Michael was watching an animated show on television with Megan when his smart phone started beeping, signaling an incoming text message. He picked it up absentmindedly and read the message. It was Lance, asking if Nathan and Holly could come by tomorrow morning at ten. He replied in the affirmative and was surprised when there was an immediate response.

"Sweetheart, Nathan and Holly will be coming tomorrow morning. Is that okay with you?"

"Yes, Daddy! Of course. We're going to have so much fun. I think I ..."

He tuned out his daughter, nodding once in a while to keep up the appearance of listening to her long rambling. He figured it would be nothing important. Besides, he was thinking about Lance and Adam -- fantasizing about them, to be more accurate. He realized he was more than simply sexually attracted to both men. He could honestly see himself dating either of them. Or maybe both. He had thought Lance was very muscular, but Adam was even bigger, and he estimated that he and Adam had a similar body type and size.

He had been so lost in thoughts, it took him a while to feel Megan's palm on his arm. He glanced at her and grinned apologetically. "What is it, sweetheart?"

"Daddy, why don't I have a brother or a sister?"

He gaped. He knew Megan would ask him about that sooner or later, but he had not expected her to question him now. He remained silent for a minute or so, trying to think of a good way to explain it. "Megan, sweetheart, sometimes there are people who are not ready to be parents and they feel it is best to give their children away to people who will love and care for them."

"Is that how you got me, Daddy?"

"Yes, sweetheart."

"Why can't you just go and look for more people to give their children to you?"

He was torn between amusement and exasperation. "It doesn't work like that, Meg."

"Okay."

He waited patiently for her to process her thoughts.

"Daddy? Can Nathan and Holly stay with us forever and ever?"

"Meg, they can't. Lance and Adam are their parents, just like I'm your dad. They have their own house or apartment. Nathan and Holly belong with them. You don't want to live elsewhere without me, right?"

She shook her head before replying guilelessly, "Maybe Mr. Lance and Mr. Adam can live with us, too. We have two more bedrooms. I can also share my room with Holly."

"Sweetheart, it's difficult for you to understand this, but that can't happen."

"Why not?"

"Lance and Adam are boyfriends, and --"

"Can you be their boyfriend, too? Then Nathan and Holly can be my brother and sister, and we can all live together."

"I…Megan, that's not how relationships work."

"Just try, Daddy. Please? Don't you like Mr. Lance and Mr. Adam?"

"I do like them, sweetheart, but…"

"Then try!"

"I ..." He trailed off helplessly. "Let me talk to them first, but no promises. Alright?"

"Okay, Daddy."

They continued watching the movie, but Michael sighed softly and thought about Lance and Adam. He would talk to them tomorrow before his daughter could embarrass him by inappropriately asking about their relationship. He only wished that it was as easy as Megan thought it could be. He leaned back against the couch and heaved another defeated sigh. At least the animated movie did not require his full concentration.