AN: Thanks for following, reviewing, and favouring everyone. Here's the next chapter. Reviews are welcomed. :)
Disclaimer: I do not own The Boondock Saints, it solely belongs to Troy Duffy.
Mother's in Town and Funny Clowns
Tomorrow was going to be a hectic day, and not to mention the next four days as well. My mother was coming to town, and I was dreading that I would have to tell her that I wasn't just dating Connor, but I was dating his twin brother Murphy as well. I had no clue how to break the news to her, and how she was going to take it, the anxiety has been killing me for the past week. Now that the day is almost here, its unbearable and I'm so nervous that this is all I've been able to think about. I laid in bed trying to figure out how I was going to break the news to my mother, but every time I lay the situation out, I conclude that my mother is going to storm out and disown me.
There was a knock on my door and then it opened up to reveal one of the men that my mother was going to meet within 24 hours. Connor came over to me and took a seat next to me, "What's de matter lass? Ye look depressed?"
"My mother is coming to town tomorrow, Connor. I'll have to tell her that I'm dating the both of you, and I'm driving myself insane," I said with a groan.
"Aww Lass, don't worry so much. Ye don't have to tell her ye know?"
"I know, but if she finds out without me telling her, I'll feel horrible and guilty. Not to mention she'll be angry with me as well."
"I understand, but just know lass, ye have us here with ye. So no matter what happens, we'll be here for ye."
"Thanks Connor. I know you and Murphy will be here for me."
Murphy came into the room with a smirk on his face and asked, "What's going on? Ye all right Timi?"
"She's nervous about her mother coming to town. Mostly about telling her dat she's dating twins," Connor answered his brother.
"Don't worry about dat me girl. Everyting will work out just fine. Just enjoy ye time wit ye mother while she's here."
"Thanks guys," I said.
"Anytime Timi," they said.
"Do you guys think you can help me out today?"
"Wit what me girl?" Murphy asked.
"I was planning on getting everything ready today for my mother's stay, so I was wondering if you could help me out. Three people would be better than just me, and go a lot quicker too."
"We can do dat lass. What ever ye need, we're here to help," Connor said.
"Aye, we sure are," Murphy said.
"Okay, let's get this done," I said as I got out of bed, getting ready to clean my house for my special visitor.
It took the three of us about seven hours to clean my whole house, including a few much needed breaks in between for lunch and needed rest. We all plopped down on my couch once we were finished, and none of us wanted to move a muscle, not that we could since we all ached from the hectic cleaning we did. I was leaning on Murphy and Connor was leaning on me as the three of us continued to groan at the pain we were in.
"I don't tink I can move ever again," Murphy grumbled out.
"Who knew cleaning could be such a workout," Connor groaned.
"I guess you wouldn't know because your place is always a mess," I said.
"Hey, we clean our place," Connor said.
"Really, when?"
"Um, when was de last time we cleaned Murphy?" Connor asked his brother.
Murphy thought about it and said, "Well, um… We cleaned it that Friday after we went to McGinty's."
"Aye, but I don't tink dat's what de lass meant by cleaning."
"But we threw out everyting dat was on our table, and floor."
"Wow, you two haven't cleaned the place since I've cleaned it?" I asked.
"Guess so, but it isn't our fault. We don't have much time, and ye don't mind it lass," Connor said.
"That's true, and its not even that dirty."
"Yep… ye know, we didn't tink ye place would be dis dirty, it always seems so clean when we're here," Murphy said.
"I try to keep it tidy, but I really don't deep clean like this often. Maybe once a year or so."
"Only when ye mother's in town."
I flopped back into my couch, and said, "Ugh don't remind me."
"Relax lass, don't get so worked up over it. I'm sure ye mother will be accepting of dis relationship, just like our ma," Connor said.
"Yes, I guess your right. I think she'll come to terms with it, eventually, I hope."
"What's for dinner?" Murphy asked.
"I don't think I can cook anything , my body aches. How about we just order some pizza?" I asked.
"Sounds good to me, lass" Connor said.
"Aye, dat sounds good," Murphy said.
"Okay, who's going to get up and order it?" I asked.
We all looked towards the kitchen where my phone was located and Connor said, "Maybe we can wait a bit until we order."
"Aye, I'm not dat hungry anyway," Murphy said with a shrug.
"Okay, ten minutes " I grumbled.
