Watching Brad

[sheep]

Great read, Neil!

 

[chris0626]

This story is becoming a highlight to my days! Excellent writing!

 

[kcm17480]

Excellent. That was quite a moving chapter. Emotional

 

[gsdx]

WATCHING BRAD
Part LXXVIII​

I turned back to John and took the boys from him. Their faces were scrunched and they looked as though they were going to burst out crying. "Is Brad coming back?" Justin asked sorrowfully.

"Yes," I promised him, "but not for a few days. Remember we talked about this before?"

The twins nodded.

"He'll be back," I assured them. "Come on, let's go home."

I carried the boys back to the van. Lindsay walked between John and Bernice, holding both their hands. I thought she might ride up front with me, but she wanted to ride in back with her Grandma. John rode shotgun instead.

"Don't worry about Bradley," John said as I drove along the QEW. "He'll be fine now. It's the ‘going away' part that is most difficult for him. He will miss us, of course, but he always makes himself miserable before he leaves." John chuckled to himself. "But, I warn you to begin preparing yourself for his return. His farewell to you was mild compared to the greeting you will get when he comes back home."

I glanced at John. He was smiling, but I could tell he was very serious. The biggest surprise came next. John leaned closer to me and said quietly, "Bradley has already asked us to take the children for the night when he comes home. You had best prepare yourself for that as well."

I didn't glance at John this time. I was terrified of what he might see in my face.

* * * * *

I hadn't planned on having a nap with the twins. Lindsay had gone with her Grandma Hayes to help her bake a cake for us and I had lain down with the boys just to watch them sleep for awhile. As soon as I did, though, the boys came awake long enough to crawl into my arms and fall asleep again on my chest. Somehow, they seemed to know.

I couldn't love those boys any more than I did, even if they were my own. They meant as much to me as either Lindsay or Brad. They always would. I loved holding my children. When Lindsay was younger, I carried her everywhere and, at night, it was always me that held her in my lap until she fell asleep and I would put her to bed. On weekends, I'd spend hours holding her, rocking her in Grandma's rocking chair. It was the most pleasurable part of my life.

And now, I had the boys to hold, and I was doing it then. It's one thing to hold a child when he's awake. It's a totally different thing to hold him when he's asleep. My children depended upon me. I was their source of life. I was their protection. Never was that protection needed more than when they were asleep and totally helpless. If it weren't for me. . .

I held them in my arms and I could feel them and hear them and smell them, and, at that moment, I was the happiest man on earth. As wonderful as it was holding Brad, he could never make me feel the same way as I did when I was holding a child.

That's the way I fell asleep, and I stayed asleep until I was awakened by tiny fingers holding my nose and squeezing my nostrils shut. My eyes popped open and Justin took his hand away from my face. "Daddy," he laughed, "you snore!"

I playfully snorted a few times, then grabbed them tightly in my arms and smothered their faces with kisses as they tried to get away from me. I rolled onto my knees and dropped them onto their backs, pushed their T-shirts up, and buried my face into their bellies, blowing raspberries on them - first one and then the other, back and forth.

Their screams of delight and their laughter almost brought me to tears with joy.

"Daddy! Stop!" they shouted over and over. Their giggles and screams continued. I didn't stop until they both grabbed my hair and pulled. Even then, I didn't stop entirely. I crawled up between them and all the love I felt for them came out in dozens and dozens of kisses over each of their beautiful faces.

When I was done, I sat back on my heels and looked down at them. As one, they climbed to their knees and into my arms once more, hugging me as best they could and each giving me a single kiss on the cheek.

"We love you, Daddy," Jeremy said.

"And I love both of you twice as much."

* * * * *

The boys didn't want to play. After I sent them off to the bathroom, they joined me in the livingroom and climbed into my lap again. I found cartoons for them, but they weren't even paying attention to them. They were content just to sit there and let me hold them.

I asked them about that - why they were doing this.

"Brad isn't here," Justin said. "You need us now."

I held them closer and we sat there, just like that, until Bernice brought Lindsay home with her cake and cookies.

* * * * *

"Sure, I'd love to go see it," I told Dad when he returned with Mom and Geoff.

"Oh, Teddy," Mom said. "It's the most beautiful old house. The rooms are huge and the kitchen is the biggest I've ever seen. It doesn't have a diningroom, but there is enough room in the kitchen for the entire family to eat. The ceilings are high, and the cornice! Oh, my. There's dado and rail in the livingroom and kitchen and master bedroom, and even the smallest bedroom is larger than the twins' bedroom. The bathrooms are completely refinished as well."

I hadn't seen Mom so excited in many years. She was absolutely beaming.

"Don't forget the. . . um. . . the valances. What did you call them?" Geoff asked.

"Oh, the pelmets! Yes! Absolutely stunning! The curtains and draperies are included, but I'll have to replace the netting. It's a wee bit too tacky even for my taste."

Geoff laughed softly as he looked at me. "It was like an English lesson when we were there. All these things I've never heard of before. You don't want to know what I was thinking when she said ‘dado'.

I smiled at him. "Mom still thinks she's in England sometimes."

"Anyway, I'll call the agent and set up another viewing for you tomorrow. Morning is best, I assume?"

"If you please," Dad said politely. "We wish to return to Crystal Beach in the afternoon."

"I'll set it up now, then," Geoff explained. "I have the number in my car. I'll be right back."

"Tea!" Mom said as she headed into the kitchen. "Tea!" she repeated.

Dad and I sat in the livingroom with the kids. Lindsay sat beside me, looking once again through her beloved faerie and unicorn books, and the twins finally got down to some serious playing on the floor.

"Brad will love the swimming pool, Son."

"Diving board?" I asked.

Dad nodded. "And a slide."

"Uh oh. Maybe you shouldn't buy it after all."

"It is a beautiful house, Theodore, the swimming pool not withstanding. It is old, but solid and well-built, and all the plumbing and electrics were replaced five years ago. There is also a basement full of wood and things for DIY and bodging."

