FLA 32

While Jon was still talking with his mom, Chris walked over to the car with Melody opening the back door for her. He was ready to jump in beside her until he saw his girlfriend sitting in the very back of the vehicle motioning for him to come back there. Of course he wanted to stay on her good side so he went to the back and sat down beside her.

When Chris sat down Stephanie looked at him. "I have one thing to say to you that I need you to listen to me about ok?"

"Alright." he leaned back into the seat and put his seatbelt across his lap.

"If you want to be my boyfriend then you have to get over the fact I'm from a rich family. I'm not going to be made to feel bad for it or guilty about it anymore. If you love me you love all of me even that." Stephanie told him really ready for either response either he was going to get over it or walk away but she honestly didn't have a desire to keep on going on like this.

"I do want to be your boyfriend and I do love you so I guess I'll have to get over it."

"Thank you." Steph said and kissed him only to here. "Daddy Stephy kissing Chris" From Romeo.

"It's okay little man." Jon looked up and watched his daughter in the rearview mirror. "Steph is growing up so she can do that."

"Are you sure?" Romeo asked not knowing if he believed him.

"Not really." Jon mumbled under his breath but told Romeo it was fine.

Dot reached over and put her hand on her husband's knee. "Who's ready for school?" She asked knowing Romeo was.

"ME ME ME" Romeo smiled.

"I can't wait." Melody agreed.

"I for one think school sucks." Jesse grumbled none to happy, he really did hate going to class."

"I want it to start again, its about time." Steph disagreed with Jesse, that was no surprise though she disagreed with her brother 99.9% of the time.

"I only want it to start because that means it's football season!" Chris stated a little excited. If there was one thing he loved it was sports.

A smile escaped Jon's lips but he didn't say anything.

"Hey when do I get my jacket?" Steph smirked.

"Hey daddy can I play football?" Jake asked.

"Sure you can." he smiled leaning back as he drove.

"You get your jacket as soon as I get it Steph." He almost whispered then leaned over to kiss her.

"Jake honey that's the one thing Daddy will never say no on, you've got it made there." Dot smiled.

"Good cause he won't stop me anyways." Jake laughed.

"Alright, Steph and Chris you two get 1 cart. Jesse and Melody you take another and Jake and Romeo you're with Daddy and I."

"Why me and Romeo don't get one?" Jake pouted.

"Cos you can't reach some of the shelves honey."

Jake rolled his eyes. "Duh we can climb mommy."

"not in a store you won't. If you want to go into that store you will obey us do you understand?" She turned and looked at Jake directly.

"Daddy do we have to?" he whined.

"Yes you have to." Jon laughed taking Jakes hand. "We'll go for ice cream if you're good."

"Kay but only if we get ice cream." Jake told him just as they walked into the store.

As all of the kids got out of the car and into the store Dot pulled back on Jon's hand just a bit to get him to stop.

"Something wrong?"

"Just FYI I'd rather not get into the habit of bribing the kids to be good ok?"

"Can't I take my kids out for a treat?"

"Oh absolutely honey, but with Jake when I told him to be good and you told him if he was he'd get ice cream, did you catch his reply?" Dot asked trying so hard to help Jon learn the subtlties of parenting.

"Yeah he -- only if he get's ice cream." Jon sighed. "I gotcha."

"Thanks sweetie, lets go shopping with our crew." She kissed him tenderly.

All the kids went there seperate ways except for Romeo and Jake who were running around at the front of the store.

"Guys come over here." Jon told them while Dot was getting the cart.

"crayons daddy." Romeo told him running to him.

"We will get you a big box of crayons okay."

Dot looked down at the list, "The one for school has to only have 12 crayons. Boy they are picky."

"Can we have more at home - daddy needs to practice." Romeo asked.

"Yeah I need to practice baby." Jon smiled.

"You're right Romeo you might need to give him lessons. Jake can you help daddy learn about crayons too?"

Suddenly Steph is on Jon's side, "Dad need you."

"Yeah he needs all the help he can get." Jake smirked while moving in front his mom helping her move the cart.

"What's up Steph?"

"3 of my friends and their parents are over in the computer aisle trying to figure out how to get the least expensive laptop to meet the schools needs, help." She told him, her emotions on her sleeve.

"Do you want me to tell them about the Soul are doing?"

"Yes please and please make sure it has the spin on it I don't want them to think I'm asking for charity for my friends they'll hate me. Its already hard enough being this rich. I can be involved just as the idea for the soul if you wanna use that." She grabbed his hand and started walking over there.

"How about you start looking for laptops that way it doesn't look like we are just going over there for that?" he suggested.

"But why would I be looking, I already know what the Souls doing and I already have a laptop." She questioned her dad.

"Just so it doesn't make them think that we are going over there and telling them about Soul because they can't afford it. Does that make sense?"

"Ok, you know best." She let go of his hand and ran back towards the laptop stuff and took Chris' hand looking at them too. She squeezed his hand hoping he'd know that meant to play along with her. "I don't know anything about these things, what does mhz mean Chris?" She asked looking at her list of school supplies she needs.

"It means megahertz but don't ask me exactly what it is."

"I wish the school just supplied these things I'm sure they'd get a deal on them." She pondered allowed wondering what was taking her dad so long she saw Chelsi's father put a laptop in his cart.

"Because they are using our tax dollars for other things apparently." Jon said just as he walked up beside them. "Did I tell you about the Soul foundation donating laptops to the school?"

"No, seriously dad my school?" Steph asked hopefully loud enough that her friends heard.

"Yeah I was looking over the list of thing that kids needed with your mom and laptops where on there. I know with the not so good economy alot of families would need a little help with the laptops so we had a meeting with everyone and I nominated your school. You know just give something back to our community."

"I love you daddy." Steph let go of Chris and hugged him. Then turned to her friends. "you guys don't have to buy the laptops, put them back."

She even went as far as to put the laptop back that Chris put in their cart.

The parents of the other kids just stood there speechless unsure of what to say or do. They all had jobs that they worked hard at so taking a hand out wasn't what any of them wanted but it would help to take some of the pressure off them.

"Seriously you guys, my dad and the Philly Soul Foundation are donating laptops to our school, each of us will get one that needs them, the Soul gives back thats what they do, please let them. None of us should have to pay $700 on something that will be outdated next year and they'll require a new one its not fair." Steph tries to encourage her parents families without making it sound like a handout.

Jon stood there proudly listening to his daugher, she reminded him so much of himself it was uncanny. "I don't think I could tell you anything that my daughter hasn't." he placed his hands on her shoulders while standing behind her. "A few of the players will be there giving out the laptops the day before school starts if you guys are interested"

Steph turned and looked at her dad. "Is Jackson gonna be there?" Her eyes were big she loved him.

"He was the first to sign up actually."

"Chris it's gotta be something with your 1st name cos he's hot." She laughed.

He smiled and blushed then turned back towards the laptops pretending to look at them.

"What'd I say?" Steph laughed. Moving from her dad and putting her arms around her boyfriend.

"You said I was hot -- in front of our friends." he laughed.

"Honey you are but I was actually talking about Chris Jackson." She smirked.

"Oh." he blushed even more now that she said that she was talking about Jackson.

Jon talked to the parents answering some of their questions and they actually agreed on letting their children take the laptops from the foundation. Not something they would normally do but it really wasn't in anyone's budget and especially if you had more than one child. When he finished up with the parents he turned back towards his daughter letting her know that he was going back over to Dot and let them finish up their shopping

"Alright I have to get out of trouble with my boyfriend." She smiled, and then mouthed thank you to her dad.

