Greg was waiting at the house for his father to arrive.  He wondered if his dad was as nervous as he was right then.  Deep down, he respected and even loved his father, but in his everyday life, his father was more of a stranger than even his mother had been before she came back into their lives.

Ted Tolkin arrived in front of his former house shortly before noon.  He left his bags in the back of the rental car, not sure if he would be staying even though Heather had assured him that he would be more than welcome.  

He made it about halfway to the front door when it opened.. A young man that was about his height but more muscled stood in the opening.  He hadn’t been home for almost two years, and even though this had to be his son, he had certainly changed.

Greg stood just inside the threshold, waiting for some reaction.  After his father walked up the sidewalk to the front door, he offered his hand, which Ted took and shook warmly, smiling at him.  “It’s great to see you, Dad.”  

Ted relaxed at that moment.  His son didn’t seem to be resentful, at least not openly.  He went willingly when Greg brought him into the living room.  The house was familiar, but there were personal touches that could only have been the work of Greg or his girlfriend.  He felt that he was more of a guest now, and it was then that he realized that his son had become an adult and this was now his son’s place, not his.  This thought startled him.  It was one thing to propose giving Greg the house and quite another to see it in person.  He had to admit that Greg was doing a great job from what he could see.

They fell into a comfortable companionship even though Greg still felt some tension between him and his father.  This tension dropped considerably after Mandy brought Jenni down from her nap.  Ted Tolkin accepted the fact that Mandy and Jenni were a major part of his son’s life and treated them as such.  He knew that Jenni wasn’t Greg’s biological child of course, but after observing how his son interacted with the infant, he couldn’t help commenting.

“Even though I know better Greg, watching you with Jenni, she might as well be yours.”

“Dad, Jenni is a joy to have around.  I didn’t think I wanted a child around for several years, but I could never imagine being without her.”  As Greg was telling his father this, Jenni was cooing and grinning as she was suspended above him.  Then she extended both arms toward him and spoke the word “Da”.  

Mandy had come back into the room just in time to hear her daughter and she turned to stare open-mouthed at Greg.  “Did she just say what I think she said?”

The stunned and proud expression on Greg’s face told her that she was right in what she heard.  They all referred to Greg, as ‘Daddy’ when talking to Jenni, just like Mandy was ‘Mommy’ and Traci was ‘Auntie T’.  But this was the first time the little girl had formed the word.

“Sounds like she has figured out who to wrap around her little finger and just how to do it.”  Ted gave his son a grin.

Greg gave a chuckle.  “Guess so, but I sure don’t mind.  She is a sweetheart.”

“I hate to ask this but are there any problems with the father?  I mean does he have any interest in seeing her?”

Mandy answered.  “I don’t think we will hear much out of him.  He raped another girl and she reported it.  After that, there were several of us that came forward and told our stories.  The DA says he is going to charge him as a serial rapist, which carries a much tougher penalty.”

“He’s agreed to sign over any custody rights,” added Greg.  “As soon as it’s possible after we get married, I’ll be adopting Jenni.  That is just a formality since it seems she is mine in all but blood anyway.”

Ted nodded his understanding without saying anything else about his son’s living arrangements.  Secretly, he knew he should be against Greg living with any woman at his age, much less two.  But he had to admit that Heather was right in saying that Greg was definitely not a normal teenage boy.  He had a better head on his shoulders than many of the young men the company sent to him and they were older by several years.  When he talked to his wife about their son, the change that she insisted had taken place seemed impossible.. Yet, the proof was right in front of him, playing with a child that he knew was not his by blood.  Greg loved Jenni in a way he had never learned.

Ted’s musings were interrupted when the front door opened and an absolutely gorgeous redhead came in.  She was dressed in a very professional manner, but the clothes couldn’t hide the near perfect figure.  She waved to her housemates and went to the edge of the couch to drop her coordinated blazer on the arm.

