CH. 32

The alarm jolted Gareth from his sound sleep, where he found the spot beside him already empty. Where on earth was Phillip? It was only 6:30 in the morning; there was no way he'd already left for work, because Mel refused to garden before 9 am, and for that Gareth was eternally grateful. Although, he was pretty sure they were getting a late start today because Phillip was going to walk the kids to school. It was Franny's first day of grade one, Gabe was going into two, and Daisy was starting fifth grade. It was shocking how big they were getting, and Phillip wanted to get a photo of them all lined up out front of the house with their back to school outfits and backpacks on. Gareth was thrilled because he'd never had one before. He wanted to get it framed to hang in the hallway and another copy to send to his parents.

When he got out of bed and wiped the sleep from his eyes, he headed towards the kitchen, where there was obvious activity. Phillip was standing with his back to Gareth, at the counter, and he had four lunch bags lined up in front of him. Each one was almost full. There was coffee brewing in the pot, and two mugs, already prepared, at the table.

Gareth stepped up to Phillip and embraced the man from behind, leaning his chest against Phillip's back. "What are you doing?"

Phillip turned his head to the side and kissed Gareth on the cheek. "Making sure all of you have a good start to your day and school year."

"You don't have to do this, you know." Gareth nuzzled Phillip's earlobe.

"I know. I want to. I know this is a stressful day for you." He finished with the lunches and then turned so they could have a proper good morning hug.

Phillip was right. This was a stressful day. He'd been in and out of the school all last week getting his classroom ready for fall, sometimes with the kids and sometimes without. He had new bulletin boards set up, the books in the reading centre got refreshed with some he'd purchased, new whiteboard markers, the desks set into the groupings he wanted, some first day activities photocopied, and a week's worth of lessons planned out as well as reviewing unit plans and long range plans. There were piles of the textbooks they would need for all their subjects sitting on the back counter and some paper and pencils. He was as ready as he could be until he met the new twenty-nine students he'd have in his class.

Both Eden and Linda welcomed him back when he'd seen them, and both had a chuckle with Gareth when they looked over Linda's photos from Abby's wedding. "Phillip is just wonderful!" and "Awwww!" they'd both exclaimed when they saw the picture of the two men dancing with lovestruck looks and a slight blush on their faces, then laughed at the one of Phillip and Bill in a similar embrace but wide laughing smiles. Linda promised she'd email him copies, and Gareth was planning on having them printed out, too.

Eden had taken Gareth aside last week for a brief meeting in her office, too. "I want you to feel free to come to me if you have any problems with staff, parents, or students making comments regarding your sexuality. It has no bearing whatsoever on your ability to teach, and you are an asset to this school," she told him, sitting on her desk while Gareth stood by the door.

"Have you had any complaints?" Gareth was concerned, although he knew it could be an issue after going to the wedding as a couple.

"No, and I don't anticipate any, really, at least not from staff. I think most everyone that knows you is happy that you've found such a wonderful partner. Heaven knows we're thrilled that Leeann won't be screeching on the phone any longer. But some people are ignorant, and I want to nip anything negative in the bud," Eden explained. "I just want you to know you have my full support, besides, the law is behind you, too."

"Thanks so much, Eden. I'm just so eager for this year to start, I have a feeling it will be the best yet." Gareth had a sincere smile on his face when he left the principal's office.

After Eden Whitlock's show of support, Gareth was sure this could be a great year, especially with a stable homelife, happy children, and a loving partner. Phillip making such an effort to help with his stress on the first day by getting up early to tend to lunches and breakfast was completely touching.

"Now, go have your shower and dress while I get breakfast. By the time you come out, I'll make sure the kids are up."

"Thank you for all this, Phillip, you don't have to do it."

"I know, and I won't do everything everyday, but I want to set a routine."

When he heard routine, Gareth smiled knowingly and set off on his task. Phillip wanted a routine because he was anxious, too. It was a change with the kids back at school and Gareth at work, and Phillip wanted to adjust by setting a schedule that he could follow. It made sense, and Gareth was happy to oblige, as long as he wasn't waking alone after today. That was a conversation for tonight, though, during tea, rather than at the beginning of a long day. Besides, Phillip's nerves probably woke him early.

