When Adam returned home from the spa, he looked like a million dollars. His hair was down in soft waves. His fingernails were clean and buffed and his beard was very neatly trimmed. He was relaxed and felt refreshed. Adam went to the playroom to find his precious children.
"Daddy! You look pretty!" Janice exclaimed as she was the first to see Adam enter the room.
Jordan rolled his eyes. "Handsome, Jan. Pretty is for girls!"
Shawn laughed. "How about pretty handsome. You look so relaxed, son."
Adam sat on the couch in the room. "I am, and thank you. Where is Seth?" He noticed his friend wasn't there.
Shawn sat next to Adam. "Went home to nap. He got a bit baby sick. He told me to assure you not to worry. It was just normal morning sickness. I thought rest was best."
Adam nodded. "How well I remember. Thanks for making him go home. Look, since you came this morning, stay home tonight. Ida can manage." He gave his father figure a warm pat on the shoulder.
Shawn scoffed. "Nonsense. Hunter and Meg are going on their monthly dad, daughter date. I want to be with the monkeys. Besides, I want fried chicken!" He laughed and rubbed his belly.
Adam laughed. "Okay, okay. Thanks, you are too good to me. How about a game of Candy Land, I have time."
Later, when Shawn left, he promised to be back at four so Adam could be dressed by six. Adam called Seth. Seth's husband assured the blond Seth was fine. Roman and Adam chatted a bit, then ended the call.
Adam and Ida helped the children make their beds. Jordan and James took out the trash as Janice and Jade put away their clean laundry. Adam and Randy felt chores were good ways to build character and independence.
Adam also paid them a dollar for each completed chore. The had to put fifty cents of each dollar into their piggy banks. Randy and Adam taught them, that just because the had no money worries, it did not grow on trees. That's why Adam continued to work. It was also why he didn't want any alimony. He worked hard for his children, and they understood it.
Randy did pay eight thousand a month in child support. That money went into the bank accounts for each child. Adam used it only for clothes and care items. The rest went untouched for college or an emergency. Adam was a careful shopper. He never bought things for their name brand. He also wasn't too proud to shop at thrift shops. He often shopped at hospital thrift shops because the money went to help families of ill children. It all came from Adam's humble background.
Adam and his children were in the large backyard. Randy had a playhouse built and they had a big redwood swing set with a fort and slide. They also had a basketball hoop and a place to play net games like volleyball or badminton. The house also had a lovely, in ground, kidney shaped swimming pool. The children were not allowed inside the pool fence without Adam or Randy. It was locked tight for safety.
Adam's favorite thing in the world was to sit on the patio and listen to his children laugh and play. It was his greatest joy It always made Adam thankful to a higher power, because he could have so easily lost them, like his first baby. He smiled when Shawn came out of the kitchen and sat down.
"Is it that late already?" Adam looked at his watch, it was four on the dot.
Shawn chuckled. "Yes. Days off always fly by. So, are your nervous? I mean a first date, and dealing with Stephanie McMahon."
"It's not a date, Shawn. We're just going as friends and even that is a stretch. We only speak at work, as doctor and nurse. I just do my best to stay out of Stephanie's way. She's fair at work, but, she is a b. i. t. c. h." He spelled out the last word, even though the kids were in their playhouse.
"You do realize they can spell. But, I agree with you. She is proof of nepotism at work. Stephanie is good at fundraising though. Adam, just enjoy it, maybe Doctor Ambrose… well… you need someone. You know what I mean. I love you, son. I want to see you happy." Shawn gave Adam a fatherly smile.
"I know. I know every guy isn't Randy in the temper department. Well, I guess I'd better go get ready. Thanks for being here, Shawn. I love you, too." Adam stood and gave Shawn a kiss on the cheek. For once, he wasn't filled with guilt about Hunter.
"I enjoy it. Go, make yourself even more handsome." Shawn waved Adam toward the house.
Adam's favorite thing in the house was his extra deep, extra long, claw foot bathtub. He filled it with hot water and a spice scented bubble bath. Who said a strong, muscular man couldn't love a relaxing bubble bath? Adam carefully pinned his hair up, then slipped into the bath. He'd clicked on the radio, so soft classical music mingled with scent of spicy bubbles.
