“I don’t understand it any more than you do, but one thing I’ve learned is that you don’t have to understand things for them to be.”

~Madeleine L’Engle, A Wrinkle in Time

“I prescribed the soy formula because...ah, well, ah... I don't know how to word this diplomatically,” Dr. Wallace said, trying not to be evasive but bound by patient-doctor privilege.

“I am his father, I think I need to know what he's eating and why,” Kurt demanded. Blaine put a hand to his shoulder. Kurt needed to know that he was there to back him up, but they would get nowhere with force and anger.

Kurt understood exactly what Blaine was trying to get across and he settled down, sitting back down and taking Blaine's hand. Dr. Wallace was holding Jordan, cuddling the baby to her chest and cooing to him softly. Jordan was interested in her stethoscope and reached out to touch it with curious fingers.

“I understand, Mr. Hummel-Anderson, I do,” she said, sighing. “Okay let me try to explain. William was a very, very sick baby...” she stopped speaking when the little boy flinched at the old name. She looked at him closely, remembering what Blaine had told her about the baby being sensitive to things like that name and people reaching over him. She looked up at Blaine for conformation and he nodded to her.

“Jordan was a sick baby. He not only had RSV like his sister, but he had digestion issues. While the pediatric gastroenterologist didn't find anything specific, he did note that there were 'issues'. When that happens, it is usually an allergy. The way we treat that is to start with a change in formula, then when his tummy is stable, we add one food at a time – avoiding the typical allergens: no wheat, strawberries, red food coloring, shellfish, and a list of others. We typically start with oats instead of rice cereal, things like that.

“The problem here was...” she stopped, thinking of how to approach this problem of what information she could legally reveal. She wanted these men to be able to keep their new son on a good plan to introduce him to food.

“...the problem was that when his well-baby checks were due, the patient's guardians were uncooperative in keeping his appointments,” she said in a soft voice, as though speaking directly to Jordan.

Kurt and Blaine understood immediately. His caregivers hadn't taken him to the appointments and thus never progressed beyond giving him formula. This was going to take a while to get over, but Kurt knew he had to move on from that and do what was best for his son.

“Okay, what do you suggest?”

“Let's start with mixing some oat cereal into his milk in the mornings. Start with just a few tablespoons, making it watery, and add some each day until he's ready to eat it. Call me immediately if he starts to show signs of allergy. I will give you a sheet that lists those,” the doctor said, rocking Jordan in her arms. He was getting fussy with his clothes off, but she had to measure, weigh, and examine him. Blaine held out his hands and Jordan smiled. Dr. Wallace returned him to his father.

Kurt was looking over at Katie, asleep in her stroller. She had her check-up first and crying from her vaccine had made her sleepy.

“Go ahead and wrap him in his blanket, but don't get him dressed yet. We have his shots today, too,” she said.

“I wondered if he is specifically allergic to milk? You might remember that we have goats and we bought a pasteurizer when Katie came along. What about maybe trying that with him?” Kurt asked.

“I'd say it's worth a try. I would much rather see him drinking goat milk at this point than soy products. You'll switch by mixing them together- a little more each day until it's all goat milk over about two weeks. If the oat cereal and the goat milk are okay, add carrots or butternut squash next, then applesauce and bananas,” the doctor told them. “I'll have a sheet with all of this on it when you leave.”

“Thank you, Dr. Wallace, I'm feeling much better,” Kurt admitted. He'd been so busy the last two days – getting more paperwork ready, going to court with his new son, trying to get the poor boy to get used to his new environment.

“Okay, time for shots,” she said and left the room. Kurt and Blaine knew the routine. They held Jordan with his back to the doctor and she came in another door, gave the baby the shots and came around to the door he was facing, asking him what was wrong and taking him in her arms to soothe him. It was an unfair trick, but she didn't want the children to think of her as a mean person, he needed to trust her. She did explain things to children when they were old enough to understand why they had to have shots, though.

After his exam, Blaine put Jordan's clothes on him and wrapped him in his new fuzzy blanket with puppies on it. Katie had gotten quite upset when her brother was wrapped in her bunny blanket.