"Aye," they grumbled out.
Yesterday finished rather quickly, especially after dinner. I let the boys stay overnight because they were still tired after we cleaned my whole apartment, and I didn't want to make them leave and walk home. Plus, having their company yesterday helped me keep calm and not think too much about my mother coming to town. Once the sun was up though, I asked them to leave so I could finish getting ready for my mother's stay, and so I could have a little panic attack while trying to think of a good time to bring up our three way relationship.
I took a cab to the airport, awaiting my mothers arrival, and as I waited in the baggage claim area, I couldn't stop pacing back and forth. I was happy to see my mother again after 2 years, but I was also nervous. I heard my name get called out, and I turned to see my mother coming towards me. I gave her a large grin, and when she got up to me, she gave me a tight embrace that I returned. When she let go of me, she said, "I'm so happy to see you again. You keep getting beautiful every time I see you."
"Thanks mother, you look great as well," I said to her.
"Thanks sweetie. So where's that lovely Connor I talked to on Christmas?"
"Well, he and his brother has to work, so we'll possibly see them tonight, or tomorrow at the baseball game."
"Hmm… It sounds to me that you are keeping him from me," she said with a small chuckle.
I chuckled back nervously and said, "No, why would I do that?"
"I don't know, why would you?"
"I don't know, but why don't we get back to my apartment and have some lunch?"
"That sounds great, the pretzels on the plane did nothing for me."
"Okay, let's go."
We took a cab back to my place, and I put her luggage in my room, where she'll be staying for the next four days. I didn't mind taking the couch, maybe it'll help me think. Once she was settled in, I made us some lunch, and as we sat down to eat, my mother struck up some conversation.
"So, You and Connor have been dating for quite sometime, huh?" she asked.
"Yes, since late September, early October actually. So about nine months, give or take," I replied.
"Wow, that's fantastic. Do you think he's the one."
"He could be, but honestly it's still to early to know. Things happen, whether its going great or not. I don't want to jinx what we have."
"I understand, I knew your father would be the one on our one year anniversary. He was so romantic that day. Have you talked to him recently?"
"He sent me a card from Aruba on my birthday."
"Still off with that girl on a long honeymoon. His never ending midlife crisis."
I shrugged and said, "Yeah, but it doesn't matter. You guys are better apart anyway."
She sighed and said, "Yes, I guess you're right. And I met this lovely man about three years younger than me at my local gym. He's been so sweet, but I don't know if I'm ready yet."
"I get it, but he sounds like a nice guy. You should give it a chance, it might work out."
"I think I might. Just to know I still got it, and so I can move on from your dad."
"That's great, I bet it'll be good for you."
"I think it will. Especially now that my daughter is growing up and about to start a family of her own."
"Moving a little fast mom, let's not get ahead of ourselves."
"I'm sorry, I just feel like everything is working out for you. I think this Connor fellow is really good for you, and the way it sounded on the phone at Christmas time is that he loves you a lot too."
"Thanks mom. Connor and Murphy are great."
"Murphy is his brother, right? He seems to be around a lot."
"Well yeah, they are twins, and have a very strong bond with each other. They are pretty much inseparable."
"Wow, that's interesting. But do you guys ever get some alone time without his brother?"
"Yes, occasionally we do."
"That's good, as long as you two are getting some time alone."
"Yeah, so um… would you like to do anything while you're here?"
"I don't have much in mind, as long as I get to spend some time with you."
"I understand, that's why I took this week off of work, so I could spend time with you."
"I'm glad that you did that. I'm looking forward to these four days with you, but I think I'd like to take a nap. It's been a long morning."
"Yeah, go ahead and rest up. I'll clean up, and maybe we can go to Fiona's Diner for supper. I know you liked it there the last time you came to visit."
"Yes, I like that place. Will Connor and his brother be joining us?"
"They might depending on their schedule."
"Great, I hope I get to meet them today."
"Yes, me too," I said with nervousness.
"Okay. Well, I'll see you in a bit, thanks for having me," my mom said as she got up from my kitchen table.
"No problem mom. See you in a bit."
She walked off to my bedroom, and I stayed in the kitchen to clean up after lunch. As I cleaned our dishes, I continued to think about the boys and I. My mother was desperate to see them today, and I was trying so hard not to have them meet until the baseball game tomorrow. I wasn't even sure if they were going to stop by after work, and I didn't tell them not to, so they might follow their normal routine. I decided that I wasn't going to get anywhere while thinking so hard, so I finished cleaning and went to watch something on TV to distract my racing thoughts.
