FicWad

When we got home from New York, Bronx headed to his mothers house. They had plans to spend Easter weekend with Ashlee’s sister and her family in Texas.

Marvel was still young enough to believe in the Easter Bunny, and I wanted the twins to have that magic too. Saint informed me and Pete that he knew the Easter Bunny was really us, but he wouldn’t say anything to the other kids. He still wanted to join in on the fun though and offered to help if we needed it.

I made the mistake of dying real eggs with the kids. The mess the twins made was huge. I still have blue, green, and pink stains on the kitchen table. And the two of them were multicolored for a few days too. But the pictures I got of them are adorable, stains and all.

We had a fun holiday with egg hunts and too much candy. The twins didn’t know what was going on, but they had fun with their Easter baskets. And once we showed them what finding the eggs meant, they tried to find some too. Marvel and Saint helped them with that.

Star found one on her own and in her enthusiasm to show her Daddy she broke it trying to put it in her basket. She ran to Pete with the egg in her hands and when she got to him he held out her basket to put the egg in. She dropped it in the basket and it cracked. When she saw and heard it crack she cried. Pete got her to stop crying when he showed her it was ok.

“Oh, Star, it’s ok. See?” He told her as he picked both her and her basket up. “It didn’t make a mess or anything.” She looked at the egg, sniffled and then buried her face in his neck. He rubbed her back and when she was calm, he set her down so she could go back to looking for the eggs

Jupiter didn’t care if he broke any of the eggs. He was having the best time finding them and bringing them to me.

With each egg he ran to me saying. “Mum, mum! Igg!” He grinned at me each time like this was the best game ever. I realized I was right about Jupiter’s smile. It was just like his fathers. Then he would hand it to me and run off with his brother to find more.

Shortly after Easter Pete and the guys started recording their ninth album. They had been writing songs for awhile and had more than one albums worth. In fact they had so many songs they were talking about either releasing a double album or two back to back.

Joe and Marie had moved to L.A. permanently about a year and a half ago. Andy and Meredith lived in Oregon full time, but Andy had bought a condo here years ago to stay in when he was in town. Patrick and Elisa had a place out here too. The four of them were in L.A. while the band recorded. Elisa did not like it here and would have been happier in Chicago. But the family didn’t want to be separated for months.

Since the guys were working, we didn’t get to see much of Pete. He left early in the mornings and usually got home in time for dinner. But not always. Some nights he got home after the twins were in bed. They missed him on those nights. Star was such a Daddy's girl that she would cry for “Da-Dee.” And Jupiter would just ask for him with, “Da?”

I just told them Daddy was working and they would see him in the morning.

One of those nights when he came home late I told him the twins were asking for him. I didn’t want to guilt him, but I also didn’t want to deal with crying toddlers because they didn’t understand why their Daddy wasn’t there. The night I brought it up, he got home so late even Saint and Marvel were asleep.

He looked exhausted when he got home. I was still up, waiting for him. I was taking advantage of the quiet and was working on my latest book. I was on the couch in the living room with my laptop. I heard him come in through the garage door in the kitchen. I got up and went to meet him in the kitchen. I wanted to say hello and I wanted to see if he was hungry.

“Hi Honey. How’re you?” I greeted him as I entered the kitchen.

Pete had his head in the fridge looking for something. He stood back and smiled at me from around the fridge door.

“Hey Baby. Sorry I’m so late. We got involved in the nuances of a line in a song.” He let out a long sigh. “Ya know, I love Patrick, but sometimes, sometimes he drives me fucking insane. Tonight was one of those times.”

“I thought the words were your part and the music was his part.” I said conversationally.

Pete snorted and said, “Yeah, that’s how we usually work. But he’s having a hard time figuring out how to sing the words. And he wanted to change them, but the changes he wanted to make made no sense. It changed the meaning of the line and the song.”

I could tell he was really unhappy about it. He is very specific about the words he uses in his lyrics and his poetry.

“I’m sorry Hon. Were you able to come to an agreement?” I asked him.

“No,” he said.

“Are you hungry? Did you guys get dinner?” I asked to change the subject and to maybe help relieve the stress and the bad mood he was in.

“I’m starving. We had food delivered, but it was terrible. The sandwiches were soggy and the pizza was cold. I didn’t eat much.”

