Liam joined Connor in the kitchen while the rest of the house slept. They began making breakfast, peeling potatoes and frying bacon and sausage. Liam set out fruit and began preparation for making crepes. He mixed the batter and dug out his favorite pan. Connor made a couple types of dipping sauce and sliced raspberries for filling as well as blueberries. It wasn't long before breakfast was ready. Terri had been down and was about to go back up and announce the pending feast.
Danny's eyes sprung open, there was an arm around him but it wasn't Liam. Danny shook the boy behind him.
"Oh, good morning Danny. Last night was pretty cool; you wanna do a bit more before we get up?"
"Not without Liam here, it's okay when he's part of it but I would never do anything with anyone away from him."
"That's okay Danny; it's nice that you guys are so in love. Where did he go anyway?" Shane asked.
"He's probably helping Connor make breakfast; we better get up and get dressed. Let's wash our faces first, I feel a little dried goo on my chin," Danny suggested.
"Man that was fun last night, I want a boyfriend so bad."
"Well I hope it happens soon for you. You have a lot to offer."
"Thanks Danny," Shane leaned forward, kissed Danny’s cheek, and rolled out of the bed in the opposite direction.
Once dressed they passed Terri in the hall. Danny had awakened Doug and got him moving. He popped out of the door as they went by.
Danny helped set the table while Jim and his boys carried out sauce and pitchers of juice and a carafe of coffee.
"Okay folks, dig in. We've eggs, bacon and sausage as well as crepes, so enjoy," Connor announced.
"Oh dear, crepes? My sons and I are allergic to strawberries." Amanda informed them.
"Not a problem, so is Danny so we make them with raspberries or blueberries. There's sauce for both fruits and more berries in the bowls as well as whipped cream and cream cheese."
"That's wonderful, I never thought of that," Amanda observed.
Chatter was lively as plans were made. Terri and Amanda would go check out the Third Street promenade and then the Glendale Galleria on the way back. Jim and Connor would head up to the company’s R&D building and meet Rick and Richard. Duane would join them for lunch and then they would return to the house.
With full bellies, the four boys began making ready for their ride.
"Not to be indelicate lads but you might want to hit the toilet before we start out. There are restrooms on the trail but there are also people who don't know how to leave things alone, so they might be too filthy to use. I keep T.P. and wet wipes in me pack just in case. We have camelbacks for everyone and I keep protein bars and a first aid kit in me pack as well," Liam advised.
"You sound well prepared Liam, I feel confident that my boys and all of you will be safe today," Jim extolled.
"You really impressed my dad, he doesn't say much to my friends at home. He's nice but he just doesn't tell them how great they are," Shane commented.
With the bikes set up and the camelbacks full the boys made one last trip to the toilet just in case. They assembled in the family room and shared hugs and kisses with their parents and then headed out to begin the ride. There was very little traffic on the roads before they turned off to the bike only access road. The new trails were all open and it wasn't long before they passed a man and his son checking out a flat tire on the dad's bike. Liam asked if they needed help but they had all they needed to deal with the problem.
The trail began with a gentle incline and Danny experimented with gear changes as he became more familiar with the new bike. Liam brought up the rear with Shane and then Doug just behind Danny. It would be easier that way to see if either was struggling. They reached the first scenic viewpoint and pulled off. Liam checked Doug to see if he was breathing too hard or had any problems.
"How does this camel thing work, I'm kind of thirsty?" Doug asked.
Liam showed him the procedure and then warned him not to drink too much. It was a mild day and the temperature was quite pleasant.
"I have to pee, is there a restroom close?" Doug asked.
"Sure," Danny replied. "Pick a spot, c'mon we'll go together. Liam and Shane joined them and they anointed the trees at the side of the clearing. A group of girls giggled and called out as they rode past. The same girls would squeal when the boys surprised them doing the same thing at the edge of another clearing. The boys made a quick retreat and moved up the trail.
"I always wondered how girls do it in the outdoors. Boys have it pretty good don't we?" Doug giggled.
"The world is our urinal," Shane added.
They all laughed as they rode on.
The boys were fortunate enough to see deer, rabbits and a coyote or fox. They couldn't agree.
As they rounded a sweeping curve they came across a teenager sitting on the ground holding his leg. Liam jumped off and ran to him to see what happened.
"I hit the curve too fast and my bike went out from under me in the gravel. I almost went over the edge, it scared the crap out of me and busted my phone. I can't reach my bud, he's out ahead a bit."
"We've all got phones, who do you want to call, but first are you hurt?" Liam asked.
