Part Two
Ted and Kelly walk outside after their class Friday morning. "I'm out this way," he says.
"Me too," Kelly says with a wide smile. She shouldn't be this enthralled by the fact that she gets to walk through the parking lot with Ted. "So what are your plans for the rest of the day?"
"I'm going to go home and do some laundry before my grandkids come over." He grins, ready for the kids to be with him. "And then tonight, my boys are taking me out to dinner."
Kelly smiles at how excited he is about his grandkids coming over. "I bet they love Grandpa."
Ted gins. "I haven't been told otherwise. So I'm guessing that's a good sign."
"Always a good sign." She frowns when she sees her car. "This is me here."
Ted nods. "Well, how about you? What are your plans for the rest of the day?"
"Going to go home and catch a nap before doing some homework. And then I have work."
"Sounds like a fun evening."
Kelly nods. "It's not so bad. Job isn't my career. But I enjoy it for now and it pays my bills."
"Which is always a good thing."
"Exactly." She smiles up at Ted. "I'll see you Monday."
"Bye, Kelly."
Kelly climbs behind the wheel of her car and sets her bag on the passenger seat. She can't help but smile to herself. This is definitely going to be a good semester.
Ted is folding clothes when he hears his front door close. He smiles, knowing that it's Grayson, Galloway, and Shea. The only one he's missing now, which he won't be getting this week, is Emily. He walks out of the laundry room and into the living room where each of the kids are setting their book bags down. "I have intruders."
"Big Daddy!" Shea shrieks and runs over to him.
Ted lifts her up with ease and kisses her cheek. "Hi, my little cupcake."
Shea giggles at the nickname. "Did you have school today too?"
"I did." Ted sets her down. "I had my class this morning though. Grayson, Galloway, how are my boys?" He's not surprised when both boys simply shrug. "Well okay then. Do you have any homework?"
"Yes," Shea answers as she sits down at the coffee table with her bag. "Big Daddy, will you help me with my math?"
"I will certainly try. Boys, how about you? Any homework?"
"Yes," Grayson says. "Mostly just reading."
Ted nods. "You know your dad wants it done before dinner, so why don't you go ahead and get that done?"
"Okay."
"What would you like for a snack?"
"Crackers," all three say before breaking out into giggles.
Ted grins at them. "Crackers it is." He walks into the kitchen and over to the pantry. He grabs the box of goldfish before heading back to the living room. "Don't eat the entire box."
"We won't," Galloway says.
Ted smiles as he walks back to the laundry room. His life couldn't be much better than this. Sure, he'd love to have someone here with him, but he'll be happy if he can have his family like this.
A little while later, Ted is walking into Applebee's with the three kids. He smiles when Shea runs over to Mike.
"Hi Daddy," Shea says.
"Hi, Baby. Were you good for Grandpa?" Mike asks.
"We're always good for Big Daddy."
Mike laughs softly. "Of course you are." He smiles at Ted. "Hi, Daddy."
"Hi, Michael." He shakes his son's hand. "Listen, Brett is bringing someone with him tonight. Do not give him a hard time."
"I won't. We know he's gay."
"That's not his fear with it."
Mike raises an eyebrow but nods. "Okay."
Teddy walks over with Emily. "Hi Daddy."
Ted smiles at him. "Hi, Teddy. Emily, my little sunshine."
Teddy laughs softly as he lets Ted take Emily. "Maryse and John are talking with our waitress to get tables put together. So what's this about Brett bringing someone?"
"He's been seeing someone for a while. He's been a little scared to bring him around. I met him Wednesday."
"So what's the problem? We knew he was gay."
"Hey," Brett says walking over.
"Hey, Bubba," Teddy says.
Brett smiles and looks behind him when Joe steps up behind him. "This is Joe."
Mike laughs softly. "Brett, you do realize I went to high school with him, right?"
Brett frowns. "No, I didn't. He never said anything."
Joe grins. "I didn't put the names together. So that's my fault." He rests his hand on Brett's hip. "Sorry, Monkey."
