Part One

This is something he hadn't thought he'd ever be talking with his three sons about, but he's decided it's time. It's time he moves on with his life. He's been divorced for almost a year and his previous employer had recently let him go. Lucky for him, he has plenty of savings to get by as well as his part time job at his brother's small store. But that's not what he wants to do forever.

Ted sits down at the head of the table, smiling at each of his sons. "Thank you for coming over," he says.

"Daddy, really," Teddy says with a slight roll of his eyes. "Like we wouldn't have dinner with you."

Ted grins, knowing that his sons would definitely be there for him whenever he needs them. "Yeah, I know."

Mike chuckles as he takes a bite. "So, what's going on?" he asks. "Should we be worried?"

"No, you shouldn't be worried," Ted answers with a smile. "I've decided it's time for a change in my life."

Brett, Teddy, and Mike all raise an eyebrow at him. He knows they get that look from him and him alone. He can't help but laugh to himself.

"Meaning?" Brett asks.

"I've decided to go back to school." Back to school? He must be crazy. He's 58 years old, there's no way this is going to turn out well.

Mike snorts. "School?" he asks.

Ted frowns. "Bad idea?"

"No! Oh, no. I didn't mean it that way. It's just amusing. I think it's great, Dad."

"Yeah?"

The three boys nod in agreement. "Yes," Teddy answers. "You've been moping too long." He winks at Ted. "It's time you went out and did something."

Ted laughs softly. "Thanks, Teddy."

"No problem."

"Are you boys really okay with this?"

"Yes," Brett answers. "I think it's great."

Ted nods. This is good, really good. The boys aren't mad, which was Ted's biggest fear. He doesn't know what he would do if the boys weren't happy about this decision. But this is good news. He can't believe this is actually happening.

"Good," Ted says. "I'm glad you aren't mad.

"Of course we're not mad," Mike says. "It's hilarious to think about. But I think it's great."

"When do you start?" Teddy asks.

"I'm going tomorrow to buy my books. Classes don't start until second week in January though." Ted smiles and shrugs. "I'm ready for this next chapter in my life."

******

Ted walks into the classroom of his first class. He's nervous; after all it's been a long time since he's done anything like this. So much has changed since he last attended school. He's probably going to end up regretting this, but he needs to do this. He needs to figure out if he can do this. He takes a seat in the front row and pulls out the things he's going to need for this class.

When someone pulls out the chair beside him, he looks over. He smiles and gives a polite nod to the young blonde woman who sits down. Great, he's going to be looked at as the old man. Ted sees the woman pull her phone out. He can't help but grin when he sees that she has a lot of things in pink.

"I see you like pink," Ted says.

She smiles at him. "That I do," she replies. "Guess you could say it's my favorite color."

Ted grins. "Never would have guessed." The giggle he gets for that makes him smile again. "I'm Ted. Ted DiBiase."

"Kelly Blank." Kelly smiles at him.

Ted looks up as someone walks to the front of the room. He lets out a soft breath. He's going to have to get used to his instructors being younger than him.

"My best friend had this instructor," Kelly says. "She said he's great."

Ted nods. "I just have to get used to everyone being younger than me. I haven't been in school… well, let's just say in a long time."

"Good morning. Welcome to Intro to Psychology. I am Mark Stevens. Feel free to call me Mark. First I'm going to take attendance. If I mispronounce your name or if you go by something different, let me know."

Ted listens as Mark starts. He can't help but look over at Kelly as he continues to listen. She hadn't looked down at him for being here at his age.

"Barbra Blank," Mark says. Ted is surprised when Kelly lifts her hand.

"I go by Kelly."

"Okay, Kelly."

Kelly smiles at Ted and shrugs. "Kelly's my middle name," she says softly.

Ted nods and grins. "I think Barbra's a great name."

Kelly grins. "Grandma's name, so going by Kelly is simply easier."

"Understandable."

