Eff Del

Green Grow The Rushes, O

Book 3 of Young But Daily Growin'

I truly intended to leave this story and these characters behind me, but I've been flabbergasted at the number of you who have been asking for a third `book'.
I must admit that I've missed them too and have kept them in my mind.

Chapter 1

*I'll sing you two o'*
*Green Grow The Rushes, O'*
*What is your two o'*
*Two for the lily white boys*
*All clad in green o'*
*Green, Green,*
*Green Grow The Rushes, O'*

We both waved at the Skuggor staffing the front gate. It was just Sean and me in the 'red cat'. We'd driven into town to pick up the wedding present the boys had selected for John and Jenny. They'd chosen a crystal vase and upon its base they'd paid the dealer to engrave the words, 'And there is love'.

These were taken from the Paul Stookie song that Sean had sung the day John announced his engagement to Jenny. Sean would be singing it again during the actual ceremony at Jenny's request.

After we'd inspected it, the staff had wrapped it carefully in a beautiful box covered in metallic red paper and a silver bow. "Do ya think they'll like it Dad?" Sean asked as we were walking back to the big house.

"I think they'll love it, little man… especially since it comes from you guys. You both put a lot of thought into this gift, and it shows."

"The weddin' is in three days Dad; will Jack be back in time?"

Jack was on a University sponsored NAT-GEO ship studying kelp growth along the northeastern coast. Doc Swaim had helped set it up for him. It was a University project and Jack was part of the team. During his visit to the University with Doc Swaim last February, Jack had so impressed the department head with his independent oceanographic studies that he'd been offered this internship and the fiery red head had begged me for permission to accept.

It had been pre-arraigned that Jack was to be dropped off at Bar Harbor, Maine this afternoon, and Captain Lucas would be waiting to fly him back in time for the wedding. He'd then fly back to meet his ship in Nova Scotia. The fact that I was sponsoring this research trip made these arraignments rather easy to establish.

It was a beautiful day in early May, and the gardens of Joyous Gaurde were showing off almost as if each plant knew that one of its favorite residents was having a special day. It almost seemed as though the entire property was celebrating this wonderful event. I felt so close to this land that I actually didn't have a problem believing this was a fact although it probably was just because it was May and pretty Jenny was such a good planner.

"Jack will be here late tonight, little man, so don't be so antsy. Let's go grab our gloves and a ball and have a catch."

His blue/green eyes lit up and he flashed me a 'Sean smile' as he said, "Yeah Dad! You know that try-outs for baseball are next week don't yah?"

"Yep, I had that in mind when I suggested a catch Tiger… I'm way ahead of you." He giggled as he punched me softly in my arm.

The swim team had recently completed another glorious season and the trophy alcove now held a second 'all around best swimmer' trophy. My little tiger cub had once again demolished the competition. The 'Seven Samurai' had swum together the last time for at least a year until their ages caught up to their groupings.

This year however, there had not been a traumatic event like there had been the first time.

As the season wound down to another fantastic close, I'd had a moment of melancholy as I took the time to wonder how a 'trophy race' between Kyle and Sean might have ended. My little brother might have been the only kid I knew who could have given Sean any real competition. Thinking about Kyle had become considerably less painful and, therefore, more pleasurable as time and my boys healed my tortured heart.

As we tossed the ball between us across the grass, I thought to myself that Sean would be turning thirteen next month and the idea just completely blew me away. He was eleven when I first brought him home and he'd just turned twelve when he became my son.

Such a lot had happened in such a short amount of time.

He had certainly grown. The last time we'd been to Struthers, he measured in at exactly 5 feet [1.52 m] which was six inches [15 cm] taller than when I'd first brought him home, and he weighed 90 pounds… [41 kg] a whopping ten pounds [4½ kg] more than the little boy I'd first brought from the nest a year ago. None of the extra weight was fat, though; he was still slim and hard with muscle. As puberty overtook him, his hands and feet had grown larger in preparation for a major growth spurt.

I'd noticed at night that his little cock could jut out to a respectable three inches [8 cm] when it was excited. At his cock base, there was a very noticeable growth taking place… not yet technically pubic hair; more like 'pubic fuzz'

Overall, he reminded me of a cute little puppy… so full of life, joy and beauty. My heart just ached every time I looked at him and I loved him with a fierceness that grabbed me body and soul. He, on the other hand, was oblivious to his beauty. Vanity was not in his nature. He simply liked himself and he liked his life.

He'd finally gotten over his uncertainty regarding his permanent position in my world and he'd blossomed as his comfort level developed. He now understood that he was my son and that his life at Joyous Gaurde was a reality.

My memory wandered back to the skiing trip last February. Neither of the boys or Chris had ever been skiing and so the first two days at Breckenridge was spent with the three of them taking lessons while I started on the intermediate slopes before regaining my confidence.

On the fourth day, I was skiing down a run called 'blister rally' when suddenly a blue streak in my peripheral vision shot past me and stopped suddenly in an explosion of legs arms and skis. I was so surprised that I turned my knees to stop and promptly fell over. As I got back up onto my feet, a snowball suddenly struck me on my chest. Looking across the slope, I saw a stunning little kid with blue/green eyes and an enormous smile. He waved his arms in the air and almost screamed, "Dad, this is so fabulous! I never had so much fun! You're the best Dad that could ever be EVER!"

Typically, he had athletically taken to skiing like the proverbial duck to water. I walked across to him and hugged him closely and I kissed him with wild passion. As we were gearing back up, Jack and Chris came down the mountain. They, like Sean were so naturally athletic that they had taken to this new discipline quickly and I knew we were going to have a wonderful two weeks.

Sleeping in the Chalet was 'interesting' and I hadn't thought about that. There were five bedrooms in the building but I had two boys who were used to sharing a bed with me as well as Chris who often shared my bed… but never while either of the boys were there.

Somehow, they seem to have worked that out because, I shared my bed rather equally over the two weeks, never once sleeping alone.

Our meals were significant giggle and laughter fests and we spent our days on the slopes and our evenings naked in the Jacuzzi. It was so wonderful that we all were reluctant to go home.

We all agreed that next year we would spend a good deal more time here and, if they got as accomplished as I suspected that they would, we'd try some other more difficult locations.

***

Jack's interest in marine biology was burgeoning and Doc Swaim had nurtured his interest. He'd taken the boy back to the university twice while having to go there for work on his new book and eventually, Jack was accepted as an intern on this current voyage.

***

I gazed lovingly at the slight but athletic boy tossing the baseball back at me and grinned as he peppered a remarkably good throw in my direction. "Dad, it's just about time to open up the outdoor pool again isn't it?"

"Yep, we'll do it on Memorial Day and we'll have a cook-out. Do you want to invite some friends over?"

"Yeah, maybe. Jack will be back out ln the ocean though won't he?"

"Yes Sean. He's here for the wedding and then, he'll be gone until the end of June so he'll miss your birthday I'm sorry to say, but he's getting great experience for what it looks like he's chosen to be his life's work. By the way, before you get sad, you should also remember that he'll be gone for my first Father's Day as well so, we both get gypped."

"Yeah, I know Dad; it's just that I miss him a whole lot. We've only been brothers a really short time you know."

"Certainly Sean, but you've been the closest friends for a very, very long time and I think you want him to do what he feels like he needs to do, right?"

"You bet Dad! It's just that sometimes I'm a stupid little kid an' I want things to stay the way I want them to and I've only been your son and his brother for such a short time so…" He held the ball for a second and gave me a goofy grin.

I dropped my glove and strode across the grass and grabbed him in my arms pulling him tightly against me. "Maybe, little man, but remember that you're MY stupid little kid and that I've only been your Dad for such a short time and… try to remember that you make me so happy all of the time."

He nuzzled his nose into my chest and giggled softly.

I noticed Daniel standing patiently at the side of the lawn and his large form walked over to us once I'd acknowledged him. "Eric, I've just received a phone call from your pilot; Captain Lucas. Jack's ship docked three hours earlier than expected. I'll take one of the cars to the airport tonight and, if all goes as scheduled, Jack should be home around eleven o'clock."

"That's wonderful Daniel and… thank you for doing that for John; you didn't have to."

He flashed one of his dazzling grins and replied, "Of course I did. That poor befuddled man is getting married in three days. If I were you, I wouldn't trust him to drive my son from the airport or anywhere!"

We picked up our ball and gloves and walked with Daniel back to the big house.