As he soaked, Adam thought of what Shawn had said. Yes, he did need someone in his life. Not for security, but for adult companionship. Sure he had Shawn, Hunter, Seth and Roman, but… he needed someone just for him. Even with Hunter, he didn't have that. Hunter had never been his alone. He didn't need someone to be a father for his children, but another strong male influence would be nice, like an older brother or uncle figure. Adam also needed someone to be with. He enjoyed sex and there was nothing wrong with that. But, Adam didn't want a string of men. The children didn't need to get attached, only to have the guy leave. Adam wanted someone steady. Someone who didn't want to go out all the time. The bar scene had never been Adam's thing. Guys like the one he wanted were rare. Adam also wouldn't have just anyone around his children. Randy was also a factor.
Adam wanted someone who would accept Randy being around and active in the lives of the quads. Randy was and would be their one and only father. Adam knew it was a hard thing for another man to accept.
Also, Randy would always have a piece of Adam's heart. Something Adam would never give up. Not only was Randy the father of his children, he had been Adam's first lover. Adam had been a virgin on his wedding night, a fact he was proud of and would try to instill in his children.
When the radio played the five o'clock news, Adam pulled the plug and got out of the tub. He wrapped a towel around his waist and sat at a vanity like table. He reached for his black kohl pencil.
"… the as of yet unidentified body was pulled from the Missouri River near the Riverfront Park boat ramp. It appears to be a possible underworld crime. Mob related crimes have been on the rise..." Adam snapped off the radio. There was enough bad news in the world. He didn't want to hear about it so close to home.
Adam carefully lined his eyes with the black kohl. It wasn't heavy, but just enough to make his hazel eyes stand out. He unpinned his hair and brushed it back to the soft waves from the salon.
Adam brushed his teeth and lastly sprayed on the spicy cologne that matched the bubble bath. It had a very light, vanilla undertone It was his own personal blend. Hunter had given him a gift certificate to the store where you could create your own fragrance. The funny thing, he never wore it for his meetings with Hunter. Adam didn't want the fragrance to get on Hunter, Shawn would have recognized it. Now, he was glad for another reason, it wouldn't remind him of times with Hunter. With a shake of his head, Adam went into the bedroom.
Thankfully, this was not a tuxedo dinner. Still, it was suit and tie. Adam pulled out his one piece of designer clothing. A deep, navy blue Valentino suit, that fit like a glove. His button down French cuff shirt was one shade of blue above white. His tie was striped with the dark navy, silver and the pale blue of the shirt. His pocket square was silver, that matched the tie.
Adam used the cuff links his mother had given him for his seventeenth birthday. They were silver ovals with his initials AJC in fancy script that intertwined. He took of his wrist watch and switched to his grandfather's gold pocket watch. He fastened the fob from the bottom button of his vest and put the watch in a small pocket in his vest. He put his university class ring on his right ring finger. He sat down and tied his shiny black dress shoes. At five thirty, Adam went downstairs.
He heard his children in their playroom. He also heard Shawn and Ida talk in the kitchen. Adam went to the playroom first. He was greeted by his children.
"Wow, daddy." Janice and Jade said at the same time as only identical twins could do.
Adam smiled. "Thank you, ladies. So, do I pass inspection?"
"You do look nice, daddy. But, you need a pink suit." Jordan spoke with a shrug.
James rolled his eyes. "He's daddy, not a flamingo, Jor." He didn't understand his brother's love of pink.
Adam chuckled. "Maybe one day, Jordan. Now, remember. Behave when Doctor Ambrose gets here, and behave for grandpa Shawn and Miss Ida or no Parade Park tomorrow."
James looked at Adam. "We will, daddy. You have fun and raise money for the sick kids." He spoke like a stoic adult, not a seven year old.
"Come on, let's go see what Miss Ida has for dinner. Maybe she made liver and onions instead of fried chicken!" Adam teased his children with an impish grin on his face.
"She better not have!" Jade protested as they headed to the kitchen.
When they got to the kitchen, Shawn mashed potatoes as Ida stirred the gravy. A platter of fried chicken sat in the oven to stay warm.
