Friday was a bit sad for Adam. When he dropped his kids off at school, they had their overnight backpacks with them. It was their weekend to go to Randy's. They were going to St. Louis to see Randy's parents. Randy had also told Adam they would be late on Sunday, as they were going to a Broadway musical show at the Muny Outdoor Theatre. Adam didn't mind and was happy his children got to enjoy things like that.
On Friday night, Dean took Adam to Tony's pizza place. Tony took to Adam like a duck to water. When Adam showed Tony a picture of the quads, the man couldn't wait to meet them. Tony refused to let Dean pay and even sent a pizza home with the couple. Adam promised to bring the quads soon. It was a wonderful evening that ended with three rounds of love making before the couple finally fell asleep, naked, in each other's arms.
On Saturday morning, Dean made a simple breakfast of bacon and eggs. They had to get to the hospital to help Megan's trip home be stress free.
Dean and Adam were in Dean's Mustang, and the top was down. Dean parked in his space at St. Luke's Hospital.
"Nancy isn't here, right?" Dean asked as he opened the passenger door for Adam.
"Right. She deep cleaned Megan's room and is now preparing to cook the meal Ida got ready yesterday." Adam replied as they walked to the employees entrance of the hospital.
Adam greeted the nurses at the station. Seth also had the weekend off. Dean went to his office to get Megan's discharge underway.
Dean soon returned to the nurse's station. "Please clear Megan Anne Helmsley's chart. She is being discharged. I'll take the papers downstairs myself. Thank you."
"Right away, Doctor Ambrose. We will miss her, she is so sweet. I'm glad you and Adam will be with her." The nurse replied with a smile. She pulled Megan's chart and set to work.
Dean and Adam went down to room 151. Before they entered the room, they donned latex gloves and masks. When they entered the room, Shawn and Hunter were busy packing Megan's bags. Megan was in the bathroom.
"Oh hi, guys. It's okay for Meg to wear her sweats and tee shirt, isn't it?" Shawn asked as he folded Megan's nightgown.
Dean nodded. "Yes, that's fine. I'll go down to discharge with who ever is going. We can go now or when you're ready."
Hunter spoke. "Let's go. I will do it, they love our platinum card." He chuckled softly.
"I'll help Shawn finish packing." Adam took over folding the clothes Hunter had started.
"Thanks, Adam. Shawn, I will be back. Then we'll have our daughter back, free and clear." Hunter laughed as did Shawn.
"That's what he said when she was born. When he paid the final bill, Hunter said she was ours, free and clear." Shawn explained with another laugh.
Dean and Hunter left to do all the annoying paper work. Shawn and Adam quickly finished packing. After all, there wasn't that much to do. Adam doubled checked, just to make sure nothing was forgotten.
Shawn slid the last of Megan's schoolwork into her pink backpack. "There, that's every thing. She has a case for her tablet.
Megan came out of the bathroom. She had her cosmetics bag in hand. "Hi Addy. I got all my stuff from the bathroom, daddy." She put the cosmetic bag in her still open suitcase.
"Okay, sweetheart. Doctor Dean said your clothes were fine, so I've packed your gown and robe." Shawn closed the suitcase.
Megan sat on the bed and messed with her tablet. "How are my monkeys?"
Adam smiled. "Just fine. They are on their way to Saint Louis. They only know grandpa and grandma are taking them to a musical at the Muny tomorrow. What I can say now is, they are going to the Broadway production of The Lion King. They also don't know that Bob arranged for backstage VIP passes for them. They are going to have a wonderful time." He sat on the bed next to Megan.
Megan grinned. "That's wonderful, Addy. It's great Mister Bob does such wonderful things for them. I'll be glad when we can go to the movies again. You know, I just realized, with the pump, I can start driving lessons." Her smile grew brighter.
"No you don't. Babies can't drive, don't be so silly." Shawn teased as he put Megan's suitcase and backpack by the door.
Megan put her tablet in its case. "He refuses to admit, I am old enough to start driving. It makes him feel old..." She spoke to Adam, then she spoke to Shawn. "Daddy, I have to be able to drive to the store to get you Ensure vanilla pudding." She teased her daddy.
