Adam was actually stunned when Stephanie told he could leave at four. But, he was grateful. Dean had left at three to pick up the kids at school. He had traded two days with fellow physician, John Cena and was glad to do it.
Seth told Adam to have a wonderful time and gave his friend a kiss on the cheek. They would see each other at ten pm on Monday night.
When Adam walked into his house, Dean and the children were at the table in the kitchen. Adam smiled, the quads were doing their homework.
"Ida said to go upstairs. She is packing for them and wants your help." Dean stated as Adam greeted his children.
"Okay. What about you?" Adam asked. He then gave Dean a child appropriate kiss.
Dean grinned. "I've laid my stuff out. Will you pack it with yours, please?"
Adam chuckled. "Yes, I will. We need to get gas on the way out of town." Adam went up the back stairs.
Ida was in Janice's room. "Hello, dear. I've just finished Jan. One dress and shoes, in case of a dinner with the Orton's. I also put in her swim things. Is that alright?" Ida had some undies in her hands.
"Perfect, Ida. I will do the boys. Dress shirts and trousers for them. What are you going to do this weekend?" Adam asked before he went to Jordan's room.
"Nancy is coming to stay with me. Shawn insisted. She's going to help with mothers rehab. I think this is wonderful of Dean." Ida beamed at Adam.
"There is a reason, Ida, but I can't say why just now. Trust me, it is more than wonderful. And no, we are not eloping. Maybe, one day, in the future, we will talk about it. Oh Ida, is it wrong for me to be so happy? You know my luck at love. Starts out fantastic then… out goes the rug." Adam looked at the motherly figure like a lost boy.
Ida put down the clothes in her hands. She placed her hands on Adam's upper arms. "No honey, it isn't wrong. You have the real thing this time. Don't rush it, build a strong foundation. Now, go pack up and enjoy this. It will be a real test for Dean. Three plus hours in the car, with four seven year olds." Ida gave Adam a wink, then set him out of the room.
At six thirty, Dean pulled the Kia out of the garage. Adam was in the passenger seat. In the first back seat were Jade and Jordan. Jan and James were in the second row of back seats. It was better than sitting on top of each other.
"You can watch a movie once we get on I-Seventy. We have to stop for gas. Also, if you promise to be careful, you can each get a Happy Meal." Adam spoke firmly as Dean drove. Dean wasn't aware of the small, black car that followed the Kia's every turn.
The two men in the small black car were equally unaware of the black car that followed them. They were too busy following the Kia to worry about what was behind them.
"Are we going to see grandpa and grandma?" James asked as Dean pulled up to a gas pump. They were near the I-70 on ramp.
"I'll call him tomorrow. I don't honestly know. Alright, I will go get your food. Burgers or nuggets?" Adam asked as he got out of the car.
"Cheese burgers." All four kids spoke.
"Alright. Stay here, and do not move. Dean is right outside." Adam shut and locked the door with his spare key fob.
"Babe, what do you want to eat?" Adam asked as he went to Dean.
Dean grinned. "I'll get something inside. Need help?" He watched Adam open the back hatch of the Kia.
"Nope, I got it. Clap boxes come in handy." Adam pulled a collapsible box out of the car.
Adam walked to the fast food restaurant next to the convenience store/gas station. When Adam returned, Dean had moved the Kia to a parking place. Dean sat in the car with the kids.
Together, Dean and Adam handed out the children's food. One thing Adam loved about the Kia was, the seat backs not only had video screens, they had pull down trays like an airplane. Cup holders made sure drinks were secure. In the front, Adam's glove box opened to a table as well. His drink fit in the cup holder in the center console.
"Okay, last chance. Bathroom? I will not stop every five minutes." Dean spoke firmly. He hated stopping during a trip.
No one had to go. "Movie?" Adm asked. He wanted everything done now, while parked so he could eat in peace.
James spoke. "We picked Willy Wonka, please, daddy." It was one all four liked equally.
Adam opened the center console and pulled out a DVD album. He found the movie and put it in the player.