I must have fallen asleep on the couch when I heard laughing coming from my kitchen. I got up in a panic and looked at my clock in the living room, seeing that it was just after 7pm. I heard my moms voice from the kitchen and then Connor and Murphy's to follow. My eyes went wide as I figured out that my mom just met the two men that are very important to me. I walked into the kitchen feeling numb and nervous, afraid of what I was going to see.
"Dere's de lass. Ye sleep well?" Connor asked with a bright smile.
"Um.. How long have you guys been here?" I asked, tying to keep the worry off my voice.
"Not to long Timi. We came into de place like always and found ye sleeping, den ye mother here welcomed us in and we started chatting," Murphy answered.
"Yes, they are just lovely. Your boyfriend and his brother are way better than I even thought they'd be," my mother said with a smile.
"Glad you guys met and are getting along. Can you excuse us for a second mom, I'd like to talk to them alone," I said.
"Sure, I need to check on something anyway. I'll see you guys soon."
When she left the room and I heard my bedroom door shut, I looked at my boys with anger on my face. Both boys raised their eyebrows high and Murphy mumbled, "I don't tink I like de lass angry like dis."
"Aye, me either Murph," Connor mumbled.
"What the heck!?" I whispered yelled at them, so my mother didn't here.
They stood from where they were seated and came over to me, leaving an inch of space, and Connor said, "We didn't tell her lass, if dat's what ye thinking."
I sighed and said, "No, I know. I figured that you didn't, and I know that you wouldn't. Its just, I didn't plan it out that you'd all meet today, and while I was asleep. I was hoping to introduce you guys and stuff. I'm just so nervous, I don't even know what I'm feeling. I'm sorry, I'm not angry at you guys, I'm just so stressed."
Connor pulled me into a hug and said, "Don't worry so much Timi. Everything is going to be okay. We're getting along well wit ye mother, and I'm sure when ye get to tell her, she'll be supportive, as will we."
Connor let me go, and Murphy pulled me into a hug as well. I sighed and said, "Why are you guys so sweet?"
Murphy let me go and they both had smirks on their faces.
"We had a good ma, and we know how to treat a woman right," Connor said.
"Aye, we sure do," Murphy said.
"So, do you guys want to have dinner with us?" I asked the boys.
"Ye sure lass. We don't want to cause ye any more stress," Connor said.
"No, it's fine. I'm sure my mother would like that you two come with us."
"I tink it'll be nice."
"Me too, maybe I can warm up to her and it'll make it easier to accept our relationship," Murphy said.
"Yeah, I hope so."
I heard my mother walk into the room and she said, "Is it time to go eat?"
"Yep, it is," I said with a small smile.
"Will you two be joining us?"
"Aye, we sure will Mrs. Pedal. If ye don't mind us tagging along," Connor said.
"Of course not. I like you two."
I chuckled along with my two men, and said, "Okay, I'll call us a cab so we can go."
We reached the diner in no time, and got a booth seat in the back. My mother sat next to me, while Connor and Murphy sat opposite of us. We flipped through our menus and Fiona made her way over, "Hey you three, how's it going?"
"We're doing fine, how about you?" I said.
"I'm doing great. Who's this lovely lady with you all tonight?"
"This is my mother, she's in town visiting."
"Oh, that's sweet. I remember her from a couple of years ago, nice to see you again."
"You too," my mom said.
"Let me get y'all a drink. What would you like?"
We all gave our drink orders to Fiona, and once she walked off to get them, my mother started to make conversation, "This is nice."
"It sure is. I'm glad we could come wit ye both," Connor said.
"Me too, my daughters been acting like I shouldn't even meet you and your brother."
"I… I didn't mean it like that. You were going to meet them, eventually," I said awkwardly.
"I know sweetheart, but you've been acting so strange since I've been talking about Connor."
"I was just nervous, that's all."
"I know, but there was nothing to be nervous about. He's great and so is his brother. I approve of it, not that you need it anyway since you're an adult."
I smiled nervously, thinking that she didn't even know half of why I was so nervous, and said, "Yeah, that's great."
