Adam was a bit nervous on Friday evening. He was going to meet Hunter at their usual hotel, across from the Truman Sports Complex. The Complex was the home of Arrowhead Stadium, where the Chief's played football and Kauffman Stadium, where the Royals played baseball. The hotel was where the players stayed during games. Hunter chose it, because neither he nor Adam would be noticed among all the people. It had worked for two years.
Adam had told Miss Ida that he was going to dinner at the Reigns'. Seth would cover for him if anything happened. That too, had worked for two years. It worked so well, that even the wise Ida Brown had no idea about Hunter and Adam's affair.
Adam tucked his shirt into his jeans, then slipped into his favorite black cowboy boots. They had been a gift from Hunter. Adam wasn't only nervous, he was filled with the guilt that constantly tore at his soul. It had to stop, it just had to stop. He hurried downstairs, he was a bit rushed not to be late.
Adam nearly tripped over his feet when he came down the backstairs that led to the kitchen. Shawn sat at the table with Megan and the quads. Ida had just fed the kids their dinner. Adam did not expect to see Shawn or Megan.
"Oh, hi Shawn. Hey, Meggie Pops. What are you doing here?" Adam asked casually as he kissed the tops of his children's heads.
Shawn smiled at Adam. "We were bored. Hunter is working late on some case. Sorry, didn't know you were going to the Reigns'. Roman didn't mention it at the office."
Adam shrugged. "Seth invited me at the last minute after work. I think he wants to talk about the dinner tomorrow. You and Megs are welcome to stay. But, I am late. You kids behave. I will be home by ten." With more kisses to his quads, Adam hurried out, before his guilt got in the way.
Megan Helmsley smiled. "Well, he was in a hurry." Despite her illness, she was nearly always happy.
Shawn laughed. "That's our Adam. He needs to go out though. Okay kids, eat up. Grandpa Shawn will play Candy Land with you after dinner." The quads cheered and dug into their dinner of meat loaf, mashed potatoes, peas, salad, rolls and milk. Ida Brown fed them well.
Adam parked his Kia next to Hunter's departmental Crown Victoria. Hunter never drove his own Mercedes to his clandestine meetings with Adam. Being a detective helped. He knew how to hide, if nothing else.
Adam went right to the elevators. His text from Hunter simply said, "1202". Adam was the only one on the elevator as he rode up to the twelfth floor of the Wood Spring Suites Hotel. He took a deep breath as the elevator stopped and the doors slid open with a "ding". He turned right and stopped in front of room 1202. He knocked softly.
Adam smiled when Hunter opened the door and pulled him into the room. The fell into each others arms and kissed deeply. Hunter finally broke the kiss with a deep sigh. He led Adam to the king sized bed. They sat down side by side and held hands.
"You know what I am about to say, don't you, baby?" Hunter looked deeply into Adam's eyes.
Adam nodded. He'd left his long hair down, it fell like a blond curtain as he hung his head. "Yeah, I do. So, I will say it first. This has to be the last time. The guilt is too much. It really hit me, Shawn and Megs were in the kitchen when I came down. The were bored because you were working late. I had to look directly into the face of the man I look on as a father, and lie. It killed me, Hunt. We're never going to have anything more than these secret meetings. Besides not being fair to Shawn, it's not fair to me… to us. We never asked for this to happen, but it did. We started it, and now we have to end it. But Hunt, can we please have one last time?" His eyes were filled with mixed emotions and tears.
Hunter pulled Adam into his arms. "You said… all I wanted to say. I can't look Shawn in the face at times. Do you know how hard it was to see you suffering on Sunday night and not being able to comfort you. Shawn would have seen past it, to the truth. Do you know what it would do to Megan? Her heart is already weak. Shawn already feels guilty about her illness. Adam, we can't just try this time. It has to stop, now. As much as I want to, we've had our last time. We can't fail our first test and let it happen again now. I will always love you, Adam, but now it has to be as a friend only. You do understand, don't you?" He still held Adam close, but the embrace had changed.
