FicWad

About a week after my family left, Bronx came home very upset. He came storming in, tossed his keys across the kitchen counter, and had a scowl on his face.

I was in the kitchen with Star getting her a snack when he came in. “Hey. Everything ok?” I asked him when he came in.

“No. Is Dad here?” He asked me.

“No, not yet. But he texted me a little bit ago to let me know he won’t be late tonight. He said he’d be home before dinner.” I told him.

Bronx huffed a bit. It was clear he was very upset.

“Do you want to tell me what’s going on? You know I’m always happy to listen.” I offered.

“No, but thanks Moon. I don’t think you can help.” He slumped down on one of the chairs at the kitchen table.

I crossed over to the table and sat next to him. Star toddled over to her big brother and in a sweet clear voice said, “Bonks.” Then she held out her arms to him asking to be picked up.

“Did you just say my name?” He asked his sister.

Star made grabbing motions with her hands and then pulled at his legs. She wanted him to pick her up. “Bonks.” She said again and tried to pull herself up on his lap.

“She did! That’s her first word.” I said.

“Bonks!” She said again, holding her arms out to him.

Bronx picked her up and cuddled her. “I can’t believe I’m your first word. Star, you just made my day.” He told her as he hugged her.

I pulled out my phone and started recording. “Star, can you say that again? Who is that?” I asked her as I pointed to him.

Star turned to look at me and said, “Bonks!”

“That’s right! That’s Bronx!” I said. I stopped filming and sent it to Pete with a message, Star said her first word! I attached the recording and sent it to him.

I got a reply a few minutes later. I can’t believe I missed it. I’m coming home early tonight. Should be there before 6.

This made me happy. We liked having him home in the evening. Bronx was smiling and playing with his sister. His mood was much improved.

“Your Dad says he’ll be home in time for dinner. You’re staying here tonight?” I asked him. He nodded.

I glanced at the clock and saw I needed to head out the door soon to get the kids off the bus.

“I need to go get the little kids off the bus. Wanna come with me?” I offered.

“No, but I can watch the twins for you.” He offered.

“Ok. Jupiter’s still napping. If he wakes up before I get back he’ll probably need his diaper changed.”

“No problem. I can handle that.” He told me as he smiled at his sister. “Star, I can’t believe I’m your first word.”

“You’re her big brother, she loves you.” I told him as I got up and got ready to head out and get the kids.

Saint, Marvel, and I got back about fifteen minutes after I had left the house. Jupiter was just waking up from his nap and Star was happily hanging out with her brother on the couch. I took care of my son and then got everyone a snack before we joined Bronx and Star on the couch.

Saint needed help with his math homework so he was sitting on the floor using the coffee table as a desk.

“Mom, I don’t understand this one.” He said and pointed to the problem he was trying to solve. It was a word problem. I had problems with them as a child too.

“Ok, let’s read this through and figure it out.” I said as I leaned over to read it. I explained the question to him and then he was able to do the math part himself.

“Is this right?” He asked after he had done the equation.

I reviewed his math and told him it was right.

“How do you know so much about math?” He asked me. Math was not one of his favorite subjects. I usually helped him if Pete wasn’t home.

“Before I started living and traveling in Luna, I was an accountant, I was a CPA. I did the taxes for businesses and sometimes I helped out my Dad with the taxes for the farm.” I told him.

“I didn’t know that.” Bronx said. He was still hanging out in the living room with us.

“Yeah, went to college for it and everything. I’m pretty good with numbers.” I told him.

“Then why does Dad always help me with my math?” Saint asked.

I smiled at him and said, “Because he likes helping you with your homework.”

Saint just made a face and said, “I’m gonna ask you for help with math from now on. I got one wrong before Winter Break that he helped me with. And he said it was right.”

I chuckled a little at that. “Sir Saint, feel free to ask me about your homework anytime. I’ll even check your Dads work for you.”

Saint smiled at me and went back to his homework. Marvel didn’t have anything to work on that night so she was playing in the playroom.

Pete came home as I was cooking dinner. He came in through the garage door.

