Shades of Gray - 22. Chapter 22...The Epilogue

“Really….” She giggled before taking a sip of her apple flavored juice box. “What did you tell him?” She asked as she played with the knotted pearls draped loosely around her neck.

“Well…” Her brother leaned back enough to make sure their conversation wouldn’t be overheard. “I told him, his breath smelled like dog shit and he threw like a girl.” He snickered proudly before taking a bite of his banana.

“Oh my god…I’m surprised you have any teeth left.” She stated in amazement as she pushed the straw deeper inside the carton.

“He only has teeth because he told him that in French.” Their younger brother said, calling him out on his antics.

“Doesn’t matter.” He defended. “If he’s too stupid to know I was dissing him that’s his problem, not mine.”

“Not everyone speaks French.” Lilly reminded her little brother.

“Again,” he said smugly while turning up his nose, “not my problem that he’s a dumbass.”

“Watch your mouth, Son.” Chase chastised as he stepped inside the kitchen.

Mint ducked his head quickly, avoiding the stern reprimand in his father’s green eyes. “Sorry, Dad.” He chewed nervously on his lower lip as he combed his fingers through his thick, black curls. Chase sighed tousling his hair with his knuckles as he walked past him.

“Hey?!” Mint objected moving his head out of his father’s reach. “I worked all morning on this hair.”

“I can’t tell.” Caden laughed, his attention diverted momentarily from the cereal box he was digging in. He searched anxiously through the box of ‘Fruity Pebbles’ for the promised spy toy inside.

“Shut up spazz…” He griped.

“Make me, fat head.”

“Boys…” Chase laughed as he made his way over to the counter. “Who made the coffee?”

“I did.” Lilly raised her hand proudly.

“That’s my girl.” Chase saluted with his cup before pouring himself some coffee.

“I don’t know why you just don’t tell dad you hate his coffee.” Mint commented as he pushed himself from the island and off the stood.

“Probably for the same reason you won’t tell him to stop drawing smiley faces on your lunch bag.” Chase retorted before taking a sip from his mug.

“I see your point.” Mint chuckled as he tossed the banana peel into the trash. “Hey, Dad…”

“I got it!” Caden exclaimed interrupting Mint as he waved the toy excitedly in the air, catching everyone’s attention. Mint glared at him clearly irritated at the outburst.

“Congratulations, Caden.” Lilly smiled looking down at the colorful rice bits that littered the floor. “Now clean that up.”

Mint rolled his eyes and shook his head before turning his attention back to his father. “Anyway, Dad, you think you can give me a ride to school?”

“Why?” Chase asked while peeling back the top of his cup of yogurt. “Did you…”

“He got kicked off the bus again.” Lilly informed him as she handed Caden the super sweeper. Mint glared at his sister giving her a death stare. She smirked, daintily crossing her hands over her chest as she sashayed past him. He softened his features before turning his attention back to his father once more.

“Well?” He pressed, while stuffing his books and lunch bag into his backpack.

“How many times is that this year?” Chase inquired as he shoved a spoonful of yogurt into his mouth.

“Three…” Caden held up his fingers answering before his brother could.

Mint Fitzgerald-Montgomery was 14 years old and the spitting image of his father. They found the perfect surrogate to carry their child, and after a lot of convincing Chase finally got Kaleb to agree to the idea that both of them would donate and keep the true identity of the father sealed. However, the pale blue eyes and dark thick curly hair gave it away. He was all Kaleb.

Mint was their problem child as it were. He was diagnosed with ADHD, which almost sent Kaleb into a state of depression, blaming himself for his son’s condition. Even though the doctors tried to reassure him there wasn’t anything in his DNA that caused the condition, Kaleb insisted he and Chase do their own research, which they did…diligently and thoroughly until Kaleb was satisfied.

Mint’s condition was mild and his fathers’ refused to put him on medication… Aside from that, he was perfect, rambunctious, and ornery like most teenage boys his age. He had the physical features of Kaleb, but loved sports like Chase. In fact, every sport Mint participated in, he excelled and this gave Chase his bragging rights. His son’s dream was to become a professional Baseball player.