"I'll start it once we are on I-Seventy. Now, are we all set?" Adam asked as he settled deeper into the passenger seat, and buckled up.
Dean slid into the driver's set and also buckled up. "As daddy asked, are we ready?" Dean looked in the rear view mirror.
"Take us to Saint Louis, Louie… err… Uncle Dean." Jan stated with a bite of french fry.
Dean started the car. "Here we go." He pulled out of the parking lot and onto the road. Once he'd merged onto the Interstate, Adam reached over and pressed the button to start the movie. He even pulled down his small screen that was on the dashboard.
Dean took a bite of the apple he'd gotten at the convenience store. "It doesn't bother me, but why no headphones for the kids?" He was curious, not annoyed.
Adam chuckled. "I used to give them headphones or ear buds. But, they shouted so much to talk, it is just better this way. Just let me know if they or the movie get too loud. I'm used to just us." Adam took a bite of his quarter pound cheeseburger.
"It doesn't bother me. I blare metal music on road trips. Keeps me alert. By the way, I will stop if we need to." Dean glanced over at Adam and gave him a wink.
Adam smiled. "I knew you would. Actually they are good travelers. Ida sent a thermos of coffee, do you want some?"
Dean nodded. "After you eat. I am fine for now. Traffic is good for a Friday." Dean was pleased, they should make good time.
Two miles behind the Kia, the small black car followed. The driver and passenger also ate the fast food they had gotten while watching the Kia at the fuel stop.
Two miles behind the small black car, the larger black car followed. "Randy was right, McMahon sent a tail. Does Mister Orton know?" Ted DiBiase asked as he kept an eye on the road as he drove.
Cody nodded. "Yeah. Randy told him. I'm sure he will have eyes on the situation the minute Adam crosses the Saint Louis city limits." He had McMahon's men in sight, with a small pair of binoculars.
In the small black car, Finn Bálor drove as Wade Barrett kept the Kia in view with his own binoculars.
Finn laughed. "Orton still has no clue who is keeping us informed. They think they know, but they don't. We have to be careful though, Poppa Bob will have eyes on Adam.
"Yes, he will. So no crazy driving. All I can say is, if Orton does find his leak, there will be another body in the river." Wade growled then sighed. He missed his dear Alberto and wanted revenge for his murder.
In the Kia, Adam poured two cups of coffee into travel mugs. Dean took his placed it between his thighs.
"You know, that's a bad place to get burned." Adam grinned when Dean moved the mug to the center console.
"You're right. Can't damage the goods." Dean reached over and took Adam's left hand in his right and laced their fingers. Their joined hands rested comfortably on the console.
The quadruplets watched their movie and talked quietly. They were happy because now their daddy smiled almost all of the time. Even at seven years old, seeing their daddy happy was the best thing in the world.
Adam turned to look back at his children. "Having fun my monkey lions?"
Jade looked at her daddy. "Yes, daddy. That Veruca is a bad egg..." She paused and leaned forward. "Daddy, I'm sorry, but I gotta go. Uncle Dean will be mad at me." Jade looked ready to cry.
"No he won't, baby. I promise..." Adam spoke to Dean. "We need a stop. You don't mind, do you?" Adam looked at Dean.
Dean looked at Jade in the review mirror. "Don't worry, little lioness. I need a stop too. Can you hold on for five more minutes?" He'd pull over now if he had to.
"I can hold it. Thanks, Uncle Dean." Jade smiled and concentrated on the movie and not going to the bathroom.
Dean pulled off the Interstate and pulled up to a busy convenience store. Adam helped the children get out of the car. He went inside with the quads. Dean gathered up all the fast food trash and threw it away. Dean then went inside to do his own business.
Jade and Janice went to the ladies room while Adam stood outside the door. Dean went into the men's room with James and Jordan. Adam chewed his finger.
"They will be fine." Dean pulled Adam's finger out his mouth. James and Jordan stood quietly and waited for their sisters.
Janice and Jade came out of the bathroom. "Sorry, daddy. I had to… do both." Jade looked at Adam.
"It's okay, baby. Feel better now?" Adam hugged her. Jade's head came just above Adam's waist.
