Chapter Fourteen

 

 

DONNY WAS happy Kimberley woke him in the middle of the night for a feed because he was butt naked and in Jeff’s bed, and that’s not how he wanted Robin to find them—again—in the morning. He threw on his boxers and his robe and fed Kimberley, rocking in the big chair in her room, and then burped her.

He dozed off before he managed to get her back into her crib.

“Donny? Donny? I threw up.” Robin tugged his arm, crying.

He blinked. He had a crick in his neck from sleeping in the chair.

“Okay, sweetie. Let me just put Kimmie down.” He got her into her crib and then knelt to talk to Robin. “Did you throw up in your bed?”

“Uh-uh. On the potty.” The little boy started to sob. “I’m sorry. I don’t feel good.”

“Oh, sweetie, I just wanted to make sure we didn’t need to clean your bed.” He drew Robin in close. “Do you want to come to bed with me?”

“Want to be with you and Daddy….” Robin was burning up, little body drenched with sweat.

“Robbie? Baby? Are you okay?” Jeff came stumbling out, a pair of soft shorts on backward.

“No, he’s sick. Fever, throwing up. Let’s see if we can get a bit of baby Tylenol into him and get him to sleep it off.” He met Jeff’s gaze. “He wants to sleep with you and me.” If Robin wasn’t sick, he’d be really happy about how that fit so nicely with how he most enjoyed sleeping lately.

“Okay. Yeah. Come here, baby.” Jeff opened his arms and Robin went to him and promptly threw up all over Jeff.

“Oh God.” Don got up and grabbed Robin. “Go on and get a quick shower, man. I’ve got this.”

“I want Daddy!” Robin screamed, and then Kimberley started crying.

“Robin, sweetie. He needs to clean up, and then he’ll be with you, okay?”

“Daddy!”

Jeff nodded to him. “You calm her down; I’ll clean us up together in the shower. Could you bring the medicine and some orange juice when you’re—”

Robin lost it again.

Donny just nodded and handed Robin over. Poor little guy. He grabbed Kimberley and went back to the chair to rock her. Robin stopped screaming. At least he hadn’t been screaming for his mommy. That was something.

He heard the water starting in the master bath, heard Jeff singing softly and Robin’s sobs fading.

He kept rocking, Kimberley’s eyelids growing heavier and heavier. “You hear your daddy and brother, dear girl? It’s a great sound.”

She sighed softly, little fist curled on his chest.

He kissed the top of her head. “Love you, sweetie.” How could he not love these two little ones?

She fell asleep, and Donny put her down, then went to put some Tylenol and some ginger ale together. The juice would just make it worse, too acidic for an upset tummy.

He found Jeff and Robin in Jeff’s bed, Robin’s cheeks bright red, his eyes half-closed and glazed.

“Hey, you feeling any better, Robin?”

Robin shook his head, then nodded. Poor baby.

“Here, have some ginger ale. It’ll make you feel better.” He sat on the edge of the bed and brought the sippy cup to Robin’s lips. “Slowly, though. Your poor tummy can’t handle a whole bunch all at once.”

“He’s burning up, love,” Jeff whispered. “Did you bring the Tylenol?”

He nodded and tapped the cup. “Taken care of. This is normal at his age. If he’s not better in the morning we’ll take him to the doctor.”

“Okay. Yeah.” Jeff patted the bed. “You staying?”

“If that’s okay.”

“Want to sleep with you and Daddy.” Robin started crying again.

“Shh. Shh. You can stay here.” Jeff rocked the boy. “I’ve got you, son.”

Donny nodded and rubbed Robin’s back for a moment. “We’re both here, sweetie.”

He climbed in on the other side, cuddling Robin between him and Jeff.

Jeff leaned over, kissed him on the forehead. “Get some rest, hmm?”

He mouthed, “You too,” and slid his hand over to rest across Robin and on Jeff’s chest. They were both going to need to get what shut-eye they could.

He fell asleep exhausted, but with a smile on his face.

