Real World, page 18
part #2 of Love is Blind Series
“Did you? You think we should try it again?”
“No.” That was Jakob, Maddie, Kenzie, and Mel.
“Oh, yes. Yes, Daddy. Please!”
“My little tomboy.”
Weldon winked at him, and Dan chuckled, glancing down at Caleb. “Stinky.”
“Yeah. Let me run a tub of water. I bet he sleeps through. Dan is making supper. Mel, would you like to stay?”
“I’m going home, having a beer and a bath—concurrently, not consecutively, and going to bed.” She smiled at Dan. “No offense, honey.”
“None taken. I’ll send you home some sauce.”
“I’ll pick it up tomorrow. I have a frozen pizza calling my name.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Dan handed off Caleb when Weldon came for him.
“Thanks. Can you make sure Kenzie and Emma wash their hands and tell Maddie I said she is not allowed to skip suppers? She has to wait until she’s an actual teenager to have her anorexia moments.”
“I’m on it.” Passing on orders was his strong suit.
“Thank you!” Weldon headed down the hall, and Mel disappeared out the door, leaving him with four children, staring at him.
Well, it was probably just an illusion with Jakob….
Dan grinned. “Hey, y’all. I made supper. Can everyone wash up so we can have spaghetti?”
The two little girls headed for the kitchen sink, Jakob disappeared down the hall and Maddie sighed balefully and headed into the laundry room for the sink there.
“Have you ever camped? We did. It was the absolutely coolest ever. We ate outside. Have you ever slept outside, Dan?” Emma was ramped up to near hysteria while Kenzie was falling asleep with her hands in the running water.
Dan made sure nothing was boiling over before going to rescue Kenzie. “I slept outside a lot in the Army.” He got Kenzie switched out, Emma washing next. Dan stuck Kenzie in a chair and let her doze.
“Maddie, I think your dad did some laundry if you want to see if there’s a clean shirt.”
“A clean shirt?” she called.
“Did you like it? Can you take me to do it again? It was the best thing ever.”
“I did.” Dan raised his voice. “Your dad said you hate to be dirty but I want to make sure you stay out and try my spaghetti.”
“Do I have time for a shower?”
“Promise me you’ll be back in twelve minutes and yeah. You have time. Emma, can you help me put plates out?”
“Uh-huh. Did you have plates in the Army?”
Kenzie was snoring up a storm, little dusty cheek on her hand.
“We had trays like I bet you do at school. One place for meat, one for veg.”
“Oh, we do! That’s cool. Did you have tents?”
“Leave him alone, Em. He doesn’t care about a dumb camping trip.” Jakob came in, mouth set in unhappy lines. “Did Dad go into my room and mess with my computer? It’s unplugged.”
“I don’t think he’s been in your room at all, kiddo.” Dan kept it light.
“Huh. That’s weird. Like really. I don’t like people in my room.”
“Well, make sure you talk to your dad, but I swear, no one has been in there since I’ve been here. How do you want me to set up your plate?”
“Can… look, can you cut the pasta up for me? I’m tired and I don’t feel like fighting with my food anymore today.”
“You got it. An inch-ish?” He’d done the same for Dix more than once when Audie wasn’t there.
“That would rock. Thanks.”
Weldon came down the hall, reaching for Kenzie. “Hey, bud. What’s wrong, you look frazzled.”
“Did you go in my room? My computer’s unplugged.”
“I didn’t, no.” Weldon didn’t look worried at all as he settled Kenzie on his shoulder.
“Are you sure?”
“I am. You want me to go in and make sure everything’s okay?”
“No!” The word was loud, and Kenzie woke up and started crying.
“Hey, hey, that’s cool. Easy. Easy, y’all.”
“Can you make sure Maddie is coming, Jakob?” Dan asked easily, voice low.
“I’ll do it!” Emma stood up, knocked over a chair and Weldon caught it with one foot.
“Jakob can. I need you to get me a warm, wet washrag, ’kay?”
“Okay.” Emma bounced off.
Dan dished up salad and bread to the table, then did up Jakob’s pasta first. He wondered how Weldon did this alone.
