Hey, hey, my Lovelies!
Thank you to all who reviewed the last chapter! It's all very much appreciated! Would love to hear from a few more though! You guys are still interested, right?
Beta: None at the moment.
Disclaimer: I don't own it. I only play.
Without further ado ... Longer than usual today! Enjoy!
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Chapter Forty-Eight
Family Day
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09:30 am
June 3rd
2027
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The next morning was a whole lot better than the last. Everyone had woken later since it was a Saturday, all a lot more refreshed and were smiling and talking, such a stark contrast to yesterday after Jacob's appalling treatment of his family two nights ago.
He vowed to make up for that today ...
... starting with his kids.
"So guys, I was thinking we could head out somewhere as a family today," Jacob breached the subject over the breakfast table, sharing a smile with Seth. They had discussed this last night.
Benny was the first to reply. "But ... I was going to take Tia to the movies today ..." he trailed off sheepishly and slightly disappointed. Still, if his Dad wanted to do something ...
He wanted to spend time with his family, his Dad especially since he'd been working so much lately, but his date with Tia had been three weeks in the making. They planned to go see the newest Marvel Comics movie. On a side note though, thank God his girlfriend wasn't too into chick flicks, despite her girly-girl persona.
"Well, that's okay. You'll still be able to go," Seth assured him gently. "What time were you planning to go?"
"Oh ... Tia's mom is taking us and she doesn't leave work until about three-thirty so ... I guess about four-thirty? We were going to get some dinner too, near the theatre so we could walk across when it's time," Benny explained.
"Sounds fun, and that should be perfect. We still have the entire morning and afternoon. We can do whatever you guys felt like, I don't mind. Seth?"
"No, I'm not fussed what we do, but you need to keep your brother and sister in mind when you decide," the youth stipulated, earning two excited nods in return.
Benny and Monkey turned to each other and started throwing suggestions back and forth in rapid succession, each one discarded as fast as they were spoken. Jacob and Seth watched on in amusement between bites of their breakfast and sips of their coffee, cringing occasionally at some of the less desirable suggestions.
"Boys, we have all morning to decide, but your breakfast is getting cold. Eat," Seth ordered lightly as he tapped the side of Benny's plate to get their attention.
They still talked between bites. Seth finished and got up to wash the dishes, but Jacob took his plate along with Seth's, throwing a smirk over his shoulder.
"I said I'd pick up some chores this weekend. Go ahead and get ready for the day. We're good down here. Right, guys?"
"Sure, Papa. You take good care of us during the week. You should totally relax today!" Monkey expressed with a big smile as Benny nodded along in agreement.
Seth smiled adoringly at his boys and replied, "Thanks. That would be awesome. You sure?"
"Go. Before I carry you up the stairs myself," Jacob threatened with a smirk.
"That could be fun," Seth commented airily as he left the kitchen, giggling silently at the two groans from his boys at the kitchen table.
"Papa, that's gross!" Benny called in utter disgust. Jacob snorted in amusement.
Seth pretty much bounced up the steps he was so happy. He was relieved that the tension from yesterday was near nonexistent, though he knew it wouldn't be completely eased as long as the block cloud raged above Black Law, and now he was looking forward to spending the day with his family. It'd been so long since they'd managed to do so, what with Jacob working the last four or five Saturdays in a row, but the opportunity had finally come and they were taking it with both hands.
He stripped bare and started the shower, hopping in after a couple of minutes. He sighed deeply as the near scalding water pelted his tight shoulders. He lifted his face to the spray after a few minutes, wetting his hair as he reached for the shampoo. He lathered up and stepped back under the spray to rinse off. He was just soaping up his hands when two large hands grasped his waist and his back hit broad muscle.
Jacob grinned into Seth's hair as the younger man's breath hitched. Not a second later his hands touched his Pretty Boy's waist, the younger man had completely melted back into him. The older man skimmed the tip of his nose down the youth's neck, inhaling deeply as he held him tighter.
Slowly, Seth turned around in his husband's arms, lifting his own around Jacob's neck. Both of them shuddered slightly as their growing arousal nudged. Jacob lowered his head and pressed his lips to Seth's, their eyes peering into each other as they kissed languishly. The older man's tongue crept into Seth's mouth and the sensation was too much as Seth's eyes slid closed in pleasure.
"Mmm," he moaned against Jacob's mouth, tightening his arms around his neck to pull him closer as he lifted onto his tip toes. He broke away suddenly, "The twins?"
Jacob smiled. "They're fed, changed and Benny's keeping them entertained. Don't worry. We have plenty of time," he reassured the younger man before connecting their lips.
Seth sighed in longing as he was turned so his back pressed against the cold tile of the shower. He gasped, jerking away, but was stopped by Jacob's broad chest. The sharp contrast of the cold tiles and his warm husband pressed either side of him made Seth hiss and moan loudly.
Jacob's mouth trailed down the younger man's jaw, nipping and licking on its way. Seth tilted his head to the side to give the older man better access to his neck, moaning softly as he sucked tantalizingly at the ropey tendon. Jacob moved onwards, dropping slowly to his knees before his husband. Seth bit his lip in anticipation, gazing down at the jet black locks of his lover as his fingers weaved through them.
The older man chuckled deeply as the youth's erection bobbed eagerly before his face, smirking devilishly up at the man as his tongue snaked out and flicked the leaking tip. Seth moaned, clenching his fists in Jacob's hair as he silently urged the man on. His eyes rolled in his head as his cock was engulfed in the warmth of Jacob's mouth, the sensitive tip of his cock nudging the back of his throat.
"God, Jacob, you get better and better at this ..." Seth groaned, pushing his hips forward to go deeper still.
Jacob hummed around the youth's cock as if agreeing, slick saliva dribbling from the corner of his mouth. His large hands gripped the scrumptious globes of his husband's ass, pulling him deeper still. Jacob could never get enough of this man's cock. He'd suck it every day if he had the time.
"God damn, Jacob, baby, you're going to make me come!" Seth groaned as Jacob's tongue laced at the sensitive ridge of his cock before swallowing him deeply once more.
Jacob pulled back with a devilish grin and murmured seductively, "Come in my mouth, Pretty Boy. Fill me up."
"Holy shit, that's hot," Seth breathed hoarsely.
Jacob's tongue began to probe Seth's leaking tip as his hand lifted to fondle his sac. He squeezed just enough to cause the younger man a tiny bit of pain at the same time he swallowed his shaft whole.