Richard had been right. Daniel had slid into his new position like butter slides into the crevasses of a hot muffin. As a butler and household manager, he was obviously superior to Walter though, he certainly was NOT Walter and never would be, he performed his function extraordinarily.

Martha was obviously pleased with the way he had taken over the management of the staff because I often noticed her smiling as she gave him little pats as they talked and certainly spied the numerous little 'treats' that she cooked and baked for him during the day.

All was well in this household. Things were fluid and prosperous here at Joyous Gaurde. Walter was still a ghost on the premises, but a loving and benevolent one. Time did indeed heal the pain of his loss.

"OK, little man, here's the deal. We'll grab a quick shower, and then you take an actual nap, and I'll let you stay up until Jack gets back… but… it's got to be a real nap OK?"

"Don't I get no dinner?"

"Goofus, of course you get dinner, that's why you're napping after your shower. I'll wake you up for dinner and that'll be way before Jack gets home. Do we have a deal?"

He grinned up at me with his eyes flashing. "Are you gonna nap with me?"

"Absolutely not, smarty! I've got things I need to do and besides, I'm a grown-up and I'm regularly allowed to stay up past eleven o'clock. However, I might grab your little ass a few times while we're in the shower." He grinned and ran ahead of me just far enough to wiggle his little butt seductively back at me. He was becoming delightfully sensuous.

As I ran my soapy hands down his firm young body, I knew that while it would certainly end, until it did, I'd never tire of the joyful experience of showering with him. I soaped his chest and underarms, and slowly ran my hands down his ribs and thighs.

As was our custom, I lifted him up onto one of the shower benches and worked the shower gel down each of his long legs that stood as perfect proof that he was on the verge of a serious growth spurt. I'd heard the term before but now, before me stood a boy with 'colt's legs'. It was a perfect description of a gorgeous boy on the verge of puberty driven development.

As I was working the shampoo through his thick black hair, I made a mental note that tomorrow, all three of us needed to get haircuts. I was certain Jack hadn't had his hair cut in the two months he'd been at sea and I smiled as I wondered if he'd even shaved. I half way expected the kid to arrive tonight with at least some semblance of a beard.

As was our ritual, after rinsing him under the numerous shower-heads, Sean then lovingly washed me. His small hands softly worked the soap over every inch of my skin and, as I usually did, I became erect and stiff. He didn't notice it as anything particularly unusual. In our almost year and a half together, mutual stiffies were just a given.

I held him close to me as I rinsed under the rain shower-head and I spoke softly to him, "I know you may think I forget things Sean, but I'm going to tell you what one of your birthday presents is."

He looked up at me with a questioning expression on his face.

"The Friday after your birthday, you begin to take to the sky."

"What Dad? A-are you sending me away?"

I ran my hand down the soft round flesh of his wonderful ass. "No silly little man. You begin your flying lessons. Captain Lucas has recommended an instructor he trusts for you and your training is set to begin in a very few weeks. Isn't it funny to think that you'll be able to fly an airplane before John can legally teach you to drive a car?"

He gazed up at me through the shower that was spraying over us both.

"I… I n-never loved nobody like I love you Dad… Eric… Dad. I never knew my life could be like this, I never knew it would be this great. I j-just wish I could do something to…"

"If you're trying to say 'make me happy' Sean, you need to know that you make my life worthwhile every single day… just by being you. Now come on, it's time for your nap."

After we'd toweled off, we walked into the bedroom, I had him lie down on the bed and I noticed his little nail was still hard as a rock. "We probably should do something about that if you have any hope of taking a nap."

He grinned up at me and purred like a little kitten.

I leaned over, took the little boy bone into my mouth, and closed my lips around it. With tongue and lips, I soon had him in a frenzy. Sean never tried to prolong his sexual pleasure. He gave into it as it came and soon he was writhing beneath me. Hip hips rose and fell and I relaxed my grip on his young plump ass as he exploded in my mouth.

When he finally collapsed back onto the mattress, I pulled the duvet up and I kissed his forehead as I tucked the covers over his shoulders.

As I pulled on my clothes, I said, "I'll come up and wake you before dinner. I've asked Mrs. Edwards to make it a bit later than usual and then maybe we can start a new chess game before Daniel brings Jack home."

He grinned at me. "Yeah, cause you won the last game so I owe you some retribution."

I crinkled my forehead. "Wow, that's a big word from such a small munchkin!"

"DAD! I'm not so small anymore. For cryin' out loud… I'll be thirteen next month an' pretty soon I'm going to be flyin' airplanes."

His expression suddenly changed and he looked at me intently. "Dad, when I'm not little anymore… when I grow up bigger than Jack is. Are you still gonna love me? Are you still gonna call me your little man?"

I walked over to the bed and pressed my lips against his forehead and stroked his still damp hair.

"Sean, on the day he died, my father loved me and always thought of me as his son… his boy… even though by then I was a grown man. Part of the wonderful thing about being a family is that even when you stop being little, you're still a son and a brother though you'll change from being a 'little man' to a 'young man' and, eventually, to a man but I'll be there to love you every step of the way."

His turquoise eyes locked me in their gaze for a moment and then released me as a 'Sean Smile' lighted his face. "Couldn't never been a better day ever than the day you brought me home Eric. I love you Dad."

I knew that if I tried to say anything I'd start to cry so, I just smiled down at him and ran my fingers through his moist raven black hair. I left and decided to visit John to see how things were going.

***

I found him and Jenny together in the living room looking over some papers.

"Hi guys, I just dropped by to see if everything is going alright. There's never been a wedding at Joyous Gaurde before and I…"

"Eric, calm down." John had his hand on my shoulder as Jenny handed me a drink. "Daniel and the caterers have everything under control. We're not in the least bit concerned. The rehearsal is tomorrow and then the big show. We're just going over some stuff about our future plans."

I suddenly felt a shock. "I hope those future plans don't include leaving us."

The look on their faces spoke volumes. "Oh hell no Eric!" John exclaimed quickly.

"It's really more about Jenny's future. You see, next year, she'll graduate with her teaching degree but Martha and Daniel have offered her a full-time position as Martha's assistant and frankly Eric, you pay a hell of a lot better than the school system does. The question is about whether to even finish this last year of college."

I took a sip of my drink and smiled at John. "You certainly pour better scotch than when I first met you my friend."

He grinned. "I've learned a thing or two and also my boss pays me a lot more money than I used to earn."

I turned serious. "So, here's my two cents on the subject and it's very parochial. While I was away earning my degree, my family was slaughtered on a highway. John I know you take that personally but we've had this discussion before. I took it even worse… I took it badly but my money made certain I got my degree.

Jenny, a degree doesn't certify what you know and can do, it certifies how many hours you've sat in classrooms listening to professors with questionable abilities as teachers basically drone on about their own opinions."

"Jenny, if I need somebody, I buy his or her degree. Believe me, my sweet girl, degrees are for sale. I've already done it for some of my key people and I'll do it for you. That way you have your first year together but you'll still have your degree and credentials if you decide to go out and deal with a room full of snotty little kids. Hell, Jenny, by then you and John may be working on your own snotty little kid."

I kindah grinned. "I just realized that your baby would be the first one born here at Joyous Gaurde since my brother Kyle."

"Thanks Eric and, we'll discuss this after the wedding but, you've certainly added more to the mix."

***

There was very little going on at the command center that required my attention so, I decided to just go back to my study and have another drink. Jenny had no family. Her father, mother sister and brother were killed in a car accident when she was eighteen. She'd been participating in a basketball tournament while they were returning from a family wedding.

Once I'd heard of this, my feelings for Jenny became very warm and personal. Her life was so similar to my own. I didn't want anything to hurt her but, then again, she was marrying John and nobody would ever love her or protect her more than John.

Since I'd already accepted the role of John's Best Man, she'd quietly asked Uncle Phil if he would give her away and he'd tearfully accepted the duty. Martha was to be the Matron of honor and two of Jenny's college friends were the other bridesmaids.

The boys were the groomsmen.

I sipped on my glass of single malt when there was a soft knock on my door.

It was Gary.

He smiled as he entered and with complete comfort, he took a glass, filled it with a couple of ice cubes and poured a drink. "So, Saturday the big day?" He was smiling warmly as he said it. "I'm looking forward to the wedding Eric but, I really came over today to thank you for everything you've done to change my life."

"Gary, you and Bobby more than made up for anything I've done by your courageous actions. So, you've been in the new house about a month now. Is it good?"