Jon acknowledged her then started walking back across the store. He laughed when he saw the isle they were in. Romeo looked like he was having trouble deciding which crayons to get.

"Daddy help." Romeo pointed to all the options for Crayons.

He reached up and took a box from the hanger then handed them to his son. "Well you have to have this kind for school."

"Otay." Romeo crawled up on the cart and gently placed them inside. Then returned to his dad.

"Now what for us?"

He bent down to Romeo's level and started looking at the boxes of crayons. What happened to normal colors. There were now different styles of crayons, when he grew up they had crayolas and that was it. "Which one do you guys want?"

"I don't care daddy I want ice cream!" Jake told him.

"Jake we will get ice cream later but if you don't behave then your little butt is gonna get spanked." Jon replied with his dad voice.

Jake crossed his arms then walked over to his mom. "Daddy is mean!"

Dot got down to his level looked at him in the eye and told him, "You're being bad Jake. You know better and daddy and I are getting upset so please correct your behavior."

"Okay but I no want to."

"I understand. Now lets find your school supplies."

Part of him acting up had a little to do with the fact that his younger brother was getting the attention from his daddy. He couldn't understand why all of the sudden he wasn't daddys little boy.

Romeo found the crayons he wanted and ran to his mom to show her. "mommy looky - lots colors."

"Oh Romeo will you color me a picture when we get home?" She smiled and looked to Jon and then Jake hoping he understood her inner thoughts.

Her husband stood up straight then walked over to Jake and tousled his hair. "You get all your stuff you buddy?"

"no." He told his dad.

"Why don't we go pick up some pencils and scissors for ya?"

"Do I need those?" Jake asked.

"I'm pretty sure you do." He glanced over toward his wife for assurance.

"Okay den let's go!" Jake giggled and grabbed onto his dad's hand pulling him down the isle.

Once they got the pencils and scissors Jake couldn't wait to go show his mom the Superman and Cars pencils he found along with a pair of Towmater Scissors. "Mommy look!" he held out the things to his mom.

"Wow those are cool, did daddy help you find them?" Dot smiled at his smile.

"Nope I finded them!" he said proudly putting them into the cart. "Can I get Cars crayons too?"

"Sure buddy you need crayons on your list." Dot check her notebook list and crossed them off as Jake put them in the cart. "Ok you both need backpacks. Wanna go see what you can find with Daddy I'm gonna go check on the other kids."

At about that point Jon's cell phone rang.

"Jackson?" He was a little taken back that his players were calling him. He opened up the phone.

"What's up Money?"

"Hey there bossman, you still throwing that party up at the mansion or did the boss lady put the kabosh on that?" Jackson laughs knowing Jon listens well to his wife.

"Don't forget who signs your checks." he joked while looking at his wife. "But yeah it's all set."

"You need us to bring anything, Me, Matt, Tony, Brown, Davis and Holmes and families are a sure thing - No clue on the staff and coaches."

"No, the misses and myself have everything ready. All you guys need to bring are yourselves."

"Awesome. We'll see you at 1 Monday then." Jackson confirms.

"Hey while I have you on here I need to ask a favor."

"What's that bossman?"

"The soul foundation is donating laptops to Stephs school on Tuesday and I was wondering if you and some of the other guys would like to help hand them out."

"Sure we'll bring our Jersey's so they recognize us." Jackson laughed and hung up. He called Tony and Matt and a few of the guys letting them know that they were on duty on Tuesday.
He put his phone back in his pocket then took both his sons hands into his. "Lets go find a book bag for you guys.

"Ok." They both started walking faster than daddy.

Dot walked over to Jesse and Melody helping them make sure they have all the necessary things then she smiled telling them both to get a few things not on the list. When Melody looked at her like she had two heads she smiled, "Going back to school has to be fun too. Get a locker organizer or a planner or something you want not something thats required." She then moved to Steph and Chris doing the same thing with them.

Once all the kids had everything they needed she sent the oldest two out with everyone else to have them buckle the kids in whie she and Jon stayed to pay for everything. The total on the cash register almost blew her mind. It came to over $1200 after taxes, she looked at Jon and kissed him for doing this for Chris' family and for coming along this year.

After thanking the store manager and paying with the Soul card for all the laptops Jon was assured the delivery truck would be at the high school at 8am and stay until Jon told him to leave. Taking her husbands hand they pushed the very full bag of supplies to the vehicle. "Shit every seat is full where are we putting this stuff?" She asked.

"I don't have a clue." He opened up the back hatch then saw Romeo and Jake looking over at them. "Maybe we should just leave the two youngest here?"

"Daddy!" they both yelled. Steph laughed and told him to just hand bags in and they'd hold them.

They put in as many of the bags in the back as the could the handed a few more up to their daughter. Jon returned the cart to the cart holder and walked back over to Dot who was already at her door. "Let me get that." he told her as he reached over and opened up her door.

"Thanks sweetheart." She placed both hands on the sides of his face and kissed him. "I love you."

"And I love you." He let her move into the car and shut her door then went back to the drivers side and hopped in. "Okay so who's ready to go back home?"

"ICE CREAM" Every person under the age of 16 in the car yelled at once.

"Dot I think they might want ice cream what do you think?" He laughed pulling out of the parking spot.

"I'm thinking we better head to crazees before I'm deaf." She laughed.

"What?" Jon asked jokingly.

"exactly."

The family along with Chris and Melody had went to Crazee's for some ice cream before going home. The older kids stuck together while the two younger ones sat with their parents. While those two occupied each other, Jon and Dot actually got a chance to feed each other ice cream a couple of times. Once they were finished everyone got back into the vehicle and went back to the house in NJ. The older kids grabbed most of the bags from the back while Jon and Dot got the rest.

Once inside Jon dumped all the bags out on the living room floor and told them to take what was on their individual lists and pack their backpacks, he asked Steph and Chris to help Romeo and Jake cos they couldn't read everything yet.

While they were sorting everything out Jon went up to his office to look through the recent laptops that had been given to him. He didn't want Chris to have to wait any longer to get one so he had decided to give him one that had been given to himself. Even though he knew that it was only the older kids that needed the pc's more he decided to go ahead grab two, one for Chris and one for his sister. Once he got those he went back downstairs and sat the laptops in the hallway before going back into the living room and sat down on the couch.

Dot sat next to him curlying herself up and cuddling to her husband watching them all with smiles on their faces, especially Steph, Chris, Melody and Romeo who hadn't let go of his crayons yet.

"You did good today Jonny." She smiled.

"I just thought it was the right thing to do." he said softly.

"But I don't know how you keep up with those two little ones."

"They are just so adorable - you want to watch them."

"Adorable - yes. But they are a handful."

"Very true." She smiled.

"So did I get in the way to much today?"

"no not at all, you're getting this dad thing under control."

"I've had a great teacher." He kissed her on the cheek then wrapped his arm around her shoulder.

"Daddy we color now?" Romeo asked him.

"I tell you what, after dinner tonight we will sit down a color until you go to bed okay."

"OTAY!" Romeo jumped up and down.

Jake got his book bag and lunch box then walked out of the room a little disappointed.
"Jon I think Jakey isn't feeling like he's so special anymore." Dot informed him.

"Why not? He's been fine, this little attitude just started."

"Cos your paying attention to Romeo."

"But I've always paid attention to both of them."

