Watching Brad

[gmoney]

Beautiful! What a wonderful homecoming! Thanks again, Neil. -Gary

 

[kcm17480]

Great! That was beautiful and fantastic.

 

[sheep]

I really missed Brad. Glad he is home again!

 

[Kyanimal]

What can I say ... but ... AWESOME, Neil!!

Keep smilin'!!
Chaz (Outa "Smilies" ... DAMN!)

 

[gsdx]

I really missed Brad. Glad he is home again!

Believe me, Sheep, if I'd known how hard it was going to be to write with Brad not there, I would never have sent him away. I'm really glad he's home!

 

[harry113]

Neil that was the most beautiful chapter
Thank you
Harry

 

[caddymac]

I am so glad Brad is home again. The family just is not complete without him there. I know that does happen in real life! Neil, we all love this family, Thank you for bringing him home.

 

[gaygoth]

Bravo!! Encore!!!

Beautiful, absolutely beautiful. I'm eagerly awaiting the next chapter.

 

[gsdx]

(Sorry for the delay in posting. I woke up this morning to no power!! Arrrg!! All is well, now, though, and the juice is back on, so, before the electrics decide to go astray again, I'll post this next chapter for you.)

* * * * *

WATCHING BRAD
Part 87​

Monday morning, May First.

In one week, I would be in court in front of Judge Carrington. He would decide the fate of my boys. Nancy still assured me that the adoption was ‘a given', but you still had to go through the legalities of it all. My lawyer, Al, would be there, of course, and Nancy and Ron Sparks were going to be there as well. Brad had promised to take the day from classes to be there and even Lindsay would be allowed to stay home from school so she could go with us if she so desired. Bill and Warren promised to come in case I needed character witnesses. Nathan and Barry didn't think they had known us long enough to be good witnesses, but John and Bernice promised to be there, and Terry, too, of course. Mom and Dad couldn't make it, which was understandable.

Nancy called me at work to set up her final visit. She would be at my place Wednesday morning and asked if I could be there as well. I assured her I would be.

It was raining that Monday evening and Brad had to put his landscaping on hold. He'd planned on getting our own gardens ready for the summer before working on his parents' garden for a few hours each evening.

As far as the kids were concerned, it was like Brad had never been away. He was back and we were a family again, and that's all that really mattered to them. Brad quickly fell back into his routine, except for the laundry and such. He was still impressed that we now had a housekeeper to do all the grunt work and to give us more time with each other and the kids. Still, he kept the place as tidy as possible mainly because he didn't like the idea of Mark coming in to a messy house.

That night, after the kids were in bed and asleep, Brad and I sat together on the sofa and I told him all about the incident with Barry. He sat there on the sofa, staring at his feet which were propped up on the coffee table and crossed at the ankles. He sat there for a long time. Suddenly he stood up, walked over to the patio doors and stared out into the darkness.

I gave him a few minutes to himself, then went over and stood beside him, putting my hand gently on his shoulder. Still he looked into the darkness, but I could see that his eyes were filled with tears.

"Brad? What's wrong?" I asked.

He closed his eyes tightly and a single tear escaped his eye and began rolling down his cheek. I wiped it away with the back of my finger.

"Brad, talk to me, please. What's wrong?"

He took a deep breath through his nose, held it, and opened his eyes. He turned to face me. I removed my hand from his shoulder.

"What's wrong?" I asked for the third time.

He released the breath and blinked away the tears again. "You keep saying I'm too young for you, Ted," he said in a soft, helpless, and very frightened voice. "Would you ever leave me for someone older, like Barry?"

I stared at him for a moment before pulling him into my arms. "Oh, God, Brad! No! Never! You're mine now and I'm not trading you in for anyone!"

Brad relaxed into my arms and wrapped his own around my back, settling his cheek against my shoulder. "I would kill myself if you did, Ted," he whispered softly. "I need you too much."

My hands moved to his shoulders and I pushed him gently away from me. His eyes found mine. "I need you, too, Brad. I love you and I need you."

Brad smiled then. Just a little one, but the fear was gone from his face. "What's that word you use? You know, the one where good things happen to people when you least expect them to?"

"Serendipity?"

"That's the one," he said. "There was a whole lot of that when you moved in. Mom sent me over, you know. I didn't even know you were here until Mom told me you needed help. I'm glad your friend didn't show up that day."

"I'm glad a lot of things happened that day." My hand moved to his hair and I stroked my fingers through it. "You're the best thing that's ever happened to me, Brad. No-one could ever take your place."

Brad leaned into my hand and closed his eyes for a moment. "Tell me again, Ted," he whispered.

"Again?"

"I like to hear it."

I nodded. "I love you, Brad."

His smile grew. "I love you, too, Ted," he said. "Now, kiss me and don't stop until I stop you."

I kissed him, and it was a long, long time before he pushed me away. Together, hand-in-hand, we looked in on the twins and locked up the house for the night. We stopped to look in on Lindsay on our way to our bedroom. Brad closed the door behind us and turned on the bedside lamp. He took off his own clothes first before taking off mine, then he laid me down on the bed and gave me the most amazing blowjob he'd ever given me.

When it was over, he crawled up beside me and lay against me. I wanted to reciprocate, but Brad refused. "I was one orgasm ahead of you," he said. "Now we're even."

"You keep track?"

"I do now," he said. "We're in this together, Pops. If you don't cum, neither do I."

"That's very sweet of you, Brad, but you know you can cum more often than I can. It's not fair to you to wait for me."

"I'll be the judge of that," he said, and he kissed me. "Now, set the alarm and turn out the light. I want to hold you tonight."

* * * * *

Mark was already at the house Tuesday when I arrived home. Since the twins went to bed at eight o'clock, he preferred to get an early start, as long as we didn't mind him working through our dinner. It was after we'd finished eating that Brad really got to know Mark. I had cleaned up the kitchen and was sitting with the kids as they played in the livingroom. Brad had been outside working in the garden, raking down and smoothing out the ‘patio' in Lindsay's garden before installing the fountain and unicorn.

Mark had just come upstairs with a basket full of folded laundry when Brad came in and asked if I could help move the fountain and unicorn into place. Mark overheard him and eagerly volunteered his services.

