Chapter 48
Sandy came home from work to find Tyler had already started dinner before she spied a dozen yellow roses on the table and a small box beside it.
"Tyler, what's all this?" she asked.
"What'swhat?" he called back.
"This stuff on the table out here."
"Offerings for you from king of the house. He's upstairs having a sinus bath."
"What's the fuss? It isn't my birthday or anything."
"Methinks Pauly Boy is having a guilt trip for putting you through hell the last week; either that or he wants sex. I was wondering why he wanted to go to the mall, being he's 'practically near death' and all."
"Hmmm….he should have guilt trips like this more often," Sandy replied with a smile, smelling the flowers and then opening the box. "Oh my God. This is beautiful."
"What is it, the Hope Diamond? The way Paul was carrying on at Kay Jewelers, one would think so."
"Actually, it's one of those family rings. He even had a stone put in for the baby."
"What a sap," Tyler said.
"Tyler Michael, just because a man shows affection for his wife doesn't make him a 'sap.' "
"What? Dad showed affection by taking out the garbage, picking up his dirty socks, and kissing your cheek. And when he was feeling really guilty, he'd do the dishes."
"Your father was a piece of work," Sandy smiled. "But one has to admit it's never a dull moment with Paul, and remember, young man, it was your idea for us to be together in the first place."
"You can say that again," Paul agreed as he came into the room. Grinning at Sandy, he added, "I see you found the peace offering."
"And it is graciously accepted," Sandy nodded. "It's all beautiful."
"Guess this means you aren't grouchy anymore?"
"Not in the least," she smiled, giving him a quick kiss.
"If you two start making out in there, I'm going to leave," Tyler warned.
"Bye. Don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out," Paul retorted.
"Smart shit," Tyler muttered laughingly.
"Hey, you started it, dude."
"Anyway," Sandy cut in. "So did you have a lung come up yet?"
"Thankfully no, but God knows what I have hacked up, yeeeeesh!" Paul made a face.
"Hairballs," Tyler cackled, coming in and doing an impression of a cat coughing up a hairball.
"You're really enjoying my misery, aren't you?" Paul asked.
"Well, gee, does 'Hey, Sandy, stand back! There's a freight train coming through!' every time I blew my nose during my cold ring a bell?"
"Jesus. Just when I thought nothing was worse than living with Spanky, I get a smart ass for a stepson."
"Be thankful Tyler doesn't walk around naked," Sandy deadpanned.
"Yet," Tyler laughed.
"Don't even think about it!" Paul said.
"Dude, I love you and all, but I ain't parading in the raw for you. I don't row that boat. That's for the women."
"Provided you ever get one," Paul grinned.
"I'm working on it, don't worry."
"He's got plenty of time," Sandy pointed out. "He's seventeen, remember?"
"I'm bored," Paul groaned.
"Oh shit, here we go again," Tyler rolled his eyes. "I had to listen to this all day."
"Iam. Christ. This isn't me at all."
"You're going to Arizona tomorrow for work."
"Oh yeah, that's a highlight … not that I can do anything with my fucking foot."
"Could be worse; you could be carrying a baby around for nine months."
He brightened a little, patting her middle. "And how is the little Londonator doing?"
"She's doing very well. No problems at all."
The phone rang, with Tyler announcing from the kitchen he would get it.
"Probably for you anyway," Paul called back.
"Actually, it's for you," Tyler said, sticking his head in. "It's your boyfriend."
"Smart ass," Paul said, going to take the call from Spanky while Tyler and Sandy got dinner on the table.
Never a dull moment with two men in the house, Sandy thought, laughing and shaking her head. At least the day was ending better than it had started.