THE GRANDEST LADY
Title: The Grandest Lady
Series: A Year in the Life - April 2010
Date: April 4th - Easter
Author: cunningdeb
Rating: G
Pairing: adam/kris, Mrs. Willowby, Hannah, Joshua
Summary: Adam and Kris decide its time to show Mrs. Willowby how much they cherish her by making Easter extra special for her.
Warning: ultra sweetness
Disclaimer: Pure fiction.
Part of my Allen-Lambert universe.
A tribute to the loveable Mrs. Willowby.
--*--
“Here you go. If you need anything else, I’m in the kitchen, just call.”
“Thank you dear heart.” She took a sip. “Perfect. Any English blood in you? You make a wonderful cup of tea.”
Kris blushed, running his hand through his mop top. “Could be. Anyway, enjoy your movie.”
Kris left the family room and Mrs. Willowby to her favorite movie “Holiday Inn”. She’d tripped over a stepping stone in the backyard and twisted her ankle. The Allen-Lamberts insisted on waiting on her hand and foot. So, so many times - too many to count - she had nursed them through illness and injuries. She had been a godsend to Adam and Kris when Hannah’s first nanny Lori died in childbirth and the young men ended up adopting her son - their Joshua. Mrs. Willowby was a proper English nanny, a lighthearted Mary Poppins, and in the end, became a mother for all of them. At this point in their lives, Adam and Kris had no idea how they could have managed without her.
Adam was already in the kitchen, folding the laundry. They could have hired temporary staff but it wasn’t necessary. Besides, this was the least they could do. Once upon a time they had looked after themselves and the skills were rusty but there.
“I’ll have to get the kids from school soon. Do I need to pick up anything while I’m out?” Adam asked, stacking the neatly folded clothes back in the laundry basket for the trip upstairs.
“Yeah, we need this stuff,” Kris replied, removing a shopping list from the fridge. “And we both have jackets at the dry cleaners.”
Adam nodded, reviewing the list. “It’s a good thing we have some down time. It’s crazy trying to stay on top of everything with two of us; I don’t how she does it with four.”
“She is a wonder.”
Adam lifted the basket and headed upstairs. “That’s an understatement.”
Half an hour later, the kitchen was clean and Adam had left to pick up the kids and run errands. Kris looked at the clock. He had a few hours before he had to start dinner - it was his day to cook - so he decided to work on some song lyrics. He looked around for his glasses, realizing he’d left them in the family room.
Mrs. Willowby was on the phone, probably with her close friend Sophie, and they were chatting as the movie played. Kris tried to be quick but he just couldn’t find his specs.
“Mr. Allen, I think these are yours.”
He turned around and saw her hand up in the air, holding his glasses. He quickly retrieved them, thanking her then left but not before he overheard a little more conversation.
“I should be back on my feet by the end of the week. One can get used to all this pampering. My lads are taking brilliant care of me.” The rich voice of Bing Crosby crooning “Easter Parade” filtered out of the speakers and she sighed like a school girl. “I just love this song. It reminds me of Easter when I was a girl. The family used to take trips to the seashore on holidays like this, spend time on the beach, eat ice cream and just have family fun together. Richard and I continued that tradition with our children but then they grew up with families of their own and he, well, it hasn’t quite been the same since…Yes, yes, Hannah and Joshua are dears. It’s like having my grandchildren with me and Mr. Allen and Mr. Lambert, well, they’re my lads.” She drew a handkerchief out of her pocket and dabbed her eyes. “Enough of these foolish tears, what is your family doing for Easter.”
Kris stepped outside the door before calling out to her. “Mrs. Willowby, I’ll be in the studio if you need me.”
“Thank you dear, I’m fine.”
He chewed on the arm of his glasses as he slowly strolled the hall. An idea was brewing in his head and it had nothing to do with song lyrics.
--*--
Kris shut off the bathroom light and headed to bed. Adam was already there, flopped on his stomach, face buried in the pillow, thoroughly exhausted. It was so funny that both of them could handle grueling tour schedules and running on no sleep but keeping up with a ten-year-old and a four-year-old wore them out.
Kris stretched out on his side next to his husband and touched his shoulder. “Adam.”