"Dinner will be ready after daddy leaves." Miss Ida announced without looking at Adam or the children, her gravy needed her full attention.
Shawn put the lid on the pot of potatoes. He turned and smiled. "Wow, you look very nice, Adam. Wait..." He quickly washed his hands and dried them. Shawn then made an adjustment to Adam's tie.
"There, perfect. I would say, Doctor Ambrose is a very lucky man. I hope you have a wonderful time. Don't worry about a thing." Shawn spoke warmly with a smile of parental pride.
Adam flushed a bit. "Guess I do clean up alright. Thanks, Shawn. I don't worry with you and Miss Ida here."
Two things happened. The grandfather clock began to chime six, and the door bell rang. "Go to the living room, children. I'll be right there." Adam instructed his quads, then went to answer the door.
Adam opened the door with a smile. "Hello, Doctor Ambrose. Won't you please come in." Adam stood back and swept his arm to welcome Dean into the house.
Dean could barely breathe, Adam looked so damn handsome. "Thank you. Please, call me Dean, we aren't at work. You look so handsome, too good for me." He stepped into the house.
Dean looked as handsome as Adam. He wore a form fitting black Armani suit with a stark white button down shirt. He's cuff links were the Caduceus, the staff and snake symbol of a doctor. His only jewelry were a gold watch and signet ring on his right pinkie finger. His auburn hair was neatly brushed and his face was clean shaven. He followed Adam through the house.
"You have a lovely home." Dean remarked as the got to the living room. He smiled, Adam's four children stood as they entered the room.
"Children, please meet Doctor Ambrose. Doctor, my children, Jade, Janice, James and Jordan." Adam placed a hand on each child as they were introduced to Dean.
James stuck out his hand first. "Nice to meet you, Sir." Jordan, Janice, and Jade all mirrored James. They were all polite angels.
Dean grinned brightly. "Very nice to meet all of you. Such polite young ladies and gentlemen. I want you to know I will take very good care of your daddy. I promise to bring him home safely."
"Yes, Sir. You'd better, he's our daddy." Jade spoke with her hands on her hips.
Dean smiled and patted Jade on the head. "Don't worry, Miss Jade. I would never let anything happen to a treasure like your daddy."
Dean turned when Shawn came into the room. "Oh, hello Mister Helmsley. How is Miss Megan?" He used his friendly doctor's voice and shook Shawn's hand.
Shawn smiled. "She is doing very well right now, thank you. She and her father are having their date night. You and Adam have a good time. Don't rush, I will be here." He knew Dean a bit from trips to the hospital with Meg. Now, he knew he wanted the man for Meg's full time physician.
"That's wonderful. More parents need to do things like that. Well, little lions, looks like you are in good hands. May I take your daddy to dinner?" Dean looked at the quads, brow arched.
"Yes, we trust you. Have fun, daddy." James spoke for his siblings with a hug to Adam.
Adam hugged and kissed his children. He smiled when Dean also hugged them. They shook hands with Shawn, then left the house.
Dean led Adam to his car. Dean drove a classic 1968 Mustang. It was solid black, outside and in. It was beautiful. Dean opened the passenger door for Adam. Adam slid into the seat and buckled up. Dean shut the door, then went around and slid into the drivers seat.
Adam admired the car as Dean buckled up. "This is a great car. Not the usual for a doctor. Does the top go down?" He liked how clean and shiny the car was.
Dean started the car. "Yes, it's a rag top. I thought you wouldn't want you hair mussed. I can put it down if you want." He backed out of the driveway onto Gladstone Boulevard. He pointed the car toward downtown Kansas City.
Adam laughed. "No, it's alright. You're right. Stephanie would not like it if I came in all wind blown. Oh, I am sorry about Jade. She's the one that got our bad traits. She's the loud one, and the most outspoken. She is wonderful artist though, and that helps keep her calm. James is more adult than me sometimes. He plays the saxophone in the school band. Janice is the sweet girl, she plays the flute. She and James love to make up songs to play. Jordan is even tempered and wants to paint the entire world pink. He is an artist too, but is more abstract than Jade… oh sorry, I tend to gush too much about the children." Adam flushed a bit and hushed.