Traci shook hands as she was introduced to Ted who was completely speechless.  She gave an embarrassed chuckle and turned to leave.  She wanted to get out of her work clothes and into something that was more comfortable.

As soon as she was out of the room, Greg looked over at his dad with a grin.  “You can stop drooling, Dad.  You’re going to embarrass her.”

Ted did shut his mouth and gave himself a little shake.  “I’m sorry about that.  She just caught me off guard.  I knew you guys had a housemate of course, but I had no idea she looked like that.  Frankly, I think I should be jealous of my own son.  Living under the same roof with two beautiful women.  You are living every man’s fantasy.”

“You are more right than you know, Dad.  Traci not only shares our house, but our bed.  We all decided, together, that she was welcome for as long as she wants.  We both love her dearly, and she feels the same.”

Ted was really confused now.  He had heard of such things, of course.  But he had never heard of them working out; at least not as well as this one seemed to be doing.  And of course, the thought of either one of the beauties naked and aroused was cause for him to feel his erection building.  Both of them together were almost more than his libido could take.

Traci reappeared several minutes later, her hair still damp from a quick shower and her face clear of the makeup artist’s efforts.  In addition to the social work this summer, she also had succumbed to everyone’s prodding and started modeling once in a while.  The extra money was great since her brother was still draining her parents with appeals.  However, the sessions always left her exhausted.  She eased herself into the recliner and propped her feet up.

Traci’s friendly personality soon had overcome Ted’s nervousness and he was telling them about working out in the jungles of the world.  As a structural engineer, he was responsible for the projects that he had designed.  He had worked well with the local governments and his company had more or less given him the Asian subsidiary.  He had turned it into a very profitable part of the company with a reputation for honesty and being able to pull off what they stated they could do.

What he didn’t say at the time was that while he had earned much in his profession, being around Greg and his ‘family’ this afternoon showed him just how much he had missed out on in his personal life.

Ted suggested that he take them all out to a nice dinner, but Greg asked if they could go the next night.  Mandy had been anxious to make an impression and had a slow-cooked roast and all the fixings almost ready to come out of the oven.  Ted said that would be great since he had been enjoying the wonderful smells coming from the kitchen.

The meal was superb even by Mandy’s high standards.  The roast would almost fall apart, the vegetables were still crisp and the potatoes had just a light crust to them.  Ted didn’t cook very much for himself and this was the first real home cooked meal he had eaten in a couple of years.  He had taken seconds on everything, and complimented Mandy several times on her prowess in the kitchen.  She even blushed when he offered to have her move back with him as his personal chef.

After dinner, the women sent the two men out to the back deck for some private time while they cleaned up.  Greg and Ted took up positions in a couple of lounge chairs, the rest of the wine from dinner between them.  Ted lit up an imported cigar as well.  “This is one of the few vices I take time for, and then only after a particularly satisfying meal.”

Now that they were alone, father and son got down to some serious conversation.  Ted started out by trying to apologize for not being around like he should have been.  Greg pretty well told him the same thing he had told his mother.  They couldn’t change what was in the past, but if he wanted to go from this point on, he would like to have at least some kind of relationship.

“Greg, just watching you today with Mandy and Jenni, I could see something that I missed out on all these years.  I don’t know how you manage to have it.  Lord knows it doesn’t come from your mother and me, but you have a devotion to your family that goes beyond what I would have any right to expect.”

“Well, I just consider myself lucky to have someone like Mandy and Traci as well love me.  When I was growing up, I knew you guys loved me somehow.  But I really missed not having the affection.  With Mandy in kind of the same situation growing up, we found that we could shower that affection on each other and it would be returned.  Since we both know what it is like without that, we work hard at making sure we don’t neglect each other.”

“And Traci fits in how?” asked Ted.

