On Wednesday, Adam dropped his children off at school, then headed to do things he had to do. He had the day off, so banking, shopping and other things could get done.
Adam didn't notice the black car that went every where he went. Adam was also too busy fighting with morning traffic. He headed to the east. Adam liked going to Independence. It was a bit less congested as most people headed to downtown Kansas City or over the Missouri River to the industrial area. He was soon on Truman Road to Independence. The black car followed his every move.
The first place Adam stopped was Bank Midwest. He needed to order new checks. Adam liked the old fashioned way of writing a check. He nor Randy wanted their information on the internet. Adam did order online, but he had one credit card that was only for online orders. He also had to get a few rolls of quarters.
Adam used the quarters to pay the children for their chores. It was easier for the kids to put half their dollar in their piggy banks. Once a month, he sat down and helped the kids roll their quarters. Adam would then take the quads to the bank and let them deposit their own money into their own bank accounts. Adam and Randy wanted the quads to learn early to look after your own money, because you had to know where you stood.
Adam quickly ordered plain blue paper checks and bought eight rolls of quarters. The bag of rolled coins would make a good weapon, Adam mused as he got into his Kia.
Adam then went to the Humane Society thrift shop to see if the had any old men's dress shirts. Miss Ida made them into smocks for Jade and Jordan to wear when the did their art work. Adam never noticed the pictures the passenger in the black car took of him as he went into the shop.
Adam's last stop would be the Hy-Vee grocery store close to home. Adam said Ida did enough, and she didn't need to do the grocery shopping. It was a big job to grocery shop for four growing children. Of course, through the week Ida would need to buy more bread and milk, but Adam did the big shopping.
Adam had to remember this was Randy's weekend with the quads so he didn't have to buy quite as much as usual, still, it was enough. He never noticed that the two men who followed him around the store, were the same two men who had been at the park last Sunday.
As two bottles of caramel ice cream topping went into his cart, Adam smiled. He was looking forward to Dean coming over on Saturday. With Ida gone, Dean's company would be nice in the large, old house.
At the fresh fruit, Adam passed up the blueberries. It would do Jade good to go without. He got apples, bananas, honeydew melons and a few other favorites. When he dropped an orange, another hand picked it up.
"Here, I think this is yours." It was one of the men who had been following Adam. He was handsome, tall and had short dark hair, he looked to be of Mexican heritage.
Adam chuckled. "Oh yes, thank you." He took the errant orange and put it in the bag with the others he'd picked.
The dark haired man had a charming smile. "That is a lot for such a pretty man to eat." He spoke with a flirtatious smirk on his lips.
Adam couldn't help the flush that colored his cheeks. "I have four seven year olds. They do tend to eat a lot." He put some strawberries into his cart.
"Dio's mía, tienes cuatro hijos! Oh, sorry. My goodness, you have four children. You don't look old enough to have seven year old babies." The man's charming smile grew brighter.
Adam always enjoyed a bit of a flirt, but now a small alarm went off in his head. The man was a bit too charming, and that was never good. Adam put himself between the fruit stand and his cart.
"Thank you, but I do. Thanks for picking up the orange. I'd better finish, gotta get home to the husband. Thanks again." Adam was polite, but he quickly walked away from the handsome, charming man. Adam went to the more crowded meat section.
The man went back to his companion, who had waited at the end of the produce aisle. "I thought he and Orton were divorced?" The charming man frowned.
His partner, who was also tall, with short, black hair, deeply parted on one side, grinned. "The were and are divorced. Did he knock you back, Alberto?" The man spoke with a deep voiced British accent.
Alberto nodded. "Said he had to get home to the husband. Well, we can't get to him by charming him. Come on, Wade. We'd better go make our report to the boss. Don't worry, he has more than one plan. Orton is going to regret crossing the boss."
Wade gave a bit of an evil smirk. "Yes, he has plans. Orton will suffer for the rest of his life for what he did. Too bad, someone as beautiful as Adam has to pay the price. Let's go." Wade abandoned the shopping cart he'd pushed in the aisle. He and Alberto left the grocery store.