"But Jakey is a daddy's boy and Romeo is a mommy's boy normally.

"Yeah he has been a daddy's boy ever since he's been here." Jon smiled softly.

"He might be feeling replaced."

"Jakey replaced? That's not possible." He moved to the edge of the couch then looked back
towards his wife. "I'll go talk to him." Jon patted her on the knee before actually walking away.

"I'll be back in a little while."

"Ok." She smiled still watching all the kids with a smile on her face.

After looking almost everywhere in the house for his son, Jon went back into Jake's room one more time and that's when he saw to little feet sticking out of the closet. "Jakey are you in here?" He asked walking over toward the closet.

"Him runned away." came a voice from the closet.

Jon laughed softly while moving closer to the closet and sit down right at the door with his back against the wall. "Why don't you come out Jakey and we'll talk buddy."

"no you not love me."

"What makes you think that? We're buddies you know that."

"You love Romeo best." the voice from the closet says.

"I love you guys equally." Jon told him. Jake was always the closest to him so it was breaking his heart knowing that he was upset.

"na uh." Jake says under tears.

Jon slid over and moved the clothes over that his son was hiding behind and when he saw the tears building it killed him. "Are you mad because I've been spending time with your brother?"

"yes."

"Don't you think I should? He needs a daddy to."

"Well yeah but you mine." Jake didn't quite understand the finer points of this yet.

"I know I'm yours." he smiled. "But I'm also Steph, Jesse and Romeos daddy."

"But I," Jake put his head down. "I was special."

"You are always going to be special to me Jake."

"it different now." Jake told Jon.

"Explain to me why?" Jon wanted to see this from his son's point of view.

"Before, you come home, say hi to all dem but hug me and take me to your office and we talk.
Now you with Stephy lot and Romeo lot."

"So you miss talking to me?"

"Yeah." He answered him with a duh in his voice.

"Come here." Jon stretched his arm out motioning for Jake to sit on his lap.

Jake crawled to his dad and plunked himself down. "Yes."

"I know I've been spending alot of time with your sister and Romeo but when you want to talk to me you just pull me to the side okay. If you just want to go outside and play with your cars or in the sandbox just tell me."

"You will still do that?" Jake asked. Not feeling like his needs mattered right now.

"I sure do." With a small kiss on the cheek, Jon wiped the tears from Jakes eyes. "You're still my best bud alright."

"Otay." He said with a small voice. "Wanna go swimming?"

"Let's go see if mommy has anything else planned and we might. But if we can't go today then we will stay outside all day tomorrow okay."

"Otay."

Jon stood up taking Jakes hand. "Do you want to hang out with me and Romeo after dinner and color?"

"Yes." Jake just wanted daddy time, he missed him when he's gone.

Knowing that his son wasn't mad anymore was a huge relief, he was used to the other kids being upset with him but when Jake was that really hurt him. For some reason he was closer to him than the other kids with the exception of Steph who was the first Bongiovi child not to mention the first girl. Both father and son walked back down stairs hand in hand to the living room and Jon went back to his wife while Jake sat back down in the floor.

"We all good now?" Dot smiled.

"How do you do it when I'm gone?"

"Do what honey?"

"Just keep everything straight with the kids. Like giving them each the attention they need."

"Its a learned skill. Luckily Jake will tell you when he feels ignored. He's the one that's most likely to be too you realize."

"Why do you say that?"

"Well Steph is the only girl and the oldest child so she easily won't be missed, Jesse is the oldest boy and Romeo the youngest child but poor Jakey doesn't really get a title like that so its good he speaks up to us." Dot advises Jon.

"Yeah I can understand that, Tony pretty much did the same thing because he was the middle child. Jake is my buddy though whether he realizes it or not."

"Just keep focusing on that and he'll be fine. Where did Steph and Chris go?" Dot asked looking around the room. Also noticing that Melody was sitting by herself with her backpack because Jesse had left.

"It's hard to tell where those two went." Jon felt the softness of Dot's touch then looked into the direction she was. "Where in the hell did Jesse go?"

"I have no idea." Dot got up and went over to the little girl. "Are you ok sweetie or do you want to go home?"

Melody stood up and wrapped her arms around Dot's waist. "Thank you and Mr. Bongiovi for buying us all of this."

"OH honey that's not a problem at all. To tell you the truth it was fun for me. I love office supplies." Dot smiled to her.

"Really? But you don't go to school."

"No I take classes sometimes at the local colleges but I just like notebooks and pens and stuff." Dot smiled even bigger, "besides my little girl is growing up to fast so its fun to shop for another little girl."

"My mom said --" she stopped a little embarrassed.

"Its ok honey what?"

"She just said that we might not get everything on our list even though daddy works all time and I never get to see him." she told her sadly

"Well now you don't have to worry about it and maybe daddy will get to not work as much." Dot told her equally as sad for her.

"I hope so I miss him alot."

"I bet you do. How about we go take you home so you can show mommy and maybe your dad will be home." Dot offered.

"Okay." Her eyes glistened. "But don't tell my mommy what I told you or she'll be mad."

"I won't honey, its just between us." Dot got up and smiled to Jon. "If you can find Chris I'll take them home."

"You don't want me to go with you?"

"Who's going to watch our rugrats"

"Thats what Steph is for." he laughed.

"Yeah have you met our daughter." She smiled.

"I have and shes very responsible."

"But isn't our babysitter." Dot laughs, "From the sounds of things we may be able to get her involved in a more socially conscious job."

"I've noticed that and I think I have the perfect job for her." He told his wife as he walked toward the door way. "But we'll discuss that later."

"Ok later, Come on Melody." Dot called back for her.

"Oh hang on before you leave."

"Yes Mr. Bongiovi, thank you again for the school supplies." Melody offers.

Jon walked into the hallway to get one of the laptops he had then went back over to Melody
and hand it to her. "I know you probably don't really need one for school but you will eventually."

Her eyes bulge out of her head. "Are you serious?"

"Yeah I had a few extras honey. I know what a pain it is to share with brothers and sisters."

"You do?" She asked never knowing Jon has other family.

"Mmm hmm I have two younger brothers."

"You're lucky older ones are worse." She laughed as she saw Chris leaning against a rock wall lining their driveway kissing Steph.

"My wife tells me the same thing, she's the baby of her family."

"Brothers like him - are the worst." She points to Chris, "His brain is a little stupid right now."

Steph heard people and stopped the kiss. "Oh hi."

"Oh hi yourself." Jon replied.

"We made up." She told her dad.

"So I see." he laughed. "Your mom is gonna take Chris and Melody home."

"OH ok. Chris lets go get your stuff." Steph told him.

Jon walked in behind the young couple but not to keep an eye on them this time. He wanted to give Chris the laptop before he left but didnt want to do it in front of everyone. He picked up the bag in the hallway then walked into the living room where he was getting his things together. "Don't forget this."

"What is that?" Chris asked.

"This is your new laptop." Jon handed the bag to him.

"But I thought we weren't getting them until Tuesday?" Chris questioned. "Jon you have no idea how much I appreciate your generosity, my family is trying so hard to make it on our own and its getting so hard. Dad is talking about having to move to a different school district that doesn't require so much of the parents and actually uses the taxes right."

"This is a laptop somebody sent me a couple of weeks ago, actually this was the first time I had taken it out of the box. I figure you will get alot more use out of it than I will. And as far as your parents go, tell them not to give up just yet alright." The way he smiled let his daughter know that he had something up his sleeve she just wasn't quite sure what it was.