Adam felt it, as Hunter's hug turned from lover to friend. He nuzzled his head against Hunter's chest. "Yeah, I understand. It was wrong to ask. I guess now, you're my second father figure. It has to be, or I will cave. I guess I should tell you, I'm going to the dinner tomorrow with Doctor Ambrose, as friend, not a date. But, Hunter, I may date one day. I need to know you will be alright with that. If I can't have you… I won't wear widow's weeds… you know what I mean, right?" He wanted everything out in the open and honest.
Hunter let go of Adam. He went to the in room bar. He reached for the Scotch, but grabbed a water. Too hard to explain alcohol on his breath when he was supposed to be at work.
"I know, Adam. I am glad for you to go out and maybe find someone special. I may be a jealous git, but, I honestly want to see you happy. And no, I won't put cops on who ever you date, you know errant traffic stops." Hunter gave Adam a pointed look from the bar.
Adam looked at Hunter "Well… um… yeah, that did cross my mind. I should have known better. I am sorry, babe… Hunter." Adam got up and sat on a stool at the bar.
"It's alright, it was a legit thought. So, Doctor Ambrose huh?" Hunter sipped his water and sat down opposite of Adam.
"As a friend. I don't even know him, except at work. I just know that he is Roman's best friend. Stephanie would just pick on me for being alone. You know how she is. It's never going to be a great romance. Just a friend. Why did I have to fall in love with you?" Adam's hazel eyes filled with tears. He loved Hunter, but he knew it could never be.
Hunter sighed. "I'm sorry, Adam. I love you too. If Shawn were an asshole, it would be easy, but..." His voice faded.
"He is an angel. Hunt, do not apologize for loving your husband. It's a huge relief in many ways. But, so hard. Maybe, if it had been just physical, this would be easier. I made the mistake of falling in love with you." Adam sighed once again.
"'I know, and I shouldn't have let that happen. We were stressed about Meg and you were fighting with Randy. We just… connected. I am so much older than you, I should have stopped it. But this young, beautiful blond walked into my heart." Hunter resisted the urge to caress Adam's cheek.
Adam went over to look out of the window. "The age difference never bothered me. You certainly didn't act like a forty seven year old in the bed. Sorry, not a good start to not thinking about it. Fuck, why does this have to be so hard. Losing you is worse than losing Randy in some ways." Adam let a few tears fall as he stared out of the window.
Hunter again resisted the urge to comfort Adam. He put an image of Shawn and Megan in his head. "Don't Adam. Randy is the father of your children. Part of you will always love him. I am glad I had that vasectomy after Meg was born. That couldn't have happened. Look..." Hunter paused, he went over to Adam and put his hands on the blond's shoulders.
Hunter continued "What we had was beautiful and wonderful. Part of me will never regret it. But, it is over, Adam. I am sorry, truly sorry." He kissed Adam on the forehead.
Adam smiled softly. "Yes, it was beautiful, but it is over. I won't regret it either. I am glad Shawn didn't or won't find out. Let's order some food, I'm hungry." Adam went over and picked up the room service menu.
Two hours later, Hunter and Adam finished their meal. Adam went to the bathroom as Hunter rolled the cart into the hallway. Adam looked at his reflection in the mirror. The guilt had started to leave his eyes. He knew this was the right thing to do. He would miss Hunter, but life went on.
Adam washed his hands and went back into the room. Hunter was putting on his suit coat. He smiled at his now former lover. Hunter smiled again when Adam fixed his tie. Adam finished with a brush to Hunter's broad shoulders.
"Handsome as always. For what it's worth, thank you. You did save me when Randy and I split up. It was never just a fling to me. Now, go home to your husband and daughter. I'll go home to my babies. I will always love you." Adam gave Hunter a soft kiss… of friendship.
Hunter felt the change in Adam's kiss. It held no passion, only friendship. "I will always love you. Drive safely." He returned Adam's kiss, with no passion, only friendship.
