Dad Life without the Mad Wife

-

Luke couldn’t help but smile as he listened to the other talk. “We can absolutely do lessons. My horse guy is currently taking some personal time so we can get those scheduled for when he is officially back but for now we can definitely go see the horses.” He said, directing his attention more to the young girl. This interaction had been a few weeks back and then Lincoln had gotten injured and Luke had forgotten about the lessons which is how he found himself in this current situation. His eyes blinked open slowly, the pain not yet hitting him fully as he slowly tried to push himself up from the ground. “Dani…” He managed to get out as he rolled himself over carefully, still laying flat. He could hear a car roll up and he tensed as he thought it might be the guy who had done all of this and took Dani. He pushed himself up into a sitting position with all the adrenaline starting to pump through his veins, a pool of blood still surrounded him and he thought it looked like the slaughtering room floor, part of his brain fogging over that it was in fact his own blood. He turned to face the direction of the footsteps he heard.

~ “Oh shit,” Viggo said walking up on the seen that was Luke and he quickly blocked Jilly’s view, dropping down to her level, “Hey... hey sweetheart. I want you to take my phone okay and call nine-one-one. I know... I know it’s only for emergencies but this is an emergency okay, After that I want you to go wait by the car okay?” He nodded gently nodded, rubbing her cheek before heading over to help Luke out.  He started by putting pressure on his wounds ripping pieces of Luke’s shirts. “Hey Luke. It’s me Viggo, okay. Stay talking to me, please. We’re getting you help.”

-

Astrid raised her eyebrows with a laugh. “I think she might have tried to get me to move in if I didn’t already move in with Declan.” She said shrugged. “She can’t help it and she does it out of love really.” She said shook her head. “You are a good guy Viggo and anyone who tells you different is wrong, even if that someone is yourself.”

~

Viggo nodded not shocked one bit by that statement. “Smart move,” he smiled, “she would have probably given you both a home.” He knew his sister was a sweet heart deep down and he had witnessed it several times himself but it was the brotherly thing to do to razz her. “You’re family, Strid. You’re supposed to say that.”

_______________________________________

It didn’t take long before her little helper came and joined her in dinner preparation. Between the two of them, Jilly and Clarissa had dinner ready to eat sooner than expected, even if it might have involved a mini sauce fight that Clarissa would vehemently deny. Though the spot of red sauce she cleaned off Jilly’s nose would say otherwise. Once they settled down at the table, Clarissa sighed and glanced at Viggo. “Alright - now you get to judge how we did in the kitchen.” She grinned over at Jilly who waited excitedly to see what her dad thought of the dinner she had helped make.

~

Viggo’s brows raised as he looked around the table at what they had put together, “I don’t know, looks questionable.” He smirked eyeing the two of them before inspecting and trying it. He looked at Jilly first while he was chewing and then Clarissa, “it’s great! You two did really well.” He smiled, “how many courses did you make? I don’t know if I’ll be able to eat much after this first one.” He teased but continued eating, before looking over at Clarissa, “so how was your day, since you caught a glimpse of ours.”

Clarissa combed back his hair gently, a smile on her features as she shrugged. “I know but it’s okay. You know I don’t mind at all, I enjoy doing it.” There was a joyful laugh that bubbled from her at Jilly’s excitement to help her with cooking. Tutting her tongue, Clarissa pointed to her father. “What he said, my friend. But the sooner we finish this up, the fast we can make a mess of the kitchen.” She winked at the little girl, earning herself a giggle before she eagerly turned back to her homework. Once her attention was elsewhere, Clarissa looked back to Viggo. She hummed, her eyes gleaming with mischief. “Oh, I like the sound of that.” Pressing one last kiss onto Viggo’s lips and a ruffle of Jilly’s hair, Clarissa pushed herself off the couch. “I’m going to get started, get all the boring stuff out of the way.” She explained at Jilly’s protest before she headed to the kitchen and began to pull the things she needed for dinner. 