Murphy gave me a raised brow, silently telling me that I should tell my mother about all of us. I shook my head softly, so my mother wouldn't notice, and Murphy gave me a quick look of disappointment.
We continued to talk about different things, mostly my mom questioned Connor and Murphy about what they do and their life back in Ireland. We ate our dinner, while continuing to have a fun time together, and eventually we were done and getting ready to go. We took a cab back to my place, and the boys walked us to my door.
"Thanks for coming guys," I said.
"Its no problem lass, we had a great time," Connor said.
"So did I. It was great meeting you both and I can't wait to see you again tomorrow. Have a good night boys," my mother said.
"Night Mrs. Pedal," my boyfriends said.
I let my mom into my apartment, so she could get some rest, and I stayed out in the hall with Connor and Murphy, so I could say goodnight.
"Ye gotta tell her girl," Murphy said with a sigh.
"I know, I know… I'll do it tomorrow after the game, we'll go to dinner and I'll tell her there," I said
"Ye have to lass. Dragging it out is only going to make it worse," Connor mentioned.
"I promise, I will."
"Good, because it sucks watching Connor get all de attention," Murphy grumbled.
"Aww, don't worry Murphy. You'll get your chance soon," I said.
"I better," he said with a small smirk playing on his lips.
I placed a kiss on his cheek, but he wasn't having it, and snuck a kiss on my lips while holding me close. I smiled into our short kiss and then Connor gave me one as well once Murphy pulled away.
"See you tomorrow guys," I said.
"See ye tomorrow, Timi," they said.
I went into my apartment with a smile on my face, and even though I was still worried about what I was going to tell my mother tomorrow, I know it will work out no matter what because I have my amazing boyfriends in my life.
The next day was upon us, and my mother and I were getting ready for the baseball game. I reserved a dinner reservation at a pretty decent restaurant tonight after the game, and knew I was going to break the news to her there. There was a knock on my door, and I opened it to reveal my two men in plain black shirts, jeans, and boots. I smiled at them and said, "Hey guys."
"Hi dere Lass, ye looking beautiful as always," Connor said with a grin.
"Thanks."
"Ye do look beautiful girl," Murphy said with his own grin.
"You two are too flattering," I said with a blush.
"We just say what we feel."
"Aye lass, Murphy is right," Connor said.
"Let me see if my mom is ready to go, the cab should be here soon," I said.
"All right lass, take ye time."
I went to see if my mom was ready, and she met me halfway, and she asked, "Are they here already?"
"Yes, they're here. Ready to go?" I asked.
"Yes, I am. I haven't been to Fenway park before, so its exciting."
"I've only been there once for a work thing a couple of years ago. It should be fun."
"Yep, it sounds like a good time. You've always liked baseball. Especially when the Marlins were established a little while ago before you moved here."
"Yeah, I was a big baseball fan. So, let's get going."
"Okay."
The cab arrived when we got downstairs, and took us to the baseball stadium. Outside of the park, they were having a bunch of different activities for children and the fans. It was a family fun day at the stadium, and it was bustling with people. There was face painting, small games, and clowns roaming around.
"Wow, looks like we came on a fun day," my mom chuckled.
"Yeah, a whole bunch of activities going on," I said.
"I tink were going to have a great time today," Connor said as he threw an arm around me.
I could see Murphy having a hard time not being able to show his affection towards me like he normally does since my mom still doesn't know yet. I felt bad for putting Murphy through this, but tonight will he the night I tell her, and hopefully everything goes well.
A clown came up from behind me, and squeezed his nose a couple of times making it honk. We chuckled at him and then he pulled out a few balloons to make some kind of balloon animal or item. He blew up the balloons, and started to fiddle with it in his hands. Eventually he finished, and revealed a flower with the balloons he had. The four of us applauded the clown and he got on one knee and handed me the multicolored balloon flower.
I smiled at the clown as I took the flower and said, "Thanks."
He grabbed my empty hand and kissed my knuckles softly. I giggled nervously, a blush slowly making its way on my face and Connor said, "All right, all right. Ye had ye fun wit me lass, but go find another girl to smooch on."
The clown got up with a fake sad expression and dropped his arms in defeat. My mother chuckled and said, "Aww, don't worry. You're a very handsome clown, and I am single."
The clown smiled and gave my mother a quick kiss on the cheek before he pulled out two pink balloons and tied them into a heart. He handed the heart to my mother, and she said, "Thank you very much."
