The Two Endersons - 2. Options

Michael stared aghast at his father. "You what?"

"I think you heard me. A young lady carries my child."

"I thought that was impossible. Are you certain?"

"If you mean have I had the proper blood tests, that should go without saying. The child is most assuredly mine."

"How did this happen?"

Enderson arched a brow and laughed. "We had that discussion when you were seven, I believe."

Byron giggled, drawing a slightly distraught glance from Michael. The younger Tate looked back to his father. "So the doctor was wrong? You are capable still of having children? The accident didn't …" He stopped, uncertain how to phrase his question.

"I am neither impotent nor sterile."

Byron chipped in, "Well, I think it's great if your father can still enjoy sex, Michael." One look from his father-in law and he quickly closed his mouth, staring at the table. "My apologies if I spoke out of turn." His voice was barely audible.

Enderson sadly shook his head. "As I was saying – I am neither impotent nor sterile. I had the doctor run tests; his earlier diagnosis was in error."

Michael took a sip of his wine. "I still don't see how this affects Byron and I. To quote you, Father: "You made the mess; you clean it up."

"As is my intent, son." He slid his desert plate back and fished his silver case from his suit pocket. He barely got a cigarette to his lips before Carlson stood at his side, a match lit at the ready. Enderson lit his smoke, then leaned back and took a long drag. Carlson shook out the match and turned to leave, setting a heavy crystal ash tray before his employer. Enderson looked between the two men before continuing.

"When the mother informed me of her pregnancy, and we had proven the progeny, I asked the woman of her intent. She had no desire to keep the child, but, of course, did want 'proper compensation'. I am paying for her housing, food, medical, and the like during this time. She has agreed to sign paperwork after the child is born, giving him up to me."

The elder Tate took another hit off his cigarette. "I have thought about raising the child as my own. I could hire a nanny and have him grow up here. It's not like I haven't had a child in the house, though the thought does make me miss your beloved mother more. He set his smoke in the ashtray and lifted his wine glass to drain it. "And I can certainly change my will and other financials to compensate two sons. However, I have always believed the simplest solution is often the best."

He rang the dinner bell, looking to the butler when he entered the room. "Carlson, I'd like my brandy now." He glanced across the table, "Either of you boys want something?"

"Just a refresh of my coffee, if you would, Carlson," Michael replied.

Byron paused before answering with a smile. "Actually, I'd love a glass of dry sherry."

Carlson bowed his head slightly. "Right away, gentleman."

While the butler retrieved the beverages, Enderson finished his cigarette. "As I was saying – the simplest solution would be for you to adopt the child and raise him as your own. I realize this means the boy would learn your more … liberal beliefs, but that is certainly no reason to reject the idea." He held up a hand as his son began to respond. "At least grant me the honor of considering my request."

Michael thanked Carlson as his coffee was refilled, then turned to look across the table. "Alright, Father, we'll consider it. You have to understand this is a bit of a shock."

"For us both, son."

"Yes, I imagine so. I'm guessing there's no immediate rush?"

"None at the moment. Dr. Kemp assures me she's early second trimester, whatever that means." He folded his hands and looked in his son's eyes. "I appreciate you considering this, Michael."

"You're welcome, Father." He took a long sip of his coffee. "Thank you again for dinner."

"My pleasure. Oh - before you leave tonight, Mrs. Everly has asked to speak to you about your upcoming anniversary celebration – assuming you still plan on holding it here."

"We do, thank you again. I'll go check with her now."

Enderson spoke as both younger men started to stand, "Byron, if you wouldn't mind staying for a moment?" When Michael shot him a questioning look he smiled. "You needn't worry, son – I just have a couple questions I'd like to discuss with my son-in-law."

Michael frowned but turned to Byron and kissed him lightly. "Don't let him bully you," he said with a wink towards his father.

Enderson waited until his son had left the room and Byron was again seated. "You mentioned a surprise you wanted my help with?"

Byron nodded, trying to hide his unease. "Yes, sir. Michael's been talking about putting a pool in our back yard. I've saved a chunk of what it's going to take; I was hoping you might be able to help."

"I see. How much 'help' are you needing?"

"About seven thousand, sir."

Enderson arched a brow. "How much have you got now?"

"Only three thousand, Mr. Tate."

"I see. Well, what good are finances if you cannot help … family." He withdrew his checkbook and pen from a pocket in his jacket and proceeded to fill out a check.

"I really appreciate this, Mr. Tate."

"Think nothing of it. Glad to help." He handed the completed check across the table.

Byron smiled, then stopped short, staring at the check. "I'm sorry sir – this is for seventy thousand, not seven."

"Yes, I thought you might do me a favor."

"A favor?"

"Speak to my son in favor of my adoption plan."

"Mr. Tate, I'm not sure how I feel myself about it yet."

"I understand that. I'm just asking that you not speak negatively to Michael about it. I truly believe this is the best plan for the child, not to mention the rest of us."

"I… I'll see what I can do. What if I end up not liking the idea?"

"Just don't speak negatively to Michael. If you wish, come to me and ask your questions."

"I'll do what I can, Mr. Tate, sir."

"Thank you, Byron. That's all one can ask."

Byron shoved the check in his pants pocket just as Michael stepped back into the room, glancing between the two men.

"Everything ok in here?"

Enderson smiled, his eyes glinting. "Just fine."

Byron smiled and turned to Michael. He stepped up to him and kissed his cheek. "All good."

Michael frowned slightly. "Might I know what you two talked about?"

Enderson spoke up. "Surprises are best when kept secret."

Byron just grinned.

Michael shook his head. "Alright. Love, you ready to head home?"

Byron took his husband's hand and leaned a little against his shoulder. "Anytime you are." He turned to his father-in-law. "Thank you again for dinner, Mr. Tate. You sure gave us something to think about."

"I'll second that," Michael added. He walked around the table and leaned down to give his father a light peck on the cheek. "Thanks again."

Enderson returned the kiss. "Thank you for coming. And for listening to an old man ramble."

Michael laughed. "You're not old, and you certainly don't 'ramble'. Good night, Father."

"Good night, boys."

Enderson watched the two men leave then leaned back, pulling out another cigarette. True to form, Carlson was there to light it. "Thank you, Carlson. You may clear, I'm headed to the den."

"Yes, Mr. Tate. I trust the evening went well?"

Enderson paused in thought then smiled, blue eyes sparking ice. "Very well indeed."