We spent the rest of the morning together before Wesley started gathering up their stuff so that he could take Aurora to her grandfather and head to work.

"Is it weird to say I'll miss you after spending so much time together the last two days?" Wesley laughed as I watched him gather up the last bit of Aurora's clothes.

"No. No, I'll miss you both too," I stopped him and pulled him to me, wrapping my arms around his neck, "I'm guessing I won't be able to talk to you much tonight."

"I take my lunch at 9 pm every day. Can I video call you then?" He wrapped his arms around my waist.

"Is that going to be another part of our routine?"

"Do you want it to be?" He whispered, his lips inches from mine.

"Yes."

"Then yes," he kissed me deeply, taking my breath away and I whimpered, pressing fully against him.

We stood there for a while, sharing deep, gentle kisses before he pulled away and pressed his forehead to mine.

"I haven't mentioned this but I love how curly your hair is. It’s beautiful," he smiled, twirling his fingers into the bottom of my hair.

"Why do you keep yours so short?" I smiled, running my fingers through his golden blonde waves.

"Habit from the military. Plus it's as curly as Arlo’s if I let it go. Realistically, Jeremiah looks like he'd be my family, not yours."

"You actually look like the perfect blend of my cousins. I haven’t really seen them though. In years. They got married recently. Did Jerry ever tell you about Ben and Henry?”

"No. I didn't even know you had cousins who were LGBT. Is Jeremiah?"

"Yep," I nodded, letting him go so that he could finish getting things together, "both Jerry and I are bisexual. Holly is pan."

"Anyone else?"

"Cousin Ben is… demi I think? Henry is gay."

"Are they going to be there Saturday?"

"Mhm. Henry is going to hit on you. Be prepared. He hits on everyone."

"That doesn't bother your cousin?” Wesley stared at me surprised.

"They've been together since they were 16. It doesn't bother him in the slightest. They have full faith in each other," I followed him into the living room where we found Arlo and Aurora watching videos on the tablet, "my parents were 18."

"Are you talking about Grammy and Papa?" Arlo smiled.

"Mhm. Grammy misses you," I ran my fingers through his curls.

"Can we go see her?"

"We'll see her in 2 days."

"I wanna see her now," Arlo whined.

"I know but she’s working sweet pea so we wouldn't see her anyway. Rory and Wes are getting ready to leave so can you say bye? We’ll go pick up Rory first thing in the morning okay?"

"But…" Arlo’s eyes filled with tears and he hugged Aurora tightly.

"Hey Arlo," Wesley squatted down, wrapping his arms around both of them, "you know how you really miss your grammy?"

Arlo nodded, still hugging Aurora.

"Rory misses her grandpa too. They spend a lot of time together and he needs her help. So I need to take her back home so that she can help him okay? But you'll see her tomorrow. First thing in the morning. I promise."

"Okay," Arlo smiled, finally letting go of Aurora, "bye Rory. I'll miss you."

Aurora smiled and hugged him again before taking her backpack from Wesley.

"Get home safe okay?" I gently cradled Wesley's cheek.

"We live behind you," he laughed, "we'll be okay. I'll text you when I can and call you before you go to bed."

"Don't get in trouble over me."

"I won't," he kissed me softly and then took Aurora's hand, "bye you two."

"Bye."

Arlo and I waved watching them leave and he smiled up at me.

"Daddy?"

"Yeah, baby?"

"Can I ask you a question?"

"Always," I took his hand and we went to my room, laying on the bed.

"Rory was telling me that her daddy only likes princes. Only boys. But you had my mommy right?"

"Mhm. I like boys and girls."

"How many numbers were you when you knew you liked boys?"

"Oh! Um… probably your age. But I didn't tell Grammy until I was 18. Why?"

"There's a really pretty boy in my class. He's so sweet. He gived me a flower. But I'm confused. Because Rory is sweet and pretty and gived me a flower too but it's not the same."

"Well you're only 5 so you have a lot of time to figure out who you are. But, if you only ever like boys then daddy doesn't care. I just want you to be happy. I want you to grow up and know what it means to be truly loved. By a boy, a girl, or someone who is both or neither. Just someone who loves you for who you are, Arlo. We still don't know who you'll be when you grow up, but I'll love you no matter what okay? You can always talk to me about things like this. If you like boys, then you do. That's all baby."

"Mmkay. Thank you, daddy," he hugged me tightly around the neck and I softly rubbed his back, "Can I sleeps? I'm tired."

"For a little while. You can nap in daddy's bed. I'm going to go clean up a bit okay? Do you want a movie?"

"Mhm."

"Alright."

After putting a movie on for Arlo I checked the time and realized that it was already 1 pm and I hadn’t gotten anything prepared for work tomorrow.

With a sigh, I grabbed my laptop and took a seat at the dining table, getting things prepared.