White, hot spurts of cum abruptly hit the back of Jacob's throat, almost taking him by surprise, as Seth tensed and groaned above him, his fingers tightening to painful levels in his jet black locks. Jacob swallowed greedily, his hands clenching at his love's coiled thighs and pulling his cock deeper down his throat.
He pulled back and bummed in appreciation as he swallowed the last of the sticky white fluid and licked Seth's cock clean. The youth's legs began to tremble, his knees in danger of giving out from beneath him. Jacob's arms locked around the youth's waist as he himself rose to his feet, a sly, satisfied grin spreading across his face once he saw the dazed, glassy-eyed expression on his husband's face.
"You okay there, Pretty Boy?" he asked huskily. Seth moaned incoherently, making the older man laugh. "Do I take that as a yes?"
"Let a guy catch his breath and his senses before you start asking questions, Jesus!"
Jacob just laughed and allowed his husband the time he clearly needed to regain his senses. Meanwhile Jacob began to paint the youth's shoulders and neck with nips and kisses, bringing him down softly. Little by little, Seth's breathing and heart rate began to regulate and he became more and more responsive to the ministrations of his husband.
"You back with me?" Jacob murmured quietly against his skin.
"You're so good to me," the youth whispered.
"Oh Seth, babe, it's only what you deserve. I should be giving you so much more than this, trust me."
Seth peered up at his husband with a raised eyebrow, seeming somewhat amused. "You already give me more than I deserve, Jacob. I don't need anymore than you already give. You give me love, pleasure, security, our family - three handsome sons and a little princess that make us complete. You work your ass off to make this family more than comfortable, to say the last. We want for nothing and we have you to thank for that. I love you so much, Jacob, never think you don't do enough for me or this family," Seth murmured, his voice growing slightly more stern nearer the end as if he couldn't believe what he was hearing.
The was a long bout of silence as the two men stared at each other, love, adoration and devotion sing brightly and reflected in both their gazes.
Finally, Jacob was the one to break it with a teasing smile. "Well this shower became a while lot heavier than I intended," he quipped with a smirk, causing Seth's own grin to form.
"Yeah, well, I just thought you ought to know how much you're appreciated around here," Seth poured seductively as he draped his arms over Jacob's shoulders and leaned up on his tiptoes to kiss him searingly. As he pulled back, his eyes smoldered. "I love you. Never forget or doubt that, you got me?"
Jacob smirked and gave a mock salute, saying, "Ate, are, Captain."
Seth giggled and slapped his chest lightly. "Get outta here."
"Aye, aye-"
"Go!" Seth laughed.
"Fine then," Jacob pouted playfully. "I think I hear the boys anyway, spoilsport."
In that moment, they heard Monkey's loud voice shouting through the house and Benny's right after him. One of the babies was crying and Jacob thought he could hear his office phone ringing.
"Well the alone time was nice while it lasted," Seth sighed teasingly as he reached over to turn off the shower. He smirked up at his husband. "Maybe next time I'll actually be able to get washed."
"I didn't hear you complaining before," Jacob purred, leaning over to nip Seth's earlobe.
"No, I suppose I wasn't," Seth agreed with a giggle before he practically pushed Jacob from the shower. "Come on. We should get dressed and diffuse whatever is happening downstairs."
"Aye, aye, Captain."
Jacob have a mocking salute and marched out the shower as named as the day he was born. Seth couldn't resist gazing longingly at his scrumptious behind, so firm and biteable. He followed after his husband and pinched his ass as he slipped by him.
"Hey! Cheeky ..." Jacob chuckled.
Seth just smiled demurely and changed the topic. "I wonder what the boy have settled on doing today?"
"Knowing Benny, probably some sort of museum, or knowing Monkey, some sort of sport," Jacob guessed with a knowing grin.
"Honestly, I'd rather go to a history museum than hit the batting cages. You know me and sports ..." Seth replied with a shrug. "I guess we'll see."
"I've never known a red-blooded American be so averse to sports before. You couldn't get any less interested if you tried."
"Says you. You don't watch it either!" Seth laughed.
"Because I'm so busy all the time. If I had the time, I'd watch Sportscentre like the rest of them."
"Sure, sure," Seth chuckled.
Jacob rolled his eyes and gave his husband a small shove as if that alone closed the argument. They finished getting ready for the day - Jacob in his customary black slacks, black dress shoes and a slightly more casual knitted sweater while Seth chose casual approach with his dark blue jeans, tee and his leather jacket. He was slipping his sneakers onto his feet when their bedroom door burst open.
"We know what we wanna do!" Monkey shouted excitedly, bouncing Xavier up and down in his arms and making him giggle.
Benny lingered behind his brothers, holding his sister a little more calmly as he walked into the bedroom. Monkey approached Seth and handed over his little brother, who went without a fuss and started tugging on the lapels of Seth's jacket.
"Pray tell what that is," Jacob snickered.
"We want to go for a picnic in the park at lunch, but before then, I agreed to go to that new art gallery place and not moan while we're there as long as Benny plays soccer with me at the park after we eat. And we would also like to invite some friends to play with us after lunch too. And then after we finish playing soccer, we could take Lottie and V to that new play den that just opened. They have a ball pool and a load of other baby-friendly toys to play with. And then we could even come home and dress up and go out to a fancy restaurant for dinner or something, if you wanted. We could invite Tia-"
"-and Lucy-"
"-not Lucy-"
"-But it's only fair to invite your girlfriend too if we invite mine," Benny teased his little brother mercilessly. "How will she feel if she finds out? She'll feel so left out and would probably never talk to you again."
Monkey's eyes blew wide with fear as they snapped to his Papa. "She won't?! Papa, is that right?!" he almost shouted.
Seth sent his eldest son a soft glare before diffusing his Monkey's panic. "I'm sure she'll be fine if she wasn't to come, but if you want her there, I certainly don't mind. She's a lovely girl. Jacob?"
"Hey, don't look at me! I'm not even happy he has a girlfriend ... though you're right, she is nice enough," he reluctantly agreed.
"Well, I guess I could invite her ... if she wanted," Monkey hedged with a grimace. "It's just that ..."
"It's just what?" Benny asked with a smirk.
"It's just she ... God, she's so clingy! Like, literally! She hangs off my arm like one of those spider monkeys and she always wants to know what I'm doing. And God, heaven forbid I go play soccer on the field with my friends instead of sit in the cafeteria with her and her girly, giggly friends! She'd eat me alive! She's ... she's so ... infuriating!"
"Sounds like true love to me," Benny joked through his laughter.
Jacob and Seth both suppressed their smirks as their own laughter bubbled beneath the surface. It sounded like their nine year old had some woman issues.