"Much better, daddy. Daddy, can we buy a snack?" Jade asked as she eyed the colorful boxes and bags of candy.
Adam looked at his children. "Well, alright. One snack each." Adam and Dean both laughed. Instead of the candy they had looked at, the children went to the fruit stand. They each got a banana.
"You are such good kids. Come on." Dean took them to the cash register to pay.
Soon the Kia was back on the road. Two black cars followed behind.
Ted DiBiase laughed. "McMahon's jerks haven't even noticed us."
Cody too laughed. "Because they are so stupid." He looked through his binoculars.
In the Kia, the children ate their bananas and continued to watch the rest of movie.
Just after eleven pm, Dean pulled the Kia into the private parking of the Drury Hotel.
"We'll check in, then get our stuff. We would get caught up in the after game traffic." Dean was a bit cranky. Just as they got to St. Louis, the Cardinals baseball game had ended. They got stuck in the traffic chaos.
It was midnight before the quadruplets were settled in their room. They were tired and fell asleep almost as soon as their heads hit the pillows. Adam was glad, he thought they would be too excited to sleep.
Dean took a steaming hot shower and let the stress of the traffic wash down the drain. He'd been very impressed at how well the children had behaved. It was a credit to Adam, and to Randy he supposed.
In the room, Adam unpacked his and Dean's sleepwear. He then went to the window and looked out. The room had a perfect view of the Gateway Arch and the Mississippi River beyond. The scene was beautiful. The moon was full and made Old Man River glow like a silver ribbon.
Dean came up behind Adam and wrapped his arms around the blond's waist. "Beautiful." Dean whispered softly in Adam's ear.
"Yes, it is. You got us a great room. Thank you, Dean." Adam leaned back in Dean's embrace.
Dean gave a very soft laugh in Adam's ear. "Yes, the view is nice, but I meant you were beautiful."
Adam's cheeks flushed a bit. He turned in Dean's arms and faced the physician. "Thank you. You're pretty handsome yourself. Come on, I'm exhausted." He gave Dean a kiss.
Adam picked up his sleeping pants, tee shirt and went into the bathroom. Dean unwrapped the towel from around his waist and pulled on his own sleeping pants. He went shirtless as usual. He wished the kids weren't in the next room. Dean wanted to make love to Adam.
Adam came out of the bathroom. Dean sat on the edge of their king sized bed. Dean looked like a kicked puppy.
Adam sat on the bed next to Dean and pulled him into his arms. "I want you, too. You do know, I can be very quiet when I have to be. You learn that when you travel with children. So, why are we wasting time?"
Dean's face lit up like a Christmas tree. "Why didn't you say so?"
Later, Dean and Adam slept in each others arms in a deep, sex sated sleep. Adam did make Dean put on his pants first, and he got into his. Adam would not risk having the children see them naked.
At six in the morning, Adam tried to brush the pesky fly from his nose. He awakened more as the fly became more persistent.
Dean had the same problem. As quick as a flash, he opened his eyes and grabbed the "fly". The fly was Jade. Her squeal of delight woke Adam with a start.
All four children were on the bed. Adam let out a groan. "It's Saturday, why are you up so early?" Adam was not a morning person at all.
Dean chuckled. "I think daddy needs time to wake up. Let's leave him alone. Boys, you go shower first. Girls, we'll go get clothes ready. You sleep a bit more, Adam." He pulled the covers up over the sleepy blond.
When Adam woke up at seven, the room was quiet and he was alone. He smiled when he heard voices on the balcony of their hotel room. He got out of bed and looked out of the window, that was also a sliding glass door. Dean and the children ate the free, full breakfast the hotel provided. Adam went to shower.
"Daddy!" Jan exclaimed when Adam stepped out onto the balcony. Adam had dressed in a soft blue button down shirt and dark blue jeans. He'd pulled his hair back into a neat, low ponytail.
"Good morning, my darlings." Adam kissed each of his children and hugged each one tightly. The children giggled when daddy kissed Uncle Dean.