I smiled. ‘Bodging' is not a word you often hear with an Afrikaaner accent. "That should keep you busy," I said. "And don't forget to get an inspection."

"We won't, Son," Dad said assuredly. "Geoff has made wonderful recommendations. I trust him to do what is best for us. You were wise to send him to us."

Jeremy came up to me then, holding one of his action figures in one hand and the arm in his other hand. "Daddy," he said as he held them out to me, "it broked."

I took them and examined them.

"I didn't broked it," he added.

"I know you didn't, Babe. Let's see if Dr. Daddy can fix him." I examined the armhole and turned the toy about for better light, but I still couldn't see. "Do you know where the flashlight is in the kitchen?"

Jeremy nodded. "I'll get it."

As Jeremy ran off, there was a knock on the door and Geoff came inside. "It's just me," he called out as he came to the livingroom. "I have the agent on the line now," he said to Dad. "Is one o'clock okay? He can't make it any earlier."

"One o'clock is fine," Dad replied after getting the nod from me.

Geoff put the phone back to he ear. "Yes, that's fine. . . . Okay, thank you. See you tomorrow. Bye bye." Geoff disconnected and closed his cell phone, slipping it into his pocket. He held out his hand to Dad, who stood up to accept it. "I was wonderful meeting you, Sir."

"And it has been our pleasure, indeed," Dad said. "Thank you. We shall see you tomorrow."

"I'll be here about twelve-thirty and you can follow me in. Ted? It's been good seeing you again."

"You, too, Geoff."

I showed him to the door, then went back to fix Jeremy's superhero. The operation was a complete success.

* * * * *

Saturday night was pretty quiet, actually. Mom made us a simple, yet delicious, dinner, topped off by Lindsay's equally delicious angel food cake with confetti sparkles in it. I tell you, it truly melted in your mouth. There was barely a need to chew it. It was, indeed, heavenly.

The boys had their baths afterward and I put them to bed at their usual time. Lindsay had her own bath before coming back and sitting in my lap before she went to bed as well. Mom, Dad, and I sat there in the livingroom, sipping tea and chatting most of the evening. At eleven o'clock, they went downstairs to bed and I closed up the house for the night before heading to my bedroom. The bed looked so big and empty. I stared down at it as I undressed, knowing that I would be sleeping in it all alone for two entire weeks.

Brad would be arriving in Thunder Bay around nine in the morning and would have to make his way to the motel before phoning. I wanted to be certain I was awake for his call. I crawled into the bed and under the covers. There was no-one there for me to hold. No-one to hold me. My open eyes stared up at the ceiling. All I could see was the bus window and Brad's sad face staring out at me. I knew that I would miss him, but I had no idea I would miss him this much.

I closed my eyes, but the image remained, and I felt a single tear escape from the corner of one eye and roll down my cheek, the first I'd shed since Brad left.

"Daddy?" The soft voice of one of my sons reached my ear.

I rolled onto my elbow and looked at the two boys standing beside my bed. "What are you doing here? You're supposed to be in bed, asleep."

"Do you want us to sleep with you tonight?"

"Why?" I asked.

"We thought you miss Brad," Jeremy said.

"You need us," Justin added. "We'll sleep with you."

He held up his arms and I picked him up and set him beside me, then picked up his brother and set him on the other side. They crawled beneath the blankets with me as I lay back against my pillow. I should have taken them back to their own rooms. I should have at least put on some underwear. I should have done a lot of things, but I didn't. I just held onto them.

I don't know how they knew I needed them, but I didn't care. They kissed my cheek and settled their little heads on my chest as I wrapped my arms around them. They fell asleep again almost immediately, and I fell asleep only minutes later.

They were right. I needed them - very much.

* * * * *

Justin knocked on my chest to wake me up. I opened my eyes to see his cherubic face looking down at me, smiling.

"Did you sleep good, Daddy?"

I smiled up at him. "I slept like a dream," I told him. "Thank you." I looked at Jeremy, who was looking down at me from the other side. "And thank you, too, Jeremy."

"Daddy?" he asked. "How many times can I tell you I love you?"

"As many times as you want, Baby," I grinned up at him.

"And you won't get sick of hearing it?" Justin asked.

"I'll never get sick of hearing that," I told them. I puckered my lips to him and he kissed them.

"I love you, Daddy."

I turned to Jeremy to get his kiss.

"I love you, too, Daddy."

"And I love you guys so much," I told them and hugged them once more. "Now, go to the bathroom and then go see Ouma. I hear her in the kitchen."

"She was here," Justin said. "She woke us up."

"Okay," I said. "You go to her. I'll be out as soon as I have a shower."

"Okay, Daddy," they said and kissed my cheeks once more. Of course, I had to hug them again for that.

They climbed down from the bed and went running out of the room and down the hall. I lay there for a few minutes. Twenty-three more days and the boys' last name would legally become mine. They would be my sons. I smiled to myself at the thought, and then I turned my head to the empty bed to my left and the smile disappeared.

"I love you, Brad," I said to the spot where he should be. "Hurry home."

I sat up on the side of the bed and glanced at the alarm clock. Six-forty. Brad still had two more hours to go on the bus.

There was a gentle knock at the door and Mom stood there. "May I come in?" she asked softly.

"Sure," I said as I pulled the sheets politely over my lap.

Mom came in and sat beside me. "I saw the boys in here with you this morning when I didn't find them in their own room. Did you bring them in with you?"

"No, Mom, I didn't. They came in on their own after I went to bed."

"Do you think it's proper?" she asked. "I mean, sleeping naked with them?"

"They had their PJs on, Mom."

"But you don't."

"It was late, Mom," I explained. "I was already in bed, and they've seen me naked before."

"Still. . ."

"Mom, did I ever take a bath with Dad when I was young? Did I ever sleep with him?"

"Of course, but. . ."