"Well son, I don't know whether your Papa and I will be able to help in that department," Jacob replied with a grin. "You should talk to your Uncle Emmett or Uncle Paul. They're much more experienced in the art of understanding women than we are."
"I have no deserve whatsoever to even attempt to understand women," Seth inserted offhandedly. "Your father's right - talk to one of your Uncles. Just not Uncle Eric - he's as useless as us."
"I'll tell him you said that!" Benny snickered.
Seth mock scowled at him. "You would, you little hellraiser," he teased, earning a big, innocent grin in return.
God help the female population at his high school with the work puberty's doing on him. He'll be beating them off with a stick. Shit, Tia will be beating them all off with a stick for him. She may look docile and shy, but she was anything but when it came to her boyfriend and relationship. She could be as catty as the rest of them if she felt threatened. Luckily, that hasn't happened much at all.
"Anyway, how's about we get this busy day in the road? Do you want me to call Grammy, Grandma and Grandpa to see if they want to join us for the picnic or dinner?" Seth suggested, excitement growing at the thought of dining with his mother.
Monkey and Benny's eyes lit up at the suggestion.
"Yeah! I want to talk to Grandpa about something!"
"Like what?" Jacob asked his eldest suspiciously.
"Just something. It's between Grandpa and Grandson."
"Ah, I see how it is," Jacob nodded sagely. "Don't need your old man now you're growing up."
"No, of course I need you," Benny laughed and rolled his eyes before he made his way out the bedroom, throwing over his shoulder, "It's just that Grandpa's way cooler."
"Little brat," Jacob muttered under his breath, though Seth heard him and laughed.
Seth got to his feet, still chuckling. "Come on, we better get going if we're to do all they planned for today."
Jacob nodded. "Sure, sure. Let me just call the restaurant and book the reservations. I don't foresee our mothers and my father declining so I'll just go ahead and book it. I'll be in my office."
Seth nodded and followed Jacob out the bedroom, shutting the door behind him as he bounced Xavier up and down to keep him entertained. Rona and Rex came trotting out of the boys' bedrooms, clearly having just woken from slumber, and walked either side of Seth as he descended the stairs.
"Hey, Dad?" Benny called from the kitchen.
"Yeah, Benny?"
"Um ... phone, for you ... It's Penny," the tween called back, causing Seth's heart rate to pick up double time as he rushed towards the kitchen, eyes wide and hopeful.
Penny hadn't called since she'd returned to Washington. It was always Seth who initiated that contact or sent the first email. Of course, Seth didn't mind. He appreciated her need for space and time to grieve, in a sense, so the phone calls were very sparse and the emails brief. This was the first time the young girl had reached out to Seth and he was more the anxious and excited.
What did it mean?
"Could you take him?" Seth requested, handing Xavier over without waiting for an answer as he took the phone from his son. They shared a look and a sad smile. "With the mouthpiece firmly pressed to the palm of his hand, he asked, "How did she sound?"
Benny shrugged. "Not as bad as I imagined, I guess. I mean, she sounds okay," he answered before leaving his Papa to his phone call.
Seth took a deep breath and placed the phone to his ear, listening for just a moment to the soft, even breathing of his little sister, before he greeted her, "Hey there, Sweetheart, it's so good to hear from you."
"Seth, hey," she replied softly. "Sorry if this is a bad time ..."
"No. No, of course not, you can call anytime, day or night., okay?"
"Okay," she whispered.
There was a pause where they just waited for the other to say something. Seth broke it.
"How ... How are you?"
Penny took a deep breath and smiled softly, not that Seth could see. "I'm doing better."
"Are you sure?" the man asked uncertainly.
"Yes, I'm sure. Honestly, Seth, I'm not as bad as I was ..."
Seth winced, though he knew she didn't mean for it to hurt. Just the thought of causing her so much pain made Seth cringe.
"That's good. That's so good. I'm glad that ... I'm glad you're coming to terms with everything. Quinn still around to help you out?" He smirked to himself. He knew how the young man felt about his little sister.
On her end, Penny blushed chronically but couldn't help the big smile that spread across her face. "Yeah, he's ... he's around, you know ... He's been a massive help. I don't think ... I don't think I could've gotten through these last couple of months, or hell, the last eleven months without him. He's kinda been my rock, you know?"
"I know, Sweetie, I know. I'm glad he's still around, really. And your dad? How's he?"
"I think he took the whole birth as hard as me, though he tries to hide it, but he's doing better as well. I've even heard him talk to Quinn about the babies ..." she trailed off as her voice cracked on 'babies'.
Seth's heart broke for her all over again. "They're okay ... I mean, they're happy and healthy and beautiful ... Anna is looking more and more like you every day, Sweetie, you'd been so proud." There was a soft sob on the other end of the receiver. "Oh sweetie, I'm sorry. I didn't mean-"
"No! No, please ... tell me more about them? I mean, my therapist ... I used to see her twice, sometimes three times a week, but it's only weekly now ... anyway, she said I need to talk about them more, to hear about their lives. There's something else she suggested I do, but I'll come back to that in a minute. Can you just ... tell me about them?"
"Of course, Sweetie, whatever you need," Seth whispered and proceeded to do exactly as she requested.
He told her about their sleeping patterns; Anna was sleeping through the night now, give or take one or two bad nights a week, while Xavier woke without fail at three in the morning for his first feed of the day. He told her how her baby brother's cries never really bothered Anna, that she slept like a log every night. He told her how Xavier absolutely loves applesauce while his sister hates it with a passion and flings it across the room any chance she gets.
He told her how Xavier was a chronic smiler. He smiled at anything and everything that garners his attention. It was a lot harder to entice smiles and gurgling giggles from his big sister, though it was music to the ears when she did. He told her Anna's favourite toy was her pink elephant soft toy while Xavier's was a soft rattle he loved to chew on. He told her that Anna would be the first to cut a tooth and that she was taking it with grace and poise. She barely complained about her gums, while Xavier sometimes screamed with his.
He told her about their quirky habits; like how Anna loves to suck her fingers and hates pacifiers, while Xavier was more dependant on the thing and always pulled a face when his hand made it to his mouth, as if he was disgusted by it. He told her how Xavier constantly looked out for his sister, how connected they seemed to be; like they shared their distress or happiness. He told her he also had a fascination with his sister's curly locks and loved to pull on them.
For at least an hour, Seth sat at the kitchen table and spoke about his son and daughter to their birth mother, hoping more than anything that it was helping her heal rather than making her worse. His reassurance came from her small giggles at some details or her soft 'aww's.
"They sound so perfect," she whispered in awe once Seth stopped talking for a minute. "So, so perfect."