"Ok I'll tell them, thanks again." Chris reached out to shake Jon's hands, his eyes equal to Jon's.

"You're welcome son." Jon shook his hand firmly. Chris smiled and kissed Steph softly in front of Jon and ran out with his supplies to get in the car with Mrs. Bongiovi.

Steph let the door close before she looked at Jon. "What's going on in that brain of yours dad?"

"I don't know what you're talkin' about."

"You don't lie to me well. When are you gonna learn to you can't lie to women who's last name is the same as yours."

"Never." He walked over to the couch and sat down, propping his feet up on the table. "How do you and your mom know when I'm lying?"

"Its just talent." She smiled sitting down next to him. "Tell me dad."

"You know that we are having the fundraiser here for Obama right?"

"Yes in like a week right?"

"Yeah well I was just thinking what if I hired Chris' dad to work that night. That way he can't say it's charity."

"Can the party hire him and not you?" Steph asked.

"I'm sure they could why?"

"I think his schedules for work are 2 weeks at a time so I don't think he can request a day off but if the government called his precinct and requested him at the party for security then it should work." Steph told her dad thinking way above her years, showing him just how old she was mentally.

"You're actually right I guess. You know you are to smart for your own good baby girl."

"I'm not 15 even though you think I am. I'm way older." She smiled.

"Your fifteen physically but mentally you are really mature."

"It comes with being Bongiovi." She smiled at her dad.

"I guess." Jon stretched his leg out farther onto the table. "So I'm guessing Chris got over his issue."

"Chris got told to get over it or get out of my life." Steph smiled happy that she laid it on the line confidently for him.

"Good for you Steph." he smiled. "I'm glad you don't let people walk all over you."

"It just got to be enough, you know. Its like he almost was holding it against me that we have money. I guess I understand when even buying school supplies is rough for his family. Will I get to invite him to the Barack thing or is it a pay to enter thing?"

"Supposed to be paid but I think we can make an exception."

"Will President and Mrs. Clinton be here. He's so fun to talk to."

"Yeah they should be or at least the last thing I heard they were going to be."

"What about Vice President Gore?" She asked. Its odd when she thought about it that she
personally knew presidents and such but such is her life.

"I don't think he sent his rsvp back to us and I haven't talked to him for a while either."

"Why what's up with that?" Steph asked.

"He's been pretty busy lately i guess."

"Well I hope he comes I have some questions for him." Steph again loved talking to Mr. Gore because he explained things to her without talking down to her.

"What kind of questions?" he asked curiously . He loved being able to talk to his daughter like this.

"Well I want to know what kind of things kids my age can do to help the environment, can we get involved somehow to get things changed for when we get older." She told her dad happy that he's home to talk to.

"I'm sure there are plenty of things you can do to help. Even small things like turning off the lights or not letting water run while you are brushin' your teeth helps."

"no I mean bigger, like who can we put pressure on and how to get them to start investing in alternate fuels because honestly your generation had your shot and unless Obama can make it happen I give up on your generation so now it falls to me."

It was unusual for a person of her age to be interested in these types of things but Jon was more than proud that his daughter was one of them. "How bout I give him a call and see if he can come then."

"That'd rock thanks dad, and thanks again for the laptops, I know 10 kids personally that will help huge and thats just in my homeroom group."

"I'm really glad you came to me about that. It shows that you do have a pretty good head on your shoulders."

She smiled. "You're now just figuring this out?" She laughed. "Hey are you inviting Chris' family to our labor day bash?"

"Shit! I meant to tell your mom that before she left."

"hello cell phone." She laughed then got up and went to her room.

Reaching for his phone he realized that he had left it in his office earlier so he just used the house phone. "What's her number?" He sat there thinking because he never dialed it he just always pressed #2. "I hope this is it." he picked up the phone and dialed his wife's number.'

"Hello?" Dot answered the phone not knowing who was calling as the house phone was caller id blocked.

Since she obviously didn't know who it was he decided to mess with her. He lowered his voice. "Are you alone?"

"no who is this?" She asked thinking she recognized the voice but not sure.

"i think you know who this is."

"Jon you brat what are you doing?" Dot said into the phone looking across from her at Laura smiling.

"How did you know it was me?" he laughed

"I got the voice on the 2nd comment. What's up? The kids can't be scaring you yet."

"Not yet." He smiled into the phone. "I meant to tell you before left to ask Chris' folks if they wanted to come over on labor day."

"Oh already handled sweetie. I'll see you soon ok."

"Alright I'll see ya. Maybe we can make dirty phone calls to each other later." he laughed. "Love ya."

"I love you too, see you soon." She laughed and hung up. "I seriously think my husband is perpetually 17." Dot laughed as Tim walked in the door.

"Daddy!" Melody smiled and ran to him wrapping her arms around his waist.
'hey sweet heart." Tim smiled and then looked over to Dot. "Good evening Dorothea, picking up or dropping off?" He laughed.

"Dropping off this time." She smiled.

Laura took the bags from her daughter. "Would you like to come in for a few minutes Dorothea?"

"Sweetheart what kind of things did you get today?" Laura asked her daughter who was more excited than she had ever seen.

"Yes Dorothea, I don't know how to thank you for this." Tim said pointing to the bags her daughter carried. He was ashamed that he couldn't support his family and taking a handout was so hard for him.

"Are you kidding me Jon and I can't thank you both enough for taking Steph horse back riding. She loves horses and unfortunately neither Jon or I share the feeling so its worth a million dollars to us to not have to spend a day around them. Besides she came home happier than we've seen her in weeks."

"Chris is so crazy about her." Melody was preoccupied with her new things so Laura walked over and wrapped her arm around Tim's waist.

"He's always got a smile on his face after her see's her."

"MOM!" Chris just happened to be walking into the living room when she said that. "That's her mom if you didn't know."

"I'm aware Chris." she laughed. "Does Stephanie do that too?"

"Oh yes, I'm not allowed to embarrass her either. However, remember when Chris came over the 1st time and Jon said we should all get together. Well we are having a party on Labor Day starting at 1pm and we'd like it if you could come over for a while. That way we can finally get to know one another."

"Honey do you have to work that day?"

"No believe it or not I have Labor Day off." Tim answers.

"I understand you wanting to relax but please feel free to come over bring your swimsuits its just bbq pool party nice and relaxing. I'm sure the boys will be throwing a football around and the girls will be dancing on the patio." Dot laughed.

"Please can we daddy I haven't gone swimming much this year yet." Melody asks.

"That sounds like fun Tim why don't we go?" She wanted to do something as a family since he had been working overtime.

"It does sound fun, we'll stop by for a while, thank you for the invitation Dorothea." Tim replied, knowing he had to talk to Jon about this handout thing. Then he notice the laptop that Chris had. "Chris where did you get that?"

He instantly thought that the Bongiovi's bought it for them and said, "Dorothea really we can't accept that."

"Jon gave it to me it was one of his extras." Chris told his dad.

Dot motioned to Chris to let her reply. a little too late.

"The Philadelphia Soul Foundation picked Steph's school this year as where they wanted to focus and on Tuesday the players are going to hand out free laptops to any kid that wants them. Jon just had a few that were delivered to our house so he gave them to Chris and Melody so you wouldn't have to fight the crowds on Tuesday. We talked about it as a family and think its ridiculous that the school system is requiring laptops first of all but secondly that they are misusing our tax dollars so bad that they don't have the money to give each kid a laptop. The foundations purpose is to give back this year they chose our home community." Dot told him not leaving much up for argument.