“Hey Baby.” He greeted me as he came in.

Grinning at him I answered with, “Hey, Honey. Welcome home.”

I stepped away from the stovetop to get a kiss from him.

“How was your day?” I asked him.

“Good. I think we got everything for the record. I’ll probably need to spend some more time working with them. But they’re done with recording.”

“That’s great. Dinner will be done in about 20 minutes. All of the kids are in the living room. Bronx was looking for you when he first got home. You should go say hi to them.” I said.

He smiled at me and said, “In a minute. I want a little ‘wife-time’ before I go get ‘kid-time'.” He rested one hand on my hip and cupped my cheek with the other. He leaned in and kissed me and then he kissed me again. He left me breathless.

“What was that for?” I asked as he pulled back from me. “Not that I’m complaining.” I said with a smile.

“Just because I wanted to. And because I love you.” He said with a soft smile.

“Love you too.”

“I’m sorry I missed Star’s first word. But it’s so fucking sweet that it was Bronx.” He said with a chuckle.

“I know! And it pleased him to no end. You really should go say hi to them. I’ll call you all to the table when dinner’s ready.”

He gave me one more kiss before heading to the living room to spend time with them. I heard all of them greet their Dad enthusiastically, including Jupiter’s “Da!”

Dinner was ready not much later. I called everyone to eat and we had a very nice dinner as a family. After dinner I took the twins upstairs to get them ready for bed. Bath, pajamas on, and then back down to hang out with the family for an hour or so before putting them to bed.

Once the twins were down for the night Bronx approached Pete asking if they could talk. The two of them went to Pete’s office and were in there for a while. The little kids and I read together before it was time for them to go to bed. Shortly after I sent them up to brush their teeth and get ready for bed, Pete and Bronx emerged from the office.

Pete and I put the little kids to bed for the night. It was a school night, so no staying up late. Bronx stayed up with us for a little while, but said he had some work he needed to get done for the next day. He went up to his room before it got too late.

Pete and I were snuggled up together on the couch. I love just leaning on him. He’s so solid and sturdy. And so fucking comfortable to just lean against. He had his arm around my shoulder and my cheek was resting on his chest. I was so comfortable. I found myself slipping into sleep as we sat there.

“Baby? You asleep?” He asked me after a while.

“Hmm?” I was startled awake.

Pete chuckled at me. “I asked if you were asleep. I think you were.”

I sat up and rubbed my eyes. “Sorry, didn’t mean to fall asleep on you.”

“That’s ok, I don’t mind. But I was hoping for some quality time with you tonight. I’d really like to make you come undone.” He told me in his sexy husky voice.

“I can stay awake for that.” I said with a smile and then kissed him.

He took me upstairs and proceeded to unravel me in the most beautiful way. As we laid in bed together after, he asked me something I wasn’t expecting.

“Grace, are you happy?”

“In general or right now?” I asked. I was laying on my side next to him with my head on his chest, his arms wrapped around me, one of his hands playing with my hair.

“Both. But in general mostly. Do I make you happy?” He asked me.

I lifted my head off his chest so I could look at him. “Very. You make me so very happy. Why do you ask? Do I not make that known?”

“I just wanted to be sure.” He mumbled. He had his worried, unsure about something, look on his face. He flicked his eyes down to meet mine. “I love you so much. Sometimes,” he sighed heavily, “sometimes I just get too into my head. And sometimes I just need you to tell me you still want to deal with all that I bring to your life. All the crazy schedules, the traveling for my career, the late nights in the studio. Just all of it.” He told me.

Smiling at him, I pushed myself up further and threw my leg over his hips and settled myself there. I leaned over, keeping my weight on my hands, and kissed him. I put my weight on one hand and lifted the other to his face rubbing my thumb over the stubble on his cheek.

“I absolutely want to put up with all the crazy you bring to my life. It makes it fun.” I told him with a grin. “But what about you, Love? Are you happy?” I asked him.

“Yes.” He answered without hesitation. “Yes, I’m happy. You, the kids, the twins, all of you bring me so much joy. I just needed to know you were too.” He smiled up at me.