“Maddie’s getting her clothes on and she says she’ll be right out.”
“Thanks, bud. How much sauce do you like?”
“Is it spicy?”
“Want a taste?” He dipped a spoon in the sauce, then took Jakob’s hand gently to help guide it to his mouth.
Jakob ate it, then his eyes went wide. “Oh. Lots. That’s good. I’d like lots.”
Score.
“Cool. I’ll try not to make it too messy.” With the pasta chopped, though, Jakob could have a spoon.
“Thanks. You want Cokes all around? There’s no school tomorrow, so Em can have one too.”
“Yeah. MacKenzie just needs milk, though,” Weldon said, wiping Kenzie down with the rag. “And about a quarter of a bowl, huh?”
“You got it.” He had a non-garlic bread or two, as well.
Emma stood close as he plated. “Did you learn that in the Army?”
“No, ma’am. I learned that, as well as the sauce recipe, from my momma. Next time I make it you can help.”
“Okay. I like to help.”
Weldon shot him a wide-eyed look that was pure shock.
Dan winked. Yeah. Sometimes a new person made things different.
Weldon patted Kenzie’s back as she started to cry softly. “Was it a long weekend? Did you have fun?”
“Uh-huh. It was good, but I missed you and my real bed.”
“I bet Maddie missed her phone and her laptop.”
“Ha.” Maddie strolled in, a towel on her head. “I don’t like bugs. That smells so yummy.”
“Thank you. Here’s your plate.”
Maddie smiled at him, easy as you please, and went to sit.
By the time he got a bowl for Kenzie and Emma spilled her Coke and Caleb came running in naked….
Well, he and Weldon got to eat once everyone was either in front of the TV or asleep.
He had to say, each and every one of the kids put their dishes in the dishwasher, though, without being asked. They were all tired and, save Maddie, dirty. Still, they were a pretty happy bunch.
Dan sat at the table, stifling a surprised grunt when Weldon brought two bowls of pasta and sauce and sat in his lap.
“Eat up. You have a big day tomorrow.”
“I do. Work.” Dan couldn’t believe how much that prospect perked him up.
“Yeah. I texted you all the particulars, by the by.”
“You’re amazing.” He forked up a bite to feed Weldon.
“Mmm. God, that’s good cush.” Weldon offered him a bite of garlic bread, fingers lingering on his lips. “You think we might could have supper Wednesday night after work? I’ll make enchiladas.”
“I’m down with that.” He licked butter off Weldon’s skin. “Just tell me what time and what to bring.”
“Six thirty and cherry pie.” Weldon blushed for him and he loved that he knew that meant his lover was having wicked thoughts.
“With cream. For later.” Dan winked, teasing right back.
“Uh-huh. I like cherry pie.”
“I’m developing a real fondness.” Dan stroked the small of Weldon’s back, and the touch made Weldon’s blue eyes cross. Okay, that was possibly the most charming thing ever.
They could do sexy kitty in a few days. Right now they needed to eat.
“Thank you for calling, honey. It was the best thing that you could’ve done for me.” Weldon ate another bite of pasta.
“Me, too. I needed you.”
“Ditto.”
Simple as that. I needed you.
Dan knew there would be trial and error, but he really hoped it could be that easy. He was in way over his head, but this time he was swimming, not sinking.
Hell, this time, if he started to drown, someone would be there to grab hold of him.
Dan thought he could handle that, for sure.
22
Weldon finished sanding the piece of mahogany that was going to be a beautiful mantel for a custom home in Wimberley. He had a grin on his face that wouldn’t quit—the sun was shining, Dan had spent the night last night, and he was on top of the world.
He could see Caleb playing in Mel’s yard as she planted her garden. His little boy was filthy and laughing as he dug for worms. Yeah, this whole life thing didn’t suck right now.
His phone rang, Blake’s name popping up and he grabbed it. “Weldon.”
“Hey, man! How’s it going?”
“Hey stranger. I’m fine as frog hair. How’s life treating you and your bad self?” He waved in the direction of their plot of land. If Blake’s husband Travis was bird watching in the bad pasture or snooping, there was a slim chance someone would see him.