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Phillip smiled excitedly as he showed Gareth the furniture that he'd found when looking for something suitable for the girl's room. They had decided on a whole new bedroom for the girls for their birthdays, as they'd discussed a month or so ago. Phillip was seated on the computer chair, and Gareth stood behind leaning over top of him. Both had their tea, and the kids had gone to bed awhile ago.

"Look, it's bunkbeds, but they're in an L-shape instead of completely on top of each other! There's a desk under half of the top bunk and the other half is bottom bed, and it's enclosed, so Daisy can read later at night and not pester Franny while she's trying to sleep. And there's stairs instead of a ladder, and each one is a drawer!" Phillip was so excited by his find that Gareth was having a hard time to keep from laughing. It really was the perfect piece of furniture, but Phillip was almost more excited than when he talked about rare plants.

"You're totally right, it's fantastic," Gareth agreed. "But it's pretty expensive."

"I don't care, they need it. And I have the money now; I'd really like to do this."

"Yes, but we agreed we'd do this, and you do so much already."

"We are doing this, look, you can get the matching dresser," Phillip pointed out, clicking on another open tab. "I've already asked Mel to help, and she and I can get everything done when the kids are at school."

"Really? That's a lot to get done in one day."

"If you order the dresser now, I'll order the bunk bed. Mel wants to get the girls a nice throw rug and some accessories to make their room more 'theirs.' Please say yes." His hand made the cursor waver over the purchase now button.

While Gareth didn't want Phillip to use his money to spoil the children, he couldn't deny that this was necessary and a great option. "Okay, but nothing else for their birthday, then."

"Well, except for a party. For each of them," Phillip insisted. "Vernon's already got a cake planned for Daisy."

"Are you sure, Phillip?"

"It's only fair, I want our girls to have the same as Gabe."

"Our girls, Phillip?" Gareth teased.

Phillip's heart beat a little quicker, and he felt a bit awkward but he had to show that he knew there was a permanence to their situation. "I saw the emergency forms for school registration. If I'm listed as an emergency contact and guardian, then I can call them our girls, Gareth."

Gareth grinned like an idiot. He was thrilled as to where this was going. "Just like Gabe is...?"

"Our boy." Phillip was so pleased that Gareth could see what he meant.

"I love the sound of that Phil," Gareth responded.

"Me too, Gare." Phillip leaned back into Gareth's chest and tilted his head up so that Gareth could capture his lips for a kiss. "I love you," he whispered as they pulled back apart.

Ever since their admissions of love, meeting his parents, and being out together as a couple at the wedding, Gareth just felt so much more secure that this was real and he actually had a family again. It was something he wanted to hold onto, and something he wanted to make legal. He'd even discussed it with Mel when they were working one day, who suggested he talk to Bill the next time they were at Bill and Abby's house.

"I love you, too. So much."

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Daisy's birthday came first; for her party, she invited five friends to the movies. They rented out a small party room at the theatre and saw the latest live action Disney remake. Vernon and Mel made really fancy cupcakes that everyone just adored, and the party was a huge success. If Daisy noticed that she didn't receive the same size and amount of presents that Gabe got for his birthday, she never said.

The friday before Franny's party, a doll tea party was what Franny insisted on, as soon as the kids were off to school, Mel and, surprisingly Vern, showed up at the door with a slew of items.

"I know you two have this planned down to the minute, but it looked like you could use the help, so I took the day off. My boss was fine with it," Vern explained to a confused Phillip.

"Thank you so much, Vernon. Now we have a much better chance of actually completing the task," Phillip replied, taking a bag of painting tools from his hands and placing them in the living room. "I've already emptied their clothes into laundry baskets and put them in the closet, and started to take the drawers down to the basement."

"Okay. Well, I'll help you with the larger furniture items and removing the border. Mel can bring in the rest of the stuff from the car, then start taping the trim pieces she can reach."