"See what you have to look forward to, Adam! Only you'll have it times four. Megan, I can still spank you." Shawn laughed, he was so happy Megan was fine and going home.
"Oh lord, four teenagers at the same time? I will be totally gray by the time I'm forty" Adam spoke in an over dramatic voice.
Hunter came into the room, he looked upset behind the mask. "Adam, you may have to ride with us. A four car accident with six victims just came in. They asked Dean to report to the ER. One of the victims is a six month old baby. He may have to operate. He said he'd be along when he could. He also said you would understand."
"Yes, I do. I am glad he was here. Saves the time it would have taken if they'd called him in from home. I hope the baby will be alright." Adam sighed, it sounded bad and Dean would take it hard if something bad happened to such a young baby.
Hunter let out a growl and tossed a pillow across the room. Shawn went to his husband. Hunter hugged Shawn close.
"The mother of the baby was drunk. She ran a red light, hit two cars and was t-boned. The baby was in a car seat, but that was the area of impact. Why? Why, Shawn? Drunk and driving with your baby in the car? At nine in the morning? Sometimes it terrifies me that Meg will soon be driving." Hunter explained what a fellow officer had told him downstairs.
Megan leaned on Adam. "And we were just making jokes about driving. That poor baby. I don't understand why people drink in the first place." She sighed.
"It is an addiction for some, honey. They think alcohol or drugs will take away their pain. While it can make you feel good, it's only temporary and when the pain comes back, they want more to feel good again. They need help, but first they have to want that help. It is a sad cycle and often other's are the victim. Hunt, what about the mother?" Adam tried to explain it Meg as he held her close.
Hunter growled again. "Walked away. They took her to jail, and rightly so. I don't know how bad the other five were hurt. What a damn mess. Well, Megan is ours, free and clear. We can go when the aide gets here. I said Adam could wheel Meg out, but they said no. Hopefully it won't be long."
Adam nodded. "It's because I'm not on official duty. It's silly, but the rules. They are usually fairly fast… when you're not ready. Oh well, some things just can't be helped."
"It doesn't matter. I will get home eventually. What's a bit of waiting?" Megan gave a shrug.
Hunter went to Megan and hugged her. Adam moved so Hunter could sit.
"You are my sunflower and your daddy is the sunshine that makes you grow, and you both brighten my darkness. I love you so much." Hunter spoke softly and hugged Megan close.
Adam smiled. He was glad that Hunter was back with his family, where he belonged. Adam would always carry a bit of Hunter in his heart, but that was where it ended. The last of his guilt faded.
Shawn went to Adam. "You okay, honey?" He couldn't quite read Adam's expression, but he knew the man was lost in thought.
Adam smiled at Shawn. "I'm fine, Shawn. I just hope, maybe one day, Dean and I will be lucky enough to have what you and Hunter have..." He was cut off when the aide arrived with a wheelchair for Megan.
"Nurse Copeland, you are to ride with the Helmsley's. Doctor Ambrose is in surgery. Now, Miss Megan, are you ready?" The young aide patted the wheelchair.
Megan adjusted her mask. She got up and sat in the wheelchair. Adam took her tablet and backpack, and Hunter had the suitcase. Shawn had her bag. They happily left room 151.
Fifteen minutes later, Megan let out a squeal of delight when Hunter pulled into their driveway. He drove into the garage and parked the car.
Nancy came out of the door from the kitchen. "Welcome home!" She was just as happy as Megan. Nancy had missed her charge.
It didn't take long for Megan to be settled into her own bed. Nancy checked Megan's pump, it was perfect. She would change the bandage around the port later. She also pointed out the area by the door, in the hallways she'd set up. A box of masks, a box of latex gloves and a bottle of hand sanitizer were on the small table. Nancy had also put a trash can under the table for the used masks and gloves.
Shawn and Hunter stayed with Megan. Adam and Nancy quietly left to go down to the kitchen. They wanted the family to have their privacy.