 

 

JEFF CALLED in to the restaurant at 8:00 a.m., about the time Kimberley started vomiting. When Donny started at noon, Jeff called a doctor.

Lots of fluids, lots of rest, and if the kids were still sick tomorrow morning, he was supposed to bring them in.

“Okay. Okay, sure. Yeah.” He got online and made a Green Bag order, thankful for delivery, then went to make sure everyone was still sleeping.

Donny was asleep in his bed, Kimberley on his chest, Robin sprawled out next to him. God, it smelled bad. He opened a window and took a load of laundry downstairs.

When he came back through the kitchen, he found Donny sitting at the table, looking rough, a glass of water on the table in front of him.

“What are you doing up?”

“Thirsty.” Donny rubbed at his face. “You’re okay?”

“Just fine. Drink your water, babe. You want to try toast?”

“Um… yeah, okay. Maybe.” Don managed a couple of sips of his water. “I’m sorry.”

“For what?” He started some dry toast. He’d make rice later.

“Getting sick.”

“Because you did that on purpose.” He winked.

Don managed a soft chuckle. “No, but you’re stuck with three sickies.”

“Just wait ’til I get it. You’ll have to listen to me moan.” Hopefully he wouldn’t get it.

“God, I hope you don’t get it. It sucks hard.”

“I hope not too.” He gave Don the toast just in time for Kimmie to start crying. “I’ll be back.”

“Hopefully she’s just hungry.”

“Hopefully.” He had some of that stuff the doctor suggested coming—some juice with electrolytes in it.

Kimberley was fussing but not screaming, tears streaming down her little face.

“Hey, baby.” Jeff scooped her up, changed her diaper, got a bottle of pear juice, and settled in the rocking chair. She cuddled in, chewing on the nipple, tiny fists clenched.

Robin showed up about ten minutes later, color high on his tear-stained cheeks.

“Hey, son.” He opened his free arm. “Come here.” Poor baby.

Robin crawled up into his lap too. “My tummy hurts.”

“Yeah? You feel like you’re going to throw up again?” He kissed the top of Robin’s head.

Robin pursed his lips for a moment and then shook his head. “No.”

“Okay. Tell me if you think you will. It’s nice to sit together, hmm?”

Robin hugged him. “Yes. I love you, Daddy.”

“I love you, son. I talked to the doctor, and he says you can try to eat toast or rice. Maybe a banana.”

“I like nananas.” It was a testament to how sick Robin was feeling if he was back to pronouncing the word wrong.

“I like nananas too.” He chuckled. “I like nananas better than snails.”

“Ew!”

“Ew? Are you sure?”

Kimberley was sound asleep, little mouth barely working the nipple.

“Snails are slimy!”

“They can be, yes.” He winked at his son. “Would you like to try some juice?”

Robin considered his question again and then nodded. “My mouth tastes funny.”

“I bet. Let’s put your sister down, hmm?”

“Is she okay?” Robin slipped off his lap, but stayed close, clinging to his leg.

“Her tummy hurts like yours, but she’s going to be fine.”

“Okay.” Robin stayed with him, one arm wrapped around his leg, as he put Kimberley back in her crib.

As soon as she was settled, he picked his son up. “Better?”

The little arms went around his neck as Robin rested his head on Jeff’s shoulder. “Uh-huh.”

God, he hated that his babies were sick.

He headed downstairs to get a cup of apple juice. Don was still at the table, head on it, snoring lightly.

“Donny’s sleeping!”

“Mmmhmm. Shh. Let’s drink some juice, and then we’ll get him to the sofa.”

“He’s too big to carry!” This time the words were whispered.

“You think so?” He grinned and sat Robin on the counter so he could pour.

Robin nodded. “He’s big like you, Daddy.”

“I’m a little bigger, though.” He flexed his muscles playfully, making Robin laugh. He’d been able to pick Don up the other night.

“Hmm? Bigger than what?” murmured Don.

“Bigger than you!” answered Robin.