Mike grins. "You hurt him, I will kill you."
"Michael," Ted says.
"Guys, they have our table ready," John says. "Mike, I don't know what you're doing, but behave."
Mike holds his hands up and smiles. "I am behaving."
Ted grins as they head toward their table. He takes a seat at the head of the table, even though he tries to sit at another spot. Not that he should really be surprised that the kids want him to sit at the head of the table. It's where he always sits and where he always has to sit.
"Your server will be right back with you," someone says passing by.
Ted smiles down at Emily who has cuddled up against his chest. He misses this with his boys.
"Uh oh," Mike says. "Daddy has that look on his face."
Teddy looks over. "Daddy, do I need to come take my daughter before you steal her away from me?"
Ted looks at his son and laughs softly. "No, I'm just a proud Grandpa."
Teddy smiles at him. "Not a proud Daddy, then?"
"I'm a proud Daddy as well. Always have been."
"Good evening," someone says. "My name is Kelly and I'll be your server tonight."
Ted looks up and grins. "I don't see enough of you at school?"
Kelly looks at him and smiles even wider. "Apparently not. But should I be worried that you're stalking me now?"
Ted chuckles. "I didn't pick the place, my boys did."
Kelly smiles again and looks around the table. "So these are them. Okay, well, those two are obviously yours."
Ted smiles when she gestures toward Brett and Teddy. "Yes, ma'am. That's my youngest, Brett and my middle, Teddy."
"It's nice to meet you. I have heard so much about you this week. I think I may know your family better than my own. So, let me guess." Kelly looks at the three remaining men, pointing at Mike. "That's your oldest?"
Ted nods. "Indeed, that's my Michael."
After Kelly is introduced to the remaining people at the table, she takes their drink orders and also gets special instructions not to give Ted the bill later. "I will be right back with these."
Ted isn't surprised to see everyone looking at him. "What?"
"And I was worried about Joe being nine years older than me," Brett says with a slight laugh.
"What are you talking about?"
Teddy snorts. "We always did know he likes blondes."
Ted sighs. "You boys need to open your eyes and shut your mouths. Kelly is a classmate."
Mike snorts. "And John was my intern."
Ted licks his lips as he looks at his oldest son. "This is different."
"How, Daddy? There's nothing wrong with liking her."
Kelly walks back over before anyone can say anything else. "Okay, here we go." She sets the drinks down in front of everyone. "Are we ready to order or still need a few?"
"We still need a few," Ted says. "Thanks, Kelly."
"Not a problem. I'll be back." She smiles and walks away. As she turns the corner, she throws a look over to Ted. Too bad he could never fall for someone as young as her.
Ted takes a sip of his pop. "Listen, I don't know what's going on." He looks around the table. "I really don't. I don't know what I'm feeling right now."
Teddy nods. "If it goes any further and you have this thought that we're going to care about how much younger she is than you? Don't. Yeah, it'll be weird, but if you're happy we're happy."
"Thank you, Teddy."
"That goes for all of us, Daddy," Brett says.
Ted nods as he looks at Mike. When Mike nods, Ted can't help but smile. "Thank you, boys. That means a lot to me." He looks at his menu again. He wasn't lying when he said he doesn't know what's going on. That is definitely the truth. He knows in the week he's known Kelly he's enjoyed her company. Besides, even if he does have feelings for her, what would someone like her want with someone like him?
"Daddy," Teddy says. "You okay?"
Ted looks over at Teddy and nods. "Yes," he answers. "Sorry, was just thinking."
Teddy grins. "Yeah?"
"Whatever you're thinking, don't."
Teddy laughs softly. "Okay."
Kelly walks back over. "Is everyone ready?" she asks with a bright smile. After taking everyone's order, she takes the menus. "Wonderful choices. I will go and get this in. Can I get anyone a refill?"
"No, we're okay right now," Ted says. "Thank you."
"You're welcome." She smiles again before walking away.
