The Lernier Family Chapter Forty Three - Kyle's Worries

Chapter Forty Three – Kyle’s Worries

The next morning I awoke to Rick’s fingers running through my hair.   I lifted my head, and met his eyes.   He grinned at me, and put his hands on either side of my head, kissing me.   Not breaking the kiss, he wrapped his arms around me, pulling me closer.   I molded my body to his.   We fit together, as if we were two interlocking puzzle pieces that were meant to go together.   His hands roamed my body, causing my skin to tingle everywhere he touched me.     

He soon rolled me onto my back.   He broke our kiss, and nibbled on my ears, as he made me his.   I moaned with pure pleasure, as he gently bit my nipples.   He started kissing me all over, taking me higher, until we both were consumed by our passion.  Afterward, I held him close, enjoying the feel of his body.   There is nothing like holding your lover after you’ve shown each other how much you love them!

There was a light tap on the door, and Kyle said, “Dad and Daddy, may I come in?”

I reached down to pull the sheet up over us, and shouted, “Come in!

Kyle opened the door and walked in.   He was dressed in only his boxer shorts.   He crossed the room and sat on the foot of our bed.   “How is Grandpa doing?”

“He had a stroke last night.   He’s paralyzed on the left side, and he can’t talk,” I said.   “I’m flying out later today, to be with Grandma.”

Kyle looked me in the eyes, and said, “I want to go with you, Daddy.   I want to see Grandpa.”  

Kyle is very close to my father.   There have been many times that I’ve found Kyle on the phone, talking to his Grandpa about school, or about his friends.   So, it didn’t come as a surprise when he asked to accompany me.  

However, before I could respond, Rick said, “But, what about your school work?   Don’t you have tests this week?”

Kyle said, “Yes, but it’s in my on-line physics class, so I can take them when I’m ready.”

Rick said, “What about your other classes?”

Kyle said, “I have an essay due in English, but I have to submit it online, and I don’t have any other major assignments due this week.   I can get my assignments from my teachers this morning, and turn them in next week.”

Rick looked at me, and asked, “What do you think, Babe?”

“I think he’s worked out the details, already.   I think he should come with me,” I said.

Rick smiled, “I knew that would be your answer.   I just wanted to make sure he wasn’t going to screw up his grades, by being out of school that long.”

Kyle said, “I promise I’m not going to get bad grades.”

Rick said, “Alright, I’ll write you a note to let the school know you’ll be out of school this week.”

Kyle bounced up off of the bed, and walked over to Rick, giving him a hug and a kiss.   “Thanks, Dad.”

“Hey, what about me?” I protested.

Kyle walked around to my side of the bed, and gave me a hug and a kiss.   “I love you, Daddy.”   At that moment, Kyle realized that we were both naked under the sheet.   He laughed, “I should have known you two were making out.”

Rick grinned up at our son.   “So, do you have a problem with that?”

Kyle shook his head.   “No, I don’t.   It makes me feel happy that my Dads love each other.”

I noted the growing bulge in his boxers, and I grinned up at him.   “I think someone needs to go take care of his hard on, this morning.”

Kyle blushed and put his hands in front of his boxers, in an attempt to hide his very erect cock.   “I’m sorry, Daddy, it’s just that the thought of you guys making out makes me horny.”

Rick laughed.   “Everything makes you horny, Kyle.   You shouldn’t be embarrassed.   Teenage boys your age are constantly sexually aroused.”

Kyle dropped his hands, and sat down next to me on the bed.   He said, “I know you’ve told me that before; but I still can’t get used to my dick getting hard all of the time, especially when it happens during class.   Sometimes, I get hard just because my boxers are rubbing against it.”

Rick said, sympathetically, “I had the same problem when I was your age, and I still have problems; because, just thinking about your Daddy gets my motor running.”   He smiled, and gave me a kiss on the lips.

Kyle said, “I’m glad to know I’m normal, but I just wish it wouldn’t happen at school.”   He stretched, flexing his muscles.   He saw me admiring him, and grinned.   “You’re so gay, Daddy!”

I laughed, and said, “Yes, I am, and proud of it!”

Rick said, “Our son has become quite a good looking guy.   It’s a wonder he doesn’t have a harem of girls following him around school.”

Kyle blushed, but grinned.   “Who says that I don’t?”

Rick said, “I was just checking.   I noticed there were quite a few text messages from some girl named Alexandra on your phone.   Who’s that?”

I said, “I thought you were only dating Catharine.”

Kyle said, “I am dating only Catharine, at the moment.   I met Alexandra at Catharine’s church, the other day.”

I glanced at Rick.  This was news to me.   I wasn’t aware that Rick had given Kyle permission to go to Catharine’s church.   Her church was one of the most virulently anti-gay denominations in the world.   Her church had spent millions of dollars, lobbying against gay marriage, helping write anti-gay legislation, and organizing anti-gay demonstrations.

Kyle saw my look, and quickly added, “I didn’t go to their church services, Daddy.   They had a party after school at her church, and she invited me to go with her.   I called Dad, and he said it was okay.”

I said, “Isn’t her church directly across the street from the school?”

Kyle nodded his head.   “Yes, it is.”

Rick said, “Her church is also known for its extensive missionary efforts.”

I said, “It’s pretty amazing that our enemies accuse us of having an agenda; when we don’t go door to door, trying to convert people to our religious views, like they do.”

Kyle said, “I know.   Catharine has already introduced me to their church’s missionaries, and she wants me to attend their Bible study classes.”

Rick said, “We’ve already talked about this subject.”

I said, “I know we have, but Kyle is still dating Catharine, and is being subjected to her church’s recruitment efforts.”

Kyle said, “I’m aware of what they’re doing, and I’ve told her that I’m not interested in attending her church.”

I said, “It’s typical of her church to recruit teenagers, especially those that are questioning their parents’ religious beliefs.”

I could tell Kyle was getting a little uncomfortable with the direction our conversation had taken.   I patted him on the back, and said, “It’s okay, Kyle.  We can talk more about religion, at another time.”

Kyle gave me a hug, and said, “I love you, Daddy.”   He stood up, and said, “I guess, I had better get my shower.”   He turned, and left our room, closing the door behind him.

Rick said, “Babe, don’t push him on the religion thing.   He’s already having trouble trying to decide what he believes.”

I sighed, and said, “I know.   I’ve listened to him and Ashley talking about Catharine’s religious beliefs.   I have to admit that her church teaches many doctrines that I find attractive.   However, their hatred of gays is too much to overlook.”

Rick said, “Kyle asked me what we would do if he joined Catharine’s church.”

I looked at him in shock.   “I didn’t realize things had gone that far.   I thought they were just really good friends.   This almost sounds like they plan to get married.”