“Thank you, Dr. Wallace. I am feeling much better about everything,” Kurt smiled at the end of the visit. They were on their way to visit Puck and Lenore and run some errands while in town.

“There's the little ones!” Grandma Sophie crowed as they walked in the kitchen door of their house in Philomath. “Noah asked that you wait until he gets here before you start back for Warner camp. He has some news he wants to talk over with you,” she said.

“No problem. I think we are going to spend the night anyway,” Blaine said, smiling at the short woman. He gave her a hug and handed his son into her arms.

“Oh, baby...aren't you the darling one?” she cooed to the baby. Katie reached her arms out to Grandma, wanting her turn to be cuddled. They went into the living room and sat on the sofa, Kurt putting Katie down in front of him. She had learned to stand while holding on to his leg and was very proud of her accomplishment.

Later, when Noah was home from work, the daddies had put the twins down for bed in the crib in their room. Jordan had a slight fever from his shots and had been dosed with baby fever reducer, which made him sleepy. Katie had worn herself out walking around the coffee table, hanging on with both hands and grinning at anyone who would look her direction.

“Hey, Kurt, Blaine. Good to see you. I was going to drive up to your house this weekend – Lenore and I have news!” he said, a grin on his face. His arm went around Lenore, pulling her close as he kissed her forehead and then patted her rather large baby bump.

“Looks like good news, spill it,” Blaine said, holding Kurt's hand.

“I signed on a house! Lenore and I close on a beautiful cottage next Tuesday. It is only a few blocks from here and there are two bedrooms upstairs – one for a nursery – and downstairs is a large suite for Grandma Sophie,” Puck said, looking at his two landlords to be sure they were okay with this.

“That's wonderful,” Kurt said, smiling for his friend. He knew Noah had been working for his dad, managing an auto/motorcycle shop in town. It was a great step forward for him.

“And...Noah is making an honest woman of me,” Lenore said with a laugh. “We are going to be married at the Justice of the Peace the Saturday after we close on the house. We aren't having a big wedding, I'm kinda past that now...” she said, rubbing her belly. Noah didn't see the small frown on her face as she said it, but Blaine felt a bit bad for her.

“You are welcome to come, but with the little ones we will understand if you don't. I imagine they are quite a handful,” Lenore said and Blaine got the impression she would rather he stayed away. He nodded at her and she gave him a sad smile. He sincerely hoped that didn't mean she was still pining for him.

“Let's play cards,” Grandma Sophie suggested and they went to the dining table to deal out a game of pinochle, Lenore sitting out the first round and Puck teaming up with Kurt while Gramdma Sophie took Blaine as a partner.

Three months later...

“But...I thought you and Dad were coming to meet Jordan?” Kurt whined into the phone.

“We were, Kurt....we are, this is just a small delay. Your dad hasn't been feeling well and he doesn't want to pass on anything to the babies. We will be down to see you soon. I promise,” Carole said, hoping to placate her step-son. He had been asking them to come visit for several weeks, but Burt had thought he was coming down with the flu and refused to go.

“Is Dad there? I want to talk to him,” Kurt asked, but Carole said he was napping.

“Okay. Well, I guess I will see you in a few weeks then,” Kurt ended the conversation, saying goodbye to his stepmom.

~

“I think something's wrong,” Kurt turned to Blaine, shaking his head. He couldn't get rid of the feeling that he needed to be with his dad.

“Yeah? They aren't coming then?” Blaine deduced from hearing half the conversation.

“No, Dad says he's coming down with the flu – but he told me the same thing a month ago. Plus he's getting so crabby, not like himself at all. I'm worried,” Kurt said, frowning.

“Maybe you should go up and see him. I can take care of Katie and Jordan. Let's get you a ticket and you can be on your way tomorrow,” Blaine insisted.

Kurt closed his eyes to think. He hated to leave Blaine with the new baby – but he knew his husband was quite capable of taking care of the twins. He needed to see his dad in person. He wouldn't be gone for too long...

“Okay. I'll go and be back in a few days. Thank you for being the best possible husband in the world,” Kurt kissed him hard, his arms around Blaine's shoulders.