“No can do, son.” Chase replied swallowing hard. “You’re gonna have to get your dad to take you. I have an early meeting this morning.”

“Dad….” Mint whined desperately. “Please…please.” He begged, clasping his hands together tightly in front of him as he dropped to his knees, inciting giggles from his siblings and father. “He’s gonna lecture me all the way to school about following bus rules.” He said dropping his shoulders and head in defeat.

“Exactly.” Chase agreed as he took a sip of his coffee.

“Man…” Mint frowned as he pushed himself from the floor. “That’s cruel and unusual punishment.” He sighed as he straightened his clothing.

“You should be like me. Be a good boy and stay out of trouble.” He grinned as he finished his yogurt.

“Yeah…stay out of trouble like dad and I.” Caden co-signed as he patted his father on the back. Chase looked over his shoulder and smiled at his youngest son. Caden Fitzgerald-Montgomery, unlike his brother, at the tender age of ten, looked nothing like Kaleb or Chase. Actually, the running joke between the Montgomery brothers was the lab must have made a mistake and used the wrong sperm, though they never let Kaleb in on the joke. He wouldn’t find it funny at all. Caden’s eyes were a light brown with flexes of green and his hair was so blond even ‘Ms. Clairol’ couldn’t touch it.

Caden was learning Chinese at school and he took private piano lessons. He insisted on learning both at age seven. He didn’t know it, but his fathers were already planning the next family vacation to…China.

“He can be pretty anal, Dad.” Lilly chimed in, coming to her brother’s defense. “When he gets on his “Soapbox,”…Look out.”

Lillian Fitzgerald-Montgomery, AKA Lilly, now sixteen years old was the eldest of their ‘Motley Crew’…Her last name was legally changed at eighteen months; a little over a year when they were officially able to adopt her. She was your typical 16 year old. She loved her music loud, and like her father, she was partial to ‘Prince.’ She enjoyed hanging out at the mall with her friends, dressing in latest trendy fashions and she loved chicken tenders and cheeseburgers.

The Fitzgerald-Montgomery children were like any other kids their age. Though their family was wealthy, they weren’t pretentious. Chase, now an elected State Representative for Illinois, and Kaleb who had finally received his full inheritance, saw to it by keeping their lives simple.

They lived in a two story, six-bedroom house in Northbrook, a suburb of Chicago and they attended public schools. Their fathers were very active in the community, especially Kaleb. He was the president of the PTO at the school Caden attended and a supporter and volunteer for their chapter of Habitat for Humanity. He was still a supporter of The Star of hope Mission Women’s Shelter, while being a father to his own kids kept him busy, he still managed to host what was now their annual Halloween party every year.

“At my last sleep-over, he spent an hour talking about our skirts being too short…A whole hour.” She balked. “Who does that?”

“He does….” They all answered in unison eyeing each other before breaking out in contagious laughter.

“Are you talking about me?” Kaleb asked as he walked in from outside.

“Yes…” Chase replied as he pushed himself from the table. “Where have you been?” He asked as he walked toward his husband.

“I had to run to the store. It’s Caden’s turn to provide the cupcakes for his class.” He stated holding up the box of chocolate cupcakes covered in plastic wrap.

“You should have told me last night. I would have picked them up for you on my way home.” Chase offered as he leaned over stealing a quick peck on the mouth, before placing his cup into the sink.

“If I remembered last night, I wouldn’t have had to go out this morning.” Kaleb countered as he sat the cupcakes on the table.

“Thanks, Dad.” Caden smiled as he finished vacuuming the last of the rice cereal off the floor.

“You’re welcome.” He said before turning his attention to Chase. “Don’t forget I have to pick up Adam and Jenny from the airport, so I might not be home when you get here.”

“I remembered. I was actually thinking we could all meet up in town and have dinner.” He suggested.

“That’s a great idea.”

“Us too?” Mint asked.

“Of course.” Kaleb replied as he pulled Lilly into his arms. “Come here, princess.” He smiled as she kissed him on the cheek.