~

Viggo smiled and relaxed into her touch, nodding at what she said and knowing she did enjoy it. His brows raising gently at Jilly before he laughed at her deflating and going back to her school work, “don’t worry, bug. We’re gonna breeze through this now.” He said gently tapping his daughter with his foot to get a smile from her again. His gaze met Clarissa’s and he smiled, “yeah?” His brows raising as he matched her kiss, he watched her leave and sat up to help Jilly once more, “alright, alright. We have some motivation now so we’ll get through this.”

Astrid nodded. “I will do that because I’m not sure how much longer I can actually lift her. She’s getting so big so fast.” She said and laughed. “I think I’ve heard it all. There’s not much that doesn’t go around. But I promise, nothing bad about you.” She said and took the glass, taking a drink from it. “He’s going to be around for years, I just know it.” She said and smiled softly as she listened to him talking about Clarissa. “I’m so happy for you. I look forward to meeting her sometime.” She said as she took another drink. “Any person that you like must be an amazing person.”

~

Viggo nodded, “I’m shocked Gyda hasn’t tried to move you in so you don’t have to do it alone. You know she has a savior complex sometimes.” He chuckled knowing his sister just liked to help people. His brows raised and he smiled, “good, good, I’m sure Gyda would spread more about me than anyone.” Viggo nodded knowing he definitely wanted his dad to be around because he wasn’t really sure all of his siblings could handle it. “You will soon enough. You’ll wind up joining her and Gyda’s little posse.” He laughed and shook his head, “I wouldn’t go that far after everything but, after leaving my ex and Jilly things did start looking up for me.”

“I just did what needed to do to help you guys out, it wasn’t anything particularly noteworthy, though it did make it easier when I had my own kids.  Jilly was a breeze and Ladon really just wanted a male role model and my dad handled most of it.”  Tereik sighed, “You’re probably right, it’s just discouraging, I want to have a good relationship with my son and I feel like he’s just not interested in anything I try to introduce him to, but you’re right, there’s time, I hope.” 

“I’m really glad, you know how much Gyda and I love all three of you, we just want you all to be happy and Clarissa with be a great mother to Jilly, and if she needs anything, Gyda will be more than happy to help her out.”  Tereik smiled, “There was a reason we came back here, I was fielding offers from museums in New York and Chicago, but as tempting as some of them were, we couldn’t stay away from you guys anymore, we just wanted to come home.” 

~

Viggo shook his head and smiled, “you practically raised my kid. That’s pretty noteworthy. Without you and Gyda I don’t know how we would have made it. Not with me working nights especially.” He smiled and shrugged, “I’ve never dealt with a son. So I really have no clue but I’m sure he’ll come around and you two will find something. You haven’t lost him yet, he’s still pretty small.”

Viggo nodded and smiled, “I know, Riss is pretty great with Jilly and she’s easy now that she’s older. I’m really happy. I don’t want to throw Riss to the wolves though. We’ve had some bumps in the road but we’re getting them ironed out.” Viggo laughed and nodded, “I see either way you were coming back here, huh?” He smiled a brow raising at his brother in law, “you too old for field work now?” He joked, “it had to be pretty fun to go back though.”

“I know it’ll all work out in the end, but I never really expected that I would have kids.  I thought my sisters had enough kids and it wasn’t worth the risk of passing any of my health issues onto them, and then it wasn’t happening so adopting Hana was the perfect solution and then we had the twins and now Itani…I just want to be a good dad.  I idolized my father, he was the smartest, strongest man I knew, and I didn’t think anyone would ever see me that way, but then Hana and Rashid did, so I thought Torben would get there in his own time, and maybe he still will, but it just doesn’t seem like he has any interest in the things I try to do with him.  I’m sure we’ll get there, but it’s something that’s really been worrying me for a while.”

