastic wrap.

I came up behind him, put my hand on his shoulder and turned him around. I pulled him into my arms for a huge hug and a kiss on the cheek. "I don't know why you're doing all this, Nathan, but thank you."

He smiled at me. "I like doing this," he answered. "You guys are the closest thing to family that Barry and I have around here. If I can make my niece happy, then I'm happy. By the way, Barry and Brad don't want you peeking outside, either. They want it to be a surprise for you, too."

I nodded. "Speaking of Lindsay, would you keep an eye on the boys while I go get her?"

"Of course."

"And thanks for the beds in her room. They're phenomenal."

"Oh, pshaw!" Nathan said with a wave of his hand. "I'll watch the boys. You go get Lindsay."

There were enough cupcakes and cookies to feed half the city. There were chocolate and white cupcakes and half of each were already spread with white and chocolate icing. There were sprinkles and sugar balls and jelly candies and all sorts of other decorating treats for the kids, and there were piping bags filled with red, pink, dark and light green, yellow, dark and light blue, and violet frosting. Bernice had outdone herself. The kids would have a ball decorating their own desserts.

Before we left, I told Lindsay about the fireworks. Her eyes lit up like Christmas trees and she jumped into my arms and gave me the biggest hug she'd ever given me. Of course, I invited John and Bernice to join us. I winked at John and he understood. I knew they would be there.

"Could we set them up in your yard and watch from ours?" I asked.

"Of course, Ted," John said. "I'll go set up the hose to be ready and fill a few buckets with water, just in case."

"Oh, good idea," I said. "We'll let you know when we're ready. Sweetheart," I said to Lindsay, "when we get home, I have to phone your friends and talk to their parents about the fireworks, okay? I have to get their permission for them to be around them."

"Okay, Daddy," she said, and she hugged me once more.

"Now, come on and get ready for your party."

"Have fun, Dear," Bernice said as she hugged Lindsay.

"I will, Grandma. Thank you."

"You're more than welcome, Dear."

Lindsay carried the smaller box of icing bags. I carried all the plastic containers filled with all the cookies and cupcakes. No-one would be going to bed hungry that night, of that I was certain.

* * * * *

Fortunately, none of the parents had any objections to the backyard fireworks, especially after I told them that they would be fired in one yard and viewed from another. As an added bonus, none of the girls had any food allergies except for one girl, Christina, who would break out in a rash if she ate chocolate. I promised she wouldn't eat any. She could eat S'mores, though, as long was we left out the chocolate. She could still toast her marshmallows.

Brad and Barry came up from the basement, assuring Lindsay that the fireplace was ready for her marshmallow roast. The fireplace upstairs was ready as well. Of course, she had to run downstairs to see and came back with a face full of smiles and eyes full of excitement. She jumped into Brad's arms, as dirty as he was, and gave him a big hug and kiss.

"Thank you, Brad," she said sincerely.

"You're welcome," Brad replied, and he kissed her cheek.

She looked toward her uncle. "Thank you, Uncle Barry."

"My pleasure, Lindsay," he replied, and leaned in to give her a kiss as well.

"I think I should put you down now," Brad said. "I'm all stinky and dirty."

"They both wash off," Lindsay said as she gave him another hug.

I took Lindsay out of Brad's arms. "Go grab a quick shower, Brad, then Barry can have one before Lindsay has a bath."

"Right," Brad said. "I'll just be a minute or two." He set off for the bedroom to grab some clean clothes to change into as Barry headed downstairs to get some clean clothes from the guestroom.

"Oh, Sweetheart, I forgot. Let's go take a look at your bedroom." I picked her up and carried her down the hall. The twins followed closely behind, still carrying what was left of their suckers. I set her down outside the door and stood behind her, covering her eyes with my hand. I moved her into the doorway and knelt down beside her. "Are you ready?"

She nodded. I took my hand away. Her eyes opened and she stared down to the floor at the three air mattress tents ready and waiting for herself and her friends. "Oh, Daddy," she said in a hush.

"Do you like it?"

"It's perfect." She stepped into the room for a closer look. She squatted down and ran her hand over the closest blanket and then along the ‘tent' sheet. She stood and turned to face me, then ran into my open arms. She hugged me tightly around the neck. "Thank you, Daddy," she said. "It's perfect."

"You're welcome, Sweetheart. But Uncle Nathan did most of it." I stood up and walked back to the kitchen. Again, the boys followed me.

Nathan was still busy sorting and arranging the cookies. He turned at Lindsay's voice.

"Uncle Nathan?" Lindsay was reaching for him. He took her in his own arms and got as big a hug as I did. "Thank you."