Kent, Washington, just outside Seattle...

“Carole? I'm at your house....where are you?” Kurt said into his cell phone.

“You're here? In Washington?” Carole asked. She and Burt had moved to Washington to be closer to Kurt in Oregon while he was in college.

“Yeah. I got worried about dad and took an early plane. I rented a car and here I am,” Kurt said.

“We're at the hospital, Kurt. Your dad was feeling worse this morning, I got him to the doctor's office and he sent him here for tests. I'll text you the address....” Carole said, glad that Kurt was here. She had dreaded the phone call she knew she would be making later today and now that Kurt was here, he would hear it all first-hand.

Kurt made it to the hospital in record time, blessing the GPS on his phone for getting him there with no trouble. He went to the ER, then was directed to the cardiac unit.

“Carole!” he shouted, running into her open arms and leaning his face into her shoulder.

“Hey, now...your dad is fine for now. He's in the stress-test lab. Here, have a seat and wait with me, honey.”

They sat in the uncomfortable plastic chairs that litter every hospital waiting room in America. Kurt went to get some of the luke-warm, watery coffee from the dispensing machine in the hallway when a nurse came around the corner.

“Hey, you don't want to drink that...there's a Starbuck's in the main foyer. Down the elevator and off on the second floor,” she told him helpfully. Kurt grinned and gave her his thanks.

“Oh...Starucks!” Carole enthused, taking the offered cup.

“Yeah, a nurse directed me to the one in the main lobby. Who knew Starbucks had invaded hospitals now?”

Carole giggled, just like a little girl and Kurt smiled. He had missed these little things about Carole.

After another hour, Burt arrived back in his room. He was not happy, frowning as the orderly wheeled his gurney in and transferred the man to his bed. The young man made sure Burt was comfortable and left in a hurry, no doubt to get away from Burt's grumpy attitude.

“I don't think that shade of blue is your color, Dad. Maybe I could bring you something in green?” Kurt said and the man whipped around to see his son sitting across the room. His grin could be seen from space.

“Kurt!” Burt smiled, happy to see his son. “Carole – did you call him? There was no reason for you to rush down here, son. These are just some tests, I'm fine,” Burt protested, but it was clear that he was overjoyed to see Kurt.

Kurt got up and went to his dad, his arms circling his shoulders as he hugged him.

“No, nobody called me. I was just missing you and Blaine insisted I come see you,” Kurt smiled. No sense in letting his dad know how worried he'd been.

“Well, I am glad to see you. I should be out of here by tomorrow and we can find something fun to do,” Burt said.

“I want to know what's up with your health, Dad. I came to see you – not the scenery,” Kurt clarified. Burt frowned.

“I'm fine. This is just some testing to prove that,” Burt insisted. Kurt didn't argue, but he did see the concern on Carole's face.

“Burt. He's your son, for God's sake. Tell him,” Carole said in a stern, no-nonsense voice. It made shivers run down Kurt's back and he turned to his father, eyebrows raised. Burt cast a deep frown at Carole, but then shrugged his shoulders and turned to Kurt.

“I was going to come and tell you, Kurt. They might have found cancer,” Burt said, his eyes searching Kurt's.

“Oh...Dad...” Kurt murmured. He hugged his dad tighter, blinking back the tears that came to his eyes. “Where?”

“Prostate. They found it early and that increases the chances that they can take care of it with no problem,” Burt confessed. He hated to see the pain in Kurt's face and hugged him tighter.

“Okay, Dad. I'll be here with you, you know. I love you,” Kurt said, teary eyed and shaking a bit. This was not what he had envisioned when he came.

Meanwhile, back at Warner Camp....

Blaine was as busy as only a new parent can be. The twins had come down with colds and he was kept busy wiping noses and coaxing them to drink orange juice. Jordan was doing well on goat's milk, just as Kurt had predicted, and had even gained a few ounces. He loved oat cereal and even ate the carrots and squash with relish.

Katie was still holding the settee as she walked around it, back and forth all day long if she was left to her own devices. Jordan had made several attempts to stand on his own but hadn't mastered it yet. He was frustrated and called to his sister every time she walked more than a few steps away.