"But ‘nothing', Mom. I'm gay. I love Brad and I'm going to marry him. But that doesn't mean I'm going to do anything to my sons or any other man. That isn't the way it works."

Her hand settled lightly on my sheet-covered thigh. "I wish I understood more, Teddy," she said almost sadly.

I put my hand on hers. "When you move here, we'll talk and I'll answer all your questions. Just believe me that I'm not doing anything with the boys that I haven't done with Lindsay, or that Dad didn't do with me. It's all part of being a father."

"I want to understand, Teddy. I really do."

"And I'll help you do that," I promised. "As soon as things get settled down. Until then, stop worrying about your grandsons and just let me be their father. Nothing will ever happen to them. You have my word. I love them, Mom. I'd never hurt them or do anything to them."

Mom said nothing.

"You have to believe me."

The boys burst into the bedroom then and came to a stop in front of me, leaning against my legs. "Daddy, we're hungry."

"I'll get their breakfast ready," Mom said.

"No, Mom," I said. "I'll do it. It's all part of being a father."

Mom looked dejected for a moment, and then she smiled. "Okay," she said softly. She withdrew her hand and stood up.

"Go with Ouma," I told the boys. "I'll be right there to get your breakfast."

The twins puckered up for their sugar. I gave them each a quick kiss and sent them out. Mom followed close behind. I sat there for a few moments, looked back at the empty bed once more, then grabbed my robe and prepared to be Daddy again for the day.

* * * * *

It was almost ten-thirty when the telephone rang. I'd been sitting on the sofa, the boys in my lap watching cartoons. Lindsay sat beside me working on her needlework. Dad and Mom were out with Geoff, looking at the last house. The would be back before noon for lunch, and then we'd head out to Maple Grove to see the other house together.

I grabbed up the phone on the second ring.

"Hello."

"Hi, Ted," Brad said. He sounded almost cheery. "I made it."

"Long trip?"

"Oh, yeah. My butt's so sore! It hasn't been this sore since. . ."

"Hey! I thought you had a roommate there."

"I do," Brad replied. "He's in the shower, then he's going to have a snooze. I am, too. Didn't get much sleep last night."

"I didn't think you would. How are you getting along?"

"Great. He was a little concerned when he saw us kissing on the platform, but we were talking on the bus and he has a gay uncle who got married last Fall. He figured he was fairly safe sharing a room with an engaged man."

"You certainly sound cheerier."

"Oh, I am. Paul's a big help. We get along and I don't feel so alone any. . ."

Paul's voice sounded suddenly in the background. "Hey, Brad, I. . . Oh, sorry. Didn't know you were on the phone."

"That's okay," Brad said to him. "What's your problem?"

"I thought I packed toothpaste, but I can't find it," Paul's deep voice said. "Can I borrow yours until I can buy some?"

"Sure," Brad said. Then, to me, he added, "Be right back, Ted."

I waited patiently. I could hear some sounds and the snaps of Brad's suitcase being unlocked and opened. "With or without baking soda?" Brad's soft voice said.

"With," Paul responded.

"Mouthwash?"

"No. I packed that. Thanks."

A few moments later, Brad returned. "I'm back. Miss me?"

"Every single second," I replied.

"How are the kids?"

"They're right here," I said. "The boys slept with me last night. I couldn't sleep and was just lying there. They woke up on their own and came in and said they'd sleep with me in case I missed you. Couldn't pass up an offer like that."

"Are you sure they're only four years old?" Brad asked.

"Unless their birth certificates are forged. . ." I left it there, unfinished. "Want to talk to them?"

"Yes! Are you kidding? Let me talk to Lindsay first."

"Okay, hold on."

I handed Lindsay the telephone.

"Hi, Brad," she said.

I sat back then, listening to the kids as the phone was passed from one to the other. Justin was the last to speak and he handed the phone to me when he was finished. Brad told me all about the bus ride, the places he could get out and stretch, then Thunder Bay itself and the motel they were staying in.

"At least the beds are nice and soft," he said. "I was expecting them to be a lot harder. Speaking of which, I'm pretty wiped here. I'm going to go grab a quick shower and hit the sack for awhile. Paul and I are going exploring later to find out where we're going to be working."

"Okay, Tiger. You get a good sleep and I'll talk to you later."

"I'll phone you tomorrow night, okay? Nine o'clock?"

"I'll be here," I assured him. "Love you, Brad."

"Love you, too, Pops. Bye."

"Bye, Brad."

* * * * *

The house in Maple Grove was everything Mom and Dad said it was, and more. We were met by the other real estate agent, who remained in his car as Geoff showed us around.

The property was huge, for one thing, and the house was red brick. And old farmhouse, but well insulated. All the windows had been replaced with new, double-glazed, custom-fit windows. It was in surprising shape for its age and had been well cared for. The place was empty. Not a stick of furniture in it, although the drapes and curtains hung in the windows. The family, apparently, had been suddenly transferred to Windsor, and were living there now. The house had been on the market less than two weeks.

We all loved the house. Even the kids were running around upstairs picking out their bedrooms. I was a bit concerned about Mom and Dad. They didn't have stairs to worry about in the other house, but their bedroom in the new house would be on the ground floor, and there was a full bathroom downstairs as well. That made me feel better.

Brad would love the pool with its slide and diving board. It was quite big and was fenced in beyond code. It was covered at the moment with a blue tarpaulin. There was a nice deck out back overlooking the pool with a cedar pergola overhead and wisteria growing over it. A glow came over Mom's face when she stepped out onto the deck. The back yard was on the west side of the house, and I could imagine Mom sitting there in the evenings, under her pergola, sipping her tea, and watching the sunsets. I think she could see that, too.

The kids ran into the back yard, dodging the trees and looking at the pool through the chain link fence. I looked at Mom and took her hand. She turned her head toward me. "This is it, isn't it?" I asked her quietly.