“Pete, I’m happy. Truly, completely, happy and satisfied with you, and our relationship.” I looked deep into his liquid hazel-gold eyes. “Anytime you need to hear it, I’ll tell you. And I promise you, that if I need anything more from you, or if I think something isn’t working between us, I’ll tell you.”

He smiled up at me with so much love. He wrapped both arms around me and pulled me tight to his chest. I let him pull me down. I was basically giving him a full body hug as I laid on top of him.

I turned my head so I could kiss his neck. I put my mouth close to his ear and said softly, “I know you have times when you worry about us, and our relationship. I’m not gonna ask you to not have those feelings. It’s just gonna happen. I know that. But I am going to ask you to remember tonight, and what I'm about to tell you. The next time you feel like you’re not enough or that you’re pushing me away, or that you’re working too much, stop, take a breath and remember, I spent over five years looking for someone, or something to stop traveling for. Someone to make a home with. I finally found it in you. And I'm not gonna let you go without a fight.”

He tightened his hold on me when I told him that. He held me tight and close for a minute, then he loosened his grip on me and let me slide off of him. I cuddled back down into his chest and let him hold me.

“Is Bronx ok? He was very upset when he got home this afternoon.” I asked Pete. I didn’t want to pry into what he was upset about. But I did want to know if he was alright.

“Rob pissed him off again. He’s thinking about breaking up with him. He wanted to talk it over with me and asked what I would do in his shoes. I was honest and told him about a few of my breakups. I think he’s done with this relationship.” Pete told me.

“Hhhmmm, I’m sorry it’s ending for them. But it was bound to happen.” I commented. “Do you have to be in the studio tomorrow?” I asked him.

“No. I’m not planning on doing anything tomorrow.” He said.

“Good. Then you can spend the day with me and the twins. Just the four of us. We’ve never really had time for just us four. We don’t have to go anywhere or do anything, but it would be wonderful if we could have your attention tomorrow.”

Pete rolled over so we were face to face. “I guess we really haven’t had any time for just the four of us. Have you needed that? Do you think the twins need it?”

“No, not really. I mean, I haven’t been thinking about or wanting it. It just came to mind. We’ve always been a large family. And I never wanted the other kids to feel left out or like they were being replaced or anything. But they’ve all had one on one time with you. I’d like a little bit of that myself and for the twins. If you stay home tomorrow, while they’re all in school, we can have that and not leave them out.” I said.

“I’ll be home on Friday too. I need a few days off. I can spend lots of time with you three. I’m sorry I haven't realized before now that I haven't done that. I know they get lots of Mommy time. But they haven’t been getting as much Dad time as the others have.” He said thoughtfully.

He did end up spending most of the next two days with me and the twins. We didn’t go anywhere, we stayed at home together. But they got to play with him all day. He talked with them and read to them. He was on the floor with them. Jupiter finally took his first steps as he walked to Pete. Jupiter was so proud of himself and Pete was thrilled to be there for it.

Then, when the twins napped, before the little kids came home from school, we had a few hours together, just us. When it was time, the four of us went and got the little kids off the bus in the afternoons. Then it was time for all six of us to hang out, help with homework (I double checked Saint’s math for him) and have dinner together. It was very nice and all of us enjoyed it. We needed it before the very busy weekend of the twins' first birthday.

Star and Jupitor’s first birthday was on a Saturday. We had a family party planned for them. Ashlee and Evan were invited along with Iggy and Jagger. Ashlee and I had become friends. Not best friends by any means, but she had been lovely to me and the kids. She had brought us food when the twins were born, and had included my kids in her kids events. We wanted the families to be on good terms. We wanted the younger kids to know each other and get along. We both wanted Bronx to be able to have all of his family with him for all the big moments. The kids mattered more than anything else. Both Pete and Evan were in agreement with us on this. They both respected each other and had been very conscious of the fact Bronx was the one that mattered, not them or their egos.