Phillip nodded in agreement, and had Vernon follow him to the girls' room.

The three of them worked quite efficiently, and by the time the furniture truck arrived at noon, the room already had its first coat of paint. Because they were covering the pale pink with something a bit brighter, it might not even require a second coat. The men had decided to defer to Mel's expertise when it came to girls' rooms, and she'd chosen a muted daisy yellow tone that was going to be set off by deep pink, lime green and grey-blue accents. Phillip sincerely hoped that it was a better palette than her regular choice of outfits, but the carpet that she'd shown him for the room looked like something the girls would like, so who was he to argue. They had a brief lunch break before continuing.

While Mel painted the trim of the room white, Vernon and Phillip wrestled with the furniture construction. Vernon was staring at the pieces while Phillip was reading the directions and Mel just laughed at them. "They say the true test of a marriage is assembling furniture and I'm not looking for a divorce, so that task is all yours, gentlemen."

While Phillip felt it was only logical to follow the directions, Vernon thought since he could rebuild engines, he could put together a bunkbed. They dithered back and forth for a few minutes and Mel could see Phillip's anxiety set in, so she intervened.

"Vernon, it's Phillip's house. His house, his rules. Follow the directions like he wants because we aren't being paid to stand around."

"Mel, you aren't being paid at all. Remember, we don't have any clients today," Phillip responded, exasperated.

Vern shut his eyes for a second and shook his head. "Pass me that booklet, Phillip. I think I see where we need to start," he offered with a grin.

They worked companionably until the hulking beast of a bunkbed was finally assembled. It was huge and took all three of them to move it into position against the wall adjacent the window. Then they did the same for the dresser Gareth had purchased, and the bookshelf and desk chair that Phillip had also gotten. He figured Gareth couldn't be angry with the chair, since it was necessary for the desk, and every good room needed a bookshelf. Besides, Mel had purchased Franny a cute beanbag chair, so Daisy would also need somewhere to sit.

By 3:30, the kids were expected shortly and the room was almost done. The beds were made with new bedding, pink for Franny and blue for Daisy, there were a few throw pillows, and a great green reading lamp for Daisy that could be used at the desk or turned to the bed. Mel and Vern had put gift wrap on the bedroom door and affixed a giant bow, and Phillip was hanging the new curtains. The front door opened with a clatter, and the kids could be heard entering the house, so Mel and Vern shut the door, closing Phillip inside, still struggling with the curtain rod.

"What's going on? Mel, Vern? Are daddy and Phillip okay?" Daisy asked her voice filled with worry.

"Goodness, it's nothing like that. Come here, girls!" Mel called.

There was the requisite amount of squealing when the door opened, and both tumbled in the room followed by Gabe, Vern, and Mel. Phillip stood quietly watching the girls' faces, immensely pleased.

"I love it, I love it! Can I have the top? Please, please?" Franny begged.

Daisy took one look at the reading lamp and bed set up and knew she was definitely taking the bottom bunk. "Sure, Fran." Franny ran up the steps and launched herself onto the pink comforter, meanwhile Daisy walked over to Phillip and gave him a big hug. "You remembered! Thank you, Phillip."

He put his arms around her and hugged her back. "It wasn't just me, Mel and Vern, and your dad had more than a little to do with the room, too."

She knew he was right, they did help, but she knew for sure, part of this room was all Phillip, just for her. "I know, but thank you."

The girls oohed and ahhed over everything and were sure to thank Vern and Mel, too, as so many of the little touches came from them. It really was like a bedroom from a magazine, and the best room they'd ever have. Gabe flopped on the lime green beanbag chair and watched as Franny opened the drawers on the stairs looking at her toys and Daisy put clothes away in the new dresser.