“Come on, babe. Couch. You can rest.”

“What time is it? You’ve got to work, right?” Don blinked at him, looking more than half out of it, though judging by the empty glass and plate on the table, Don’d managed to keep the water and toast down.

“I called in. Come on. Sofa. I need to make nananas for my boy.” He got Don moving, chuckling as Don automatically corrected his pronunciation. He handed a blanket over before heading back to his son.

Robin was still sitting on the counter, sucking on his little sippy cup of watered-down apple juice.

“Such a good boy.” He grinned over. “Let’s try a banana and then some Dora on the TV, hmm?”

“I like Dora! Pooh-Pooh is Donny’s favorite.”

“Do you want to watch Pooh first?”

Robin nodded. “’Cause Donny’s really sick.”

“You’re a good boy. So good.” Jeff’s chest hurt a little with it.

Robin beamed at him, looking as proud as he felt.

“Let me get you settled, and I’ll cut up a banana.”

Maybe he could get in a shower before Kimberley woke up and started crying again.

 

 

GETTING SICK had sucked, and they’d all gotten it.

At least Jeff had waited to succumb until Donny was feeling better. The kids had been too, so it had just been a matter of keeping them out of Jeff’s hair until the sick ran through him.

They’d weathered it well, though, and tonight they were all sitting together on the couch, watching the new Winnie the Pooh movie. God, Donny loved that silly bear. He always had, and it was wonderful to be able to share Pooh and the other creatures with a new generation.

Jeff sat quietly, rocking Kimberley, half-dozing. Robin was on Donny’s lap, and Donny’s head was on Jeff’s shoulder. Yeah, it didn’t get much better than this. He couldn’t quite believe how awesome his life was right now.

“Daddy, does Winnie Pooh have a mommy?”

Jeff shrugged. “I suppose he does. Roo has one.”

“He’s got Christopher Robin.” Donny grinned. “A name like yours, eh?”

Robin nodded. “I have you and my daddy.”

“Yeah, you do.” He grinned, tickling Robin gently. Robin’s laughter made him smile, the happy sound perfect.

He caught Jeff’s eye and grinned. Jeff winked, hand patting Kimberley’s butt.

It took Donny’s breath away for a minute, how good it was. Right here, right now, this minute. And like he’d been thinking a lot lately, he kind of wanted to freeze time. The three people he loved most in the fucking world, all here. Happy.

Which was, of course, when the doorbell rang.

He shook his head when Jeff went to get up. “You stay with the kids, and I’ll deal with the door.”

“Okay. Tell whoever it is we don’t want any. We’re fine.”

He was still laughing when he opened the door.

An older couple stood at the door, one with a huge cake box, the other with bags from Walmart.

“Can I help you?” He’d gotten to know the neighbors by name, so hopefully he could direct these guys to the right house.

“Is Jeff home? We were in town, and we ran into Jillian. She said everyone had been ill, and we wanted to stop by.”

“Samantha! Mike! Hey, guys.” Jeff came up, Kimberley on his shoulder. “What are you doing here? Robin! Your Gran and Pop are here.”

Oh, the grandparents. They were at the right place after all. Donny stepped back out of the way.

“Gran!” Robin came running and Jeff grabbed the cake box in the nick of time. “Guys, this is Don. Don, this is Samantha and Mike. Beth’s parents.”

“Hi, nice to meet you.” He put on his best smile and held out his hand, inordinately pleased that Jeff hadn’t introduced him as the nanny, but simply as Don.

“Hey there.” Mike shook his hand, and Samantha smiled at him, arms full of three-year-old. “I hope we’re not interrupting. We brought soup and Sprite and some ginger cookies and Pedialyte.”

“That sounds like just what we need.” He took the bags from Mike. “Thanks, man.”

“Any time.” Mike held his arms out for Kimberley. “Let me have that stunning girl.”

Jeff chuckled and handed Kimberley over. “Come on in. We were watching Pooh.”

“We can’t stay too long. We have late movie tickets.” Samantha kissed Robin’s head. “But I can stay long enough to read bedtime stories.”