Dean stood. He went to the cart room service had brought. He lifted the lid of the warming tray. Dean put a plate in front of Adam. Breakfast was scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, hash browns and toast. There was milk, juice and coffee to drink.
"Thank you, looks good. I never heard room service deliver this. Did my lion monkeys get enough to eat?" Adam asked as he dug into his plate of food. He was extremely hungry.
Dean swallowed his sip of coffee. "You fell back to sleep, hard. It's going to be a beautiful day. Have you been up in the Arch?"
James replied. "A few times. The best part is riding up and down in those little cars."
"Daddy, what about grandpa and grandma?" Jordan asked as he finished his last bite of food.
"I will call in a few minutes or so. Dean, what's the plan for getting the insulin pump?" Adam didn't want anything to get in the way of their entire reason for the trip, especially his ex in-laws.
"Tommy will bring it tomorrow. I'm meeting him at Busch Stadium before the baseball game. I could get tickets if you all want to go to the game." Dean answered with a look to the children.
"Could we, daddy? It would be fun." Jordan looked with hope. Of the four, he liked sports the most.
Adam bit his lip. "Let me talk to your grandfather first. He may want to see you tomorrow."
"I'd rather go to the zoo, Jor. It's better than stupid baseball." Jade spoke to her brother.
Jordan sat up. "Baseball is not stupid, but you are!" He threw his wadded up napkin at Jade.
"Jordan Michael Orton! Behave this instant. You don't call your sister stupid and you never throw anything at her. Now, apologize to Jade."
Jordan pouted. "She said stupid first." He crossed his arms over his chest and continued to pout.
Dean spoke. "Jordan, the difference is she called baseball stupid, you called your sister stupid. See the difference? Now do as your daddy said or we can stay here all day and miss the fun." He spoke firmly and backed Adam.
Jordan sighed again. "I understand. Jade, I am sorry. You're not stupid and I'm sorry I threw the napkin at you." He looked at his sister. He meant his words.
"I forgive you, Jor. Baseball isn't stupid, I just like the zoo better. I'm sorry too." Jade gave her brother a smile. They might fight, but they always loved each other.
Adam beamed with pride at his children. "Very good, Jordan. Jade, you too. We don't want to spoil Uncle Dean's plans. I'll go call your grandfather." He got up and went into the room.
While Adam called, Dean spoke. "Okay. Let's put our plates on the cart." He got the children busy cleaning up the table.
Dean wheeled the cart to the door, and Jade opened it for him. Dean pushed the cart into the hallway and parked it against the wall. Jade went back inside with her sister and brothers.
Adam motioned for Dean to go out and keep an eye on the kids. He was still on the phone with Bob Orton.
"… that's fine, Bob. I'm sure Randy will bring them next Friday… you're sure you don't mind, it's no problem… okay… yes, I certainly will… love to you and Elaine… thanks, Bob… goodbye." Adam ended the call with a bit of relief.
Adam went out on the balcony and sat down. "Grandpa and grandma send their love. They are busy this weekend. You will probably come back and visit next weekend. Grandpa said your dad had already planned it. So, now we can make plans."
"It's okay, daddy. We can see grandpa and grandma next week. This is Uncle Dean's trip." James spoke with his usual adult voice of reason.
"Well then, what shall we do?" Dean asked the children. He wanted to have a fun day.
Jan looked thoughtful. "How about the museum. They have so much to do." She loved the museum, but they didn't go very much because grandpa Bob liked the zoo more.
"Yeah! We never go there. I wanna slide down every slide." James spoke with excitement.
Jade and Jordan spoke at the same time. "Yes!" They loved the museum as well.
Dean looked at Adam. "I think they want to go to the museum? What do you think?"
"I think it's a very good idea. You four promise me, no wandering off without me or Uncle Dean." Adam gave his children that look that only a parent could give.
"We promise, daddy. Oh, they have good pizza there, remember Jan?" Jordan looked at his sister.
Jan nodded. "And the big organ!"
"Okay then, let's get ready." Adam shooed his children inside. Hair was combed and pulled into ponytails. Adam made sure shirts and shorts were neat and clean.
