Date: Mon, 16 Sep 2002 20:35:10 EDT From: Thunderwht@aol.com Subject: Dennis THE ADOPTION - PART 3 We arrived home early afternoon. We dropped Danny at his home. His mom was there to Greet us. She thanked me for being so good to her son. I told her that I really like Danny and that he was always welcome. Danny's mom wanted us to come back for dinner, all of us including Mike. She wanted to know us better since our sons are such close friends. I accepted her offer, but told her that Mike was working and would not be home till late. Danny was so excited to tell her of his weekend. I told them we would be back later. Danny walked us to the car. When I opened the door Danny grabbed around me, and said Dad thanks for taking me and caring so much. How taken back I was by him calling me dad. He told me, wanted to call me that because I was like a dad to him. I was ok with it, but would his mom? Id find out later, I wanted to get home and relax some. Dennis and I unpacked and put some things into the wash. I wanted to have some time with Dennis alone. I grabbed him by the waist and headed for the couch, to get some quality hugging and kisses in. I told Dennis that I enjoyed having his friend with us and I hoped that he liked him being with us too. Dennis asked if Danny could come with us again. I asked Dennis, do you like him that much that you want to have him with you all the time. Dennis stood up and walked to in front of me, he said dad, Danny is my very best friend, and we tell each other things that we could not tell anyone else. Dennis then proceeds to tell me that Danny asked him about mike and me. So, what did you tell him? I told him that you and mike were lovers. Like a married couple. What was Danny's reaction to that I asked? Danny told me that he thought that it was cool for me to have 2 dads like that and that he wished he was your son too. Damn, my kid just outed me to his friend. Even though he was ok with it, you never know when kids have a falling out, and then all hell could break loose, for Dennis. I told Dennis I did not think it was a good idea to have told him. But dad, he saw you hug mike, I had to be honest like you told me to be. Now, I hoped that Danny did not tell his mom before I had a chance to talk to him. Dennis and I went to Danny's for dinner. Danny's mom was a fantastic cook. After dinner the boys went to play video games while I help Danny's mom clean up. Danny's mom, Diane, says to me, I don't know what went on in Orlando, but I have a different kid on my hands since he came back. Ok, hear we go....... She tells me Danny has been just so happy and helpful since he came home. Diane tells me Danny has not been like that since his dad died 3 years ago. I told her about Danny calling me dad at the car. Diane just grabbed a chair and sat down and cried. Joe, you have been good to my boy, I have seen changes in him since he met Dennis and you. I tried to do everything for him, but I'm still not his dad. He needs to have a man around like you. I told Diane I loved Danny like a son, and id be happy to have him around whenever he wanted. Diane, finally stopped crying, and looked at me, she stood up and gave me a kiss on the cheek, telling me that I have a good heart. No wonder Dennis, Danny and mike love you. OH GOD! Now was my turn to sit down. Diane came over to me and says, don't worry, your secret will always be safe with me. I had a feeling about you and mike for some time now, and now you confirmed it. All I know is there is a lot of love in your home and that's what my son needs to see. I have always taught him to be open to all things. And since he wants to keep seeing Dennis and going to your house, I see no problem with it at all. You a good man Joe. You gave a child a chance to have a family, and I know that there is nothing going on, otherwise Danny would never would go to your home. I trust you with my son. I see you with mike sometimes and I know there is a lot of love between you two. I can see it in your faces, how happy you all are. And Dennis is a angel, your doing well with him. I stood and gave Diane a kiss on the cheek. I told her that she and Danny are invited for dinner this Friday, she accepted. I told Diane that id like it if mike and I could explain our family to Danny, while she was there that evening. Diane thought it would be a great idea. You know. I don't think Danny knows about you and mike. Yes, he does, Dennis told him when we were away. So I told Diane, what had happened in Orlando. Diane asked me why Dennis told Danny, when he could have just said he did not know. Its because I always told Dennis to never lie. It was getting late, we had to get home, and there was school and work tomorrow. Dennis and I left, thanking Diane for a wonderful meal, and we would see her and Danny on Friday. I told Dennis what had happed at Danny's with his mother, and he was so happy that Diane would still let her see Danny. We got ourselves to bed. Mike called me a little while later. And of course I told mike what was going on with Danny and his mom. Mike told me he is ok with it, and it would be nice to have a friend on our side. The week went by, I saw mike a few times. I wished he had a different job. But I left that to mike. It was Friday; mike was home for a few days. We made dinner together; we put out all of the good stuff. After all it was the first time we were to entertain as a couple. Mike and I were feeling good about being able to be a couple in front of Diane and Danny. Right on time Diane arrived with Danny. We welcomed them in. I introduced mike to Diane. I could see Diane liked mike right off. We had drinks and the boys had soda. We sat in the living room. It was time to talk to Danny. I start it off by telling Danny how much we all love him and how happy Dennis and he were such good friends. Now. Danny, when we were in Orlando, you saw mike and I in the pool. And you asked Dennis about what you had seen. Dennis told you the truth right out. I'm glad that it did not seem to bother you. Yes, mike and I are a couple, we love each other very much. Danny says, dad, um Joe, I like you and mike and I'm ok that you love each other, mom has taught me that love comes in many ways. Mom talked to me last night, and I do understand. Mom even told me to never use it against Dennis either, id never do that, I love Dennis too much! Mike, gets up walks to Danny and gives him a hug, and thanks him for being such a great kid. Now I look at Diane and she is sitting there with tears running down her cheeks. I sit next to her, Diane gives me this big hug, and says, and I have never seen so much love as I see here. I'm glad to be part of it. So, its all done, everybody loves everybody. Dinner needs to be served or it will be ruined. We all sat in the dining room and enjoyed the evening with new best friends. Then I hear my Dennis say dad, give mike a kiss, I think he needs one. We all laughed, but I did give mike a kiss, one of many that night. The boys decided that Danny should spend the night. Diane, mike and me say its ok, Danny will borrow some of Dennis' cloths. They do it all the time. Diane says its time for her to be going, I tell her to stay or to let us escort her home. Diane whispers in my ear, I have a date. I give her a smile, we walk her to her car. I thanked her for being such a good friend. I tell her not to worry about Danny, he will stay here until you call him to come home. Have a great evening Diane. I tell the boys to get themselves showered, and come back down and watch some TV with mike and I. Mike and I clean up from dinner. God, do I love being with mike, I don't care what we do, and just being together is what makes me happy. Mike tells me that he liked Diane and hoped for her to come over often. Yeah she I great lady, she had a date I don't think Danny knew. She will call when she wants him to come home. I don't think she gets out much, she is so worried about Danny, but now, maybe she can relax some and think about herself, she knows Danny is safe here. Danny is just like another son. All rights are reserved. The author owns all rights to this story. This story may not be reproduced without the permission of the author.