Nancy had asked where Dean was. Adam explained. "...so not sure when he will be here. I just hope that poor little baby will be alright." Adam let out a sigh and sipped on a hot cup of tea for a change.
Nancy prepared to put the turkey in the oven. It would be ready for dinner at six. "Poor little mite. I hope they get the mother the help she needs. It just breaks my heart." Nancy slid the large turkey into the oven. She would bake the other dishes later.
Adam nodded. "So do I, but, she does deserve to be in jail. I hope the baby has someone to look after it." Adam stopped as Shawn and Hunter came down the backstairs.
"How is madame?" Nancy asked as she poured cups of tea for Shawn and Hunter. They joined Adam at the kitchen table.
Shawn beamed. "Just fine. She's on Skype with her friend from homeschooling group. Nancy, do you think she could handle public school now… well the Academy?"
Nancy nodded. "Yes, but I would have to teach the school nurse about the pump and she couldn't do a regular PE class, because of her heart, but otherwise, yes, I think she could. As Adam can testify the nurse at Saint Luke's Academy is very good. Does she want to go? I know she really loves her homeschooling group." Nancy continued to fuss about in the kitchen.
Hunter swallowed his sip of hot tea. "Well, to be honest, she hasn't asked. We wanted to know what you thought, just in case she does ask. Personally, I prefer homeschooling, but Shawn thinks she is missing so much. Like dances and social clubs. At least Saint Luke's doesn't have the drug problems like Van Horn. I would never send her there." He spoke firmly and took another sip of tea.
Adam spoke up. "I will confirm what Nancy said. The nurse at Saint Luke's is wonderful. She retired from our wing at Saint Luke's. The kids on the ward loved her like a grandma. Shawn, why can't the homeschool group have a dance?" Adam gave a shrug.
Shawn's eyes lit up. "I never thought about it. They do get together once a month for study groups. Why couldn't they have a dance? Adam, you are brilliant. I will talk to the homeschool adviser at Saint Luke's Academy." Shawn smiled brighter than Hunter had seen in a long time.
"Will there be boys at this dance?" Hunter asked with a bit of a growl and a frown.
Shawn, Adam and Nancy chuckled softly. Shawn laid a hand on Hunter's arm. "Honey, yes, there are boys in the homeschool group. She is fifteen, Hunt. She is going to date eventually. You know, we aren't even sure if she wants to date boys or girls. I think it's time for that talk. This pump has given her a new life and we have to be prepared for that."
Hunter sighed. "You're right. Oh hell, she really isn't our baby anymore, is she?" He looked… sad.
Adam smiled softly. "Yes, she is. No matter how old she is, she will always be your baby. Just like mine, they will be my babies forever. Nothing will ever change that. Of course, it's easy to say, but it is true." He gave Hunter an encouraging smile.
"You're right. I guess sometimes I forget. I also want to talk to Chief Hart, that mother, the drunk driver, needs help. I just hope she wants it." Hunter spoke in a thought filled voice.
"Hazel would have made sure the baby was looked after… Drake… who knows." Adam spoke with a sigh.
Shawn guffawed. "I didn't care for him at all. I am so glad it was Dean who got Megan's insulin pump." He spoke with a firm nod.
Over the next hour, Shawn, Hunter and Adam, chatted, drank tea and played a game of rummy. Hunter won the card game just as the doorbell rang. He got up to answer it.
Adam smile when he heard Dean's voice. Hunter led Dean into the kitchen. Greetings were exchanged and Dean kissed Adam. Dean sat at the table and gladly sipped the cup of tea from Nancy.
Dean spoke. "The baby will be fine. Good thing is, babies are a bit more flexible as their bones are softer. There was a piece of glass embedded in her leg. I was worried it cut an artery, but, it didn't. Twenty nine stitches, but she will fully recover. Three broken arms and two legs on the other victims. All in all, everyone was very lucky." Dean told about what had happened. He knew everyone would be concerned.
"That's wonderful news about the baby. I'm sorry she got hurt, but it could have been so much worse." Hunter was the first to respond.