Dean picked up his phone. He arranged for the hotel to take them and pick them up. It was just easier.
"You hired a car?" Adam was surprised. The museum was only about a mile from the hotel.
"I am not fighting that traffic. I want to relax and enjoy this. Traffic stresses me." Dean stated with a shrug. He would have walked, but not with the quads, it was too dangerous.
"We don't want Uncle Dean's nerves to break, daddy. Yours either." Jade laughed as she sat on the bed and waited to leave.
Both doctor and nurse chuckled. "Uncle Dean must have really impressed you about nerves. But, you are right, we don't want to break his nerves." Adam patted Jade's head.
Dean went into the bathroom. When he came out, he'd neatened his hair and tucked in his cowboy style shirt. He also work dark jeans. Dean looked even more handsome to Adam.
"Alright, little lions, let's go have fun." Dean clapped his hands and waved to the door.
Adam held hands with his daughters. Jade on his left, Jan his right. James and Jordan walked side by side behind Adam. Dean brought up the rear. When they stepped out of the elevator at the lobby, they did the same.
A man stood by the door. "Doctor Ambrose?" He looked at Dean, brow arched.
"Yes, and my family. You know we're going to the City Museum?" Dean spoke professionally.
The driver nodded. "Yes, sir. What a fine family you have. Little ones, your ride awaits." He swept his arm toward the door.
The six went outside. "Daddy! A limo!" James spoke with excitement. They had been in a limousine once before with grandpa Bob.
"Only the best for my little lions." Dean stated as the driver opened the door of the limousine.
Adam, Dean and the children piled into the long, black limousine. They were watched by eight pairs of eyes.
Finn Bálor and Wade Barrett were not only watched by Ted DiBiase and Cody Rhodes, but by two of Bob Orton's men as well. Bob had sworn to Randy that nothing would happen to Adam, the children or Doctor Dean Ambrose. His men had worked things out with DiBiase and Rhodes.
When the limo pulled away from the hotel, three cars followed. It was decided that Bob's men would follow on foot at the museum because Adam didn't know them. Ted and Cody would watch from the parking lot.
The driver pulled into the museum parking lot, and stopped in front of the door. When he opened the door for his passengers, he smiled.
"Thank you for being so well behaved. Most of the time, children push every button and blast the music. You four were angels. Doctor Ambrose, text about fifteen minutes before you're ready to leave. Have a good time." The driver gave the family a nod.
At the entrance to the museum, Dean paid $132 for the tickets. He paid extra for all the free pinball they could play.
The first thing was the whale you could walk through to the Enchanted Caves. Adam let the children go explore the various things to see and do. Dean followed James and Jan who wanted to see the 1924 Wurlitzer Pipe Organ. Adam went with Jade and Jordan to watch them slide down one of the many slides Incorporated into the museum.
There was no one to actually play the organ, but a CD recording of it played. Dean watched with curiosity as James and Jan became entranced by the music. He could tell they were intent on the actual composition of the song. It was interesting to watch and Dean enjoyed it.
Adam watched Jade and Jordan as they walked to Dean and their siblings. They talked about the colors of things and how it went with the area. They talked like adult artists and not seven year old children.
On the second floor the little family stayed together and got lost looking at the saltwater aquarium. The kids then wanted to go up to the third floor.
The pinball room was filled with pinball machines and early video games. Adam challenged Dean to a game of Donkey Kong. The children took turns playing a pinball machine, in full sight of Adam and Dean.
Bob Orton's men played a game at the far end of the room. Finn Bálor and Wade Barrett watched from an even greater distance. They knew Orton's men were there, they just weren't sure who they were. Their mission was to just observe Adam and Dr. Ambrose, they didn't even know why. They just did what they were told to do.
After Adam beat Dean at Donkey Kong, they played games with the children and enjoyed it.
After two hours of playing pinball, the quads were hungry. They went to the mezzanine level to have pizza.
The pizza was baked in a brick over with a thin, crispy crust. They ordered two large pepperoni pizzas. Adam didn't mind as long as the kids also ate a small salad. Dean and Adam shared a large salad with their pizza. It helped set the example for the kids.