"It's perfect Eric, and Bobby is so enjoying being tutored by David Swaim. Being with Bobby has changed my life and my orientation… my entire outlook Eric."

"Then everything was worth it, Gary." I said and he looked intently at me as he took a sip from his glass and then, stood up and walked across the room and placing a hand at the back of my head, drew me into a passionate sensual kiss.

As he withdrew, he said softly, "Just a short time ago, I could have never done that Eric. My life is so free and so wonderful; so filled with love and happiness. I wanted to bring you a present but I also wanted you to know that if you were ever interested in… well, I wouldn't not… Bobby will be off to the University in a few years and perhaps we…"

I reached over and took his hand and I stood up to face him. "Gary, I… that's the most wonderful thing to say. At this point in time, I hope that we will grow together as friends. I'd really like you to consider yourself my friend. As to being 'friends with benefits', I'm in a relationship although it's not a monogamous one. Let's just get to know and continue to like each other and then let nature take its course OK?"

He smiled warmly. "I sort of thought that's what you'd say and I'm glad. I just wanted you to know that if you were ever interested, I'm open to the possibility. So, here's your 'thank you present' Eric Tucker."

He produced a bottle of 21-year-old Glen Fiddich. "Thanks, and I'll see you at the wedding."

He turned and left the room. I took a while to catch my breath.

***

I leaned back into my chair and slowly went over in my mind what I had to do.

I had to get the three of us haircuts so I placed a call to Jerry at 'Sheerz'. Jerry has been cutting my hair since I was a teenager but he keeps on top of the latest styles and technology. He'd quickly taken control of Sean's hair and later; Jack's. I made three appointments starting at ten in the morning.

From there to Struthers to pick up our tuxedos… that should not be a problem unless Jack had a growth spurt while away at sea… Oh, hell! Why had I had that thought?

Then, there was nothing to do until the rehearsal and then, the rehearsal dinner.

The wedding was to take place in the wild flower garden that was in full bloom and blazing with color. Andy's skillful crew had it manicured to an almost impossible perfection.

Thanks to our wonderfully predicable weather, the reception party was going to take place out on the grand lawn without a tent and I'd noticed that the tables and chairs were already being moved into place.

Daniel and Jenny had selected the caterer and Daniel had taken over supervising everything. I smiled as I thought that Walter couldn't have done this… Walter was a soldier and protector. Daniel was a highly skilled Butler. I then reminded myself that Daniel was deadly in several martial arts disciplines.

What a world I live in!

***

I must have dozed into the comforting arms of my desk chair because it seemed only moments later that Daniel was gently shaking my arm. "Sir… Eric… Eric, Mrs. Edwards says that dinner is in twenty minutes."

"Thanks Daniel. I must have been out like a light."

"No problem Eric. Shall I go up and wake Sean?"

"I'd say 'yes' however, he's sleeping au natural and that might be a bit upsetting don't you think?"

"I'm never bothered by seeing round young buns or even sweet little boy bits so, it's your call."

"Actually Daniel, I feel that I need a quick shower so I'll wake him up."

"Darn!"

I smiled at the big man. "Oh don't worry Daniel. You'll get to see him in all his glory soon. I'm opening the outdoor pool on Memorial Day."

***

After I'd showered and dressed, I walked into the room.

Typically, he'd kicked down the covers and was sprawled naked and beautiful. I gazed down at him and wondered for the millionth time what I'd done to deserve him in my life. My little Sean… the angel sent from whatever benevolent god had decided to save my life. My heart ached just looking down at him.

I gently took his shoulder in my hands and rubbed and tugged it softly. After a few moments, his eyes opened in the confusion of just awakening, then recognition came to him and he smiled a warm bright 'Sean smile'.

I leaned down and kissed him softly upon the lips. "OK, tiger, you've had a great nap. Now it's time to have dinner and get dressed to greet your brother."

He gave me an evil little boy grin and purred, "I kindah thought that I AM dressed to greet my brother."

"Sean!"

"OK Dad, you know I was only kiddin'. I gotta pee then I'll meet you down stairs… WITH clothes on and then, I'm gonna' kick your butt at chess!"

***

As we got up from the table, Martha pulled me aside and said, "Jack's going to be hungry when he gets home tonight, so, I've made him a big sandwich with all his favorite stuff, It's wrapped in cellophane and in the crisper of the fridge. Goodnight and I'll love seeing all of my boys in the morning."

She pecked me on the cheek and did the same for Sean. We headed down to the library and took our regular seats at the chess table. Sean extended his two closed fists and I chose the left. He opened his hand revealing the black pawn, which meant that he moved first.

He moved a pawn forward two spaces and grinned. I countered by moving my own pawn forward only one space which I hoped would throw him off his game.

Rather than being disconcerted, He grinned and advanced one of his knights onto the board.

"Shit!" I exclaimed as I realized the little guy was coming at me aggressively.

An hour later, I realized that the kid had me in mate and I surrendered by turning my king over.

Sean and I were currently a perfect match though I knew as he grew, he'd be able to beat me at will. So much for adopting a genius, I guess.

***

He burst through the library door like a hurricane.

Tall and tanned and his red hair long and unkempt, his chin was fuzzy with youthful unshaved hair. He looked just like a sailor home from the sea. "Dad! Oh I'm so glad to be here! I'm so happy to be home! Sooo happy to be here!"

I hugged him tightly into me and in an almost whisper I replied. "Jack, it's good to have you home son."

He spun around to Sean and lifted him tightly to himself. "Tadpole, I've never missed anyone as much as I missed you!"

I walked over to the bar and pulled out a beer and poured it for my young man. He accepted it with a smile and plopped down into one of the large leather chairs and smiled as Sean jumped up onto his lap hugging him intensely.

I sat down across from them and the smile almost cracked my face.

"So, my scruffy sailor boy, has this been a productive voyage?"

"Dad… yeah… we're learning about growth variances as compared to water temperature but, we're studying other factors that I hadn't even considered before. I know it sounds silly, but this kind of research could save the entire planet. I just love it Dad and I'd never be getting to do it if it wasn't for you. Thanks so much for allowing me to do this Eric… Dad… It's… just so wonderful."

I pulled him into a hug squashing Sean in between us.

After releasing him, I said, "I know that you're hungry and Mrs. Edwards anticipated that. Come into the kitchen and I'll get out the sandwich she made for you plus some chips and stuff."

His smile lit up his face.

"I'm really home aren't I?"

I rubbed his shoulders and pulled him close as we walked to the kitchen.

"Yes Jack, you're really home.

Chapter 2

There are times when we honestly question our choices, our direction andour preferred course. We must, at these moments recognize that our guesses are simply that; our hopes are tied to our faith and that our faith will sustain us if we are strong enough to trust in it.

Faith after all, is all that we really have in this life. Hope is useless without it and without hope, what is the purpose in going on?

Sean insisted that if we three were going to share my bed, Jack needed to shave. I'd smiled softly because the sparse, downy ginger fuzz on the older boy's chin was probably a sort of badge of pride for him but I also expected he knew it would have to go before the wedding anyhow.

After he'd showered, he stood at the vanity in his bathroom with Sean keeping an eagle eye on him.

After Christmas, I'd spent several mornings with Jack showing him how to whip up a proper lather in his shaving mug with his new badger shaving brush. I'd taught him how to work the lather into his 'peach fuzz' and how to use his new razor to properly shave his youthful face. It turned out that he'd been using disposable razors and regular soap to groom himself. Fortunately, his facial hair was still rather sparse.

Just as with my own morning ritual, Sean was fascinated with Jack shaving. The idea of having to remove facial hair was somehow intriguing to him. He giggled as Jack worked the soapy brush into his youthful whiskers.

I felt a pang in my heart as I looked at my handsome redhead… he was growing to be a young man and I was afraid he'd be off into the world before I'd even had a chance to enjoy him as a boy.

As Jack toweled off his clean-shaven face, he turned and smiled warmly at me. "We can sleep together tonight can't we Dad?"

I smiled and pulled him into a one-armed hug. "I don't see why not son, as long as we all remember we've got a lot to do tomorrow and it's already late."

"Oh, don't worry, I just want to cuddle and hug my Dad and my brother. That's OK isn't it? Two months is a long, long time."

Sean jumped into the conversation quickly and said, "Scuze me Rufus, You've been gone a long time and I think we're gonna do a little more than cuddlin."

I smiled and said, "Sean, you may be right, but we've got to get some sleep so perhaps some quick 'welcome home Jack' and then its sleep time."

