Darry

I kissed Charolette softly as I got out of bed. The sun wasn't even up yet but I had to be on one of our sites today to give Dallas a tour and have him meet the other team members. I had put him on Olivia's team so he would know someone at least. I changed into a pair of dark washed jeans and one of my company's button up shirts, I had to stop at the office first and meet Dallas and Olivia there so that we'd car pool and I could get Dallas a uniform. I went into each of the kids rooms and kissed their heads before going downstairs and packing my lunch. Besides the tour and uniform, Dallas would be signing his contract and then I had a meeting with the city in hopes of getting another property to start a new community.

When I pulled up at my office half an hour later I put in my passcode before going in, Olivia was already waiting in my office,

"Good morning Olivia," I said, putting my brief case in my drawer and locking it.

"Morning Darry… I um… Wanted to talk to you about a possible maternity leave… There's nothing stating one in my contract and you know Two-bit and I are hoping to adopt…"

"You can have a year Olivia, if you need longer we'll talk about it when the time comes." I said, logging into my laptop and putting that in writing for her,

"Here you go." I said signing it before handing it to her,

"Darry I know you never go back on your word."

I smiled, "I know, but this is to put your nerves and Two-bit's nerves at ease. You've worked real hard for me since I hired you on, you went back to school when I asked and now you're my project manager."

I heard my phone start ringing and I saw Dallas's number,

"Good morning Dallas," I said, leaning back in my chair,

"Hey man, what kind of coffee do you like?"

"Black."

"And Olivia?"

"Double double for her."

"Okay great. I'll be there in five." He hung up and I grabbed the keys to one of the work trucks and nodded at Olivia. She picked her lunch bag up,

"I'm just going to grab my hard hat and boots from my car." I nodded and went out, starting the truck. Dallas pulled in and parked beside Olivia's car, getting out carrying a tray of coffee's and a lunch bag, he had his boots on his feet loosely and the hard hat resting half hazardly on his head. He followed Olivia over and got into the back seat, handing out the coffee's,

"I didn't think you'd be making your own lunch." I commented playfully, starting the drive.

"Nah I didn't, Beth did."

"Ah," Olivia said with a grin and he grinned and shook his head,

"Well if I didn't she'd get on me about going back to the gym. She "loves" me but doesn't want me to get fat like the typical tradesman."

"Hey!" I said, glancing back at a red light. He grinned,

"Sorry, you still look great superman. Still hitting the gym?"

"For your information, yes."

"Good for you man. We used to go to the gym in NY but that was before we found out she was pregnant. Then we decided we were moving so now we just need to get to a gym and she found a doctor for a check up and to see what she can and can't do."

"Have you found out the gender?" Olivia asked, turning in her seat to look at him. He shook his head,

"Beth knows but she won't tell me."

"Do you want to know?"

"Yeah, we gotta start buying shit for the kid."

I sighed and shook my head, pulling into the construction site. I pulled into a parking spot at the front and Olivia smiled when she saw the guys working.

"These guys think I don't know that they were just fucking around."

I laughed and we got out and started walking around, we introduced Dallas to the workers and we started bringing him around. Our last plumber had retired after a car accident and I was in a tight spot until Dallas agreed to work for me. He'd done mainly commercial work, but with the contract that I offered I knew it was more than he'd hoped for. Our old plumber had been close to retirement anyhow, with almost thirty years of experience, but I knew with the company growing as quick as it was I could offer Dallas the same pay rate that Frank had.

"So I asked Beth to stay at home and not go back to the force," He said, walking beside me as we went to the back of the community to start by working our way up.

"What did she say?" I asked, walking into the house to inspect it.

"She's going to think about it. I have to agree to at least two kids and a dog for her to say yes."

"And?"

"Well… If it keeps her out of the field I figure why the hell not?"

"Dallas signing up for another kid isn't 'why the hell not'. There's more to being a dad than you may think. It's not just getting a girl pregnant and staying around. You have to help your kids learn, you are their hero."

"I know that man, believe me I've heard all about it from Johnny and Beth's step dad. Is being a dad the hardest thing you've ever done?" He questioned, cocking an eyebrow.

"No. Being married or raising you boys was harder."

"Married huh?"