"Theodore DiBiase."

Ted lifts his hand. "Ted."

Mark nods before continuing on with the role call. Once he's finished, he starts class. Ted isn't surprised by how much they're going to have to do. In fact, he's looking forward to it. He likes the challenge and this will definitely be a challenge to him.

After Mark releases the class, Ted packs his books and stands up. He heads out of the room and looks around. There has to be someplace he can go to start on his homework. When someone steps up next to him, he looks over, smiling when he sees Kelly standing there.

"Where are you headed to now?" Kelly asks.

"I don't know for sure," Ted answers. "I have a little over hour to waste before my next class. How about you?"

Kelly shrugs. "Was thinking of going to sit outside for a while. Want to join me?"

Ted grins and nods. "Sure, that sounds good."

They walk out to the back patio outside the student center. Ted is amazed at how many people are actually out here. Kelly gestures down the hill.

"Let's go down there," she says.

Ted nods. "Lead the way." He follows her doing the path and over to an empty bench. After they sit down and Ted looks at Kelly. "Is this your first semester?"

"This time around, yes," Kelly answers. "I did take a few semesters after I graduated high school. But then some things came up and I couldn't continue."

Ted nods. "What are you going for now?"

"Business. Well, more of administrative assistant, but business. How about you?"

"Business."

Kelly smiles widely. "Looks like we might have several classes together."

Ted grins as he nods. "Good, it'll be nice to know someone."

"Can I see your schedule?"

"Sure." Ted leans down to open his book bag and grabs one of his folders. He hands her his schedule.

Kelly smiles as she reads over Ted's schedule. "Looks like we'll be getting to know each other."

"Yeah? How many classes do we have together?"

Kelly looks at Ted and smiles wider. "All of them."

Ted can't help but laugh softly. "That's great news." He watches her. "You might get tired of me. It's been a long time since I've done the school thing so I may be asking you a lot of questions."

Kelly shakes her head. "That's not possible." She shrugs. "It's nice to have someone who will talk to me for being me."

Ted raises an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

"Most people see me as simply a young blonde with good assets."

Ted nods. "People need to learn to see past the hair color and the assets. Don't get me wrong, you're absolutely gorgeous, but there's more to you than that." He watches as she looks at him with a surprised look on her face. "If people can't see you for you, then they aren't worth it."

Kelly grins. "Thank you. I don't know if you mean that, but thank you."

"I do mean it. I'm too old to lie about this stuff."

Kelly nudges him. "You aren't old."

"I didn't say I was old. Just too old to be lying about stuff like that." He winks at her.

"Your wife is a lucky woman to have someone like you."

Ted grins. "I'm not married."

"You're not?" Kelly is utterly shocked. She thought for sure this man would be married. "I just assumed."

"I was. Up until recently actually."

"Oh! I'm so sorry."

Ted shakes his head. "No, it's okay. Melanie and I split peacefully. We're still friends. We just weren't in love anymore."

"I've never heard of someone splitting amicably after falling out of love." Kelly frowns a bit and watches Ted. "You two really still get along?"

"Yes." Ted smiles at Kelly. "You seem really surprised by that."

"I am. My parents went through a messy divorce when I was ten and they still can't stand each other."

"I'm sorry for that."

Kelly shrugs. "I've gotten over it. I guess I've always thought everyone who got divorced hated each other."

Ted nods. "It's not always the case. I doubt there are many like Melanie and I. But it is what it is. It wasn't fair to either of us to stay in the relationship when it was obvious we didn't want it."

Kelly smiles at Ted. "Good for you. It's nice to see there are still good people out there despite not being able to live as a couple anymore." She wishes her parents could be like Ted and his ex-wife. It would make things so much easier for her. She wouldn't dread holidays at home if her parents didn't constantly grill her about the other one. It's almost like they don't care about her. Of course, she'd gotten over that a long time ago.

Ted watches Kelly. "You seem to be happy though."