"They really are, and that's thanks to you. They take after you so much, Penny. I doubt we'll be able to hide the fact you're their birth mother when they're older, even if we wanted to, especially with Anna being the spitting image of you."
"Thank you, Seth ... That's made me feel a lot better," she replied genuinely. "There was actually a reason why I called. A couple of them really."
"Go ahead. Anything."
Penny took a deep breath and accepted the encouraging nod from her Dad as he sat next to her on the bed. "Well, Dad and I, and probably Quinn too, were hoping that we could ... maybe we could come visit at Christmas? I know it's a while off yet, but I think I'll be ready by then. Or at least I'm hoping I will be."
Seth's eyes lit up and he beamed. "oh, sweetie, of course! We'd love to have you all back here for the holiday. Anytime. As long as you're sure though, I don't want you to push yourself or anything," he added anxiously. "As long as you're sure."
"I am. If I change my mind closer to the time, I'll let you know, but I honestly think it'll be okay. Besides, I know Dad wants to see them," she added, reaching over to grasp her dad's hand across the bed as he smiled at her.
"Then we'd love to have you. We'll make all the plans, don't you worry, okay?"
"Oh, you don't have to pay-"
"Nonsense, I want to. It isn't a cheap flight. Besides, when Sarah and William get wind of this, they won't take no for an answer," Seth replied with a knowing grin.
Penny giggled softly. "Okay, thank you."
"Was there something else you needed? You mentioned something else," Seth gently prodded, not knowing if it was something bad.
"Oh! RIght! Well, my therapist told me to do something that will help me, or whatever, something I find therapeutic."
"That would be your art, right? You're always in your own world when you draw," he said fondly.
"Right. That's what I figured. She also said I should do it around the babies or something, so I was hoping you'd maybe send me some of your favourite pictures of them and I could choose one to draw or something. I dunno ... Only if you want to."
"I'll send them in an email later, okay? I promise. I think that's a good idea too. It'll even get you acclimated to them before you get her for Christmas, don't you think?"
"Yeah, and I think that's what my therapist is getting at too."
"Don't worry, Sweetie, I'll get them all sorted out and send them over."
"Thank you, Seth," she sighed in relief. "Well, I guess that was all I wanted to talk about. Do you have a busy day today?"
"Oh, we're just going out as a family, you know ... It's Jacob's first Saturday off in forever and we wanted tio do something fun."
"That sounds awesome! I might do something with Dad too. Give Benny and Demetri a hug from me, yeah?"
"Of course."
"And ... And give Anna and Xavier a kiss too?" she asked, her voice shaky once more.
"A big sloppy one, I promise," he said, making her giggle. "I'll talk to you soon, sweetie, and remember, call me any time, day or night."
"Okay, thank you. Bye, Seth."
"bye."
Seth hung up with a lighter heart, though the heaviness wasn't completely eased. Excitement had replaced that small bit of heaviness and he couldn't wait for the Swans to come over for Christmas. He also knew it would be a big step for them, especially Penny, and hoped that she would be ready to take it.
"All done? Is she okay?" Jacob asked from the kitchen doorway, his brow furrowed with worry.
"She's better, she says. She wants to come over for Christmas. I said of course, but only if she was sure. I guess we'll see," Seth explained with a tentative smile.
"That's good. Really good. I hope she comes."
"Me too," Jacob agreed with a smile, leaning down to peck the side of the youth's head. "Now the kids are getting antsy. They want to be off."
Seth chuckled and nodded, getting to his feet. "Are the twins ready?"
"Yeah, Benny was gracious enough to do it while you were speaking to Penny. We're all set and ready to go "
"Let's go then."
The husbands wrangled up their children, Jacob taking care of their two eldest whilst Seth got the twins sled in their car seats. He then grabbed their day bags, making sure everything was in there before putting them in the trunk of the rover. Benny climbed in the very back seat, keeping seats to himself while Monkey climbed into the middle seats with a big grin on his face.
"I can't wait for today!" he shouted enthusiastically, practically bouncing in his seat.
His fathers both chuckled at his antics and Benny rolled his eyes, though he wasn't fooling anybody. He was just as excited as the rest of them. Their excitement only increased tenfold as they approached their first destination.
It still amazed Jacob and Seth how prejudiced some people of New York City could still be, especially considering how multi-cultural the city was, but they still managed to get some sneers of disgust as they walked hand in hand around the at gallery, even more so if they were pushing the twins between them. It also still amazed how nonchalant they both could be to the unwarranted attention; they didn't give a shit if people thought they were unnatural. This was their family; they weren't going to be the last bit ashamed of them or each other.
But then there were the gigglers, the people (mostly women) who had a fascination with homosexual males. Faghag, some call them. There were some stood huddled in a corner, paying Seth and Jacob more attention than the art. A couple older ladies came over to coo at the twins while their daddies stood tall and proud.
Monkey found himself a couple of kids his age to play with, but Benny couldn't complain since his little brother wasn't actually whining like he said he wouldn't. Besides he was much more interested in the in depth discussion with a willowy chap twice his age.
Seth decided to actually wander around the place. He'd purchased a painting or two in the last year or two that had caught his attention and perhaps he'd find something else for their family room. An oil painting caught his eye from across the room and Seth babied right to it under the watchful eye of his husband. Seth was grinning even before he speed in front of the painting and knew in his heart that he wasn't leaving until it was his.
The painting in question was nobody in particular, rather a symbol of everything that Seth how most dear in his heart. In the very middle of the canvas were six hands as if the subjects had been told to put a hand there to do a team cheer or something. Only, the six hands reduced in size as they formed the circle. Two adults, two children and two babies - Jacob, Seth, Benny, Monkey, Anna and Xavier. Their family.
He had to have it. There was no question about it.
Someone stepped behind either not his shoulders. He glanced back at the person on his right first and saw Benny stood there with a grin on his face.
"Is kinda fitting, isn't it?" he asked rhetorically. He knew exactly why his Papa had been drawn to this particular piece.
"It would look beautiful in the family room," Jacob whispered in his husband's ear. "Shall I find the artist?"
"Excuse me, I couldn't help but overhead ..." A petite man interrupted hesitantly as he stepped up beside the small family.
Jacob smiled politely, turning to face the man.
"I'm actually the seller and artist of this piece ... Would you like to hear more about it?" he offered kindly.
Sets eyes lit up as soon as the man announced he was the artist. He nearly bowled the man over with his enthusiasm. "Yes, please! I just love this painting! You used oil pants, right?"
The man laughed. "Yes, I did indeed. I'm Darryl, by the way."