"When you get married, you vow to love the other person no matter the situation. That isn't always easy. Love isn't just a feeling Dallas, it's a choice. When you marry the woman you're in love with, it's not just a woman. She has to be your best friend or it won't work. You can't give up, there is no giving up when you get married and start a family. There's no more running off to a bar and getting drunk and sleeping around. You can't do that to your wife. There are times that you want to give up, times you've threatened to call it quits but you don't. I wouldn't necessarily say that things immediately change when you get married but… Girls want you to be home more, they want to go out with you more, you're their husband, and you're both equal in the marriage and in parenting."

"Huh," He said, before looking at the piping that had already been done.

"I'm not saying don't get married. When you love someone the next step is to get married. It's clear that you love Beth, so marry her. But just know it's not always easy."

"I know that much. I haven't told her about the wedding yet either. We both decided to push it back until after the baby was born."

"How do you feel about the baby?" I asked now that we were alone. Dallas and I had had a few… "heart to heart" conversations back before he left for New York and I was hoping to get through to him again.

"I… I dunno. I mean raising a kid can't be that bad… Beth knows what she's doing."

"Do you want to be a father?"

He shrugged, "I would have been happy if she didn't get pregnant."

However something in his voice told me this wasn't entirely the case.

"Okay Dallas, whatever you say."

He sighed and it seemed like he struggled for words, "I… I love her. That I do. I don't know how to be a dad man. It isn't easy. I know that much. If I fuck up my kids will be fucked up like I was… Or like Two-bit and Steve. I don't know how to be a dad. I wanted kids with her, yeah, but then I realized that… They're human beings that look for me for a direction in their life and I don't know what direction to send them on."

"Dal, that's why guys can't grow kids on our own. That's why you typically have a wife or husband around. Two minds are better than one. Some women have the mothering instinct. Some guys do, most don't though. It's hard, trying to balance between being the strict parent and trying to be their friend, but at the end of the day your child is a reflection of your parenting. If you're a lax parent, chances are your child won't be listening to you, they'll be pushing boundaries and trying to gauge your trust. However, if you set boundaries, if you learn when to be strict, things will change entirely. And your parenting can't change from one child to another or that just wrecks things and the trust you had built with every child."

He sighed and nodded, "Alright… Alright."

"You just have to be honest with Beth about all of this." He nodded and we started moving from house to house before meeting Olivia in one of the houses. She was talking to one of the gas technicians about changing piping- the pipes had been undersized without her knowledge and had to get redone.

"Olivia, ready to finish the rest of the tour?" I asked, and she nodded, finishing her conversation with the technician before we finished the tour.

"What do you think?" I asked, as sat in the truck.

"Looks great. Do you guys hire apprentices?"

"Yes, we've already got a couple here but one of them can't do a whole lot because he's only a first year."

"Alright. Sounds good. Everything looks good so far, there are newer methods of doing things obviously, but yeah. Looks great."

I drove back to the office and parked, taking them both into my office.

"Okay, so on site Olivia is the one that you report to. She will approve any budget changes- through me, of course- and she is the one to typically make the tough calls. If you have any worries or any issues, you can see her about and it and between the both of you; you can determine wether your issue is an HR related issue or if it's something that can be resolved between you and the other person.

"As you can tell I'm not typically in the field much, most days I'm out of the office in meetings, but I also work from home. Obviously you have my number, but most guys don't. They go through Olivia or the other project managers. I wouldn't have time to run our company if every technician came running to me. We've got enough branches here that I'm constantly busy." I said, opening up his contract and printing a couple copies. I went through it with him, requiring both his signature and Olivia's signature as well as my own. He'd gone through two interviews, both times with some of my HR staff, Olivia and another one of my project managers.

"Alright great. Let's go and get your uniform." I said, taking him into the storage room with all of the uniforms and equipment. We had hard hats that most men wore, obviously you could wear your own but we supplied all of our guys with everything they needed to work safe. I supplied Dallas with pants, shirts, hats, sweaters, vests, safety equipment, and a coat.

"I noticed your hard hat has been altered, here." I said, handing him one.

"Man I don't need this."

"You may not need it, but I'm providing it. You hat could have damages that you can't see because of the stickers. Now it's up to you what you decide to wear. Safety equipment is always necessary and so is your uniform." I said, logging the uniform items into the computer and printing a log, again a couple copies for him to sign, disclosing that I'd provided the necessary safety equipment.

"Alright. Now I'm assuming you have your own tools, there are some relatively new tools that have been left behind on the job site in the job box from Frank, if you need any others you can speak to Olivia about the yearly budget."