Greg smiled.  “Traci was lonely and tired of trying to have friends only to have them only want her for her beauty or her body.  The guys were trying to get in her pants, and the girls would mostly stab her in the back, or try and get her in bed as well.  We became friends because we didn’t do that to her.  She felt safe and could relax with us.  Eventually, we all realized that we loved each other and there was no jealousy.  Both women are straight except with each other.  Most important, it goes far beyond just sex for us.  We each care deeply for the others as people.  For who they are on the inside.”

Ted thought on this while he finished his cigar.  He had to admit that Greg was on the right track for happiness.  He knew he had personally missed out and was glad his son wouldn’t.  No matter what else he did, Greg would always have that companionship.

Traci came out with a cup of tea, saying Mandy would be out in a minute so Jenni could collect goodnight kisses.  Changed and in her sleepers, the little girl was passed between the adults, collecting kisses, hugs and tickles.  In return, she gave them all smiles and giggles and to Greg’s delight, calling him ‘Da’ again.  She had said Ma for a while now but this was a new word for her and they could see she was enjoying its use.  Ted took his turn, still not really sure of what he was doing, but Jenni had him acting like a fool for her before Mandy retrieved her and took her to bed.

With the little one asleep, Mandy joined the rest on the deck.  It was then that Ted explained his sudden trip back to the states.  He had almost finished supervising the construction of a bridge when there was a local uprising.  He and his crew had experienced things like this before and they just moved back until things quieted down.  However instead of that, the uprising grew into a revolution against the current government.  And that meant anything the government was involved with.  They were all relaxing in the company base compound one evening when there was a huge explosion.  It wasn’t long before the compound was attacked and overrun by insurgents.  The men on his crew had scrambled for their weapons and those that were close enough fled into the jungle.

Ted had sent out a distress call when the attack started and within moments, there were a couple of helicopters firing on the attackers causing them to scatter.  One of the choppers set down and dropped off a half dozen soldiers.  He and a few of his supervisors that were still alive were lifted to safety.  At the embassy, he was told that the uprising had not been considered dangerous until they had got his call.  They were told that they should evacuate until things settled down.  The company’s home office agreed and recalled everyone that was left.

“I was offered the Middle East office, but I told them that I wouldn’t decide until I had taken some time off.  They owe me over six months in accrued down time, so I am taking some of it.  I am having some trouble dealing with the deaths of my men who I worked so closely with.  I still see their faces as they lay where they fell.  I did time in the Army, but I never saw death up close until a couple weeks ago.  I’m not sure the money is worth it anymore.”

Hearing how upset his voice sounded, Mandy went over and gave Ted a big hug.  “That had to be more horrible than I could ever imagine.  Did they have families?”

“Most of them did.  The company, along with the military since we worked closely with them, did the notifications, but I have spent the last two weeks visiting with each family and offering my condolences.  It was the least I could do.  They didn’t just work for me, we were kind of a family out there.”

Ted’s voice was close to cracking with emotion so Mandy continued to hold onto him while Traci disappeared for a moment only to reappear with a glass of Scotch, which she handed to him.  Ted thanked her and took a big swallow.  He grimaced as the liquor went down his throat.  He waited just a moment before he finished the glass.

He kept his hand on her back as Mandy sat back.  He looked at them all for a moment.  “I really didn’t understand what having a family was other than something you were supposed to have.  After being around you all just for the day, I think I know just what makes a family.  It’s not who they are, but how the people involved interact that’s important.  You guys are not in any way what is considered a “normal” family, but you have more love and understanding than any ten families that are the norm.  And I would give anything to be a part of what you have.

Greg looked over at his father.  “Dad, you have always had that kind of family if you had taken the time to look around and see it.  You and Mom both were so busy trying to get ahead - to provide for your family - that you forgot what you were working for.  Maybe it is time for you to step back and really examine your true priorities.”

Ted looked at his son in amazement.  His tone had not been vengeful or accusing, but the word bit deep, going to the heart of the matter.  And what really hurt was that Ted knew his son’s statements were true.