Shawn looked at Dean. "Who's there for the baby?" He too was worried.
Dean smiled. "The father and his parents. The mom had taken the baby, kidnapped I guess. Huge custody battle. I guess she got drunk and took the baby from daycare. Anyway you can all relax. The baby is in excellent hands. The father is there. Now, I've only told you this because I knew you were worried. Please, keep it here." Dean gave the others a firm look.
Adam laid a hand on Dean's shoulder. "Don't worry, you didn't say names. Thank goodness you were already at the hospital." He kissed Dean's cheek.
Dean nodded. "Yeah, me too. Now, how is the patient doing?" He took another sip of hot tea.
Shawn grinned. "Happy. She's catching up with her friends from her homeschool group. I want your thoughts on something. Do you think Megan could go to school? It would be Saint Luke's Academy, as that where she homeschools from."
"I don't see why not. The school nurse would need to know about the pump. She would also need to keep an emergency pack on hand for Megan. I would give you a letter that would explain that Megan would be extremely limited in any Physical Education class, but that's due to her heart, not the pump. Also, because of her heart, if say, something like the flu goes around, it would be better to keep her at home. I really would like to see if this will help strengthen her heart, even a little bit. If you want my professional opinion, I think homeschooling is really better. She can rest when she needs it and not be stressed getting from class to class with loads of books. However, she could go, with a lot of care and caution." Dean spoke with frankness.
Shawn nodded with a smile. "Thank you, Dean. I appreciate the honesty. I never thought about epidemics like the flu. I think the better option would be to speak to the homeschool adviser. Maybe we could do more social events. Adam suggested a dance. We will wait and see. Megan may never ask to go. She does love being homeschooled, because Nancy makes it fun and interesting."
"Good thinking. A dance would be fun. Baby, we could even offer to chaperone. I mean, someone has to keep the boys at bay." Dean spoke with a bit of a laugh.
Hunter chuckled and gave Dean a friendly slap on the back. "I like the way you think, Dean." He gave Shawn a wink.
"Oh, I just remembered. I have this for Meggie. It's that horse game I told you about. I picked it up in Saint Louis with the pump." Dean pulled the game out of his doctor's bag, he brought in with him.
Nancy grinned as she looked at the game. "She will love this. She played a horse game online, but the site closed. She's been wanting something like this."
Dean returned Nancy's smile. "Then I am glad I found it. Could Nurse Adam and I go up and check on our patient? I want to make sure all is good."
"Of course, help yourselves. Adam, we will be in the den." Shawn stated with a smile.
Dean put the game back in his bag and picked it up. Together, he and Adam went upstairs to see Megan.
"Come in." Megan called out when she heard a knock on her bedroom door. She was resting in bed, and read a book.
Dean and Adam entered the room. They wore masks and blue latex gloves. "Hello Miss Megan. Sorry to disturb your reading." Dean spoke as he sat on the edge of Megan's bed.
Megan smiled. "No problem, Doctor Dean. It's just nice to be back in my own bed. So, I guess it's check up time?" She gave a laugh.
Dean and Adam chuckled. Adam spoke. "Yep, you guessed it. Won't take too long."
Megan pulled her bed covers back. "Have at it, Nurse Addy." She was used to being poked and prodded.
Dean, with Adam's help, checked Megan over. He took her blood pressure, temperature, pulse and finally, he checked her insulin port. Adam gently placed a new bandage over the fresh surgery of the port entry.
"Well, madame, you passed inspection with an A plus. And since you've passed with a perfect grade, I have something for you." Dean picked up his medical bag and made a show of digging around as if looking for something.
Adam sat on the other side of the bed. Both he and Megan watched Dean with much amusement.
Dean pulled out a reflex hammer. "Oh, no, that's not it..." He dug around a bit more. Here, no wait… I wondered where that was." Dean held up a sterile wrapped tongue depressor.
He dug back into his bag. "Well, this might do." Dean pulled out a sugar free lollipop. He handed the grape flavored candy to Megan.
Adam tisked. "I don't know, Doctor. I think she deserves a bit more than that."