"Wow," Mike says. "She must really like you. I don't think I've ever seen anyone smile that much."
Ted looks at his oldest son. "She's always smiling."
"Daddy, no one smiles like that all the time. Smiling is one thing, but that?" Mike grins. "She's flirting with you."
"She is not." Ted licks his lips. Okay, maybe she is flirting with him. But it doesn't mean anything. She's a young girl… beautiful girl… why shouldn't she flirt?
"Whatever you say, Daddy," Teddy says. "It's not a bad thing that she is."
"Can we please change the subject?"
"Sure, Daddy," Brett says.
"I think Brett should tell us how he and Joe met," Mike says. "I think I'd really like to hear this."
Brett looks at Joe. "There's nothing really to tell."
Joe smiles at him. "I'm sure they're going to find out eventually, so why not just tell them?" He rests his arm on the back of Brett's chair.
"They're going to make fun of me."
Ted frowns. "No they won't. If they do, they will have to deal with me." He gives his other two sons a warning look.
"We're just interested," Teddy says.
Brett sighs. "Remember when I got into that accident? The one where I hit the guy from behind?"
Mike nods. "Yeah, you said you hit an old couple."
"I hit Joe. Everything else was what happened, but it was Joe that I hit, not the old couple."
Mike grins. "And you thought we would make fun of you for that? Do you remember how I met John?"
Brett frowns. "No, I guess not."
"I bashed into him with my cart," John says with a smile. "Okay, so mine was on purpose. But he wouldn't look up for me to talk to him. So I had to come up with something."
Joe laughs softly. "So you hit him with your cart?"
John nods. "Yes. It wasn't hard. Just had to get his attention."
Brett grins. "I forgot about that."
Joe looks at Teddy and Maryse. "How'd you two meet?"
"At the bar she used to work at," Teddy answers. "I was there after work with some friends and saw her."
"Love at first sight?"
"Not exactly, but we're living happily ever after now. Or so I'm told."
Maryse hits his arm. "Teddy."
Ted grins at his kids. This interaction doesn't surprise him at all. It's nice to see that even though the three boys are different in so many ways that they get along. He's guessing that is because they are still very similar. He's never met anyone other than his boys who are all so different but so similar at the same time. Leave it to his kids to be just that.
Ted would give anything to have what his sons have with their lovers. He doesn't need it, but it would certainly be nice to have someone to come home to or come home to him. He's always enjoyed those little moments in life. So why shouldn't he want to find it again? No, he's not going to force anything with it, but if it happens he'd be thrilled.
He looks down at his beautiful granddaughter who's still asleep on his chest. He can't help but smile as he carefully slides his fingers through her light brown hair. He'd always wished he'd had a little girl of his own. It wasn't like he wasn't thrilled to have his three boys. He just thinks if he had a little girl along with his three boys it would have been even better.
"Daddy's got that look on his face," Teddy says with a slight laugh.
Ted looks up. "And what look is that?"
"You always wanted more kids."
Ted nods. It was not secret that he had wanted more kids. But Melanie had a difficult time during both pregnancies. He couldn't put her through them again after Brett was born. It had taken two years just to get pregnant with Brett. After he was born, Ted and Melanie both agreed that they wouldn't try anymore. And while they both wanted more kids, they both knew it was for the best.
"I'll just spoil my grandbabies now," Ted says.
"I'm sure you will."
Kelly walks back over with a tray, setting it on the holder someone else sets up for her. "Thanks, Eve," she says.
"You're welcome," Eve replies before walking away.
Kelly smiles at Ted as she starts setting the plates around the table. "Is there anything else I can get anyone?"
"No, I think we're okay right now," Ted says. "Thank you."
"You're welcome. Enjoy."
Teddy stands up and takes his sleeping daughter from Ted. "No arguing with me," he says with a smile. "You have to be able to eat."
"I wasn't arguing." Ted grins as he watches Teddy put Emily into her car seat. "Why couldn't you sleep like that when we were out with you?"