"May I, Mr. Dee?" he asked excitedly.

I shrugged my shoulders. "Sure, if you want to."

A half-hour later, the twins were in the bath and Mark still hadn't returned. I stepped outside to find Brad and Mark in front of the Hayes house. Brad was talking to Mark and pointing things out to him.

I looked at Lindsay's garden. The fountain was set once more in front of the swing, babbling away, and the snowy white unicorn stood proudly once more behind the bushes. I looked back at the gentlemen once more. They were still completely oblivious to the fact that I was standing there. "Brad!" I called out to him.

He glanced up at me, then at Mark. "Oh, yeah. Sorry, Ted," he said as he put a hand on Mark's shoulder and guided him back to the house. "Best get back to your job, Mark. I'll talk to you later about it, okay?"

"Okay, Brad," Mark said, grinning from ear to ear. He stopped in front of me to add, "Brad said I could help him plant the garden this weekend after I finish in the house. Isn't that neat?"

"It sure is, Mark," I said, smiling at his excitement. "Now, off you go, eh?"

Mark entered the house, leaving Brad and I alone. "He's a good kid," Brad said. "He takes care of all the houseplants at his home and he has his own cactus garden in his bedroom."

"We'll talk about it later," I said. "I've got the boys in the tub. You done out here?"

"Not yet," Brad replied. "I've got a few more things I want to do first."

"Okay." I gave him a quick kiss. "See you in a few."

Brad went back to his yard work and I went back to being a father.

Mark finished his work inside and recorded his time in his ‘Time Book' - minus the half-hour he'd spent outside talking with Brad - and sat talking with Brad for another hour or so until I chased him home after I had put Lindsay to bed.

I cuddled with Brad on the sofa after Mark left. "He seems to have taken a liking to you," I said.

"I like him," Brad replied. "I see what you mean when you told me about him, but he's so eager to learn. I don't think people gave him the chances he really needs in life. If he puts his mind to it, he can do a lot more than wash clothes and vacuum floors."

"How are you going to pay him for helping you?"

"I don't know," he said, staring down at the coffee table. "I'll talk to Mom and Dad and see if they can spot him a few bucks. I know Nathan isn't expecting any money, but I think Mark should get something for his work."

"Have you talked to Nathan about it lately?"

"No. I suppose I should, though. Especially after. . ." He left the sentence dangling. "I'll call him now. Oh, can I use the car tomorrow night to go pick out the plants and things? If I order them tomorrow, they can deliver them on Saturday morning."

"Sure. You know you can use it anytime you want. You don't have to ask."

"I'd rather ask."

Brad called Nathan that night, but not before a little bit of rather heavy necking with me on the livingroom sofa.

* * * * *

Nancy showed up a few minutes after ten in the morning. I was there with Terry and the twins, of course. She took them into their bedroom to have a private chitchat with them, then came out to join me for coffee (she was still trying to get into that gown for her highschool reunion) and to have a little chat of our own. The boys played quietly on the floor.

"I still can't believe the change in them these past few months," Nancy said as she looked down at them. "They're like two entirely different boys." She looked up at me. "You've done a wonderful job raising them."

"Thank you," I said quietly. "They make it pretty easy, actually. I think they're still terrified that, if they do anything wrong, someone will come take them away."

"Do you think they really understand what ‘adoption' means?"

"I'm convinced of it. They know that no-one can take them away once they're adopted. Mind you, their behaviour may change when they're finally adopted, but I don't think so. It doesn't seem to be in their nature."

"Do you have any questions or concerns about the adoption?"

"No, I don't think so," I told her. "I've done everything I can to give them a home and a family. The rest is up to the judge."

"I don't think you have anything to worry about," she explained. "We've dealt with Judge Carrington. He's a fair man and does what is best for the children. As long as you're not a child molester or abuser, you don't have anything to worry about."

"I never understood how. . ." The doorbell rang. "Excuse me," I said and rose to answer the door.

Terry, who had been sitting at the kitchen table, beat me to the door. Lori and Andrew stood there. Lori smiled when she saw me and Terry stepped aside when I approached the door. "Hi," I said to Lori. "Hello, Andrew."

"Hi," he said shyly.

"We were on our way to the park and I saw your car and van," Lori said. "I thought you might be home and up to a bit of company."

I ushered them inside and closed the door. "Terry, this is Lori," I said in introduction. "Lori? This is Terry. She looks after the twins when I'm at work."

As they shook hands, the twins appeared beside me. "Hi, Andrew," they said excitedly. "Come on and play with us." Andrew was quick to join them.

"I'm not staying long," I told Lori, "but you're welcome to stay here and get to know Terry while the kids play. I'm busy with CAS as the moment."

"CAS?" Lori asked.

"Children's Aid Society. About the adoption."

Lori's expression changed. "Oh, I'm sorry," she said apologetically. "I didn't know. I'll get Andrew and. . ."

"That's not necessary. It's their last visit before the adoption. Besides, Terry can teach you how to be Canadian." To Terry, I said, "Lori just moved here from the States."

"Oh, neat!" Terry exclaimed. "Come on. We can talk over coffee." Terry led Lori by the arm toward the kitchen.

"What happened to your arm?" Lori asked as I went back to Nancy. The twins weren't there.

"They're in their room," Nancy said. "I see they've made a new friend."

"They met last week at the park down the street," I explained as I sat down again. "Now, where were we?"

"Concerns about the adoption?"

"Oh, yes. I don't think I have any concerns."

"They haven't seen you and Brad. . . ?"

"No," I told her emphatically. "We're very careful about that and they don't come into our bedroom when the door is closed."

I chuckled suddenly. "I had some friends over one night. The twins were going to have their first time in the hot tub with us. I went downstairs to get their swimsuits off the line down there and, when I came back up, they were sitting in front of the television stark naked. I tossed them their suits and told them to put them on. They said it was okay because Lindsay wasn't here and I told them it didn't matter. I'm not sure they understood, but they haven't done it since."

"The mind of a child, eh?"

"They're good kids, Nancy," I said with all sincerity. "I can't imagine my life without them now. I don't know what I'll do if. . ." I couldn't even finish the thought.