She smiled at me and whispered softly, "I could be very happy here, Teddy."

"If you and Dad don't buy it," I said, "I will."

She squeezed my hand and turned her gaze back to the children as they chased each other around the yard. "Yes," she said. "I shall be very happy here."

The change in tense did not escape my attention. Mom had decided. This was her new home.

* * * * *

Mom and Dad left for Crystal Beach before dinnertime. They left behind a cash offer on the house in Maple Grove, pending the home inspection and the sale of their own home in Crystal Beach.

Geoff had already been in touch with Dad's estate agent in Crystal Beach and the other family's agent and he would act as the ‘go-between'. All negotiations would go through Geoff.

Mom couldn't hide the happiness inside her. For that matter, neither could Dad. They had found their dream home for their dream family.

To Be Continued​

I'm lagging behind a bit again and rushing myself to complete chapters. The next update will be on Friday morning. I may take the weekend off again, but I will let you know for sure on Friday. - Neil

 

[Kyanimal]

Neil ... another Beautiful chapter!!

And, please, don't rush yourself. Take your time, and let it "flow". It's going quite well, just the way it is!!

As for taking the weekend off ... you've certainly got my "permission"! ... though I'm not so sure about everyone else!

Besides ... I won't be around, after tomorrow, anyway. Kev, and I, are heading "Up Nort'" for one of our nephew's wedding! He, and his two brothers, and their Mom, "temporarily" moved in with us when the boys were 4, 5, and 6. They all moved off on their own only 5yr. later! And now, Anthony, the "middle one", is getting married at 19!

So ... yeah! ... I can identify with Ted, Brad, and The Twins! This weekend should be quite an interesting continuation of a "Real Story"!

THANK YOU!, Neil, for this Wonderful Tale, with all of it's tremendous interactions, and insights!! You're still gaining "New Fans", too, and rightly so!!

Keep smilin'!!
Chaz

 

[gmoney]

Thank you again, Neil. Like Chaz said, please don't rush! You deserve all the breaks you need. I'm just delighted to read and feel a part of your story. And I do feel like I'm part of it! Your writing is so brilliant, I have been completely sucked into the life of this amazing family. There are not enough words to express my gratitude.

Rest up, sweetie! I'll be here when you're ready.

-Gary

 

[gsdx]

I have been completely sucked into the life of this amazing family.

Rest up, sweetie! I'll be here when you're ready.

-Gary

Thanks for understanding, guys, and thanks for all the kind comments. And a special thank you to all those first-time posters who have reserved their first post to honour me with your words. They mean a lot to me.

One of the reasons I need a break is that I, too, am getting sucked into their lives as well. In fact, it's becoming a bit obsessive and I'm losing track of my own life. Following are a few portions of PMs I sent to a fellow Jubber recently:

#1

I think I'll wait until tomorrow morning to go shopping, though, now that I think of it. They usually have several shopping carts full of 'day old' stuff there on Sunday mornings. It's a good time to stock up if I get there early enough.

#2

Oh, man! I need more coffee!

Yesterday was Sunday!

I need help. . . . . .

#3

But, I know why I thought today was Saturday. The chapter I'm writing in the story takes place on Saturday. It becomes a bit too real for me at times.

The messages did, indeed, take place on Monday morning. And, what is even worse, it was still April in my mind.

I really don't want to burn out on this, but writing up to 15 pages per day. . .

Don't worry, though. This story is too important to me. Probably more important than it is to you. It is my 'baby'. It is one I hope to continue for a long time. I just need a break from it from time to time.

Take care, eh?
Neil

 

[consult28]

NeilI can see where you would get wrapped up in the lives of your characters. All I have toi do is read the story and I am living the life of Ted Brad ets. You have been posting chapters almost daily for a long time now and I don't know how you can make each person come alive as you do. When I consider you have been doing the same for Scott and Jason your mind must be in a constant whirll. Why don't you cut down the number of posts per week so you have more time for your personal life? I know I look forward to each individual chapter and I am usually making up the story line to see how close I can get.(usually way off). New chapters on say Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday would be good as far as I am concerned.

What ever you do keep your health up so you will be with us till you are at least as old as I am. (78 at present).

Thank you for the time you have spent entertaining us.

Love
George

 

[chris0626]

Neil,
Take all the time you need... it has ALWAYS been worth the wait!

Thanks again for such a wonderful story!

Chris

 

[kcm17480]

I feel like I could well be part of the family. The twins sound adorable.
Thanks very much for this incredible story.

 

[HDBIGUY]

Neil, this story is great. You like your part of the family when your reading it. Keep up the good work and take the weekend off, plus then I know I can get some work done around my own house . Thanks again for a great story. :thewave:

 

[dlf0001]

I didn't say "sexual" encounter.

I was thinking more along the lines of the dude that groped him on the bus back from school, when Brad came home crying because he got racked in the nuts... or that the guy would try to molest him or rape him in the room, or walk in on him in the shower, or something equally as violating...

Then Brad could run home to "uber-protector" Ted and everything would be fine...

Neil has gone to great lengths to reinforce the protective qualities of Ted... that would be another factor he could have incorporated...

But, after reading the last chapter, it appears the story is going to stay centered around Ted and his household with reports coming in from Thunder Bay...

But, I am just a reader, and most of my predictions have been off base...

I think it's weird that Mags, Callie and their son aren't even mentioned anymore... there must have been a huge backlash of PM's that convinced them to be dropped... while I thought the hot tub scenes and sexual curiosity were a little off base, the friendship could have been allowed to mature and there could have been an even bigger support group for these characters.

Personally, I would have jumped out of the moving vehicle if my partner's father would wink at me and tell me the kids would all be at his house for the entire night upon Brad's return...

Talk about needing some therapy after that... lol

I love the story... look forward to the upcoming chapters, and would encourage Neil to take it easy and offer 2-3 updates a week instead of the usual 4, 5 or even 6 as he used to... it will make the story last, and he can relax and let it flow...