Teddy grins. "I didn't?"
"Not even close. If we wanted to go out, you'd have to stay with someone else. Mike and Brett were fine. But you? You were a pain."
"I take after my father."
Ted grins. "Too true."
After he finishes his meal, Ted pushes his plate forward. It had been a long time since he's eaten here and is glad this was where everyone decided to go. Not to mention the fact that he got the chance to see Kelly again. He won't admit it to anyone, especially his sons, but he has been thinking about Kelly a lot. It scares him that he is. No, it shouldn't. He's a grown man. There's nothing wrong with wanting to be around Kelly.
Kelly walks over a few minutes later. "How's everything over here?" she asks.
Ted smiles at her. "Everything is great," he answers.
Mike laughs softly. "Can we get a few boxes?" he asks.
"Absolutely." Kelly looks around to see how many. "Is anyone having any dessert?"
"Oh!" Grayson and Galloway both say with wide eyes.
"I take that as a yes? But I think we better ask your parents first." Kelly grins as she looks at Mike.
Mike sighs. He looks at John and shrugs. "What do you think, Dad?" he asks.
John grins. "They've been good. So go ahead," he says.
Ted can't help but smile as the kids order their dessert. He watches Kelly interact with each of them as well. She'll be a great mom someday. When Kelly looks at him, Ted smiles once again.
"How about you, Ted?" she asks.
"No, I think I'm okay," he answers.
"Oh come on, Big Daddy," Shea says. "You should get something."
"I should?" He smiles at Shea. "What if I don't want anything?"
"More for me."
Ted laughs softly. "I'm okay, thanks Kelly."
"Okay, I'll be back with these then." Kelly smiles at Ted before walking away.
Ted watches her every move before she disappears. He looks around the table to find his sons looking back at him. "What?"
Mike laughs softly. "I think it's great, Daddy," he says.
"There's nothing going on." Ted licks his lips. There's nothing wrong with wanting to spend time with her. But he can't really get into this with his children. Well he could, but not with the grandkids here and especially not in the middle of a restaurant.
"You boys should leave him alone," Maryse says. "You don't want him to pull out his mean Daddy."
Ted laughs softly at his daughter-in-law. It's not the first time she's pulled that one on the boys and he knows it won't be the last. "I'd listen to her, boys."
A short time later, they all head outside. Ted says his goodbyes before heading to his SUV. He pulls his keys out.
"Ted, wait up," Kelly calls.
Ted turns around and smiles when he sees her coming toward him. "Shouldn't you be working?" he asks with a smile.
Kelly grins. "I'm on break." She bites her bottom lip.
"So what brings you out here then?" Ted leans against the back of his SUV, gesturing for Kelly to do the same.
"I didn't get a chance to say goodbye." She shrugs with a slight blush creeping across her face.
Ted grins as he crosses his arms over his chest. "No, you didn't. Neither did I." He smiles at her. "When do you get off?"
"We close at one which means it'll probably be almost two before I get to leave."
Ted nods. "Late night."
"Great tips though. I'm a poor college student, so I need all the money I can get."
Ted nods again. He'd give anything to offer her help, but he can't do that. Soon, maybe soon he'll be able to do that.
"Can I ask you something, Ted?"
"Of course."
"And I want your honest opinion. I know this may seem like a crazy question, but I want to know."
Ted looks at her. "Okay."
"Am I crazy for doing all of this?"
"All of what?"
"School, this place." Kelly shrugs. "I have had so many people tell me I'll never make it. And I'm starting to believe them."
Ted shakes his head. "They aren't worth listening to. I think you can do it and I just met you at the beginning of the week. They don't know what they're talking about, Kelly. You will make it through college and get where you deserve to be. And that's not to say that a job like this isn't good. I know it is. But it's obvious there's something more you want to do."
Kelly licks her lips. "You really think I can do it?"
"I know you can."
Kelly smiles at him. "Thank you, Ted."
"No need to thank me. Just telling you the truth."