“Let me make you something.” I offered as I crossed the kitchen to the fridge.

Pete gave me a thankful look and moved out of my way. “Thank you.” He sat down at the table as I pulled things out of the fridge to make him some dinner.

“I have leftovers from dinner. I made your famous chicken curry. You ok with that?” I asked him.

“Yeah, that sounds delicious.”

I got out the leftovers and fixed him a plate. I brought it to him once everything was heated up. I sat across from him as he ate.

“How are the kids?” He asked me.

“Fine, but they miss seeing you when you get home late. Both Star and Jupiter were asking for you tonight when I was putting them to bed.”

He gave me a pained look. “I miss them too. I’ll try to get home at a more reasonable time. It’s not like I’m the only one with a family anymore. I mean, Joe and Patrick have kids now Andy’s got Meredith. I know they want to get home to them too. Or, well, I’m not so sure about Patrick. I don’t think he wants to go home at all.”

“Why do you say that?” I asked him, surprised.

Pete took a minute to chew and swallow the mouthful he had. “He hasn’t said anything, but, ya know, I can just tell. It’s the twin-speak, soulmate thing we have. I know he’s got something going on. More than just the album. I’m pretty sure he and Elisa are having problems. I know she hates it here. It’s like he just doesn’t want to go home at the end of the day. I watched him ignore her calls and texts today. That’s unlike him. I think they’ve been fighting again. Has she said anything to you?”

“No, but she and I aren’t the best of friends.” I confessed to him.

He shot me a surprised look. “Do you not like Elisa?” He asked me.

“Oh, it’s nothing like that. I like her, she’s nice, friendly and lovely. But it’s clear she isn’t happy out here. And let’s face it, I’m older than her and my interests are different. We talk about the kids and getting the boys together so they can play. But she and I don’t have much in common. We just aren’t close.” I told him.

“Hhhmmm. I was kinda hoping you would know what’s going on with them. I’ve asked, but when he doesn’t want to talk about something he’s very closed-mouthed.”

I sat with him as he finished his dinner. When he was done I took his plate and set it in the sink.

“Were you waiting up for me?” He asked as I took care of his dish.

“Yes. I miss you too. I wanted to see you today for more than the few minutes we had this morning.” I said and then turned to face him. “I’m planning on taking the kids camping this weekend. Can you join us?”

“I don’t know. I’d like to. But I’ll have to see. When were you thinking of leaving?”

“Friday afternoon. As soon as I get the kids off the bus. I plan on having everything already packed and the RV ready to go. I want to be on the road no later than 4. That should get us to the campground no later than 6.”

Pete only shook his head and said, “I don’t think I’ll be home in time. Where are you taking them?”

“Los Padres, you know, where we met.” I smiled at him. “I’d love to take them up to Pismo Beach. But we don’t have time for that until school’s out.” I said and then crossed to him. I wrapped my arms around his neck and hugged him. His arms found my waist and he hugged me back. He nuzzled his face into the crook of my neck. It felt good to hold him and to be held.

“You can’t take them to Pismo Beach without me. That’s our place. That’s where our family started.” He said into my neck. “Promise me you won’t go without me to Pismo Beach.”

“Ok, I promise. I wanna go back there soon. But we’ll plan it out when you can come.” I promised him.

Pete just sighed and tightened his hold on me. We stood there in the kitchen like that for a little while. It was comfortable.

“Are you tired?” I asked him after a few minutes.

He nodded his head that was still on my shoulder and tucked into my neck.

“Wanna go to bed? We can cuddle more comfortably up there.”

“Don’t wanna cuddle. Wanna love on you.” He told me.

“Yeah? I want to love you too. Come on, let’s go to bed.” I let go of him and he finally lifted his head from my shoulder.

He didn’t move at first, he just leaned in and kissed me. “I’ve missed you. I love making music and working with the guys. But I hate being away from you and the kids so much.”

We went upstairs to our room and spent some quality time together. I fell asleep with him spooning me. I had missed him too and it felt so good to be held by him.

The week went by as normal. Pete went to the studio, the kids went to school, I filmed, edited, and wrote as I could as I took care of the twins.

On Friday morning I reminded the kids we would be leaving right after school to go camping for the weekend. Bronx wasn’t going with us this time. He had things for school that he needed to complete. And it was his weekend with his Mom. So it was going to be just me and the four young kids, two cats and the dog. Mr. Fluff was staying home as usual.