Adam finished his shopping, but the encounter with the charming man stayed in his head. He could not shake the uneasy nag in the far corner of his brain. When he followed the grocery boy out to his Kia, Adam looked around the parking lot. He relaxed when he didn't see any trace of the charming man. Adam gave the grocery boy a twenty dollar tip. He was glad for the help, it was a lot of groceries.
When Adam pulled into the garage at home, he pushed the button to lower the garage door. It was something he never did during the day when he was home. His brain told him to do it. Miss Ida and Adam got all the groceries unloaded and put away. It was a very long process.
At three, Adam left to head to his children's school. It was his day to help with the after school program. It was for the kids who's parents worked late but wanted to know their children were safe. It was open till six.
Adam was directed to the art room this week. He enjoyed it because all four of his children were there. Jan and James didn't like the after school music teacher, so Adam didn't force it. Adam wasn't fond of old Mrs. Miller himself, she was a bit short tempered. However, she donated her time, so there she was.
When he got to the room, his four children waved at him. Adam grinned and waved back. He went over to Mr. Bowen. He was a local artist who also donated his time to various after school programs. He was in his late fifties and loved kids. He had eight of his own. So he had the patience of a Saint.
"Ah, hello Adam. Nice to have you as my parent help again. Could you please mix up these tempera paints?" He pointed to the dry paints that needed to be mixed with water. Mr. Bowen also mixed paint.
Adam grinned. "Sure thing, Mister Bowen. How are your children?" Adam asked as the stood next to the sink and turned powder into liquid paint.
Mr. Bowen chuckled. "Steve, please Adam. They are fine. The youngest is a high school senior and the eldest is about to graduate UMKC with a Masters in Art. My son, the second oldest, is being looked at by the Royals, so things are good. Your four are doing very well." He smiled over at the quads who sat together and worked with clay.
"That's wonderful, Steve. Well, my four keep me hopping. Makes me feel lazy compared to you and your eight..." Adam leaned in closer to speak softly. "So… does Jade have talent, or am I suffering from parental judgment?"
Steve Bowen grinned. "She has real talent. So does Jordan, but their styles are very different. It tells me that you are raising them to be individuals, and that is so important. Also, have you ever noticed, Jordan paints with his left hand but writes with his right hand?"
Adam turned to look at his son. Jordan was now at an easel, and splashed some paint on the sheet of paper with a brush in his left hand. He was astonished.
"I never once noticed. But, I have to say, I don't watch either of them do their art work. I make them nervous. Am I doing the right thing? Should I enroll them in classes?" Adam looked at the older artist as he poured paint into smaller jars.
Steve smiled. "Mine were the same. No, Adam. You are doing the right thing. Don't push, that can stifle the natural talent. When Jade or Jordan want further lessons, they will tell you. Now, we better get this paint to our artists." He scooped up the jars of paint and went to the students.
Adam did the same. Jordan was the last to get a jar of paint. "Pink, just for you, Jor."
"Thanks, daddy. Could you please mix me up a blue purple… Mister B knows." Jordan smiled, but kept the paint moving on his paper.
"I have it, Jordan." Mr. Bowen brought over his last jar of paint. It was a pretty blue with purple tones. It was his second favorite color.
Jordan smiled again "Thanks, Mister B."
Adam spent the time mixing more paint or helping children with their different projects. The number of children lessened until only Adam's four were the last at six pm.
After his children were clean an freshly washed, they loaded up in the Kia. Adam started the car, then turned to the kids.
"I don't suppose anyone would like to go to McDonald's for supper?" Adam asked with a shrug that teased.
Four children spoke at the same time. "I would! Yes, please! Can we? Me, please!"
Adam laughed. "Okay. Remember the rules. No playing with the meal toys until you get home and no playground until after you eat." Adam didn't indulge them with fast food often, and when he did, he expected them to behave.
"We remember, daddy." James responded. He was always the speaker of the group.
Adam was unaware of the black car that followed them to the restaurant. He parked the Kia and slid the door open for his four children. The kids were excited, but they were under control.