"Oh, how rude of me! I'm Seth Black. This is my husband, Jacob."
Darryl smiled just a little wider at how proud the other man introduced Jacob. If only his lover would do the same, he couldn't help thinking wistfully and slightly bitter. Outwardly, he smiled at the couple.
"It's a pleasure to meet you. I must warn you; this piece is quite special to me so I'm looking for just the right buyer. I hope you're the one," he expressed lightly with a smile on his face. "Any who, this piece was one of the first I did in oil paints, back in college. It was supposed to be part of my final portfolio at the end of senior year, but it never made the cut for some reason. I found it quite difficult, to be perfectly honest, but I'm glad I persevered."
"Trust me, I'm very glad you did too. This is truly perfect," Seth gushed, looking over at the painting again.
"Would you mind if I asked what you think of it, what makes it so appealing to you?" Darryl asked intrigued.
"No, not at all. We have four children - a twelve year old, nine year old, both of which are boys, and two month old twins, a boy and a girl. I love how there's a hand to symbolize each of us. I mean, we don't plan on having any more kids so this painting is the perfect way to showcase everything I hold dear."
Darryl just smiled widerly and urged the youth to continue.
"There's actually no induction as to the genders of each hand either so it wouldn't have mattered if we were a homosexual or heterosexual couple, not whether we have all girls or boots, you know?"
"Please, go on," Darryl encouraged.
"There's also that all our kids are adopted. I mean, none if them share either of our DNA so for me, it also symbolizes that familial bonds can be formed without blood ties. We know that all too well, don't we, baby?"
"Definitely," Jacob agreed readily.
He was watching Darryl closely and he was right percent sure that the artist was going to sell his painting to his Pretty Boy. It didn't matter how much it was going to cost; Seth would have this painting hanging in the family room by the end of next week at the latest. Jacob would make sure of it.
"The reason why I painted this portrait was because it's everything I've ever wanted. I always imagined having a big family, and I'm bisexual too, which is why the adult hands especially look so effeminate," the artist explained. "I've always envied and admired large families, especially the homosexual ones, because it shows they- you don't care an ounce of what society thinks. I truly admire that."
Both Seth and Jacob grinned at him.
"I think ... I may have just found the right home for my favorite piece. I can really tell that you believe all you interpret from it and th err passion in which you spoke about your family truly reassures me that it won't be come a forgotten piece of art in your home. I would be honored to sell you this painting."
Seth nearly squealed in triumph as nd excitement as Jacob grinned down at him. The later puked out his cheque book, looking to Darryl expectantly.
"Your full name?" He requested lightly, pulling a pen from his jacket pocket.
"You don't even know how much it's selling food," Darryl hesitated.
Jacob smirked and shrugged. "Doesn't matter, truly ... Full name?"
"Darryl Winters. I'd originally set the price for $250,000, as was advised of me, but ..." Darryl looked doubtful now. The only reason why he'd set the price so high was to weed out any half hearted buyers. Still, the older man didn't even flinch as he filled out the rest of the cheque completely before tearing it off and hansding it over."
Darryl's eyes widened when he saw the $300,000 figure glaring back at him. He lifted his wide gaze to the wealthy man before him.
"Are you su-"
"There might be more from where that came from if any of your other works catch my husband's eye as well. I've never seen him so smitten with one painting before. Out of curiosity, do you take commissions?"
Darryl was taken aback by the question. "Oh, um, perhaps. I mean, if I was given enough notice. I tend to take my time on each piece of work. I don't like rushing just to make a quick dollar like some artists do," he asked sheepishly, wondering whether he'd just jeopardized a very sweet future opportunity for business with this man.
However Jacob smiled pleased as he replied, "Good. Take my business card and I'll take yours if you have one. I may be in touch," Jacob told him quietly.
He didn't want Seth hearing this particular conversation. Jacob had something up his sleeve.
Darryl promptly handed over his basic business card. It was nothing fancy, nothing compared to Jacob's professional ones. He slipped the attorney's card in his jeans before shaking the man's hands. They exchanged a few more words and then Darryl recaptured Seth's attention.
"Seth? I'll get this packaged good and safe for you. Did you want to take it with you or have it delivered?"
"Oh, I'd feel better if it was delivered, to be honest. Or car is a bit full today," Seth replied before pausing and asking Jacob, "Wait, you've already bought it?"
The older man nodded with a self-satisfied grin. "Yep. Just wrote the man a cheque. Call it ... the beginning of my grovelling."
"Uh-oh, someone in the doghouse?" Darryl asked with a smirk.
Seth returned it in earnest as Jacob ducked his head sheepishly. Seth replied, "yeah, you could say that. Not only has he got to make things up with me, but the kids as well. Is going to be a grueling few weeks for him." The statement was followed by a wink that Jacob didn't see.
Darryl laughed and patted Jacob on the back sympathetically. "Good luck with that, my friend," he teased before adding, "Now if you'll excuse me, I'll go prepare your purchase for transport. It'll arrive around Wednesday, I should think."
"Perfect, thank you so much!" Seth gushed and pecked his husband's cheek in utmost gratitude.
Darryl went off then with a huge, victorious grin on his face, both pleased with his biggest ever sale and to whom his favorite piece has gone to. He knew it would be loved and cherished for many years.
Not long after they made their purchases, the wrangled up their kids and asked if they were ready for lunch. There was still an hour and a half, but Seth figured the boys needed to call about their friends joining them for their soccer game and Seth needed to actually make their picnic. Jacob wanted to get the did as well so they'd get their daily dose of fresh air and exercise.
"I think we'll take two cars this afternoon. It'll be easier that way," Jacob mused thoughtfully as they bustled about their kitchen, packing a huge picnic basket full of food. "I'll take Rex and Rona, and probably Monkey and his friends. You'll be okay with the twins and Benny's lot?"
"Sure, sure. I'll go tell them to stick to a two friend limit," Seth agreed before walking out the kitchen.
In that moment, Jacob's phone began to chime. He answered it with a low, "Yes, Jacob Black speaking."
"Jake, it's Em. Did you have plans today?" His voice was hesitant, instantly putting Jacob on edge.
"Spending the day with my family. You know how much grovelling I need to do," he replied with a dry chuckle.
"Damn ..." Emmett cursed under his breath.
Jacob frowned deeply. "What is it, Em?" he asked, now serious. Something was wrong.
"Gerald just called me."
Jacob's eyes widened as he put down the knife he was using to chop carrot and cucumber sticks for Benny. "What's he found?" he asked, deathly quiet.
"An offshore account. There's been a steady stream of deposits over the last fifteen or so years. Name is Frederick Maloney."
