by Pepper Paris
“Exactly my point.” I playfully tapped his nose leaving a dot of flour. “Turn on the water please?”
He obliged, but grinned. Once, the water was on he started flicking it at me.
Squealing, I jumped back into Jay who caught me and sat me upright, but not before I’d gripped his arms for balance with my flour covered hands.
“What on earth is going on in here?” Noah demanded as he came through the garage door.
“Just making a little dinner,” I answered with a laugh.
“Looks more like a mess in the making.” He took in the water and flour covering us. “Whatever.”
Jay untangled himself and brushed at the flour which only smeared it. “Did mom call you?”
“No,” Noah answered defensively. “Why?”
“Oh, she wanted you and Craig to go up there this evening. Craig’s going to take a plate of food to her.”
As if hearing his name made him magically appear, Craig entered the room. “Thought I heard a bunch of trouble happening in here.”
“Just a little flour and water fight.” Jay giggled as he saw the mess.
“As long as you didn’t start the threesome in the kitchen then we’re good. My eyes would never recover from something like that.” Craig reached across and took one of the carrots that had been cut up.
“Threesome?” Noah’s nose turned up in bewilderment.
“Yeah, Jay’s dating Roxie and she’s dating him and Wade.” Craig took a loud bite, “Oh, and she’s dating Kelly and Carter too. Apparently they all know about each other and are good with it.”
We all held our breath as we waited for Noah’s reaction.
“It’s better than dating only to find out that they’re cheating. At least it’s out in the open. Honestly until the other morning, I had no clue you were even having sex. I was pretty sure that you were still a virgin.” Noah loosened his tie and unbutton his shirt sleeves.
“Yep, haven’t been a virgin since high school. Sorry to disappoint you.” Jay slapped at Craig’s hand as he reached for another carrot. “Those are for dinner.”
“Yes, chef.” Craig waited until Jay looked away and grabbed a few more earning him a glare.
I’d managed to wash my hands and put the cobbler in the oven while they were discussing my sex life. I guess it could have been worse for them to talk about me while I wasn’t there, now that I’d thought about it.
“Did the two of you want to help us get dinner ready while you’re in here?” I suggested as I quickly rinsed the chicken to get it ready for the oven.
“I’m going to go get a shower because I’ve got a date tonight. Craig, I’m afraid you’re on your own with mom and dad. I’ll have to run by before work in the morning.” Noah headed for the door hoping to escape the chaos.
“Great.” Craig frowned from his seat island, “I have to explain to mom that Noah’s date was more important than seeing his father in the hospital.”
Jay glanced up from chopping up the veggies, “What’s up with that? I thought he and dad were always close. Other than that first day, he’s been avoiding anything hospital related.”
Craig eyes flicked to the empty doorway, “He and dad had a big fight the night before his heart attack.”
“No way.” Jay frowned, “What were they fighting about?”
“Dad thought it was time that Noah and I move out. He’s afraid that we’re becoming mooches. He and mom want to be able to enjoy each other and while he doesn’t want to kick us out, he gave us a deadline of the first of the year.”
“Aw, man, that sucks.” Jay added sympathetically.
“Not really, I mean I get it. We’ve already been out of school for years and have money. Well, at least I do. Noah kind of spends his and hasn’t saved up. I’ve got a place lined up after Christmas, but I’m not letting him move in with me.”
I wrinkled up my nose, “I’m curious? Why wouldn’t you want to have your brother live with you? I mean I don’t have any siblings, but it might be nice to have someone to share with.”
Craig snorted, then seeing I was serious answered. “That’s why you wanted four boys around you all the time. I mean besides the obvious benefits of sex, but you get to have your own family. If you’d already spent years with your brothers, no offense Jay, you would want some alone time.”
“Partly, but I feel in love with each one of them. It does have the benefits of almost always having one of them with all the time. It’s true, I didn’t have siblings, but it’s a different story with people you love.”
“Yeah, I don’t want to love my siblings like that, but I get what you’re saying. Maybe if Noah and I were closer, but he’s always such a jerk. One day he might grow up and then we can all get along.” Craig seemed a little sad.
Jay put down the knife he’d been using and walked around the counter to give Craig a hug. “Until then you’ve got me. I hope you don’t think I’m a jerk and if you do, well tell me now so I can quit being one.”
Craig shook his head and returned Jay’s hug, “Nah, you’re not a jerk. The baby who is very gullible, and lots of fun to tease.”
“I’ll take that.” Jay released him and went back to fixing the veggies.
“Who wants to set the table?” I chirped into the silence.
“Um, I guess I can.” Craig lifted a hand.
“I’ll help.” Wade volunteered hurrying out of the kitchen to the dining room.
As Jay put the pan on the stove, I walked over and kissed his cheek.
“What was that for?”
“Because I love you and you had a really good moment there with your brother. As long as you have one on your side that’s progress.”
“It seemed like the right thing at the time.”
“You’re right and I’m proud of you.” I looked at the pan in front of us, “Uh, it’s going to boil over.”
He grabbed the handle lifting off of the heat while he turned it down. “Whew, averted that disaster.”