“Mrghdhk.”
He shook his shoulder. “Adam, wake up.”
“Not tonight, I have a headache,” he grumbled.
He shook harder. “Wake up.”
“Noooooooo.”
The shake turned into a punch. “I don’t want to have sex with you. Will you just talk with me for a minute?”
Without lifting his head, Adam smushed his face across the pillow until he was facing Kris. He opened one eye. “You don’t want sex?”
“No.”
Adam struggled to raise himself onto his elbows. He looked hurt. “Why don’t you want sex with me?”
“Adam! Fine I’ll have sex with you but we have to talk about Mrs. Willowby first,” Kris sighed. He was just as tired but he needed to share his idea.
“Is it her ankle? Is it worse?”
“No, no, nothing like that. I think we should do something special for her, something to show her how much we love and appreciate all that she’s done for us over the years.”
Adam slowly dragged himself into a sitting position. “That’s a great idea. What do you have mind?”
Kris perked up. “I was thinking we could arrange our surprise for Easter….”
--*--
Mrs. Willowby and the children waited in the foyer for their parents. It was Easter Sunday and they were all dressed in their new Easter clothes and waiting to go to Morning Services.
Kris hurried down the stairs, decked out in a handsome tan suit. “Okay everyone, let’s go.”
“Where’s Mr. Lambert?”
Okay, now the hard work started - fibbing to the human lie detector.
“He’s not coming with us this morning.” He looked in the mirror, adjusting his tie even though it was fine.
“Has the poor lad come down ill? One of his headaches?”
They had thought about using illness as an excuse but they knew she’d insist on staying home to look after him and the whole point was to leave Adam alone so he could finalize the surprise.
“No, no, he’s okay. Adam just has to take a long distant call this morning.”
“Business? On Easter morning?” She was shocked. “Does a holiday mean nothing anymore?”
“It’s, ah, not business. His….brother is calling from New York and he doesn’t want to miss him.”
“Oh, family.” Mrs. Willowby adjusted her gloves and that was that.
It wasn’t a lie. Adam was staying home to take care of family business; it was just the West Coast branch of the extended family, not the New York Lamberts that he was tending too.
“Is he coming down to say good bye?” Hannah asked, pretty as a picture in her new sunflower dress with matching lace gloves, white shoes and new bonnet.
“Sorry Sweetpea but he’s already on the phone with Uncle Neil. Don’t worry, he’ll be waiting when we get back.”
Gently resting a hand against her back, he directed her towards the front door before picking up Joshua, handsome in his own tan suit, and heading for the car.
--*--
The sedan pulled up the long driveway and into the courtyard. What waited for them took their breath away, even Kris, and knew about the surprise. Adam had outdone himself.
A red 1950s Cadillac convertible was parked by the garage, gleaming in the morning sun. Leaning against it could have been James Dean but it was Adam, arms crossed, feet crossed and flashing a grin as shiny as the classic behind him. He was in sneakers, blue jeans and a white t-shirt. Of course, he had to have a little make up but just around the eyes and his hair was slicked back at the sides and his bangs came down over his forehead.
Always a fashion plate, even for a casual family outing.
The kids jumped out of the car and ran to the giant red monster in their driveway, jumping up and down. Kris got out, heading straight for his husband and planting a big kiss on his lips.
“Wow, like wow, magnificent.”
“Thank you, thank you very much,” he replied, huffing on his fingernails and buffing them on his chest.
Kris laughed, swatting him. “Not you, you dufus, the car!”
Adam laughed too, picking up Hannah so she could look at the interior. Joshie was fascinated with his reflection in the hubcaps.
Mrs. Willowby was still in the passenger seat, her expression unreadable. Kris climbed back in the driver’s seat of the sedan and took her hand. “Mrs. Willowby, are you alright? It’s a surprise…for you…to thank you for all the hard work you’ve done and to show you how much we cherish you. We’re all going out for the day, to the seaside, a family outing.”
“A family outing.” She turned her face towards him, smiling. “It’s not proper to eavesdrop Mr. Allen.”
“Couldn’t help it. So,” he squeezed her hand, “shall we get changed and join Elvis over there for an afternoon to remember.”