Rick nodded his head.   “I meant to talk to you about it.   You know how Kyle always see things in black and white terms; there is no gray in his mind.   He told me last week that he thinks Catharine is going to dump him, because he’s not a member of her church.”

I looked into Rick’s eyes.   “What do you think we should do?”

“I think we need to tread lightly,” Rick said.   “I’m afraid that he’ll completely rebel against us, if we come down too hard on him about his desire to go with Catharine to her church.”

I said, “But, he would be joining our enemies, Rick.   How does he intend to reconcile how they treat gays, with the fact that we’re gay?   Not only that, I want to know when Catharine became more important than his family?”

Rick shook his head.   “I don’t know.   I haven’t talked about it with him.”

“Well, I’m not about to be shy, when it comes to speaking my mind about it.   He needs to really think about what he’s doing, before making a decision to join that church,” I said.   “Quite frankly, I would be deeply hurt, if he did.   To me, it would be like he doesn’t give a damn about us, after all we’ve done for him.”   I was starting to get upset, and I knew I needed to calm down.

Rick said, “Glenn, stop it.   Kyle hasn’t abandoned us, and he won’t.   You need to stop worrying about something that might not ever happen.”

I searched his eyes, and nodded my head.   “You’re right.   I am overreacting.”

Rick reached down and started to stroke me.   I laughed, and said, “You should have told Kyle that you’re horny 24 X 7.”

Rick agreed, “Yes, I should have, but he already knows that, because I can’t keep my hands off of you.   You’re so sexy!”   He kissed me deeply, causing things to move down below.

When we came up for air, he said, “We need to get ourselves cleaned up.”

He got out of bed, and turned to help me up.   He escorted me to our en suite, and turned on the shower, adjusting the temperature.   He pulled me under the shower, and proceeded to remind me that he loves me very much!

*** ***

We got out of the shower, and dried each other off.   I helped my husband get dressed, and he returned the favor.   I stood, admiring myself in the mirror, when Rick came up behind me and wrapped his arms around my waist.   I met his eyes in the mirror, and smiled.

“I love you, Babe,” I said.

Rick gently bit my neck, and I turned my head to meet his lips.   He kissed me deeply, pushing his hands down the front of my pants.   He stroked my cock, while he pulled on my balls, causing me to moan with pleasure.   I felt his steel pole pushing against me.   I closed my eyes, and leaned back against his chest, enjoying my husband’s attentions.

He stopped caressing me, and I opened my eyes.   “Please, don’t stop.”

He grinned.   “I just wanted you to know what I have in mind for you after we get the children off to school.”  I frowned, and he turned me around to face him.   “Don’t pout, Babe.   I promise to give you what you want, but you have to be patient.”

He gave me another quick kiss, and released me.   He took my hand and led me downstairs to the kitchen, where our children were making breakfast.  

I walked over to David, and gave him a hug.  “Thank you for making breakfast.”

David grinned, and said, “I love making pancakes.”

Purev said, “I love making breakfast, too.”

I gave him a hug, and said, “Thanks for helping with breakfast.   You two make a great team.”

Purev beamed, and said, “It’s because we’re such an awesome family.”

I said, “That’s so true.”

Ashley walked into the kitchen and took a seat at the table, placing her backpack at her feet.   “How’s Grandpa.”

“He had a stroke last night and is paralyzed on the left side.   He can’t talk, either.   I’m flying up to St. Catharines to be with Grandma,” I said.

Rick said, “The rest of us will be driving up after school on Friday.”

Ashley said, “Okay, but what if he dies before then?”

“I don’t think he’ll die before then.   Grandma said they are going to do what they can to help Grandpa recover,” I said.

JJ asked, “Will Grandpa be able to talk, again?”

“I don’t know, son,” I answered.   “We will have to wait and see how things go.”

Josh said, “May we go with you, Daddy?”

I looked at Rick, who shrugged his shoulders.   “I don’t see why not, since Kyle is going, as well.”

Rick smiled, and said, “It looks like you’ll have plenty of company on your flight.”

I saw the look the teens gave each other, and said, “All of us could go, if you don’t have any tests this week.”

Ashley said, “I’ve got two tests this week, so I can’t leave until Friday.”  She looked sad, so I walked over and put my arms around her.   She started to cry.   “I don’t want to lose Grandpa.”

I smoothed her hair, and said, “Grandpa isn’t going to leave us yet.”

My cell phone rang, and I pulled it out of my pocket.   I saw it was my mother, and answered it.   “Hey Mom!”

She replied, “Hello, son.”

“How’s Dad?”

“He’s doing much better.   The paralysis has gone away, but he still can’t speak,” she said.

“So, how is he communicating with you?” I asked.

“They have given him a whiteboard and some dry erase markers,” she answered.   “He’s gotten pretty good at writing down what he wants.”

I breathed a sigh of relief.   “It sounds like he’s going to recover, then.”

She said, “Well, he’s not paralyzed anymore; but, they still don’t know why his speech hasn’t returned.   The tests haven’t shown that anything’s wrong, but they can’t be sure.”

“Do you still need me to come?” I asked.

“Yes, and no, son.   I could use the support, but Dave and Mary are here with me, and I’m handling things okay, now that your Dad seems to be recovering,” Mom said.

“I was planning to fly up today, with the twins and Kyle; and Rick will drive up on Friday, with the rest of the family,” I said.

Mom said, “I hate to see you pay so much in air fare.   Why don’t you wait until Friday, and drive up with Rick, son?”

“Okay, Mom, if you’re sure you don’t need me to be there with you, right now,” I said.

“I’m sure,” she replied.   “That’s why I called so early, because I didn’t want you to spend all of that money, flying, when it would be better saved for another time.”

It never ceased to amaze me how money conscious Mom was!   I said, “Okay, Mom, we’ll plan to see you on Saturday, then.”

“I will let you know if anything changes with your Dad,” she said.

“I love you, Mom,” I said.

“I love you, too, son,” she responded.

I ended the call.   I glanced around the room, and said, “Grandpa is doing better.   It seems that the paralysis is gone, but his speech hasn’t returned yet.   They’ve given him a whiteboard to write on, and he seems to be adjusting to not being able to speak.”

Kyle, who had come into the kitchen while I was on the phone, asked, “Does this mean we’re not leaving today?”

I smiled at our son. “Sorry, buddy.   I know how much you were looking forward to getting out of school.”

Kyle smiled, and said, “I’m glad Grandpa is doing better, but you’re right.   I was looking forward to having a week away from school.”

Ashley said, “Now, you have to go to school, like the rest of us.”

Kyle sat down next to her, and said, “You could have come with us.   I’m sure Daddy would’ve let you.”