We had invited all six of the grandparents to it. Peter and Dale were coming in from Chicago. Dad and Amy were coming out from South Carolina. The four of them were going to stay in town for about a week. Together the four of them had rented the same Airbnb that Dad and Amy stayed at last year. They still spoke often and had continued the friendship after the wedding. They had planned their stay, telling Pete and I not to worry about them. I think they were looking forward to seeing each other as much as they were the kids.

My mom had been doing better. She had continued to see her therapist and since she had been working on getting better, I was allowing her to come out for their party. She had still not met the twins in person. I’d done FaceTime calls with her so she could see them and talk to them. She and Ryan were going to stay in a hotel. I had been very clear with her, she was welcome to visit along with the other grandparents. But, she would not be left alone with any of the children at any time during her visit. And the only way Pete would agree to her setting foot in our home was if she was supervised at all times. The other grandparents were on board with this and agreed to help watch over her while they were there.

Although Mom had been making improvements, she was still a bit too quick to claim that she knew better or that we would have been better off if she had come out and stayed with us. I always nipped that in the bud as soon as she started. And that usually shut her up for a few calls. I was worried that seeing them and getting to hold them would be more than she could handle and it would set her back in her therapy. I was worried that she would try to take them either by running with them, or deciding she could try and take them legally. And I was preparing for either to happen.

Dad, Amy, Dale, and Peter all arrived in L.A. early in the week before the birthday party. They all wanted to spend time with us. All the kids were looking forward to it. Both sets of parents were scheduled to arrive on the same day. Peter and Dale got in a few hours earlier than Dad and Amy.

All four of them were at our house for dinner that night. They got to spend time with all four of the younger kids. They got to see the twins walking and heard them talking. Jupiter still said more words than Star, but she was adding words. She was calling me mama, and was trying hard to say Marvel. She got out a Mmm-vul. And both of them called Saint, Aint. But she still hadn’t said anything for Pete. No Da, or Dada or anything like that.

Mom and Ryan arrived the day before the party. I offered to pick them up at the airport and take them to their hotel. They accepted my offer. I went and picked them up that afternoon.

Mom saw me before I saw her. I heard her calling me.

“Grace! There you are! Oh, it’s good to see you.” She said as she came up and hugged me.

“Hi Mom!” I greeted her as I hugged her back. “How was your flight?” Ryan joined us and got a hug too.

They told me about their trip as we waited for their luggage.

“You didn’t bring the twins with you?” Mom asked wistfully.

“No, they're at home with Pete and the kids. Dad, Amy, Peter, and Dale should be at the house by the time we get there.”

“Oh, are they staying with you?” Mom asked. I could tell she was trying not to sound too accusatory.

“No, we don’t have the room for them. They’re all staying in an Airbnb together.”

“Oh. Well, it’s too bad you don’t have room for family.” Mom said.

“We have a large family. Five kids take up a lot of room.”

“But, doesn’t Bronx live with his Mother?” Ryan asked.

“No, he lives at both houses. He comes and goes as he wants for the most part. He’s always welcome at our house.” I answered.

“I thought that with the twins, you’d want to have him as the house less. You have your own family now.” Mom said to me. I couldn’t believe what had just come out of her mouth.

“What do you mean by that?” I asked her as we walked to the car.

“I only mean that since he’s about to leave for college and since he has his Mother’s house to stay at, he would have given up his room for one of the twins.”

“It was his home before the twins or I came into the picture. And he will always have a home with us. He’s Pete’s son, we would never ask him to not stay with us.” I told her. I didn’t think she meant anything by her assumption, but I wasn’t happy with it.

“Of course he should always be welcome. I just thought he might like to not be around the babies all the time.”

“He loves his siblings. Star’s first word was his name. I love it when he’s with us.” I told them.

“She’s talking?! Why didn’t you tell me?” Mom exclaimed.

“Both of them are talking and walking.” I told her. “Star only started talking a week or so ago. Jupiter took his first step a few days later.” I told her.

“Both of them are walking and talking? I’ve missed so much. I’m not sure I’ll ever forgive you for keeping me away for their first year.” Mom said very disappointedly.