"Okay great. What about my hours?"

"7-3, but there are also lots of chances for over time, on the weekends and after your shift."

"Okay great. Well I'll see you later then, Beth has a doctor's appointment." He said and I smiled,

"Have fun." With that he left and I went back into my office, getting my brief case and going to the washroom to change into a button up shirt and a tie. When I got back into my office I heard my phone buzzing and I picked up,

"Hey baby, I just got a call from one of my clients and they want to see one of the houses tonight but right in the middle of DJ's football practice and Josie's dance practice. Are you able to bring them tonight?"

I looked at the clock on my wall, "Yeah that should be fine baby, I'm just about to head to town hall for the permit meeting, you know how those things are."

"Yes, I know…"

"Look I know you had other appointments today… Why don't you call Two-bit and see if he's home? If not… Um… I mean if you're in a pinch you can always drop them off here."

"Well I'll talk to Two-bit first okay?"

"Alright babe. I'll keep you posted on what time I'll be done the meeting."

"Alright baby. Good luck."

Three hours later I walked out rubbing my face. That had taken much longer than it should have, but we got what we came for and that's all that mattered.

"Alright well see you later Jimmy, thanks." I said, shaking my lawyer's hand.

"Not a problem Darry, after the house you built for Carol and I she gets upset when I don't answer your calls directly." We laughed- Jimmy and Carol owned a law firm in Oklahoma City and commuted back and forth every day.

"Well take it easy Jimmy. Thanks again."

"Not a problem." He went to his car and I pulled out my phone, listening to the voicemail from my wife,

"Hi sweetie, I hope everything went well with the city. I just wanted to let you know that Two-bit was home and the kids are with him. I had another client ask to see a house so I'll be home late tonight. Dinner is ready and in the fridge. I love you."

I sent her a text letting her know that we got the permit and that I was on the way to get the kids. Once I was in the truck I called Two-bit,

"Hey man!" He said, sounding like he was out of breath,

"Hey, do you know if Olivia is working late tonight?"

"Yeah, she and a couple guys are staying late to make sure the gas piping gets redone."

"Alright, well in that case, did you want to bring the kids home and join us for supper?"

"Yeah that sounds great man. I'll see you soon."

"See ya." I hung up and drove home, getting dinner out of the fridge. She had made my favourite pasta salad and I had to reheat the chicken breasts so I preheated the oven and grabbed a water bottle out of the fridge.

Twenty minutes later I heard the door chime and Jake got up from where he was laying beside me and he jogged over to greet the guests. DJ came running in and Two-bit came in carrying Josie.

"Hey man, thanks for watching them."

"Yeah of course man. What time are their practices?"

"Well Josie's dance got cancelled, her instructor just emailed everyone, she's sick with the flu. DJ's got football at six, so we've got to start getting ready after dinner." I said, turning to open the oven to check on the chicken. It was warmed through so I took it out and cut some up for Josie, making plates for the kids before putting the rest on the table. Two-bit went to the fridge to get the kids a drink,

"Dar, you mind if I take a coke?"

"No of course not man." He opened it and sat across from me and we started eating,

"How's the business going?" Two-bit asked and I smiled,

"Great, the renovations just finished and it looks fantastic and feels much nicer than a construction office."

"Yeah but it's not exactly just a construction office, it's your head office, considering you have like six different teams working at different locations."

I smiled, "Yeah, it's nice that we have everything in one location, and it's no longer HR working on Main and the legal team on Pickett."

"Yeah I hear you man. Olivia was pretty happy she's got her own office now."

"Oh yeah, while we're on that topic, there are camera's every now, so I don't want to be seeing any nasty things."

He grinned wickedly and I shook my head. DJ and Josie looked between Two-bit and I before they went back to eating. I gathered up the plates when they were done and I brought them over to the sink,

"DJ, go and get changed into your gear and grab your bag. Josie, sweetie do you want to get changed into your Jammie's?" They both nodded and ran upstairs, I started washing the dishes, Two-bit put the left overs on a plate for Charolette and by the time DJ was back downstairs we were ready to go.

We loaded into the truck and we drove down the road to the field that DJ and his team practiced at. DJ was the youngest on his team, he was playing club football and because he was taller than most kids his age the age group above him offered him a spot. I was really hoping he stuck with football, if we could get him a scholarship to pay for school that would be amazing, especially if he gets into a good school and possibly make it into a pro league.