She looked over at me, and I nodded my head, “Yes, I would’ve let you come, if that is what you wanted to do.”

She smiled, and said, “We need to hurry.   Uncle Jeff will be here soon.”

Kyle looked at his watch.   “May I make a breakfast burrito to take with me?”

Purev said, “It’s already made.   I figured you wouldn’t have time to eat, so it’s already in the microwave.”

Kyle stood up, and walked across the room to the microwave.   He opened it and pulled out the burrito.   He grinned at Purev.   “Thanks.   You’re the best.”

Purev grinned, and said, “I want you to say that in front of all of your football buddies.”

Kyle walked over and high-fived Purev.   “Sure, I’ll do that for you.   Is there a specific one you’re interested in?”

Purev said, “No, I’ve got a boyfriend; but, I want all of them to know I’m the best, just in case we break up.”

Kyle put his arm around Purev.   “I don’t think Gabriel is going to dump you anytime soon.”

Purev looked at Kyle, and asked, “Why do you say that?”

“I overheard him talking with Mark about how happy he is when he’s with you,” Kyle said.

Ashley smiled, and said, “Kyle’s right.  Gabriel is so in love with you Purev, you’re never getting rid of him.   All he can talk about during lunch is you.   We finally told him that he can’t talk about you more than once during lunch, or he has to sit at a different table.”

Purev said, “I had no idea he was so taken with me.”

Kyle said, “Face it, bro., you’re stuck with Gabriel as your boyfriend!”

Purev grinned, and said, “I’m okay with that.”

There was a knock at the door, and Kyle said, “It’s time to go.”

The teenagers gave Rick and I a hug and kiss.   While the guys bolted out the door, Ashley walked over to the twins, and kissed each one on the top of the head.   “Be good for Dad and Daddy.”

JJ said, “We will.   We promise.”

Josh waved his hand in good bye, since his mouth was full of pancake.   Ashley laughed, and said, “Good bye, Josh.”   She ruffled his hair, and left to join the others.

The twins finished eating their breakfast, then we cleaned up the kitchen.   Rick put his arms around my waist, and pulled me close, giving me a kiss.   “What do you want to do with our day?”

“Let’s go downtown to the National Air and Space Museum,” I suggested.

Rick smiled, and said, “That sounds like a great idea.”   He looked over his shoulder at the twins, and asked, “What do you boys think?   Should we go see space ships and airplanes?”

Josh said, enthusiastically, “Yes, Dad, we love airplanes.”

JJ said, “And space ships.”   The twins jumped down from their chairs and chased each other around the kitchen.

“Boys, we have to do our studies, first,” Rick said.

JJ whined, “Do we have to?”

Rick said, “If you read a book for 15 minutes, we won’t do any other studies, today.”

They clapped their hands and ran from the kitchen, to get their books.   Rick led me into the family room, where the twins had already sat down on the floor, each with a pile of books.   Rick sat down on the couch, and pulled me down to sit between his legs.   I leaned back against his chest, enjoying the warmth of his body.   He slipped his arms around me, holding me tight.

“I’m so glad to have you home, Babe,” he said.   “You don’t know how much I’ve missed you.”

I turned my head, and met his lips.   We gave each other a tender kiss.   “I’ve missed you, too.”

It wasn’t long before JJ said, “It’s been 15 minutes, Dad.”

Rick looked at the clock over the mantel, and said, “Good.   If you want to watch cartoons this morning, you may.”

JJ jumped up and down, and ran to the television to turn it on.   I was feeling a little cold; so, I got up and turned on the gas fireplace.   I returned to Rick’s arms, and pulled a blanket up over us.   Rick held me tight, then his hands began to wander.  

I said, “Rick, the boys.”

Rick nibbled on my ear, and whispered, “They can’t see what I’m doing to you, because you covered us with a blanket.”

His hands continued exploring my body, paying particular attention to my cock.  I arched my back and turned to kiss him.   It wasn’t long before I came!

I went limp in his arms.   He asked, “Better?”

I nodded my head, enjoying the euphoria that comes after getting off.   After a while, I said, “Thanks, Babe, I needed that.”

Rick said, “You’re welcome.”

I pulled back the blanket and stood up.   Rick looked at me, and grinned.  “I think you need to change clothes.”

I leaned down to kiss him.   “I’ll be right back.”   I went up to our bedroom, and changed into some clean jeans.   I decided to go commando, just in case Rick got frisky.   I returned to the family room, and Rick looked me over, appreciatively.

“I like the jeans,” he said.   I modeled them for him, and he reached over to give my butt a squeeze.   “Just right.”

I laughed, and said, “I’m glad you approve.”   I love how my husband makes me feel, when he undresses me with his eyes!  

I said, “Come help me get lunch together.”

I pulled him to his feet, and we walked, hand in hand, into the kitchen.   We prepared sack lunches for each of us.   We had just finished, when Rick came up behind me, and pinned me against the kitchen counter.  

He put his arms around me, and said, “I want to fuck you, right here and now.”

I turned my head, and kissed him.   “What about the twins?”

“They’re busy watching their favorite show.   Besides, I’m so horny, it won’t take me long to cum,” he said.

“Let’s take this to our bedroom,” I said.   “We can bring the baby monitor down here so we can hear what’s going on.”

Rick reluctantly agreed.   He ran up the stairs, and returned with the baby monitor.   He placed it in the family room, and said, “Boys, Dad and Daddy are going to be in our bedroom for a little while.   If you need us, just shout out for us, and we’ll hear you.”

JJ looked up at his father, and said, “We know, Dad.”   He turned back to their television program.

Rick smiled, and met me at the foot of the stairs.   “All set,” he said.   He took me by the hand, and led me upstairs.   As soon as the bedroom door was closed, we lost our clothes.    He lifted me off my feet and placed me on our bed.   I looked up into his eyes, and saw that I was in for the ride of my life, because Rick was, indeed, very horny!

Afterward, we took a quick shower together, and rejoined the boys in the family room.   They were watching Shining Time Station with rapt attention.   The little trains were their favorites, especially Thomas and Percy.  

The program ended, and JJ asked, “Is it time to go?”

I looked at the clock and said, “Yes, we can go now.”

We spent the entire day in the museum.   We watched several movies in the IMAX theatre, and took in a show in the planetarium.   I watch Rick interacting with our boys.   He was just as excited as they were to be in the museum.   He talked animatedly about everything, pointing out to the twins things he thought they would like.   At one point, the three of them were so excited, that I laughed out loud.   Rick looked up at me, and asked, “What’s so funny.”

“You’re just as excited as the twins,” I said.

Rick grinned, and said, “Absolutely.   Where do you think they get it from?”