"You too." Adam let go of Hunter and left the room. He was both heartbroken and relieved. Adam knew it was for the best.
Hunter waited for Adam to have time to leave the hotel. He sent a text to Shawn. "Home in thirty. I love you, honey."
Just as Hunter got to his car, his phone alerted. It was a text from Shawn. "See you soon. Meg and I are home, went to A's to play with the kids. I will wait up for you. I love you, babe." Hunter smiled. He was both heartbroken and relieved. Hunter knew it was for the best.
When Adam got home, Miss Ida had just put the children to bed. Adam read to each child, a very short story. He checked that the house was tightly secured and went up to his bedroom.
Adam flung himself onto his extra long, king sized bed and sobbed into his pillows. At some point, he fell asleep, tears still wet on his cheeks.
Hunter secured his house. He went upstairs. He stopped in his daughter's bedroom. Megan was propped up in bed with her daily personal journal on her lap. Megan wrote every night, it was her release. She pulled the ear buds out of her ears and smiled at her father.
"Hey Meggie Pops. You alright?" Hunter asked with a kiss to Megan's blond head.
Megan leaned into her father's embrace. "Yes, I feel good tonight. Playing with the quads is fun. You okay, pops? You look tired." She worried about her parents as much as they worried about her.
Hunter hugged his daughter. "I am alright. Just finished a difficult case. Let me guess, you played Candy Land? Did daddy get stuck in the molasses swamp?"
Megan laughed. "Well, a bit. Poor daddy, always gets stuck there. Jordan won, and the good thing was, Jade didn't throw a fit. They are good kids."
"Yes, they are. Adam teaches them well. I'll let you get back to your writing. Not too late. Love you, sweetheart." Hunter kissed his daughter and stood.
"I won't. Love you, pops." Megan smiled and replaced her ear buds and picked up her pen, as Hunter closed her bedroom door. She sighed happily, she had the best parents in the world.
Shawn was propped up in bed. His half moon reading glasses nearly fell off his nose as he worked on a legal brief for court. He smiled when he heard Hunter chuckle.
"You should have those reading glasses tightened or get some new ones. No, wait, don't, they make you look adorable." Hunter teased as he pulled off his suit coat and tie. He put his coat on a hanger, and looped the tie over it. He went to the bed and kissed Shawn.
Shawn smiled again. "I know. It's finding the time to get to the eye doctor. You finish your case?" Shawn asked as he pushed his glasses up.
"Yeah, finally. It was a hard one. Good results though. I'm going to shower. You about done? Court next week, right?" Hunter began to unbutton his shirt.
Shawn dotted an "I" pointedly. "Yes, but Roman and I will be ready. I'll be finished by the time you are." He smiled at his husband.
Hunter kissed his husband's head. "Won't be long, baby." His intentions were made clear with a lust filled gleam in his eyes.
Shawn quickly finished his paper work. He got out of bed and put the file in his briefcase. He caressed the leather with a soft smile. Megan had given the briefcase to him for Christmas five years ago. Megan had earned the money doing extra chores and helping Adam with the quads. Four two year olds were too much for Adam after work. So ten year old Megan would help Miss Ida, Adam and Randy. She spent every dime on the briefcase and Shawn treasured it.
Shawn quietly went down the hall and checked on his daughter. Megan was sound asleep. Her clock/radio played soft classical music. Megan had to have music to sleep. It came from all her nights in the hospital. Music covered the noise that happened at the hospital, especially at night.
When Shawn got back to their bedroom, Hunter had just settled into the bed. Shawn joined his husband. He moaned softly when Hunter pulled him in for a kiss.
When the kiss broke, Shawn spoke. "Is it really over?" His turquoise eyes filled with question.
Hunter then realized; Shawn knew. Did he know about Adam? Or did Shawn think it was someone at the department. He had to be careful, no need to hurt Adam if it wasn't what Shawn suspected.
"You… don't mean the case at work do you?" Hunter was actually a bit scared. No matter what, he didn't want to lose Shawn.