Blaine was trying to get the twins to sleep in separate beds, and had succeeded in getting them to take naps apart, but night time was a different story.

Jordan did not like sleeping alone. He would whimper and lay looking at Katura through the bars of his crib, trying to reach his hand through. Katie, on the other side of the room, would call to him in her sad little voice and they would both end up crying. If they did fall asleep, they would wake up after just an hour or so – crying for their sibling.

“Katura Elizabeth! It is time to be asleep, honey. You can sleep by yourself, you did it for months. Now, let's try again, okay?” And Blaine would read her a story or sing to her to coax her into falling asleep. Unfortunately, her crying would wake Jordan and he would join in the nightly serenade of whiny cries, wanting to be with his sister.

One night, Blaine was so tired he wanted to put them together just to be able to get some sleep, but he knew it would put him back at square one. Would being in separate rooms help? Maybe if they couldn't see each other...? He wheeled Jordan's crib out into the hallway and sang him to sleep. Katie was quiet so he tiptoed back to his bedroom, laying down on Kurt's side of the bed. He missed his husband but knew Burt needed Kurt more than he did right now.

In spite of the silent babies, their Tatay was not sleeping. He decided to text Kurt to see if he was awake, too.

B: Are you awake, sweetheart?

K; Yeah, how did you know?

B: I was awake. I can't sleep well when you're gone.

K: I am having the same problem. I miss you.

B; I miss you, too. How's your dad?

K: Good news today! He does not have cancer!!!

B: You should have called me right away - I have been so worried.

K: Sorry. I was laying here thinking I might try to call, but didn't want to wake you.

B: It's okay. I'm glad he doesn't have it.

K: He has something else that mimics cancer. Benign prostatic hyperplasia. He can take medication for it and there is a minimal surgery he can have if the medication doesn't work. The poor guy can't pee – that has to be awful.

B: Oh, poor Burt. But the meds will fix it?

K: They should shrink his prostate so he can pee, and the surgery would fix it, too. I am so relieved it isn't cancer, Babe, I can't tell you.

B: Me, too. I wish I was there to hold you....

K: I wish you were, too. I don't know when I will be home, but I will try to come back soon. I miss you. I miss the kids. How is Jordan doing on goat's milk?

B: So well! You were right. I think he's even gaining a bit of weight. He is trying to stand...I bet he has it mastered by the time you get home!

K: They way things are going, the babies will be in high school before I get home. Dad just needs so much....I can't leave him now.

B: I understand. Do what you need to do, honey, and I will keep the home fires burning. Love you.

K: Love you, too.

Blaine lay with the phone beside him. He missed Kurt so much, but knew he had to keep things going. Kurt would be home when he could.

“Dad, everything will be okay. I feel it,” Kurt said, encouraging his father as they waited for the doctor. They were in his office, awaiting the test results from Burt's time in the hospital. Kurt took his father's hand and noticed for the first time that it was wrinkled and the skin was thin. His father was getting old – seemingly before Kurt's very eyes. He closed his eyes to try to stem the tears forming there.

“Good afternoon, Burt, Carole, Kurt,” the doctor said as he waked in the door.

“Hi, Doc,” Burt replied and sat forward in the chair.

“I have the results from the tests you took on Wednesday and not all of them are what we would want to see,” he said, looking from one family member to the next.

“Well, let's have the worst first,” Burt asked, looking stern – but Kurt could feel his hands tremble.

“Burt, your heart is not as strong as it needs to be. You have congestive heart failure. This does not mean you have a death sentence. If you take your medication and follow my instructions, you can have years of life to live. This is a condition that can be greatly helped by diet and taking care of yourself, okay?” the doctor hurried to explain.

“Okay, what do I have to do?” Burt asked.

“You cannot keep lifting heavy things. I know that is part of the job at your auto shop, but you are going to have to make drastic changes. Plus, the stress of managing that shop is not good for you. Burt, you are almost 66 years old. I think it's time to let someone else take over and you move to a more...supervisory position. Okay?”