"We had heard a little about the foundation through Chris, he keeps up with what's going on with the Soul. The fact that they are able to do this for families is great, especially when it helps the working class. Right Tim?"

"I can't believe they are doing this for the working class. Don't they normally focus on the impoverished?"

"Jon's big focus has always been homelessness yes but the Foundation does other things. The way we see it the working class is getting screwed more and more so they want to reach out a little further every now and then."

"I can't thank you and Jon for what you've done for us today, you don't know how much this means to us.....our kids." Laura spoke with tears in her eyes.

Dot got up and gave Laura a hug. "If you ever need anything just ask. Seriously with our kids together with no end in sight we gotta stick together." Dot smiled.

"Thank you." she whispered wiping away a tear while hugging her.

"We really just want to help. This economy sucks for everyone, believe it or not we do realize that even with the luxury awarded us by Jon's career. This isn't charity." She looks at both Laura and Tim directly. "This is humanity. People helping people."

Laura only smiled while wrapping her arms around her husbands waist. She realized now that they truly did want to help and it wasn't because they felt sorry for them they actually understood to a certain degree how tough things were for ordinary people.

"Well I'm gonna get going, I'm sure the kids want to spend time with both of you, oh and Tim do you have to work on the 14th?" Dot asked knowing the date of the Obama event.

"I think I do I'm not 100% sure though."

"OH Ok I'll let Jon know he asked me to ask but didn't tell me why. We'll see you Monday have a great night." Dot then waived to the kids and left.

"Have a good night." Laura went over to the door then turned back towards her husband.
"They are really good people."

"Yes they are." Tim said. Wrapping his arms around his wife. "Wanna go take a shower with me?"

She didn't know what had gotten into him but this was something they hadn't done in a long time. Since the kids were occupied with their computers she took him up on the offer.


** The Party **

Jon set up all the chairs with the help of Richie then went over the picnic table and sat down beside Dot who was talking to Hannah. "You ladies talkin' bout us?"

"Of course we are baby." Dot smiled reaching over and kissing him.

He reached over and grabbed the glass of tea that Dot had then took a drink. "Good things I hope."

"Just telling her how sexy you are in dad mode." Dot smiled.

"Yeah I am." he agreed.

"You aren't the least bit full of yourself are you Jon?" Hannah teased.

"Not at all!"

"He just knows I'm whipped." Dot laughed.

"Dot sweetie when are you gonna leave that loser and let me whisk you away to paradise." Matt
D'Orazio laughs coming up taking her hand and pulling her into his arms for a hug.

"Ouch something tells me Matt will be benched. MVP my ass. Dead man walking is more like it." Hannah laughed sitting next to Dot.

Jon snorted before taking another drink. "Like she would leave the Italian lover."

"She has an Italian in her arms there Jonny." Matt laughed. "So Dot will show me that bikini you have?" Matt keeps pushing the buttons on Jon to see what will happen.

"Watch it D'Orazio!" Jon stood up and pulled Dot toward him playfully. Although he wasn't much in a playing mood when people hit on his wife even if they were kidding. "Go find your own woman."

"Think I still have a job Dorothea?" Matt asked.

"If you go away now, I'll try to help you out." She laughed and kissed Jon deeply.

"Damn take all my fun away." Matt grumbled playfully and walked away.

He moaned into her mouth as they kissed. "Baby I love you."

"I love you Jon." She smiled and then heard someone cough. She looked up to see Tim and Laura and the kids.

Hannah leaned over to Richie and laughed. "Those two are two much like teenagers."

Jon held her close while standing there but reached his hand over to shake Tim's hand. "Glad you guys could make it."

"Thanks for the invite. I'm sorry but I've already lost Chris, I have a feeling though if we find your daughter we'll find my son."

Jon looked around and saw the young couple sitting side by side on the edge of the pool then pointed. "I don't know if Chris will enjoy today because of Steph or the Soul players."

Tim instantly felt like they were out of place. "Is this work related Jon we can leave?"

"No not at all, we do this every year on Labor Day."

"Do what have people flirt with your wife?" Jackson comes over to the table to get some chips.

"No Jackson!" Jon laughed. "That's only during Christmas."

"Damn she's looking fine, sure I can't flirt with her a little my wife isn't here yet."

"money get your ass away from me or I'll tell your wife and you'll be sleeping outside."

"You heard the lady." Jon pulled her closer kissing her on the cheek. "She's taken man."

"Damn you're way to lucky, you aren't that cool." Jackson laughed. "Hi I'm Chris Jackson, Philly Soul, and you are?" He said to Tim.

"Oh Tim Braxton nice to meet you this is my wife Laura and our daughter Melody. Our son Chris is currently attached to Jon's daughter."

Dot smacked Jon on the ass for forgetting to introduce people. He knew what that was for but it wasn't his fault, he was trying to keep his wife from getting harassed to bad from the players. Or maybe jealousy was starting cloud his brain with the guys hitting on her.

"OH so that's who that guy is. You play football Tim?" Chris asked.

"Probably not to your level but yes." Tim smiled at how easy it was to get along with JOn's friends.

"That's all good we'll put you on our team and you'll outshine Jovi over here."

"Watch it Money!" Jon warned in a playful tone.

"I just don't want show you guys up that's why I don't go on the field at practice."

"Um. Yeah I'm sure that's it." Jackson laughed.

"No really ask Dot. I run from her all the time." he laughed.

"If you've been running from her all these years how do you have 4 kids." Laura asked.

"Yeah honey how do you explain that?" Dot laughed happy that Laura piped up.

"I stop in for a few minutes then leave."

"That's why she loves us so much" David walked up and gave Dot a hug.

"Hi Dave." Dot kissed his cheek and then looked around, "Is Tiger here?"

"What the hell? Was there something that said hit on Jon's wife on invitations or something?" Jon asked starting to get a little annoyed.

Jon noticed that Melody was still standing there beside her parents looking back at the pool.

"Sweetheart you can go on over with the kids if your parents say its okay."

"Really?" She smiled looking over at her mom. "Can I go swimming mommy?"

Dot turned and grabbed Jon by the waistband of his swim trunks and pulled him tight to her. "You know I'm yours forever so chill the hell out."

"I know but it's starting to piss me off." he told her not to make her upset but hated thinking about another guy talking to her.

"Melody you can go but stay where we can see you." Laura told her daughter.

"Melody honey why don't you let me introduce you to some of the kids. Come on." Dot took Melody's hand and looked at Jon with that look that said she meant business before she walked away. When she got over to the pool she rounded as many of the kids together as she could lasso and made sure that Melody was accepted before smiled at Chris, "Hey Chris come here."

Chris moved away from Steph then went over to Dot. "Yes Mrs. Bongiovi?"

"Its Dot or Dorothea sweetie. What position do you play in football?"

"Running back mostly, sometimes QB."

"We have way to many quarterbacks here today. But here." She reaches down and hands him an arena football. Just throw it to one of them and watch how fast you end up with a game. Here I'll help. Hey Holmes." Dot called so Chris knew who to throw it to."

Chris tossed the ball into the water and within just a few seconds all the guys were out of the water which thrilled him because these were professional football players.
Holmes tossed the ball back to Chris. "You up for a game man?"

"Hell yeah!" Chris shouted then looked over at his mom and mouthed that he was sorry.