I walked over and put my arm around his waist, looking him the eyes.   “I think their father is to blame.”

He gave me a quick kiss on the lips.   JJ walked over, and put his arms up.   “May I sit on your shoulders, Dad?”

“Sure,” Rick responded, lifting JJ to his shoulders.

Josh, not about to be outdone, walked over to me.   I said, “Yes, I’ll let you ride on my shoulders.”   I lifted him to my shoulders.   He immediately took a couple of handfuls of my hair to steady himself.   “Hey, don’t pull my hair.   Hold onto my ears, if you want.”

He released my hair, and put his hands on my ears.   We walked around several of the exhibits, before they decided they wanted to get down, and run to the next exhibit.   By the time we left the museum, the twins were tuckered out.   We each took one of the twins in our arms and carried them back to the car, and buckled them into their car seats.   As Rick drove us back home, I looked over my shoulder to see the twins had fallen asleep.

I put my hand on his inner thigh, and said, “I enjoyed spending time with my guys today.”

Rick put his hand over mine.   “I loved it, too.”   He gave me that ‘look,’ and said, “Patience, Babe.   We’ll be home soon enough.”

I pouted, and said, “You’re such a spoil sport.   I just wanted to have some fun.”

He laughed, and said, “I just want to arrive home safely.   If I let you get me off while I’m driving, I’m not sure I can maintain control of the vehicle.”

I grinned, and said, “So, you admit that you lose control, when I bring you to orgasm.”

Rick said, “You already know that you’ve got me where you want me, Babe.   I’m so addicted to you, I couldn’t resist you even, if I wanted to.”   He glanced over at me, and I gave him a smile.

“Yes, I know, and you’ve got me in the same place.   So, I guess you could say we’re each other’s addiction,” I said.

Rick asked, “Isn’t that how it’s supposed to be?”

“Yes, it is,” I agreed.

We arrived home to find that the teens had dinner waiting on the table for us.  

Purev said, “Welcome home, Dad and Daddy.”  He hugged us.  

I held him at arm’s length, and looked him over.   “I believe you’ve grown.”

Purev grinned.   “Yes, I’m two inches taller now than I was a couple of weeks ago.   I’m the same height as Gabriel, now.”

“How does he feel about that?” I asked.

Purev said, “He says we’re perfectly matched, now, in every way.”   There was something in the way he said it that set me to thinking they were more than just boyfriends, but lovers.   I didn’t say anything, but made a mental note to talk to Purev later about it.   I wanted to make sure they were having safe sex.  

David said, “Dinner is on the table.”

Rick and I took off our coats and helped the twins out of theirs.   We followed the two boys into the kitchen.   We found the rest of the family already assembled around the table.   We took our seats and joined hands to bless the food.

After saying grace, Rick looked at the meal the boys had prepared.   “Wow!   I’m impressed.”

There was a green salad, a fruit bowl with cantaloupe, watermelon, strawberries, and grapes, mashed potatoes and gravy, and beef roast, beautifully carved and nicely plated with a garnish of lettuce leaves.   The table was set with our everyday-dishes, but they had set the crystal out – water glasses and goblets.   The goblets were filled with sparkling apple cider (non-alcoholic).

Rick picked up his goblet and said, “A toast to the best family in the entire world.”

After the toast, David asked, “Dad, Mark’s dad is being discharged from the Marines, next month.”

Rick said, “That is probably a good thing, David.   It’s better that he not be put in situations where he could do some real damage, given his mental state.”

“Mark says they don’t know where they’re going to live, since his Dad won’t have a job,” David said.

I looked at David, and asked, “Are you worried that they’ll move away?”

David returned my gaze.   “Yes, I don’t want to lose my boyfriend.   Is there something we can do to help Mark’s dad?”

I looked over at Rick.   I knew how he felt about Mark’s dad, and I wasn’t sure how Rick was going to react to David’s question.

Rick met my gaze, and said, “Let me think about it, David.   You know how homophobic Mr. Henderson is.”

David said, “Mark thinks he may have changed.”

“Why does he think that?” I asked.

“Because he got to talk to his dad on the phone last week, and Mark asked him if he hated gays, and he said, no, he didn’t hate gays,” David responded.

I said, skeptically, “I doubt he was being honest with his son.”

David said, “Maybe you can talk to him, Daddy.   I really don’t want to lose Mark.”

I said, “We’ll see, David.   I’m not promising anything, but I will discuss it with your Dad.”

I looked over at Kyle and noticed he seemed really down.   His eyes were red, as if he had been crying.   I didn’t ask what was up, knowing that he wouldn’t admit he had been crying, in front of his brothers and sister.   I tapped Rick on the elbow, and nodded toward Kyle.

Rick looked over at our son, and nodded his head.   He mouthed, “Later.”   I nodded my head, and asked, “Ashley, how was your day?”

“It was great, Daddy,” she responded.   “My art teacher really likes my still life sketches, and wants to put them on display at the school.”

“Cool!” Rick exclaimed.   “When will they put them up?”

“Tomorrow,” she said.

“So, we’ll have to make a special trip to the school to see your artwork,” he said, smiling at her.   “It’s a good thing we got you that pencil and sketch set for Christmas.”

She nodded her head.   “Yes, it’s been wonderful, Dad.   I’ve used it a lot.”

Purev said, “Mr. Ketchum announced the directors of the one act plays, today, and I’m going to be one of the eight directors.”

“Congratulations, Purev!” Rick said.   “Do you know which play you’ll be directing?”

“No, but we have to choose one from the list Mr. Ketchum provided to us,” Purev said.   “I’m really nervous about it.   We have to choose a play, then we have to conduct auditions, to get our cast together,” Purev said.

“I’m sure you’ll do just fine,” I said.

Purev smiled, “I hope so.”

We talked some more about Purev’s new adventure in the drama department.   We finished eating, and cleared the dishes.  

Kyle said, “Purev.   You and David cooked the dinner; so, I’ll help clean up.”

I raised my eyebrows, and looked a question at Kyle.   He met my gaze, and shrugged his shoulders.   As the rest of the children left the kitchen, Ashley leaned over and whispered, “Tell them, Kyle.”

She left, taking the twins with her.   “Let’s go build a train, boys.”

JJ said, excitedly, “I get Percy.”

I smiled, as they chattered about their plans for their railroad.   Kyle stood up and walked over to the sink.   I glanced over at Rick and waited.   Kyle turned around and said, “Catharine told me today that she can’t go out with me, anymore, because I’m not a member of her church.   She wants to go out with other guys; particularly ones from her church.   Her family is worried that she’ll want to marry me, and I don’t belong to their faith.”

His voice broke, as he started to weep.   We stood up and pulled him into a group hug.   I smoothed his hair away from his forehead.  “Its okay, Kyle.   We’re here for you.”