I turned to check on the food so glad that things were starting to look up.
----
Chapter 7
Jay
They were letting my dad come home, just in time for Christmas. I’d helped Roxie clean house and put up all the decorations, but it still felt like I needed to do something more.
We were standing at the front door when mom drove up with him in the front seat. I hurried to help him out.
“Jay, great to see you. It’s only been since this morning.” He joked moving his legs slowly outside of the car.
I offered a hand, which he gratefully took. “Just glad that you’re at home because mom isn’t going to let us have any peace without you to enjoy it all. You wouldn’t want to doom us to a sad Christmas with no fun, would you?”
“Of course not. She’d have drug all of the decorations up to the hospital if they hadn’t promised to let me come home.” Dad smiled lovingly at her.
“Dang, skippy. It’s not Christmas without all the trimmings. Once, I get you settled then I’ll get started on the baking. I’m going to have to make a few adjustments with the new diet you’re on for your heart, but never fear there will be a Christmas dinner.”
“Oh, my goodness. The house is clean and smells amazing.” Mom turned to Roxie and gave her a hug. “Thank you, dear.”
“It wasn’t all me.” Roxie laughed, “Jay, helped out quite a bit and we even managed to twist Craig’s arm for a few projects.”
“We moved that stuff out of the office and put up the bed. Once, the doctor gives you the okay then we can take it apart and you’ll have an office again.” I announced brightly. “We also polished up the recliner so you’d feel like it was new.”
“Not completely new, I hope. I’d just gotten that one broken in.” My dad moved slowly toward the living room and the chair. “Ah, good. It still looks okay.”
I helped lower him into it carefully. “Need any pillows to make things better?”
“Absolutely not. If I never s
ee another pillow again, that would be perfect. My does seem to be missing a remote, though?”
“Right here.” Roxie picked it up from the table and placed it in his hand.
“Ah, now, I’m home.” He sighed happily.
I stepped back and let mom check all of the things that moms are good at.
“There, I’ll bring you something to eat shortly. I know what they’ve been feeding you hasn’t even tempted your appetite.” She hurried to the kitchen.
“Yeah, I’m going to go help her with whatever.” Roxie smiled and waved leaving us alone.
“Glad you home?” I felt like such an idiot because I couldn’t even come up with small talk with my dad.
“Yes, you never realize all of the things that are important to you until they’re not around. I’m glad that you’re home. We’ve missed you.” He wearily closed his eyes.
I sat there for a minute thinking about his words and all the stuff that Roxie had been trying to get me to realize. I had missed her and she was one of the most important things in my life. I had to do something about it so that she’d know what she meant to me.
Mom had grandma’s ring and Roxie was the perfect person to wear it, but I was going to have to do something drastic to convince mom that it was the right thing to do.
With dad asleep, I took the opportunity to grab my phone upstairs and texted the guys.
Jay: Hey, I need to ask you all something and I’d rather do it over the phone.
Wade: I’m free. If the others are good, I can set up a group call.
Carter: I can be free at lunch time.
Kelly: That would work for me too. They’ve got me doing paperwork, but I have time then to talk for a minute.
Jay: Thanks guys, it won’t take that long.
Wade: I’ll set it up. Talk soon.
My phone back in my pocket, I had a little while to wait so I thought I’d go down to help them in the kitchen.
Mom and Roxie had their heads bent over the counter making a shopping list.
“I only need a few more things from the store, but I was running low on tape. With all of the baking you’ve done, we’ll only have to prepare the actual Christmas dinner and fresh cookies.”
“Well, I didn’t want to you to have to worry about anything when I knew that you’re focus would be on Mr. Marsh.”
“Sweetie, you’ve got to stop calling us by our surnames. We’re practically family. Laura and George will work just fine.”
“I couldn’t. It would feel so strange.” She protested.
“Then mom and dad like Jay and the boys do.” Mom encouraged. “Anyway, what are you doing for Christmas?”
“Honestly, I don’t know. I assumed that I’d be doing something with my family, but they didn’t mention it and I don’t want to intrude so it will just be me and Wade this year.”
“Perfect, he can come to Christmas as well. We’ve got plenty of room and air mattresses. The more the merrier.” Mom offered.
I joined them before Roxie could protest. “I agree. You and Wade should be here with us. I just wish Carter and Kelly could be here to make sure the whole gang was together in happier times.”
“Uh, okay. I’ll check with him and find out.” Roxie picked up the list, “Was there anything else that you can think of that we need to add to the list?”
“No, we can always do a last minute run, if we need to. That should be plenty for today.”
“I’ll go,” I took the list from her hand, “I can grab a few last minute presents while I’m there.”
“Do you want me to go with you?” Roxie seemed a little put out that she had to ask.
“No, I can’t shop if you’re with me.” I smiled to let her down gently.
“All right. I’ll go up and get some of my back work done so I don’t have to worry about it during the holiday week.”
She kissed my cheek and ran out of the room.
“Great, I’ve hurt her feelings.” I groaned.