“Your mother-in-law says you have someone new. I’ve made lunch. Get your ass over here.”
“Is it something good?”
“I’m not even going to dignify that with a response.” The phone clicked off and he went to grab his keys. Two miles wasn’t far, but he didn’t feel like doing it in just his boots.
Blake’s shih tzu met him at the door, panting and snorting. Little white and black ball of fur. Weldon scooped her up. “Hey, Angel. Do I smell quiche? Bacon and leek, I hope.”
“You do. I made scones, too. Travis is at the feed store. He says to text him if you need anything.” Travis was quite the gentleman farmer, spending his trust fund conservatively and giving Blake the life of leisure he wanted.
Weldon adored them both.
“Good deal. Smells yummy.” Food was one of the few luxuries Weldon indulged in. Some folks might say he was obsessed, but he knew he was just wallowing in something he didn’t have to share with hungry kids.
“It should be. Sit. Spill. You have a boyfriend.”
“Hush. You’re a gossip and so is Mel.”
“We are.” Blake nodded sagely and handed Weldon a glass of iced tea.
“Thanks. His name’s Dan. He’s Jakob’s guitar teacher’s brother.”
“That sounds convoluted.” Blake plopped down in one of the immaculate dining chairs. “Tell.”
So he did. He talked about New Year’s and Super Bowl and Easter. About how Dan had come over three times for dinner with the kids.
“He spent the night last night. Left for work at seven. I fed him breakfast.”
“Do the kids like him?” Blake asked, popping up to refill his drink.
“Maddie and Emma do. Caleb doesn’t seem to care. Kenzie is still nervous and Jakob….” He shrugged, spread his hands. Who knew about teenagers? Nothing seemed to make the kid happy right now except his internet connection.
“Ah. Well, that’s almost half… I mean, Caleb still isn’t old enough to count as an opinion.” Blake tilted his head. “What does he look like?”
“He’s a redhead, not too tall, stocky. Got a beard and a couple of military tattoos.”
“Not too tall? So he’s what? A midget like you?”
“Shut up, Gigantor.”
It was harder than advertised, dating a guy a foot taller than you. Blake had been so damned tall back in the day, before Weldon had grown those last two inches.
Blake laughed. “No pics on your phone?”
“Yeah. Yeah, let me….” He flipped through some and found one that was Dan napping on the sofa with Caleb. “He’s been doing work for Scotty Whitehead and I think it’s different than pushups all the damn time.”
“I think so. I mean, I know when Travis has to do work around the barn it’s way worse than going to the gym on his muscles.”
“Yeah. He’s built like a brick shit house, though. I’m into exploring all the plains and valleys.”
“Yum.” Blake handed back his phone. “Tasty. Okay. Quiche ho!”
“Y’all should come over for supper since you’re home.” Blake and Travis spent more time in their travel trailer than anywhere else. He didn’t understand wanting to be gone from home for months at a time, but that wasn’t his to judge.
That was why Blake had gone off to college and Weldon had married Krista.
“When? You want to introduce us Saturday night?”
“I’ll ask him if he has plans.” Weldon didn’t think so, but he couldn’t presume.
“Excellent.” Blake slid him a piece of mile high quiche along with a microgreens salad.
“Fancy.” He knew it was ridiculous, but he loved Blake’s quiche. It always made him feel special.
“I tried a new crust. It’s flakier.” Blake dropped a kiss on top of his head.
“Thanks. You think it’s cool, man? Dating a man?”
“I think it’s awesome. I can introduce you to all Travis’s friends now.”
“Maddie says it’s okay with her. She knew before I told her.” Sometimes it still surprised him, how kids could adjust, could just be.
“Well, you do wear your heart on your sleeve,” Blake told him.
“I know. I try not to, but….” But he did. His poker face was for shit.
“Right? Well, you’re a great example for your kids.”
He looked to see if Blake was teasing or serious and his best friend popped him in the arm. “Stop it, Abie-baby. You know you’re the best goddamn dad on earth. Seriously. No one has ever loved their babies like you do.”