Dean chuckled. "No problem, Adam. You have a lot to brag about. You can talk about them all you want. You're lucky. I really love kids and hope to have some one day." He let out a deep sigh.
Adam's brow arched at Dean's sigh. "You know, I am a good listener. Sometimes it's easier to talk to a stranger. You know what I mean." Adam glanced over at Dean. The man was handsome in a cute, boyish way.
Dean stopped at a traffic light. "It's hard, not many understand what being a doctor means. If a patient needs me at three in the morning, that comes first. I dated women at first, but, then I realized guys were more attractive to me physically. But, neither liked me being called in the middle of the night. It was with someone for five years, Drake Younger, but he got tired of coming in second to the hospital and my private practice. I cut back my private practice to thirty patients, but, he didn't think that was enough, so we broke up. That was two years ago, just before I came to Saint Luke's..." He stopped talking. They had arrived at Pierpoints at Union Station restaurant.
The restaurant was beautiful. The building had been constructed in 1914. It was three stories, and featured a rare women's only smoking lounge. It was a downtown Kansas City treasure. Because of the fundraiser, there was valet parking.
When they got out of the car, Dean politely offered Adam his elbow. Adam wrapped his hand around Dean's arm, he could feel how muscular the physician was. Dean opened the door and let Adam go first.
As they walked to the private dining room where the fundraiser was being held, Adam spoke to Dean.
"I understand. I've been there, called int to take over a shift. At least, being in part of the medical field, Randy understood. So does Miss Ida. I know the children will be safe when I'm called away. Oh, there are Seth and Roman." Adam waved to his best friend as they arrived at the fundraiser.
Roman and Dean embraced as did Seth and Adam. Greetings were exchanged along with compliments on how nice they all looked. The Reigns' were handsome in matching dark gray pinstriped suits, and white shirts. Roman's tie was power red, while Seth's was silvery blue. Adam smiled at how attentive Roman was to his pregnant husband.
The two couples went to greet Stephanie McMahon, her father Vincent and her younger brother Shane, who was home from college. Shane was in law school at Harvard. Shane was the total opposite of his sister. He was extremely friendly and wanted to be a lawyer who would fight for the underdog, the poor, the common folk. Neither Vince nor Stephanie understood Shane. They thought he should fight for the corporations, where the money was.
Stephanie grinned at Adam. "Well, I see you snagged Doctor Ambrose. Well done Nurse Orton, or wait, it's Copeland now, right?" She didn't get why Adam dropped the Orton name at work. Orton held power and wealth while Copeland meant… nothing.
Adam took the not so subtle dig in stride. "Doctor Ambrose is a friend. You look very nice tonight. You must be glad to have your brother home for the summer."
"Thank you. Yes, it is." Stephanie turned to greet the next people in the line.
Dean, then Adam shook hands with Vincent Kennedy McMahon. Vince was their direct boss, and as such, commanded the deepest respect.
"Ah, Mister Orton, you look handsome tonight. Randal must miss you." Vince's smile hid the deep sarcasm in his voice. Vince McMahon hated Randal Orton with a passion.
While Vince McMahon was the extremely well respected administrator of Saint Luke's Hospital of Kansas City, he was also Randy Orton's direct competitor for mob control of Kansas City. Vince had taken a huge financial hit when Orton Pharmaceutical took over the account of Saint Luke's. Vince's drug man was Chris Jericho of Jericho Drug and Supply. The company that had lost out to Orton.
Adam smiled at Vince. "Thank you, sir. You must be happy to have Shane home for the summer. The children on the ward love it when he comes to play time." He ignored the comment about Randy.
Vince barely hid his eye roll. "Yes, it is. Shane is good with children." His reply was short. Vince held Shane responsible for his wife's death. His dear wife, Linda, had died two minutes after Shane had been born. Even though the doctors told him it wasn't the baby that caused Linda to die, he still blamed Shane.
Adam greeted Shane with a grin. "Good to see you, Shane. The kids sure love having you around. How is Harvard?" He liked the young college student very much, and felt bad for him. He knew about Shane's mother from Stephanie.
Shane smiled like an eager child. "It's great. Well, I love kids. I will be there next week. I have an idea for a little paper bag puppet play."