The two men, Wade and Alberto, waited for a few minutes before making their next move.
"Boss wanted you to try again, Alberto. Maybe you can charm the brats." Wade encouraged his partner.
Alberto smirked. "I can only try. Plan two is better though, and easier. Ugh, four brats at that. Trust Orton to over populate the world." He let out a slight growl.
Wade laughed. "Yeah. Well, try again. Boss said don't push, but try. I dunno, but that's why he's the boss and our father's want us to learn from him. Good luck. Oh, bring me back some burgers." Wade gave Alberto a wink.
"Will do. Wish me luck." Alberto slid out of the black car. He was dressed in a Polo shirt and khaki pants. He looked extremely handsome.
Adam didn't notice Alberto walk in. He was too busy helping his children open sauce tubs and ketchup packets. His kids were well behaved and spoke in quiet voices. Adam jumped a bit when a sort of familiar voice spoke to him.
"So, we meet again. You know, the dropped orange at the grocery store? Are these the beautiful children you told me about?" Alberto arched his brow, with his charm filled smile.
Adam smiled. "Yes, I remember. Yes, these are my children." He was polite but wary. The alarm in his head had begun to buzz.
"I should introduce myself. My name is Alberto Del Rio." Alberto held his hand out to Adam who sat in a chair at the head of the booth his children occupied.
Adam very briefly shook the man's hand. "Adam Orton, nice to see you again." He turned his attention to Jade, who needed help opening the sauce tub for her chicken nuggets.
"My, you are all so quiet and polite. And aren't you two just adorable." He patted Jade and Janice on their heads. The two girls moved closer to their brothers who sat next to the window.
Adam turned to Alberto. "Thank you. Don't let us hold you up." He wanted it very clear he was not interested.
Before Alberto could respond, Jade cried out. "Doctor Dean!" Dean had just walked into the restaurant.
Relief washed over Adam when Dean heard Jade and came over to their table.
"Hello, little lioness, and my other little lions. Hi Adam. Now you know my weakness, junk food after a workout." Dean didn't see Alberto at first.
Alberto knew there was now no point. The man from the picnic on Sunday was the obvious interest in Adam's life. Now, the boss would have to go to Plan B.
"Well, it was nice to run into you again, Adam. Keep a grip on those oranges." Alberto gave a charm filled smile and went to order some food. He had to make it look like a legit trip to the restaurant.
"Pull up a chair and join us." Adam moved his chair a bit to make room for Dean.
Dean grinned. "Let me go order, then I will. You can tell me all about oranges." He gave Adam a wink, then went to get his own food.
Adam gave Alberto a slight nod as the charming man left with a bag of food. Adam tried to see what car Alberto got in, but he had gone around the corner of the building.
Wade was surprised Alberto was back so soon. "That guy from the park came in. Kid called him Doctor Dean. Adam won't be interested in me. Let's go tell the boss. Oh, here." Alberto gave Wade the bag of food.
Wade unwrapped a burger and took a bite. "Plan B is better." Wade took another bite, then started the car and pulled out of the parking lot.
Dean sat down with his tray of food. He had a salad, chicken nuggets, iced tea and six apple pies.
"For dessert, if daddy says okay." Dean made excuse as he nodded to the apple pies. He also cut his nuggets into four pieces each and put them in his bowl of salad.
"The pies are alright with me. Thank you, Dean. Did Billy go home today?" Adam asked with a look of concern. He'd forgotten he would be off, and unable to see Billy Henderson after his operation.
"Yes, he did and it was great. So tell me about… oranges." Dean sounded a bit jealous.
Before Adam could answer, James spoke. "Excuse me please, daddy. Thank you for the pies Doctor Dean. Can we go to the playground?"
Adam gave a wary glance around the area. "Yes, but if you see that man, come back in. I can see you from here. Be careful." He spoke in a serious tone. He almost didn't want them to go.
"Come on, they have a table out there. I don't mind." Dean immediately caught Adam's wariness.
"Thank you. Alright little lions, go play." Adam followed his children. Dean followed Adam with his tray of food.