"Nothing to worry about there," Nancy said. "We're all convinced they couldn't be in a better place than here with you."

"Thank you," I said.

Terry brought us another coffee and she and Lori joined us. The boys came out from the bedroom to play in the livingroom, bringing half the box of toys from their bedroom. I didn't mind. They always returned them.

We talked together until almost eleven-thirty when Nancy finally took her leave.

"We'll be there on Monday, both Ron and I," she said, smiling brightly.

"Thanks," I told her.

"No thanks necessary. It's our job."

* * * * *

Brad was so excited when he got home that night. He'd found all the plants he wanted to get and they would be delivered Friday evening between six and eight o'clock. I don't know why, but I got a big hug and kiss for it. Like I had anything to do with it. I didn't complain, though. I'm not stupid.

In the few days Brad had been back, life in the de Villiers household had changed. While he had been away, there had been a constant veil of sadness covering everyone. It was gone now and everyone seemed happier and brighter.

Still, Jeremy slipped into a bit of a funk when Brad wasn't there to eat dinner with us that night and to share evening time together, especially so quickly after his return from Thunder Bay. Jeremy had tried to stay awake for Brad's return that night. He wanted to know that Brad was really coming back again. My promise that he would be back soon wasn't enough for a little boy. He wouldn't be happy until he saw it for himself. He fell asleep in my arms as he waited and I took the twins to bed.

When Brad finished hugging and kissing me, I followed him into the boys' bedroom where Brad sat on the side of the bed, put his hand on Jeremy's arm and softly called his name. Jeremy's eyes opened and he turned his head toward Brad. A smile crossed his lips and he sat up and gave Brad a hug, his tiny arms reaching over Brad's large shoulders to wrap around his neck. Brad kissed Jeremy's cheek and hugged him back, and that was enough. Jeremy fell asleep again in Brad's arms.

With Jeremy tucked back into bed, his Teddy tucked under his arm and his forehead touching Justin's forehead, Brad and I returned to the livingroom. Lindsay had, by that time, gone to bed on her own, so I went in to sit with her for a bit and to tuck her in.

"Daddy?" she said. "When you marry Brad, what do I call him?"

"You call him Brad, just like you always did."

"Are you going to have more babies?"

I chuckled. "No, I don't think so, Sweetheart. I have all the children I want right now. And you," I said as I tapped her nose with my fingertip, "are my favourite little girl."

She was silent for a few moments, thinking. "Daddy? Will you still love me when I'm not a little girl anymore?"

"Of course I will, Sweetheart," I assured her. "Why do you ask that?"

"The teacher was telling us today about. . . puberty and she said we would be growing up soon."

"That's true," I said. "It's when a girl grows into a woman and a boy grows into a man."

"I don't want to grow up."

I smiled comfortingly at her. "I don't think you can stop it, Sweetheart. But it will never make a difference in how much I love you. You'll always be my little girl, no matter how grown up you become."

Still, she looked troubled.

"Look, why don't we talk to Terry?" I said. "She grew up like you're going to. She can tell you everything you need to know, and she can tell me everything I need to know."

"I thought you knew everything, Daddy."

"Not everything, Sweetheart. Some things I have to learn when they happen."

"Won't Terry think I'm being stupid?"

"Not at all," I assured her. "Growing up can be really scary, but it's a lot easier when you know what's going to happen and we can prepare ourselves for when it does."

I kissed her forehead and stroked her soft, fine hair. "I'll talk to Terry and the three of us will sit down and she'll tell us everything we need to know, okay? Unless you'd rather talk to Grandma Hayes or Grandma de Villiers."

She thought for a moment. "I think we should talk to Terry."

"Okay, Sweetheart. We'll do that very soon. Now, time for you to go to sleep."

Lindsay puckered her lips for her final kiss of the night and I gave it to her.

"Goodnight, Sweetheart."

"Nitey-nite, Daddy."

* * * * *

‘Sooner' came sooner than I expected. Terry returned Thursday evening after the boys had gone to bed and Mark had finished his work and gone home. We sat and talked until almost ten o'clock. It was way past Lindsay's bedtime, but it was important enough that I allowed her to stay awake until all her questions had been answered.

Brad had remained in our bedroom, working on the computer. Terry was an excellent teacher and answered all of our questions without hedging or hesitation. She even made a list of things I should buy so we wouldn't be caught unaware and unprepared. Some of the things frightened Lindsay, and they frightened me as well. I knew about them, of course. It frightened me knowing how frightened Lindsay would be when they happened. I was happy, though, knowing that nothing would come as a surprise to her.

When I took Lindsay to bed after Terry had left us, she said, "Gee, Daddy. I didn't know growing up was going to be such hard work."

I don't think anyone ever did until it was too late.

I joined Brad in the bedroom after that, pulling up a chair to sit beside him at the computer and watching him as he designed Mrs. Grace's ‘meditation garden'. It was peaceful simply to look at it on the screen.

"Do you think she'll like it?" he asked.

"I think so," I said. "I like it."

He looked at me and smiled. "You're not the one I need to impress, Pops." He kissed me. "But thanks for the encouragement."

"Maybe make a few different designs - you know, moving things around - and let her decide which one she likes most."

"That's a good idea," Brad said, nodding. "Like the waterfall and pond. I like it here. . ." (he pointed to the screen) ". . .but I like it over here, too."

"There you go, then. Design around both positions and let her decide."

He smiled and kissed me. "I knew I loved you for more than your looks. Now, go get naked. I'll be finished here in a minute."

* * * * *

Nathan and Mark came over Friday evening to help Brad unload the plants and things which Brad had ordered from the nursery. Barry, as it happened, was working the evening shift for the weekend.

The truck from the nursery showed up shortly after seven in the evening. Lindsay came outside to sit in her garden. The boys and I went over to the Hayes' home to watch the unloading. Of course, John and Bernice were outside watching as well. Bernice was emotional already and the plants were still in their pots and sitting on the concrete floor in her garage.

I took the twins back home after the delivery truck left, but not before Bernice had given me a Tupperware container full of cookies and cupcakes and other little treats. Nathan and Mark stayed behind with Brad to sort the plants and organize them for the morning.

