Chapter 12

There was a knock on the door, Joe walking to open it. "Hello you three." He said to Erica and David, who was holding Dylan in a carrier. "Come in."

"Sorry it took us so long to make it over. We've just been so busy with Dylan."

"Yeah, you should have seen me trying to take care of Dylan while Erica was on bed rest for the week. I never thought it was that hard to take care of a newborn."

"You have a lot to learn son." Joe said, everyone quiet at the awkwardness of the words. David was used to hearing the words from the older man, his biological father, but it always felt weird in this context.

"Yeah it seems like it." They all laughed, cutting the tension.

"Is that Dylan?" Ruth asked, seeing David and Erica were there.

"Yes, he's been waiting to meet the family." Erica said. "You want to hold him?"

"Oh yes, I would love too." Ruth said as David got the baby out of the carrier and put the baby in her arms.

"Oh look who's here. David and his spawn are here. Look at the way mom and dad fawn over the spawn." Jake mocked.

"Yeah, just forget they already have two grandchildren." Tad added as the two of them watched the scene before them from the living room."

"But you're adopted bro, you're kids aren't biological grandchildren. This one is all nice and new and BLOOD. None of us are ever going to be able top our new brother. He's an ass, possibly the devil in disguise, but he's got dad wrapped around his finger." Jake told Tad, taking another swig of his beer.

"Thanks Jake. You know you're being an ass?" Tad said, less enthralled by his brother than he was a second ago.

"Yeah I know, maybe I should just leave town, you know. Go to Africa like Jeff."

"Maybe Jake. It's the only way you'll get away from Hayward." Tad told him, David Erica, Joe and Ruth all sitting at the table.

"So how are the two of you holding up?" Ruth asked, rocking the small child in her arms.

"Tired." Both David and Erica said in unison. "I'm staying home with Dylan while David is at the hospital. Then he comes home and he takes care of Dylan when he's home. We just don't want use a nanny. Especially being in the spotlight, all the other high profile parents have nannies and are blasted for it. But it's a lot to handle when he doesn't sleep more than 3 hours at a time."

"I admire your attempt to please the world, but you don't have to do it all by yourselves." Joe told them.

"We'd be glad to look after this little one for a few hours, anytime. "We watch Jamie and JR all the time." Ruth added.

"We can't ask you to take care of a newborn." David told them.

"You two need some time. If not for yourselves, for him. He needs a mommy and daddy who aren't tired and stressed all the time."

"That's very nice of you to offer Joe, but we don't really want to depend on you two to bail us out. Erica Kane and David Hayward can handle a baby."

"I think Dylan Joseph would like to spend time with grandma and grandpa." He noted, seeing the little one asleep in Ruth's arms.

"Well come to think of it, Erica and I could use a nice dinner out. She hasn't been out of the house much the last few weeks." David told them, looking over at Erica and then eying Tad as he walked over.

"Why don't you let him stay here for the night? You can pick him up in the morning or he could even stay here until tomorrow night. If you wanted to go to dinner tomorrow." Ruth said excitedly, loving the newborn in her arms.

"Really, that isn't necessary." Erica reminded them.

"Well we've fallen for the little guy already. We don't mind at all." Joe insisted.

"He is cute. Must get that from you Erica." Tad said, glaring at David.

"Thank you Tad, but he looks a lot like David." She said to counter Thaddeus' smug attitude.

"So Dad. Mom. Are you guys coming over for dinner tomorrow? Dixie was planning on making a big meal for the family."

"Actually we're taking care of Dylan until tomorrow evening. I don't think dragging him around town is best for the little guy."

"Really mom? You're watching David's kid and won't come to our family dinner? The boys were looking forward to seeing their grandparents."

"You two should go, be there with your family. You can watch Dylan another time." David said, trying to keep the peace between his new found family.

"No don't even try that one Hayward. Your trying to be a gentleman is laughable. Just do what you want dad. If you decide you want to spend time with your real grandchildren, you can bring the rugrat. If not, I'll see you around." Tad said, almost yelling now.

"This is exactly what David didn't want. Feel free to come by, but I think it's best if we don't come here too often." Erica told Joe and Ruth who just didn't want to believe that their son, Thaddeus Martin just did that.

"Don't worry about Jake and Tad, please. You're always welcome. And Dylan, can he stay tonight?" Ruth asked not wanting to let the little guy go.

"Sure, if you still think it's a good idea." said Erica

"Its' fine, really." Joe assured them.

"I'm warning you now, she hasn't been away from him since the hospital. She might call every hour or so."

"That's fine. Feel free to call."

"Don't worry. I will." Erica said with a smile.