“Ah...I don't know if I know how to do that, doc. I've been working in the shop since I was 15 years old. It's all I know how to do,” Burt replied.

“You were a congressman. I am not saying you should do that again – too much stress – but something where you are guiding younger hands to do the work. Someone who can take over where you left off, right?” the doctor suggested.

“I'll think about it,” Burt replied, sitting back in the chair and looking defeated.

Carole and Kurt held his hands and offered silent encouragement.

The doctor continued, explaining the simple surgery he was suggesting for the prostate problem and outlining the new diet plan and limited exercise. It wasn't as bad as Kurt had imagined as he rushed to his father's side, but it was going to be an uphill battle. He wondered if he would have to call Finn to come help.

Later at the dinner table, Kurt offered the first of his suggestions.

“Dad, I was wondering...maybe you should sell the shop here. You and Carole could move to Philomath and you could be closer to the shop there. With Puck doing the physical work, you could have the lighter things – inventory, accounts, things like that. You've always loved that part – what if that was all you had to do? Then you wouldn't be giving it up all together,” his son suggested.

“Where would we live? That town doesn't have a lot of real estate to sell you know. Remember how hard it was to find your house?” Burt reminded him.

“I have a solution to that. Puck and Lenore are moving out. Puck signed on his new house last Tuesday and they are moving now. Grandma Sophie is going with them. Blaine and I have the upstairs west wing, but the rest of the house could be yours. Come on, you've always loved that house. You can rent it from us or we could sell it to you if you'd rather. Please, Dad. I hate it that you are so far away,” Kurt pleaded.

“I don't know, son. Puck is doing a good job running the shop by himself. He might not want me coming and interfering,” Burt argued.

“He wants to be home with Lenore more now. With the baby on the way he's needed there, too. He's working 12 hour days, Dad. I think he'd welcome your help,” Kurt said, hoping Puck wouldn't mind him telling this to his Dad. Puck didn't want him to worry.

“I will take your suggestions under recommendation, Kurt,” Burt said formally, not sure he wanted to give up his shop here in Washington.

“Oh, Kurt....” was all that Blaine said, throwing his arms around his husband.

“Blaine...” Kurt returned, so happy to see Blaine, so happy to be home.

They hugged for a while until it was getting embarrassing, then Kurt led Blaine to baggage claim. They picked up the luggage and went to the car for the drive back to Philomath.

Once there, they made their way to the house and walked in the back door. It seemed bare with Grandma Sophie's things gone. There was no smell of baking, no African violets in the window. It seemed empty.

“I hope Dad decides to come here to live. I'm still worried, but Finn is there now and he will help them move. He didn't want to take over the shop like Dad thought – he's happy in New York with Rachel. He's directing a new play, just off Broadway. He seems very settled,” Kurt relayed his news to Blaine.

“I hope he does, too. Your dad, I mean. I miss him and Carole and having them close will mean Jordan and Katura will grow up knowing their grandparents. I think that is a wonderful thing, you know?” Blaine said. He had a wistful look in his eyes and Kurt gave him a hug. He couldn't bring Blaine's family back, but he could do his best to share his own with his husband. Having his parents here would be a step in that direction.

“Let's go get the kids, then we can spend the night here and start out for home in the morning,” Blaine said. He knew Kurt had missed the babies and suggesting they wait a day to get them wouldn't fly.

An hour later, Kurt was sitting on the floor in the living room, laughing as Katura walked around the coffee table. The little girl would stop and look at Kurt, a sweet smile on her lips, and pretend she was going to take a step. She would let go with one hand, reach towards her daddy and take a small step – but she would never let go of the table no matter how much Kurt coaxed.

Jordan was trying to stand, holding on to the table with both hands, knuckles white as he raised himself up. He'd get almost there and then sink back to his butt, staring at the amazing gymnastics his sister was showing off. It was frustrating and his lip quivered.

“Oh, honey-bear. Let Tatay help,” Blaine said, waiting for his son to try to stand up again, then adding a steady hand as the little boy stood and looked around – he was standing by himself! Kurt noticed and clapped his hands.