I had been there for an hour when my phone went off with a text from Wesley.

-W: I don’t want to go to work.

-E: Why?

-W: I miss you.

-E: You’ll see me first thing in the morning dork.

-W: UGH LET ME BE SWEET TO YOU.

-E: Fine fine. I miss you too. Shouldn’t you be getting ready?

-W: I am. I’m at my work already.

-E: You don’t start for an hour?

-W: I know but I have some stuff to take care of. I have to sign an agreement with Jerry that dating you won’t affect Aurora’s therapy. That he won’t give her special treatment.

-E: We both know that he will. That he does.

-W: I know lol. But he can’t get in trouble so I have to sign it saying that I won’t ask for anything he’s not supposed to give her.

-E: Fair. Oh, shoot. I meant to make you dinner for work tonight. I forgot.

-W: You were going to make me food?

-E: Mhm. I will tonight. You can take it tomorrow.

-W: Babe? You don’t have to do all that.

-E: What do you normally eat for lunch?

-W: Anything I can heat up quickly. Usually instant foods and sandwiches.

-E: Oh dear god not anymore. Alright. When I make dinner, I’ll start making an extra serving and you can just take that for your lunch. I’ll bring it to you when I drop Aurora off after school.

-W: You’re too good to be true…

-E: I’m just very serious about getting to know you and helping with Rory. That’s all babe. Don’t worry about it. I have some more work to get done, but I’ll talk to you tonight okay?

-W: Sure. I’ll check in when I can.

-E: Have a good day!

-W: I will.

After setting down my phone, I went back to work, annoyed with myself for not finishing what I needed to get done when the kids had been napping. As soon as I was done, I went into the kitchen and finished the dishes before picking out what to make for dinner. Arlo came from the room an hour later, yawning and stretching before grabbing his tablet and heading to the couch to watch his videos.

I had finally finished dinner when my phone started to ring and I answered quickly.

“Hello?”

“Eli? Hey, it’s Wes.”

“I know. What’s up, babe?”

“My dad just called. He’s not feeling well and he can’t take care of Aurora. Is there any way you can pick her up and bring her to me at the hospital? She can sleep in one of the exam rooms.”

“Is that what you do normally?”

“Yes.”

“No. I’ll go get her but she can stay the night with us. I’ll take her to school in the morning like I was planning. Does she have what she would need for school?”

“I think so but… but if not I have a key next to my front door. You’re free to go into my house and get what you need. Are you sure?”

“Of course. I’ll always help. Text your dad and tell him that Arlo and I will be there in a few minutes.”

“Thank you, baby. I appreciate you so much.”

“Anything for you. You know that. Text me the address and call me when you have your lunch. I just finished making dinner. She can eat with us.”

“Okay. I… I have no idea what to say but thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

We hung up and I ran to my room, throwing my shoes on and my hair into a ponytail.

“Lo!”

“Yeah, daddy?” Arlo peeked his head down the hallway.

“Can you get your sandals and sweater on? We need to get Aurora. Her grandpa is sick.”

“Oh no! Okay,” he nodded, throwing his shoes on.

We raced out of the front door and after making sure I knew which house it was we went around to the block behind ours and I helped Arlo out of the car before going up the front porch of Wesley’s father's house.

I knocked softly and the door swung open to reveal a small, silver-haired woman with beautiful nearly yellow eyes.

“Hello dear. Are you Elijah?” she smiled.

“I am. I’m here to get Rory for Wes?”

“Of course! I’m his stepmother, Sara. It’s so nice to meet you. Come in for a moment. Art really wanted to meet you.”

“Oh right okay,” I nodded nervously, taking Arlo’s hand in mine and following Sara into the house.

She led us to the living room where I found Aurora sitting on the floor coloring, her grandfather Arthur on the couch. He was identical to Wesley, clearly his father, but age had settled into him, wrinkles along his cheeks and eyes.

“Oh. Wow,” he smiled at me, “Rory wasn’t kidding about your son being your twin,” he coughed a few times, “sorry. Something goin around. I’d shake your hand but I don’t want to get you sick.”

“That’s fine sir,” I smiled, “it’s very nice to meet you. I’m so sorry you don’t feel good. Rory is welcome to stay with us whenever you need. I don’t mind in the slightest.”

“Thank you. Really,” Sara softly squeezed my arm, “Rory are you okay going with Eli and Arlo?”

Aurora nodded, jumping up and running over to hug Arlo.

“She really likes him doesn’t she?” Arthur laughed before he started coughing even harder than before, trying to catch his breath.

“Sir… do you need me to call an ambulance?” I wrung my hands.

“Nah it’s nothing. I’ll be fit as a fiddle in no time.”

“Right. Well, you can see my house from here out of the back windows so if you need anything please call me,” I pulled a small card from my wallet and wrote my phone number down, handing it to Sara, “I really don’t mind. I care for Wesley and by extension, that means I care for you both as well. So please don’t hesitate.”