 

[gsdx]

I think it's weird that Mags, Callie and their son aren't even mentioned anymore... there must have been a huge backlash of PM's that convinced them to be dropped... while I thought the hot tub scenes and sexual curiosity were a little off base, the friendship could have been allowed to mature and there could have been an even bigger support group for these characters.

I got a lot of private feedback about Cali and Mags. I liked Cali's character, but most people didn't - especially her forwardness and the way she teased Brad. There was no end to the backlash I got when the bikinis came off. I had hopes for their friendship, and it could have led to any number of situations and tensions, but the readers didn't care for them. I thought it best to simply fade them out entirely.

That's why I created Barry and Nathan, and their similarities to Brad and Ted was no accident. It was purly intentional. If situations and tensions are going to arise which will test loyalties all around, what better way to do it than to open the door wide to them by making the characters so similar?

Life isn't all peaches and cream for the de Villiers household. They will have their challenges to face, believe me.

I'll give you fair warning, though. I have already set into motion an event that's going to knock Ted and Brad and the kids (and probably you as well) on their/your collective asses. You'll just have to wait for it.

Other things are happening as well, and will be happening in future installments. It's not going to be an easy ride for anyone involved.

 

[ronboy]

Other things are happening as well, and will be happening in future installments. It's not going to be an easy ride for anyone involved.

...and oh, what a ride it has been so far! Neil, you rock!

 

[dlf0001]

I'll put on my seatbelt...

 

[HDBIGUY]

I personally like Cali & Mags. I believe you need to bring them back from time to time or else it seems like they just snubbed them as friend and neighbors. Don't get me wrong I like Barry & Nathen also. Keep up the good work .

Keith

 

[gsdx]

WATCHING BRAD
Part LXXIX​

So began my first evening alone with three kids. I did what any self-respecting, hard-working, dedicated, father would do in such a situation.

I ordered pizza for supper.

The kids knelt at the coffee table, watching one of their movies on television. I looked at it, but didn't watch it. I had too many other things to occupy my mind. Lindsay knelt between the boys and they were laughing and giggling and bouncing and eating. At one point, she set her slice of pizza on the plate, wiped her hand on her paper towel, and hugged the twins to her. They stretched up to kiss her, leaving tomato sauce kisses on her cheeks.

I didn't deserve this. I really didn't. I was happy. I was in love. Madly in love at that. I had a beautiful daughter, two beautiful sons, and the most beautiful and sexy man in the world. This kind of happiness belonged in love stories and fairy tales, not in my life.

It had always been a dream of mine to have a family like this. It never included a young man, though, but Brad made a most enjoyable substitute.

Now, a lot of you may be questioning me about this. I mean, I've been professing all along that I was straight. I really was. Except for the fooling around I did with Warren when we were kids, the thought of having sex with a man never occurred to me. I had no desires to do anything with a man. It didn't repulse me, but it didn't excite me, either. I simply never paid any attention to men.

So, what is this with Brad suddenly popping my corks all over the place?

Well, it's not really the sex. I mean, I love what we do together, and I don't ever want to stop now, but it wasn't the sex. Brad was everything I wanted in a life-mate. Even if we never had sex together, I would be content just to spend the rest of my life with him. To put it bluntly, he made me happy. The sex was one of the more pleasurable side effects of it.

I've probably talked about this before. I can't remember and I'm too lazy to go back and read everything to find out. I guess I brought it up now to let you know that I am one-hundred percent gay now. Sex with a man never repulsed me, but sex with a woman does now. Sex with Brad leaves me breathless, even when we're not having it.

It all comes back to Brad. By nature alone, he is the perfect life-mate for me, and I, apparently, am the perfect life-mate for him. If Brad had been a woman, I don't believe I could have loved him as much as I do as a man. In fact, it's because he's a man that I love him so much.

I used to worry about what other people would think, but not anymore. They can think what the hell they please. I'm happy, and Brad's happy, and my children are happy, and that's all that is important to me.

I looked down at my kids again. The days were counting down - slowly, but surely. On May 8, the courts willing, we would be a real family.

I leaned down, wrapped my arms around all three of them, and hugged them for no reason other than that I wanted to.

* * * * *

I sat alone that night, my feet propped up on the sofa, sipping away at a cold beer. The twins were asleep and promised to stay there that night. Lindsay was tucked away into bed. She still loved that part of going to bed and said she never wanted it to stop, but I knew it would, and very soon. It wouldn't be very much longer before she wouldn't want Daddy to tuck her in and kiss her goodnight anymore. She was growing up.

It would be nice to be able to freeze time and keep them forever at that age, but, of course, that was impossible. Lindsay would still be with me for at least eight more years, and the boys would be with me for just over fourteen. Brad, I hoped, would be with me a whole lot longer than that.

I slept alone that night. The boys, as they had promised, had stayed in bed. It was lonely, but I didn't stay awake as I had the night before.

I don't remember dreaming of anyone except Bradley Nelson Hayes.

* * * * *

Terry didn't show up at her usual time. The kids had eaten breakfast and Lindsay was ready for school and I was ready for work - and no Terry. I gave her an extra fifteen minutes, then phoned her. There was no answer.

This wasn't like Terry, and I became quite concerned. But, the kids were more my concern. I handed the boys a plastic grocery shopping bag each and told them to pick the toys and things they'd want to play with. They could take only what they could fit in the bags. Off they ran.

I didn't have time to get organized properly. I had to ‘wing it'. I grabbed up some juice and pop and glasses and a small bag full of cookies. I tried Terry's number several more times, but still no answer.

The boys came back with their bags full of toys and I took them into the bedroom to get them dressed as quickly as I could. "Did you bring your GameBoys?" I asked.

"They didn't fit," Justin said.

"I'll get them," I said. "Can you finish dressing?"

"Yup," Jeremy replied.