Shawn sighed. "Hunter, let's not pay games. Okay, I will be direct. Is your affair with Adam over? Really over this time?"
Hunter sat up and toyed with the hem of the sheet around his waist. "I can't… you know…. But, you never said anything. I thought I was careful, to protect you… and Adam. Shawn, I never stopped loving you, and I love you more now than ever. What… do you want… a divorce?" He nearly choked on the last word.
"No, Hunter. I don't want a divorce. I just want to know it's over. I'm not going to throw a fit, Hunt, but I won't lie. It hurt me deeply when I realized it was happening. What, for two years?" Shawn's voice was soft and filled with so many emotions.
Hunter looked at his beloved. "You've known the whole time? Why didn't you say something then? Trust me when I say this, we were both consumed with guilt, still are. We tried to be so careful as to not hurt you..." He paused, rubbed his face in his hands and spoke again.
"Adam was drunk and hurting, he'd had a major fight with Randy. It was the night you brought the quads here and I stayed to make sure Adam didn't do something stupid. It just… happened. We both felt terrible, and thought it was just a one time thing… but…" Hunter was cut off by Shawn.
"He made you feel young again. I'm sure the stress of Megan's diabetes and Adam's divorce… gave you both a… distraction. I know I'm not a twenty seven year old hot blond anymore…." Shawn's voice faded as he tried not to cry.
Hunter pulled Shawn into his arms and was relieved when Shawn let him. "Don't Shawnie. You're still the most beautiful and handsome man I know. I wish I had better answers, but I don't. Yes, I love Adam, but not the way I love you. Oh Shawn, I am so sorry, so fucking sorry." He held Shawn tight.
Shawn nuzzled against Hunter. "I love you. Maybe I should scream and throw a fit or go pound on Adam's head for a couple of hours, but what is the point? It happened, and it's over. It is over?" He asked again with a deep sniff.
"Yes, baby. We ended it tonight. Nothing happened either, we just talked and had some dinner. Adam was just as relieved as I was to end it. Shawn, are you going to tell Adam you know?" Hunter didn't want Adam hurt, but that was now up to Shawn.
Shawn sighed. "No, there is no reason to make an issue out of it. Adam has enough on his plate. I wish I could… handle this better. Instead of being angry, I feel relief. Maybe it's the lawyer in me. I can see both sides of situations. Adam gave you something I couldn't and and Adam needed something he could only get from you, and I don't mean the sex. That's why I'd make a lousy judge, I can never make up my mind about things. Also, Meg has no idea I don't want her dragged into anything. The quads saw enough fighting between Adam and Randy. Hunter, I don't want you to be afraid to be around Adam. There will be times he needs us, like on Sunday. I will say this once. I will forget abut the past, but, if it happens again… I will divorce you, and I won't think twice about it. Fool me once, shame on me. Fool me twice, shame on you. Got it?" Now, there was a bit of anger in Shawn's voice and it reflected on his face.
Hunter looked his husband directly in the eye, so Shawn could see the truth. "I promise. With all my love for you and Megan, that it is over. I will never be so stupid again. I don't deserve you, Shawn. I do love you so fuckin' much. I told Adam to look on me as a second father figure from now on. I swear, if I… but I won't… I'll give you… no, I can't say it, it will never, ever happen again. Shawn, let me show you… what you mean to me, please?" His eyes bore into Shawn.
Shawn knew Hunter spoke the truth. Hunter could never look him in the eye and lie. "I may be a fool, but I believe you. I know you are not the player type. I can maybe understand why it happened, but I wish it hadn't. Adam needs us, we have to be around him. Hunter, I do love you. We have been through so much together. I can't just throw that away. But, I am not ready to… not tonight. It doesn't mean never, just not tonight. If it wouldn't worry Meg, you'd be in the guest room. I believe you, I love you and I trust you. You mean what you say, but I can't make love with you right now. I promise, I am not cutting you off… ask me again tomorrow. You have to face a bit of punishment. Understand?" His anger had gone back to deep hurt.