I draped my arm around Jack's bare shoulder and guided him out the door and down the hall from his bedroom to mine. Sean followed in almost perfect tandem.

With a large smile, Jack, who was already naked, climbed up on the bed while Sean and I quickly undressed. I smiled down at the beautiful redhead and said, "Well Jack, you've got a good deep tan already except on your butt, crotch, hips and thighs. You're practically lily white there."

He scowled for a second and then grinned at me. "Geeze Dad! I can't exactly runaround naked on a University Research ship like you guys do around the pool here."

"Dad hasn't opened up the outdoor pool yet, Jack, so we haven't been running around naked outside. We're probably less tanned than you. He's gonna open it up on Menorial Day an' you'll be back a month after that."

"You mean 'Memorial Day' Sean," I corrected the boy.

"That's what I said; 'Menorial Day'. Then, we can run aroun' naked by the pool. Summer hasn't even got started yet. You'll be back in plenty of time Jack."

I dimmed the lights down to a soft 'almost dark' and got onto the bed with the two boys. "Scoot over, Sean, so that I can say 'welcome home' to Jack."

I moved down and knelt at Jack's feet and slowly pulled his legs apart. He offered no resistance and he sighed as I bent over and began to softly kiss and nibble on his inner thighs. As if on cue, Sean was bending over kissing Jack on the lips with a passion that belied his tender age. Jack reached around and was massaging the younger boy's upraised globes tenderly but vigorously. Sean in turn, was using his free hand to stroke and tweak his brother's nipples; alternating from one to the other.

I slid forward a bit and began to gently lick the older boy's scrotum rolling each of his almost man-sized balls between my softly clenched lips while I worked my tongue over the soft surface of his sack. In between his passionate kisses with Sean, Jack was moaning louder and more urgently. I sensed that enough was enough and I took his very hard cock into my mouth.

I flicked my tongue snake-like across his helmet and then down the length of the bottom of his shaft. He hips began to thrust and his thighs started to heave. Sean had moved his lips down to one nipple while his hand continued to work on the other.

Jack began to breath frantically while moaning and sighing. I began sliding my lips up and down his shaft while dragging my tongue on the up-stroke and flicking it on the down-stroke.

After a few moments, Jack was digging his fingers into the flesh of Sean's perfect little gluteus and his legs were twitching. I was not surprised when he gasped out, "I-I'm c-cumming!"

No sooner had he said it than he was shooting his hot load into my mouth. I continued to suckle his shaft until he'd collapsed exhausted onto the mattress and his breathing gradually slowed to normal. His long red hair was plastered in a mess over his forehead but his green eyes twinkled even in the dim light and he smiled up at me.

"Man, I've missed you. I've really missed you both these past two months. It's so good to be home even if it's just for a few days."

He sat up and patted the bed alongside him indicating I should lie down there. "Now I'm going to do you, Dad, and then…" he smiled at Sean, "I'm going to do you, Tadpole, and then we're going to go to sleep."

He slid down between my legs and grinned a wicked boy grin made all the more devilish by the fact that he was at least a month-and-a half overdue for a haircut.

From the first time we'd been together, I'd recognized that Jack gave the most extraordinary blowjobs I'd ever experienced. Tonight was no exception and he soon had me on the edge of Nirvana.

Unlike most times Jack fellated me however, he did not attempt to prolong or delay my climax. Recognizing the late hour, he skillfully brought me to an amazing explosion within his talented mouth. As my orgasm ended, I collapsed panting and smiling.

Stroking my thigh lovingly, he slid over to Sean's side of the bed. The younger boy was sitting up and Jack softly pushed him down onto his back and spread his legs for him.

Sean was soon cooing with pleasure as Jack worked his little boy rod skillfully and shortly, Sean was cuming with little boy enthusiasm. When he was finished Jack rose up, leaned forward, and kissed the smaller boy. "I love you Tadpole," he said softly.

"Love you too Rufus," Sean whispered in return.

Jack climbed over me and nudged me in the direction of Sean. "Your place is in the middle, Dad, so we can both snuggle with you."

I complied and moved to the center of the bed. As I did so, Jack stroked my arm. "I really love you Dad. Thanks for everything you've done for me."

I replied in an almost hoarse voice choked with emotion, "Truth be told Jack, all I ever really do for you boys is love you. Everything else just follows." There were a few minutes of silence and then, I smiled as a boy cuddled in on each side of me.

"Goodnight, family," I whispered.

"Goodnight, family," a voice to my right replied.

"Good night, family," came to response from my left.

I smiled as I thought to myself, 'we could be the fuckin' Waltons if we weren't all in the same bed'. Blissful sleep overtook me just moments after that.

***

I'd inadvertently left the blinds open and the early morning light began to flood gently into the room. My eyes opened slowly but with no reluctance. I was not in the least bit surprised when the first thing that I saw was two bright blue/green eyes staring down at me.

He was sitting on my stomach and, typically, he was wiggling as he sat perched waiting for me to wake up.

As I shook off the heavy confusion of sleep, I realized that Jack had rolled over on his side and was still soundly asleep with his wonderful teen-aged ass pressed firmly against my thigh. Typically, for a teen-aged boy, Jack tended to sleep later than Sean and me so, even when the three of us shared a bed, Sean and I tended to shower together.

My vison was clear and focused now and my heart warmed as I looked up into his joyful smiling face. "Mornin' Dad!"

I winced slightly… if Jack were not such a heavy sleeper, Sean's exuberance would have awakened him. I glanced at Jack and he didn't even flinch.

"Doncha gotta pee Dad?" He looked at me seriously. "I hadda pee bad when I woke up so I got up and did it… an then came back to wait for you to wake up."

His grin was dazzling and I rubbed his soft firm ass as it wiggled on my stomach as I smiled up at him. "Well, if I didn't need to before, your little ninety pounds wiggling right on top of my bladder, made certain that I do now."

I placed my hands under his arms, lifted him up off me, and slid out of bed. I threw him over my shoulder and carried him with me into the bathroom.

He began laughing and I cautioned him to be a bit quieter so that he didn't wake Jack up. I had no idea what type of hours they worked on the research ship but I suspected they were long and irregular and that Jack was probably tired. He was still only sixteen years old, and boys that age needed more sleep than they usually wanted to acknowledge.

I stood Sean on the floor and proceeded to pee. While I did so, Sean moved my shaving equipment into place. He decidedly didn't like facial hair and since the few times I'd gone a day without shaving, he'd become the 'Razor Nazi'. I smiled as I thought that, after last night, Jack was in for the same treatment.

I smiled at the beaming little boy and said, "When you grow up, you'll probably wear a long flowing beard."

He wrinkled his cute little nose and looked at me curiously… there were still aspects of my sense of humor that he didn't understand.

"My turn to pick the shower song!" he called as he scampered to the control panel.

Leaving the excess shaving soap on my face, I moved into the shower and got the water started. The arraignment of the multiple shower-heads had remained more or less stable since Sean's first week in my life. We'd found what we liked and we'd left things that way.

His face was adorned with a dazzling smile as he almost skipped into the hot spray wrapping his arms around me. At moments like this, I knew I could die happy and without a regret.

"Here it comes Dad. I think I gotcha this time." He was grinning up at me like a little imp.

It only took a few seconds for the orchestral intro to register and I was startled when I tried to realize how a child could even know of this recording. It was actually amazing that I knew about it.

Had I not spent so much time with my grandfather at Fish Camp, listening to his old records while we read our books by the fireplace, I doubt that I'd have recognized it… but I did.

I leaned down and kissed his forehead. "You belong to me," I whispered. "What a great choice!"

I was rewarded with a 'Sean smile' as he drew me into a swaying dance under the steamy hot water. The tempo and the melody were perfect for a swaying hug as Jo Stafford's voice flowed through the speakers. I was crying as the song progressed when I realized how much the lyrics applied to how I felt about my two boys.

*Fly the ocean in a silver plane.*
*See the jungle when it's wet with rain.*
*Just remember when you're home again*
*You belong to me.*

How in the hell did this twelve-year-old boy know about a recording from 1952? I was astonished but then, I remembered his encyclopedic memory and his love of music. It seemed like he only had to hear something once and he remembered it.

The streaming water from the multiple heads hid my tears but as I swayed in the shower with my arms around Sean, my heart swelled and I realized that I loved Jack with all my heart and soul but, I adored Sean. Sean was the center of my whole life… in fact, he was probably the reason that I was alive at all.