Mark joined us for some cookies and a can of pop and was going to ride his bicycle home, but I insisted that Brad take him home in the van. He promised to return early in the morning to do his housework and then to spend the rest of the day working with Nathan and Brad. He was all smiles when he left, holding tightly to the gardening books Brad had lent to him.

Nathan was grateful that we were still friends and thanked me effusively for inviting himself and Barry to stay the night, but he decided it would be best that they restrict their visits to daytime and evenings, at least for the time being.

After Brad returned from taking Mark home, he and Nathan sat for awhile talking about their plans for the next day. Nathan left shortly before eleven to be home for Barry when he finished his shift, but he promised to be here as early in the morning as he could.

Brad and I were finally alone.

"Gee-sus, Murphy," he exclaimed. "That Mark really works his ass off, doesn't he?"

"He's like that around here, too," I told him. "He just needs a chance to show what he can do. Will he be planting tomorrow?"

"I think so," Brad replied. "He wants me to teach him how. He does all the plants at his house, so he knows something about it. Probably more than me."

"More than ‘I'."

"Whatever. You know what I haven't had in a long time?"

"No. What?"

"A kiss."

I chuckled lightly. "I gave you a kiss ten minutes ago."

"That's a long time for me."

"Never let it be said that I deny you any pleasures."

We kissed until it was time to go to bed. Even then, we continued once we were beneath the covers of our bed, and our kisses didn't stop with the lips.

To Be Continued​

 

[sheep]

I knew I missed Brad, but I didn't realize how much! I love the name *Brad*

 

[kcm17480]

Sure glad Brad is back. It was a wonderful chapter.

 

[gmoney]

Neil, I can tell you like having Brad back as much as we do. Another wonderful chapter!

Gary

 

[dlf0001]

I find myself getting more nervous by the day in anticipation of the official adoption day...

I hope it goes off without a hitch.

 

[harry113]

Neil, Thank you. It's great to have Brad back home.
You were waiting with all of us for him to return, it showed in your writing !!!!
A wonderful, tender chapter.
Harry

 

[gsdx]

It's great to have Brad back home.
You were waiting with all of us for him to return, it showed in your writing !!!!

Thanks, everyone. You have no-o-o-o-o idea how glad I am to have Brad back. I wish I had never burned down that stupid place in Pickering! I thought, "How hard could it be not having Brad around for 2 weeks?" I found out the hard way.

Now, the fun begins.

 

[gsdx]

WATCHING BRAD
Part 88​

I sat at the table in the courtroom as the Judge's gavel slammed down onto the small, circular block of wood. I stared at him, stunned at his decision, and then I felt my boys - my sons - being lifted from my arms. I grabbed at them to hold onto them, and they grabbed desperately at my shirt. "Daddy!" they shouted. "Daddy!!" they screamed.

But more strength than we had tore them from my arms and took them away from me. Their shouts and screams went with them as they were carried through the small gates separating the gallery from the bench. They kicked and they punched and they shouted and they screamed - and they cried. Oh, how they cried. And I was helpless to do anything about it.

I stood up and watched them going away from me. The door opened and they were carried through, their tiny hands reaching for me and grasping at anything within reach to keep from being taken away from their Daddy. And then the door closed, and they were gone.

"No-o-o-o-o-o-o-o!!" I screamed.

Hands grabbed at me and Brad's voice yelled at me. "Ted!" he said. "Ted!"

I was sitting up in my bed. I was crying and sweating and my heart was racing. I looked to my left and there was Brad, sitting up in bed beside me, holding my arms in his hands. Morning sunlight peeked through the curtained windows of our bedroom. I fell into Brad's arms, burying my cheek against his chest and I cried. Brad held me and comforted me, gently stroking my hair and cheek, soothing me with his soft hushes. He let me cry.

"Brad?" A frightened voice came from the doorway of our bedroom. "What's wrong with Daddy?"

"He had a nightmare, Lindsay," Brad said. "That's all."

"Is he alright?" one of the twins asked. I wasn't certain which one, but I suspect it was Justin.

"He'll be okay in a minute," Brad replied. "He just had a bad dream. He'll be okay, I promise. Go with your sister to the kitchen and get some juice. I'll be there in a minute to make your breakfast, okay?"

"Come on," Lindsay said. "I'll get your juice."

I could hear the twins' voices growing softer as they walked down the hall.

"Ted? Are you okay?"

I sucked in a deep, calming breath, but it didn't work very well. I leaned away from Brad and his hand came to my face, wiping the tears away from my eyes and face.

"What is it, Ted? What happened?"

I took another breath and the words came. "The Judge said ‘no', Brad."

"It was just a dream, Ted," Brad said soothingly. "Just a dream."

"But it could happen. Oh, God, Brad. What if he says ‘no' on Monday? What am I going to do? How can I live without them? What's going to happen to them?"

"It's not going to happen, Ted," Brad said. "You can't think like that."

"I have to, Brad. I have to be ready for it."

Brad's green eyes bored into mine. "Listen to me, Ted." He paused a moment, his eyes flicking back and forth between mine. "Are you listening?"

I nodded. "Yes."

"You have to stop thinking like that. You can't let the boys see you like this. You're going to scare the shit out of them if they see you're scared, too. They need you, Ted. They need you to be strong for them. You can't let them down."

He kissed me then, lovingly and tenderly, and for a long time.

"Now, you go grab a shower. I'll take care of the kids and their breakfast, okay?"

I stared up into his handsome young face. "I love you so much," I said softly.

"I love you more, Ted," he replied with a gentle smile. "Now, go get ready to be a father again."

He climbed over me as I lay back onto the pillow. He grabbed his bathrobe and put it on.

"Will you be okay?"

I managed a weak smile and nodded. He gave me another kiss, then left the room to look after the kids, leaving me to my thoughts and fears.

In two days, I would be in court fighting to adopt my boys. Nancy kept telling me that I had nothing to worry about, but there was always something to worry about. Did I make enough money to support a family of five? Did I provide a suitable home for the twins? Was I a good influence? Was I a good father? And what about the judge? Would someone cut him off in traffic and piss him off for the rest of the day? Would he have any objections to a man who's living with another man? That one I could fight if I could prove it. Still, there were a lot of things that could go wrong.