Megan laughed, she had already unwrapped the lollipop and stuck it in her mouth. "Thanks, Doc." She spoke around the candy.
"You're very welcome, but I think nurse Adam is right. You deserve something more..." Dean reached into his bag one more time. This time he pulled out the Horse World video game.
"I think you've earned this. I hope you enjoy it." Dean held the game out to Megan.
Megan's eyes lit up like a Christmas tree. "Oh Doctor Dean! Thank you! Just… thank you!" She hugged Dean with all her happiness.
Dean hugged Megan back. "You're welcome, honey. I hope you enjoy it. I thought you could make an avatar of Champion. I know you miss him. Just remember, you will be back with him in four weeks." He kissed the top of Megan's head.
"You are the best Doctor in the world. I know, I can wait to be with Champion. Can you tell me about that poor baby with the drunk mom? Is the baby… alive?" Megan went from happy to worried.
"Don't worry..." Dean went on to explain that the baby, while injured, would be just fine and that her father would take good care of her. "...so, she will have a scar, but, maybe it will always remind her to never drink and drive, when she is old enough." He gave Megan a confident smile.
"That's wonderful. You really are the best Doctor. Why would her mother be so stupid?" Megan looked like a sad puppy.
"I wish I knew, honey. Your dad did say she will have an opportunity to get help in jail. But, at least the father cares and will be there for his daughter, along with his parents. He was a very nice young man. The grandpa is the Vicar at Saint Luke's Episcopal Church." Dean told a little more of what he knew. Megan was no threat to tell anyone.
"That's good. Just one more question. Can we all eat dinner together? I mean… the masks..." Megan looked at Dean with hope.
Dean looked at Megan. "I think we can risk one dinner. We are all healthy with no fevers. But, just for the meal, when it's on the table. You, back in here immediately after. You are recovering from a surgery. Agreed?"
Megan beamed. "Agreed. I don't want to miss Thanksgiving in August with my family. Just wish the monkey's could be here. Jan loves turkey." She hugged Dean again.
"We can have turkey again. I have one in my freezer. Now, enjoy your game. Rest before dinner." Adam kissed the top of Megan's head through the mask.
Megan hugged and kissed Dean and Adam. At the door, Dean turned to Megan. "By the way, Uncle Dean would suit me better than Doctor Dean." He gave Megan a wink. He and and Adam removed their masks and gloves, tossed them away and went downstairs.
At six o'clock, Shawn, Adam, Dean and Nancy clapped as Hunter carried Megan down the stairs to the dining table in the dining room off the kitchen.
"Happy Megsgiving!" They all cried out in a well rehearsed chorus.
Megan smiled brightly as Hunter set Megan down in the chair at the head of the table. Hunter kissed the top of Megan's head, then sat at the foot of the table.
"Enjoy. Compliments of Ida, myself and of course, Adam. Pumpkin pie for dessert, so save room." Nancy announced as she brought the turkey to the table.
"Nancy, I set you a place. Please, for once, join us. You're family too." Shawn indicated to the place next to him.
Nancy smiled. "Thank you. I will, this once. I can't resist Ida's stuffing. I hope I baked it right." She sat at the family table. Something she usually only did at Christmas.
As they enjoyed their dinner, across Kansas City, another dinner meeting took place at the McMahon mansion.
Stephanie, Vince, Drake and Justin enjoyed a dinner of Kansas City style barbecued brisket, prepared by Vince's personal chefs.
"Outstanding, sir." Justin complimented as he took a bite of the delicious meal.
"Glad you like it, Justin. I'm sure your father has excellent chefs too, in South Africa. He runs Cape Town?" Vince asked the handsome young man.
Justin grinned. "Yes, as well as Pretoria and Bloemfontein. They are the three capitol cities of South Africa. He controls the drugs and guns. He also launders money for Alberto's father. God rest Alberto's soul."
"Ah yes, I remember now. I'd forgotten about the money laundering. Del Rio senior cleans our money. Now, I understand we have plans for Adam Orton?" Vince took a huge bite of food.