Mel and Vern left shortly after getting big hugs and thanks from the girls, and promising to be back tomorrow with the cake that Vernon was baking for Franny's tea party. There were going to be finger sandwiches, scones, and tea with milk and sugar served on the patio. Phillip was going to cut some flowers from the front and side gardens to make a few bouquets, and a craft of paper flower garlands and hats were going to be the loot bags. It was completely girly and very unlike anything anyone in the house had experienced before. But it didn't matter. There were lots of things their household hadn't experienced before, but together Gareth and Phillip could face almost anything.

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As the year went forward, so did their lives together. For Thanksgiving, the whole family went to Gareth's parent's house where they announced they were thinking of moving to be closer, especially since they missed their grandkids. For Phillip, it was great because he got along so well with Gareth's parents, and this way the family wouldn't go and visit overnight when he had to stay home and work.

This wasn't to say there weren't bumps along the road. Gabe still had some difficulties at school and got into another fight about having two fathers. Franny got caught trying to kiss a boy during lunch recess, and Daisy, well, she got detention for reading during class. The whole family also attended some counselling sessions, after Daisy's therapist suggested that all of them going might be better. They were working together well, and everyone was finally enjoying some normalcy.

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Finally, it was mid November, and Phillip and Mel were ready to tackle the living wall at Bill's law firm. All the plants they tended to outdoors were properly bedded down for the winter, and they were excited by the new challenge ahead of them.

"Welcome Phillip, Mel, great to see you both again!" Bill greeted them with handshakes and brohugs at the entrance to the law office.

Mel was dressed in a more conservative 'office visit' outfit today, since they were just taking measurements and getting the lay of the land, and was wearing something that kind of resembled a diner waitress' uniform. It was definitely a dress of sorts that zipped up the front, and was a baby blue colour with navy piping at the sleeves and collar. However, in a nod to her usual clothes, she had neon pink leggings and black mary janes strapped to her feet.

"Dialling it down to nine today, Mel?" Bill asked with a grin as he looked her up and down.

"Shut up, you." She gave him a little punch on the arm. "I had to keep it classy since we're rubbing elbows with the country club set. Besides me and my boss here have some serious business to attend to."

"Partner, not boss," Phillip stated as he pulled out his tape measure. "And, uh, Bill, I need your expertise for a minute." He looked pointedly towards Bill's door.

"Sure. Why don't we leave this to your capable partner, and you step into my office for a second?" Bill gestured for Phillip to come in and sit down. "What can I do you for?"

Phillip sat uneasily in the leather client chair in Bill's well appointed office after closing the door. As much as he loved Mel, he knew she'd be interested in his business. "I want to get married." Bill smiled widely and Phillip cleared his throat. "To Gareth."

"Of course to Gareth." Bill had a little chuckle. "But you can't marry him yet because he hasn't been separated from Leeann for a full year. After the divorce is finalized, and that won't be until the end of May, you can apply for a marriage licence and have a ceremony."

"Can I assume legal guardianship of the children then, too?"

Bill discussed options with Phillip, although mostly it came down to getting Leeann to give up parental rights, which should be an easy petition due to her arrest and guilty plea. Andrea had informed him that Leeann was given mandatory rehabilitation and two years of probation with required clean drug testing. Plus she had to attend anger management and healthy parenting classes.

Phillip was confused. "But she's not getting the children back. She can't have them. Why the parenting classes?"

"She was two months pregnant at the time of her arrest."

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Gareth put the finishing touches on the cake he made while he waited for Phillip to get home from work. The children were sitting in the living room, peeking out the front curtain, ready to pounce on Phillip when he came in the house. They had a little pile of presents waiting on the coffee table, and Gareth had a special present waiting for him in the bedroom, too.

"He's home! He's home!" Franny yelled, as Gabe ran to open the door. Although it was only five thirty at night, the late November evening was cold and bleak, and a frigid breeze blew in as Phillip stepped inside the front hall coated in a light splattering of drizzle.

"Happy Birthday, Phillip!" Gabe said, giving Phillip a hug while he hung up his jacket. As he slipped off his shoes, Franny latched herself to Phillip's leg, hugging tight while looking up at him.