"It means a lot to me anyhow." She gestures toward the building. "I should head back in. I'll see you Monday."
"Bye Kelly." Ted watches her walk back inside before climbing behind the wheel.
******
Kelly sits down beside Ted and smiles. "Hi," she says.
"Hi there," Ted says with a smile.
"So your family is great."
"They thought the same of you, so it's mutual."
Kelly smiles widely at that. "Good, I'm glad." She licks her lips as she pulls her things out of her bag. She almost hates the feeling she gets when she's around Ted. It's almost like she's back in grade school with her first crush. It's certainly not her first crush… or any crush for that matter. She frowns at herself.
After class ends, Ted and Kelly walk out to the bench. Ted looks over at her as they settle in. Kelly smiles over.
"What?" she asks.
"Nothing," Ted answers.
Kelly smiles shyly. "Okay." She pulls her legs up and bites her bottom lip. "So, what are you doing for the paper?"
"I have no idea." Ted sighs and shrugs. "I can't remember the last time I wrote a paper to be honest." He sucks in a deep breath. "Is it dumb that I'm nervous about the damn paper?"
Kelly shakes her head. "Not at all." She watches him. "Ted, I'm nervous too. I always sucked at writing. Maybe we can work together?"
Ted nods. "I like that idea." He smiles at her. "How often do you work?"
"Every weekend pretty much. They'll occasionally give me some weekends off if I ask for it."
Ted nods. "I can't do Tuesdays and Thursdays but other than that, I'm free."
Kelly nods. "Okay, so how about Wednesday evening?"
"Sounds perfect." Ted pulls out a piece of paper. He writes down his address. "Here's my address. You can come by whenever. Maybe I can make you dinner too."
Kelly smiles shyly once again. "That sounds good." She can't believe how much this man has affected her.
"Is there anything you don't like?"
"I'm good with anything."
Ted nods. "Good. Then I'll think of something good." He smiles at her. He's suddenly nervous. He's probably reacting like a fifteen year old boy again. He can't believe he's reacting like this. But Kelly has that effect on him. He watches as she tucks a strand of hair behind her ear.
"So, it's obvious you adore not only your kids but your grandkids."
Ted smiles as he nods. "I do indeed."
"And the baby? She was absolutely precious."
"Emily. She's going to be a big sister soon too."
"How soon is soon?"
"November is the month Maryse is due."
"I bet you're thrilled."
"I am."
Kelly grins. "And your other granddaughter called you Big Daddy?"
Ted chuckles. "Yes. Not my choice, but I adore it." He grins. "It's what they all call me."
"I think it's cute."
Ted pulls his phone out of his pocket when it goes off. He frowns after seeing Mike's name flashing. "I have to take this."
"Go ahead."
"Hello?"
"Daddy, thank God I actually got you," Mike says.
"Mike? What's wrong?"
"Nothing severe. Shea's school just called and she's sick. I don't remember what time your classes are."
"Don't worry about my classes. I'll go get Shea."
"Are you sure? I don't want you getting behind on anything."
"Michael, my granddaughter is sick, that's more important."
"Thank you, Daddy. I owe you. I'll call the school and let them know it'll be you picking her up."
"Okay. I'll see you later." Ted looks at Kelly after he hangs up. "I have to go."
"I heard," Kelly says with a small smile. "Go take care of your granddaughter. I'll see you tomorrow."
"Let me know what goes on today?"
Kelly nods. "Of course I will." She smiles at him. "Go, I'll see you tomorrow."
Ted nods and stands up. "Bye." He walks away semi reluctantly. He doesn't want to leave Kelly just yet.
Kelly smiles after Ted. She hadn't wanted him to leave, but she definitely understands why he had to. His granddaughter is more important. Now she wishes she would have given him her number so they could at least talk. She can't help but wonder if he texts. She realizes it's a ridiculous thought, but she can't help it. When it comes to Ted, she's been thinking about a lot of ridiculous things.