He hung his head down as he thought about it.  When he looked up at his son, there was a definite sadness in his eyes.  “How did you get so much wiser than your parents?  Heather said that you’ve grown up, but I had no idea just how much.”

Greg’s voice now carried a hint of sadness and resignation as he answered his father.  “Honestly, I’ve had a long time to figure things out.  For a long time, I resented you and Mom both for all but abandoning me.  I always seemed to be a far second on your list of priorities.  And, there was a time when I hated you both for that.  But after talking to Mom, I realized that it really wasn’t intentional and I rethought my anger.

“Like I told Mom before, we can’t change what has already happened.  But I would like to go onward from here.  We can start to get to know one another and see what comes from that.  If you want to, that is.”

“Greg, I think I would really like that.”  Mandy reached over then and gave Ted a kiss on the cheek.  He gave a chuckle and got a giggle from her in return.  Father and son shook hands, which turned into a hug and a thump on the back.  Both women were misty-eyed to see them reunited.

There was a round of hugs and a few tears, and then the group moved inside.  They talked a little more and after a while, they all headed for their respective rooms.  The women told Greg that they were happy to have his father here and they really liked him as a person.  Greg had to agree.  He and his dad had talked more that day than they had in the previous five years.  Ted had always been so focused on work that he hadn’t taken time for anything else.  This was a different man from the one Greg thought he knew.  He was sure he liked this one much better.

The next morning Mandy was the first one out of their bed, tending to Jenni.  She went into Jenni’s room and changed her.  Afterwords, she headed down to the kitchen to start coffee and some breakfast.

She entered the kitchen to see Ted sitting at the counter.  He already had the coffee done and was enjoying a cup while reading the paper.  He explained that he still wasn’t on local time and this was late for him.

Mandy got him to keep Jenni occupied while she got the little girl’s cereal and fruit ready.  She was eating strained food now and was growing like crazy.  There were times when more food ended up on the outside than in, but it was a good time all the same.

Mandy and Ted talked between bites for Jenni and sips of tea for her.  She told him in more detail about what her home life had been like and the events that caused her to be where she was now.  He could tell by the way she would brighten when she talked about Greg that she was madly in love with him.  He had to admit that his son was a very kind and giving person and these two deserved to be with each other and to be happy.  They both had been mostly alone for much of their lives.  They now had each other and were able to give support to each other.

He was very interested when she mentioned her artwork.  By the time the others had come into the kitchen, Ted had made plans to go with Mandy to the gallery and see the originals.  Lately, she had expanded into first watercolors and then to oils.  She didn’t say much about it, but her checks from the gallery were more than three times as much as she could possibly make at a summer job.

Traci volunteered to make breakfast and soon had ham steaks, pan-fried potatoes, eggs and biscuits with red-eye gravy.  Ted was very complimentary about the quality, which made Traci blush.  

“Traci is the all around perfect woman,” commented Mandy.  “Exceptional beauty, brains, and cooking skills.”

“That is what her Playmate profile should read.”  This comment earned Greg a smack on the shoulder.

Ted looked at the coed seriously.  “Really, you should submit your photo to Playboy.  They are classy in their photos and the money is good.  Plus they treat you like royalty during the shoot.”

“You can’t be serious!”  Traci’s jaw was almost to the floor.  “There is no way in hell I could compete with those women.”

Mandy and Greg both voiced their objections.  Their voices competed to tell the young woman that she was more than enough competition for anyone.  To get them to shut up about it, she agreed to sign up when Playboy showed up for the “College Girls” shoot in a few weeks.  She figured that would be the end of it when she was passed over.

Mandy and Greg had been doing dishes while they were talking, and by the time Traci had agreed, they were done.  Then, it was a round of showers and they were ready to head out.

The first stop was at the gallery where Mr. Harrington greeted them with great enthusiasm.  A gentleman was here from a gallery in New York and was interested in getting some of her work for a show there.  Did Mandy have the time to meet with him?