I scrambled downstairs and grabbed up their GameBoys and the box full of game cartridges. The boys were just about dressed when I got back upstairs. I tucked in what needed to be tucked in, buttoned what needed buttoning, tied what needed tying, and zipped what needed zipping. A quick brush of their hair and they were ready.

I grabbed everything we needed, herded the kids into a pack, and sent them out the door after setting the alarm. I locked up, loaded everything and everyone into the van, and off we went. I dropped Lindsay off at school, telling her that either Terry or I would be there at noon to pick her up for lunch, then off I went to work with the twins.

Sally, the receptionist, was ecstatic to see the boys again and fawned over them like you wouldn't believe, at least until I managed to drag them away from her. The boys loved the attention they were getting as we made our way to my office, proudly carrying their bags full of toys. I was still plugging in their GameBoys when JW showed up with his pockets full of candy bars. Word spreads quickly, and I suspect Sally had phoned him the moment we disappeared from view.

"Well, Ted, what's this?" he said with a grin as he emptied the candy bars onto my desk.

"Terry didn't show up this morning and I can't get in touch with her."

JW's face became quite concerned. "I'm sure she's okay, Ted, or you would have heard."

"I'll keep trying."

"Not to be morbid, but have you phoned the hospitals yet?"

"No," I replied. "I didn't have time."

"What's her last name?" he asked. "I'll get Sally onto it."

"That's okay," I said. "I'll phone."

For the twins' sake, as well as for JW's and my own, I allowed the boys to have one candy bar, divided evenly between the two of them. They picked a Caramilk bar - easily divided. Of course, JW had no problem with the boys being there and told me I could use Jamie, our young ‘go-fer', any time I needed someone to watch them.

After JW left, I began the task of phoning the hospitals. I couldn't find Terry admitted anywhere. I phoned my home and hers several times, but there was never an answer. The boys were wonderful, playing quietly together on the carpet of my office. Jamie came in from time to time to help occupy their time as well and Sally stuck her head in at every opportunity.

I liked Jamie. He was a quiet, shy young man. Very much on the short side, he looked more like a teenaged boy than the twenty-year-old he was. The twins liked him, too, and they got along well.

Jamie had been with the firm for almost two years now and was working behind the scenes on his own to learn computer programming. I'd more-or-less taken him under my wing, getting him into evening classes at the local college and helping him out whenever he was stumped with lines of programming which simply wouldn't work for him. He was dedicated and a fast learner. I suspected he would be part of my programming staff soon after he received his certificate.

Jamie was cute. There was no doubt about that. Despite his stature, he was undeniably sexy. If we stood chest-to-chest, the top of his head would just about reach my nipples. He had black hair and eyebrows, but was clean-shaven, and he had the most amazing, dark blue eyes I've ever seen. He had no hair on his chest. Only a tuft around his nipples and a sparse, inverted ‘V' running from under the waistband of his jeans to his navel. How do I know this? I saw him changing his shirt in the washroom one afternoon.

He was short, but he was far from thin. He was well-built and compact and he had one of those rounded bellies like Brad has. His ass is nice and round, but not overly-big, and, although he doesn't show an actual bulge at his crotch, his belly pushes the waistband of his jeans down, causing a horizontal bulge in the denim near the bottom of his zipper.

Why am I telling you all this? Because Jamie has a crush on me, too. I didn't realize at first, of course. It was only after I met Brad and saw the way Brad looked at me. Jamie looked at me in the same way. And it was only after I met Brad that I realized how sexy Jamie really was.

Anyway, he checked in with me often that morning, seeing if the boys needed anything, or if I needed any help. He even offered to go get lunch for us, but I told him I had to go and pick up my daughter. Even then, he offered to go with me to help. I declined his help, not knowing if I would be returning that afternoon.

"If you need me, you know where I am, Mr. de Vee," he assured me. "I'll be more than happy to help out."

"Thank you, Jamie," I responded. "I appreciate it very much."

* * * * *

I still hadn't heard from Terry as lunch hour approached. I bundled up the twins at eleven-thirty, buckled them into the van, and headed to the school to pick up Lindsay. She rode home in the front seat beside me.

Lunch was simple at best - bologna sandwiches and microwaved beef ravioli. The kids didn't complain, thank goodness. As they ate, I gathered up a change of clothes for the boys (just in case) and the larger air mattress and a blanket and pillow. I even packed their Teddy bears in a bag. Another stash of juice and pop and cookies and we were ready.

Lindsay was back in school on time and I was only a little bit late back to work. The boys didn't mind the change in routine. To them, it was an unexpected adventure. Jamie arrived just before two o'clock and, bless his heart, volunteered to blow up the air mattress for me. By the time he finished, Jamie was feeling quite dizzy, in danger of passing out, and the boys were feeling quite sleepy, curled up in my lap and on the verge of falling asleep.

Jamie laid out the mattress in front of my desk and spread the blanket and pillow on it.

"Only one pillow?" he asked.

"That's all they use," I told him.

I set the boys on the mattress and they curled up together, forehead to forehead. I held out their Teddy bears and they each took their own. With their bears tucked securely under one arm, they were asleep less than a minute later. Oh, how I envied them that ability.

"I should get Sally," Jamie whispered. "She'd love to see them like this."

"You don't have to whisper," I told him. "We won't wake them up. Go get Sally if you want."

He did, bringing Sally back so she could gush all over the twins.

She did.

* * * * *

The phone rang in the midst of the twins' afternoon nap. I picked it up. "Good afternoon," I said. "Ted de Villiers speaking."

"Hi, Mr. Dee."

"Terry!?" I sat bolt-upright in my chair. "Where are you? What happened?"

She chuckled lightly. "You'll never believe it," she explained. "I fell down the stairs at home this morning."

"Are you okay?"

"Oh, fine," she said. "Just fine. A little broken arm. Mild concussion. Nothing serious. The doctor says I can't go out and play for a week, though."

"You're in the hospital?"