“I know, that’s the most important thing.  I had a similar relationship with Ladon, from a distance, at least, and it was really hard for me to step back when his father came back into the picture, but he was happy and Kami was as well, so I had to do what was best, and even though it didn’t really work out with him…you’ve got to do what’s best.  If Clarissa isn’t comfortable with that, you know as well as I do, Gyda will pick it up, just like I did with Ladon, you know you can always count on us, no matter what, but I’m sure it’ll all work out great.   I really missed you guys a lot, and we don’t plan on leaving anytime soon, I enjoyed the job, but I can’t handle that kind of physical work anymore, so there might be some trips back and forth, but you’re stuck with us for the time being.” 

~

Viggo smiled, “you already are. I mean you’ve been a dad longer than you realize honestly. Ladon and Jilly when I was still working at the hospital. You and Gyda raised her more than I did then really. Probably the reason she turned out so much better than me.” He chuckled and shrugged, “you and Torben will find something you both like. It’ll just take time. He’s still a little kid. He doesn’t know everything he likes, just keep trying.” 

Viggo knew better than anyone he could count on T and Gyda to help him with Jilly and he knew it better than most. “She really likes Clarissa, and I hope that we decide something before she gets too attached to her. I just want her to have a mother figure but I want it to be someone who loves her as much as Gyda does and for her to love them too.” Viggo gently knocked his shoulder against T’s and smiled, “we missed you more. This place hasn’t been the same without our fights.” He teased, “I wouldn’t want to be stuck with any other family though and now I get to watch my nieces and nephews grow up.” 

Clarissa watched with adoration in her brown eyes as Viggo relaxed at the threading of her fingers through his hair. It had obviously been a very long day for him. The brunette chuckled at his groaning protest, rolling her eyes playfully. “As much as I would love, that, we have to eat something either way. So, why don’t we do this?” She glanced over at Jilly quickly for second, making sure she was okay with the next problem before continuing. “I’ll stay here with you while Jilly finishes up her homework and then us ladies will make some mini lasagna cups.” She giggled when Jilly turned to look at her and smile brightly. “While you go and take a shower and relax. By the time you’re done, we’ll be finished and we can eat. How’s that sound? Do you wanna help me cook dinner for your dad?” She questioned them both, humming in content as he pulled her to stretch against him on the couch. Leaning up to his ear, she whispered so only he could hear. “And then I can help you relax later on tonight. I’m thinking massage.” There was a cheeky glint to her eyes when she pulled back, her smile barely contained by the way her teeth nipped at her bottom lip.  

~

Viggo smiled at her suggestion and exhaled sharply, “you sure you want to do that? You don’t have to cook us dinner. We can always order something.” He gently ran his hand up and down her side, smiling at how much Clarissa did for them and how much Jilly enjoyed it. He fell in love with her more and more each day really he just didn’t want to rush things for hisself, Jilly, and especially Clarissa. Jilly was excited about the prospect of helping Clarissa cook and Viggo raised a brow at her with a smile, “if you don’t finish that you don’t get to help.” He chuckled turning his attention back to Clarissa, “That would be a fantastic idea.. maybe I can return the favor too.” He smiled catching her lips with a kiss after she nipped his, “let’s get this homework done then so we can start this dinner and get everything ready for bed.” 

“I hope so, it’s been so effortless with Hana and Rashid, I don’t know what I’m doing wrong, but I hope he sees the effort I’m making with him.  I love him and I tell him all the time, but I worry about our relationship if we don’t find a common interest at some point.”  Tereik snorted, “Oh do you do that? I hadn’t noticed.  Seriously though, Hana has such a positive influence on everyone she meets, I hope she sees that too, she’s one of the best people I know, even at her age.” 

“I’m really glad to hear it, I think it’s great for all three of you.  That’s a good way to do it, there’s no reason to rush into anything if you’re happy where you are, you deserve to be in a relationship where you can be yourself, you’ve both earned that.”  T smiled, “I didn’t really have any friends in Cairo, I had the guys  on my team, and we were friendly enough, but it wasn’t the same.  Plus, we were both so busy with the kids I didn’t even have time to make friends if I wanted to, I missed being able to do things like this with you and the girls.”