Stephanie delicately wiped her mouth with a linen napkin. "Yes, daddy. Justin is going to work at Saint Luke's. Adam is going to show him the ropes. I've arranged for the night shift. They will work together normally till Thursday night. Then on Friday morning, Adam will be… missing. But, he will be here, in our hidden room. Then, Randy will do whatever we ask." She told her father about Plan B.
Vince grinned again. "And what is Mister Younger's role in this magnificent plan?" He asked with another bite of food.
Drake chuckled. "To comfort Doctor Ambrose, and make sure he doesn't get any ideas about finding Adam. He's not stupid. He could put enough together to be suspicious. We can't have that. Besides, I can offer to help look after Orton's brats. Gives me a way to them if Randal fails to cooperate." Drake revealed his part in the plan.
Vince gave a nod. "It's a very good plan, daughter. But, you are treading the line of the Code. Not one hair on Adam's head or his children's will be harmed. I will not be shamed, you understand?" He was extremely firm, and his look was deadly.
Stephanie swallowed hard. She'd seen her father look that way before… he killed someone. "I understand, father. Our intention is to frighten Orton to our side. I promise, no one will be harmed. Once Orton is under our control, we will own Kansas City. Then, we can move in on Orton senior in Saint Louis. We just have to be slow and careful. Have you decided about Jericho yet? The hospital is nearly out of medication in the pharmacy."
Vince growled. "No, the board refuses to give him the contract. They love Orton's company. Better prices and quality. You know, if we give Orton the contract back, it may throw him off our trail with Adam. Then when we hit him with the news, we can say, we did a favor for you, now you will do one for us or else… and by the way, we have Adam and your children will be next. Or something along those lines." Vince spoke in a thought filled tone of voice.
Stephanie nodded. "Yes, I understand. You're right, of course. Mister Orton will have his contract back on Monday. Drake, I still want you to get the wheelchair. You need it to look good in Adam's eyes. Bring it in on Monday evening- Make up some story that you had to meet a friend to pick it up. You'll think of something to say. I know it's expensive, but you can afford it, on the bonus you're getting. Don't fuck it up, Younger." She was just as deadly serious as her father as she glared at Drake.
Drake gave a nod of respect. "I won't, ma'am. I don't mind buying the chair, the boy does need it. I've said one of the Elk's Clubs was going to help. I may not have gotten to Adam, but I know how to deal with Dean. I can break him like a twig when the time comes. You have my blood oath, remember? I will not let you down."
"Good. Now, lets enjoy this fine meal. Business talk is bad for the digestion." Vince spoke with authority.
Back at the Helmsley house, Megan laughed when Hunter let her ride piggyback, up to her bedroom. The others followed. The were all going to say goodnight.
Nancy said goodnight first. She then went down to clean up after their dinner.
"Goodnight, Meggie Pops. So glad you're home." Adam hugged and kissed the teenager.
"Night, Uncle Addy. Come see me soon. Love to the monkey's. Can wait to hear about The Lion King." Megan hugged Adam again.
"I will, honey. As soon as you can have visitors, they will be here. Love you." Adam hugged Megan again.
Dean hugged his patient. "Goodnight, honey. I will come see you tomorrow for another check. I might even let Adam come too. Love you."
"Love you, Uncle Dean. Thanks again for the horse game. Thanks for being my Doctor. Oh, and marry Uncle Addy, please?" Megan asked with a hug to Dean.
Dean winked. "Maybe. See you tomorrow."
Adam and Dean left to let Hunter and Shawn have privacy with Megan. They went to the kitchen to help Nancy and maybe steal some left over pie.
An hour later, Shawn, Hunter, Dean and Adam played a game of Yahtzee. They had a wonderful time. It was easy to be happy with Megan back home and feeling so good.
By midnight, Dean was balls deep in Adam as the couple made love in Adam's bed. The one advantage, being the only ones in the house, Adam could be as loud as he wanted. Dean loved it, Adam was so sexual when he made certain sounds. It made Dean even wilder.
For now, all was calm and peaceful. But, a plan was laid that would soon shatter that peace and Adam was at the center of it.