Dean spoke up as he shook hands with Shane. "That sounds like fun. Let me know if you need help. I can play a killer dragon."
Shane laughed. "I will keep that in mind, Doctor Ambrose. Maybe we could even do a show for the parents and staff." He hoped the Doctor would go for the idea.
"Yes, that would be wonderful. I bet if you asked nicely, Nurses Adam and Seth would help." Dean replied with a smile. Anything to keep the children happy and calm was fantastic.
Seth spoke up as he shook Shane's hand. "You bet we will. We will talk about it soon. You remember my husband, Roman, from Helmsley and Associates." He introduced Shane to Roman.
"Oh yes, Mister Reigns. I hope to clerk at Mister Helmsley's next summer." Shane gave Roman a very enthusiastic smile and handshake to match.
Roman chuckled. "I shouldn't tell you this, but, you are at the top of Shawn's list. But, I never said that." He winked at Shane.
"Said what?" Shane returned the wink. Before he could say anything else, he was whisked away by Stephanie. It was time for the dinner to be served.
The dinner was pan roasted lamb chops with gruyère gnocchi, brussles sprouts, and a rocket salad. Dessert would be a choice between chocolate mousse and crèm brülèe. It was as good as Adam remembered. He and Randy had often come to the restaurant.
Adam and Dean sat at a table for four with Roman and Seth. Dean and Roman chatted about the Kansas City Royals baseball games as Seth and Adam talked about babies. Seth asked a lot of questions and Adam gladly answered them. Seth was also glad Adam would be there when his time came in February.
After the meal was over, Stephanie made her speech about the reason they were there. Raising money to help the families of the sick children in Saint Luke's. She was eloquent and the use of slides and pictures of children helped make her point. When she finished, Vince also spoke. He was short and to the point.
"… we look forward to your very generous donations. Now, for your enjoyment, we have dancing and the bar is open. Please, if you drink, make use of our free taxi ride home. Thank you all and please, enjoy the evening." Vince finished his speech with a smile and nod to the leader of the small orchestra Stephanie had hired. The conductor began with a waltz.
Dean stood. "May I have this dance, Nurse Adam?" He held out his hand with a slight bow from the waist.
Adam couldn't stop the flush that crept up his cheeks. Even Randy had never been so chivalrous. He and Hunter had never gone to a place where they could dance, so he didn't know if Hunter was chivalrous or not.
Adam let his hand slide into Dean's extended one. "Yes, you may, good Doctor Ambrose." He stood and let Dean lead him to the dance floor.
Roman looked at his husband. "How about it, love. May I have this dance?" He held out his hand to Seth.
"Give them a few minutes, dear. And I need to let the little one settle a bit. It would not be good to toss baby cookies on Stephanie's dance floor."
Roman's smile turned to a frown of worry. "You alright, baby? We can go home if you want. I gave them our check." He caressed Seth's cheek with love and concern.
Seth leaned into Roman's gentle touch. "No, honey. I am fine, little Reigns is fine. It is perfectly normal to be nauseous, especially after a meal like we had. Besides, I want Dean and Adam to bond a bit. I think they belong together. And no, I am not playing matchmaker, that never works. Adam and Dean… well… a nurse would understand a doctor being called out in the middle of the night and the other way around."
Roman nodded with a sip of coffee. "Sorry. I really don't mean to smother you with worry. I agree with you about Dean and Adan being good together. I don't want to see Dean hurt again. It tore him up when Drake left. You were there, stuffing him with ice cream." He sighed at the memory of his friend being so broken.
On the dance floor, Dean had his left hand on the small of Adam's back, with his right hand, he held Adam's left to lead them across the floor. Adam's right hand rested on the edge of Dean's shoulder. Their bodies were a few inches apart.
"You are a good dancer, Adam." Dean commented softly as he waltzed Adam in perfect time to the music.
Adam smiled. "You're a good lead. I've missed dancing. So, you really like children?"
"Yes, I do, very much. I knew as a kid I wanted to be a doctor with a specialty in children's health. I guess it comes from… well… my little sister died from neuroblastoma when she was nine and I was fifteen. I wanted to do what I could to stop other children from suffering like Cathy did." Dean gave a sad sigh.