~

Viggo nodded, “Rashid is like you though. Torben is more like Gyda. So much like like Gyda it’s scary sometimes. He knows you love him though he just has a lot going on. Thor was like that too, he was a lot like Torben honestly. Gyda knew how to handle it.” Viggo chuckled and couldn’t help but agree with him, “Jilly loves Hana and I think she’s learned a lot from her and even taught me a lot too. Those kids just amaze me how much they can show us.”

“I just want Jilly happy and Clarissa happy too. I care about them both obviously, but I wanna make sure Jilly is happy to have Clarissa around. I mean Gyda’s the only mom she’s really known in a way and I don’t want Clarissa to think she has to step in and fill that space or anything.” He smiled though before looking over at T, “I missed you guys more than anything honestly. I felt kind of lonely here without you. Couldn’t like run and tell you about Clarissa or anything. It’s nice to be able to do that again.”

“You would think they would make these better by now.” Astrid said and nodded. “Declan says the same thing all the time but I have to get her around somehow.” She said and nodded. “Oh trust me, I know.” She added, laughing. “Gotta love her though. How else would all those embarrassing things get through to me. I mean, I’ve heard quite the gossip about a lot of family.” She said and thought for a moment. “Just some water would be great. Dad does love his sweet tea though.” She said and nodded. “Oh I’m sure. I bet she’d love some little siblings of her own. How’s it going with Clarissa…that’s her name right?”

~

Viggo shook his head, “nah, they definitely want parents to suffer. You definitely need to call me next time or something and I’ll just come to you.” He laughed and nodded, “well if we didn’t love I think she might punch us.” His brows raised at the mention of gossip and he nodded, “I’m curious to know the gossip you’ve heard now. I hope not too many bad things about me.” He brought her a glass of water and chuckled as he sat down on the couch, “Dad definitely does, mom had to rein him in some though on it. We want him here for a while, I mean he has all these grandkids he’s gotta be around for.” He nodded at the mention of Clarissa and smiled, “yeah that’s her. Things are going well, and I’m sure Jilly would love her own little siblings but for now... we’re just kind of taking it as it comes with us. Whether it’s slow or whatever.” 

With Lincoln out with the injuries, Luke had been taking over the horse care which included lessons when someone had asked for them, which is what he was meeting up with Viggo for this afternoon. He had been asked about lessons for a young girl and he was excited about it. He loved doing these lessons and he had already picked out his easiest pony for her to ride. He walked outside of his place by the horse pens and waited for Viggo to show up, leaning up against the fence. Once he heard the vehicle pull up, he stood up straight and turned around offered a smile and waited for the other to step out of the car before walking up tohim, hand out for a hand shake. “Hey man, welcome to my ranch.”

@viggolance​

~

Viggo held tight to Jilly’s hand and smiled at Lance. “Hey! Thank you... uh this one wants horse back riding lessons if that’s possible.” He shrugged, “I figure no better man to talk to than the owner right?” He laughed but shook his head. “I used to go riding as a kid but I haven’t been forever and I’m pretty sure if my sister knew her niece hadn’t been on a horse she would probably kill me. She never brought it up though so I didn’t think she was interested.” He rubbed he back of his neck, “I’m talking too much huh?” He said looking down at Jilly who simply nodded. “Can we go see some of the horses please?”

“I know, I was babysitting a couple of days ago and I helped my friend’s son with his homework; the math nowadays makes my head hurt.” Clarissa chuckled, her eyes scanning Jilly’s worksheet. “But that’s cause we’re so old now.” She joked, tickling Viggo’s daughter slightly. “You’ll get it cause you’re so young and smart.” There was a soft smile on her face as Viggo ruffled her hair and she relaxed against him, enjoying the comfort. Her fingers ran through his hair slowly, tilting her head in his direction as he spoke. “I can make dinner if you’d like? That way when she’s done, the food can be ready? I don’t mind.”