Ted lays Shea down on the couch. He kisses her forehead. He doesn't have to take her temperature to know she's running a fever. He grabs the blanket off the back of the couch and covers Shea.
"Big Daddy, I'm cold," Shea mumbles.
"I know, sweetie." Ted pushes her hair off her forehead. "Do you want to stay here or go up into a bed?"
"Here. Want to be near you."
"Okay. I have a few things to do. So I'm going to do those right now and then I'll be right back."
"Okay. Hurry though. What if I have to throw up again?"
"I'm going to go get a bucket for you. So hang in there." Ted walks into the hallway to the closet. He pulls out the cleaning bucket before heading into the living room. "Here we go. Now you rest. I'm going to finish up my few things and then I'll come sit with you."
Ted opens his book after settling on the other end of the couch. He hates seeing the kids sick like this, but is thankful that he's able to come take care of them when they are. Even his grown children come to him when they're sick. Mike and Teddy not like before, but Brett still does. That could be changing now that Brett's with Joe. He frowns at the thought. While he's thrilled all his boys are happy, he's losing everything he's ever known. He's been taking care of his boys for so long he's not sure what he could do with his life. At least he has his grandkids now. But even that won't be a regular thing.
"Big Daddy," Shea says.
Ted looks over. "What, Sunshine?"
"Can I come over there and lay against you?"
"Of course you can." Ted waves her over. "Come on over here, Sunshine." He helps her with the blanket as she settles against him.
"Thank you."
"You're welcome." He smiles down at her as she closes her eyes once again. He slides his fingers through her hair. He'd give anything to make her feel better, but knows it's not possible.
It doesn't take long for Shea to fall asleep. As Ted continues to comb his fingers through her hair, he reads over his assignment. He'll do what he can from this position. He won't worry about having to get up until it comes to that point.
Ted winces when the house phone rings. He quickly grabs it off the table. "Hello?" he answers.
"Hi, Ted?"
Ted raises an eyebrow. "Who's this?"
"It's Kelly. And I know I shouldn't have looked up your number. But I couldn't help it."
Ted laughs softly. "It's okay. I was kicking myself for not giving you my cell number."
"So was I. So I got online and looked up your number."
"Internet is great, isn't it?"
"It really is. How's your granddaughter?"
"She's doing okay. She's sleeping right now. She's running a slight fever."
"Poor thing. Being sick is never fun. But I bet Big Daddy will make her feel all better."
Ted chuckles. "Well, I don't know about that, but I'll certainly do my best. She'll be getting some soup in a little while and probably more sleep after that."
"Well, the sleep sounds great." Kelly laughs a little. "But the sleep because of being sick? That's not great."
"No, it's really not." Ted looks down at Shea. "How was class?"
"Boring. We watched a video. You didn't miss anything. Just read the next chapter. I took notes from the movie, so I'll give those to you tomorrow if you're back."
"Okay, that's fine. I should be back, but we'll see." Ted slides his fingers through Shea's hair. "It'll all depend on how she's doing. Though, Mike or John may stay home if she's still sick."
"You don't sound happy about that."
Ted grins. "Well, they are her parents. But I know they both hate missing work. They aren't struggling with money, but it's not something that comes off a tree either. We all have bills to pay."
"I know that very well. You must not be doing too badly if you're only working two nights."
"Well, I do more than just that. I help my brother with the books throughout the week too. So I'm actually working more than just at the store. And I have money stashed away. I've been working since I was ten so I was taught at a young age how to save."
"That's good. I wish I would have done that. I should probably go. I have to get ready for class."
"Okay, I'm glad you called. Hopefully I'll see you tomorrow. No matter what, we're still on for Wednesday night, right?"
"Absolutely. If you aren't here, I'll be sure to give you all the notes and stuff that we get."
"Okay. Bye, Kelly."
"Bye, Ted."
Ted hangs up and can't help but smile. He hasn't felt like this in a long time. But it doesn't mean anything, does it? No, they're just friends.