“That’s all on you, Mom. You’re lucky I’m giving you a chance to meet them after what you said when I was pregnant.”

We had gotten to the car by this time and were getting their bags in the trunk.

“I’ve apologized for that. When are you going to forgive me?” Mom asked as she got settled in the car.

“Mom, what you said and what you tried to do are unforgivable. You’re trying to get help, so I’m willing to allow you to meet them and to be in their lives to a point. But I can’t trust you with them. And Pete isn’t ready to forgive either. He doesn’t want you here or in their lives at all. He’s willing to trust me, but he won’t let you be alone with them either. These are the consequences of your actions. You will have to earn our trust back. And that’s not going to happen right away.”

Mom looked ready to either cry or fight me on this. Ryan saw it too and said, “Rebecca, you knew coming here that Grace and Pete were still upset about what you did. And you know what you did wasn’t right. Do not fight with her on this.”

Mom didn’t say another word on the drive to their hotel. I went in with them to help with their luggage. But I waited in the lobby as they went up to put their bags down, and got freshened up. When they came back down I took them to our house for dinner. And so they could meet the twins.

When we got to our house all the other grandparents were there. Amy and Dale had started dinner for us. I was ok with that as Amy knew her way around my kitchen.

We walked into a very active home. Bronx had come by to see his grandparents and was going to be staying at ours while they were in town. Saint in the kitchen helping. Marvel was playing with the twins. Pete, Peter, and Dad were all in the living room supervising the kids. The kids were all on the floor playing with some toys.

“Hey! I’m back with Grandma and Grandpa.” I called out as we entered the house.

“Hi Rebecca. Hi Ryan.” Bronx was the first to greet them. “It’s nice to see you again.” He said to them.

“Hi Bronx!” Ryan said.

“Hello.” Mom said. Then she looked at me. I knew she wanted to see the babies but wasn’t going to ask.

“Come on, let’s go see the babies.” I told her as I walked her to the living room.

“Hello Rebecca, Ryan!” Dad greeted them. He was holding Jupiter. “Would you like to meet your grandson?” He asked my mother.

Both Pete and Peter greeted Mom and Ryan too.

Mom was starting to tear up, she nodded her head and held out her arms to him.

I stepped in and took my son from my father. Turning to my mom I introduced her to her grandson.

“Mom, this is Jupiter. Jupiter, this is your Grandmother.” I handed him to her.

“Oh my goodness, you look so much like your Pops.” She said as she hugged him to her. Then she started crying. Jupiter didn’t care for the tight hug or the tears. He turned in her arms and reached for his Dad.

“Da. Mum, phu sss ta. Dada!” Jupiter was not happy about being held by this woman he didn’t know. He started crying.

Pete didn’t say anything, he just stood up and took his son from my mother.

Mom wasn’t happy at all to give the baby to him, but she did without saying a word.

I had Star in my arms by then and handed her to Mom. “This is Star.”

Mom only cried harder. “Hello Star. I’m so happy to finally meet you and your brother. You look so much like your mother.” Mom sat down with Star in her arms and just held her and cried.

“Mom? Can I get anything for you?” I asked her.

She only sniffled and shook her head. “No, I’ll be ok.” She said.

Star was more willing to allow her grandmother to hold her. But after a few minutes she was done with it all and wanted me.

Star looked at me, held out her arms and said, “Mama. Mama!” And then she started crying too. I rescued my daughter from my mothers hands. But I sat next to her on the couch so she could continue to talk to Star.

Dinner was ready not long after. We couldn’t all fit around our table so I took the twins and the kids to eat in the kitchen. I think that was for the best since the twins were getting overwhelmed with the attention they were getting from all the grandparents. And especially my Mom. She wanted to feed them. I told her they fed themselves. She started to say something about it but stopped when she saw the look on Pete’s face.

Somehow during dinner, Dale, Amy, Peter, and Dad convinced Mom and Ryan to walk back to the Airbnb with them and have a nightcap. They said they would call for an Uber to get them back to the hotel. They all left when the twins needed to go to bed. I was glad they all left when they did.