“That’s Donny’s job,” Robin announced as they all made their way back to the living room.

Donny blushed. “We have a routine,” he said softly before turning to Robin. “Your grandmother can do it for tonight, though, can’t she?”

“No. Donny reads me stories. Gran can sing me a song.”

Jeff chuckled. “So there, Gran.”

Donny gave Samantha an apologetic look.

She laughed softly, lifting her grandson. “I suppose I can remember a song or two.”

“Robin’s a good singer. He can help you.” Donny gave Robin a wink. “Can I get anyone something to drink?”

“No. No, we don’t want to put you out. I just wanted to make sure everyone was feeling better.” Robin’s grandmother had a warm smile.

“Cool.” He looked at the sofa and tried to decide if he should sit or go hide in the kitchen.

Jeff wrapped one arm around his waist, the act casual, simple. Shooting Jeff a grateful smile, he leaned in a little. He really had gotten unbelievably lucky; Jeff was a keeper.

They wandered to the family room, where Mike sat with Kimberley and Samantha held Robin. “So, stomach flu?”

Jeff nodded. “Quick and harsh. I’ll be back at work tomorrow.”

“It went through all of us,” Donny added. “Thank God it was quick.”

“Yes. It’s so scary when they’re little.” Samantha hummed softly. “I remember when Beth was little and she got sick. It was a nightmare.”

“Did she get sick a lot?” Donny asked, settling on one end of the couch.

Mike shook his head. “No. No, she was healthy as a horse most of the time.”

Samantha nodded. “Just like her daddy. She looked like him too.”

Jeff nodded, smiled. “She was amazing. She was a runner. Every day. Even when she was pregnant.”

“With me!” Robin bounced.

Donny laughed, fascinated to hear about Beth.

“With you, with your sister.” Samantha smiled, even if it was a little shaky. “She was an Amazon.”

Jeff nodded. “She was a stud. Okay, Gran. Time to get Robin ready for bed so you make it to your movie.”

“That’s our cue for singing, huh?” Donny smiled at Robin.

“You read. Gram sings.”

“Let’s go get the book you want tonight, then.”

“Goodnight Moon!” Robin bounced off, laughing.

Donny couldn’t help but grin as he and Samantha headed up the stairs after Robin. “His favorite.”

Samantha nodded. “Good to know.”

They met Robin in his room, and he brought the book and climbed onto Donny’s lap for his story. He knew this one by heart, and they read together, cheek to cheek. He deliberately put one of the goodnights out of order, loving it when Robin called him silly and corrected him. Samantha chuckled and clapped for them, her eyes on Robin.

When they were done, he kissed Robin on the top of his head. “Okay, song time.”

“’Kay. Gran!” Robin ran to her. “When can I come spend the night at your house?”

“Whenever. I’ll talk to your daddy, see when is good for him.”

“Where do you guys live?” Don asked.

“We live near Greenburg. It’s about a forty-minute drive, give or take. We come into the city to shop, see the sights.”

“Cool.”

Robin tugged on Samantha’s sleeve. “Sing, Gran.”

Donny got up, gave them their privacy, and headed downstairs. He heard Jeff and Mike talking, the sound weirdly serious.

“…an asshole, Mike.”

“Beth never liked him. I tell you, son. This is a bad deal. You don’t think he poisoned you guys or anything, right?”

“Of course not!”

Donny went down the stairs, frowning. “Is everything all right?”

“Just fine.”

Mike shook his head. “It is not, Jeff. There’s someone threatening my grandchildren, my…. You.” The man had a thunderous glare. “You’ve been part of my family since you met Beth when you two were sixteen. I will not stand by and let some asshole threaten your home!”

“Did Mitch do something new?” Donny asked. What now?

Jeff shook his head. “No, nothing more than threaten to take the house and throw a brick through the window.”

Mike stared. “That’s enough!”

“I was worried something else had happened. It’s been quiet since then.” Donny stood next to Jeff, giving his support.