"OK wait a minute. SOUL PLAYERS OVER HERE NOW." Steph hollered.
All the players moved over to their bosses daughter wondering what was up as did Jon so he watched from a distance.

"Ok you can play football with my boyfriend but if any of you hurt him I'll have my dad fire your asses. Got me?"

D'Orazio went over and pinched her on the cheeks. "You are so cute." he laughed leading the guys over to the large grassy area.

"DORAZIO I'm serious." She scolds and then kissed Chris and walked over to where her mom was. "They don't believe me." She said as Tim, Richie and Jon ran out to play too.

Romeo and Jake quickly realized that all the other boys were out in the grass so they ran out there. Romeo pulled on Tony's shorts.

"Hey little man whats up?"

"Can we play too?" He looked to his brother Jake and then back to Tony.

"Sure if your dad says it's okay." Tony wasn't about to tell his bosses kids they could play because if they got hurt he wouldn't be able to forgive himself.

Jon was close enough to hear them and he said they could play. "Alright guys lets go!"

Jake ran over, "I'm on daddy's team."

"Den I on da SOUL." Romeo told him.

Jon shook his head and laughed at his youngest. "Little trader."

"hello dey da champs!" Romeo laughed.

Everyone in the group started laughing on that one including Jon. "My boy love's his football what can I say."

He looked around him and he saw Tim, Richie, Jesse, Chris, and Jake then looked directly in front him and saw the Soul. "We are so screwed."

"Don't worry boss we'll only embarrass you a little bit." Matt laughed.

"Thanks alot." he laughed. "Can I offer anyone a sign on bonus for coming to this team?"

Jackson walks across the line, "What you paying me boss?"

"Money come back I know where daddy hides the cash" Romeo hollars.

"Sorry bossman the little guy has some cash."

"Alright you're fired then." Jon joked.

"Daddy we gonna beat you" Romeo shakes his butt around.

"Romeo buddy we don't shake our butt on the soul." Davis tells him.

"That's what your dad does to get attention but not us." Tony cracks.

"Do you guys remember that I'm the one that signs checks for you guys?" Jon reminds them.

"Well we have an advantage then we'll have cheerleaders." Richie looked over to the women.

"But no fair we need Matt or Tony or we're completely screwed."

"No shit." Jon motioned for Tony to come over. "We need you man let them have Dorazio."

"Hey if I'm coming then I need my little buddy he's our secret weapon. Romeo come on." Tony smiled

"Secret weapon?"

Just as Jon asked that Romeo came running over to Tony.

Tony low fived Romeo.

"Are you guys ever gonna play or are you just eye candy for us?" Dot asked.

"If they would get their asses in gear then we will play." Jon told her as he stripped off his shirt showing off his six pack.

"We're waitin' on you old man." Jackson yelled.

"I'm ready." Jon told them.

"Ok we're skins." Chris smiled and took his shirt off to which Steph whistled. "Ok if that's what it feels like onstage when girls make noise I think I may want to be a musician."

Jon couldn't help but laugh. "That's pretty much it Chris."

As the rest of their team took their shirts off Chris laughed. "Now I know why you stayed in music so long." He smiled at Steph who was smiling so huge at him.

The look that young boy was giving Stephanie was almost the same look that he gave to Dot when they were dating. The guys lined up and were now ready to play.

"Finally" Dot laughed as the guys got into their game.

Since the Soul players had the upper hand they let Jon's team have the ball first. After the snap, Tony stepped back two space then tossed the ball up into the air with Chris catching it but he was quickly brought down by one of the Soul players.

"I told you not to hurt him!" Steph ran out to yell at Holmes.

"I'm fine Steph." he stood up and wiped off his shorts. "Women worry to much." he laughed talking to Holmes on the way back to the line.

"Get used to it bro." he laughed.

"Ugg men." Steph turned and walked back to the picnic table. "Mom can't you put a stop to this you know dad's gonna get hurt?"

Tony called a huddle and laughed. "Ok Romeo I'm gonna pretend to throw the ball to your dad but instead I'm gonna hand it to you ok? You run by all of them to the endzone. Ok?"

"Ok got it dude." Romeo whispered.

Once the ball was snapped Jon ran down the field the watched Tony hand the ball to Romeo as planned and he actual ran through Jackson's legs to score a touchdown.

"ROCK ON ROMEO" All the ladies cheered and danced around.

"Oh dat cool." Romeo laughed.

Jon went over to his son and picked him up. "Nice move little man."

"Dat was fun, can I go swimming now?"

"You don't wanna play anymore?"

"No I got all the girls I good now."

"My ladies man." Jon laughed while putting him back on the ground. "Go back to your swimming now." He walked back towards Tony shaking his head. "We lost our secret weapon but I think we can have Jake do the same thing."

"Can I really daddy?" Jake was a little excited not only was he spending time with his daddy but he got to play football to.

"You sure can buddy." Jon tousled his hair while being in a huddle with the guys.

"I'm covering Money." Chris told them, he loved watching him play so actually covering him would a highlight in his life.

Tony then laughed as he looked at Chris. "Seriously - no one covers Money they try but fail."

"I can cover him!"

"Alright you're on. I'm the quarterback so I'm hanging back and chilling. Rich you're on Davis. Jon sack Matt." Tony called the plays just like he does on the team.

"Tim help Jon get to Matt, he likes to trick people."

Right after the ball was snapped Tim cleared the way for Jon to break through the line and go after Matt but didn't have any luck before he threw the ball down to his favorite receiver.

Chris hauled ass to try to get to the ball and cover Money and remarkably he jumped up and snagged it out of the air before Money got his hands on it.

Jon stood there in amazement watching Chris running back the ball before getting tackled just a few feet from the goal line. "Damn! That was a hell of a catch Chris."

"That was amazing." Chris said standing up in shock that he just beat one of his idols to the all. Before he fully got his bearings Steph was in his arms. "Baby that rocked."

Jon walked back by Jackson shaking his head. "You're out Jackson, I found a replacement."

"What about Dorazio, he threw the interception." Jackson countered.

"You let a 15 yr old beat you man." Jon laughed walking over to Chris to give him a high five.

"Awesome catch man."

"Thanks Jon, that was awesome!"

Chris was still on cloud 9. He kissed his girl and patted her on the ass to get her to go back to the ladies he was having so much fun.

Although Jon was happy for Chris he did not approve of what he had just done with his daughter. He promised Steph that he wouldn't get involved but damn if this kid wasn't making it hard not say anything. Jon keep your cool he's just a little excited right now. Before saying anything he walked back to his team.

Chris walked over to his team still happy. "Alright Jake we need you. You ready to trick everyone?" Tony asked.

"Yeah I'm ready!"

"Ok you run to in front of me after we snap it and I'm gonna hand you the ball ok?"

"Dat it?"

"Then just run past everyone into the end zone." Tony told him.

"I can do that!" he exclaimed grinning ear to ear while looking at his dad.

"Yeah you can Jakey, just do what Romeo did."

"Kay."

"I bet Jake taught Romeo that move." Tony smiled.

"How you know?" Jake giggled.

"Well you're older than him, you of course had to teach him everything he knows" Tony smiled as everyone lined up.

Tony snapped the ball and Jake came running past him safely tucking the ball in his arms while Tony stepped back fake a pass. Jon was screaming as Jake ran down and actually slipped by a couple of his player. He finally made it down to the endzone then spiked the ball and did a little dance making everybody laugh.

"Well he's definitely my son." Jon laughed.