Of course she said yes and left with Mr. Harrington to his office.  The rest of the group wandered around looking at all of the work displayed, pointing out their likes and dislikes.  Amy, Mr. Harrington’s assistant, offered them something to drink and then led them to a comfortable conference room.

Jenni was starting to get hungry when Mandy came out of the office followed by Mr. Harrington and a tall gentleman with graying hair and a thin face.  His custom tailored suit spoke of wealth and power.  He came over and introduced himself as John Arborough of Arborough, Martin, and Schmidt, one of the premier art galleries in New York City.

“I must say this young woman is as shrewd a businesswoman as she talented in her art.  We struck a deal that is beneficial to all concerned and I am looking forward to having her as well as her work in New York.”  Mr. Arborough spoke with a touch of a British accent that made his speech seem even more formal.

Mandy turned to her two lovers.  “I accepted the offer before I had a chance to ask your opinion.  I hope you don’t mind.  It means you will have to come with me in late July.”

They both assured her that it was fine with them.  Mr. Arborough smiled at the group.  “That is part of what I was referring to when I spoke of her business sense.  She convinced me that it would be to the gallery’s advantage to bring you both with her.  Well done, I must say.”

They bid the two gentlemen goodbye and continued on with their way.  On the way downtown, Mandy told them about the deal she had just struck.  Mr. Arborough was looking for artists who were relatively unknown except in their local areas.  Mr. Harrington had sent her portfolio to him and Mr. Arborough showed up that morning.  It was just luck they had come by, since Mr. Harrington had been trying to call the house.  He had left messages for them at the house; they must have been on the way over.  “Mr. Harrington was more excited than I have ever seen him.  Maybe this is a bigger deal than I thought.”

“I’m pretty sure it is,” stated Ted.  “I’ve been to their place in New York.  If a star wants a new piece of art for their apartment, that is where they go.  You almost have to have an invitation to get in the front door.”

“But Mr. Arborough didn’t seem snobbish or anything.”

“He probably isn’t, but his clientele is the most elite among the rich and famous.  Your work will be hanging in some of the fanciest places in the world.”

Mandy suddenly looked a little pale.  The thought of people that she admired looking and maybe buying her work was daunting.  Ted caught her look and tried to reassure her.  “I have been all over the world and your paintings are some of the best I have ever seen.  They talk to your soul.  You have every right to be in Arborough’s gallery, more than some that I have seen.”

Her father-in-law’s talk made Mandy feel a little bit better, but the thought still gave her the chills.  Then she remembered the envelope that Mr. Harrington had given her just before she left.  “Greg, can you pull in at the bank?  I have a check that I want to put in my savings.  Then I want to treat us all to lunch to celebrate!”  

Once they were in the bank lobby, Mandy had a quiet word with Greg.  “I want to invite Heather to lunch too.  How do you think your dad would take to that?  I don’t want to cause any problems or hurt feelings.”

“I don’t think he would mind,” said Greg.  “They are on good terms.  Really.. They are just more married to their careers than they are to each other.  Just ask him.”

Back out at the car, Mandy tried to find the words to ask what she wanted.  She finally gave up and asked Ted.  “Would you be upset if I asked Heather to join us if she can?  I don’t want to cause you any hurt or anything, but we have become close.”

Ted’s smile took her fears away.  “I wouldn’t mind at all.  I was going to ask her to dinner tonight with us anyway.  I’m glad that you all get along so well that you want to include her - and me - in your celebrations.”  Mandy made the call and Heather assured her that she would be able to meet them in about half an hour.  When Heather asked what the occasion was, Mandy would only tell her that it was a secret and something great.  “Ted is coming along too.  I wanted to tell you so it wouldn’t be a shock to you,” Mandy told her as well.

“Thanks for telling me.  I’m anxious to see him again.  See you at Sardinos at one.”

Putting her cell phone in her pocket, Mandy turned to tell the rest of them what the plan was.  They parked in one of the attended lots downtown and window-shopped as they moved closer to the restaurant.  Traci walked beside Ted to keep him company instead of taking her usual place abreast of her lovers.  Mandy noticed her hanging back and smiled at Traci’s wanting to make Ted feel included.

