John could not believe that he had been invited to the reading of a will. He almost laughed to himself at the fact that the law firm that had contacted him  used the word invite, like it was a party or something that required dressing up. John hated dressing up but there he was in a suit and tie at the reading of Rebecca’s will.  When he walked in he was met at the door by the receptionist who took him into the waiting room where he was joined by Rebecca’s in-laws Corrine Krampf and her husband Erwin. The boys were also in tow. They had been staying with the Krampfs their grandparents and only living relatives. Before any hello’s could be said the receptionist took Hunter and Cole into another waiting room filled with toys and such while another staff member asked John and the Krampfs to follow him. They were escorted into a board room where they each took a seat and as the staff member walked out another person walked in. He sat down and immediately starting talking.

“Hello everyone. I just wanted to say that I am very sorry for your loss. Rebecca was a fine young woman and we’ll certainly miss her very much. However she was also a very smart young woman. She had me draw up this will after the death of her husband, your son.” He nods towards them acknowledging them. “It’s a pretty straight forward will. She has left provisions to be set up as a trust for her son’s Hunter and Cole Krampf.”

Mrs. Krampf who had been sniffling since they had sat down trying to hold back from crying wiped a tear from her eye and said. “She loved those boys with all her heart.”

The lawyer continued. “Now with regards to the care of her sons Hunter and Cole Krampf, her will clearly states that she wants John Childs to raise and take care of said children and thereby giving him sole custody to said children.”

The room which was already pretty quiet went to a dead silence. When for a moment John could have fallen asleep at the reading of this will that he had been invited to sat straight up, looked over at the Krampfs who were also dumbfounded at what they thought they heard, clearing his throat feeling like he had a huge pebble in it said. “What? Are you sure? Let me see that.”

The attorney gave him a copy of the will and he also gave copies to the Krampfs. The three of them started reading it John reading the words from the will out loud so that he could get a handle on it.

“John this also makes you executor of her estate to provide for the children any and all expenses that they will need.”

Still reading the will and in shock John pushed the will back towards Rebeccas attorney. “Oh my God ME! I mean I love those boys but a parent? I’m an author, a writer. I do book signings. I travel a lot. I am a single man. A single gay man. Did she happen to mention anything about that in her will?”

The attorney smiled. “She does. She says and I quote – How she would sit and watch you with them and them with you and the love that you showed them. How they would sit up at night and talk about aunty John. She says that she knows that she is making the right decision.” He gives them a copy of what he was reading from. John quickly looked it over. “I can’t believe this I don’t know what to say.”

“Now she also goes on to say that if you chose not to follow her wishes that upon your decision the said children shall go to live with Mr. and Mrs. Krampf their fraternal grandparents. And of course she goes on to say that she knows that you will make the right decision for the boys and yourself.”

Corrine who was still trying to manage the eruption of tears reached over and held Johns hand. “John there is no question that Rebecca loved you. The two of you were very good friends. You were there for her and the boys when her husband  – our son died. And the boys think that you are the next best thing to a DS.”

John managed a smile. “But you’re their grandparents. I would think that in the best interest of the children, that they should be with the two of you.”

Corrine who was still holding Johns hand was able to find a smile through her tears said. “That’s very sweet of you to say John. We do love them and of course will take them in a heart beat but these are Rebecca’s last wishes.” She sighs. “so I am going to trust you and her.”

John looked over at Mr. Krampf who was holding his wifes free hand and he shook his head agreeing with his wife. “Okay, give me a day to think on this. For now they are with you and your husband. Give me 24hrs to just think about this okay.”

“I don’t see that as a problem. Just call me and let me know your decision.” Rebecca’s attorney said to him.

The three of them got up and left the board room. As they walked into the reception area Hunter and Cole were waiting there being entertained  by the receptionist. John was surprised to see them. He thought that they would still be in the playroom area where they had taken them earlier. This way he could make his great escape and get out to do that 24hr thinking that he needed to do. Hunter and Cole looked over and saw John and their grandparents they ran over to John and John without even thinking bent down and gave them a hug.

Cole expressionless says to him, “Aunty John. How are you?” Hunter stays quiet and just holds on to Johns embrace. John who by this time was trying his best to choke back tears. “It’s good to see you guys.” Then without stopping to think about what he was going to do next, he stood up and looked at the Krampfs and said. “Excuse me Mr. and Mrs. Krampf can you give me a few minutes with the boys?” The Krampfs both nod their heads yes. They give the boys a hug and send them off with John. John commanderies the conference room that he was previously in and the three of them sit down on the huge somewhat comfortable sofa.

“So how are you guys doing?” John asks.

” Hunter cries a lot. I don’t cry.” Cole said to him.

” I do not!”

” Guy’s it’s okay to cry. As a matter of fact I want you guys to cry. Cry as much as you want to.”

Cole looked up at him. ” Mom says that when we cry it cleans out our eyes (he smiles) but mine aren’t dirty yet.”

“Well when you feel that your eyes are getting dirty then you can cry okay.

Cole winked his eye at John but somehow his whole managed to wink. “I’ll let you know okay. Aunty John have your eyes been dirty?”

“Yes they have. I have been cleaning my eyes almost everyday and they’re getting cleaner.” Hunter who had not been said a word or two the whole time said. “Aunty John do you think that it would be okay if I cleaned my eyes out right now?”

Smiling John said to him. “Sure I think that would be fine Hunter. As a matter of fact I think that I feel like doing it too. But before I do can I ask you guys a question?”

They both nodded their head yes.

“Your mom says that if you want you can come live with me…”

Hunter interrupted him. ” I know!”

John surprised. “What do you mean you know?”

“Mom always said that if we were in trouble or if something happened to her that we should come to you and that you would make sure that we were all right.”

“Oh really did she now?” John said with a smile.

“Yes! She said that you loved us and that you would make everything ALL right.” Cole said very affirmatively.

Wow – John said under his breath. “I do love you guys. If you want to come and live with me. I’ll try to be the best aunty -uncle or whatever. Now if you want to stay with your grandparents that’s okay too. I just want you to know that even if you stay with your grandparents, you guys can see me whenever you want. I will always be around whenever you need me. That will never change. I just want to know to know what you guys are feeling about this?”

Hunter responded first. “I want yo do what mom says.”

“Me to Aunty John.” Cole said.

“Plus we’ll be near our old apartment.” Hunter added.

“Are you two sure?” John asked them again.

“Yes!” they both said at the same time.

John pulled them close to him and with tears in his eyes he said. “Okay boys I think it’s time to clean our eyes out some more.”