~

“She’s a lot better at it than me, that’s for sure.” He pulled Clarissa closer to him and smiled at the feeling of her fingers in his hair. His eyes slightly closing at the feeling of finally being able to just relax after a decently stressful day for both him and Jilly. “I’d rather you stay right here.” He groaned but chuckled, “but if you want to make dinner I can’t refuse it. You know that.” He said finally smiling at her with a sleepy grin, “I could say we could order something but I know what Jilly will want for the fourth time this week.” He rolled his eyes before mouthing the word, pizza to Clarissa and pulling her in to stretch out on the couch with him instead, “but whatever you do I can’t promise I’ll be awake for I could just about fall asleep right now.” 

Astrid grinned as the door opened and nodded. “Far too long. Oh, thank you! She gets heavy sometimes and I’ve already been ordered not to do any heavy lifting.” She said with a laugh. “No, not too long, so don’t worry about it. It’s not like I called ahead or anything.” She said as she followed him to the living room. “We do. Mostly my fault probably. I mean, I’ve been a bit busy and distracted lately.” She said. “You are gonna have a couple more nieces or nephews or a mix of the two running around here in about seven months.” She said, knowing it was more second cousins but it was easier just to use nieces and nephews, at least for her.

~

Viggo nodded and smiled, “I know I remember toting Jilly around in one of these things. It was never easy and you shouldn’t be doing any heavy lifting. Twins can be considered pretty high risk.” He shrugged, “Gyda told me. You know news spreads fast with her. She’s like mom... maybe even worse.” He set the carseat down on the floor next to the couch once Astrid had a seat and headed to the kitchen, “You want a drink or something? I got mostly water and maybe some sweet tea from dad coming up a couple days ago.” He chuckled and nodded, “I’m definitely excited for that. Jilly stays pretty busy when we visit T and Gyda with Itani I barely think that one knows me. I’m sure she can’t handle three little cousins at once.” 

“He’s a handful, and I love him and his passion, but we don’t always relate to each other very well and I worry about him, I worry about all of them, but Torben and I struggle to have any kind of a relationship, but I’m trying.  With Hana…I don’t think it’s other kids, we let her decide if she tells anyone, and I don’t think she does, but I’ve done a lot of research on it and it’s not an uncommon feeling for kids in her situation.  Gyda and I are doing the best we can to encourage her and love her and make sure she knows how special she is to us and I think she’ll be alright, but she has some very adult feelings going on and it’s hard for her, but we’re looking into finding her a good therapist, I think having someone to talk to outside of the family will be good for her, but we’ll do whatever it takes. 

“It’s alright, I’m really happy for you guys, and I’m sure Gyda is too, we want you both to be happy and in good healthy relationship and you both seem like you’re happy, so that’s the most important thing.”  T nodded, “I missed you too, I didn’t realize how much I missed having my brother around until I didn’t have you anymore.  My sister’s husbands are mostly great, but we’re not all that close and I wouldn’t have a conversation with Coyote unless Kami and the kids were on fire.  Look, Viggo, as far as I’m concerned our relationship is totally fine and I’m happy to have you as my best friend again.” 

~

Viggo smiled, “I think trying is all that matters and he’s going to remember that one day.” His brows pulled together as he continued explaining Hana’s situation. “That would probably be the next best step, I don’t think any of us could understand how to feel in Hana’s shoes right now. I know I tend to say things I probably shouldn’t but I like to think Hana definitely helped that... a little bit. I know it still happens but I think you guys and her definitely taught me to be a bit more conscious. She’s a good kid and she’ll get things figured out but I definitely support a therapist because she’s probably got so many questions and just I don’t know.” He shrugged and smiled, “I can’t even imagine how that might affect you and Gyda too. I know Gyda probably beats herself up a lot about it. It’s kind of her thing.”