On Friday morning the kids and I said goodbye to Pete and that we’d see him on Sunday afternoon. I told him to text or call as he wanted over the weekend. I knew the kids would want to talk to him too. He told us to have fun, kissed all of us goodbye, and left for the day. I spent the day packing us up and running last minute errands. By the time Saint and Marvel got off the school bus, I was ready to leave.

After getting home and letting the kids get a snack and use the bathroom, we left to head north to the campground. I was using the trip for my channel so I filmed most of the drive and the set up. We got set up and settled in. I started a fire and then started dinner.

Fred, George, and Bowie were all happy to be out and about. The three of them played with the children as I cooked us dinner. Bowie also helped me corral the twins when they tried to go beyond the camping area.

After dinner and after the twins went to sleep, I was sitting around the fire with Saint and Marvel. They were telling me all about school and what they wanted to do over the summer.

“Mommy, can we go to the farm this summer?” Marvel asked me.

“I hope so. I want to take you guys there. It would be fun to visit with Pops and Granny.” I told her.

“And the twins haven’t been there yet. I bet they’d like it too.” Saint said.

“I’m sure they would.” I told him with a smile.

“Why didn’t Dad come with us?” He asked.

“Because he’s very busy making the new album. But he wanted to come with us.” I told Saint.

He took that as an answer, but he looked troubled.

“What’s wrong, Sir Saint?” I asked.

He looked at me with big worried eyes. “Are you and Dad gonna get divorced?”

“No! No, we're not getting divorced.” I stopped and took a good look at him. His long dark hair was falling in his face, covering his eyes. But I could see that he was worried and had something on his mind. “Are you worried about that?” I asked him gently.

Saint nodded his head.

“Why are you worried about that?” I asked.

Saint gave a one shoulder shrug. But then he said, “Declan thinks his Mom and Dad are gonna get a divorce. They fight all the time. And he heard his Mom say she wanted one. And she wanted to take them back home.”

I had no idea that Patrick and Elisa were fighting that badly.

“Oh. I didn’t know. I hope they don’t, I know they have a lot of love for each other. I hope they can work things out.”

“Declan said that his Dad hasn’t come home since, like Monday. He hasn’t seen Uncle Patrick all week. And he’s really sad. And Dad hasn’t been home so…” Saint trailed off.

“Sir Saint, I know you’ve been missing your Dad. We all have. And he’s been missing us too. Once they’re done recording the new album, he’ll be home and with us more. And when they go on tour again, we’ll all go with him. Just like last time.”

I’m not sure how much of that Saint believed.

“Would you take me and Marvel if you do get divorced? Or would you leave us like our real Mom did?”

“I will never leave you no matter what. I promise you that. I love you both too much to ever leave you.” I tried to assure him.

Both of them were looking very upset and worried. I didn’t like that at all. Pete and I were not in a bad place, we were fine. But I could understand why he was worried.

“I know why you’re worried, but you don’t need to be. Me and your Dad are not fighting and we’re not getting divorced.” I told the two of them.

Marvel yawned big and it was past her bedtime.

“I think it’s time for both of you to go to bed. Tomorrow we’ll go swimming in the lake. We’re gonna have a good day. We’ll have fun. Now, you two get ready for bed. And I’ll tuck you in.”

They got up and changed into their pajamas. Marvel went first and when she was done she let Saint have the tent to change in. Just as I was getting ready to tuck them in, a car pulled up behind the RV. Since I couldn’t see who was in the car I got worried. Bowie barked his welcome bark, but that didn’t put me at ease. I always have a pocket knife with me and the bear spray was just inside the RV door. But before I could even move to grab it, the driver door opened and Pete stepped out.

“Daddy!” Marvel cried when she saw him.

Pete grinned at us and held his arms open for her. She ran to him and he scooped her up hugging her hard.

“Dad! You came!” Saint was as happy to see him as Marvel was. He also rushed to his father and got a hug.

“I missed you guys and didn’t want to be away from you all weekend.” He told them.

They got hugs and kisses from Pete. When he had greeted them he came up to me.