Jacob's brow furrowed in concentration and then confusion as he replied, "Frederick Maloney? I don't know anyone of that name."
"No, your father not Marcus either. I can't recall meeting anyone of that name. Gerald says it's probably an alias, but he's looking into it. He requested we meet this afternoon to discuss his next move."
Jacob sighed deeply, glancing up just as Seth reentered the kitchen with their princess on his shoulder. Seth instantly noticed the intense expression on his husband face, causing his stomach to erupt with butterflies, and not the good kind. Jacob smiled at him tightly.
"What time this afternoon?" He asked Emmett, his heart sinking when he saw realiusation dawning on his husband's face before his expression settled on defeat and resignation. "Does it have to be today?"
"The sooner he knows what he's to do next, the sooner he can sort this mess out ..." Emmett reasoned hesitantly. "He asked if we could be at the office at two."
Jacob hesitated, stuck between a rock and a hard place. He wanted to get this mess at work sorted, but today was supposed to be for his family. His eyes drifted back to Seth, who had his back to him as he fed Anna while gently swaying. Still, Jacob could see the droop in his husband's shoulders.
The older man sighed heavily, scrubbing his forehead vigorously. "Hold on. Let me just talk to Seth."
"No problem, man. I hate to put you in this position, but hey, none of us will hold it against you if you take a miss on this. Marcus and I, we can handle it."
"I should be there."
"You should be with your family too ... It's up to you, Jake."
Jacob sighed and didn't respond as he pulled the phone from his east and called out for Seth. The youth turned with an understanding, somewhat sad smile on his face.
"There's something come up at work. A meeting at two ..." The older man trailed off, not entirely sure whether do felt comfortable outright asking to bail out on the first family day they've had in weeks.
"It's important. You should go," was all set said before he turned back around.
Jacob closed his eyes in frustration at the situation. He still had to tell the boys that he had to leave after lunch. He didn't think he could handle their disappointment as well.
In that moment, he'd made his decision.
He lifted the phone back to his ear. "Em?"
"I'm here."
A short poause and then, "Tell Gerald to do whatever he needs to do. Whatever he needs to do. I want this done and sorted already, but ... today is for my family. I need to stay with them."
"I completely understand, man. I'll let Marcus know. Enjoy your day and don't worry about a thing, okay?"
"I trust you. Call me later?"
"Sure, will do. Bye, Jake."
"See ya."
Jacob hung up and sighed, lifting his gaze back to Seth. He was slightly surprised to see he already had the youth's attention. His expression was somewhat surprised but more so elated. Jacob knew that he'd made the right decision.
"You're staying with us?" Seth asked in surprise with a soft smile.
Jacob took his husband into his arms and held him tight, though he was careful not to squish Anna. He leaned in and kissed him deeply, leaving Seth more than breathless.
"We made plans, did we not? Can't abandon my family when we're all looking forward to this. Besides, you guys are more important to me. Maybe I forgot that over the last few weeks, and especially that night, but I won't ever again, okay? I won't put myself in a position where I miss something important happening, especially with there being so much to look forward to with the twins. I'm all your today so don't worry and let's go to this picnic in the park, shall we?"
Seth beamed and kissed Jacob. "We shall. It's all packed now and Benny just finished feeding Xavier so we're good to go. Benny asked Tia and Johnny to join us. Monkey has Lucy and Thomas coming. Their parents will drop them off at the playground. We'll meet them there."
"Did you pack enough food for everyone?"
"Yep. It's all taken care of. I figured we could just have ice cream there for dessert?"
"Sounds good. Let's go."
Jacob wrangled up the dogs while Seth took care of the kids after putting the basket and other things in the trunk. He locked up the house and waved to Seth as he climbed into his car, where Monkey was already waiting. He grinned at him through the rearview mirror, noticing how the small boy bounced excitedly in his seat.
"You ready for the picnic and your soccer galips
"Yeah! I'm so excited! I'm so happy that you're not at work today, daddy!"
Jacob's heat faltered for a few beats upon hearing that term of endearment. Even though he had it to look forward to with the twins, he still missed it when Demetri and even Benny calling him 'daddy'. Benny stopped about two years ago and over the last year, the name had sparsely left Monkey's lips. Hearing it now, it proved to him just how much having Jacob around today meant to the small boy.
He grinned at his son. "I'm glad too, Son."
"Will you be home every Saturday now?" Demetri asked hopefully.
Jacob hesitated. "Maybe not every Saturday, but I'll make sure we do this at least once a month, okay?"
That seemed to appease the small boy as he said, "Sure, okay, Dad. That'll be fun."
Jacob sighed and relaxed as he drove the rest of the way to central park, his heart lighter than it had been for days.
When they arrived at the picnic spot Seth had chosen, the man himself was already setting out a couple of huge picnic blankets and Tia was chatting happily with him as she organized a few platters of sandwiches and savoury snacks to start with. Benny was kicking around a soccer ball between himself, Thomas and Johnny, a game that Monkey soon joined in after hugging his best friend hello. Lucy was not yet there.
Jacob, deciding he wanted in on the action, kissed Seth on the lips in greeting before he sneaked up behind his eldest son to take the soccer ball right from under him. Jacob preformed elaborate trick with his feet before passing it to Monkey.
"Whoa, you have got to teach me how to do that, Mr Black! That was wicked!" Thomas shouted enthusiastically as he passed the ball to Johnny.
"Dad, you never told me play soccer!" Benny protested, looking entirely scandalized.
"I don't anymore, soon. When have I ever got the time? But I did, when I was younger. I was quite the athlete in high school."
"What sports did you play, Mr Black? Baseball? Football?" Johnny asked. "Football's my favorite sport to play, but I like watching basketball better."
"Football, soccer, basketball and hockey. I wasn't too fussed about baseball, but then I would never have had the time to play it what with already playing four anyway."
"I can't believe you never told me that," Benny repeated, eyes wide.
"Ah, you see, I still have my secrets. There's a lot you don't know about me. LIke how I led my senior year football team to the state finals ... and won."
"No way!"
"Uh huh, I swear ... Of course, I sustained at injury to my knee during that game and couldn't play through college like I wanted to, but in hindsight, that was probably for the best. I couldn't concentrate on my real studies then, and now look where it's gotten me."
"My daddy says you're, like, super successful and super rich," Johnny commented.
Jacob shrugged but Benny was the one who replied, "Hell yeah, he is! My dad's one of the best lawyers in America. People come from a long way across the country for him to represent them, and he's helped a lot of important people. Oh, and the 'super rich'# part is right too."
