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“Yeah, I do actually. She’s giving, loving, and sweet, and I know I’d love to fill her belly with children.”
A wave of warm possession sweeps over me too.
“I’d love to get her pregnant,” is my low growl. “Over and over again, with our kids.”
But then the conversation is cut off because we’ve reached the restaurant. Fred’s already at the table, and despite being in his late 70’s, he looks quite dapper. His white hair is slicked back, and he’s wearing a crisp button down with a brown suede jacket.
“Hey Pops. You’re looking good,” I tell my father as Rick and I settle into chairs on either side of him. “Did you order drinks yet?”
“Not yet, fellas,” he rasps. “I just got settled in myself.”
Rick looks at our father, and his expression is friendly, if concerned. The truth is that Fred, despite his jovial attitude, is frail. Sitting in his wheelchair, the man who had once been larger than life to us has lately seemed more and more childlike. He’s literally shrinking before our eyes, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s lost two inches in the past few years. Not only that, but his back is hunched, and his limbs look increasingly withered with prominent blue veins. Age comes for everyone, and unfortunately, Fred Walsh is no longer the strapping man he used to be.
But hopefully, he’ll be able to handle the news that his sons are in a relationship with one beautiful, curvy woman. Chrissy means so much to us, and it’s time to break the news to my father, no matter how frail he is.
I frown slightly, wishing that the curvy girl had been able to make it to the lunch with us today. After all, anyone meeting her would be immediately charmed, and I’m sure Fred would adore her. But she was so sick, and dragging her to this lunch would have been inhumane.
“Boys, you look good,” Fred rasps lightly. “Keeping busy out here in the middle of nowhere?”
Rick shakes his head and laughs easily. Our dad still can’t believe that we’ve been living in Sheridan these past few months. We left for New York almost a decades ago, and allegedly moved back for “business,” although I’m sure my father doesn’t really believe that.
“We keep plenty busy, Dad,” my brother laughs while clasping Fred’s hand affectionately in his own. “We’re launching a lingerie line as part of Ayema. That’s what we’re in town for, remember?”
Fred’s eyebrows go up slightly.
“Women’s lingerie? Well isn’t that scandalous. And are you going to have a fashion show so your old man can see these designs firsthand?” Fred is still wicked, and we howl at his quirked eyebrows. Our dad has always been quick witted, and it comforts me to know that the old man sitting next to me still has some life in him.
“We’ll put you front row center when we do,” Rick promises as he picks up his menu.
“Good,” my father nods with approval. “You know how much I love seeing lush ladies strutting their stuff!”
I share an amused glance with my brother. Fred is far too infirm to enjoy that kind of intimacy with a woman, although a man can still appreciate with his eyes, I suppose. You’re never too old for that.
“You know, boys,” Fred hums from behind his own menu. “I know you two better than I know the back of my hand.”
My brother and I share a quick glance. “What are you talking about Dad?” I ask.
“You obviously have something you want to tell your old man, that’s all,” Fred says in response, still busy behind his menu.
With another quick look at my brother, I nod.
“Well,” I begin. “You’re right, actually. Rick and I wanted to share a bit of news about our lives. It’s a positive development, so there’s no need to get antsy, but it’s also a bit unusual.”
“Sounds intriguing,” Fred says lightly, folding his bony hands across his lap. “Is everything okay with you two?”
“It is,” Rick reassures him quickly. “It’s just a little non-traditional, shall we say.”
Fred’s keen blue eyes – still sharp as a bird’s – scrutinize me and Rick in turn.
“As long as my boys are healthy and happy, nothing is ever that big of a deal to me.”
It’s my turn to nod appreciatively. That’s Fred for you, I think with no small amount of reverence for my father. He’s always been supportive and kind, no matter what my brother and I get ourselves into.
But before I can dive into the big reveal, there’s a sudden commotion at the entrance to the restaurant. The three of us turn toward the noise, curious as to who’s screaming at the hostess. Interestingly, there’s a skinny older blonde woman with her make-up caked on, and she’s gesturing furiously. To my surprise, she turns to us with a nasty look in her eyes. Who is that? Do we even know her? But then my eyes land on our sweet Chrissy trailing in the woman’s wake, and suddenly, the world goes to hell in a hand-basket.