The lunch was excellent and the talk lively.  Heather was overjoyed with Mandy’s news.  She said the owners of her firm bought pieces of art from that gallery for a couple of their houses, including the villa in Italy.  “You can expect to sell your work for ten times what you are getting here just because of where it is being shown.  I am very proud of you for this.”  Even though Heather had been opening up more around them all, Mandy was still surprised when she found herself enveloped in a hug.

Ted ordered a bottle of champagne so they could toast the deal.  “Here’s to your continued good fortune and may you go as far as you and your talent can go.  You deserve it.”  They touched glasses in salute then settled into eating.  Jenni was chewing on a breadstick while the rest of them devoured their entrees.  She was breaking a tooth through and seemed to enjoy the crusty bread.  

As the meal progressed, the three younger people noticed that Heather and Ted seemed to move more into their own conversation.  Mandy gave Greg a nudge and then rolled her eyes at the older couple and smiled.  For his part, Greg was very happy to see his parents getting along as well as they were.

Before Heather returned to work, she promised to go to dinner with them as well.  Ted said he would pick her up at the office so the rest of them wouldn’t have to hurry to get ready.  Mandy thought that he probably wanted to get a chance to talk with Heather alone.

Back home, the rest of the group were getting ready when Ted left for Heather’s office.  After graduation, many of the girls from the charter school kept in touch, exchanging babysitting services with each other.  Tanya, the girl from the Founder’s Day booth was going to come over to watch Jenni.  Mandy would rarely leave her daughter, but this was a special occasion.  Tanya still lived at home with her parents and four siblings, so she was more than happy to come over for some peace and quiet.  Greg couldn’t figure how two children under the age of two could be considered peace and quiet, but Tanya assured him that they were no problem.

They were on their way to the club where Ted had made reservations for them all.  He had joined the country club when he had been a rising star eager to make contacts.  That had been many years ago and even though the family never used the membership anymore, he kept the dues up to date.  It came in handy for times like this.

Greg pulled up in front and the valet opened the door for Mandy.  He was practically drooling by the time he had helped her, then Traci out of the back seat.  Both women had really dressed for the occasion, accenting their assets to the best advantage.  Greg watched, as all eyes seemed to turn towards them as they entered the club and he felt proud to be escorting the two ladies.

They were escorted to a table where Ted and Heather were waiting for them.  Greetings were exchanged as they trio were seated and given menus.  Mandy was a little nervous about the fancy trappings, afraid that she would somehow do something wrong.  Ted put his hand on hers and gave it a little squeeze.  “Don’t worry Mandy,” he whispered, “Most of these people are just a bunch of old farts who think that their money somehow puts them above the common folk.  Hell!  Most of them didn’t even earn it; they just inherited their fortunes.  You have more talent and natural grace than anyone here.  And you are much better looking than any of them.”

The last comment made Mandy giggle, shaking her from her fears.  She was then able to settle down and enjoy the meal.  The food was good, but nothing very special that she could tell.  When she asked Ted why he had chosen here, he told her that he could always get a reservation here where the best places in town could be booked a month in advance.

They enjoyed the meal and even went for dessert when the waiter suggested a specialty that the pastry chef made up that morning.  They lingered over coffee until it was clear that the dining room would be closing soon.  Greg and his mates voted to go on back home and relax, but Heather and Ted said they were not ready to call it a night yet.  After thanking Ted for the wonderful evening, the trio took off for home.

Tanya was watching a romance on the satellite when they came in, so they all changed into something more comfortable and joined her.  She assured them that Jenni had been just fine all evening.  When the movie ended, she bundled her son up and set him into his car seat without ever waking him up.  With a wave of her hand, she was on her way home.  Mandy checked on Jenni one last time while Greg checked the house and they met in the bedroom for a bit of playful groping before falling asleep.