The break in the song came appropriately and I softly sang along into his ear;"

*'I'll be so alone without you.*
*Maybe you'll be lonely too*
*And blue.'*

As the song ended, he looked up at me with a gravely serious expression.

"Dad, you'll never be without me unless you send me away. I'll always be your boy and you'll always be my Dad. That's why I picked that song Dad… you belong to me."

I lifted him up and he wrapped his legs around my waste and we hugged each other tightly. "Sean, I love you so much it almost hurts."

"Don't say that Dad. Nuthin about love should hurt."

I kissed his nose and said,"You're right… now let's get washed up."

As we were toweling off, a groggy-eyed Jack stumbled into the room. I noticed that his young dick was at full staff though that didn't concern him in the slightest. I had to keep reminding myself that Jack and Sean had been raised in a totally male environment and that neither of them had any 'normal' sense of body modesty. Stiffies were just part of living.

"Mornin'… guess I missed the shower concert again?" He was grinning and leaned in and kissed us both. "I'll meecha downstairs." He stepped into the shower and Sean and I headed to our rooms to get dressed.

***

The way Martha reacted in the kitchen, you might have supposed that Jack had been off fighting in a war. Don't suppose that the boy didn't milk it for all it was worth. Martha's love and attention were worth more than diamonds or gold.

The table groaned under stacks of pancakes, plates of scrambled eggs and toast. Even after all this time I was still astonished at how much these two could eat and seemingly not gain and ounce of fat.

They seemed to finish at the same time and looked up with grinning syrup-smeared lips. "Thanks Mrs. Edwards!" they exclaimed in unison and Martha beamed.

"Jack, if we can find the time you'll have to tell me about your adventure at sea."

He smiled and said, "You bet Mrs. Edwards. It's so exciting… I can't wait to tell you about it."

"OK boys, give Mrs. Edwards a hug and then head out. It's haircut time for the Tucker men."

This was not greeted with a great deal of enthusiasm but also, with little resistance; these boys were realists and recognized the inevitable. I tried to alleviate the angst by telling them that we'd drive into town in the Jag XKE. Somehow that made it better.

Chapter 3

There is the gift of a surprise in each new day.

However, it is something we must search for… it comes to us gently and can pass unnoticed if we do not seek it out.

Each day may present sorrow just as surely as it may present joy, but it certainly will open new places in our minds and our hearts if we take the time to look for it and understand it.

Sean's eyes were scrunched tightly closed and his nose was crinkled up as Jerry sprayed lukewarm water into his thick black hair.

Jack and I sat casually watching; our haircuts having already been completed. I'd gone first and the boys had secretly done a round of 'rock, paper, scissors' to determine who went next and Jack had lost.

Jerry was an artist who could look at a face and a head and then, after asking a few questions, cut your hair to perfection. The boys didn't like having their hair cut, but they were always pleased when Jerry was finished with them.

The wonderful thing was that when you walked out of 'SHEERZ', you didn't look like you'd just had your hair cut… you looked clean and well groomed. This was the hallmark of Jerry's skill.

As his scissors moved with meticulous precision through Sean's mane, Jerry said in a pseudo whisper, "You know Sean, if you could stop wiggling, there would be much less of a chance that I'd cut your ear off."

I tried very hard to suppress my laughter as Sean's eye's grew wide and his facial expression moved from surprise to fear and then, to actual understanding that this was a combination of joke and request.

"Sorry Jerry."

"Don't be sorry pal, just be still."

I love my boys with their hair longish; even borderline scruffy but after looking at them when Jerry had just worked his magic; I wondered why I didn't have their haircut every couple of weeks. I knew that if the boys could have their way, they probably would have haircuts once or twice a year and I suspected that was typical.

Jerry whipped the smock off Sean, used his blow-drier to whisk away any excess fallen hair and turned the chair around to face the mirror. As always, the little boy liked what he saw. Jerry had the skill that made you glad that you'd just had your hair cut. That's talent.

"Thanks Jerry!"

"My pleasure, Champ."

"So Eric, John's going to actually go through with this it seems. He was in here yesterday getting his hair cut and he seems crazy in love."

"Yep, tomorrow's the day and she's a wonderful young lady. They really seem to be in… like you said; crazy love."

I paid him and added a generous tip. Even though he owned the salon, his skill and attention was worth far more than the basic charge for the haircuts.

He smiled at the boys as we headed for the door. "I'll see you guys the next time your Dad is able to hog-tie you and drag you down here."

Both boys grinned and almost in unison said, "Bye Jerry."

***

My heart jumped as Sean stepped out of the changing room in his tuxedo. It fit him perfectly and he looked so elegant and beautiful that I hardly knew how to react. He was beaming and I understood that he knew how good he looked.

"Dad, I never dressed this fancy in my whole entire life. You know what else? I've never worn a bow tie before. That's pretty neat cause you don't have to tie them they just clip on."

I decided not to tell him that convenience was just an expediency and that real bow ties actually need to be tied by hand… that would be useless information to a twelve year old.

He twirled around in front of the full-length mirrors enjoying what he saw and then turned to me. I was still wearing my own tux which Jacob and Albert insisted needed some minor alterations. "Dad, we look like we should be in a James Bond movie!"

He held his hands together making a pretend pistol and arched an eyebrow with a very serious face and said, "Tucker… Sean Tucker." Then he giggled, "Shaken not stirred… whatever that means."

Jack emerged from the changing room in much poorer shape. The legs of his trousers pooled around his feet and the arms of his jacket were almost over his hands. He looked perplexed.

Jacob Struthers was quick to intervene. "Don't panic. We anticipated that Jack was going to have a growth spurt and frankly, if we'd tailored the tux to his last measurements, the sleeves of the jacket would have been above his wrists and the trousers would have been at his ankles. His torso configuration is still essentially the same so all we have to do is let Albert take some arm and leg measurements and send you guys off to lunch. When you return, Jack's and your tuxedos will be ready and Sean's will have already been bagged and hanged."

After Albert had done with measuring Jack, we headed for the changing rooms and got into our street clothes.

"OK guys, what'l it be; burgers or burritos?" The answer delivered in almost perfect unison sounded like 'BRITTOS".

Cochina Alfredo carne assada burritos was our 'go to' lunch when we were in town. As we sat at one of the rough wooden tables scarfing down our food, Jack regaled us with tales of his voyage.

"So… one of the Masters Degree students named Filo, got diarrhea so bad that he spent the first three days in the head… that's what you call the toilet on a ship. After he stopped having the shits, he continued farting so bad that the crew made him sleep in the engine room. He left us in Boston."

"The ocean is so beautiful and exciting… it's everything I always imagined it would be… Dad I could stay out there forever."

It was then that I realized that Sean would have to be the heir apparent to the family empire. It was not in Jack's nature. He would spend his life sailing the seas financed by a family fortune that Sean would control. I gazed at my little boy and thought to myself,' what a weight to place upon such slender little shoulders'.

***

The almost non-existent trunk of the XKE meant that poor Sean had to share the scanty back seat with three tuxedos but we made it and carried them up to our rooms.

As we passed in the hallway, Jack whispered to me, "Dad, I really need to be with you tonight. I'll clear that with Sean. Please?"

I thought about his request for a moment and then answered, "Shure Jack, that's OK with me."

We'd already crossed over that line and I knew we'd do it again tonight. There was no sense in pretending it hadn't happened. The problem was in defining the relationship.

***

I was all alone and naked as I stood before the big window of my bedroom suite and the setting sun made everything look like caramel. Even my skin glowed in a copper brown but sugar sweet color. I'd showered and was getting ready for the wedding rehearsal.

Since neither John or Jenny were particularly religious, Doc Swaim was going to perform the ceremony because he was credentialed to do so. My true apprehension was that later this evening, John's Father and Mother would be arriving. I'd never met either of them and I didn't know what to expect. I'd arraigned a private flight from Philadelphia and Captain Lucas was always professional and impressive… I wanted them to be proud of their son.

After dressing, I caught up with the boys and we walked over to the wildflower garden. It looked magnificent and it seemed as if everything was in the prime of bloom… Jenny's timing was perfect. There wasn't a cloud in the sky.

Uncle Phil and Martha arrived almost simultaneously and they were followed shortly by Jenny and the two bridesmaids. John followed looking more befuddled than I'd ever seen him.

"Hi guys. Please meet Darla and Christine." Introductions were made all around. They were lovely young ladies, fresh faced and friendly. As we were involved in introductory conversation, Doc Swaim and Uncle Phil showed up and Doc took charge.