“Jordan! Look at you!” he encouraged, waiting for the boy to take a step. He held out his hands to see if that might help. Katie threw herself into Kurt's hands, managing to take one single step by herself to do so. Nobody was more surprised than Katie was herself and she burst into tears.

“Oh, Katie-Kat! Honey, don't cry! You were magnificent,” Kurt soothed. He was busy comforting Katie and almost missed Jordan as he took two steps all by himself – no holding on to the coffee table.

“Look at you!” Kurt cheered, staring at his son, so proud.

“I'd say that was amazing,” Blaine added, scooping the boy into his arms and swinging him around in a circle. The baby crowed and squealed, loving the attention.

“He saved that just for you, Kurt. He had only stood up a few times in here, so he must have been saving that back. He stands up in his crib, but he hasn't taken a step before,” Blaine said, giving the boy a kiss on his fat little cheek.

“Well, after all that excitement, I think it's bed time. Here we go, Katie,” he said, picking up his daughter and heading for the upstairs rooms. The house still seemed empty, except for the cat, Figaro, who had been a present from Puck when Kurt and Blaine still lived in the house. They couldn't take her to live in Warner Camp for fear Balto might make a snack of her. Now they needed to decide what to do with her since Puck and Lenore were gone.

“Tatay will make an airplane for Jordan,” Blaine said and swung the boy as though he were flying up the stairs. The little guy giggled and hung on tight as Blaine passed Kurt and Katie on the stairs, making airplane sounds and swooping.

“Those two are so silly, aren't they, Katie?” Kurt laughed. Katie lay her head down on Kurt's chest. She had been busy learning to walk and playing with Jordan all day and was ready for sleep. She reached up and touched Kurt on the mouth, very gently.

“Sing?” she said.

Kurt stopped. Did he hear her correctly? She asked him to sing? He was over the moon! In one day his little daughter took her first independent step and said her first word. He rushed up the stairs to tell Blaine.

“Blaine! Tatay! Guess what Katie did?” he practically shouted.

“Hey, calm down...is everything okay?” Blaine asked, sitting on the bed and undressing his son. Jordan looked up and cooed at Kurt.

“She said a word, Blaine! A very clear word!” he crowed, so happy to be here when Katie decoded to talk. “She said, 'Sing!' She touched my mouth and said 'Sing'.”

“Wow! Katie, baby. Can you say that for Tatay? Do you want us to sing to you?” Blaine asked, hopeful she would comply.

“Sing.”

“Oh, baby. Of course we'll sing for you,” Blaine said, obviously excited. They got the twins ready for bed and with each daddy holding a baby, they sang the lullaby from Pinocchio:

When you wish upon a star
Makes no difference on who you are
Anything your heart desires
Will come to you.

If your heart is in your dreams
No request is too extreme
When you wish upon a star
As dreamers do.

Fate is kind
She brings to those who love
The sweet fulfillment of
Their secret longing

Like a bolt out of the blue
Fate steps in and sees you through
When you wish upon a star
Your dreams come true

When a star is born
They possess a gift or two.
One of them is this.
They have the power to make a wish come true.

When you wish upon a star
Makes no difference who you are
Anything your heart desires
Will come to you,

If your heart is in your dreams
No request is too extreme
When you wish upon a star
As dreamers do.

Fate is kind
She brings to those who love
The sweet fulfillment of
Their secret longing.

Like a bolt out of the blue
Fate steps in and sees you through
When you wish upon a star
Your dreams come true.

Both of the twins blinked and fell asleep in their daddies' arms. Kurt put Katie in her bed, moving her to one end as Blaine laid Jordan down at the other end.

“We need to add a crib for Jordan in here,” Kurt mentioned in passing. He was still looking at the babies, a wistful smile on his face.

“We're glad you're home, Babe. I can't tell you how much we missed you,” Blaine whispered, taking Kurt into his arms. “We can't do without you...”

Kurt pressed his lips against Blaine's mouth, kissing him to show him how much he missed him, then took his hand and led him down the hall to their bedroom and closing the door behind them. He showed Blaine in exquisite detail exactly how much he missed him and they fell asleep together, tangled in each other's arms.