"Yes," she said. "Look. I'm really sorry, Mr. Dee, but I'm not going to be able to come back for at least a week. If you need to replace me, I'll. . ."

"Don't even think that, Terry," I assured her. "We'll manage until you can come back."

She was quiet for a few moments. "I was hoping you would say that. The doctor wants me to stay overnight for the concussion and I'll be in a sling for the rest of the week. After that, he said I should be able to go about things normally except that I can't do any real lifting with my left arm. That's the one I broke. He said I'd be able to go back to work as long as I don't try to pick up the boys."

"And no laundry, and no housekeeping, and no nothing else, either."

"I only broke one arm, Mr. Dee."

"Nope," I told her firmly. "I'm the boss, remember?"

"But Brad's gone and you're alone with the kids. You can't look after them and keep the house, too."

"I'll manage, Terry," I told her. "If I have to, I'll hire a handsome young houseboy to do the housework for me."

"Oooo," she said. "Now that has possibilities. Think you could find something with a Nordic flair?"

I laughed out loud. "You're just too precious, Terry. If it comes down to that, I'll see what I can do for you. Any other requirements besides being Nordic?"

"As long as he looks good in jeans."

I laughed again. Terry was, indeed, precious. "Can we come see you?"

"I don't think the boys are old enough to visit, but it's not necessary. My Mom will be here most of the day and my sister and brother will be dropping in as well. I won't be alone very much."

"Well, you call me if you need anything, you hear?"

"I will."

"Take care of yourself, Terry. Come back when you can. We'll manage until you do."

Her voice became soft and sincere. "Thanks, Mr. Dee. I was afraid you'd replace me."

"Never," I assured her. "The job is yours as long as you want it."

"Thanks. Give the kids a hug and kiss for me?"

"You bet. Now, get some rest. We'll see you soon."

Okay," she said. "Bye."

"Goodbye, Terry. Take care, eh?"

* * * * *

That evening, I made arrangements with Bernice to pick up Lindsay at noon, bring her home for lunch, then take her back to school. I would take a lunch for the twins and take them to work with me. I'd leave at two and go home for their naps and I would pick Lindsay up after school in the afternoon. She offered to do the housekeeping as well, but I insisted that she didn't. I would do that in the afternoon while the boys were sleeping.

Dinner was simple that night. Terry usually had things ready and thawed for us. Tonight it was leftovers. Tomorrow would be better. I'd be more in control and better prepared. The kids were being wonderful. Even the boys took their plates and glasses and such to the dishwasher when they'd finished eating as I cleaned up the rest of the kitchen.

After dinner, Lindsay prepared her bath. I didn't check up on her anymore. She was old enough and knew how full she could fill the tub and how hot it should be. She'd been preparing her own baths for quite some time now. I'd checked it before she got in for the first few weeks, and still did ‘spot checks', but, for the most part, she could bathe on her own now. Still, she would ask me to wash her hair for her even though she was quite capable of doing it herself. Occasionally, she still needed those memories to come back again.

Meanwhile, I prepared the boys' bath. They'd discovered the joys of Mr. Bubble, but, if they had their way, there would be a cup of water in the tub mixed with a bottle of Mr. Bubble. Trust me. I know. They tried it once.

As the boys pulled off their clothes, Justin asked, "Daddy? Will you bath with us tonight?"

"Now, why do you want me to take a bath with you guys?" I said, trying to make light of it.

"You batheded with Brad and Lindsay," Jeremy said.

"Don't you want to batheded with us?" Justin added.

I smiled down at them, more at their use of the English language than at the cuteness of their expressions. "Okay," I said as I squatted down to look them eye-to-eye. "But, if you splash, that will be the last time, you hear?"

They didn't respond. They hugged me and kissed me instead.

I helped them off with the rest of their clothes and lifted them into the tub. "I'll be right back, okay? I'm going to get my bathrobe."

"Okay, Daddy," Justin said. "We won't splash."

I hurried to my bedroom where I undressed and pulled on my robe and slippers. I stopped at the other bathroom where I could hear Lindsay sloshing about. "Are you okay, Sweetheart?"

"Yes, Daddy," she called back through the door.

"I'll be with the twins, okay?"

"Okay, Daddy."

I went back to the twins, leaving the door open so I could hear Lindsay if she needed me. The boys were sitting side-by-side near the faucet end of the tub. I pulled up my sleeve, reached into the tub, and swept the toys away from where I was going to sit, my fingers rubbing across the two rubber, non-slip matts which both bathtubs had.

When my spot was clear of potentially dangerous insertions, I grabbed my washcloth, doffed my robe, and stepped into the tub, facing the boys. For the first time in my life, I settled into a Mr. Bubble bath.

Justin and Jeremy grinned at me, then Justin scooped up a handful of bubbles and blew them at me. Bubbles splattered my face and chest.

"Hey!" I yelled. "I said ‘no splashing'!"

"I wasn't splashing, Daddy," Justin explained. "I was blowing."

Jeremy scooped up a handful and blew them at me as well, giggling as he did so.

"Oh, you boys are in trouble now," I said sternly. The grins fell from the twins' faces until I scooped up a double handful and blew as hard as I could. I shouldn't have done that. The Battle of the Bubble Blowers began. It was a battle which would go down in infamy. There were no survivors - except one ecstatic father and two hysterically giddy sons.

When I finally got them settled down, it was time to do some serious bathing. I grabbed up my washcloth and began washing myself. The boys watched intently, following every move I made. It was quite humourous, actually, watching them raise their arm and scrub at their tiny pits. It was even funnier when I instinctively turned my head to sniff and they copied me.

They were far too young to grow up that fast.

There was no more playing in the tub that night. With me there with them, their toys were abandoned. They were having too much fun with me. When we were suitably washed, I scooted forward, putting my feet on the outsides of them, then reached between them to turn on the faucet and grab the spray nozzle so I could wash their hair. When they were done and rinsed, I squirted some baby shampoo into my hand and began washing my own hair. The boys stood up and came to wash it for me, giggling and laughing all the while.