I had done the best I could - everything I could. I lay there for a long time wondering if there was more I could have done - should have done. I couldn't think of anything. It was all up to Judge Carrington now.

Brad was right, of course. I'd awakened the children with my scream and I had frightened them. I had to pull myself together and be their father again. I had to be the strong one. It was my job.

I climbed out of bed, grabbed my robe, and headed for the bathroom.

* * * * *

I was Daddy again by the time I made it to the kitchen to join Brad and the kids. I gave Lindsay the first hug and kiss and promises that I was okay now, then the twins, and, finally, Brad. I took over making breakfast for him while he went for his own shower.

Mark showed up at the house shortly after eight o'clock, eager to get about his housekeeping chores so he could get out and help Brad. I paid little attention to him anymore. He knew his job and he did it with care and speed and expertise. Nathan and Barry arrived just before nine. Nathan brought a change of clothes and Barry brought his uniform so he could change and go to work from my place.

The kids were in the livingroom, playing and watching Saturday morning cartoons on television, while the grown-ups sat around the kitchen table. Barry and I talked whilst Brad and Nathan went over the plans and layout one more time.

"Are you going to help them?" I asked Barry.

"Hardly," he replied with a laugh and a grin. "I can't even grow a Chia Pet. I'm quite content to let them go play in the dirt."

"You can help me look after the kids, then," I suggested.

"That I can do."

"Thought I might take them over to the park for awhile. Let the twins skate around the paths for awhile."

"Damn," he cursed. "I should go get my blades. How wide are the paths?"

"Almost as wide as this table is long."

"I'm going to go get them," Barry said. "You don't mind, do you?"

"As long as you don't mind me parking my butt on the bench," I answered him. "I skate about as well as you grow Chia Pets."

"I'll be right back." He gave Nathan a quick kiss on the cheek and left.

I was feeling much better and did my best not to show my concerns to the kids. I joined them in the livingroom, leaving Brad and Nathan to their fun. By the time Barry returned, Brad and Nathan were already outside. We waited until Mark was finished his work before we got the boys' things ready for the park. As I gathered pads and skates and helmets, Barry grabbed some Tetra Paks of juice and put them in a insulation bag.

I had hoped Lindsay would join us, but she wanted to sit in her garden. As we left, Lindsay saw her Grandma Hayes and we all went over. Brad and his helpers were busy arranging the plants in one portion of the garden, marking them for planting. Lindsay stayed with Bernice while Barry and I walked Justin and Jeremy to the park.

The park was quite busy, actually. Plenty of neighbourhood kids around, but mostly older kids with very few of them the twins' age. We found a bench near the playground and I put the pads and helmets on the boys as Barry put on his skates. He then helped Jeremy put on his skates while I put on Justin's. Velcro straps made it so easy.

I lifted the boys to the ground and Barry took them by the hand, walked them to the walkway, and skated along between them as I sat down on the bench to watch. I thought for a moment that I should go out and buy a pair of rollerblades and learn how to skate myself, but I didn't like skating and had no desire to learn. That wasn't in my job description as a father. I decided, instead, to buy a pair for Brad.

Speaking of Brad, as the twins were making their second circuit of the path with their Uncle Barry, Lori and Andrew showed up with Andrew's father.

Lori was almost as tall as I am, rather slim, with blonde hair trimmed short and brown eyes. Her husband, Brad was much taller than I. The top of my head would fit beneath his chin. His hair was dark brown and sparkled with auburn tints in the sunlight, as did his son's hair. His eyes were almost a steel grey, giving him a strange yet curious appearance. He was strikingly handsome

"Hi, Ted," she said.

I stood up to greet her.

"You remember Andrew," she continued, "and this is my husband, Brad."

Hands were shaken and greetings were made. Brad's voice, when he spoke, was deep and had what I would call a ‘James Earl Jones' quality to it. We sat down on the bench and Brad lifted his son effortlessly into his lap.

"We stopped by your place and your. . . um. . . boyfriend?" Lori said. "Sorry. I don't know what to call him."

"You could call him ‘Brad' if it isn't too confusing for you."

"Well," she continued, "he said you were over here at the park. Andrew wanted to play with your sons."

"I'll stop them on their next pass-by and change them into their shoes."

"Lori tells me you and Brad are engaged?" the other Brad said.

"Yes, we are," I replied. "We're getting married in July."

"Tell him it's a real wedding, Ted," Lori said. "He doesn't believe me."

"Yes, it's real," I said. "Church, minister, invitations, flower girls, the whole works except for bride's maids."

"I heard about this in New York, but I thought it was only for civil ceremonies to make things legal."

"Nope. It's a genuine, bone fide wedding."

"It's quite a contentious issue back home," Lori added.

"I know," I said. "We get the news up here, but I don't think it's wise to get into a political discussion before we even become friends."

"Oh, we're on your side, Ted," Brad said in his deep, mellow voice, "but you're right. Politics and parks don't get along very well."

"Hi, Andrew!" That was Justin, who called from across the park on his way back on his second circuit of the oval. We looked up to watch Barry guide them toward us. I arose from the bench to go meet them. When they reached us, I picked up the twins and Barry set out on his own, zipping along the paths like Brad does on his ice skates.

I took the twins back to the bench and set them in my lap so I could change them into their shoes. With their skates, pads, and helmets neatly packed away, the three boys ran off to the jungle gym to play.

Barry joined us after a time and changed into his shoes after I made introductions around, then we sat and chatted about our jobs and our lives and the weather and the kids. Politics and religion could wait for a nice chat around the fireplace in mid-January.

* * * * *

Nathan and Barry grabbed a quick shower together. Barry dressed for work and Nathan dressed to go home. They would be back in the morning to continue the work in the garden next door. Mark went home with the most satisfied grin on his face and excited as all hell. Brad had asked if he would come back in the morning to help him again.

"He was amazing, Ted," Brad was saying excitedly. "And strong, too. He did anything I asked and he was so eager to do it."