"A little, mostly road rash but I'll have to coast down. I need to keep pedaling to a minimum and I need to fix my bike."
"Well here's my phone, let me look at your leg and then we'll have a go at your bike. I'm Liam by the way."
"I'm Craig; that name sounds familiar, do you go to Mc Auliffe?"
"Yes why?"
"My little brother thinks you're the Buddha of guitars, his name is Robby, anyway he says you were really nice to him and I appreciate it. We're both still adjusting to Mom's death."
"I'm sorry, I didn't know. When did it happen?"
First of the year, but it takes a long time to adjust."
"I can imagine," Liam consoled.
The wound was a pretty bad scrape and Liam cleaned and bandaged it.
"In a while that's going to be so stiff you won't be able to pedal at all. Let me call the Trail Monitors and they can bring the Mule up and haul you back and get you a ride home," Liam suggested.
Yeah, that's probably the best. Here's your phone, Kerry isn't answering, maybe I can text him when you're done.
"Sure, let me get you a ride and you can try him again."
Liam called the number he had saved for the Trail Monitors. They were mostly responsible for trail maintenance, but would help stranded cyclists if needed. They took down his location and told him they'd dispatch a carrier to retrieve the bike and rider. They asked if the paramedics were needed but Liam assured them they were not.
Liam handed the phone back to Craig so he could try his riding partner again. This time he called back and told Craig he had turned around already. He arrived the same time as the Kawasaki Mule carrying the Monitor. The bike was secured and Kerry said he would call his brother to bring the pick-up and take them home. He thanked Liam and the boys for their help and so did Craig.
"Well guys, I guess we should head back, we need to shower and get ready for the party," Liam directed.
"I was getting tired anyway, I haven't ridden this far for a while," Doug intoned.
"Let's all have a protein bar and some water and head on back down."
"I think that's best," said Danny.
Shane nodded and hugged Doug's shoulders.
When they reached the trailhead, Kerry's brother had just arrived with the truck and was loading the bikes in the back.
"Hey here they are, my heroes. Really guys you saved my ass and I appreciate it."
"I hope you heal up quick, maybe we'll see you on the trail again."
"Sounds Good Liam, I'll see you guys later." Craig hobbled to the truck and climbed in. The boys waved and the truck pulled away.
"Shall we get going? I think Doug will need a nap after we shower. I can tell he's tired," Shane requested.
Doug sat on his bike leaning against the gatepost and he looked visibly tired.
Danny led off and Shane, Doug and Liam followed. There was more traffic but Liam was vigilant and kept the group safe. They arrived back at the house and Liam suggested that Shane take Doug inside and get him scrubbed off so he could get a nap while Danny helped him hang up the bikes.
"Shane's a very caring brother isn't he, Liam?"
"Yeah, I'd say that. They are very close. It was nice cuddling him last night. He came looking for Shane and then cuddled in with me the way we do with Da."
"Yeah, that's really nice. I saw him when I got up to pee, it was so cute I wanted a picture but my phone was downstairs charging."
"Too bad, I wouldn't have minded.
They finished the task and went inside. Liam and Danny went upstairs and passed by the open door of Shane and Doug's room. Doug lay on the bed completely bare.
"He was almost asleep while I was drying him off. If we hadn't showered together he might have slipped and got hurt."
"He looked pretty tired at the park, I'm glad we made it back without a problem," Liam agreed.
"He's cute like that, just like TJ. I'd really like to have a little brother," Danny said wistfully.
"It's really cool, it's like he's part of me," Shane smiled.
Liam grinned and pulled Danny back to their room.
"I love you Danny, you are the sweetest person on this earth."
"I love you too Liam, but wouldn't it be great if Mom and Connor had a baby, maybe a boy?"
"Yes Danny, it would be grand."
"You think they might?
"I can't say Danny but I'm all for it. I've never seen me Da so happy since you and Terri came to us."
"We would both be big brothers; we could protect him like you protect me."
"It would be nice; time will tell the tale."
They stripped off and showered together, wrapped only in towels they stretched out on the bed and slept until Connor woke them.
"Have you lads eaten lunch? It will be awhile before dinner."
"No Da, but it's a good idea. The ride wore us all out; Shane said Doug almost fell asleep in the shower."
"Poor little fella, he must have been knackered."
Danny groaned and still in a dreamy state asked, “Connor, can we have a baby brother please, I really want one. And just as quickly he was asleep again."
"Connor chuckled, you never know little man, you never know."