"We have presents for you! Come see!" she exclaimed joyfully. Phillip carefully extricated himself from Franny and moved towards the living room, Daisy leaning against the wall. As he passed, Daisy gave his arm a squeeze and graced him with a warm smile. "Daddy! Come on!" Franny bounced in place, sitting on the loveseat.

Gareth wiped his hands on a tea towel, then came into the living room, to see his family, all four of them sitting and looking up at him expectantly, although Phillip was a little on edge. "You didn't have to go to any trouble," Phillip said as Gareth went to sit next to him.

"It's no trouble, besides, it's not everyday you turn 29. Did you have a good day at work??"

"Yes. Mel had a class in the morning, so I visited with Mr and Mrs Bentman, and then in the afternoon we worked at a few offices." He and Mel had a few corporate clients that were friends of Abby and Bill, and it was looking to be a great way to expand their business.

"Open your presents, Phillip!" Gabe put a package on Phillip's lap. "Mine first!"

The next few minutes Phillip opened a present from each of the Lewises. A new pair of leather winter gloves, a business card case, and the latest installment of Phillip favourite ScFi series from the kids. And the last package, from Gareth, made Phillip chuckle.

"What is it?" Franny asked, looking at the weird stick-like thing in Phillip's hand that was in a small pot.

"It's a plant, duh," Gabe said, rolling his eyes.

"It's an orchid. A Dendroblum Tangerinum. They're very rare and require a lot of special care to get it to bloom," Daisy said, reading the packaging that was sitting on the table.

"And there's an indoor mini greenhouse in the rec room that I got to go with it, recommended by the growers, so you can keep it indoors," Gareth said, proudly.

Phillip was so very pleased with everything, and told them so, then they all sat down to dinner and the cake that Gareth had made. There was the obligatory singing of happy birthday, and Phillip blew out the candles. The evening was spent downstairs setting up the proper growing environment for his new plant, and Phillip couldn't remember the last time he'd spent his birthday in such an excellent manner. He helped Gareth with bedtime stories and thanked the children again, giving them each a big kiss and hug.

The two men had their tea, as was their custom, then Gareth suggested that they turn in early for a little bit of birthday cuddling. Phillip was amenable to the idea, so they finished with their dishes and made their way back to the bedroom.

"What's this?" Phillip asked, examining the box on his pillow.

"Open it," Gareth pressed gently, as he got into his pyjama pants.

Phillip carefully lifted the little black velvet box tied with the deep blue ribbon. His fingers trembled as he pulled the bow open and fumbled with the lid.

"I want us to spend together forever, Phillip. I love you."

Inside the box was a brushed metal platinum band that Phillip carefully pulled from the velvet lining. Gareth reached over and took the ring from Phillip before placing it on his finger. The gardener was stunned as he looked down to his hand at the shining metal. "What is this?"

"A promise," Gareth said as he looking imploringly at Phillip. "Please?"

"Of course," Phillip replied, easing Gareth's nerves. "But I asked Bill. He said we can't marry until after your divorce is finalized."

"I don't care if we have to wait. I want to be yours and you to be mine."

Phillip chuckled quietly, making Gareth give him an odd look. Moving over to the dresser, Phillip opened his drawer and pulled out a similar looking box. "I agree. I was waiting for Christmas, but now is as good a time as any." He smiled at Gareth and handed him the box.

"I'm guessing this isn't cufflinks," he joked, as he opened the box.

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Later that night, the two men lay satiated and exhausted after a round of lovemaking. Gareth was wrapped around Phillip's smaller spoon and Phillip intertwined his hand with Gareth, pulling him even closer, their new rings side by side. The way the men wanted all their experiences to be. Together.

A/N: This is the final chapter, and I want to thank everyone for reading Growing Season. There will be an epilogue following, and probably on Saturday, as I haven't quite finished it yet. I honestly can't thank you all enough for the support I've had--all the reads, votes, and comments. I have almost completed a companion of sorts that takes place in the same world, and I am hoping to begin publishing it starting in December. I am also working on an Mpreg bonus (fantasy world) chapter because a few people were pestering for it. ;)

<3 JJ