He clung to us, as his body was wracked with sobs.   We held him until the storm subsided.   “Let’s go upstairs to our room, to talk about this,” Rick said.

We went upstairs to our bedroom.   Entering our room, Kyle jumped on our bed, and waited for us to join him.   He looked so forlorn and vulnerable.   My heart went out to him.   Here was our teenage jock and resident Mr. Tough Guy, looking like his world had come to an end.   His normal “I’m invincible” attitude was gone.   His chocolate brown eyes glittered with unshed tears; and his lower lip trembled slightly, because of the strength of the emotions he was feeling.   I felt a white hot anger shoot through me, that Catharine had hurt our son so badly.   I quickly smothered my anger, knowing that it wouldn’t make things better for Kyle.  

Rick and I had talked about the eventuality that Kyle would get dumped by his girlfriend.   We knew that Kyle would be hurt, but I don’t think we could’ve predicted how devastated he was going to be, when it actually happened.   What we were witnessing wasn’t anything I was prepared to see in our oldest son.

Kyle has never been one to do anything half way, and this includes his relationships with others.   He is totally committed to his friends and family, and heaven help you, if you’re his enemy; because, with him, there is no in between, or gray areas.

We joined him on our bed, with Kyle in between us.   Kyle rolled over, facing me, and clung to me, while Rick embraced us both.   Through his tears, Kyle said, “I don’t know what to do.”

Rick asked, “Did she say she doesn’t want to see you, anymore?”

Kyle responded, “No, she wants to still be friends, but I can’t just be friends.   Everyone knows we were a couple; and, now, we’re not.”

“Do your friends know?” I asked.

Kyle nodded his head, as I put my hand to his face to wipe away his tears.   I took his glasses off, and placed them on the nightstand next to our bed.   He buried his face in my chest, tears still streaming down his face.  

I smoothed his hair, and said, “It’s okay to grieve for what you’ve lost.”

Rick said, “At least she didn’t send anyone to beat you up.”

Kyle laughed through his tears.   “I made sure I didn’t get her pregnant, Dad.”

“Smart man,” Rick said, kissing the top of Kyle’s head.

Kyle released his hold on me, and rolled over to face his Dad.   “I followed your advice, Dad.”   His voice stronger than it had been.

Rick smiled, and said, “Then, listen to me, now.   This is not the end of the world.   I would advise you to start going out with someone else.  I don’t want you to spend too much time feeling sorry for yourself.   You don’t have time to waste on a pity party, son.   You can grieve for what you’ve lost, but don’t wallow in self-pity.   I know it’s easier said, than done; but, that’s how things are.”

Kyle nodded his head, and said, “I know you’re right; but, my heart hurts, Dad.   Is it always this bad when you break up with someone?”

Rick nodded his head.   “Yes, and sometimes, it’s worse.   We need to keep an eye on you for the next little while, Kyle.   It’s too easy to slip into depression when something like this happens.   That’s why it’s so important to get back out into circulation with the girls; to counteract the negative feelings you’re experiencing, right now.   There are lots of girls who would gladly welcome the chance to go out with such a handsome guy as you.”

Kyle smiled, and said, “That sounds like something Daddy would say.”

 I hugged him from behind.   “Yes, it is.   Are you sure you don’t want us to find you a gay guy to date?”

Kyle laughed, and said, “No thanks, Daddy.   I can find my own dates.   There are two gay guys who’ve already asked me out.   I told them I’m not into guys, but if I wanted to go out with a guy, I know who to call.”

“Did you tell them they could go out with your brothers?” I asked.

Kyle said, “Yes, I did.   I even gave them Purev’s and David’s cell numbers.”

“So, what are you going to do about Catharine?” I asked.

He replied, “I guess I’ll ask out Sherry Biosh.   She’s in my math class, and has been eating lunch with us.”

“Good,” I said.   “I’m glad to hear that you’ve got a plan of action already.”

Rick asked, “Are we good?”

Kyle nodded his head.   “Thanks, Dad.   I just needed to be hugged.”

“Well, we’re always here for that, Kyle,” I said.   “We love you.”

Kyle said, “I love you.”

Kyle kissed his Dad in the cheek, then turned his head to kiss me on the cheek, as well.   He grinned, and said, “It’s too bad you’re my Dads, because you’re both pretty hot.   Quinn’s Mom said she could really go for either one of you.   She told Quinn’s dad he needed to get in shape, like you guys.”

Kyle put his hands around Rick’s biceps.   Rick flexed them, automatically.   Kyle whistled.   “Wow!   Dad you’ve got some big guns!”

Rick grinned, and said, ‘Of course, I have to keep ahead of you, boy.   I can’t have you getting stronger than I am.”

Kyle said, “I’m trying, Dad.   I’ll get there some day.”

Rick said, “We’ll see about that.   I’m not about to stop lifting weights and working out, so I plan to keep getting stronger, too.”

I decided to step into this friendly challenge between the two alpha males in my life.   “Guys, I’m going to beat you both.”

Kyle said, “No way!   I know I can become at least as strong as you, Daddy.   I’m almost there right now.”   He rolled over, and put his hands around my biceps.   I flexed them, and Kyle grinned at me.   “See, I can put my hands around your biceps, but I can’t quite make my fingers touch when I put them around Dad’s”

“That’s because your Dad is a much bigger man than I am,” I said.

Kyle nodded his head, and said, “Yes, but I’m the same height as you; but my arms are bigger than yours, so I’m going to be stronger than you.”

I smirked, and said, “You think!”

Kyle said, “Well, I can bench press more than you.”

“Yes, you can, Kyle; but, I still beat you at arm wrestling, every time,” I said, tickling him.

Kyle giggled, and tried to roll away from me.   Rick put his arms around Kyle, and looked at me.   He grinned, and asked, “Are we tickling Kyle into submission?”

Kyle struggled to escape his Dad’s embrace.   “No way!”

I leaned in, and kissed him on the cheek.   “Then say, “Daddy, you’re still stronger than I am.”

He laughed, and shook his head.   “Never!”

I started tickling him, and he quickly surrendered.  “Daddy, you’re still stronger than I am.”

I stopped tickling him, and laughed.   “See, you’re not as tough as you like to think you are.”

Kyle smiled, and said, “Only you and Dad know that I’m ticklish.   I would never let anyone else ever tickle me.”

“Not even your girlfriend?” I asked.

He said, “Especially not a girl.”

“Good,” I said.   “Are you going to be alright?’

Kyle nodded his head.   “I’m okay.   If I get feeling bad again, I’ll come find you and Dad.”

“Okay, buddy,” Rick said.   “Do you have homework?”