Hunter sighed. "I understand, Shawn. I don't blame you, I guess. Thank you for not putting me in the guest room. I'll go over to the couch. At least Meg won't see it to question it." He started to get out of their bed. He was going to sleep on the couch in the sitting area of their massive master bedroom.
Shawn stopped his husband. "No, stay. I can't sleep without you. Let's get some sleep. But Hunter, remember this, you might be the greatest detective in law enforcement, but I know all and see all. I won't be this understanding again. Maybe it's because it was Adam and not some hot little pick up. Now, kiss me, hold me, and go to sleep." Shawn's tone was deadly serious, but there was love in his eyes.
Hunter pulled Shawn in for the most love filled kiss in two years. When the kiss broke, the couple snuggled down in their bed. Hunter wrapped Shawn in his arms. Shawn's head rested in it's usual place on Hunter's chest.
Neither Hunter or Shawn prayed much, but before sleep over took him, Hunter thanked God for bringing Shawn into his life. He also prayed Adam would be alright, but he couldn't worry about it. Adam had to learn to live without him. Oh he knew he would be there for Adam, but never again as a lover. Hunter knew he had one second chance, he wasn't about to blow it. Hunter fell asleep with Shawn safely in his arms.
At some point, in the middle of the night, Adam woke up enough to strip down to his thong underwear and get into the bed. His last thought was of Hunter, more tears leaked out of his eyes, and rolled down onto the bed.
It seemed like only five minutes had passed when Adam's alarm went off at five am. With a groan, he smacked off the alarm and sat up on the edge of the bed. Even though he had the day off, Adam kept to his routine. It was just easier that way, for himself and the quads. By six am, he was ready for the day. The only difference was, Adam wore jeans and a tee shirt, and no shoes on his stocking covered feet. Also, his long hair was in a sloppy man bun instead of the usual tight low, pony tail.
Adam went to James' room first. The boy was the easiest to wake, and helped Adam wake up his brother and sisters.
"Hey sleepy boy. Did you all bathe last night?" Adam asked as he pulled open the drapes, sunlight flooded the room. James' room was done in shades of blue. Music as the theme. It was a cheerful space.
Adam and Randy had decided, from birth, the quads would be raised as individuals. They never dressed them the same, except for the picture they took each year for the family Christmas card. They always wore red sweaters and Santa hats.
"Yes, we are all clean. You off today, daddy?" James asked as he pulled out a pair of shorts and a tee shirt to wear.
Adam laughed. "I forgot, it's Saturday, no school. Yes, I am off. Remember though, I have that dinner to go to for work. To raise money for sick children."
James nodded. "Okay, daddy. Could we go to the park tomorrow?" He looked at his daddy with hope.
"Sure. Maybe we can even take a picnic. I will ask Miss Ida. She might even fry some chicken. Now, wake your brother, please. I'll get your sisters." Adam kissed the top of James' head.
Janice's room was soft purple and she also had a musical theme with a few ballerinas thrown in. She loved to dance, but didn't want to go to dance classes, so Adam didn't force it.
Jade's room was green. Her walls were covered in art work. She had inherited Adam's talent for drawing. Jade had potential to be a great artist, and when she painted she was calm and quiet. Still, Adam never forced anything.
Jordan's room was an explosion of pink. He loved the happy color and Adam encouraged it. Jordan also had artistic ability, but tended to be more abstract in his work.
All his children loved to read and though only in the second grade, all four read at the eighth grade level and comprehended what they read. They were all smart, but other than reading, were normal for their age in other subjects.
Saturday breakfast was always pancakes The best part was, Ida helped each child make their own. Adam also encouraged it, because he could barely cook. He wanted his children to learn. At least they could make pancakes and grilled cheese.
Adam sat at the table and drank coffee as he watched his dear children interact with Miss Ida. He still felt sad about Hunter, but it was for the best. He was glad that Shawn had never found out, he loved the man too much.