Jake ran back up to his dad and put his arms around him. "Daddy I did it! I made a touchdown!"

"I saw that." Jon hugged him back.

"Rock on Jake you're awesome." Chris smiled for him.

"I tired now though."

"Why don't you run over and get your mommy to get you a drink okay." Jon recommended because he was a little flushed. Jake agreed and ran over to his mom.

Matt took the ball and informed his team that hey can't lose to the owner just because they were at his house. They decided to pull one of the soul classic plays and everyone had to block for Jackson. They lined up and snapped the ball.

Jackson ran down the man made field down to the endzone where nobody was covering him and easily caught the ball doing his own little dance afterward. "Now that's what I was waitin' on!"

Chris stood and watched Jackson his ability amazed him.

Jon was pretty impressed that he actually played a little and nothing got hurt. He started jogging over toward the women at the picnic table then slowed down suddenly when he felt something pop in his knee. "Fuck no." he groaned while limping.

Dot smiled at him, "you're knee isn't it?" She wrapped her arms around his waist.

"How can I not get hurt playing but I start jogging and I screw up something."

"Adeniline honey." She smiled.

"I think I really screwed it up this time." he winced in pain as he started walking again with his arm around her shoulder.

"I'll go get your brace as soon as you sit down." She told him.

A few hours later the majority of the soul players had left leaving only a handful remaining including Coach Munsey. Jon was at the picnic table with his leg propped up on one of the chairs while he watched everyone in the pool. His main focus was Steph and Chris who went up to the hot tub that was placed just beside the water fall. He trusted his daughter so he tried not to constantly keep any eye on them but being a dad it was almost instinct. His eyes drifted from the young couple momentarily when he saw his wife playing with their two youngest sons in the water by splashing them. While sitting there watching he leaned back and rested his elbows on the table wanting to go out but he couldn't.

Tony and Matt walked up to Jon. "Come on Mr Cripple we'll help you to the pool the water won't hurt your knee, it'll help"

"Nah I'm good for now."

"NO you aren't, your over here alone thats bullshit, besides you have to keep an eye on us or we'll hit on your woman." Tony pulled him to his foot, and Matt wrapped his arm around Jon's waist to support him.

"Why the hell do you think I'm sittin back here watchin'"

"Better yet kiss her yourself so we won't have to" Tony told his friend and helped him into the pool. "Dot he's your responsibility now." Matt laughed.

Jon went down a little farther into the pull so that he didn't have to put any weight on his knee.

"Thanks guys." She smiled and wrapped her arms around Jon. "Hey sexy."

"The guys hitting on you to much?"

"No more than usual." She kissed him deeply. "I love having having you home."

"You make it worth while when I come back." His one arm was on the edge holding him up while the other arm wrapped around her waist.

"Daddy watch me." Jake told him then dunked under the water and swam almost all the way to the other side of the pool before popping back up.

Jon watched in amazement while he son swam. "Does that kid have gills we don't know about?"
"I think so, he is our permanent fish."

"Hey man maybe he's the next Phelps." Money laughed.

"Yeah keep jokin' buddy." Jon laughed. "If I recall a 15 year old that’s here right now is going to take your job."

"Hey wasn't even being a smart ass that time, he's good." Money laughed.

"Where is that 15yr old anyway?" Tim asked.
Jon pointed over to the hot tub that was raised just slightly out of the pool.

"Do remember ever kissing your girlfriend that much?" Tim laughed seeing his son locking lips with Stephanie yet again.

"Yeah actually I do." Jon smiled kissing his wife. "Still do only she's my wife now."

"Just seems a bit obsessive the poor girl has to breath." Tim laughed.

"Believe me I don't think she minds." Jon laughed.
Tim swam just a little closer to Jon, able to keep an eye on his wife who was laying on the tanning ledge looking sexy and still see his son. "And you are ok with this?"
He took in a deep breath knowing he would probably get in trouble with his wife but he wasn't going to lie. "No I'm not okay with it but she's growing up and this is a part of life whether I like it or not."

Dot kissed his neck. "I think they are thinking while exploring so hopefully we'll have nothing to worry about." Dot offered.

"Well I can't thank you both enough for inviting us today, it looks like Melody found a friend in Ava and its just been very relaxing for us to be here."

"Anytime you guys want to come over feel free. Believe it or not we actually enjoy company occasionally, it's not something I get to do that often." Jon told him.

"I would have thought when you come home you'd want to hid out from the world?" Tim asked.

"A part of me does but then there is that other part that wants to lead a normal life."

"Its gotta be hard. I'm finding out with all the overtime I've been working exactly how hard to miss events and football practices, I can only imagine for you how long this has gone on. You leave and Steph doesn't like boys you come back and she's liplocked to my son." He offered.

"It's pretty much the same as you only I assume you actually get to come home everynight though which would be a little easier because you do get to see your family. The most I get are pictures unless the kids are on break then they all come out to see me."

"Do you get the pouting and temper tantrums from them for missing something important? I sometimes won't see them for a few days at a time when they are awake, I'll come home look in their rooms, see them asleep and by the time I wake up they are gone again."

"Oh yeah my kids are great at the whole pouting thing."

"Daddy watch this." Romeo hollard as Matt threw him into the pool and Jackson was there to
"catch" him after he went under and helped him get back to the surface quickly.

"And they want your attention completely when they see you huh?" Tim laughed seeing similarities with his kids.

Jon smiled then nodded at Tim's question. "I see that little man."

"Again" Romeo doggie paddled over to Tony this time.

"So Dorothea asked me the other night if I have to work on the 14th. I checked my schedule and I am working that morning what's up?" Tim asked Jon then inhaled at seeing his wife flip over on the tanning bed, damn his wife still gets to him.

"We are having a benefit for Obama here at the house and we need all the extra security we can get."

"Seriously?" Tim couldn't believe Jon was talking about the democratic presidental canidate that casually.

"Well Dot and myself did the same thing for Gore when he ran so we figured that it was only right to support Obama this time."

"So what if I'm not a democrat?" Tim joked.

"You don't have to be we just need security." Jon laughed.

"Would you be interested in doing that though?"

"I'm assuming its not volunteer work? I can come over after my shift." Tim offers.

"Absolutely." He agreed knowing that Tim had a regular shift to work. "I spoke with the Democratic Commitee and they said that since this was a political event they could get any of the officers off their particular shift for the day."

"Well I'd need to know the details obviously I need to make sure skipping that shift won't have lasting effects."

"We will need you here around 11 that morning until probably about 11 pm, midnight at the latest. The pay would be right at $50,000 for the entire day."

"Are you serious?" Tim's eyes almost bug out.

"Is that not enough?" Jon was willing to do anything to help him out.

"Jon that's a years pay for me. For one day of work?"

"Yeah but there will be a lot of high powered people here so the money isn't really an issue."
Jon explained not wanting to sound to arrogant but letting him know that security was needed.
"Hey I'm not stupid, if you think you can get me more feel free but at that dollar amount count me in."

"I'll see what I can do." Jon smiled happily knowing that his daughters plan worked. "Before you leave today I have some papers for you to look over and sign to make it official. Is that alright or do you need to talk to Laura first?"

"OH I know better than to do anything without talking to her." Tim laughed.
Jon grinned knowing exactly what he meant because he had gotten in trouble one to many times. "I hear ya."

"I'm sure you do." Tim laughed.

"I usually stay in trouble." he laughed.