"All right everyone, I want nothing less than your complete attention. When we do this for real tomorrow, we'll have changed two lives… that's certainly worth paying attention this evening."

He quickly laid out the short ceremony and pointed out our places. The girls had the more mobile and complicated part. Us guys basically just had to stand there. After we'd walked through the process three times, Doc Swaim called it a done deal and we walked back to the patio for the rehearsal dinner.

It had been catered because I didn't want Martha or Jenny to be worried or involved in this. It was a lovely Santa Rosa Bar-be-que and it was amazing. Jack and Sean were like two little carnivores as they tore through seconds and thirds and (since I hadn't been counting) probably 'fourths'. At one point, Jack smiled up at me with greasy lips and chin and said, "They sure don't have chow like this on the ship, Dad."

I smiled and gripped his shoulder in a casual hug.

I noticed that John had been very active around the bar and I moved over to him and put my arm around his shoulder. "Part of my job as Best Man is to make certain that you show up fit and ready tomorrow. Have you eaten enough?"

He nodded.

"Well then, go kiss your girl and I'm going to take you home."

***

Though he was a bit wobbly, he grinned as we entered the apartment. "I really love her Eric. I can't wait until tomorrow and I can call her mine." I guided him into his bedroom but I thought to myself that I'd felt like that the nights before I'd adopted Sean and Eric.

I noticed his tuxedo hanging on the closet door and as I gently made him lie down, I said, "Sleep well tonight John. I'll be here at 9 o'clock and after you shower, I'll shave you and then we'll have breakfast. This is a big day at Joyous Gaurde."

He smiled up at me and I knew he was a bit groggy. "Y' know Eric, the best thing I ever did in my life was when I stopped Stinny from hasselin' you. I loved your father the moment that we met and when he offered me this job, I just knew that I'd found my place in life. Besides that, the salary was mind-blowing. I grieved when your parents and Kyle were killed and to this day, I think if I'd been driving I could have saved them but that's probably bullshit… your father was a great driver."

"Those years after when you were mostly drunk were horrible… almost unbearable. A lot of the longtime staff quit and I was almost one of them. Walter talked a lot of them into staying. I stayed because I felt you needed me and I like to think I was right."

I brushed my hand across his face and whispered, "Yes you were right John." And I leaned over and kissed him on the forehead. I think he was asleep before I left the room.

***

The party was breaking up when I returned to the patio and Daniel was subtly escorting the guests away as his team began straightening out the area. I noted to myself that Daniel was slick… slicker than Walter I thought with a heart-wrenching sigh.

I walked down to the library and poured myself a drink. Very soon the two boys joined me and with a nod of acquiescence from me, Jack poured himself a beer and a root beer for Sean.

They sat down smiling.

"I was proud of you today boys. This wedding is a big thing and you are a major part of it."

"Thanks Dad but you know we love John and Jenny." Sean was smiling as he said that.

As we sipped our drinks Daniel was suddenly at the door.

"Sir, Arlen has arrived at the gate with John's parents."

"Thank you Daniel. We'll meet them at the main entrance."

***

As they emerged from the limo, they were a very handsome couple. The woman clung to her husband's arm and the man held that arm protectively. There was obvious love between them and it warmed my heart.

"Welcome Mister and Missus Costa. It is a pleasure to finally meet you and have you here for this very special occasion."

Their smiles were like bright sunshine and as I took the man's hand in a friendly grasp, he said, "Mr. Tucker, we're Tim and Alice and we're very honored to be here."

"Well Tim and Alice, I'm Eric and these two scamps are Sean and Jack." The boys shook hands and exchanged pleasantries as I escorted them into the house.

"I know it's late but have you eaten… is there something I can get for you?"

"We ate very well on your wonderful jet plane Eric but, if I'm being honest, I could enjoy a good stiff drink… I'm not much for flying."

I smiled. The elderly man looked so much like his son that I liked him instantly. He was not as bulky as John was but he was obviously well muscled and he carried himself with pride and confidence.

Alice was a slight woman not given to middle-aged weight gain. Though not petite, she was small, fit and attractive.

"Let's walk down to the library. I think I have the cure for your problem Tim. Will you join us Alice or would you like to be taken up to your room?"

Her grin was quick as lightning. "Heck Eric, I'm not going up if the bar is still opened." She gripped my arm affectionately as we walked into the house.

"Boy! This is some place you have here. John wasn't exaggerating when he told us he was living in a castle."

"Actually, John has a very large apartment over the garage and, despite my suggestions, he won't move. He loves it up there and so does Jenny. I'm sorry that they aren't here right now but, John had a bit to drink at the rehearsal dinner and… well I'm sure you understand."

They looked at each other and smiled. "Johnny was never much of a drinker Eric. … Probably one of the reasons he won so many pool games."

"Actually Tim, I think the reason he won so many pool games is because he may be the best in the world." Tim grinned and tipped his glass of Jack Daniels at me. I had a mental exclamation; why is it that so many people I like drink 'Jack'? I hate the stuff.

Sean stood up and said, "John's Dad and Mom, I'm happy to meet you but I gotta go to bed. I'll see you in the happy tomorrow." He shook Tim's hand and kissed Alice on the cheek… what a little diplomat I was raising.

Tim looked at me with a very serious face. "My John worships your family. I'm so proud to finally be here and to meet you."

"Well Tim, we certainly love John and consider him part of the family. The boys adore him it's as if he was a favorite uncle. He guided Jack through his drivers training and I expect he'll do the same with Sean. Moreover, I consider him as a friend not an employee. I have and would put my life in his hands."

Tim smiled and took a sip of his drink. "Johnny is so talented mechanically. There isn't anything he can't fix. He was like that since he was ten years old. I taught him about cars but in a couple of years, he was way ahead of me. Sadly, we had a silly little fight when he was eighteen and he left the house never to return. He calls his mother regularly but he hasn't talked to me."

I noticed his glass was empty and I took it and refreshed his drink.

"I'm not certain that Johnny will be glad to see me but I suspect that, because I've been invited I might meet with a true closure."

"Well Tim, we'll find that out at breakfast. John is a true and loyal friend and I don't suspect he has a hurtful bone in his body. Daniel will escort you to your suite."

As they left the library, Jack tucked at my sleeve. "Yes?" He almost whispered.

"Come on you luscious little sea tramp. I can't wait to fuck your little cockles and muscles alive a live O."

I wasn't certain if he understood the old folksong I'd referred to, but he pulled me by the hand down to the elevator grinning.

***

"Jack, I've missed you son. I'm happy and proud of the work you're doing but I miss having my boy around."

He smiled as he undressed and I realized that I was getting a Jack 'fancy strip'. I watched fascinated at how he made removing a few articles of clothing so evocative.

He wound up sitting on the bed and with an evil little grin said, "Come and get me."

"Hold that thought," I said as I began to disrobe.

Shortly, I was straddling him and our lips were locked in a fierce embrace.

"Fuck me Dad… fuck me Eric." He whispered urgently.

I rolled over and grabbed the lube and coated my fingers. Without any warning, I thrust two slippery digits into his asshole and worked them in and out as the boy moaned in delight.

I'm an aggressive top and since we'd done this before, I made no pretense of gentility. He wanted it and so did I. I removed my fingers and replaced them with my raging cock. My thrust was slow and gentle but aggressive and urgent.

He moaned as I entered him and he threw his arms around me and at the same time, wrapped his legs around me as I drove my cock into him.

As I slowly fucked him, I thought to myself that it felt so right. We were family but a different kind of family than most and this lovemaking was part of that.

The intensity of our contact put time into a poor perspective. It may have been minutes or it may have been an hour but finally I exploded into him.

I rolled over and drew him into me. "I love you Jack."

"I know, Dad, and I really love you too."

Chapter 4

To discover our potential, we need to celebrate those glorious strengths and heartbreaking weaknesses that are within all of us.*

*This is what makes us human. Being human, we have the potential to be beautiful.

I was smiling as I woke up. Jack's precious young ass was nestled against my thigh and he snored softly sleeping the sleep of a happy teenaged boy.

Glancing at the clock, I noticed that it was just a bit after 7 AM so; I decided to let him sleep as I slipped off the bed and headed into the shower.

As I was rinsing the shampoo out of my hair, I felt two arms wrap themselves around my chest. "Mornin' Gonna do my hair next?"