"That's the way he is around here. He takes his job seriously and he does it well."

"I know. He watched me plant a few plants, and then I helped him with a few, and away he went. We should have all the planting done tomorrow and then I can do all the little extras I want to do."

"What do your parents think?"

"Mom likes it," he replied. "But then she would, I suppose."

"You'll know when she starts showing it off to the neighbours."

"I like it," Brad said with a grin. "Less lawn for me to mow."

The kids were already in bed. The radio was playing quietly in the background and Brad and I were sitting on the sofa. Brad had his arm around me. He sensed that I needed to be held that night. We fell quiet for a long time simply listening to each other's silence.

"You're still worried, aren't you?" he asked.

"I'm terrified, Brad," I answered him. "How am I supposed to get through tomorrow without terrifying the kids, too?"

"You'll find a way, Ted. You always do. Besides, you're worrying for nothing."

I turned myself so I could face him. "No, I'm not, Brad. I have to be worried and I have to be ready to fight for them if I have to."

"Why would you have to fight for them?" Brad asked. "You're a good father and you've given them a home and family."

"And that's all I've done."

Brad looked at me, confused.

"You just gave me three reasons why they should stay with me," I continued. "I can give you a million reasons why they shouldn't."

Brad said nothing. He simply held me closer and nuzzled my hair. It didn't take away my terror and worry, but it made me feel better knowing I wasn't alone.

* * * * *

I vaguely remember Sunday. I know Lindsay spent the day with Grandma Hayes and I spent the day with the boys. Barry, at my request, stayed outside with the other guys.

For lunch, I made a picnic and the boys and I sat out on the back lawn on a blanket and ate our sandwiches and drank our juice. We had some of Grandma's cookies for dessert. When we were finished eating, I told them all about court the next day and explained what would happen there. I think they understood.

They crawled into my lap and curled themselves into my arms. Justin asked, "That man will tell us if we can live here forever?"

"Yes," I answered. "He will make the decision."

"I don't want to go away, Daddy," Jeremy said.

I hugged them and kissed their hair. "I promise you I'll do everything I can to make sure you stay here with me."

That afternoon, I lay down in their bed with them as they napped and, that night, they slept with me in my bed. Brad slept in the bed, too, but, this time, Jeremy slept with me - in my arms. Fortunately, Brad understood and somehow managed to hug all three of us all night long.

* * * * *

It was real this time. I sat at the table to the left when seen from the Judge's bench. The boys rested on their knees, sharing the chair to my right. Al, my lawyer, sat next to them. Another table sat on the other side of the room. Between them, in front of the small gate in the dividing rail which separated the court from the gallery, a podium had been set into place.

Brad sat directly behind me. I would have liked to have had him sitting beside me but, as he wasn't part of the proceedings, he felt his place was in the gallery. John sat beside Brad, then Lindsay and, finally, Bernice, who sat near the aisle. Behind them sat Warren and Bill and Terry.

In the other gallery section sat Ron Sparks and Nancy Stillman from CAS. Barry and Nathan had shown up after all. Barry was dressed in his uniform. Nathan sat discretely beside him. They sat two rows behind Ron and Nancy. I was surprised to see Lori and Andrew enter the gallery and sit in the row behind Barry and Nathan. I hadn't thought we were as good friends as that yet.

I wished Mom and Dad could have been there, but I knew it was almost impossible for them to do so. I understood their absense.

The court officer, a kindly-looking gentleman in his fifties, stood near the Judge's chambers door. The young court stenographer sat at her small table, waiting patiently.

"Ted, look!" Brad whispered urgently. I turned around and saw Judge Henderson without her robes walking down the aisle toward me. I hadn't seen her since the last time I had been in court with her when Lindsay had been injured by her mother. I had talked to her, but not seen her. She came to the gate, walked through, and approached me. I stood to greet her.

"It's good to see you again, Mr. de Villiers."

"You remember me?" I asked stupidly.

She smiled a bright smile. "Of course I remember you. I tried to get this case myself, but the luck of the draw, you know. Judge Carrington is a fair man. I'm sure it will all be fine." She turned to Lindsay. "Hello, Lindsay. My, you're looking pretty today."

"Thank you," Lindsay replied. I'm not certain she recognized the Judge.

"Hello, Brad," she smiled. She turned back to me and looked at the twins. "So, these are the men of the hour. What handsome young gentlemen they are, too. Hello." Her smile was bright and pleasant.

"Hi," Justin replied. Jeremy remained silent and bit down a little harder on the finger stuck between his teeth.

"May I ask why you're here?" I asked.

"Curiosity," the Judge replied. "Moral support. You have an amazing family, Mr. de Villiers. I like to keep myself up-to-date. When I read your name, I knew it had to be you. I'm just glad your last name isn't Jones or something. I would have missed you."

I grinned at her politely. "Thank you for coming. I'm sure we'll do fine."

"I'm sure you will, too."

"All rise!" the Bailiff said loudly. Judge Henderson patted my arm and took her place in the pew behind Ron and Nancy. "Court is now in session! Judge Carrington presiding!"

I pulled the boys to their feet, supporting them as they stood in the chair. Judge Carrington sat at his bench and opened the folders he had been carrying.

"Please be seated," the Bailiff said and there was a rustling as people sat down again.

The Judge, younger-looking than his bailiff, looked up at me and the twins, then glanced around the gallery, his eyes coming to rest on Judge Henderson. His eyebrows raised. "Good morning," he said. His voice was powerful, but not unpleasant. "May I ask why you're here?"

Judge Henderson rose to her feet. "Moral support, Your Honour. I have a vested interest in this family. I've met them before."

The eyebrows rose higher. "May I ask how?"

"May I approach, Your Honour?"

Judge Carrington nodded and Judge Henderson made her way to the bench, whispering to her counterpart as he leaned forward. I'm glad she didn't mention Lindsay's mother and the other court case out loud. Judge Carrington nodded and Judge Henderson returned to her seat. Judge Carrington turned next to Barry, who was rather conspicuous in his uniform. "And you are?"

Barry stood, his cap tucked carefully under his arm. "Officer Barry McCallum, Your Honour."

"Are you here as a witness?"