I tilted my head forward and let them have at it.

"More bubbles, Daddy," Justin said, and I squirted more shampoo into their waiting hands. They scrubbed their fingers through my hair, then moved to my chest.

"Whoa," I said. "What are you doing?"

"You have hair there, too, Daddy," Jeremy said.

"I know, and I already washed it. Stick with my head, okay?"

"Okay, Daddy."

They completed washing my hair, then, as I scrubbed my fingers through it, Justin and Jeremy took turns rinsing it with the spray nozzle. I was surprised that they got so little on the floor. When they were finished, I pushed the lever to drain the tub, then snatched up and began rinsing the boys as I always had to do since they started bathing with Mr. Bubble.

I rinsed myself down afterward, then grabbed the boys in my arms and stepped out of the tub. I handed them their towels, wrapped my own around my waist, then set about rinsing down the tub. I turned off the faucets and turned around. I started laughing right out loud. I really should have grabbed my camera.

The boys were trying to be ‘just like dear old Dad'. They'd wrapped their towels around their waist as I had done, but, apparently, their waists were somewhere just below their armpits. Even then, the towel puddled around their feet and they had to keep their arms at their sides to hold the towels in place.

The grins on their faces lifted my heart. It was a silly moment, but one of the most delightful I've ever enjoyed. I dropped to my knees on the matt and held out my arms to hug them. They lifted their arms, their towels fell down, and they stepped over them to get their hugs. They didn't get their kisses right away. I was still too busy laughing.

Eventually, I managed to get the twins towelled down, then carefully folded the towels so I could wrap them around their tiny waists and tuck them in so they wouldn't fall down. They put their clothes into the hamper as I finished drying myself and getting into my robe. Only then would the let me take them in to put on their pyjamas.

We all sat in the livingroom, the kids kneeling in front of the coffee table, as we had another piece of Bernice's latest offering of cake whilst watching Wheel of Fortune. I'd added a scoop of Neopolitan ice cream to the children's cake. I put a scoop of butterscotch ripple on my own. I don't like the strawberry in the Neopolitan, and the chocolate tastes too much like chocolate milk. Brad likes it. I don't.

* * * * *

The twins were in bed, asleep, when Brad phoned. I'd allowed Lindsay to stay awake long enough to answer the phone and say ‘hi', then sent her off to bed. I told her to call me when she was ready to be tucked in.

"Hi, Brad," I said.

"Gee-sus, Murphy," he replied. "It's good to hear your voice again, Ted."

I heard some laughing in the background and knew that Paul was there, probably watching television.

"I'll be right back, Brad," I told him. "Going to tuck Lindsay in."

"Okay."

I rushed to Lindsay's bedroom. She called out to me just as I entered her door. I sat on the side of her bed, smoothed down her freshly-washed hair, and kissed her forehead.

"You were such a good girl today, Sweetheart," I said as I smiled down at her. "Thank you for being such a big help to me."

"That's okay, Daddy," she replied. "I didn't mind."

"I don't know what I would do without you, Sweetheart."

"Get tired a lot," she smiled.

I bent down and hugged her. "I love you so much," I said softly.

"I love you, too, Daddy."

I kissed her goodnight. "I'm going back to talk to Brad, okay?"

"Okay, Daddy. Nitey-nite."

"Goodnight, Sweetheart."

I kissed her once more and left her room, turning off the light as I went.

Moments later, I was sprawled out on the sofa again, the phone in my hand. "So, how was your first day?"

"You were right, Ted. We were so busy, I didn't have time to think of much else. We spent most of the time at the office, working on the computers. We're supposed to go out to the job site next week and I get to wear steel-toed boots and hard hats and everything."

"Sounds like fun," I said.

"It's more work than I expected, but I've learned a lot already. But tell me about home. What's been happening? Surviving without me?"

We used up the remainder of Brad's phone card talking about Terry's accident and the bath I'd taken with the boys.

"I wish I'd been there," Brad said. There was a homesick sadness in his voice.

"I wish you were, too."

"Look, Ted, the operator just gave me the two-minute warning. I just want to tell you I love you and I miss you so much. I wish I was there now so I could hug you."

"I'm doing that in my mind, Tiger," I said, trying to keep myself cheerful for him. "I love you, too, and I'm missing you every single second."

"When I get back, I'm never going away again."

"I won't let you."

"I've got to go, Ted," he said finally. "I love you."

"I love you, too, Brad. Now and forever."

"I'll call tomorrow night, same time."

"Okay. I'll be here. Bye, Brad."

"Bye, Ted. Love you."

"Love you, too."

I hung up before I started crying.

* * * * *

I fell asleep that night holding a pillow and feeling very much alone.

To Be Continued​

(Over the next few weeks, at least, especially during the heat of Summer, I've decided to post a new chapter every other day, on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. If I'm far enough ahead in writing, I may post a bonus chapter on the weekends.

Also, for the sanity of the readers, I'll be changing chapter numbers away from Roman Numerals beginning with the next chapter. Therefore, Part 80 will be posted on Monday morning. Have a great weekend, everyone. - Neil)

 

[gsdx]

I uploaded the new chapter this morning, but there was a problem with the posting and it appears no-one knows it's been updated. So, that's all this post is for. Just o highlight the Title again.

 

[gmoney]

As usual, thank you very much, Neil!

I'm glad you decided to pace yourself with the posts. I think you've done a miraculous job so far! And now the story will last even longer.

Thanks again, Gary

 

[harry113]

Neil,
Thanks again for another beautiful chapter.
I entirely agree with all the other posts ..... Take your time & pace yourself.
I can only imagine how you are drawn into this story. You are writing it. We
are absorbed , yet we are only reading your well-crafted words.
I do hope things are a little cooler for you.
Peace & Love
Harry