I turned around and smiled into the turquoise eyes of Sean as he beamed up at me. "I promised Jack that I'd leave you guys alone last night but I didn't promise nothin' about the mornin'."

I ran my hand down the nubbins of his spine and onto the smooth richness of his ass cheeks and pulled him tightly against my body. He raised his face and I leaned in and engaged him in a hot sensuous kiss.

"Good morning, my wonderful boy. Move under the water flow and let me wet your hair."

As he soaked under the spray I looked at him. He always amazed me he was so beautiful. He was certainly beginning the journey through puberty. His hands and feet were bigger than they were and his legs and arms were decidedly gangly. His collarbone still protruded below his shoulders but there was certainly muscle developing on his chest. Nothing was out of place and nothing was less than beautiful. He was a wonderful boy, growing perfectly and I loved him with my heart and soul.

"I'm gonna wash your hair little man and then I've got to dress and go wake up John and give him a shave. Your job, after you soap this stinky little body, is to somehow try and wake your brother and get him into the shower."

He was giggling hysterically. "You called me a stinky little boy the first time I took a bath when you brought me home, Dad." I was laughing too as I worked the shampoo into his hair.

"That's always been my joke, son although, after a few soccer games this season, you really did qualify."

He giggled again.

As I rinsed his dark mop, I kissed him one more time and then gave his little butt a soft spank.

As I was exiting the shower, he called to me, "Dad, I love you so very much… don't never stop lovin' me please?"

I was frozen in my tracks but I somehow came up with the right response. "Sean, my boy, my son… not loving you would be impossible." I was rewarded with a dazzling 'Sean Smile' and then he turned and began working the body wash over his luscious torso.

***

"Oh crap its sooo early, Eric!" John moaned as he opened the door. "I drank way too much last night didn't I?"

"Yes, but not as much as you would have if I hadn't stepped in. I'll bet you're not too bad. Now, jump in the shower, take three aspirin and, when you're through, I'll shave you slick as Nick and then we'll have breakfast with your parents."

He reacted as if he'd received an electric shock. "My parents are here?"

"Well certainly John, their son is getting married and you invited them…"

It suddenly occurred to me, it had been Jenny who had talked to me about the arrangements for getting John's folks here. His look of bewilderment told the entire tale.

"Jenny!" we said in unison.

"John, go shower. I suspect that your lovely lady has given you the greatest gift you'll ever receive and we should hasten to it."

***

John had long ago taken up the Tucker tradition of brush and mug shaving. I whisked the brush briskly around the mug whipping up a rich warm lather. John was leaned back in the chair and I worked the warm soap into his morning stubble. Slowly… meticulously I worked the razor along his face and neck feeling and judging as I progressed.

When I was satisfied, I applied some soothing after-shave and said, "Well pal, you're smooth enough for your bride. Go get some clothes on … I told everyone breakfast was at 8:30."

As he ran into the bedroom, I caught a glimpse of his very muscular ass. I'd never thought about John sexually because he was so ragingly masculine, but he certainly had an attractive body that rippled with muscle… not my personal type but attractive none-the-less.

He was my friend and, I didn't have that many friends. He was going to get reconciled with his father (hopefully) and later, he was going to be married to a wonderful young woman.

***

Martha had insisted we must uphold tradition and that the bride and groom should not see each other on their wedding day until the actual ceremony. Therefore, Jenny's breakfast with her party was in the solarium. Ours was in the little dining room.

As John and I entered, Sean and Jack entered with John's parents. Apparently, they'd had a tour of Joyous Gaurde.

John stopped and shook with emotion.

"Mom… Dad…" His mother flew into his outstretched arms. Tears were profuse as they clung to each other. Gently, John released his grip upon his mother and turned to his father.

"D-dad… I was an eighteen year old asshole who took you for granted and had more snot-nosed pride than sense. I never could figure out how to tell you how sorry I was for the things I said to you so… I never tried. I hope you can forgive me." He wrapped his muscled arms around his father and sobbed.

Tim finally pulled away, reached over and wiped his son's eyes. "I think we're supposed to have breakfast, son and then, you're supposed to get married… at least that's the schedule in the memo I got."

John escorted his parents to seats and continued sobbing for a few moments before he got control of himself. "You know Eric; this could possibly be tied with the greatest day in my life. Dad, try some of this hot sauce on your eggs."

"If you say so Johnny, but if it burns my ass coming out, I'm gonna blame you."

"You'll be fine Dad. Are you OK Mom?"

Alice smiled obviously pleased at the reunion. "Couldn't be better Johnny." She leaned in and kissed him.

As they scarfed down eggs, John grinned at his father. "You still 8-Ball King of the Hill at the Dew Drop Inn?"

"Sure, you left before ever giving me a real challenge, John."

John grinned slyly at his father and said, "Well, there's a great table down the hall and there's plenty of time before the wedding. What do you say Pop?"

"I've beat you before Johnny I reckon that I can do it again. Is this OK with you Erik?"

"Tim, I've hardly ever seen John beaten so I'd love to watch the man who taught him play against the young Shark."

"Do I get to play winner?" Jack enthusiastically interjected.

John smiled over at the boy. "Shure Jack. Why not? Either my father or I will kick your smart young ass after we finish."

We were all giggling as the staff removed our plates and we headed down to the game room.

John assembled the wonderful cue I'd given him at Christmas. "Take your pick Dad, they're all perfect," he said as he indicated the cue racks on the wall of the game room.

Tim smiled and selected three cues from the rack and, after rolling them across the table, chose the second one.

"They are all perfect. So choose for break. Bumpers or coin?" I knew that 'bumpers meant they would each drive a ball the length of the table against the opposing rail and then back up the table. The player, whose ball stopped closest to the near rail, got the break. This was called a 'lag shot' and was traditional though many more rough and tumble players (apparently like John and Tim) considered it a waste of time.

"Coin Dad… I think bumpers are bullshit." Tim pulled a coin out of his pocket and slapped it onto the back of his other hand.

Tim smiled; "I do too Johnny. Call it."

"Tails," said John. Tim opened his fist and the coin was 'heads'.

"Go on then Dad, break them up."

They were playing 'eight ball' and Tim took no time… he simply drove the cue into the rack and split them wildly apart.

John was an artist on the pool table but his father was like Rembrandt. Slowly and meticulously, he potted ball after ball. I'd never seen anything like it as the man just ran the table with perfect precision.

As the eight ball slowly rolled into the pocket, Tim smiled up at his son. "Another?"

"Nope, not today old man. It's obvious that you haven't lost a thing… you're still the king Dad." John was obviously in love. I just beamed and was so happy this was taking place.

"So little guy are you ready for me?" Tim was talking to Jack who'd called for the right to play the winner.

"No, John's Dad. I couldn't come close to giving you a game. I'm nowhere near your league."

The older man pulled Jack into a hug and said in a half whisper, "Sometimes old coots can fool you, Jack. Years of life add wisdom and cunning. Youthful enthusiasm and raw ability is often not enough."

Jack smiled up at him "Yes Sir, Mister Tim." Tim pulled him into a tighter hug and John smiled at the exchange.

"Well guys, perhaps we could have a drink and then relax before the wedding."

Alice rose from her seat and said, "Well, I'd like to meet my daughter-in-law. Could someone show me where they're having breakfast?"

Sean was on his feet in a flash and took her hand. "I'll take you there John's Mom. I bet Jenny will be excited to meet you too." They left for the solarium and the rest of us headed down to the library.

As I handed the men their drinks and Jack his beer, I noticed John and his father looking at each other misty eyed.

Finally, the older man smiled and took a sip of his drink and leaned over patting his son's arm. "Johnny, remember that we're Italian and we're born with terrible tempers and horribly stupid pride."

"'Vendetta' is, after all, an Italian word. We've each let our pride take from us years we should have been enjoying and sharing. Let's agree to forgive each other and say not one more thing about the past. I regret what I said to you and I know now that you regret what you said to me. I truly regret that we were each too Italian stubborn to apologize and work it out. I love you son and I've thought about you every day since you left… but just like you, I was too stubborn to do the right thing."

Tears were streaming down both of their cheeks as they rose from their seats and embraced each other.

"Do you guys need some time alone?" I asked.

John gave me a teary smile. "Nope Eric, we couldn't be better. I've got my Dad back and that's all that matters."

I put a box of tissues between them and they used several before they were back to normal.

As we sipped our drinks, John began regaling his father with tales of his life here at Joyous Gaurde including the story of Sean's kidnapping from the swim meet and the horrible invasion of the property.