They sat at a table with a view of downtown St. Louis. The museum was busy, but not so crowded it was uncomfortable.
"You little lions having a good time?" Dean asked as he bit into a slice of pizza.
"Yes, Uncle Dean. You actually play with us and daddy. Dad watches most of the time and talks to grandpa. It's okay, but it's more fun to play with you." Janice spoke with childlike honesty, and ate some salad.
"Yeah, Jan, but grandpa is dad's dad, and he likes to talk to him. Dad does play with us, but not like daddy and Uncle Dean." James spoke up for his dad, a bit.
Adam listened to his children. He always learned a lot from them. "Your dad works very hard, kids. The most important thing is that he spends time with you and loves you all very much." He smiled at his kids.
Jordan looked at Adam. "Daddy, is it our fault dad left home? Did we do something wrong?"
Adam was stunned. It was the first time one of the kids had asked that. "No, baby. You all did nothing wrong. Dad and I just stopped loving each other like married people. We fought a lot and weren't happy any more. It just happens sometimes. Now, that does not mean every marriage breaks up, some last for sixty years and even more. It's just dad and I get along better as good friends than husbands. We can be better parents to you that way too. So please, my loves, don't ever think it's your fault dad left. He left because he wanted you four to stay in our house. Dad knows you feel safe there. Do you understand?" Adam's eyes were filled with deep concern as he looked at each one of his children.
James nodded. "Dad told us the same, but… yeah daddy, we understand. Dad is very happy with Mizzie and you are very happy with Uncle Dean. We are just lucky that so many people love us."
"'A lot of our friends a school who have broken parents don't get to see their dads or daddies. We are lucky." Jan added her thoughts.
"Yeah, I'd rather have dad with us than not, even if he talks to grandpa while we play." Jordan spoke thoughtfully.
Jade nodded. "Dad does play with us though, a lot. We are lucky."
Dean was amazed as he listened to the children talk openly. "I am lucky that I get to spend time with you too. But, I am not just a playmate. I can be hard on you, especially if you act up or hurt your daddy. That is what love is, being hard when you have to be, and having fun when ever you can. Being there for each other no matter what. I love you four and my love for you grows deeper every day. I love your daddy, and that love grows too every day. I just thought you needed to hear that." Dean smiled at the children and Adam.
Adam beamed. "I love, Dean and he is right. It grows every day. We need you four to help us build a strong foundation or better, a strong rock to hold up that love. Okay, daddy will stop, before he breaks your nerves." It made everyone laugh. They finished their lunch with happy chatter.
When they finished, they went back to the pinball room. Dean and the girls took on Adam and the boys at air hockey. Adam was a champion player, but he flubbed a lot, still, he and the boys won.
"I'm Canadian. It would be a disgrace to the Canadian flag if I lost." Adam spoke with pride.
"Guess I'd better practice. Can't let the American hockey teams down." Dean laughed.
They played till after three. Dean called for the limo. The kids were tired.
Later that night, Dean ordered room service. The children watched a movie while they ate. Adam and Dean ate out on the balcony.
"They threw me today. We've talked about the divorce, but I never knew they felt it was their fault. I am glad they finally did talk about it. They really do understand more than I realize." Adam spoke as he took a bite of food.
"I was amazed at how adult they sounded. They understand now, so that's good. I hope they got what I said, about a playmate." Dean spoke with a bit of concern.
Adam chewed his bite of steak with a nod. "They did. They need to know you can discipline them if needed. You will have them next two weeks while I am on nights. Are you ready? Of course, Ida will be there." Adam arched his brow at Dean.
Dean nodded. "Don't worry, they will be fine. You will be there at bed time. You don't worry about it." He was firm.
"I won't. At least they will be in school when I sleep during the day. Last time I did nights, it was during one of their breaks from school. I hardly got any sleep, even though Ida tried. Jade just gets loud sometimes. Oh well." Adam laughed.
By ten o'clock, four bathed and happy children were sound asleep. Adam and Dean made quiet love.
It was the end of Saturday in St. Louis.