“I just can’t go all weekend without you guys. Joe and I told Patrick off when he wanted to stay late again. Joe wanted the weekend with Marie and the girls. I wanted time with you guys. I got home, grabbed some food, packed a bag, and headed here.”

“I’m so glad you’re here.” I said, smiling at him. Then wrapped my arms around his waist.

He smiled softly before leaning in to kiss me.

“Me too.” He answered.

“Can we stay up with you Dad?” Saint asked.

Pete smiled indulgently at him. “Yeah, yeah you can. Do we have any marshmallows?”

“Yes, we do. We have hot cocoa mix too. Let me get that and we can have a treat.” I entered the camper as quietly as I could so I didn’t wake the twins. But I woke Star up. Hoping to keep her from waking her brother I picked her up and took her outside.

“Here, take her, will you?” I said as I handed her to Pete.

“Hey Star! How are you Sweetheart?” He asked her as he took her from me.

She gave him a big smile and greeted him with,”Da-deee, Da!”

Pete cuddled her and started talking to her. I went back in and got the rest of the treats. I built the fire back up so we could roast the marshmallows. And I got the kettle filled and put it on the propane burner. Before too long we were sipping hot cocoa and roasting marshmallows. Star didn’t stay awake too long and I put her back to bed before we told Marvel and Saint they needed to go to bed.

Once all the kids were in bed and Pete and I were alone, I was finally able to ask him about his day.

“How did it go today? Patrick still not talking?”

Apparently Patrick wasn’t really talking to the guys and had been riding all of them in a way they hadn’t seen since they worked on Folie. And that had contributed to the hiatus. None of them wanted that to happen again.

Pete was sitting in his chair next to me with an adult beverage in his hand. He absentmindedly picked at the label on the beer bottle as he thought over what he was going to tell me.

Pete took a deep breath and said, “I tried to ask him what’s going on. All he said was they have been fighting and she wants to take the boys home. But he won’t tell me what the fights are about. Says he doesn't want to talk about it. I guess the fights are pretty bad because he asked for some advice on finding a good divorce attorney.”

He gave me a sad look. “I don’t want to see them get divorced. I know he loves her. I’m sure they could work things out if they tried.”

I decided to tell him what I knew. “Saint told me that Declan and Antero have heard them fighting. Eliza said she wanted a divorce. The boys are really upset. Patrick hasn’t been home all week and they haven’t seen their Dad in days. And now Saint’s worried about us. He asked me if we were going to divorce.”

Pete looked horrified at that. “What did you tell him?”

“That we were fine and not going to divorce. But then he asked if I would take him and Marvel if we did, or if I would leave them like Meagan did. I assured them both that I’m not going anywhere and that I would never leave them. But I’m not sure how much they believed me. I think they might like to hear it from you too.”

“I’ll talk to him. What made him ask that? Why is he worried about us?”

“Well, I think it’s because you’re been so busy and you’re getting home so late. Saint said that you haven’t been home much, so it made him think you were leaving us. And you didn’t come with us, so that gave more credit to you not wanting to be around us.” The hurt that crossed Pete’s face was so clear it felt like a slap to the face. “Don’t worry, I told him this was just because you were working right now, not because you didn’t want to be with us. You showing up tonight was probably the best thing you could’ve done to ease his mind.”

We sat quietly for a little while. Then I spoke up. “When you guys are done recording, let’s take the kids to the farm. Even if it’s only for a little while. But, I think we need to spend time together and reassure them we’re a family.”

“Ok, we can do that. I’m not sure when that will be or for how long I’ll have free, but I really like that idea. And if we can, we’ll take Bronx with us.”

We headed to bed shortly after that conversation. I was so damn happy he was there. It completely surprised all of us. But it was a wonderful surprise.

When the twins woke up the next morning they wanted Daddy time. And they got it. All of us did. We had breakfast together and then we went to the lake. All of us went, including the dog and the cats. Fred and George weren’t interested in the lake but they did enjoy exploring the shoreline. Bowie had no issues jumping in and swimming with the kids. At least he was sleeping in the tent so I didn’t have to smell wet dog all night.

The twins swam with us since they were used to swimming. As long as one of us adults was with them, they were fine. But the lake was a bit cold. I ended up on the beach with the twins as they played in the shallows.

By lunch time everyone was ready to head back to camp. We had lunch and all four of the children wanted to sit next to Pete and to talk to him. They really just wanted to spend time with him.