Jacob chuckled. "Alright, Benny, that's enough. What have I told you about bragging and gloating and waving our affluence in other people's faces?"
"That it's wrong and immoral. It could make people less affluent than us envious and jealous and uncomfortable," Benny recited and then turned to Thomas, saying, "Dad likes us to help people who need it, like charities and stuff. He and Papa go to those fancy fundraisers sometimes."
"I bet they're awesome. When will you get to go now you're older?" Thomas asked, directing the question to both Benny and Jacob.
Benny looked to his Dad curiously. He'd never really expressed any desire to go to those fancy things, but he idly wondered whether Tia would like something like that. He realised that she would and would probably love him for taking her. A grin started twitch on his mouth at the thought and he hoped that his Dad would say yes, or at least think about letting him and Tia go.
Jacob thought about it for a second and shrugged, figuring 'why not?' Still, he decided to mess with the tween a little. "I don't know whether you're mature enough for something like that. There'll be very important people there - mayors, CEOs, college deans and the like. What do you think?"
"I'm totally mature enough for it!" Benny rushed to reassure his Dad. "I'd get dress up like you and Papa, and Tia would too. I mean, if she was allowed to go too."
"Well, of course. She's your girl, isn't she? And you can't in your right mind go solo," Jacob replied, smirking when the implications of what he said didn't fully register with the tween until sometime later.
"Tia would love it! She's all about dresses and jewellery and all that glamour," Benny said enthusiastically. "If we got to go, she'd love me forever!"
"DUde, did you not hear what he said?" Thomas laughed, shaking his head at his best friend. "He said you can't go solo, meaning you can go, but with Tia."
Benny paused for a beat before realisation kicked in and he whooped loudly in excitement and triumph, fistpumping the air before bounding over to his Dad to give him a massive hug. He barely gave Jacob enough time to react before he was bouncing off again, this time towards his girlfriend to give her the news. Jacob laughed to himself.
Not long after his son's disappearance, Seth came strolling over with a big grin on his face. "I take it you said he could come with us to the next fundraiser? He's pretty stoked about it, and Tia for that matter."
"Yeah, I figured it wouldn't hurt now that he's older. He could even probably hold a better, more intelligent conversation with my colleagues than some of the bigshots that attend."
Seth chuckled. "Yeah, probably. When is the next?"
"Uh ... July 3rd, I believe. The Fourth is on a Sunday this year so the party will be the Saturday, freeing the Fourth for families and whatnot."
"They outdid themselves with the pyrotechnics over in East Village last year."
"That they did. I think Mom was talking about hosting a party this year."
Seth groaned. "Great, and we have to deal with two frantic mothers trying to make this party the 'party of the year.' Whoo," he said dryly. "I hate it when they get like that. It's the worst and best thing we ever did, introducing Sarah Black and Sue Clearwater."
"Worst and best indeed," Jacob agreed with a snicker. "Mom adores Sue. She told me once they were like 'soul sisters' or some shit."
"Yeah, that sounds about right."
Seth opened his mouth to say something in reply when a shout behind him caught his attention.
"I said, get away from us! You don't belong here! Get lost!"
Jacob and Seth spun around in response to Benny's angered screaming, their eyes widening at the scene before them. Jacob had to blink a couple of times to make sure his eyes weren't playing tricks on him, but when he realised they weren't, thick, boiling ire bubbled through his veins like molten lava.
"Is that ...?" Seth's voice was shaky.
"Yes," Jacob growled through gritted teeth. "Let's go."
"You should learn to respect your elders, you little brat, but then what can I expect when you have fathers like them?" the man spat, jerking his head towards the approaching figures. "I simply wish to see my ex-husband's new spawn. I wonder whether he'll actually love these ones."
Benny's fists clenched so hard that his dull fingernails nearly broke the sensitive skin on his palms. Never before he had wanted to hit someone so much in his life, much less an adult. Despite what the scumbag said, he was raised to implicitly respect and obey the adults in his life. However, the man before him certainly wasn't in his life, therefore didn't deserve his respect. After all, he never received any in return. Respect went both ways.
"Listen, you asshole! I hate you! You destroyed my family, my Dad and my little brother! I won't let you poison my baby brother and sister's lives too! Get lost! You're worthless! You're not worth it! I hate you!"
"Aw, I'm touched, you little brat, really," the man snarked, taking a step towards the tween with every intention of pushing past him to get a glimpse of Jacob's new spawn. He wasn't even sure why he cared so much, but the thought of Jacob having such a well-put-together life after Jacob screwed him over, made his blood boil.
"You better back the fuck away from my son before I'm forced to take action," Jacob commanded in an eerily calm voice as he pushed himself between the man and Benny, nudging the latter into his Papa's arms as he did so.
Suddenly, the man's whole demeanour changed and a wide, smarmy grin spread across his handsome face. "Oh, Jacob, my darling ex-husband, such a pleasure to see you as always."
"What's your game, Brady? WHy did you have to ruin a perfectly good day? You have no reason or right to be anywhere near my family. Leave now before I make you," Jacob ordered, trying his damnedest not to just reel his arm back and punch the fucker in the face. He genuinely hoped they'd seen the last of this asshole.
Clearly, he was wrong.
"Aw, is that any way to speak to your husband?" Brady suddenly slurred as he leaned forward, breathing heavily into Jacob's face.
"Ex-husband," Jacob growled as his face scrunched up in disgust when he smelled the strong vodka on his breath. He pushed Brady away from him. "Christ, you're drunk."
Brady staggered back and almost fell on his ass, but righted himself at the last minute. Distractedly and almost dropping it in his drunkenness, Brady took a silver flash from his breast pocket and sucked heartily on it, not even flinching as the burning liquid slithered down his throat.
As Jacob watched his ex-husband, he couldn't help but feel intense disgust. This is what is left of the man he thought he once loved? Looking at him now made Jacob wondered what he'd ever saw in the poor excuse of a man. He was nothing like Seth. His Pretty Boy was like a saint and the completely opposite to Brady.
Still, a part deep down inside of him, the part that still recognised this drunkard as his first love and the once father to his sons, actually pitied the man. Sure, that part of him was very small, but it was there. He vaguely wondered what had gone wrong in Brady's life to make him resort to alcohol. If he remembered right, Brady hadn't touched the stuff in the whole ten years they were together.
"I think you should go home and sleep this off before I call the police, Brady," Jacob suggested.
Brady smiled lewdly, wiggling his eyebrows. "Oh, I just love the way you say my name, baby. Do you remember? All those nights together, the mornings and the lunch breaks in your office. Mm, so fucking good. If I miss anything about our marriage, it'd be the sex. Fuck yes."