“Morning, Daddy.” Lilly smiled as she wrapped her arms around his waist. She rested her head against his chest and sighed contently.

“Cool,” Mint exclaimed. “I love the fact that you two got married on Christmas. It’s like we get to celebrate twice.”

“Yep…” Chase agreed. “Every year we’re together is a blessing and something to celebrate.” He smiled lovingly at his husband.

“I know. I can’t believe we’ll be married fifteen years in a few days.” Kaleb said with a faraway look in his eyes and fondness in his tone.

Chase and Kaleb exchanged vows on Christmas day at the Fitzgerald’s Mansion. However, they were officially married in New York seventy-two hours after Chase asked Kaleb to marry him with only the judge and Lilly as their witness. It was perfect since New York recognized same sex marriage and you didn’t have to be a resident of the state to get married. When the three returned home, Chase and Kaleb were husbands much to Helen’s dismay.

Once she accepted the fact and conceded, Helen insisted on them having a formal union to which she hired the best wedding planner and paid him extra for working on such short notice. Kaleb only agreed to his mother’s wishes if he and Chase could exchange their vows on Christmas, sighting they were already married and there was no need for a formal anything, but it would truly be the best Christmas if their family and friends witnessed him receiving the best gift ever on Christmas day; Chase.

What started out as just family and a few close friends turned into private media frenzy. The social page read: Kaleb Fitzgerald, youngest son of Wealthy Developer, Horace, and Helen Fitzgerald to wed High Profile Attorney, Chase Montgomery in a Private ceremony. Their guest list comprised of the Chicago elite, including the Mayor and his wife.

Scott and Chase were in a very good place and would always be friends. He and the wedding planner worked well together; Scott’s gift to the happy couple was catering their reception dinner, which was truly exquisite. Kaleb however ate off the kids menu…gourmet chicken tenders, mini cheeseburger, and fries.

However, the true celebration came the following year. Chicago finally came on board, allowed, and recognized same-sex marriages, and to make the grand scale of things even grander, Kaleb and Chase were allowed to adopt Lilly making her officially their little girl.

“Why is it hard to believe?” Chase asked his thoughts still focused on their earlier conversation. “What, you didn’t think you could put up with me this long?”

“No…” Kaleb replied, slightly distracted. “I thought you would get tired of me.”

“Never.” Chase stated adamantly. “We’re like fine wine, you and me, we get better with time.” He said seriously. Kaleb nodded agreeing as he eyed the pearls draped around his daughter’s neck.

“Your grandma, Helen would turn over in her grave if she knew you were tying knots in her precious pearls.” He said even as he started untangling them.

“Dad…” Lilly objected but didn’t resist.

Helen passed away eight years ago, preceding her husband in death. Within that same year, Horace soon followed. It was a tough year for Kaleb and his brother, losing both parents within months of each other, but they had a strong support system. Chase knew all too well how it felt to lose a parent, and knowing there was nothing you could do about it. His scars were still fresh even though several years had passed since his father’s death. He held Kaleb all through night as he cried himself to sleep, grieving through the loss of his mother and father. He and Jenny were their rocks… their comfort from the torrent rains as it were.

Both, Horace and Helen lived long enough to meet their grandkids. And to everyone’s surprise, Helen turned out to be a pretty awesome grandmother. She and Chase never got along or saw eye to eye on anything, but for the sake of the children, they put on a good front.

In her Will, Helen left Lilly her music boxes and a few stands of her pearls; which Lilly jazzed up and wore practically every day. It was actually the thing she was noted for at school; that and the fact that she had two of the coolest dads in town.

“Your ponytail is…” He nodded as he reached up to slide the bow off her head.

“Dad?!” She shrieked as she tried ducking out of the way. “It supposed to be…” But it was too late. Her long, semi-tight curls came cascading down around her shoulders. “Crooked.” She frowned.

“Don’t worry, you look better that way.” Mint interjected casually. “It covers your big Dumbo ears.” He snickered into his fist.