“Mike here is a retired policeman. He’s convinced Mitch poisoned us.”

Donny stiffened. “How could he have done that? You changed the locks since he moved out, right?”

“I did. He couldn’t have.”

“Good, good. He couldn’t have. The locks were changed.” He smiled at Jeff. They were going to be okay. He had to work on not letting the thought of Mitch worry him, though.

“That’s right. Ignore the old paranoid cop.”

“Hey!” Mike glared. “Just be careful. I worry.”

Samantha came down, took the sleeping baby from her husband. “Worry about what?”

“Nothing. There’s nothing to worry about.” Jeff’s smile was a little tight.

Her eyes narrowed. “Are they humoring me, Jeffrey?”

“Now, Samantha. When’s your movie?”

Donny bit his lip to keep from laughing as her husband handled Samantha.

“Mike!”

“We’ll deal with it, love. For once, Jeff is right. Give the baby back.”

Donny held out his hands for Kimberley, cuddling her close when Samantha handed her over, looking exasperated.

“Robin wants to spend the night. Do you think it might be possible soon? I know we agreed to give it time, but….” Samantha shrugged. “I hate to keep telling him no.”

Donny spoke up before Jeff could. “If it was something he used to do before… well, before, then I think it would be a good idea.”

“Let me check my schedule, and we’ll arrange for them to come for a few days. Maybe week after next?”

Samantha hugged Jeff. “Thank you, dear.”

Jeff kissed her cheek. “I love you, Mom. I know it’s been hard to stay away.”

She sobbed once. “Nothing about this has been easy. The only thing not hard is knowing you love the children.”

“They’re easy to love,” Donny murmured.

“No shit.” Mike grinned like an idiot. “They had a great mom.”

Jeff nodded. “She was a fabulous broad.”

Donny just smiled, not sure exactly what to say to that.

Samantha met his eyes. “Did you ever get to meet her?”

“No, I’m afraid not.”

“Don came here to help with the kids and…. Well, now he’s family.” Jeff sounded so proud.

God, this man made him feel good, important. Like he really was family.

Beth’s parents nodded, and Samantha smiled. “It’s obvious Robin loves you. I’m glad Jeff found someone to help him make a family.”

“Thank you, ma’am. I’m the lucky one here, though.”

Mike chuckled. “That’s the phrase of a man in love. Come on, Samantha, we have our movie.”

Donny blushed, but it was totally true, and he didn’t try to deny it.

Samantha hugged Jeff, smiled. “Call me with your plans. We’ll be free. I can’t wait to have them overnight.”

“It was nice to meet you both.”

“Nice to meet you too.” Both of the kids’ grandparents shook his hand, then left.

“They seem really nice.”

“They are. They really are.” Jeff locked the door, sighed as Kimberley muttered restlessly. “I should put her down.”

“I can do it.” He took Kimberley from Jeff. “Meet me in the bedroom?” Not Jeff’s bedroom, but the bedroom. When had he started thinking of it like that?

“Sure, Don. You want a snack? Maybe some peanut butter on toast?”

“I’d rather have some Jeff on sheets.”

Jeff looked at him, blushed, and grinned. “Yeah?”

He nodded, returning the grin. “Yeah.”

They stood there for God knew how long, smiling goofily at each other until Kimberley made a sleepy noise. “I should get her to bed.”

“I’ll meet you upstairs, Don. Maybe… maybe you and I could go somewhere. You know, when the kids go to their grandparents?”

“Oh, that’d be cool. What have you got in mind?” A vacation. It only just occurred to him that if the kids went to Beth’s parents, that’s what they’d have. Some time without the kids. While he loved and adored them, some time for him and Jeff alone would totally rock.

“I don’t know. I just…. I’d have to figure something. I wouldn’t mind having a date, though.”

He leaned in and gave Jeff a quick kiss. “Yeah, that sounds great.”

Taking another quick kiss, he beamed at Jeff and headed upstairs with Kimberley.