But Danny was past the point of listening. Liam rose and dressed. He went to the kitchen and made sandwiches. He went back up and pestered Danny until he woke.
"Let's get some food in you, Da says it will be awhile before dinner at the party."
"I dreamed I asked Connor for a baby brother and he said he'd work on it and get back to me."
"Well, actually he said you never know but you did ask him for real."
"I did? Oh man I'm so stupid."
"Danny you're not stupid, you were mostly asleep and you probably thought you were dreaming. Da thought it was sweet. He loves you Danny, just like he loves me."
"Thanks, Liam," Danny sniffed.
"I've sandwiches ready, let's get you dressed and rouse the other two if their da hasn't."
Liam went across the hall only to find Doug and Shane both getting dressed.
"Hey lads, I've sandwiches made in the kitchen so come on down and eat. Dinner won't be until seven or so."
"Okay, we'll be right down, let's go, slowpoke, get your undies and socks on."
Liam collected Danny and made their way to the kitchen. They put glasses on the island and brought out a pitcher of iced tea.
"Hey those look good," Doug said excitedly. "I'm really hungry."
"Well, dig in, there's crisps in the bowl and tea and we have soda if you'd prefer."
"Thanks Liam, this is great," Shane chirped.
"Um Liam? Doug asked, "what are crisps."
"Oh sorry Doug, I meant chips like Lay's or Fritos."
"He was raised in Ireland Doug, they call stuff different names like Sean did when he visited," Shane supplied.
"Oh I get it, so like chips instead of fries right?"
"Right Doug, that's one that catches me out regular," Liam confirmed.
The boys chatted and joked until Terri and Amanda arrived. Liam asked if they had bags to bring in but Terri said no. Amanda bought a few things but had them shipped home and Terri had carried her things in already.
"How was your ride boys?" Amanda asked.
"It was great,” Doug chirped, “we saw deer and a fox and some other animals, and then a guy crashed his bike and got hurt and Liam took care of his leg and called the Rangers to come get the guy. By then I was really tired and we decided to come back here so we wouldn't be late."
"Take a breath sweetheart; I'm glad you enjoyed it. Liam, was the boy hurt badly?" Amanda asked.
"Just some road rash and bruising, I cleaned the wound and bandaged that while we waited for the Monitors to pick him up with his bike. His riding partner got someone to pick them up so all was well when we left the park."
"And you're just turning twelve? Goodness, I know adult men that couldn't handle that. I'm very impressed," Amanda cooed.
Liam smiled but said nothing.
Shane leaned over and whispered to Liam, "I think my brother has a crush on you." Liam turned and Doug was smiling at him in adoration. Liam smiled back and stood to collect the plates and clean up. Shane and Danny joined in.
In another part of town, Dave had just forced open the window of his neighbor’s garage. The elderly Accord was unlocked and Dave found what he was looking for quickly. The neighbor’s thirty something son was a security guard but apparently forgot that he was required to keep his revolver in a locked cabinet or safe when he wasn't actually wearing it. Dave slipped the cheap Taurus copy of a Smith & Wesson K-38 out of the holster. Dave knew very little about guns and that would prove to be his undoing.
The fall sun was casting shadows in Liam's window when he returned to his room with Danny. They sat on the small couch and relaxed; Liam swung his legs over the end of the couch and laid his head in Danny's lap.
"Sorry we're not getting much time alone, Danny. Still, they'll be on their way to the Sheraton Universal tomorrow. But Happy Birthday all the same."
"It's okay Liam, they're nice people, I didn't even mind playing for them last night. You still duck praise when it's focused on you though."
"Yeah Danny, I know but it's an old habit and tough to break. We played pretty good though."
Danny sighed and said, "Yeah we did."
"Are we taking any guitars to the party?" Danny asked.
"Already handled, Da took a few to Mr. Sheddler and they'll bring them in. He insisted that I bring the National."
"He's a cool old guy and I like his voice, it will be fun to hear his band play," Danny surmised.
"It's almost five Liam, should we get ready?"
"I imagine we should, what did you decide to wear?"
"My new Levis, those red Vans and my black and red shirt.
"I'm going with grey denims my blue snakeskin boots and that shiny hot blue shirt you like so much," Liam sat up, kissed Danny’s lips, and rose to begin changing clothes.
Connor tapped on the door and asked if they were getting ready; and satisfied with the answer he moved on.
Liam's phone chirped with a message from Todd.
:My aunt and my cousins are visiting, Pearce is pretty cool, is it okay if I bring him to the party?:
:Bring him along, We'll see you there.:
:Thanks C U soon.: