I'll Fight Hell to Hold You

Good News

Paul and Tommy had been home for a week when the pediatrician called. She wanted to schedule a meeting with the two of them as soon as possible. Paul, being curious, wanted to know what it was for. 

"I know Aurora and Mady are completely deaf but I have come across a company that has manufactured hearing aids for babies. Would you and Tommy like to come in and discuss getting them implanted? I want you two to talk it over and get back in touch with me. "

Paul hung up and called Tommy to come into the kitchen. He came in carrying Mady and Rory. Taylor and Hannah came in carrying their dolls. "Tea party in a few minutes." he told them. 

"Cute tiara." replied Paul. He was given a purple one to put on. Taylor had a blue one on, Hannah's was red, Rory had a pink one and Mady's was yellow. Tommy had a bright silver one. "Yes, Paul?"

Paul told him what the phone call was about. Taylor and Hannah left. "Dis g'own up ta'k, Hah." said Taylor. "We no 'isten."

"Okay. Da be nice to Mama. No make him c'y." warned the little girl as she left, shaking her finger at Paul. Hannah made sure Paul got the point.

"What the hell?" said Paul.  He shook his head as the two sat down. Tommy handed Aurora to Paul as Mady laid on his shoulder. The little girl was hot to the touch as Tommy held her. "Paul, I think Mady's running fever." He got up to wet a washcloth. 

Paul set Aurora down and took Mady. He laid her across his knees and ran the washcloth over her neck and forehead. Tommy gave her a dose of Tylenol. 

They talked about the implants and came to an agreement. "We'll go see the doctor Wednesday." said Paul. "Right now we're putting Mady to bed."

Tommy took her upstairs and removed the tiara before lying her in bed. Paul started the tea party in the living room. He put freshly baked cookies on a plate and poured water for his family and their "guests."

Tommy came back down a few minutes later. He had changed to a long sleeve shirt which Paul noticed. He sat down and took a cookie. 

Hannah sat in his lap and immediately noticed the bandage on his wrist. "Mama, you hu'ted you a'm. It b'eeding." 

"I did, but it's okay. I just bumped it on the way to the bathroom."

Paul swallowed his cookie as he eyed his husband. He frowned but said nothing. He motioned Tommy to the kitchen. 

"No, I didn't cut again. I really did run into the door." said Tommy. "I promise."

Paul gently unwrapped the bandage and took a look. The wrist was purple. "Tom, who had your wrist in a tight grip? Who put their hands on you?"

"N-n-no one." said Tommy tearing up as he ran upstairs. 

Paul finished the tea party and let Tommy stay with Mady. He would address Tommy's bruises after the girls were asleep.