He blew her a kiss before he skipped off to find his next victims.
"Well, he was nice," I giggled.
"All little to nice," Connor grumbled.
"He's just doing his job," my mother chuckled.
"I know, I know…"
I gave him a kiss on the cheek and said, "Why don't we head inside and get something to eat?"
"Fine."
We all went into the stadium, and got some food to eat. Of course the boys got some Guinness to wash down their food, and my mother and I got some beer as well, but just something light. We ate before the game started, and before we went to find our seats we got some more beers to watch the game.
We laughed and talked the whole time as we sat at our seats, and the game was about to begin. We watched the players take their positions and the lead off hitter took his place at home base, getting ready to start the game.
The first six and a half innings flew by, and so far, neither team has any runs on the board. It was the seventh inning stretch and everyone was going out to get some more beers before last call, or going to use the restroom. My mother spoke up and said, "I think I have to use the restroom, I'll be back."
"I'll walk wit ye, I tink I have to use de restroom as well," Connor said.
"Okay, thanks Connor. We'll be back."
I nodded to them and watched as my mom and Connor walked off to the restroom. Murphy hopped over into my moms seat, and threw an arm around me.
"Hi Murphy," I said with a smirk.
"Hello, me girl. Its no fun with ye over here and watching Connor have all de fun," Murphy said with a sigh.
I leaned my head on his shoulder and said, "I know, but I'll tell my mom tonight when we all have dinner."
"Fine girl, I just want to be able to hold ye and kiss ye like dis," Murphy said as he nuzzled his face into my neck and started to kiss every inch of skin he could find until he reached my lips.
I kissed him back and as we kissed, I heard a whole bunch of clapping and when I looked up, I saw that we were on the jumbo screen for the kiss cam. Murphy saw what I was looking at, and he smiled wide, before the camera went to the next unsuspecting couple.
"What's going on?" I heard my mother ask from behind me.
I looked behind me to see my mother look at Murphy and I in shock. I stuttered awkwardly, and couldn't find the words to say because I didn't expect her to find out like this. Murphy went back over to his seat, and my mother took back her seat. She was still looking at me in shock and asked, "I cant believe this, why would you do this to Connor?"
"Mother, it's not like that," I tried to explain.
"Then what. What could possibly make you kiss his twin brother, even if you were on the kiss cam. And it sure looked like you enjoyed it."
"I'm dating them both mom. We have a three-way relationship and we're happy with it. If you don't approve, I don't care. I love them and they love me and that's all that matters."
She looked between me and the boys, and they both shrugged while nodding their heads at her. She shook her head, before she got up and went to leave the seating area of the stadium. I went to follow after her, but Connor grabbed my wrist, shaking his head, "Let her cool down lass. She'll come to terms wit it when she is ready."
"Fine," I said as I plopped back down in my seat.
Murphy came over again and they both tried to comfort me through the rest of the game.
Eventually it was over, and the Boston Red Sox's lost the game 5 – 0. It was a sad game for them, and it was a sad day for me because my mom still hasn't come back to her seat. Murphy and Connor walked me out front and kept telling me that it'd be okay. Out front, we found my mother and she was laughing at the clown from earlier. They were chatting, and joking around, and now I was the one in shock. I went over to her, and said, "Mom, you okay?"
"Oh yeah, Jake here has been keeping me company and giving me advice," she said with a bright smile.
"Yes, your mother is a doll. I told her not to worry, and I think your relationship is fine. It was hard to come out to my family as gay, but I felt great once I got it off my chest. It may be frowned upon and unconventional, but you can't help who you love, whether it'd be a man and a man, a woman and a woman, a woman and a man, or a three-way relationship. We're all humans and equal to each other, that's the way I look at it," Jake said.
"Wow, that's great Jake. Did everything work out with your family?"
"Most of my family has excepted it, my dad and uncle are against it, but they try hard to be civil when we're together on holidays and stuff."
"Ye not so bad Jake. I forgive ye for flirting wit our girl earlier," Connor said.
"Thanks, I didn't mean anything by it. Just like to have a little bit of fun with everyone. Have a lovely day you four, and I hope it all works out."
We all said our thanks, and grabbed a cab to head back to my apartment as we waited for our dinner reservations to get here. We all sat silently in my living room, not knowing what to say. I decided to break silence and asked, "What a game, huh?"