It took a little bit of time and effort to get the twins settled down for the night. All the company had got them worked up. Jupiter had refused to let Mom hold him again. He howled when she tried and cried for Pete when she tried to pick him up. Star was only a little better. She lasted for about five minutes before she started crying for me. Mom was heartbroken by this. I didn’t try to make her feel any better about it. They didn’t know her and they weren’t comfortable with her.

The next day was their birthday. We got up early and got the house ready for the party. We had a large group of people coming for it. Besides our parents we had invited Joe, Marie and the girls. Ashlee and Evan and the kids. Patrick, Elisa and the boys were in L.A. so they were coming too. And we had a few other friends with children coming. All in all we had about 40 people at the house for the party.

I had ordered two cakes for the party. Star’s cake was covered in navy blue icing with silver stars all over it. A big star on the top with her name in silver. Jupiter’s cake was covered to look like the planet. The bakery did a wonderful job on them. Star’s cake was chocolate with orange filling. Jupiter’s cake was a yellow cake with strawberry filling. I got each of them a cupcake as their cake to smash and eat.

Everyone had fun and so did the babies. They didn’t understand what was going on, but they loved all the attention. And they had a grand time eating their cakes. I filmed most of it since my viewers wanted to see their birthday.

At the end of the party Pete and I were cleaning up the kitchen. My mom came in to talk to me.

“Grace, Pete, thank you for letting me come and meet Jupiter and Star. I’m sorry for how I acted when you were expecting them. I said some horrible things to you. I don’t really know why I acted the way I did. You’re a great mother. I’m working on getting better. And I hope I showed that to you this weekend. Can Ryan and I come back tomorrow and spend more time with the kids?”

I was surprised by her apology. She had apologized before, but this one actually sounded like she meant it.

“Yeah, you guys can come by tomorrow and spend more time with the family.” I said.

Pete took a minute before saying, “I’m really glad you’re getting help and working on getting better. I know that isn’t the easiest thing to do.”

“I know I’m not your favorite person, but I love those babies and I truly want to be a part of their lives. Please don’t cut me off completely. I’ll take what you’re willing to give me.”

“Mom, I’m not cutting you out. It’s going to take some time for us to trust you again. But I’ll keep you updated and we’ll keep doing the FaceTime calls.” I told her. “Star and Jupiter will know who you are.”

Everyone, including all of the grandparents left after the party was over. It took a while, but with the help of the kids we got the house cleaned up. The babies were a bit overstimulated from all the attention, noise, and all the sugar. Before their normal bedtime they were both getting fussy.

Pete picked up Star and tried to comfort her. We ended up starting the bedtime routine early. By the time their bath was over and they were in their pajamas, Jupiter was ready to sleep. Star wasn’t. Pete took her to our room to cuddle and just be in a quiet place. I came in to check on them after a little while. Pete was sitting up against the headboard with Star in his lap. He was talking to her. She was babbling back to him.

“Hey there Star. Are you ready for bed yet?” I asked as I entered the room.

They both turned to look at me.

Star smiled and said, “Mama!”

“I hope you had a good first birthday my Sweet Girl.” I said as I crossed the room to the bed.

Star looked at Pete and pointed at him. “Da-dee.” She said.

“That’s right! I’m Daddy. Can you say it again Sweetheart?”

Star giggled and said, “Da-Dee.”

I picked her up, gave her a kiss and a cuddle and took her to her room and put her to bed.

Mom and Ryan did come the next day and spent most of the afternoon with us. Mom got down on the floor with the babies and just played with them. When they were willing to let her, she hugged and cuddled them.

I asked them to stay for dinner since the other grandparents were staying too. They agreed and we had dinner together. Once again, after we had eaten and everyone got a chance to say goodnight to the twins, all the grandparents left to go have a drink together.

I asked Mom if she wanted me to pick them up in the morning and take them to the airport. They declined the offer and told me they were getting a taxi. The other parents were also leaving the next day so we said all of our goodbyes when they left that night. I was happy they had all come to visit. But I was also glad to have our home back to normal.