“Nah, honey. She gets it. It was just a surprise I think. You know she loves you, right?” Mom tried to comfort me.
“Yes,” I glanced upstairs to make sure she was gone. “Mom, I wanted to talk to you about that. I was hoping I could get grandma’s ring from you to give to Roxie on Christmas morning?”
My mom attacked me with a hug, “Oh, Jay that’s so wonderful.”
I grimaced because I knew that she might not like the rest.
“Here Mom, take a seat.” I led her over to a chair.
“What’s wrong? Why aren’t you excited about this? Don’t you love her?” Mom let it all out with a shaky breath.
“I love her, but that’s not all of the story. Three other guys love her as well. She’s in a relationship with four of us.”
“Well, I figured that out.”
“You’re not mad? What do you mean you figured it out?” I took a seat across from her.
“All of you have loved her forever. I was scared that I would break up the wonderful friendship that all of you had. They were your tribe growing up. It makes sense that you would stick together and figure out a way to handle the future.”
“This isn’t something that most people are okay with, this doesn’t bother you at all?” I leaned forward anxiously hoping that she was okay with it.
“Son, I’ve been around the block a few times. I know you all think that because your father and I have been married for so long that we never think about sex or anything like that, but we do know how other people live and love. It might not be what we’re ended up doing, but I’ve seen the way you and Wade look at her with such love. If the other two are anywhere near as protective of her and love her that much then I can only hope it lasts.”
Tears started streaming down my cheek and brushed them away. “You have no idea how worried I was. I thought she didn’t really love me, but I’d just convinced myself of that because it was long distance. I don’t want to lose her and this is one way I’ll be able to know that she’s mine."
“I only have one quick question. How will the other guys feel about her wearing your ring and not theirs?”
“Honestly, I’m not sure. They’re supposed to call in a little bit and I’m going to pitch it to them. Hopefully, they’ll agree.” I held up my crossed fingers.
“Me too, honey.” She patted my hand as she got up, “I’ll make sure the ring is ready for, but you better get going or your girl is going to wonder why you’re still here.”
“Yep,” I nodded giving her another hug, “I’m so glad you like her.”
“That girl has gone through a lot, but she deserves every bit of happiness and if it takes four guys to give it to her, then I’m all for it.”
“Thanks,” I grabbed the list and hurried out because I only had a few minutes before the guys called. There wasn’t much time for me to get to the store before they answered the biggest question I’d ever had to ask them. I hoped they said yes.
-------
I’d just gotten parked when the phone rang.
“Crap! This is it.” I had to pry my fingers from the steering wheel and hit the button on my phone.
“Hey, Jay. I’ve got everyone on the line. So what have you gotten for us?”
“It’s kind of complicated. Wade knows a little bit behind my problem, but I’ll catch you both up. I’ve been worried that Roxie couldn’t possibly love all of us. That I was just a pity thing and she would change her mind.”
“Uh, well today when my dad came home he was commenting on how you didn’t realize what you were missing until it was gone and I suddenly knew how true that was.”
“When I was up there these past few years, I missed Roxie when I wasn’t with her. She’s the friend I have that I call when something good or bad happens.” I gave them an apologetic smile, “I mean I like all of you, but it’s just different with her. Anyway, I knew that I couldn’t let her continue to think that I don’t love her. But this is where it gets a little tricky because there are four of us. I want to as
k her to marry me.”
I waited looking between all three screens to see if they were upset with what I’d just said.
“Uh, well it’s not something we’ve really discussed before, but I think it works for one of us to marry her legally.” Carter agreed. “I mean any one of us could do it and that doesn’t change our relationship with her or the others.”
“We’re a family and this will just give us some legitimacy. That’s one of those things where it’s better for one of you to do it since I’m in the military.” Kelly explained his point of view.
“Dude, I’ve thought about this a lot over the past few days since we talked and I think it’s the perfect thing to let Roxie know you’re all in. We’ve all sort of made those commitments to her in some way, but I think this will mean the most coming from you.”
Wade didn’t mention everything, but he’d hit on the exact reason why this was so important to me.
“I just wish we could be there when you do it, man. The look on her face will be priceless.” Kelly smiled wishfully.
“Why can’t you?” I questioned. “Look, my mom’s invited both Roxie and Wade to spend Christmas with us. Wade and video it, while I’m proposing and she’ll just think he’s taking pictures. This way you’ll be right there with us.”
Carter broke in with a question. “Won’t your parents mind?”
“I asked mom about it she said she’s known for while about all of us. I guess that it’s not a surprise to her. I don’t know about my dad yet, but if he has any issues, she’ll bring him around.”
“This is so perfect and will be great when we all get back together for the house.” Kelly’s excitement was contagious.
“So just to clarify, I’m going to ask Roxie to marry me and all of you are okay with it?”
Each one of them nodded as I breathed a relieved sigh.
“Thanks guys. This means so much to me.”
“Hey, we can see about one of those hand-fasting things and then do the legal wedding at the same time. That way we’ll all get a wedding and feel like it’s all of us together.” Wade suggested.
“I’d go for something like that, too.” Carter gave us a thumbs up.