"You're very welcome, Princess," Nathan said softly.

Lindsay leaned back. "You called me ‘Princess'."

"Unicorns and faeries need a princess and I can't think of anyone better to be their princess than you."

Nathan got another hug, and a kiss on the cheek this time.

"I was thinking about your cupcakes," Nathan continued. "They might get messy when you decorate them. What do you think if I set everything up here on the kitchen table for you. After you've made your S'mores downstairs, you can come up here for dessert."

Lindsay looked over at the kitchen table. "That's not perfect," she said, "but it's cleaner." She looked back at Nathan. "Okay."

"Well, then, leave everything to me," he said. "Your friends will have a pyjama party they will never forget."

* * * * *

Lindsay and the twins were all bathed and in their pyjamas when the girls arrived for the party. Lindsay and I (and the twins, of course) greeted them. As I introduced myself to the parents, Lindsay took her friends off to her room to drop off their stuff. All the girls except one was already dressed in pyjamas and carried a plastic bag containing a change of clothing. All had a coat to keep them warm against the evening chill when we went outside for the fireworks.

When all six girls were gathered in the livingroom, I asked Brad to hold the twins as I led the girls into the den in the basement. Nathan had everything set up. I don't know how he knew so much about little girls and pyjama parties, but I wasn't about to complain. He'd kept me out of the basement as well, so this had been my first view of it.

I expected TV trays and such to be spread around with all the treats and snacks laid out on top of them, but there was none of it. Instead, everything had been moved aside and the blanket from the guestroom bed was spread out on the floor with all the snacks placed in the centre of it along with a portable CD player and a stack of Lindsay's CDs. Six cushions were placed in a circle around the snacks. I guess pyjama parties and sofas didn't mix.

The games were set to one side, but they were completely ignored as the girls plopped themselves on the cushions and began chittering away and giggling amongst themselves. I interrupted them only long enough to point out the small refrigerator which had been moved downstairs and was now full of an assortment of juices and pops. I told them where the bathrooms were and told Lindsay to call me if she needed me. I left them alone to their fun and went back upstairs.

Justin crawled out of Brad's lap when I sat down beside him and into my own. Brad and Nathan and Barry were smiling at me, waiting patiently for me to say something. A grin broke on my face and I said, "They're all so excited and having a ball." As if on cue, music broke out from downstairs. Someone had put on one of the CDs. The music was loud, but was quickly turned down and the happy voices of the girls could be heard above it again.

Brad assured me that everything was ready. He said it with a wink. He and Barry would go out just before dark to set up the fireworks and to get everything else started. The twins sat there waiting impatiently for the ‘sparkles' to begin.

I made several trips downstairs during the first twenty minutes, just to check on things, but I knew I didn't have much to worry about. The girls were sitting cross-legged on their cushions, munching and sipping away and laughing and talking and giggling and singing along with the CD. They were all having fun, but I doubt if they even knew I was there.

Of course, Nathan had prepared small bowls of mixed snacks especially for the twins. A few other bowls with more snacks were on the coffee table. We drank pop that night. We didn't drink beer.

Lindsay came running upstairs only once, and that was to give me a hug and a kiss. She didn't say a word, but her actions spoke volumes. Everything was perfect.

Somehow, the twins managed to stay awake, even though their eyes were beginning to droop. They were too excited to even think of falling asleep and missing the fireworks. They told me that night that they had never seen them before except on television and in movies, so Brad and I did our best to keep them awake.

By eight-thirty, Brad and Barry were back outside making last-minute preparations. With the overcast skies, darkness came early and fast. At eight-forty, Brad stuck his head in the patio door and told me everything was ready. We could come out any time. As I got the boys into their jackets, Nathan went downstairs to get the girls. They came running up the stairs, with Nathan following, and ran to Lindsay's room to get their coats. Nathan went to the kitchen and returned to the livingroom carrying a large box.

Within minutes, the girls were gathered in the livingroom with us. They wore their coats over their pyjamas and either shoes or slippers on their feet. I picked up the twins and, with Lindsay and I leading the way, we walked to the patio door. Brad was standing there and he slid the door open wide for us all.

We stepped outside and into the darkness of the back yard.

To Be Continued​

 

[kcm17480]

Beautiful chapter. Thanks

 

[Kyanimal]

And now I have to wait 'til Monday, again??! Three more "sleeps"??!!

But ... I'm sure it's going to be worth it! I Know this is gonna be a Good One!!

THANKS, Neil!!

Keep smilin'!!
Chaz

 

[GrayFox]

Our very own sleepover! Yaaaahhhhhhh!

GrayFox