"No, Sir," Barry replied. "I'm a close friend of the family. The twins are my nephews."

The Judge nodded and Barry sat down again. He nodded at Ron Sparks and Nancy, then turned his attention to me. "How do you pronounce your last name?" he asked.

"deh VIL-EE-yurs, Your Honour," I replied.

"Thank you. And these are the twins. Which one is which?"

"This is Justin in the blue shirt," I said, " and this is Jeremy in the green shirt."

The Judge smiled. "Again, I thank you. I'll try to remember." He looked at Al then. "And you are?"

"Allan Kennedy, Your Honour," Al responded. "I'm Mr. de Villiers' attorney."

Al sat down as the Judge nodded again and checked his notes. "Who is Bradley Hayes?"

I looked around as Brad rose to his feet. "I am, Your Honour," Brad said.

"And you're Mr. de Villiers' live-in partner?"

"Yes, Sir."

"Would you like to sit up here beside him?"

Brad's face lit up and a large smile split his face. His chipped tooth sparkled in the bright lights of the courtroom. "Yes, please," he replied and, when the Judge motioned to the chair occupied by the twins, Brad quickly squeezed past his parents and Lindsay and came through the gate. The twins stood up as Brad reached for them and he picked them up, then settled into the chair, the boys sitting comfortably in his lap. "Thank you, Your Honour," he said.

"Now," the Judge began, "I've read all the reports. Mr. Sparks, do you have anything you wish to add?"

Ron stood up. "Yes, Your Honour," he said. The Judge motioned him to the podium and Ron was soon in his place there. "Ron Sparks, CAS. Your Honour," he began, "I'm sure you know it is the mandate of the Children's Aid Society to find suitable parents for the children in our care rather than to find children for the parents who wish to adopt." The Judge nodded. "I'm sure you're also aware that we do our best to keep families together, which is not always easy. When Justin and Jeremy came into our custody, we were faced with multiple problems. Not only were they siblings, but they were identical twins as well, and that meant there was a bond between them which is not easily broken."

He paused and took a deep breath. "We know little of their background before coming into our care, but we know a lot about them afterward. We discovered quickly that they could not and would not be separated. They had very little interaction, either physically or emotionally, with females, and, for all intents and purposes, they were totally uncommunicative. The only way we could tell which boy was which was to say a name and see which one reacted. Even then, we couldn't be certain since they seemed to enjoy tricking people by swapping identities.

"All this led to serious problems for us over the next two years of their lives. It was almost impossible to find suitable foster homes for them and even more difficult to find suitable parents for them. Before Mr. de Villiers applied with us, CAS was running out of options. The foster home the twins were in could no-longer care for them. The marriage was becoming strained and the husband could no-longer care for them and still keep working. There was no-where else for them to go.

"When Mrs. Stillman met with Mr. de Villiers the first time and discovered that he was in a relationship with Mr. Hayes, we finally had a ray of hope and we pushed Mr. de Villiers to the top and made him a priority and we moved the process forward as quickly as possible. Their first meeting at CAS was monumental. Never before had we seen such a connection between the twins and a prospective parent. There was an instant bond which. . ."

"Yes," the Judge interrupted. "I recall reading that. I don't understand it completely. Could you elaborate on that, please?"

"Actually," Ron said as he turned and indicated Nancy, "Mrs. Stillman was there. She would be better to explain, Your Honour."

The Judge motioned her forward. I looked back at her and noticed my private investigator, Jacob McConnell, sitting at the back of the gallery. He caught my eye, nodded, and smiled at me.

Ron stepped aside and let Nancy take his place at the podium.

"State your name," the Judge said.

"Nancy Stillman."

"There was something about a one-way mirror?" the Judge asked.

"Yes, Your Honour," Nancy said. "I was with Mr. de Villiers and Mr. Hayes in the viewing room. The twins were playing in the observation area in the presence of an assistant. I believe it was Justin who looked up at the mirror, directly at Mr. de Villiers, and he smiled. Mr. de Villiers went into the room to meet them and to play with them for a few minutes, then returned to the viewing room. After a short time, Justin looked back up at the mirror and smiled again. Mr. de Villiers lifted his hand and waved, and Justin waved back."

"Isn't that impossible?" the Judge asked.

"Apparently not, Your Honour," Nancy continued. "I asked the assistant to look, and she did, but she could see nothing in the mirror. We did extensive testing of the mirror after that and could never duplicate what happened there that day."

Judge Carrington looked at the twins. "Could you really see him in the mirror?"

Justin nodded.

"Say ‘yes'," Brad whispered in prompt.

"Yes," Justin added.

"Could you see other people in the mirror when you went there?"

Again, Justin nodded and said, "Yes."

"Why didn't you smile or wave at them?" the Judge asked.

"They weren't our new Daddy," he said. He pointed at me. "This Daddy was our new Daddy."

"How did you know?"

Justin shrugged. "We knew."

The Judge sat back in his large chair, obviously impressed with what he had just heard. A weight dropped from my shoulders and I felt a whole lot closer to being able to call them my sons. Judge Carrington leaned into the bench once more. "Thank you, Mrs. Stillman," he said, and Nancy returned to her place. "Mr. Sparks? Do you have more to add?"

"Yes, please, Your Honour," Ron said as he stepped behind the podium once more. "Mr. de Villiers went out of his way and, at great expense, made a home for these boys. He bought a new van to accommodate his larger family and the car safety seats he would need, and he began making plans to convert his den and study into a bedroom and bathroom for the twins. He did this even before he knew we would be placing the twins into his custody for the probation period. He was also the one who brought the twins out of their shell and got them to speak for the first time in over two years. I believe their first words were. . . ‘Are you our new Daddy'.

"Mr. de Villiers has proven himself time and time again to be a dedicated and loving father. CAS has no objections whatsoever to the courts in granting his petition to adopt Justin and Jeremy permanently. Thank you, Your Honour."

The Judge nodded to him and Ron returned to sit beside Nancy.

"Mr. de Villiers? It is your turn now," the Judge added.

I stood up and started for the podium.

"You can speak from there if you wish," Judge Carrington told me.