"Here daddy, blueberry for you." Janice grinned as she put a plate four oddly shaped pancakes down in front of Adam.
Adam grinned brightly. "Thank you, baby. They look delicious." He added some butter and syrup to the pancakes. He took a bite. Janice waited for her daddy's reaction.
Adam chewed, swallowed and grinned. "Just perfect, baby..." He was halted by a cry of pain from James.
"Jade Marie Orton! You apologize to your brother right now." Miss Ida spoke in a firm, cross voice, hands on her hips.
Adam got up and went to where the quads cooked the pancakes on an electric griddle on a low table. He trusted Miss Ida to discipline his children, but he wanted to know what had happened. Ida was more cross than usual.
"Jade slapped Jordan on the arm with the hot spatula. It could have burned him." Ida explained as she put a cool cloth on Jordan's arm. Jordan sniffed deeply.
"Jade Marie, why did you do that?" Adam looked sternly at his daughter, his hands on his hips.
"He took all the blueberries!" Jade stated rather loudly with a stomp.
Jordan spoke up. "There is more. Miss Ida told you so!" He sniffed again as Adam looked at the red mark on his upper arm.
"I wanted those!" Jade tried to defend herself.
"Apologize to your brother, right now. Then you can go sit at the table." Adam spoke sternly with a look to match.
Jade sighed. "I'm sorry, Jor. I didn't mean to hurt you." She was truly contrite Jade just lost her temper at times. It was something she had inherited from Randy.
"It's alright, sis. I just wish you wouldn't hit. I forgive you." Jordan smiled at his sister.
"Good. Now Jade, go sit. Miss Ida will bring you your breakfast." Adam pointed to the table. Not cooking pancakes was a huge punishment. Jade loved cooking most of all the quads.
Jade hung her head. "Yes, daddy. I'm sorry, Jordan." She went to the table and sat down.
Soon all five Copeland-Orton's enjoyed their breakfast. "Listen, you remember daddy is going to dinner tonight? Well, Doctor Ambrose is picking me up. I want you to be good when he comes. If you behave for Miss Ida and maybe Grandpa Shawn, we will take a picnic to the park tomorrow. Maybe Miss Ida will fry some chicken. But, as I said, you all have to be good." Adam sternly laid down the law, but, with love as well.
"We will be good, daddy. I promise. I will draw." Jade spoke after she wiped her chin.
Adam patted Jade's head. "That's my good girl. Draw daddy a beautiful picture. You too Jordan. James, why don't you and Janice write daddy a song?" He always wanted to encourage his children's talent, without pushing.
"That would be nice, children. If you do as daddy asks, I'll make fried chicken and chocolate cake. Also, if Grandpa Shawn comes, don't trap him in the molasses swamp." Miss Ida spoke with a laugh as she began to clear away the dirty dishes. How she loved her little adopted family.
The four children laughed. Adam was surprised when Shawn and Seth knocked on the back door. Adam opened it with a smile.
Shawn was hugged by four happy children as was Uncle Seth. Shawn took the kids to their playroom den. Seth sat with Adam at the kitchen table. Ida served herbal tea, Seth's favorite. She then went upstairs to change the beds for the week.
"Here, this is for you." Seth held out an envelope for Adam.
Adam took the envelope, brow arched. When he opened it, he smiled. "Seth? Why?"
"You need some Adam time and you want to look good for tonight, right? We're here to help Ida watch the children. So you can totally relax at the spa salon. And, your appointment is in an hour. It's male only time at the spa. Please, go enjoy it." Seth smiled softly.
"Thanks, Seth. I will enjoy it. I'd better hurry. Takes a few minutes to say goodbye to four. Thanks again, Sethie. I love ya." Adam hugged his friend.
An hour and half later, Adam was in the middle of a fantastic massage. He was totally relaxed, he knew his babies were safe.
Across town, a plan was being made. A plan that if it worked, would destroy Randal Orton… for life.