When the kids were occupied with their play, Dean spoke softly. "Honey, are you alright? You are as pale as a ghost." He was very worried about Adam.
Adam smiled at Dean. "Yeah, I am. Let me explain..." Adam went on to tell Dean about how he'd met Alberto at the grocery store and about the orange. "… then, he showed up here. There is just something that… I guess made my Spidy senses tingle. Thank you for showing up."
Dean showed Adam his most boyish grin. "I have to be honest. I only stopped in here because I saw your Kia. I really did want to tell you about Billy, but now, I am glad I was cheeky. You're not alone in your thoughts either… I got a… vibe off him myself, and no, not jealousy, I mean alarm type vibes." Dean took a bite of his salad, his eyes pinned on Adam. The man relaxed a bit more.
"Thanks for being cheeky, as you put it. I am also glad to know my feelings weren't wrong. He was just too… charming. If it wasn't for the kids, I would carry my handgun, but not with them around. Shawn and Hunter carry all the time, but I only carry on trips, then it's double locked in the safe in the glove box. I guess that makes carrying rather pointless. But, you will understand. We've had too many children with gun shot wounds. Sorry, I prattle like an old hen after I have had a fright." Adam flushed, he talked a mile a minute.
Dean laid his hand on Adam's arm. "Breathe, I am right here. I will keep you and the little lions safe. I understand about a gun around them. My first surgery was removing a bullet from a two year old. His brother accidentally shot him when their dad turned around for a second. Luckily, it was in the leg, but it was bad enough. Do people really eat this crap every day?" He looked at the bowl of salad and tossed it into the trash.
Adam laughed. "I guess it isn't funny, but yeah, they do. I don't do this very often, but it was my day for working at the after school program. I do it a couple times a month. Nearly all the parents do. So, Billy Henderson is okay? He is such a sweet little guy." Adam also relaxed a lot more.
Dean leaned back in his chair. "Yes, the surgery went very well. Poor kid's sinus cavities were completely packed. I had to put in a Propel implant, but it will keep his sinus open. He did say to tell you thank you. He made a card for you, but I didn't say that. It's in your box in the break room. His mom also has the week off, so he was really happy. Those are the patients that make the others… easier. Know what I mean?" He sipped his tea.
Adam nodded. "Yes, I know. I am glad about Billy." He sipped his own drink, and grabbed one of the apple pies, opened it and took a bite.
"Hey! That was my pie!" Dean manged to pout like one of the children.
Adam looked at Dean. "Oh… sorry. You want it back?" He acted like he was going to burp up the bite he'd eaten.
Dean laughed. "You can be very wicked. Let's try this." He opened his pie and took a bite.
"You've never had one of these?" Adam was surprised. Everyone ate fast food, didn't they?
"I've eaten the fried ones and loved them. I've never tried these baked ones. It is good. I eat rather healthy, but I do indulge at times. Oh, here come the little lions. Guess they want their pies." Dean smiled as the children ran toward them.
"Hello, little lions. You can have your pies now. Daddy said it was okay." Dean gave each child a pie box.
"Thank you, Doctor Dean." The quads chimed at the same time. The children sat and ate their pies with gusto, but with their manners. They all chatted as they ate their treats.
When they finished, Adam and Dean took the children inside to wash their hands and faces. The men and boys waited as the girls used the ladies room. It always made Adam nervous, but the girls were now too old for the men's room.
When the girls came out of the restroom, they all went back outside. James looked at Dean's car, he saw the top was down.
"I wish the top would go down on our car. Can I go for a ride sometime?" Cars were Jame's first love after music.
Dean saw the expression on James' face. "I could give you a ride home, if daddy says okay?" He looked at Adam with his boyish smirk.
"Me too?" Jade asked with her hands clasped together.
Adam thought for a moment. "Alright, but buckle up and sit still. I will be right behind you. Are you sure?" He looked at Dean.
"Wouldn't have said it if I didn't. Come on, let's get you buckled in." Dean took James and Jade. He and Adam buckled them into the backseat. Janice and Jordan were content to ride with their daddy.