Viggo smiled and nodded, “I think we’re happy. I know I am and Jilly. I just hope I make Clarissa happy. I know Jilly loves her and I know I... I’m there too but I don’t want her to think because we both feel a certain way we have to jump head first into everything. I wanna enjoy life with her.” Viggo laughed and nodded, “I’m happy to know I was missed, you definitely were too. I felt lonely as hell without you to talk to. Plus I’m pretty sure Jilly would have moved with you guys if you would have given her the chance.” He clasp a hand on Tereik’s shoulder and smiled, “good, I wouldn’t want it any other way.”

Astrid had talked to Gyda recently and it reminded her of how long it had been since she had actually seen Viggo in ages and she wasn’t sure if he knew she was expecting or not. She had spent her morning with Stella, finally getting her in her car seat and into the car, driving over to her cousin’s house. She parked and pushed herself up and out of the car, resting a hand on her already growing belly which has already started to show. She walked around and got Stella and her car seat out of the car, locking the car behind her as she walked up to his front door and knocked, setting Stella down because she couldn’t hold her up any longer.

@viggolance

~

Viggo answered the door with brows raised at the sight of his cousin, “Astrid! It’s been too long.” He greeted with a smile once he saw who it was, reaching down to grab up Stella’s car seat, “come on in! I got Jilly out back playing since it’s a nice day today. You didn’t wait too long for someone to answer did you? I had just come in to charge my phone.” He asked carrying the car seat in the house for his cousin and setting it down in the living room. “It feels like it’s been ages since I saw you, even though you live here. We definitely gotta talk more often.”

“I’m sure she’ll be along soon enough, but Meek needed her walk and Hana’s the only one of the kids who can handle the distance she needs, the younger ones can’t handle it, even if we move at my glacial pace.  Plus, she has a hard time here and there, worrying that she “doesn’t count” now that we’ve had other kids and I like to make sure she gets some one-on-one time.  I’m glad we’re sticking around this time, I want our kids to grow up together and now that Kami has another baby and she’s on her own again…plus us having Itani now, the timing just seemed right.” 

Tereik raised his eyebrows, he knew they were out of the loop being so far away, but he hadn’t seen that one coming.  “Wow, really?  Hey, I’m happy for you guys, and honestly, whatever keeps you off my sister,” he said with a laugh, “Seriously though, that’s great.  Gyda didn’t say anything, , but we’ve been so busy and trying to get situated it never came up.  How long has it been going on?” 

~

“I’m pretty sure Torben could handle it.” He chuckled and raised a brow at his brother in law, “I’m just not sure anyone can handle him. I can only imagine what it was like with him in the place you guys had in Cairo. His energy reminds me of what we were like after being on the bus with mom and dad all day.” He looked out at Hana and Jilly though and shook his head, “I can’t imagine not having Hana around. I hate she’s feeling that way. I’m sure you and Gyda are handling it well though. She definitely counts though, is it... is she maybe getting told that or something? Like bullied about it? I don’t know. I’m sure you and Gyda have like dug. Gyda probably gave the school a stern cursing.” He was definitely worried about the Hana situation but having more nieces and nephews was also interesting. “I’m sure mom and dad are definitely excited to have you guys closer. They’ll probably only come see you guys for a while now because of Itani.”

He nodded but laughed, “I’m really happy with her too and Jilly loves her, but that’s no surprise she always has. Yeah, I..” he scratched the back of his head, “I’m sorry I just kind of sprung that on you but I just kind of want...” He shrugged and looked at Tereik, “I missed you guys and I didn’t realize how much until I didn’t have you to talk to and bounce ideas off of. I know I’m a dumbass and say the wrong things and stick my nose in business it doesn’t belong in but I’d like to mend our relationship, because let’s face it. You’re stuck with me now.” He smirked, teasing Tereik. “and you’re the best friend I could ever have, T.”