Kyle said, “Yes, I do.   I need to get ready for my online physics class.”

We gave him a hug and a kiss, and let him go.   He stood up and looked down at us.   “You’re the best Dads anyone could ever have.”

Rick said, “Thank you, son.   You’re just as wonderful.   Don’t you ever forget it!”

Kyle grinned, and said, “I won’t.”

He turned and left our room, the swagger back in his step.   We watched him go, and I turned to Rick, and said, “He’s going to make someone a mighty fine husband, someday.”

“Yes, Catharine doesn’t know what she just lost,” Rick said.

*** ***

The week flew by, Friday arrived.   We packed up the minivan, and picked up the children from school.   Jeff followed us in his SUV, with Caroline and Marie.   As usual, Kyle chose to ride with the girls, in Jeff’s vehicle.   The two girls seemed to know exactly what Kyle needed!   By the time we arrived in St. Catharines, Kyle seemed to have lost every trace of the clouds that had accompanied him all week.

The next morning, we awoke to find that the twins had joined us in our bed.   JJ asked, “May we have pancakes?”

“Yes, if you can convince David to make them for you,” I said.

The twins scrambled down from our bed, and scampered out of the room.   I looked over at Rick and he yawned widely.   “Can’t they ever sleep in?

“No, they can’t.   They are always up with the sun, Babe,” I said.

Rick shook his head, and rolled over.   I spooned up against him and he soon drifted off to sleep.   I, however, was wide awake.   I slipped from our bed and made my way to our en suite, to take care of my needs.   I pulled on a clean pair of bikini speedos and tight fitting t-shirt.   I admired my image in the full length mirror on the back of our bedroom door.   I noted how my pectorals and abs showed through the fabric of my t-shirt.   I thought to myself, “I’m still in good shape.”   I turned to look at my butt in the mirror.   The speedos were a size smaller than I really wore, so they stretched tight across my cheeks.   I nodded my head in approval.   I still had what it takes to keep Rick’s attention!  

Smiling, I walked downstairs, and found David in the kitchen making pancakes.   I walked over and hugged him.

“Thank you for making pancakes,” I said.

David said, “You’re welcome, Daddy.”   He looked me over, and said, one gay man to another, “You’re looking to get laid, Daddy.”  

I blushed.   “Am I that obvious?”

David said, “Yes.   We all know how turned on Dad gets when you wear your clothes really tight like that.”

“Is there anything wrong with that?” I asked.

“No, because you’re married, and you should do those things that make Dad happy, like dressing really sexy for him,” David said.   “I hope my husband will dress like you do, to make me happy.”

“I’m sure you’ll find the right guy for you, David,” I said.

I put the coffee on, and returned to our bedroom.   I opened the door to find Rick staring up at the ceiling.   “What’s up?” I asked.

Rick grinned, and threw back the blankets.   “I’m up, that’s what.”   He beckoned for me to join him.   He said, “Lose the clothes, Babe.”

I obediently stripped, and straddled him, taking him in one swift motion.   He gasped with the sudden pleasure he felt.   I leaned over and captured his lips in a passionate kiss, while I worked over his cock.   It wasn’t long before Rick shared his man juices with me.   I collapsed on top of him, and he wrapped his arms around me, kissing my neck, chin, nose, eyes, and finally my lips.

“I love you, Babe,” he said.

“I love you, too,” I responded.

He held me close until he slipped out of me.   “Let’s get our shower,” he said.

I said, “Sounds good to me.”   He released me, with a quick kiss on the lips.   I got up, and helped him to his feet.   I took his hand and led him to our en suite.   He said, “Now, it’s your turn.”  He proceeded to seduce me under the warm cascade of water pouring over us, leaving no doubt that he loved me.

A short time later, we joined the rest of the family in the kitchen for breakfast.   Later in the morning, we drove over to the hospital, to meet Mom.   We went up to Dad’s private hospital room, and walked in.

Dad was sitting up in his bed, with a whiteboard on his lap and a dry erase marker in his hand.   I was shocked at how much he had aged in the last few weeks, since we saw him.   I watched as he quickly scribbled something on it, and he held it up for me to read.

It said, “Hello, son!   I’m glad you came!”

I read it, and lifted my eyes to his.   I smiled, and said, “I’m glad we came, too.”

I stepped aside, as the twins barreled past me.   “Hey!   Slow down!” 

The twins stopped running, and JJ turned to face me.   “Sorry, Daddy.”

He took Josh’s hand in his and the walked over to Dad’s bed.   “May we get on the bed with you, Grandpa?” JJ asked.

Dad erased his board, and wrote, “Yes.”

The twins scrambled up onto the bed.   Dad looked haggard and worn out, but as the boys talked to him, his expression changed to one of joy and happiness.   The twins had that kind of impact on everyone they met.

Kyle walked over to Mom and put his arms around her.   “Hi Grandma!”   He kissed her cheek. 

She looked up at him, and said, “Hello, Kyle.   You’ve gotten taller.”

He smiled, and said, “I’m as tall as Daddy, now.”

She looked over at me, and smiled.   “Your boy is growing up.”

I returned her smile.   “Yes, he is, Mom.”

David and Purev walked over, and tapped Kyle on the shoulder.   David said, “Hey!   It’s our turn to give Grandma a hug.”

Kyle released my mother, and said, “But, I get to give her extra hugs later!”

David hugged her and gave her a kiss, followed by Purev.   David said, “We love you, Grandma.”

Meanwhile, Kyle walked over to the hospital bed, and leaned to give Dad a hug.   “Hey, Grandpa!   I’m glad you’re doing better.”

Dad wrote, “I am too, Kyle.”

“When the twins are done visiting with you, I’ll tell you about school,” Kyle said.

Dad wrote, “Okay.”   He smiled up at Kyle.

JJ protested, “Kyle, we’re talking to Grandpa.”

“I know, I’ll wait my turn,” Kyle said, ruffling JJ’s hair.

Ashley hugged mom, and said, “I brought my sketch book.   I thought Grandpa would like to see some of my drawings.”

Mom said, “I’m sure he will, dear.”

Rick and I walked over, and I hugged her.   “How are you doing, Mom?”

She said, “I’m hanging in there, son.”

Rick put his arm around her shoulders, and said, “We’re here for you, Mom.”

She looked up at him, and said, “Thank you for bringing the family.   It does my heart good to have the grandchildren here.   I know it’s good for Don.   Just watching him with the twins has shown me that.”

“Mom, we can only stay the weekend, since the children need to be back to school on Monday,” I said.

“I know, but I appreciate the fact that you’re here, now,” she said, smiling at me.   She sat down, and said, “Ashley, let me see your drawings.”

Ashley sat down next her and opened her sketch pad.  