“I try. I wonder if it’s fair to them, being so—Well, I want Dan, bud. I want him bad.”
“Then you should have him. You deserve another lover, you know. You’re young.”
“Youngish,” he countered, and Blake popped him again.
“Young, goddamn it.”
Weldon chuckled. “I feel older every day.”
Blake plopped down and took his hand. “I hear you. I mean, well, you know.”
He did. Travis had almost twenty-five years on Blake and it was a hard difference. Blake said it didn’t matter, but Weldon understood. Losing a partner was hell on earth.
“So, what are you two up to? What’s your next adventure?”
“We’re heading to Colorado in three weeks. I want to spend a month in Estes and then we’re heading to Glenwood Springs for the chunk of the summer. I’ve hired Sammy and Les to take care of the house.”
“Oh.” He always expected the little pang of disappointment or jealousy when Blake talked about his next trip. Oddly enough, this time there wasn’t a bit.
“Yeah. One day you should come with.”
“One day. Maybe.” Wasn’t ever going to happen. They lived in different worlds. Blake was still his best friend.
“So, eat!”
“Yes, sir.” He dug in, laughing as Blake told him about their trip from North Carolina to Galveston, to here.
“Sounds windy.” Lord, that was a lot of storm from the sound of it.
By the time he’d eaten and helped Blake with the dishes, he was ready to get back to work, that piece of wood calling his name.
“Go on,” Blake said, giving him a huge hug. “I know you’re not a man of leisure.”
“I’ll try for a cookout Saturday. Bring banana pudding and I’ll do ribs.”
“Sounds perfect.” They grinned at each other when Blake pressed a container of cookies into his hand. “For the kids.”
“You are such a queen.” He kissed Blake’s forehead. “Love you, asshole.”
“Love you more.”
“Probably.” He waved and ran before Blake could hit him. Time to get back to work.
Dan said he was coming back over tonight.
23
“Hey, Emma, stop pulling Kenzie’s hair.” Dan was going to lose his shit. How could this be so hard? All he had to do was keep five kids from killing one another for an hour until Mel got there.
Weldon had blown a tire in Buda and Mel had a doctor’s appointment she couldn’t reschedule, so Dan had said, sure, he could watch the kids. No problem.
“She’s got bugs in there!” Emma teased and Kenzie immediately started to scream, which set Caleb off too.
“There are no bugs.” He couldn’t just bark orders like he did with soldiers. Dan plucked Caleb out of his high chair, patting his back. “Emma, let go. Now.”
“For fuck’s sake! Shut the fuck up. All you do is make everything worse, Emma. MacKenzie, come here right now!” Jakob looked like he was fixin’ to rain hellfire on the girls.
“Jakob!” The name shot out like a high powered rifle shot. “Language.”
Kenzie looked at him, then buried her face in Jakob’s chest. Jakob scowled in his general direction. “Look, you’re not my dad. You’re not even the dude that’s screwing around with my real dad. Back off.”
“Jakob!” Maddie stared at her big brother, blue eyes huge in her face. “That’s mean.”
“It’s true.” Jakob looked so stiff, so defiant.
“Whatever I am, your dad asked me to keep an eye on all of you for a freaking hour.” Dan put all of his officer training in his voice, knowing grown men quailed before it. “You can be civil or you can leave the room.”
Jakob stormed off and the rest of them just stared. It was Maddie who spoke. “He didn’t mean it.”
Caleb hiccupped, and he tried a smile. “I know. Heck, y’all are still getting to know me.” Dan meant it, too. Still, Jakob’s real dad comment bothered him.
It was fairly obvious that Weldon wasn’t Jakob’s biological father, but none of the kids seemed to think it was a thing. As far as Dan knew, the bio dad wasn’t in the picture.
“I’m sorry,” Emma said quietly.
“Maybe better to tell Kenzie that, huh?” That was what he was supposed to say, right? God.
“Sorry, Kenzie. That was mean. You want to color with me? You can use the markers that smell good.”
“For reals?”
“Uh-huh.” Emma offered a tiny smile, and Dan nodded at her, pleased.
Then he glanced at Maddie. “You okay?”