“Mint…” Kaleb chided, “Your sister doesn’t have big ears.” He defended as he combed his fingers through her hair. “Here.” He held up the hair band offering it to her ducking his head shyly.

“Thanks.” Lilly sighed dejectedly.

“I’m sorry.” He frowned.

“It’s okay, Daddy.” Lilly said seeing the forlorn look in her father’s eyes. “Don’t worry about it… really. I can re-do it.” She smiled kindly giving her father a tight hug.

“Back to the drawing board.” She sighed as she made her way out of the kitchen.

“When is Uncle Carter coming?” Mint wondered aloud.

“He’ll be here in the morning.” Kaleb answered spying out his husband from the corner of his eye. He eased over to where Chase was standing who was unaware he was being watched. “I don’t want you making bets on any games with your uncle, you hear me?” He stated sternly.

“But, Dad…” Mint attempted to object.

“No…But, Dad. It’s gambling.”

“He owes me fifty dollars from the last time.” He charged.

“And…as long as he owes you, you’ll never be broke.” Kaleb countered.

Chase snickered quietly while trying to remove the plastic from the cupcakes. ‘SMACK’ “Ouch!” He frowned snatching his hand back quickly.

“Those are for Caden’s class, Chase!” Kaleb scolded crossing his arms over his chest, tapping his foot against the floor

“Yeah…” Caden agreed taking them into his possession, guarding them from his father.

“You know how much I love chocolate cupcakes. I’ll kill for chocolate cupcakes. Can’t I have just one?” Chase pouted.

“No…” Kaleb raised his brows. “Then one of the kids won’t get one.”

“And…” Chase challenged caressing the back of his hand.

“Chase…” Kaleb swatted playfully at him and shook his head. “You’re so bad.” He giggled.

“What?” Chase feigned innocence as he pulled his husband backwards into his embrace. Chase kissed him on the side of the neck causing a soft moan to escape Kaleb’s lips, as he fell into his arms. He tilted his head slightly providing Chase easier access to his long, slim neck. He closed his eyes slowly, rolling them in his head.

“Ummm…” Mint cleared his throat, capturing their attention. “We have a minor in the kitchen, guys.” He nodded toward his little brother. Caden grinned like a Cheshire cat.

“Last time I checked,” Chase chuckled as he released his hold on Kaleb, “There were two minors in the kitchen.” He pointed out. “I’m gonna go finish getting dressed, wanna join me?” He winked toward his husband.

“You mean?” Kaleb giggled bashfully cupping his hand over his mouth.

“Ummm…Yeah.” Chase replied slyly attempting to be discreet.

“Gross…!” Mint and Caden replied at the same time.

“We kids don’t want to think about our parents having sex.” Mint voiced while covering his eyes, shaking his head vehemently.

“Yeah…” Caden agreed.

“Well, how do you think you got here?” Chase laughed, “Come on,” He grabbed Kaleb by the hand dragging him from the kitchen.

“Dad…” Mint and his brother laughed while shaking their head at their father’s foolishness.

~*~*~moments later.

“Someone’s at the door!” Caden called even as he made his way toward it. He opened it and his eyes widened with excitement.

“Um..yes I have a…”

“A tree…the tree is here!” He called back over his shoulder startling the man at the door.

“Yes…” The man laughed in amusement while reviewing the invoice.

“Ooooo….” Kaleb beamed, his excitement mirroring his son’s. He entered the kitchen, buttoning the last button on his shirt, his hair still damp from the shower he shared with his husband. “It’s beautiful,” he exclaimed inhaling deeply, allowing the freshness of the tree to fill his lungs. Caden nodded quickly in agreement, his eyes still wide.

“Where do you want it?” He asked referring to the tree he hoisted over his shoulder. It was still bound in wire. Last night while shopping for trees, the family agreed upon the Eastern White Pine, which was cut down this morning. Its strong scent carried on the breeze that wafted through the kitchen even before it was brought into the house.

“Bring it through here.” Kaleb pointed to his left. “We’re putting it in the family room.” He said guiding the man through the kitchen. Caden had just closed the door and was heading for his backpack when there was another knock. He sighed before turning around to answer it.

