“Should I assume now that my brothers muse has reawakened that painting at the Tetleys is on us?”
“You assume correctly, sir. Speaking of which, the countertop for the kitchenette for the media room is due to be delivered tomorrow.” No rest for the wicked, it was right back to work for this newly engaged Daddy.
“Yup. Got the cabinets installed and the plumbing lines run on Friday, so we’re ready for it. Alright, I’m done for the day. See you bright and early tomorrow.”
Oscar headed out and I dove into emails while Tae was tucked away, working on his own project. We had a bit of time before dinner, so I’d let him be and surprise him with pizza night. That should lure him out for sure.
Meanwhile, I started a spreadsheet for the proposed cabin. Guess I too had a new obsession. Enough bedrooms to have our friends and family there occasionally was a must, along with at least two bathrooms. A massive fireplace, both Tae and I really enjoyed having that. I’d personally like a wraparound porch with full views of the property. Nice eat in kitchen with an island. The more I typed, the more excited I grew. I bet mom would enjoy getting away now and again too. Initially, it would be quite an investment but, in the end, it would totally be worth it.
Rustic décor, flannel sheets, warm tones, and the primary bedroom would have its ownen suitewith a tub so my boy could have his tubby time. The vision was so clear. Numerous windows to watch the snowfall and fauna foraging for food. I could already hear Tae’s giggles at the sight of deer nibbling away on the twigs and leaves. I wonder if we could build a feeder for them. Probably not a good idea as it would likely attract bears and other not so nice wildlife…but…maybe.
What would make it even better was if Tae painted all the artwork we hung inside it. I already picture him sitting on the porch, sketching the wonders of the forest life while enjoying the cooler weather. Giggling at every rabbit and wild animal as he saw them. The wheels were turning now and they’d not soon stop. Not until I provided my boy with that kind of happiness.
“Daddy?” My sweet boy called out. A quick glance at the clock showed it was time to order dinner.
“In the office.”
“Wha’cha doing?” He crawled up on my lap waving a piece of paper around.
“Ordering pizza.”
“Yay! I was just coming to say I’m hungry and to give you this,” he held the paper so close to my face I couldn’t make a single word out.
“Gotta move it out, sweetheart. It’s too close to Daddy’s eyeballs.” He giggled and moved it back and forth like it was an eye exam. “Smarty pants.” I pinched his butt and snagged the paper when he yelped. “Your supply order?”
“Yes, please and thank you. Daddy, did you get the cheesy breadsticks and dippy sauces?”
“Geez,” I rolled my eyes, “what kind of Daddy do you think I am?”
“The bestest,” he laid a big smacky kiss on my cheek. “But did you?”
“Wow, only a couple of hours home and I’m already dirt.” Razzing my boy was too much fun. Besides, I know he didn’t mean anything bad by asking.
“No,”kisses,“Daddy,”kisses. “I didn’t mean it like that,” then he laid a big kiss right on my mouth. A bit messy, but cute, none the less. “I’m just hangry.”
“Ah, the infamous mixture of anger caused by hunger. Gotcha. Guess we did miss lunch since we both dove right in when we got home. How goes the sketching?”
“Great. I’m so excited but my pencils won’t last long. It’s gonna take a few days to get it drawn out and even longer to paint and get the shading just right. Maybe it’ll be done in about a month. Do we have to wear those hot suits at our wedding?”
I kissed his nose, loving how fast his brain moved. “Not if we don’t want to, and if it’s up to me, I vote no.”
“Me too. I wanna be comfy and have fun.”
“Just the way a wedding should be in my eyes. So, we’re looking at April for a date then?”
Tae slid his phone from his pocket and opened the calendar app. I could see the wheels turning while he figured this out. “Yes, that will work. How about April tenth?”
“April tenth it is. While you have your phone out, why don’t you put that into the chat with Momma, so she knows. Maybe tell your brothers too?”
“And my friends.”
“Yes, and your friends.” I hadn’t realized until all this went down how much it bothered him not having play dates at our house.An issue I’d remedy once the wedding was behind us. Maybe I could jazz up his play area in the backyard before then. Surprise him with a few new additions as his wedding present. He’d appreciate that more than a new blender, that’s for sure.
“Tae, what do you think about us telling our wedding guests no presents, and instead, if they wished they could donate to the local LGBTQIA+ center?”
His eyes glistened with unshed tears, and I readied myself to backtrack. “Daddy, I think that’s the most wonderful idea. We have everything we could ever need.”
He had no idea how deeply his response resonated with me. “Daddy will design an evite for the wedding once we work out all the details and I’ll be sure to include that.”