Kelly nods. "I am. I have my issues, but I figure everything happens for a reason. There must be a reason all of this is happening."

Ted nods. "That's a good way of looking at things. Smart woman."

Kelly smiles a little. "I wouldn't go that far, but thank you."

Ted can't believe how she's affecting him. But the truth is he doesn't completely mind it. It's been too long since he's felt anything like this. He's not even sure if it was like this. Kelly certainly does something to him.

"So, if we need partners for anything, do I even have to ask?" Kelly asks.

Ted grins. "No," he answers. "Just remember I'm old." He winks at her.

"You are not old."

"What makes you so sure?"

Kelly grins as she raises an eyebrow at him. "How old are you?" She can't imagine that he's as old as he's making himself out to be.

"Fifty-eight."

Kelly stares at him. "Are you serious?"

Ted laughs softly. "Older than you thought I was?"

Kelly nods a little. "Fifty-eight isn't old though. I just thought you'd say fifty. But that's not old."

"Well thank you." He watches her closely. "Okay, you know how old I am, how old are you?"

"Twenty-five."

"Wow, so young."

"Not that young."

"No, it's not. I honestly thought you'd say nineteen or twenty."

Kelly smiles at him. "So what'd your ex say to you coming back to school?"

"She was thrilled. Told me divorce is doing me good." Ted laughs softly. "Told her the same thing. It's been a long time since I've seen the smile on her face that I've been seeing lately. So while, yes, a part of me will always love Melanie, I know this was the best thing for both of us."

"More people should be like you."

Ted grins. "I wouldn't go that far."

"So how many kids do you have?"

"Three. One from my first marriage and two from my second. All boys." Ted pulls his phone out of his pocket. "That's actually them when they were little."

Kelly takes the phone and looks at the background picture. "Aww, they're adorable. How old are they now?"

"Mike is thirty-four, Teddy is twenty-nine, and Brett will be twenty-four in a couple of months." He makes sure to point them out in the picture.

"And how did they feel about you coming back to school?"

"They thought it was great. I was surprised at how well they took it, especially the youngest. He's had the hardest time with this whole thing. He won't admit it, but he has."

"I'm sure it had to be hard on all of them. Can I ask how long you had been married?"

"Thirty years."

"Wow, yeah, I'm sure they all had a rough time."

Ted nods. "Yeah, Mike had a bit of a down spiral when Melanie and I told the boys because he saw my divorce with his mom. But this divorce wasn't bad. His mom and I had a rough one."

"So he was worried this was going to be the same then?"

"Yes. I can't say I blame him either. I probably would be too. But he's fine now."

"What about Teddy?"

"Teddy went through a denial stage but he's fine."

"Are any of them married?"

"Teddy is married. Has been for five years now. He and Maryse, my favorite daughter-in-law, have one kid and one on the way."

"Aww, I bet that makes you beyond happy."

"It certainly does."

"Mike and Brett aren't married?"

"I guess it depends on how you look at it. Mike has been with the same person for twelve years."

"Wow and they aren't actually married?"

"Oh, they would be if it were possible."

"He's gay?"

Ted nods. "John is a wonderful man. And I won't deny that when Mike came home with John I wasn't shocked. He hadn't told us. But I look at John as another son. They have three kids together. So I have a little granddaughter from Teddy and Maryse, that's Emily. Mike and John have two boys, Grayson and Galloway who are twins, and one girl, Shea. Brett…" Ted licks his lips. "To tell you the truth, I don't know about Brett. It seems like he's seeing someone, but he hasn't said anything to us."

"Is he scared?"

"I'm guessing so."

"Why would he be scared?"

"Well, we know he's gay and he obviously knows that isn't an issue so I don't know. I wish he would talk to us."

"Maybe approach him?"