“Oh it’s just you.” He frowned attempting to close it.

“Hey?!” Candice objected as she forced her way inside.

“Lilly! Queenzilla is here!” He chuckled leaving her standing in the doorway. Candice huffed insultingly as she made her way inside.

“Coming!” Lilly called from upstairs.

Chase glanced up from straightening his tie as he entered the kitchen. “Oh, hey Candice.”

“Hi, Mr. Montgomery.” She smiled bashfully. All Lilly’s friends had major crushes on her father. His six-foot five-frame, rich voice, and emerald green eyes rendered them speechless.

“You all ready for Christmas?” He asked as he glanced around the kitchen.

“Yes sir.” She managed to squeak out.

“Good.” He smiled eyeing the cupcakes. “Um…where’s your father?” He asked casually, turning to his son.

“He’s in the family room.” Caden answered. “They delivered the tree.”

“Really…cool.” Chase said as he slipped a cupcake from under the wrapping. “Kaleb, Baby! I’ll see you tonight.” He called.

“Wait!” Kaleb replied. “What about my kiss!?”

“I gotta go, sweetie…MWAH! See ya later.” He promised as he scurried out the door.

“Hey, girl.” Lilly smiled at Candice as she entered the kitchen. Her hair was pulled up into a cascading side ponytail. “You ready?”

“Oh my god, girl, how do you stand it?” Candice asked still flustered, trying to catch her breath.

“What?” Lilly asked as he slung her backpack over her shoulder.

“Mr. Montgomery…he’s like a god.” She placed her hand to her chest, her cheeks slightly reddened.

“A god?” Lilly giggled while shaking her head. “No, he’s just my dad.” She sighed nonchalantly. She was actually used to her friends gawking over her dads. Kaleb fared no better. All the women in the PTO were crazy about him. One actually tried to seduce him by forcing him inside the janitor’s closet, until he told her he was married, not to mention… gay. “Come on, we’re gonna miss the bus.” Lilly opened the door ushering her friend out. “Bye, Dad…love you!” She yelled as she followed Candice out the door.

“Have a great day, Sweetheart!”

“See ya runt.” She stuck her tongue out at Caden before closing the door behind her. A few moments later Kaleb escorted the delivery guy into the kitchen.

“Thank you so much.” Kaleb smiled as he reviewed the signed receipt.

“You’re welcome, Mr. Fitzgerald.” The young man replied as he pulled off his gloves. “Have a Merry Christmas.” He said as he opened the door seeing his way out.

“Merry Christmas to you too.” Kaleb said as he closed the door behind him.

Kaleb placed his hands on his hips, glancing around the kitchen. “Did your dad leave already?” He asked Caden who was packing up his school supplies.

“Yep, he…” Caden gasped, “Why that sneaky dad!” He exclaimed, his mouth agape.

“What, son?” Kaleb asked eagerly. Caden turned around with the box of cupcakes in his hands allowing his father to see what roused him. He finally noticed that there were 23 cupcakes instead of 24. Kaleb gasped, cupping his hand over his mouth.

“Why your sneaky dad!” He echoed, peering under the plastic. “I’m gonna kill him.” He sighed dramatically.

“What am I going to do now?” Caden asked looking down at the cupcakes.

“Well…” Kaleb winced as he chewed on his thumbnail. “I guess you don’t get one.” He replied forcing a sideways smile.

“Huh?” Caden questioned incredulously.

“Well…” Kaleb shrugged.

“But…”

“Come on, Little man.” Kaleb chuckled while ushering his son toward the door. “You’re gonna miss your bus.”

“Dad, can…” Caden’s voice trailed off in the distance once Kaleb closed the door behind him.

“Love you!” Kaleb yelled through the door as he rested his back against it. A huge smiled crossed his lips when he heard Caden yell, ‘love you too!’

He pushed himself off the door making his way over to the counter. He was about to pour out the rest of the coffee when Mint rounded the corner.

“Hey, Dad!” Mint waved as he entered the room.