While we were eating lunch Pete brought up the subject of us and a divorce.

“Saint, Moony said you’re worried about her and I getting divorced. You know we love each other. We aren’t fighting or mad at each other. So why are you worried about that?” He asked his son.

“I don’t know. Declan said that his Mom and Dad are getting divorced and that Uncle Patrick isn’t coming home anymore. You’ve been gone a lot.” Saint told him.

Pete sighed, but then smiled at Saint. “Sir Saint, I promise you, we’re ok. I know I’ve been busy and not at home as much as any of us would like. But I’m just working. I don’t want to leave Moony. I love her very much and I want to be married to her for the rest of my life.”

Saint looked relieved to hear that from his father. But then he furrowed his brow. “Why are Uncle Patrick and Aunt Elisa mad at each other? Don't they love each other any more?” He asked.

“I don’t know why they’re mad at each other. And I’m sorry Declan and Antero have to deal with it. It’s not fair to them at all.” Pete told him.

“Declan’s really sad. He misses his Dad.” Saint told Pete. “Can’t you tell Uncle Patrick to stop fighting? Tell him how sad Declan and Antero are. Maybe that will make him stop?”

“I’ll tell him about how the boys are feeling. He’s their Dad and he loves them. I know he doesn’t want to hurt them.”

“People shouldn’t have kids if they’re gonna get divorced.” Saint said bitterly.

“People don’t expect to get divorced when they get married.” I said. “But, sometimes things happen and they don’t want to stay together. And you’re right, it isn’t fair to the kids. I know, my parents divorced when I was about your age. It hurt me a lot. But in the long run, it was better that Mom and Dad separated. Because then they didn’t fight all the time. It made both of them happier.”

“But it didn’t make you or Uncle Scott happy, did it?” Saint asked me.

“No, not at first. But after a few years, I realized that it was better to have two happy parents that lived apart than to live with both of them when they were so unhappy.”

“But, didn’t you miss your Daddy?” Asked Marvel.

“Yes, I did. But I went to the farm every summer and got to spend all summer with him. I also saw him during the school year. I would go and see him for Christmas and Spring Breaks.” I told her.

After this we put talk of divorce on the back burner. We had fun hanging out at camp. Dinner was easy that night. I did easy things that could be cooked over the fire. Saint and Marvel enjoyed eating things they cooked over the fire on sticks. Both of them were very happy that Pete had joined us. They went to bed happy and content.

I sat up with Pete and enjoyed a joint with him. He needed to relax and it was nice to take advantage of the quiet evening. I think he needed the short break from the guys more than he realized because he had been very stressed the last few weeks. They had been working long hours.

On Sunday we broke camp and headed home. Saint and Jupiter road home with Pete. Marvel and Star were with me. It was kinda fun to have the girls in one car and the boys in the other. Marvel and I sang to the radio and had fun on the drive home. It was nice to have that time with her.

That night after we got home Pete had dinner delivered. He said he would take care of dinner for us and called an order in to our favorite Mexican place. I was happy to not have to cook or clean up the kitchen. And it gave us more time together. I took him to bed that night and reminded him why being home with his wife was the best way to spend a Sunday night.

We had a nice evening with the children. We assured them again that we were happy and the family was not going to separate. The worst that was gonna happen was Bronx going away to college.

Bronx had received his acceptance letter to both of the schools he really wanted to attend. He decided on Northern Arizona University. I was happy with his decision because it was closer to us. I had looked at the maps and found a campsite that was about half way from his school in Flagstaff and our house in Los Angeles. Meeting up with him for a family camp out would be easy if we wanted to do that. I was giving thought to letting him take Luna with him if he wanted to make a commitment to meeting us a few times a year.

Around the same time as Pete and the guys started recording their album, I also finished my fifth book. This one wasn’t a smutty romance novel. This one was one I had been thinking about and working on for a few years. I had started it about the same time I had met Pete. It was a modern, adult version of the Princess and the Pea, but in a Fairy fantasy world. I was very proud of it and was excited to see what my editor thought of it.

I had let Pete read it before sending it to my editor. He took his time to read it through and then gave me his honest opinion. He was harsh where I needed it, but on the whole was very supportive. I sent it to my editor with the highest of hopes.