Tim just laughed as Jake swam underwater up to them and popped up in front of Jon. "Hi daddy"

"Hey buddy. You havin' fun?"

"Yes but I getting hungry, you gonna cook more?" Jake asked rubbing his belly

"Are you sure you want daddy to cook?"

"OH" Jake crinckled up his nose. "Tony can you cook?" Jake turned and asked.

Jon reached over and dunked him into the water. Tony turned around with a smile "Sure I can, at least better than your daddy over there."

Jake popped up laughing. "You fired." He said before Jon could get it out.

"Thats my boy." Jon started laughing then turned to look over across the pool and saw his wife
lying back on one of the chairs making him thankful he was still in the water.

"Darn women they know how to torture us." Tim laughed just as Chris jumped out of the hottub into the pool quickly. "Looks like he needs a cooling off too."

"If they only knew what they did to us." He smiled with Chris swimming by them.

"Oh Jon don't kid yourself, they know and they secretly love it."

"I can guarantee that." he laughed. "So are these your only two kids?" Jon questioned because he had never heard Chris talk about anyone other than Melody.

"No actually we have another son. He's 18 and in his first year of college." Tim told him.

"Really?" Now Jon was really glad that he and Dot decided to help them out because college wasn't exactly cheap.

"Does he live on campus or at home?"

"Yes he lives at home but is gone 90% of the time. He's in the National Guard thank God so they are helping with school costs."

"Oh yeah? That's got to be a little relief for you guys."

"In a way, its scary knowing he may be sent over to Iraq just to get an education." Tim admits.

"Any military service in your family Jon?"

"Both parents actually." He moved his hands around in the water then ran them through his hair. "My folks were in the Marines."

"Proud heritage then." Tim smiled.

"Definately." he smiled. "I don't totally agree with the thing in Iraq but I respect the hell out of the men and women fighting for our country."

"I agree with you there, its not the soldiers fault Washington sent them there." Tim agreed letting Jon know that he was more like him than different.

"A bunch of bs if you ask me but who am I to question the president ya know?"

"You're an American its your right to question him, and if you ask your parents I bet they'll tell you its your job to question the president."

"I know that I just mean it's not like I can call him up and aske what the hell is he thinking sending these kids over."

"No but don't know you people that can?" Tim laughed.
Jon laughed at his statement. "True."

"But something tells me celebrity or not my ass would be in jail."

"You've been there before from what I hear." Tim laughed.

The look of embarrassment spread over Jon's face wondering how he even knew that because it was a really long time ago and over something stupid.

"Jon honestly when my kid started dating yours I did a bit of research, I know the facts as based not in the press but in word of mouth of people I know and trust. From what I've heard you've only been arrested for singing from a rooftop overseas and going iceskating with your wife am I wrong?"

"That's all I can remember." he joked. "Both times I was just stubborn and thought because I was a big rockstar I could do what I wanted. As far as the ice skating thing goes, Dot hasn't let me forget that she now has a criminal record." he laughed still watching her sun bathe."

"Tell her it was a misdemeanor its nothing in the greater skeem of things." Tim laughed. Then smiled. "Ok that woman of mine has teased me enough I think she needs some attention."

"I'll tell her you said so." Jon started moving his leg that was starting to feel a little better since he had been in the water but didn't know how it would feel once he actually got onto the ground again. "You go be with your wife and I"m gonna try to go to mine." he laughed.

"Mind over age Jon, mind over age." Tim laughed and moved away.


"Easier said than done man." Jon grumbled swimming over to the steps.

He took in a deep breath before starting to walk up knowing it was going to hurt like hell with any kind of pressure and he was right. Each step he took got worse as he walked towards his wife and he welcomed the seat beside her when he finally reached his destination.
"well hey sexy." Dot reached over and kissed him then moved back to her sunbathing. The bikini covered just enough to be appropriate but left enough skin visibile to drive Jon nuts.

"Hey yourself." The smile on his face showed his approval for what she was wearing. Damn if this woman didn't kill him he didn't know what would.

"Enjoying yourself honey." She smiled without even opening her eyes.

"Not really." he smirked.

"Why babe?" She asked looking at him.

"I like havin' company and all but I'm ready to go back in the house take some pain meds and go to bed."

"Baby go ahead, take Romeo in with you and I'll say your making sure he takes his nap."

"No it wouldn't be right if I just up and left honey. I'll stay out here for a few more hours anyway."

"Jon at least let me get you a darvacet to take the edge off, you can rest in the sun that way. Romeo does need a nap though so you'd have an excuse."

"Maybe he could come up here in the chair with me and we can nap?"
He really didn't want to leave the company that he invited by themselves.'

"Ok I'll go get you some meds." Dot got up and walked back into the house hoping he enjoyed the view.

Just as he was enjoying the view, Coach Munsey walked up holding his newborn son. "Hey bossman this little guy wanted to say hi."

Jon reached up with a smile taking the baby and cradling him into his arm. "Damn it's been a long time since I've done this."

"It's an incredible feeling." Munsey told Jon while sitting on the seat beside him.

"Oh I know, I've done it four times already there is nothing any more amazing than holding your baby."

Dot came back out with a sarong tied around her waist and a glass of water and a pain pill for Jon. "I'll trade ya" She smiled.

"Normally I would say no but this time I need what you got." he laughed.

She put the water down next to him and took the baby then handed him the pill. "Hey sweetheart, does daddy have you wearing Soul diapers?" Dot laughed and sat down next to Jon cuddling the baby.

"Actually he does." Muncy laughed. "My wifes sister had some made some place."

"OH that's too cute." Dot smiled and cooed with the baby letting Jon talk to the coach.
He was trying to focus on talking to Brett but he couldn't take his eyes off his wife. Seeing her with a baby again brought back memories of when their kids were that small.

Brett saw the look on Jon's face while watching his wife. "You two need another one."

"OH no, thank you very much 4 is enough." Dot laughed. Then she looked up and saw Jesse and Jake kicking a soccer ball back and forth. "I didn't think we even had a soccer ball at this house?"

"We've got 3 boys Dot we have every type of ball imaginable." he laughed realizing how that sounded.

"I think the meds are kickin' in."

"I think so." She laughed and handed the baby back to Brett, "I'm going to play soccer.

"Since when do you play?" Jon asked.

"Baby I've got moves you've never seen." She laughed and swung her hips a bit going out to the boys.

Jon enjoyed what he saw. "That woman never ceases to amaze me."

"How did you end up with such a great lady anyway?"

"I didn't ask." he smiled laying back into the chair with Romeo walking up beside him.

"Daddy I sleepy." He rubbed his eyes and climbed into the chair beside Jon.

"You look like you are gonna be busy so I'm gonna take my son over to Richie, he hasn't seen him yet."

Jon only nodded while sleepily watching his wife playing soccer and he nodded off occasionally with Romeo curled up to him.

Richie laughed as Brett came up. "Hey theres our little champ."

"This is my little good luck charm." He handed the baby to Richie carefully.

Hannah saw that there was a baby so she immediately got out of the pool and grabbed a towel before walking over to them. "Who's baby?"

"The coaches." Richie smiled. "Wanna hold him?" He offered his fiancee knowing women and babies.

"You know I do!" she held out her arms then pulled him closer to her. "He is so adorable."

"Thanks he takes after his dad." Brett laughed just as his wife came up from behind.

"How old is he?" Hannah asked while letting the baby hold her finger in his chubby little hand.

"A month and a half already, I tell ya the time flies once they get here."