"Oh, Dean. I am really sorry about your Cathy. Childhood cancer is the worst. I mean it's bad enough for an adult and no one should have to suffer, but children… don't think me terrible for saying this, but I am so thankful my four are strong and healthy. I did… lose my first baby, very early on… and the quads were early… but healthy..." He paused, then looked at Dean. "Want to hear something funny?"
Dean nodded. The orchestra had begun a new waltz. "Yeah, I do." He smiled at Adam.
"Janice and James were born on May thirty first, and they are both musical. Jade and Jordan were born on June first, and are both artistic. The girls are identical and the boys fraternal." Adam smiled, people always found the quads birthdays to be unique.
Dean chuckled lightly. "That is very unique indeed. How do you celebrate their birthdays?" He was curious. Did Adam raise them alike or did he raise them as individuals?
Adam grinned. "On May thirty first, we have a party for Janice and James. I make sure they each have their own theme, cake and friends. I do the same for Jade and Jordan the next day. Randy and I wanted to make sure they are individuals. I never dress them the same either. Well, except for our Christmas card photo. We all dress in red sweaters and Santa hats, but that is a family thing, not a quad thing. They each have their own bedrooms too." Adam laughed when Dean spun him around.
"That's good. Too many parents of multiples dress them alike and force them to be more alike than individuals. You sound like a great daddy. Does Randy play an active role?" Dean wanted to know if Randy was there or not, in the lives of his children.
Adam understood the question and was always very honest about it. "He is very active in their lives, but, not in mine. We are better as friends and parents than we were as a married couple. Randy has them every other weekend. He gets them from school on Friday and returns them by six on Sunday. We do an Easter egg hunt on Easter morning, he comes for their birthdays. We all go to the Helmsley's for Thanksgiving, then they go home with Randy for the weekend, and on Christmas, Randy comes for dinner. We make all the major decisions together. He pays child support and for their schooling. Randy tries to come to their school activities, but not always as much as he would like. He is a great father. I am lucky and so are the quads. So, anyone in my life, would have to deal with him being highly involved with the children. Most guys don't like it." Adam was frank. The waltz ended when he did.
Dean lead Adam back to their table. Seth and Roman got up to dance the next dance.
"Want a drink?" Dean asked when a waiter appeared at their table.
"Iced tea, please." Adam stated.
"Two, please." Dean gave the waiter their order. "I don't drink alcohol." Dean said with a smile.
Dean spoke again. "I am happy to know Randy plays a big part. A good father should do that. Anyone you go out with should respect that. I know I would. Makes me respect him, and you. I take it, it's an issue at times?" He waited as the waiter brought their iced tea.
Adam took a deep drink, dancing had made him thirsty. "Yeah, it does. I've tried to date a couple of times, but they didn't like the ex being around. That will never change. But, the real reason I don't date, besides work and the Randy issue is the children. I don't want them getting attached to someone, only to have them leave. They don't deserve that. Understand what I mean?" He gave Dean a very pointed look.
Dean leaned back in his chair, a smile on lips that lit his face. "I do know. I can understand that fear for your little lions. Before you ask, they have lion personalities about protecting you, especially Miss Jade. Adam… I find you very attractive. I would like to get to know you better. I would also be willing and I mean more than willing to include the children. If they don't like me, it would pointless, wouldn't it? Thing is, we understand about work issues. Randy being there would not intimidate me and, I find you to be not only handsome, but beautiful in spirit. The way you are with the kids at work… really gets me. Adam, would consider going out with me on a real date?" He looked at Adam with hope as he sipped his iced tea.
Adam exhaled. "You don't mince your words do you, Doctor Ambrose. First, yes, Jade can be a lioness, she got our bad temper traits. I like that you say Randy wouldn't be a problem. I also like that you would understand work issues. I do find you very interesting, and rather handsome. I just… look. I am taking the kids to the Parade Park tomorrow. Why don't you come and we can see what happens." Adam sipped his tea.
Dean grinned. "I would like that..." He was halted when Adam's cell phone rang.
Adam answered his phone. It would be about the children. "Hello….. hi Shawn… oh… oh… yes, we will be right there..." He ended the call.
"Take me home, Jade… sick..." Adam had gone pale. The children never got sick.