“I…” Sara wiped a tear away, “I’m so happy he met you.”

“I’m happy I met him too,” I nodded, “alright. Rory say bye to your grandpa. We’re going to go over to your house and gather up what you need for tonight and maybe even tomorrow so grandpa can rest okay?”

She nodded and ran over to Arthur, squeezing his arm before whispering in his ear.

“I love you too,” he kissed the top of her head.

“It was so nice to meet you, sir,” I waved to Arthur as Aurora came over and took my hand.

“You as well. Take care of Wes and Rory for me okay?”

“Happily,” smiling, I led the kids from the house and went next door to Wesley’s.

It was painted forest green with white trim, and the front door was also a bright white.

As soon as I opened the door I was hit by a rough smell. Turning the lights on I gasped.

The house was filthy, dirty clothes everywhere as well as food containers and trash.

“Rory? Is your house always like this?”

She shook her head and grabbed her whiteboard.

Daddy keeps it clean but he’s been so busy lately he hasn’t had time to fix things. I’m always with Grandpa. He doesn’t like mess but he’s so busy.

“That makes sense,” I nodded, “alright. Arlo, why don’t you go with Aurora and help her get what she needs to spend a few nights with us? Rory just pick out 2 pairs of jammies, 4 shirts, 4 pants, 4 underwear, and 4 pairs of socks as well as shoes and your backpack for school okay? Any toys you want and if you have a tablet that’s okay too. I’m… I’m going to clean a little.”

They both nodded and Aurora led Arlo to her room.

Heading into the kitchen, I realized what I was smelling was the garbage can that hadn’t been taken out. Gathering that, I carried it to the trashcan outside and replaced the bag before grabbing another and going through the house, gathering all the trash I could find. Once that was done, I threw it out and started wiping everything down as well as sweeping the kitchen and bathroom. The kids started following me around and I had them gather all of the dirty clothes they could find, putting them into laundry baskets that I then loaded into my car to wash at home. Once I was satisfied that things were a bit better, we loaded up and headed to my house.

“Alright. I made dinner. Are you hungry Rory?” I smiled as we walked inside.

She nodded quickly and they ran to the kitchen while I set the dirty clothes on the living room floor.

After serving their dinner, I started Wesley’s laundry, checking the tags to make sure that I was following the correct instructions so I wouldn’t ruin his clothes.

Once they were loaded, I went and had dinner as the kids finished up and ran into Arlo’s room to play.

Grabbing my phone from my pocket I texted Wesley.

-E: I have Rory. They just had dinner and are playing. Also… I just overstepped boundaries and I realize that so I hope you’re not mad at me when you find out.

-W: What is it?

-E: I wasn’t expecting you to text back so soon. I may have cleaned your house and I’m washing your laundry at mine.

-W: Really?

-E: I’M SO SORRY. I couldn’t stop myself.

-W: Huh? I’m not mad. I’m just surprised. I didn’t need you to do that…

-E: I did it because I felt you deserved a nice place to come home to tonight.

-W: It’ll be weird to go home alone. Rory won’t be there…

-E: Then… come to my house. I’ll leave a key under my mat. I’ll get the kids up for school and all that. You can just stay at my house until I get off work. You’d be waking up then anyway.

-W: Hm… I like that idea. Okay. Thank you, baby. There’s an emergency, so I have to go but I’ll call Rory before bed.

-E: Kk.

Setting my phone on the table, I went into the laundry room and transferred the laundry before heading to Arlo’s room to check on the kids. They were sitting on his bed watching TV, and playing with their babies.

“Hey guys,” I smiled, “what do you want to do until bed?”

“Can we play outside?” Arlo smiled.

“Not until your tummy is better bud, sorry.”

“Aw,” he whined.

“I know. Why don’t I set up the Mintendo Swatch and you can play that for a while?”

“Yay!” Arlo cheered as Aurora wiggled and we all headed out to the living room.

I set it up and headed back to Arlo’s room, getting things cleaned up to make room for Aurora to sleep on the bed that I had ordered. It had arrived when I was picking her up and I was so grateful to have it.

As soon as I was done wrapping sheets around the tatami, my phone started to ring and I jogged into the kitchen, confused when I saw that the caller ID said Wesley.

“Babe?” I answered with a smile.

“I… I need you to come to the hospital. My dad…” he sniffled, “he uh… he’s been admitted. It's not good, Eli."

“I just saw…” my hands started to shake, “I’ll be right there!”

Running into the living room, I had the kids throw their shoes and jackets on and we ran out to the car, climbing in and rushing to the hospital.

I just saw his dad.

He seemed sick but I didn’t think it was that bad.

I could sense it though.

He reminded me of my Papa.