"And yet you still sought it elsewhere," Jacob retorted dryly, becoming quickly fed up by his disgusting display. "How is dear old Sam, anyhow? Is he off in some other part of the park, terrorising innocent children as well?"
"No, he's home, tending to our son," Brady spat as if he held nothing but disdain towards the fact.
Jacob was momentarily stunned. They had a son? They'd adopted. He was genuinely surprised. He never expected them to last. Before he could answer, he realised Brady was still spewing hateful words.
"The little shit is nothing but a whining, pooping, vomiting, helpless waste of space. Why I let him talk me into adopting again is beyond me. I didn't even want that little brat," Brady spat, pointing directly at Benny.
Surprisingly, his hateful words didn't even dent Benny's feelings. He'd realised long, long ago that Seth was more a father to him in the first few weeks of them knowing each other than Brady had their entire time together. Brady had just filled in until his real Papa came along.
However, Benny's hear did go out to Brady's nameless son. He had to endure the heartlessness of this man for the rest of his life, or at least until his eighteenth birthday, and that was if Brady didn't walk out on him and Sam before then. Men like Brady should have a lifetime ban from children; all he ever did was ruin them, scar them for life and then toss them aside.
Okay, so maybe I am still slightly bitter he walked out on Dad, Demmy and I, Benny begrudgingly admitted to himself.
With a burst of confidence, Benny pushed his way forward and pushed Brady back before getting right in his face. It was hard to ignore the horrid stench of alcohol and he vowed in that moment he'd never touch the stuff for as long as he could, but he managed it. Words began to spill from his mouth.
"I hate you for what you did to my family! For what you did to my Dad! Do you even know the damage you caused to Demetri?!" he screamed. "It was so hard eveery time I had to tell him his Papa wasn't coming home, so hard not to tell him that you were a piece of shit, waste of space!"
"Benny ..." Seth called shakily.
"I hope Sam sees sense before you do the same to him and his son! I hope he leaves you like you left us, so that you will get a taste of your own medicine! It's what you deserve! It's the only thing you deserve!"
It was in that moment, when Brady moved to strike his son, that Jacob thawed from his stunned posturing and lunged towards the poor excuse of a man, tackling him to the ground. His first reeled back before he snapped it forward, breaking Brady's nose with the force of his strike. Brady barely cried out nor did he try to defend himself; he just laid there accepting hit for hit, punch for punch.
Jacob couldn't stop. All he could think about was someone (the fact that it was Brady didn't even factor in his mind) someone was about to strike his son, his twelve year old son. He saw red. It was all he could see.
No one threatened my family! the beast snarled in his head as he brought his first down for a final time before forcing himself away. It would do him no good to kill the sonofabitch. He didn't fancy going to prison for this shit.
Seth wrapped his arms around Benny, pulling the tween who was almost as tall as him already to his chest protectively. He glanced behind him and sighed in relief when he realised Tia must have used her initiative to move the babies away once the shouting started. She, the twins and Demetri were overby the sandpit, where they each had a baby propped up between their legs and amusing them with the sand.
A bystander must have called the police during the altercation as two uniformed officers came strolling up to the scene, both seemingly casual and calm as they took everything and everyone in. He assessed Brady's condition without a word and silently deemed him not in need of dire medical assistance before noting Jacob's bloody knuckles.
A short, lean man cocked his eyebrow in question as his gaze met Jacob's. "Care to explain the situation, Mr Black?"
Seth was momentarily confused as to how he knew his husband's name, but then remembered that said husband was a celebrity and arguably the best lawyer in New York City; of course the justice system was going to be well aware of his husband.
"Well, Officer Jennings, I was here with my family having a nice time and this drunkard, who happens to be my ex-husband by the way, decided to ruin a perfectly good day. Not only has he intimidated and verbally abused my children, he's been drinking alcohol in front of them and just being overall disruptive. I was forced to take physical action once he raised a first to my twelve year old son," Jacob explained solicitously., clearly familiar with the officer he was speaking to.
Seth knew his tone to be the one he used in court.
"Not to worry, Mr Black, we'll take Mr Fuller here into our custody and allow you to continue with your day. We've been seeing a lot of public disturbances from this one over the last few weeks so it's nothing new. I'm sorry for the disturbance," Officer Jennings replied with the same business-like tone, as if they were merely going through a formality and Brady's removal was a given.
"I'll be by the station perhaps on Monday to file a restraining order against him, mostly for my son but it'll be for my entire family. No one gets away with threatening violence against him."
Officer Jennings nodded in reply. "Very well. I'll preemptively get all the paperwork ready so you'll not have to take long at the station. We know you're a busy man."
"Much obliged," Jacob replied, nodding to him and then his partner, Officer Malcolm. "Good day, Gentleman. Thank you for the quick response."
"See you in court on Tuesday, Jacob," Officer Jennings called over his shoulder after he hoisted Brady up, cuffed him and led him towards his cruiser.
Jacob smiled as their formal banter dropped, waving as he replied, "Sure, sure, Randall."However, he soon dropped the pleasantries and turned towards his eldest son, pulling him into a hug as he demanded, "Are you alright? Did the fucker touch you before we got here? I swear to God, I'll kill him!"
"Dad, chill out, I'm fine, just angry he's ruined a perfectly good day," Benny groused, scowling at the retreating police cruiser.
Seth stepped forward with a smile. "Who said he had to ruin anything? Let's forget about the whole thing. We have the picnic and more soccer to enjoy, then the play dome with the twins, dinner and then you've got a hot date at the theatre."
Benny blushed at that last part but smiled as he realised his Papa had sufficiently distracted him in ten seconds flat. Right from under Jacob's nose, Benny punched the soccer ball he'd had tucked under his arm before racing after it behind his father, who cried out indignantly and chased after his son to reclaim the ball.
With a chuckle, Seth made his way over to Tia and the babies, thankful that their momentary crisis was over ... if just for now. Seth had a feeling that wasn't the last they would see of Brady freaking Fuller.
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Yay, a long one! Over ten thousand words, guys! I figured you deserved a bigger chapter since the updating has been all over the place. Just bear with me for a little longer? Pretty please? :)
So we've heard from Penny! Do you think he request to visit is too soon?
We have one more chapter of fluff, me thinks and then the plot thickens. Oh, and you guys can look forward to come citrusy fun next chapter too ;) Jacob still has to make things up with his husband after all ;)
Thanks so much for reading! Please leave me some love and motivation in a review! Show me you're still interested in this story please!
Love MrsWolfPack x