James and Jade had a wonderful time on the ride home. They knew the classic rock songs Dean had on the radio. As the pulled into the driveway, they sang, "STOP! In the Name of Love" at the top of their lungs.
Adam laughed as he, Janice and Jordan came out of the garage. The three in the Mustang sang the last chorus. Dean then turned off the radio. The trio got out of the car as the other three clapped.
"Thank you, Doctor Dean!" James hugged Dean.
"Yeah, thanks. That was fun!" Jade too gave Dean a hug. Dean's smile was brighter than the sun.
"It was my pleasure. Well, I'd better go. I will see you little lions soon. See you at work tomorrow, Adam. See you." Dean slid back into the driver's seat.
"Oh, okay. I was going to ask if you wanted coffee. See you tomorrow." Adam was a bit disappointed, Dean made him feel safe.
Dean grinned. "I have time for coffee." He quickly got out of the car. It made Adam laugh and the children cheer.
They all went into the house, after Dean raised the car's top and locked it. Adam pushed the button to lower the garage door. Miss Ida was in the kitchen. She'd just finished brewing a pot of coffee.
"Okay, baths." Adam looked at his children and pointed to the stairs.
"You enjoy your coffee. I will do baths." Ida said with a smile as she went up the back stairs with the children. Adam thanked her.
"You know you will be asked to read. Please, don't be afraid to say no." Adam stated as poured two mugs of coffee, then lead Dean to the living room.
As they sat down on the couch, Dean spoke. "I honestly don't mind, Adam. Being around your kids takes my mind off the kids at work for a while. I tend to sit at home and brood too much. That's why Ro and I go to the gym. We can relax from work. What do you do to relax?" Dean asked as he sipped his coffee.
Adam ducked his head a bit. "Don't you dare laugh when I tell you or Saturday is off. Got it?" He gave Dean a serious look.
Dean held up his hands. "I promise. I will not laugh." He spoke with honesty.
"You know, Doctor Dallas Page down in orthopedics? Well, he developed a yoga program for his patients. I went to a class and fell in love with it. I don't do it every day any more, but I do when I need to relax. It's a really great program." Adam waited to see if Dean would laugh or not. Most people laughed when he told them. Yoga was for the "blue hairs" at the gym.
Dean smiled, but did not laugh. "I know the program well. I do his fifteen minute workout every morning. It's a damn good program. He is working with John Cena on a program for kids in ortho. I am behind it one hundred percent." He spoke firmly.
"Wow, I didn't know that. Maybe I could help. You're just so… different from what I imagined." Adam sipped his coffee with a thought filled look.
Dean nodded. "I've heard the rumors. That I am a wild, playboy type. That I like to go to pick up bars..." He sighed, then spoke again.
"Drake started those rumors after we broke up. We had common friends at the hospital and he spouted off a lot of crap. Most knew it was crap, but you know how it goes. I am glad you're getting to know the real me. I am a quiet homebody who loves children, reading, classic rock, and classic cars. I am actually quite boring." Dean gave a little scoff. Drake had really screwed him over.
"Now I understand why Seth gets so protective of you sometimes. I have to be honest, I thought it was because of Roman. Not wanting people to think Roman was like the rumors about you. I don't think you are boring and neither do those for little people upstairs. I will also say, I am really looking forward to Saturday." Adam smiled at Dean and took another sip of coffee.
Dean grinned brightly. "Me too. Yeah, Seth can be a bit of a mamma bear as you well know. If things… well, it would be fun to double date with them. You know what I mean." He stopped when Ida came downstairs.
"They are all tucked in. Such precious little angels." Ida smiled softly.
"Yes, they are. Thank you, dear Ida. You go on to bed. I love you, goodnight." Adam hugged Ida and kissed her cheek. He would be totally lost without her.
"I love you, son. Goodnight. Goodnight, Doctor Dean." Ida smiled at Dean and returned Adam's hug and kiss, then went to her apartment.
"Let's go check on the children. Maybe they are too tired for a story." Adam gave a laugh and lead Dean upstairs.