I returned to stand in front of my chair, grasping my hands in front of me. "Thank you, Your Honour. My life changed when I met these boys."

I felt a tugging on my suit jacket and looked down at the boys. Both were reaching out for me.

To the Judge, I said, "May I, Your Honour?" He nodded and I picked them up, one in each arm. Their arms wrapped themselves around my neck and held tightly. "When I saw them in the observation room, I said that they needed me. I didn't realize until afterward that I needed them just as much. We all needed them. They became brothers to my daughter, Lindsay, and she took to her role as big sister far better than I could have hoped. They became grandsons to Brad's parents and to my own, and they became nephews to my friends. I can't imagine my life or my home or my family without Justin and Jeremy being part of it all.

"Mr. Sparks and Mrs. Stillman spoke of a bond. I felt that bond as well. Whatever the reason - kismet. . . serendipity. . . fate. . . whatever - I knew I was there for a reason. I knew I was meant to be their father, and I knew they were meant to be my sons, and I've done everything I can to make that happen. I will continue to do everything I can to be the best father I can be to them. Thank you."

I took my seat again, the boys settling easily into my lap. I hugged them closer and instinctively kissed their hair.

"Mr. Hayes," the Judge said, "do you have anything you wish to add?"

Brad stood up. "No, Your Honour. Ted has said everything for me."

As he began to sit down again, the Judge said, "Are those engagement rings?"

Brad stood straight again. "Yes, Sir. We're being married on July Fifteenth."

"Congratulations."

"Thank you," we both replied.

"Civil or church?"

"Church, Your Honour," Brad said.

The Judge nodded and Brad sat down. "Does anyone else have anything they wish to say?"

A voice sounded behind me. "I do, Your Honour." It was Warren. He came forward to the podium at the Judge's motion.

"State your name for the record, please," Judge Carrington said.

"Warren Anthony Michaels," Warren replied. "Your Honour, I've known Teddy since we were children. We grew up together. I was a fat little kid fighting with my sexuality. I was picked on and bullied all the time, but Teddy was always there to protect me. He took so many beatings for me, but he stood up to anyone who challenged him - and me. He does the same now for his family, and I know he'd do everything in his power to protect these boys. Teddy is the best person I know, Your Honour, and I love him dearly. Justin and Jeremy could never be in safer or more loving and capable hands. Thank you."

Warren turned and walked back to sit beside Bill. He avoided my gaze. I knew why. Both he and I would burst into tears if we looked at each other.

"Anyone else?" the Judge asked. No-one responded. Warren had said all that needed to be said. "Very well, then. Mr. de Villiers, do you have any objections to me talking with the twins privately in my chambers?"

I stood up. "No, Your Honour," I answered him. "I was expecting you would and I explained it to Justin and Jeremy yesterday. They're ready for you."

"Mrs. Stillman," Judge Carrington said. "Would you escort the twins to my chambers, please? This court is in recess." He banged his gavel on the wooden block.

"All rise!" the Bailiff said loudly as the Judge rose to his feet and went to his chambers.

As he disappeared inside, Nancy approached. I knelt down and set the boys on the floor. "Remember now, answer all the Judge's questions when he asks them, okay?"

"We will, Daddy," Justin said.

"And please don't try to trick him. It's very important. Now, you go with Nancy. I'll be right here when you come out again. I promise."

"Okay, Daddy," they said.

I hugged and kissed them as hard and as long as I dared. "I love you guys," I said. "I'll be right here for you. Now, run along with Nancy."

I released them and they took Nancy's hands. She walked them to the chambers door. The Bailiff opened it, indicating Nancy to enter. He remained there until Nancy appeared once more to stand beside the Bailiff, who quietly closed the door.

Brad helped me stand up again. I felt so weak. Only adrenalin had kept me going, and now it was gone. I felt good about the entire situation. It had gone well, and I was so proud of the boys' behaviour. I think they knew how very important this was to their future.

Brad turned me around and hugged me. "You did good, Pops," he whispered.

"So did you, Tiger," I whispered back.

We chanced a quick kiss on each other's cheek.

"I love you, Ted," he said.

"I love you, too, Brad," I answered. "God, how I love you."

He hugged me tighter before releasing me so I could face my friends as they gathered against the railing to talk to me. I remember the people, but I don't remember the words. There was lots of handshaking and hugs and kisses, but I don't remember anything else.

What I do remember is everyone suddenly returning to their seats and Brad guiding me back to mine. I looked toward the chambers door. It was open and Nancy and the Bailiff were entering. A few moments later, the Bailiff came out. He held Justin in his arms. Nancy followed close behind carrying Jeremy. Judge Carrington came next, closing the door behind him.

The twins were smiling, but the smiles quickly disappeared when the Bailiff walked past me and through the gate with Nancy right behind him. "Daddy?" Justin said. Then "Daddy!! Daddy!!"

And then the screaming and kicking began. My boys fought against the people who held them tightly and walked them toward the back doors.

"Let me go!" Jeremy was screeching.

"Daddy!!" Justin screamed. "Daddy!! Help us!! Daddy!! Daddy!!"

I watched them going up the aisle. There wasn't another sound in the room except for my boys screaming for me to help them, and there was nothing I could do.

The Bailiff opened the door to the right, holding it open with his foot as Nancy took my Jeremy through it, and then he went through himself. Justin made one last attempt to get away from him and he failed. His tiny hands grasped at the doorframe, and then they were yanked away and my babies disappeared from my view.

As the door closed, my babies' screams tore into my chest, grabbed my heart in their clutches, and ripped it right out.

To Be Continued​

 

[Trent0n1]

Oh bugger! What are you doing to us Neil?

 

[sheep]

Neil
You scared me half to death with the beginning and now you have dropped the biggest bombshell at the end. You are toying with our emotions. I just don't think I can take it

 

[tommy296]

Neil,

Could this be the weekend that we get an extra chapter?? Pleeeeaaasssee??? Seriously, thanks for the great story and killer cliffhanger!

 

[gsdx]

Neil,

Could this be the weekend that we get an extra chapter?? Pleeeeaaasssee???

It's already written, but you ain't gettin' it 'til Monday

It tore me apart to write, so it can tear you apart to wait.