I'll Fight Hell to Hold You

Working On The Garden Part 2

At the beginning of June, Paul and Tommy had finalized the designs of the garden play area with the girls. Paul remembered that Tommy had said he knew someone that built play houses so he said it was okay to call. 

Tommy was on the phone for awhile before coming back in. "My friend will be here tomorrow to look at the garden. Around two."

"Two? I can't be here then. I have a therapy appointment then. Do you want me to change it?"

"No, it's fine. I will be here." "I will introduce the girls and all."

"Alright. I can't wait to see the results." "I mean how the play area will all fit together ."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The next day Paul arrived home to find a beat up truck in the driveway and voices coming from the back yard. He headed in  the house to change before going out to the garden. He was met by four happy little girls, a yard full of ladies and a spouse leaning on the tree. "Tom?"

"Oh, hey baby. This is my friend Mickey, the playscape builder and her crew."

Paul was greeted by a blue-eyed brunette with a clipboard. He almost forgot his manners and stared. A clearing throat brought him back to reality. "Nice to meet you." "I'm Tommy's husband."

"Nice to meet you too, Mr. Stanley. " She shook his hand and turned back to working. Paul turned to see Tommy glaring at him. "Sorry." he mumbled. He walked inside and grabbed a bottled water. The door shut behind him as Tommy came in for juice. "The girls are thirsty. I'll see you at dinner."

Paul knew not to say anything so he got to work on dinner. He made Tommy's favorite meal and hoped it would defuse the anger his husband was feeling. 

At dinner, after thee work crew had packed up and left for the day, Paul made small talk to keep a fight from breaking out. He offered to do the dishes too. "I'll wash them." said Tommy. "You cooked for us so I'll clean up. The girls need their baths." 

Paul headed upstairs to start the tub. Tommy knew he shouldn't be mad so he tried to calm down. Taking some deep breaths, he started the water in the sink. Not paying attention, he made it way too hot. Sticking his hand in to grab the first plate, he let out a scream as the water burned him. 

Paul came running downstairs to see what had happened. "Tom, baby?" 

"I'm fine. Just got the water too hot." said Tommy through gritted teeth. He felt tears forming. Paul gently ran his hand under cold water until the burning eased.

"Feel better?" he asked quietly. "Let's doctor it and I'll wrap it loosely."

Tommy was bandaged and given some Tylenol before he went to bed.