Rick and I walked over to Dad, and gave him a hug.   I said, “We’ll be back up to visit in a few minutes.   Do you want anything from the cafeteria?”

Dad wrote, “Yes, some coffee.”

“Okay, we’ll be back,” I said.

Rick took my hand, and led me out the hospital room, and down the hall to the elevators.   “Dad has really aged.” Rick said.

“I know,” I agreed.   “I just hope he can get his speech back.   Dad has always been pretty vocal, and not being able to speak has got to be a real downer for him.”

Rick said, “Maybe he’ll learn sign language.”

I shook my head.   “I don’t think so.   He’s always been pretty opposed to learning other languages.   He refused to learn French, even though he took French in school.”

“Didn’t he push you to learn French?” Rick said.

“Yes, he did, but that doesn’t mean he ever learned to speak it.   He understands it, but won’t speak it,” I said.   “He always said that he didn’t need to speak French on the farm; but he told us that, if we weren’t going to stay on the farm, we needed to speak French.”

We entered the elevator and Rick punched the button for the ground floor, where the cafeteria was located.   When the doors closed, he pulled me into his arms and kissed me, deeply.

He released me as the doors slid open.   He grinned, and said, “I love you.”

We walked hand in hand down the corridor to the cafeteria.   We picked up some snacks, and purchased them and the coffee Dad wanted.   We returned to find the twins had finished talking to their Grandpa, and were looking at the drawings in Ashley’s book.

Kyle had pulled over a chair, and was talking, animatedly, to my Dad about his adventures at school.   Dad glanced up at us, as we entered.   I sat his cup of coffee on his tray, and he wrote, “Thx!” on his board, turning his attention back to Kyle.

Each of the teens spent some time talking to their Grandpa.   Dad’s lunch arrived, so we sent the children down to the cafeteria to get their lunch, while Rick and I visited with Dad.

I talked to him about work, and Rick related his experiences with homeschooling.   Dad wrote, “I’m so proud of both of you.   You’re raising a fine family.”

Rick said, “Thank you, Dad.   We’re doing the best we can.”

He wrote, “I love you both.   I’m glad you resisted my efforts to break you apart.   I was wrong.   I hope you can forgive me.”

I said, “We forgave you a long time ago.”

“I just wanted you to know that you did the right thing by marrying Rick.   He’s been a great husband and father,” he wrote.

Rick said, “Dad, we love you.”

He smiled and leaned back against his pillows.   He closed his eyes, and smiled.  

Mom said, “He’ll sleep for a bit, now that he’s had his lunch.”

“We’ll take the children home for the afternoon, and come back just before dinner,” Rick said.

Mom smiled, and said, “Thank you for coming.   I’ll see you a little later.”

The children returned from eating lunch.   I said, “Let’s go home, children.   Give your Grandma a hug and kiss, but don’t wake Grandpa.   He’s resting.”

We said our good byes, and made our way back to the minivan.   We returned home, and spent the afternoon relaxing in front of the fireplace, while the boys played video games, and Ashley played with the twins, building trains (their most favorite pastime!).  

Jeff sat across from us, and said, “The girls seemed to have helped Kyle out of his depression.”   He nodded to where Kyle sat on the floor playing cards with Caroline and Marie.

I said, “Thank you for bringing the girls.”

Rick laughed, and said, “There’s nothing better for a guy’s ego than to have two women fawning over him.”

Jeff smiled.   “I agree.   I just wish I had a woman of my own.”

I looked at him speculatively.   “Would you be interested in dating a guy?”

Jeff met my gaze, and said, “I have thought about it, after seeing how happy you two are.”

Cole, who was sitting next to him on the loveseat, said, “I wouldn’t mind dating you, Jeff.”

Jeff turned to face Cole.  He met Cole’s brilliant blue eyes, and said, “Are you sure, Cole?”

Cole grinned.   “Yes, I’m sure.   I think you’re a real stud!” 

Jeff blushed.   He knew Cole was gay, but he was surprised that Cole thought he was good looking.   He had always treated Cole as an equal, rather than a subordinate.   In fact, he and the younger man had become very close friends.   The thought of taking their relationship to the next level had never crossed his mind.   The focus of his life had been his daughters, rather than looking for a companion.  

Cole reached over and put his hand on Jeff’s arm.   “I know you don’t think you’re a great looking guy, but you need to give yourself some credit.”

Jeff said, “I’m surprised you would consider going out with me, after working with me.”

Cole laughed.   “That’s the very reason I said I would like to be your boyfriend.   I’ve watched how you treat your girls, and you’ve been great to work for.”

Jeff looked at me and Rick.   “I don’t think we could date each other, while I’m still his boss.”

Rick said, “Well, I think we could transfer Cole to the apartment complex security.   Then, he would work for Eddie and Jamie, instead of directly for you.”

Jeff looked back at Cole.   “I don’t know where to start.”

Cole gave Jeff a lecherous grin.   “Let’s start by going upstairs to your room.   I think we will be able to figure it out from there.”   He stood up, and took Jeff’s hand, pulling him to his feet.   The two men left the room.

They entered Jeff’s room, and Cole closed and locked the door behind them.   Jeff said, “I’m not sure I’m ready for this.”

Cole smiled.   “I think you are.   I’ve seen the way you look at me!”

Jeff looked at Cole in surprise.   “I don’t know what you mean.”

Cole said, “Yes, you do.   You’ve undressed me with your eyes quite a few times, Jeff.”

He started to undress, doing a strip tease for Jeff.   Jeff’s gaze was glued to Cole’s lithe body.   He was surprised to see that Cole had zero body hair.   He met Cole’s gaze, and Cole licked his lips.  

Cole walked over to Jeff, and gently squeezed Jeff’s steel pole.   “It seems that you’re ready for some action.”

Jeff moaned with pleasure as Cole stroked him.   Cole started to undress him, unbuttoning his shirt, then pulled it off of his arms.   Next, he unbuckled Jeff’s belt, unbutton his jeans, and pushed them to the ground, along with his boxer shorts.   Cole wrapped his arms around Jeff’s waist, pulling him close.   Cole kissed him, running his tongue over Jeff’s lips.

Jeff stood stiff in Cole’s arms, at first, unsure of what he wanted.   But his moment of indecision lasted mere seconds, because Cole began stroking him again.   His desire to fuck Cole quickly overpowered any doubts he had about having sex with a guy.   He opened his mouth and French kissed Cole, putting his hands on either side of Cole’s face.

A short while later, he lay totally exhausted next to Cole.   He rolled over on his side, and ran his hand over the smooth skin of Cole’s chest.   He met Cole’s gaze, and said, “Thank you.”