“AHHH!” Kaleb shrieked as he jumped slightly. Whipping around quickly, he shook his head at his son. “My goodness, boy, what are you doing here? You scared me half to death.” He said through haggard breathes.

“I’m sorry.” Mint ducked his head as he walked toward his father.

“What are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be on your way to…” He stopped mid-sentence, squinting at his son. “Wait…” He shook his finger at him knowingly. “You got suspended off the bus again, didn’t you?”

“Um…” Mint looked down scuffing his foot against the floor.

“Mint!?” Kaleb sighed exasperatedly. Mint winced, shrugging his shoulders as he lifted his head slowly, locking gazes with his father, meeting pale blue eyes that mirrored his own. “Does your father know?”

“Mm-hm.” He frowned tilting his head slightly.

Kaleb shook his head in disbelief and sighed. “Come on,” He nodded toward the table. “Tell me what happened….This time.” He said as he pulled a chair from the table, offering one for his son to join him. Mint slid his backpack off his shoulder allowing it to fall to the floor before taking a seat across from his father. Kaleb clasped his fingers together in front of him, resting them on the table and waited.

They sat there for a moment in pressured silence, neither one offering the first word. Kaleb inhaled loudly causing Mint to glance up into his father’s expectant gaze.

“Okay, okay…” Mint sighed. “So, you see, the bus driver be trippin.”

Kaleb raised an eyebrow at him. “Be trippin…?”

“Is trip-ing.” Mint corrected. Kaleb shook his head exhaustedly before motioning him to continue. “Anyways, during lunch the other day, my study hall decided to order pizza. After school, the teacher let us take home a slice. So, when I tried to bring it on the bus, the driver told me that I couldn’t.”

“I thought you aren’t allowed to have food on the bus in the first place.” Kaleb voiced.

“That’s true, but I paid for that pizza. I wasn’t about to throw it away.” Mint defended. “So I told her that, and she got mad saying that if I was going to ride her bus, I had to follow her rules.”

“Makes sense…” Kaleb nodded.

Mint held up his hands in a yielding gesture. “Wait, wait, wait, let me finish…” He took a deep breath and continued. “So, the buses were about to leave and she told me that I either needed to throw the pizza away and get on the bus or I walk home. I asked if she would wait for a second and let me eat it so I wouldn’t waste it, but she – and this is exactly what she did, dad, I am not playing – she snatched the pizza out of my hand and tossed it in the trash next to her seat!” Mint exclaimed, frustrated at the thought.

“I was so upset, you know? I mean…I paid for it.” Mint shook his head, stating the obvious. “So, I told her that she needed to pay me back for it and she refused. I told her that there were starving children in Haiti who would never waste food like she just did and she got mad and threatened to get the administrator if I didn’t take my seat.”

“Mint…” Kaleb heaved a reprimanding sigh.

“So, long story short, the administrator came by and gave some long spiel about how riding the bus was a privilege and not a right and blah, blah blah…and told me that I could ride the bus home that afternoon, but that I was suspended from bus privileges after that.”

“Until?” Kaleb asked fearing the answer.

“It’s not that bad, Dad…really.” Mint promised. Kaleb eyed him skeptically.

“Well…”

“Well, until you or dad go up to the school.” He pressed his lips together bobbing his head nervously.

“Mint…again.” Kaleb whined combing his fingers through hair.

“It’s the ADHD, Dad, I’m sure of it.” He stated convincingly.

“The what?” Kaleb questioned slightly amused, the expression on his son’s face was priceless.

“You know I have ADHD, Dad.”

“And…”

“And, I’m just saying.” Mint defended with a shrug of the shoulder. Kaleb sighed shaking his head.

“Listen, Son. You can’t use that as an excuse every time you get into trouble.” He stressed.

“But…”

“But, nothing.” Kaleb stated adamantly. “You were out of line, disrespectful and that’s it. You don’t talk back to your teachers…”

“But she wasn’t my…” Mint attempted to object.

“Or bus drivers.” Kaleb added.

“So what was I supposed to do?”