DJ suited up in the car and ran over, I got Josie out and grabbed the chairs form the back, Two-bit grabbed DJ's duffel bag.

Josie did ballet now, we had started her in an introduction to dance class and she chose to stick with ballet, but Charolette and I were thinking of putting her into gymnastics as well. I set up a chair for Josie and one for myself, Two-bit opened one and sat beside me. I put a blanket around Josie, it was starting to get chilly out.

"So how come you're not coaching this?" Two-bit asked and I shrugged,

"I was offered a spot but I asked DJ if he wanted me to take the spot and he said he didn't. I guess it's hard enough being younger and a starter, but to have his dad coaching would just make everything worse."

"Jeez, boys are already that mean at this age?"

"Most of these kids are from families that had their dads play varsity ball or wanted too and they want their kids to get big."

"Ain't that you too?"

"Well I want him to get big in football, but wait until they scrimmage against the older team, you'll see what I'm talking about. These parents have scouts coming to games already, I mean I want DJ to make it to a good college with football but I'm not going to force him into it." He nodded and half way through the practice the older team started making their way over from the field next to theirs. They were only twelve year olds, but there were definitely some big kids on that team.

"Jesus, that kid looks like he ate another one." Two-bit said snickering. I choked on my water and coughed to cover up my laughing.

Half way through the game parents were already yelling at the coaches and throwing things on to the field.

"Jesus," Two-bit muttered, watching as a Mom cussed out the other coach.

"Yeah, I can't imagine what it's like when he gets older, so I'm happy not being one of the coaches."

Someone wrapped their arms around me from behind and I knew the scent from anywhere,

"Hi baby, how did the showing go?" I asked, moving to kiss her.

She kissed me back, "It went well, they're thinking of putting an offer in babe, their agent said that they loved it."

"That's great," I said, kissing her again.

She picked Josie up and sat down, sitting Josie in her lap who eagerly put her tablet down to snuggle into Charolette.

When DJ came off the field to get water I didn't miss the grin when he saw us both sitting here. I knew it upset him that I couldn't make it to every practice, but I only missed about one practice a month and they practiced three or four times a week.

Once the game was over (they didn't keep track of who won, they just played to put game strategies into motion) we packed up and went out for ice cream like we usually did before driving back home. Two-bit said thank you for dinner and ice cream before he left, DJ went to shower and Charolette brought Josie upstairs to get ready for bed and start reading her story.

I was sitting in my office staring blankly at some blue prints. Technically I had the day off tomorrow but I had a feeling that wouldn't be the case.

"Dad?" DJ said, standing in the doorway to my office, just in his pajama pants.

"Yeah kiddo?" I asked, turning off my computer and getting up, following him to the living room.

He swallowed hard and sat on the couch so I sat beside him.

He looked at me before looking down and I could tell he was really struggling.

"Baby what's wrong?" I asked, gently reaching out to take his hands.

"The… T-The guys on t-the team are bullying me.." I swallowed hard, I felt like I had just been punched in the gut.

"Oh Darrel…"

"They're bullying me because I'm gay…"

"Well.. I'm glad that you trust me enough DJ… You mean the world to me and I… I'm so proud of you for coming to me. Did… Did you talk to the coach about what the other kids were saying?" I asked, and his bottom lip started wobbling. I pulled him into my arms and hugged him tightly,

"Okay, okay, we're going to get through this, okay? Your Mom and I are going to support you no matter what, we're going to get through this. Do you want me to talk to your coach?"

He swallowed hard and nodded, and I held his hand tightly,

"Do you want to come with me to talk to your coach or go without you?"

"Could… Could I come?" I nodded and rubbed his back,

"Of course kiddo… And if he acts like a dick we can find you another club or maybe you could try a different sport?"

He nodded, "Only if he's a dick." He said with a small smile,

"Hey," I said, "No swearing."

He laughed and hugged me tightly. I hugged him back just as tight, kissing his head,

"Thank you for coming to me Darrel… This doesn't change anything, or how much I love you."

Charolette came over carrying a cup of hot chocolate and she sat beside me, handing DJ the cup.

"Everything okay?" She asked, kissing DJ's head. He nodded and sipped the hot chocolate resting his head against my shoulder. Charolette gave me a proud smile and I kissed DJ's head.