They all mumbled something incoherently and I knew I had to address the elephant in the room. I cleared my throat and asked my mother the inevitable question, "How do you feel about us, the three of us?"
"It's still hard to wrap my head around, but I'm okay with it. Connor and Murphy are really good men, and I can see that the three of you are in love," she said.
"I'm glad you can accept this."
"Yes… I just wish you would have told me earlier, and not have it as a surprise like this."
Both boys looked at me, and a blush quickly formed on my face, "Yeah, I know…"
My mother chuckled and asked the boys, "So, how did this all come about?"
"Well, when we saw de lass we both knew dat she was something special, not to mention beautiful," Connor said with a smirk.
"Aye, very beautiful. We Both saw her at different times, but Conn got to her first. After dat night, we couldn't keep our mind off of de girl. We discussed it after we saw her again, and decided if she didn't mind dating the two of us, dat we'd try dis whole tree-way relationship ting," Murphy said.
"Wow, I'm impressed at how this all happened. You were okay with this, Timi?" my mother asked me.
"Yeah, for some weird reason I was okay with it. It was a little tough to get used to at first, but since Connor and Murphy are so sweet, it was easy to fall into a comfortable relationship with them," I answered her.
"I'm happy for all three of you. And I'm glad my daughter has met you both, I can see how happy she is and how much she's changed with you boys, and I'm thankful for that."
"We're glad to be apart of her life," Murphy said.
"Aye, and we're happy to have her in our life too. She's made us two lucky and happy men," Connor said as he kissed my cheek.
"She sure did," Murphy said with a smile.
I looked at my clock in my living room, and noticed it was almost time for our dinner reservation. I stood up and said, "I'm going to call us a cab, its almost time for our dinner reservation."
"All right Lass. We're ready to go," Connor said.
I went to the kitchen, grabbing my phone and dialed the cab company. They told me that they'd be by my place in about ten minutes and that was good enough for me. We made our way out front soon after I ended my call, and the cab did arrive within the ten minute window. We went to the restaurant that I had reserved for this big day, and even though it didn't work out the way I planned it, I'm glad my mother is okay with the three of us. We had a nice dinner at the restaurant, and since I wasn't as stressed since she already knew, I was able to enjoy my time with my men and my mom.
Soon we made our way home, and the boys went back to their place soon after they said goodnight to the two of us. Before my mother went off to my bedroom to sleep, she pulled me into a hug and said, "I really am happy for you sweetheart. No matter how different your relationship is with those two men, they're great and you're great with them."
She pulled away from me and I smiled softly at her, "Thanks. I honestly didn't expect this to happen. They just made there way into my heart when I first met them, and soon I was dating them, and here we are. I'm happy to have them, they've definitely changed my life in ways I couldn't even imagine."
"Yes, I can see that. Those two boys are definitely a gift from above. You're one lucky lady Timi, and I hope you know that."
"Believe me mom, I do. I think about it everyday."
"I love you sweetie. Goodnight."
"Love you too mom. Night."
We both went to bed and I was finally able to rest easy now that the worst part was over.
The rest of the days flew by, and next thing you know, my mother was flying back home. The boys even came with us to the airport to say their farewells and to wish her safe travels. Once she went off to her terminal, we headed back to my place, and relaxed on my couch.
"So, dat wasn't so bad, was it me girl?" Murphy asked.
"No, it actually worked out well. I'm relieved that my mother is okay with the three of us together," I said.
"I knew she would be. She seemed like a kind and understanding woman. Ye just have to learn to relax Lass," Connor said.
"Yeah, relax. Easy for you to say."
Connor kissed my cheek and said, "Ye can relax."
"Aye, and we can help," Murphy said with a smirk, and kissing my cheek as well.
A blush formed on my cheeks, and I smirked softly and questioned them, "And how are you going to do that?"
The boys looked at each other, smiling mischievously at each other, and Connor said, "If ye come to de bedroom wit us we can show ye."
"Ye'll be relaxed for days girl," Murphy said.
"I think I'll be in pain for days, but well worth it," I said.
"Very we'll worth it."
Connor stood up and picked me up off the couch, throwing me over his shoulder. Murphy followed us to the bedroom where they helped me release the tension that has built up over the past week, and it reminded me how grateful I was for having these two men in my life.