Adam went to Jordan's room first. Adam's heart skipped a beat, his son's bed was empty. "Jordan Michael Orton, where are you?"
Dean looked across the hall into Jan's room. "Hum, she's not here either." He knew nothing bad could have happened, but he was curious.
Adam's ears were perked when he heard a suppressed giggle come from the direction of his bedroom. Adam waggled his finger at Dean, in a motion that said, "Follow me." He pointed to the master bedroom.
They found the quadruplets "hiding" under the covers of Adam's over sized king bed. Adam held a finger to his lips for Dean to stay quiet. He then indicated on a count of three, they would grab the covers and pull them back.
Dean nodded with a sparkle in his eyes. He mouthed. "One… two… three." Together, he and Adam pulled back the covers. They both jumped on the bed and began to tickle four laughing children.
After a few minutes, Adam turned into the love filled but firm parent. "Okay, time to calm down now. If you do, Uncle Dean will read one, and I mean one story." Adam spoke with that parental tone and expression that meant business.
The children sat in the middle of the bed and faced Dean. Janice pulled a book of bedtime stories out from under one of Adam's pillows. Adam sat behind his children and hugged them close.
Dean flipped through the book. "Ah! I like this one..." He smoothed the page with his hand and began to read.
"Once upon a time, there was a little red hen, who lived on a farm..." Dean read the story like a professional actor. He gave each character their own voice. The children especially loved the way Dean squeaked his voice when the rat spoke.
"… oh no you won't, I will. And the little red hen ate the bread all… by… herself… the end." Dean finished with a firm nod and closed the book.
The children clapped and laughed, but they all gave big yawns. Adam hugged his babies. "Alright my loves, give Uncle Dean a hug and go to bed. I will come tuck you in."
The quads did hug Dean and Jade kissed his cheek. They thanked him for the story, and headed off to their bedrooms.
"You are such a wonderful reader. You could have been an actor. Go have another cup of coffee, I will be down soon." Adam gave Dean a soft smile.
Dean nodded. "I was in drama at university, it was a diversion from the pre-med classes. Give them a kiss from me." He headed downstairs. Dean did not want to invade on Adam's alone time with each child. He poured more coffee for himself and Adam, then turned off the coffee maker.
Adam spent time with each of his children. He tucked them in with hugs, kisses and all the love in his heart. Sometimes, his heart was so full of love, it made him weep. If nothing else, Adam would always love Randy for helping him create, Jade, Janice, James and Jordan. Adam went downstairs as the old grandfather chimed ten o'clock.
Dean patted the couch. "I poured you a fresh cup" He indicated to the still steaming mug.
"Thanks, Dean. Also, Jade said to tell you goodnight and sleep well. You've really impressed her and she is the hardest to give trust." Adam sat and took a sip of coffee. He leaned back and relaxed.
"She must be the most like you. She is a special little lioness, but I love them all. Adam, I am sorry if you think… I just enjoy spending time with you and those loves upstairs. I don't want you to think I am trying to… to… force my way in." Dean spoke softly. He worried that maybe he came on too strong.
Adam turned on the sofa to better face Dean. "I appreciate your words, Dean. You're right, I don't give trust easily. I trust you and I trust you with my children. Dean, that is huge for me. Don't worry about the other, I don't think you're forcing your way in. I was very relieved when you showed up tonight. And not just because that Alberto was there. Maybe I shouldn't say this, but there is something about you that makes me feel safe. That matters to me, and the kids." Adam spoke with open feelings and total honesty.
"Thank you for the trust, Adam. That is very important to me. I am also glad I make you feel safe. You and the children are safe around me. Well, I'd better go. Got a surgery in the morning, tonsils. I will see you at work." Dean stood. He offered Adam a hand up. Adam took Dean's hand and stood.
Adam walked Dean to the door. They said their good nights. Adam gave Dean permission to kiss him. While still a closed lipped kiss, it lasted longer than their first "peck" kiss.
When Dean left, Adam secured his house with a smile on his lips. Later, he fell asleep with the smile still on his face, even though Alberto Del Rio had made it a strange day.