She pulled him in and kissed his cheek. “Wild horses couldn’t keep me away….Kristopher."
--*--
Adam waiting patiently, double-checking that he’d packed everything and polishing the chrome. Hannah and Joshie ran out together, each wearing sandals, shorts and t-shirts. Kris wasn’t far behind. He’d put on jeans and tan shirt. He didn’t do anything to his hair but it kind of had that 50s look anyway.
When Mrs. Willowby came out, both men did a double take. She was in a red sundress with large white flowers on it and she carried a matching white shawl. Despite the graying hair pulled back in a ponytail instead of her usual bun, she seemed ten years younger and taking in the big smile on her face already made the day worth the effort.
Adam approached her and offered her his arm. He escorted her to the car, accompanied by a chorus of giggles from the kids already piled into the back seat. Kris opened the door for her and she took her seat. Kris hoped over the side of the car into the back and belted the kids in.
Getting behind the wheel, Adam presented her with a head scarf and oversized sunglasses. He stretched an arm across the back of the seat and got everyone’s attention.
“Are we ready to go? Got everything? Last minute runs to the bathroom?” Yes. Yes. No. Adam turned back, slipped on his shades and started the engine. “Long Beach, here we come!”
--*--
On the way down, they found a drive-in and wolfed down hot dogs, hamburgers and French fries from plastic baskets lined in wax paper. Back on the road, they headed for Shoreline Village, a collection of New England inspired building full of shops, restaurants and fun activities build on the waterfront.
It was a glorious day, the sky pale blue, the sun bright but not too hot. They cruised the parking lot for 15 minutes before Adam found a parking spot he was sure would keep the car safe - it was a rental after all. Gathering their things, they headed out to the village.
They had a great time shopping and eating ice cream and funnel cakes. They all went on the carousel at the Pelican Pier Pavilion and tossed bread to the seagulls that were dive bombing the holiday tourists. Everyone had a great time but no one more so than Mrs. Willowby.
By mid afternoon, they got back into the convertible and went in search of the perfect picnic spot by the ocean. On the way up the coast, they pulled over to a quaint restaurant and Kris ran in, picking up the food they had preordered a few days ago.
An hour later, the perfect spot materialized. It was a patch of cool green grass under a canopy of trees with a stretch of sandy beach. They wouldn’t let Mrs. Willowby lift a finger. Hannah and Joshua took her each by the hand and they walked down to the beach while the guys lay out the picnic blanket and utensils, cushions and of course the food.
Mrs. Willowby stretched out on blanket and had a nap while Adam and Kris played catch with the kids, working up their appetites. Eventually, they all got together and enjoyed sandwiches, salads, juice and cookies. The kids went back to play, staying close by, and Adam and Kris relaxed with their sweet lady.
“This has been a magnificent day lads, simply a magnificent day.”
“The surprises aren’t over yet,” Kris offered.
“No?”
Adam reached into the basket and pulled out an envelope, handing it to her. She opened it and found a beautiful card signed by the whole family and also a hand written voucher.
“What’s this?”
“It’s an IOU. Whenever you like, we want to fly you back to England to visit your family,” Adam explained.
“Or if you want, we can fly them here, all of them. They can stay with us in the guest wing or if you like, you can go away somewhere, our treat.”
Her eyes glistened. “I, I don’t know what to say.”
“We only have one stipulation,” Kris added.
“Yes?”
Adam finished the request. “We’d like you to live with and take care of us as long as you want…and we hope it’s a long, long time. We all love you very much.”
“Daddy! Papa! Come play, come play!”
Adam and Kris each gave her a peck on the cheek and ran off to play with their kids. Mrs. Willowby reread her card and the voucher. She looked out at the Allen-Lamberts … her Allen-Lamberts … her American family.
Answering their questions, albeit not loud enough for them to hear, she laughed. “I’ll stay forever if you’ll have me. And I love you all too.”