"If it were the other two boys I'd say yes, but Brett can be tricky sometimes." He shrugs. "I may end up sitting him down and talking with him. But I'll have to make sure it's only me and him. It's not something that needs to be discussed with the others there."

Kelly nods. "Good plan."

"My thoughts exactly." Ted grins and takes a quick look at his watch. "We should probably head back in."

Kelly leans over to look at his watch. "Wow, time went by quick." She stands up and grabs her bag. "Let's go find our next class."

Ted opens the door once they reach the building again. He gestures for Kelly to walk inside. She smiles up at him as she passes him. Ted follows her as they head to the stairs. Once they get to the second floor, they easily find their room and immediately make their way up to the front.

"I hope you don't mind sitting in the front," Ted says.

Kelly shakes her head. "Not at all. Easier to pay attention up here."

Ted grins as he pulls his books out. "And to hear."

"Oh yes, for you, old man." She nudges him gently, hoping he knows she's only joking with him.

Ted laughs softly. "Now you understand what I'm saying." He winks at her. "So how many projects do you think we'll actually have?"

"Probably quite a few. We'll work together."

"Of course we will." He smiles at her. "Dare I say I'm now stuck with you?"

Kelly giggles softly. "You are. But is that so bad?"

"No, not bad at all." Ted licks his lips. He won't admit that he's thrilled that if they do get to have multiple projects with partners he'll get Kelly's partnership. He shouldn't be thinking this, but he simply can't help himself.

"Good."

******

Ted walks into his house that afternoon and drops his bag on the couch. He kicks his shoes off after sitting down. Running a hand over his face, he lets out a heavy breath. He's not used to the long days like this anymore. He's certainly going to have to now though. He has three classes on Mondays and Wednesdays while he has two on Tuesdays and Thursdays. He'd been lucky that he only had one class on Fridays. That worked out greatly because that meant he could babysit his grandkids like he had been in the past. It's something he had hoped he could continue with because he loves being with them.

When the front door opens and closes, Ted looks over. He knows it's one of his sons; he's just not sure which one it'll be. He smiles when he sees Brett walk in. "Hey, Bubba," Ted says.

Brett smiles as he sits down on the couch. "Hey, Daddy," he replies. "So, how was school?"

"It was good. A little weird being there, but it was good."

"Meet anyone?"

Ted grins. "I have every class with one girl, Kelly. She and I have kind of hooked up with everything because of that. It's nice to have that."

Brett nods. "That is nice. How old is she?"

"25."

Brett wrinkles his nose. 25? His dad is becoming friends with someone who's barely older than him?

"Brett, we're just working on school things together."

"I know. It's just weird to think that she's barely older than me."

Ted laughs softly. "Okay, I can understand that. So, can we talk?"

Brett raises an eyebrow. "Am I in trouble?"

"No, not in trouble at all. I just want to talk to you." He sees Brett's worried look even as his youngest son nods. "Your brother is gay. John is like another son to me and another brother to both you and Teddy. I know you're gay as well."

Brett swallows hard. "That obvious?"

"Not to the normal eye. But I'm your father." Ted watches Brett. He's a little surprised that Brett hadn't freaked out because he'd admitted to knowing that Brett is gay. "So what's going on?"

"What do you mean?"

"You seem to be seeing someone and don't want to bring him around. And I know it's not because he's a man. So why? Are you ashamed of us?"

"No! Daddy, it's nothing like that. I love you all and you know that. I just… I'm worried about what you'll all say." Brett chews on his bottom lip nervously.

"Why? Brett…"

"He's older."

Ted nods. "Okay. And why is that a problem?"

"Because it's more than just the year older that Teddy is Maryse or the two years older Mike is John."

"Okay, so what are we talking?"

"Nine years."

Ted nods. "And you're worried that we'd have an issue with that?"

"Yes." Brett licks his lips nervously. "You don't?"

Ted shakes his head. "No, can't say I'm not a little shocked by it. But I'm not upset about it or anything. Do you love him?"