Cole grinned.   “No, I’m the one who should be thanking you.   You were totally awesome!”

Jeff said, doubtfully, “Are you sure?   No one has ever told me I was great in bed.”

“That’s because you’ve never had sex with a guy before,” Cole said.   “How do you feel about having sex with me?”

Jeff smiled, and said, “Do you even have to ask?”

Cole laughed.   “I just wanted to make sure.”

“But I’m not sure I’m ready to let you fuck me, though,” Jeff said.

“We don’t have to go there, until you’re ready, Jeff,” Cole said.  

Jeff frowned.   “I want to give you as much pleasure as you give me.”

Cole put his hand to Jeff’s face, cupping his cheek.   “You did give me pleasure.   You brought me to orgasm, just before you filled me with your cum.   Remember?”

Jeff nodded.   “I was surprised that happened.   I’ve never thought I could bring a guy to orgasm just by fucking him.”

Cole smiled, and said, “Well, now you know you can.   So, don’t worry about me.   I want to fuck you, but I’m willing to wait, until you’re ready.”

Jeff said, “Thank you for being so patient with me.”

Cole said, “Well, I think you can be trained, don’t you?”

Jeff laughed.   “Yes, I can be taught.”

He kissed Cole, deeply.   Cole felt Jeff’s male member stiffen against him.   He reached down and began stroking it.   Jeff pulled his hand off, and said, “I want to fuck you again.”

Cole said, “I’m ready, if you are.”

Jeff grinned, and proceeded to show Cole just how ready he was!

*** ***

Rick and I were sitting at the kitchen table, when Jeff and Cole walked into the kitchen.   They had that special glow about them that told us they had been enjoying themselves.   I met Cole’s gaze, and he grinned, giving me the thumbs up sign.

Rick said, “Well, it looks like you scored, Jeff.”

Jeff blushed, but held Rick’s gaze.   He took Cole’s hand in his.   “I want you to meet my new boyfriend, Cole Moran.”

Cole laughed.   “Jeff, you’re so goofy.”

Jeff smiled, “I thought I was sexy and handsome, not goofy.”

Cole kissed him, and said, “You’re sexy and handsome, but goofy at the same time.”

They sat down at the table across from us.   Jeff asked, “Where are the girls?”

“We’re right here,” Caroline said, as she and Marie walked into the kitchen, followed by Kyle.   Before Jeff could say anything more, Caroline continued, “Yes, we know that you and Cole are a couple.”

Jeff looked incredulous.   “How did you know?”

Marie said, “It’s been pretty obvious to us that you’re in love with Cole.”

“But…” Jeff stated to protest.

Caroline cut him off, “We’ve watched you making eyes at Cole, for some time.   Plus, Cole hasn’t made it any big secret that he’s had a huge crush on you.   He’s pestered me and Marie for every bit of information about you.”

Seeing Jeff’s look of disbelief, Kyle said, “It’s true, Jeff.   We were wondering how long it was going to take for you to recognize the fact that you and Cole were falling in love with each other.”

Jeff looked at Cole, then back at his daughters and Kyle.   “I can’t believe that you’ve known all along that I was attracted to Cole.   I didn’t even know it myself.”

Rick said, “I beg to differ, Jeff.   I think you didn’t to admit to yourself that you were attracted to Cole.”

Cole said, “It’s true, Jeff; but, I’m glad you finally came around.”   Cole leaned over and kissed Jeff.

He blushed.   “Cole…”

Marie said, “You don’t have to be embarrassed, Dad.   I think it’s cute.”

Cole took Jeff’s hand in his.   “I think you have your answer, Jeff.   The girls are fine with you having a boyfriend.”

Caroline said, “Yes, we’re glad you finally woke up and discovered Cole.”

Jeff said, “I don’t know what to say.”

I laughed, and said, “You don’t need to say anything.”

Rick and I cooked dinner, while Jeff and Cole sat at the kitchen table talking with Jeff’s daughters and Kyle.   Later, we returned to visit with Mom and Dad.   The next morning, we packed everything back into the minivan for the trip back to Virginia.   We returned to the hospital, to visit with Mom and Dad one more time, before hitting the road.   We brought dominos and a deck of cards with us, and played games with Dad for several hours.   Dad won most of the card games, but lost at dominoes.

While he played dominoes with the twins, I said, “Mom, he looks so much better than he did yesterday.”

She smiled, and said, “Your visit has lifted his spirits.   He told me last night that seeing the twins reminded him what he had to live for.   Up until then, he was pretty discouraged, and didn’t want to go on.   I was afraid he was going to give up.”   Her eyes sparkled with unshed tears.   “I scolded him for being a quitter, but he ignored me.   It wasn’t until you came with the children that he decided to do his best to recover from the effects of the stroke.”

Rick said, “I’m glad we came, then.”

Mom said, ‘I am, too.”

When it came time to go, each of the children hugged Dad, and told him to hurry up and get better! Rick and I hugged him, and gave him a kiss on the cheek.

I said, “I love you, Dad.”

He wrote, “I love you too, son.”

Rick said, “I love you, Dad, and you’d better get better, because we expect you to play goalie, for us next time we’re here.”

Dad grinned, and wrote, “You bet!”

We turned to Mom, and hugged her.   “Good bye, Mom.   We’ll be back for spring break.”

She smiled, and said, “Hopefully, he’ll be back to normal by then.”

Rick said, “I’m sure he will.   He’s got a good reason to get better.”

She nodded her head, and said, “He loves you both very much, boys.”

I said, “I know.”

Rick said, “Let’s go, children.   We have a long drive ahead of us.”

Ashley guided the twins out into the corridor, followed by the boys.   I gave Dad one last hug, before we left.   I looked back at him, as I stood in the doorway.   He smiled, and held up his white board, “I love you, Glenn.”

I said, “I love you, too, Dad.”

Rick took my hand, as we walked to the elevators, to join our children.   A shiver ran down my spine, and Rick asked, “What’s wrong?”

“I just have this feeling that this is the last time we’ll see my Dad in this life,” I answered.

Rick said, “Glenn, he looks like he’s doing well.”

“I know,” I said.   “I just can’t shake this sense of foreboding that’s come over me.   I really don’t know where it’s coming from.”

Rick said, “Well, don’t think about it, Glenn.   Let’s pray that Dad will recover, and leave it in the Lord’s hands.”

I looked at Rick in surprise.  “Since when did you become so religious?”

Rick laughed.   “I knew I’d get you going with that statement.”

I elbowed him in the ribs, as we boarded the elevator.   “That’s for giving me a hard time!”

Rick’s smile broadened to a grin, and he leaned over and kissed me.   “You love me.”

I said, “Yes, I do.”

We found our way to the mini-van, and began our trip home.