Next morning, Traci was the first one up since she had to work that day.  She was eating a muffin with her coffee when the front door opened and Ted walked in.  He looked tired but had a smile on his face.  Traci gave him a grin and poured him a cup of coffee, which he eagerly accepted.

“Looks like you had a good finish to your evening,” she said in a low voice.

He looked up at her sheepishly.  “Well we did get reacquainted last night.  I’m afraid that too much has passed for us to get back together, but I hope we can remain on a friendly basis. Now if I could convince my son to share the bounty I could be a happy man.”  Traci had the distinct feeling that Ted was not only mentally undressing her but also imagining her on her back with her legs in the air.  It was not a comfortable feeling for her.  She busied herself, answering him in a friendly voice but did her best to stay away from him.

Ted ate a quick breakfast, then refilled his coffee cup and headed for the shower.  Greg came down before his father returned.  He put Jenni into her high chair and greeted Traci with their usual hug and kiss.  While Greg sipped his coffee, Traci told him about what his father had said about his mother.  She kept quiet about the pass that Ted had made at her, knowing that it would upset her lover.

It was somewhat a disappointment when Greg heard what had been said.  When he found that his dad had not come back last night, he had been hoping for reconciliation.

Traci gave Jenni a peck on top of the head, which was the only spot that didn’t have her breakfast smeared on it.  Mandy was much more fussy about being neat, but Greg knew he could give her a quick bath and she always had so much fun making a mess.  Greg got a much more loving kiss from her as she went to grab her purse and keys.

The door was closing behind Traci when Ted came back down the stairs.  He was wearing a robe and rubbing his close-cropped hair with a towel.  Draping the towel around the back of his neck, he poured himself another cup.  Topping off Greg’s cup as well, he sat down opposite his son.

“Greg, I am going to have to cut this vacation short.  I called in to the main office and they need me in Senegal on a pipeline job.”

Greg didn’t say much for a few minutes.  He had been hoping that his dreams of his family coming together after so long were going to happen. ‘I shoulda known better’ he thought.  Finally he looked up at his dad.  “Alright.  How soon?”

“I should leave tonight if I can get a flight out.”

“You gonna stick around long enough to say goodbye to Mandy and Mom?”  Greg’s tone was caustic as he spoke.

Ted blinked in surprise.  He had never heard Greg talk like that before.  “Of course.  Why do you think I wouldn’t?”

Greg finally let loose on the emotions that he had been holding in check.  “Probably because you never bothered before.  I wasn’t sure how I felt when you came back at first.  I started to hope that you had changed at least some after what you told us that happened.  But now, you are taking off again just after we started to get to know each other.  I sure see where I stand in the scheme of things.  Somewhere near the bottom of the list with your work at the top!”

Ted was speechless.  He had no idea that his son had resented him and his career this much.  Greg had turned his back to him after his outburst and started cleaning Jenni’s face and arms.  He stood a few minutes looking at his son, then turned and went up to the guest room to get his things together.

Mandy had come down a while later to find Greg sitting on the back deck holding Jenni as she napped.  She could see that he was really upset.  His eyes betrayed his feelings too well for him to fool her.

“Something happen between you and your dad?”  She rubbed his arm as she asked.

He continued to stare out at the back yard, but he did relax a little at her touch.  “He is leaving.  He called his office this morning and they want him overseas again.  I really was stupid to think that we could really connect after all this time.  You know that I would only see him a couple weeks a year?  Yeah.  He would be home for a few days at a time then off again.

“I used to think it was because of me somehow.  I talked to Mom about it when I caught her home one time.  She did assure me it wasn’t anything I did or me.  She tried to explain that he was in love with his work but I didn’t get it.  Deep down, I guess I still don’t.  I just feel so stupid that I let myself think I could possibly have a family life.”