“Throw the slice of pizza away, Mint. I mean come on. You got kicked off the bus over a slice of pizza. I think that’s pretty silly. Not to mention I have a lot to do today to get ready for your dad’s and my anniversary party. We have your aunts and uncles coming into town. I have to get the house ready, errands to run and stopping by your school today wasn’t on my schedule.” Kaleb expressed matter of factly.

Mint slumped down in his seat, and sighed. “I’m sorry, dad.”

Kaleb tilted his head slightly trying to make eye contact with his son. “Really?” He asked incredulously.

“Really…” Mint insisted. “I know I’m more trouble then I’m worth.”

“What?” Kaleb questioned as if he misunderstood him even as he reached across the table taking his son’s hand into his own. “There’s no value that can be placed on your worth, son… and you’re just the right amount of trouble…You’re perfect. Don’t you ever forget that.” He smiled sincerely.

“You sound like dad.” Mint said thoughtfully with a sorrowful smile. “He says that all the time about you. He thinks you’re perfect, you know.”

“I remember the day we brought you home.” Kaleb replied fondly. “You were just three days old and your father was scared to death to touch you. He thought you would break.” Kaleb giggled as he reminisced. Mint’s eyes lit up as he listened to his father, he loved hearing them talk about each other, he could tell there was a lot of love and respect between them. “Lilly was much bigger when we got her so he wasn’t afraid to hold her. And by the time Caden was born he was a pro.” He rambled. “Anyway when he finally held you in the palm of his hand all he said was ‘Perfect.’ You were then and you are now… perfect.” He stated simply.

“He’s pretty prefect himself.” Mint replied. “You both are pretty cool dads.” He beamed proudly. “I remember the time you taught me how to build a fire in the back yard.” He laughed. Kaleb blushed ducking his head bashfully as he too remembered that night, one he wanted to forget.

“I remember…” Kaleb giggled in spite of himself.

“I remember dad running into the back yard carrying the fire extinguisher in nothing but his underwear.” Mint giggled. He started laughing so hard, he almost fell out of his chair.

“Oh my god. He had just gotten out of the shower and happened to look out the window and saw the smoke.”

“He got us out right before the tent went up in a blaze.” Mint reminded him. “Lesson… don’t build fires in tents.”

“The neighbor, Mrs. Kravis, couldn’t look at your dad for weeks without her cheeks turning red.” Kaleb added through a boisterous laugh. “But he saved our lives that day.” He sighed as his laughter faded to a soft chuckle.

“Yeah, but the look on dad’s face when he looked up and saw Mrs. Kravis looking at him while he was practically naked was priceless. I don’t think he could look at her either.” Mint laughed. He sighed as the picture played in his head while combing his fingers through his thick curls. “Oh…Oh, what about the time Caden fell asleep with a mouth full of bubble gum.”

“And it got all matted in the side of his hair.” Kaleb rolled his eyes toward the ceiling. “All the ice in the world wasn’t getting that gum out.” Kaleb giggled shyly. “Your dad said I was going to freeze his little brain. He ended up taking him to the barber; they had to cut all his hair off.”

“Speaking of hair," Mint snickered. "Remember when Lilly tried to cut her own bangs?”

“Oh man…” Kaleb laughed. “I try to forget that. She looked like a picked chicken as your grandma used to say.” He chuckled cupping his hand over his mouth. “She cried every morning getting ready for school until we bought her those hand bands.” He exhaled shaking his head. “Yeah…” He said with a faraway look in his eyes. “I’d have to agree with your dad…We’re a perfect little bunch.” He pushed himself away from the table before extending his hand to his son. “Come on, we better get you to school.”

“Dad?” Mint said as he grabbed his backpack off the floor.

“Yeah…”

“Can you tell me the story about how you and daddy met? I love hearing that story.”

“I love telling it.” Kaleb grinned brightly as he grabbed his keys off the counter and opened the door. He smiled tousling his son’s hair as he walked past him. A contented smile crossed his lips as he thought about how lucky he was to have such a wonderful family. Society may not see them as the “traditional family,” but he didn’t care, to him they were as traditional as they came.