“Easter Parade” from “Holiday Inn” - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jO3nzrA-Ot4
Picture of the convertible - http://www.flickr.com/photos/84744892@N00/3104732349/
Shoreline Village - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2RZMj3a5cw&feature=related
Series: A Year in the Life - April 2010
Date: April 4th - Easter
Author: cunningdeb
Rating: G
Pairing: adam/kris, Mrs. Willowby, Hannah, Joshua
Summary: Adam and Kris decide its time to show Mrs. Willowby how much they cherish her by making Easter extra special for her.
Warning: ultra sweetness
Disclaimer: Pure fiction.
Part of my Allen-Lambert universe.
A tribute to the loveable Mrs. Willowby.
--*--
“Here you go. If you need anything else, I’m in the kitchen, just call.”
“Thank you dear heart.” She took a sip. “Perfect. Any English blood in you? You make a wonderful cup of tea.”
Kris blushed, running his hand through his mop top. “Could be. Anyway, enjoy your movie.”
Kris left the family room and Mrs. Willowby to her favorite movie “Holiday Inn”. She’d tripped over a stepping stone in the backyard and twisted her ankle. The Allen-Lamberts insisted on waiting on her hand and foot. So, so many times - too many to count - she had nursed them through illness and injuries. She had been a godsend to Adam and Kris when Hannah’s first nanny Lori died in childbirth and the young men ended up adopting her son - their Joshua. Mrs. Willowby was a proper English nanny, a lighthearted Mary Poppins, and in the end, became a mother for all of them. At this point in their lives, Adam and Kris had no idea how they could have managed without her.
Adam was already in the kitchen, folding the laundry. They could have hired temporary staff but it wasn’t necessary. Besides, this was the least they could do. Once upon a time they had looked after themselves and the skills were rusty but there.
“I’ll have to get the kids from school soon. Do I need to pick up anything while I’m out?” Adam asked, stacking the neatly folded clothes back in the laundry basket for the trip upstairs.
“Yeah, we need this stuff,” Kris replied, removing a shopping list from the fridge. “And we both have jackets at the dry cleaners.”
Adam nodded, reviewing the list. “It’s a good thing we have some down time. It’s crazy trying to stay on top of everything with two of us; I don’t how she does it with four.”
“She is a wonder.”
Adam lifted the basket and headed upstairs. “That’s an understatement.”
Half an hour later, the kitchen was clean and Adam had left to pick up the kids and run errands. Kris looked at the clock. He had a few hours before he had to start dinner - it was his day to cook - so he decided to work on some song lyrics. He looked around for his glasses, realizing he’d left them in the family room.
Mrs. Willowby was on the phone, probably with her close friend Sophie, and they were chatting as the movie played. Kris tried to be quick but he just couldn’t find his specs.
“Mr. Allen, I think these are yours.”
He turned around and saw her hand up in the air, holding his glasses. He quickly retrieved them, thanking her then left but not before he overheard a little more conversation.
“I should be back on my feet by the end of the week. One can get used to all this pampering. My lads are taking brilliant care of me.” The rich voice of Bing Crosby crooning “Easter Parade” filtered out of the speakers and she sighed like a school girl. “I just love this song. It reminds me of Easter when I was a girl. The family used to take trips to the seashore on holidays like this, spend time on the beach, eat ice cream and just have family fun together. Richard and I continued that tradition with our children but then they grew up with families of their own and he, well, it hasn’t quite been the same since…Yes, yes, Hannah and Joshua are dears. It’s like having my grandchildren with me and Mr. Allen and Mr. Lambert, well, they’re my lads.” She drew a handkerchief out of her pocket and dabbed her eyes. “Enough of these foolish tears, what is your family doing for Easter.”
Kris stepped outside the door before calling out to her. “Mrs. Willowby, I’ll be in the studio if you need me.”
“Thank you dear, I’m fine.”
He chewed on the arm of his glasses as he slowly strolled the hall. An idea was brewing in his head and it had nothing to do with song lyrics.
--*--
Kris shut off the bathroom light and headed to bed. Adam was already there, flopped on his stomach, face buried in the pillow, thoroughly exhausted. It was so funny that both of them could handle grueling tour schedules and running on no sleep but keeping up with a ten-year-old and a four-year-old wore them out.
Kris stretched out on his side next to his husband and touched his shoulder. “Adam.”