Brett grins. "I think so."

Ted nods. "You're obviously happy with him."

Brett nods. "I am and I do want you to meet him."

Ted smiles at his youngest son. "Good, I'd like to meet him." He reaches over and pats Brett's leg. "Just name the time and I'll be there."

"What about coming over for dinner Wednesday? Just us?"

Ted nods. "Okay. We'll do that."

"Good. And then on Friday, Teddy, Mike, and I are taking you out. Well, everyone else will be there too."

Ted grins. "You really don't need to be taking me out."

"Nonsense. You've done so much for us, we want to do this for you."

"Yeah, but I'm the dad."

Brett nods. "Maybe so, but we're going to do it anyways."

Ted laughs softly. "Okay."

"Good! And no arguing with us about chipping in. This is on us."

"Fine. Can I at least leave the tip?"

"No."

Ted sighs. "Fine." He's not going to like not being able to help out in some way but for the boys, he won't attempt to do so.

******

Kelly walks into her first class, smiling when she sees Ted sitting in the front row. She walks up and takes a seat beside him. "Quit following me," she says softly.

Ted looks at her and laughs a little. "I was here first, so it's you who's following me."

Kelly pouts. "Not cool, Ted."

"Hey, you started it."

Kelly laughs softly. "So did you get your homework done?"

"Most of it. I need to take a look at the one question again."

"For what class?"

"Intro to business. I have most of it. It was just one little part that I needed. But I figured that I needed to take a break from it and go back it."

Kelly nods. "Always a good plan."

"That's what I thought." Ted grins. He's glad he found someone like Kelly here. What makes it better is that they'll be in every class together this semester. That'll help him in the end. He just hopes he's not going to hold her back with anything. "So I took your advice and talked to my youngest when he stopped by last night."

"Oh yeah? And how did that go?"

Ted looks at her. "Great, actually. He's been seeing someone, I don't know how long for sure yet. But he was scared to tell any of us because the man is nine years older than him."

Kelly nods. "Well, that's understandable."

"It is. But I told him that it's not a problem. After all, I am seven years older than Melanie. But I'm meeting the man on Wednesday."

"That's great."

Ted grins. "I just hope Brett won't be panicking too much when I'm there."

******

Ted pulls into the driveway of the house that Brett had told him to go to. He wonders if Brett even lives at his place anymore. Climbing out of the car, Ted grabs the container of fruit salad he'd brought. He heads up to the front door and rings the doorbell. He can hear movement inside.

"Hi, Daddy," Brett says smiling.

"Brett," Ted says. He smiles at his youngest son and holds out the container. "Fruit salad. I couldn't come empty handed, you know that."

Brett grins. "Thanks. Come in."

Ted steps inside, closing the door behind him. He follows his son into the kitchen where he sees someone standing at the counter cutting vegetables. The man looks up and smiles.

"Daddy, this is my… Joe."

Joe grabs a towel and wipes his hands. "Mr. DiBiase, it's nice to meet you."

Ted shakes Joe's hand. "Please, call me Ted. It's nice to meet you."

Brett grins. "Daddy brought fruit salad. He doesn't know how to show up to something like this without something."

Ted shrugs. "Can't help myself. So how long have you two been together?"

Brett frowns then. "Promise not to get mad?"

Joe sighs. "Monkey, I told you that you should have done this sooner."

"I know, but I was scared because of the age difference. Seven months." He bites his lip as he waits for Ted's reaction.

Ted grins. "Well, that's not so bad. I thought you were going to say something over a year."

Brett laughs softly. "No. It's been seven months and I…"

Joe smiles at Brett. "Things have progressed faster than either of us thought. When we first got together, we just dated. We did dinner and we also did drinks and we went to the movies a few times. But then I asked him to come over here to have dinner. And now we're here."

Ted smiles as he looks at his son. He's glad Brett had found someone. Brett's obviously happy with Joe.