Mandy came around and lifted Jenni off his lap only to take her place.  She held her daughter with one arm and used the other to pull Greg’s body close to hers.  She bent her head down until their foreheads were touching.  “You DO have a family, Greg.  There are me and Jenni and Traci and we all love you very much.  You are very different from your parents and you show us every day just how much we mean to you.  My parents were around but I didn’t get any more love from them than you did from yours.  But we can be different.”

“You’re damn right we can be different.  I promise you right now that you and Jenni will always be the most important things in my life.  Of course, Traci and then any children we decide to have are part of it too.  I really love you, You know that don’t you?”  Greg’s voice told her that he really needed her to understand this.

“I know.  And I love you too.”  She looked deep into his eyes for several seconds and then touched his lip with a kiss that conveyed her love and devotion for this man of hers.

They stayed out on the deck until Jenni started to wake.  Mandy took her in for a change and a bottle of juice.  Greg stayed out on the deck, soaking up the sun as it fell on his face.

Jenni was sitting in the dining area playing with some cloth blocks and Mandy was slicing vegetables for a lunch salad when Ted came down the stairs, his bags in his hand.  She stopped him and asked if he was going to say goodbye to his son.

“I don’t think he wants to talk to me right now.  Besides, I have never been good at these things.  He has grown up to be a great guy and you two are lucky to have each other.  I’ll give a call to Heather when things get settled.  She always knows how to reach me.”  With that, he was gone out the door before she could say anything else to him.

She was dreading to tell Greg that his dad was gone already as she went out to tell him that lunch was ready.  To her surprise, he showed very little emotion on the news.  He told her that he expected as much because that was how he always left.  Greg was trying to be his normal self, but Mandy could tell he was suppressing his feelings.

As she cleaned up, she suggested that he head to the dojo today rather than his usual day, which was tomorrow.  He looked over at her with a wry grin.  “Guess I can’t fool you into thinking that I’m not pissed off.  A workout probably would be good for me at that.”  He was soon on his way out the door with his gym bag in his hand.  She had went with him a few time before and judging by the amount of anger he had bottled up, she could almost feel sorry for the heavy bag as well as the light ones.  And she really hoped nobody wanted to spar.

She continued with her day, feeding and then putting Jenni down for her nap.  She was working on an oil painting when the phone rang.  When she answered it, Heather was on the other end looking for Ted.  Mandy explained that he had already left.  Then she told Heather how upset Greg had been, but wouldn’t admit to it.

Heather was silent for a moment before she answered Mandy again.  “Maybe I should come over tonight after work.  There are some things that I may need to explain to Greg.”

“Why don’t you come for dinner?  I wasn’t fixing anything too fancy, just meatloaf and all the fixings.  I thought Ted would like another home cooked meal, but you can see where that went.”

Heather accepted immediately.  She was not much of a cook, and really admired her future daughter-in-law’s skills in the kitchen.  And she would never turn down a chance to taste her meals.

It was late in the afternoon before Greg returned to the house.  He had showered at the dojo and his hair was still damp under his helmet.  He looked tired but the anger had been replaced with an attitude of resignation that he can’t change what was happening.

Mandy came over and gave him a kiss and asked how his workout went.

“Better than I expected.  I did my warm-ups then a couple of katas to focus.  I started on the bag when I saw someone watching me.  We talked for a few minutes when I took a break.  He was a collegiate scout and remembered me from the regional tournaments.  He asked me to spar with a couple of the guys that are on the national team.  I was still full of anger so after I was told not to hold back, I beat them both in the standard 3-point rounds.  He was rather impressed.  He is going to talk to my coach at the college about next year.  I guess some good came from this after all.”  He released his hold on Mandy that he had maintained as he told her the news.  He turned to take his bag up to empty it when Mandy told him that his mother was coming for dinner.  Greg looked over his shoulder at his lover and grinned knowing his mom’s love of Mandy’s cooking.

As she watched him go up the stairs, he was hoping that he would come out of the after-dinner conversation feeling as good as he did now.