“Mrghdhk.”
He shook his shoulder. “Adam, wake up.”
“Not tonight, I have a headache,” he grumbled.
He shook harder. “Wake up.”
“Noooooooo.”
The shake turned into a punch. “I don’t want to have sex with you. Will you just talk with me for a minute?”
Without lifting his head, Adam smushed his face across the pillow until he was facing Kris. He opened one eye. “You don’t want sex?”
“No.”
Adam struggled to raise himself onto his elbows. He looked hurt. “Why don’t you want sex with me?”
“Adam! Fine I’ll have sex with you but we have to talk about Mrs. Willowby first,” Kris sighed. He was just as tired but he needed to share his idea.
“Is it her ankle? Is it worse?”
“No, no, nothing like that. I think we should do something special for her, something to show her how much we love and appreciate all that she’s done for us over the years.”
Adam slowly dragged himself into a sitting position. “That’s a great idea. What do you have mind?”
Kris perked up. “I was thinking we could arrange our surprise for Easter….”
--*--
Mrs. Willowby and the children waited in the foyer for their parents. It was Easter Sunday and they were all dressed in their new Easter clothes and waiting to go to Morning Services.
Kris hurried down the stairs, decked out in a handsome tan suit. “Okay everyone, let’s go.”
“Where’s Mr. Lambert?”
Okay, now the hard work started - fibbing to the human lie detector.
“He’s not coming with us this morning.” He looked in the mirror, adjusting his tie even though it was fine.
“Has the poor lad come down ill? One of his headaches?”
They had thought about using illness as an excuse but they knew she’d insist on staying home to look after him and the whole point was to leave Adam alone so he could finalize the surprise.
“No, no, he’s okay. Adam just has to take a long distant call this morning.”
“Business? On Easter morning?” She was shocked. “Does a holiday mean nothing anymore?”
“It’s, ah, not business. His….brother is calling from New York and he doesn’t want to miss him.”
“Oh, family.” Mrs. Willowby adjusted her gloves and that was that.
It wasn’t a lie. Adam was staying home to take care of family business; it was just the West Coast branch of the extended family, not the New York Lamberts that he was tending too.
“Is he coming down to say good bye?” Hannah asked, pretty as a picture in her new sunflower dress with matching lace gloves, white shoes and new bonnet.
“Sorry Sweetpea but he’s already on the phone with Uncle Neil. Don’t worry, he’ll be waiting when we get back.”
Gently resting a hand against her back, he directed her towards the front door before picking up Joshua, handsome in his own tan suit, and heading for the car.
--*--
The sedan pulled up the long driveway and into the courtyard. What waited for them took their breath away, even Kris, and knew about the surprise. Adam had outdone himself.
A red 1950s Cadillac convertible was parked by the garage, gleaming in the morning sun. Leaning against it could have been James Dean but it was Adam, arms crossed, feet crossed and flashing a grin as shiny as the classic behind him. He was in sneakers, blue jeans and a white t-shirt. Of course, he had to have a little make up but just around the eyes and his hair was slicked back at the sides and his bangs came down over his forehead.
Always a fashion plate, even for a casual family outing.
The kids jumped out of the car and ran to the giant red monster in their driveway, jumping up and down. Kris got out, heading straight for his husband and planting a big kiss on his lips.
“Wow, like wow, magnificent.”
“Thank you, thank you very much,” he replied, huffing on his fingernails and buffing them on his chest.
Kris laughed, swatting him. “Not you, you dufus, the car!”
Adam laughed too, picking up Hannah so she could look at the interior. Joshie was fascinated with his reflection in the hubcaps.
Mrs. Willowby was still in the passenger seat, her expression unreadable. Kris climbed back in the driver’s seat of the sedan and took her hand. “Mrs. Willowby, are you alright? It’s a surprise…for you…to thank you for all the hard work you’ve done and to show you how much we cherish you. We’re all going out for the day, to the seaside, a family outing.”
“A family outing.” She turned her face towards him, smiling. “It’s not proper to eavesdrop Mr. Allen.”
“Couldn’t help it. So,” he squeezed her hand, “shall we get changed and join Elvis over there for an afternoon to remember.”
She pulled him in and kissed his cheek. “Wild horses couldn’t keep me away….Kristopher."
--*--
Adam waiting patiently, double-checking that he’d packed everything and polishing the chrome. Hannah and Joshie ran out together, each wearing sandals, shorts and t-shirts. Kris wasn’t far behind. He’d put on jeans and tan shirt. He didn’t do anything to his hair but it kind of had that 50s look anyway.
When Mrs. Willowby came out, both men did a double take. She was in a red sundress with large white flowers on it and she carried a matching white shawl. Despite the graying hair pulled back in a ponytail instead of her usual bun, she seemed ten years younger and taking in the big smile on her face already made the day worth the effort.
Adam approached her and offered her his arm. He escorted her to the car, accompanied by a chorus of giggles from the kids already piled into the back seat. Kris opened the door for her and she took her seat. Kris hoped over the side of the car into the back and belted the kids in.
Getting behind the wheel, Adam presented her with a head scarf and oversized sunglasses. He stretched an arm across the back of the seat and got everyone’s attention.
“Are we ready to go? Got everything? Last minute runs to the bathroom?” Yes. Yes. No. Adam turned back, slipped on his shades and started the engine. “Long Beach, here we come!”
--*--
On the way down, they found a drive-in and wolfed down hot dogs, hamburgers and French fries from plastic baskets lined in wax paper. Back on the road, they headed for Shoreline Village, a collection of New England inspired building full of shops, restaurants and fun activities build on the waterfront.
It was a glorious day, the sky pale blue, the sun bright but not too hot. They cruised the parking lot for 15 minutes before Adam found a parking spot he was sure would keep the car safe - it was a rental after all. Gathering their things, they headed out to the village.
They had a great time shopping and eating ice cream and funnel cakes. They all went on the carousel at the Pelican Pier Pavilion and tossed bread to the seagulls that were dive bombing the holiday tourists. Everyone had a great time but no one more so than Mrs. Willowby.
By mid afternoon, they got back into the convertible and went in search of the perfect picnic spot by the ocean. On the way up the coast, they pulled over to a quaint restaurant and Kris ran in, picking up the food they had preordered a few days ago.
An hour later, the perfect spot materialized. It was a patch of cool green grass under a canopy of trees with a stretch of sandy beach. They wouldn’t let Mrs. Willowby lift a finger. Hannah and Joshua took her each by the hand and they walked down to the beach while the guys lay out the picnic blanket and utensils, cushions and of course the food.
Mrs. Willowby stretched out on blanket and had a nap while Adam and Kris played catch with the kids, working up their appetites. Eventually, they all got together and enjoyed sandwiches, salads, juice and cookies. The kids went back to play, staying close by, and Adam and Kris relaxed with their sweet lady.
“This has been a magnificent day lads, simply a magnificent day.”
“The surprises aren’t over yet,” Kris offered.
“No?”
Adam reached into the basket and pulled out an envelope, handing it to her. She opened it and found a beautiful card signed by the whole family and also a hand written voucher.
“What’s this?”
“It’s an IOU. Whenever you like, we want to fly you back to England to visit your family,” Adam explained.
“Or if you want, we can fly them here, all of them. They can stay with us in the guest wing or if you like, you can go away somewhere, our treat.”
Her eyes glistened. “I, I don’t know what to say.”
“We only have one stipulation,” Kris added.
“Yes?”
Adam finished the request. “We’d like you to live with and take care of us as long as you want…and we hope it’s a long, long time. We all love you very much.”
“Daddy! Papa! Come play, come play!”
Adam and Kris each gave her a peck on the cheek and ran off to play with their kids. Mrs. Willowby reread her card and the voucher. She looked out at the Allen-Lamberts … her Allen-Lamberts … her American family.
Answering their questions, albeit not loud enough for them to hear, she laughed. “I’ll stay forever if you’ll have me. And I love you all too.”
“Easter Parade” from “Holiday Inn” - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jO3nzrA-Ot4
Picture of the convertible - http://www.flickr.com/photos/84744892@N00/3104732349/
Shoreline Village - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2RZMj3a5cw&feature=related