Tim's face was fixed in fascination and when John came up for air, Tim muttered, "Jeeze! You guys play hard ball out here, huh?"

I smiled at him and said, "Not by choice Tim."

I'd only just refilled glassed when Sean came back into the room. "John's mother says I should bring his father down to the solarium to meet Jenny. All the ladies said you're not allowed to come John… it's some kinda' tradition."

The big man smiled. "Yep, I know all about that Seano'. You go Dad, I want you to meet my Jenny. Take your drink with you… I'll bet all the girls are drinking something down there and so is Mom."

Tim stood up and nodded. "Then, Eric and Jack thank you for your company and I suppose we'll all get together in a few hours eh? Lead on young Sean."

They'd no sooner left, than Doc Swaim entered accompanied by Gary. "Oh, we'd been told that John's parents were here and we were hoping to meet them." Doc moved over to the bar and made drinks for Gary and himself.

"Well, they're both down in the solarium meeting their soon-to-be daughter-in -law." I replied.

Doc smiled. "Well that's as it should be I suppose. I just checked the weather report and there's no surprise that it's going to be a glorious day… there's very little chance that rain or wind will spoil this outdoor event but, then, I suspect clever little Jenny had that all figured out. She's a sharp young lady and will make a wonderful addition to your full time staff."

"Well Doc, she hasn't actually accepted the job offer yet."

He smiled at me indulgently. "Eric, you pay so ridiculously well that she couldn't possibly turn you down."

Gary grinned and sipped his drink. "Well guys, I've just got time for this one short drink and then I've got to take Bobby down to Struthers to pick up his new suit. The little stud wants to look sharp because; as he says; you never know who you'll bump into."

"So Jack, you're back to sea tomorrow is that right?"

"Yes Gary, I'm off to Nova Scotia and we'll cruise the Maritimes for a month then, I'm done and I'll fly home and the scientists will work on the data we've collected. I'm a named participant in the study so I'll be featured in their report and I'll receive a full copy. I'm really sorry to be away from home but I'm so happy to be doing the work. This is a heck of a jump-start on what I hope will be my life's labor."

Doc Swaim smiled warmly at the red head, reached over, and squeezed his arm. "We're proud of you Jack."

The redhead flashed a bright smile and said, "To tell you the truth Doctor Swaim, I love you all and you're so supportive but, y'know what? I'm proud of me too and THAT'S important isn't it?"

I realized his beer was empty and he gave me his 'Jack's best puppy eyes'. I grinned and said, "One more Jack and then nothing before the wedding."

He grinned at me and said, " Dad… but, it's still early. The wedding isn't until 6 o'clock."

I opened a bottle and handed it to him. "Don't push my limits Sinbad the Sailor."

He grinned back as we all sat comfortably sipping our drinks.

***

Jack had been right though; there was still lots of time before we had to get all spiffed up for the ceremony. As we were sitting there sipping our drinks, Richard, Chris and Barry entered the library with big smiles. "We thought we might find some of you guys down here. John, where are your parents?"

He smiled back at Chris. "Down in the solarium meeting Jenny." He said.

Richard smiled at me and said, "Well Eric, Wolfman's got the COM today so if you don't mind, we'd like to toast the happy morning."

I gestured him toward the bar. "Absolutely Richard, but you do the honors. I'm too comfortable to get up."

He grinned and proceeded to fix three drinks and to freshen up John's. Mine was still OK.

Barry smiled at John as he accepted his drink from Richard. "So John, you're really going to go through with this are you?"

"Absolutely. Barry. Best decision in my life since the evening I accepted this job from Eric's father."

Chris interjected, "Well guys, us… we three are the official welcoming committee. See, the contractor Eric hired to put in the swimming pool at our condos said it will be ready the first week in June so, Phil, Barry, Richard and me would like to host you at a barbeque/swim party to christen the new pool. You'll be back from your honeymoon and Jack will be back from his ship. We all thought that a swim party at some other part of the estate would be fun."

"Jenny and I will be proud to come guys." John was beaming.

I added, "You certainly know you can count on the boys and me."

"Great then! "Chris exclaimed and exchanged grins with his cohorts. "We already purchased a top of the line Weber gas grille and it's being installed at the condos next week; tied into the gas line. We've decided we'll do ribs using my Aunt Rita's sauce… which may give Jenny's Grandma's sauce a run for its money and my Mother's outrageous teriyaki London Broil recipe. Barry claims he does great stuffed baked potatoes and Richard boasts he does wonderful salad and corn on the cob. Phil has told us that he is a wicked cool bartender and will keep the glasses filled."

"I've promised to stay sober enough to act as informal lifeguard though, I do plan to enlist Sean and Jack in that regard as well."

Jack grinned at Chris, "Lifeguards still get beer right?"

Chris punched him lightly on the shoulder. "Lifeguards get what their father says they get sailor."

"Well, in the same spirit guys, I plan to open my outdoor pool on Memorial Day and consider yourselves all invited to that celebration. We had a tough year men, let's try to make this one a lot more fun."

All glasses were raised in a toast to that idea.

***

The boys and I had decided to go down to the indoor pool and enjoy about an hour of swimming before we needed to shower and get 'tuxed'. A quick check with Daniel had assured me he was working closely with the caterer and everything was on schedule and under control. Martha was in charge of the Bride and her bridesmaids, and John was back with his parents as they became reacquainted.

We were quietly swimming slow laps alongside each other. It's funny how we'd gotten into the habit of doing this. It had begun with Sean but Jack had just fallen into the pattern. We did slow (mostly back stokes) the length of the pool and just chatted casually.

"Dad, why ain't Jack me and Bobby doin' the music for this weddin'?"

"Sean, it's because John has done you the honor of asking you to be standing up beside him as his groomsmen. No man can ever pay another that big a compliment. You both should be very proud. Remember though, that in the middle of the ceremony, you'll be singing Paul Stookey's 'Wedding song' so make certain that your guitar is tuned before the ceremony.

Jack smiled over at me and said, "Dad, I forgot to tell you that I have to leave about an hour before the ceremony because I've invited Amanda to be my guest."

I almost sank as I turned and looked at him but before I could speak he said, "Everyone attending is invited to bring a guest. Daniel promised me he'd have a room ready for her and he'd clear it all with her parents and when I leave tomorrow, Daniel said he'd have Arlen drive her home… by the way Dad, Arlen is so much better than Terry was."

I was surprised to discover that I was angry. "Jack, I wonder why you didn't bother to tell me about this earlier? I think this is something I needed to know about. We both know that your plan is to share a room with that young lady and while I have no personal objection to that, I certainly am not pleased that you arranged this behind my back."

"Besides the fact that I suddenly have lost trust in you Jack, You've also compromised my trust and my relationship with Daniel. That is something that may jeopardize his career."

"Get out of the pool now and go shower. Get dressed and pick up the young lady but, I must tell you that she will not be spending the night here. I'll make certain that Arlen drives her home at a respectable hour this evening. I'm disappointed in you Jack and I'm disappointed in Daniel"

Jack's whole upper body blushed as red as a person could turn. The first look I saw on his face was anger but it was quickly followed by submission and finally shame.

As he slowly climbed the ladder out of the pool, I said, "I'm disappointed in you Jack, I thought we had a stronger relationship than that."

He turned on the deck. "D-Dad, I was stupid I just assumed you'd be alright with it an…"

"Jack, you crossed a line of trust and it may cost a man his job I hope you're not proud of that. I hope you're not proud of the fact that I don't completely trust you anymore. I hope that you're not proud that you've betrayed a lot of people's trust in what was assumed to be your honesty."

Tears were streaming down his eyes and I realized that this was my first confrontation with teen-aged rebellion and I realized that I was in for a ride.

As he climbed out of the pool, tears were streaming from his eyes. "D-dad, I just t-thought that after…"

"You thought to do something behind my back without asking me if it was alright. You thought that having sex with a girl… someone's daughter under my roof would be OK… you thought that doing anything like that with an under-aged girl would be alright with me. It's NOT OK Jack and your actions are not OK."

"I've got to make some inquiries and then, after the ceremony, we'll talk about your future. Go shower Jack; you've made a commitment to that girl."

He was shaking with sobs as he walked to the shower and I realized that I was so angry I couldn't think straight. My first thought was that I had to get dressed and fire Daniel.

Chapter 5

For as long as men have been thinking, there have been those who have speculated on the meaning of life. *What a ridiculous enterprise when the answer is so obvious and simple.

The meaning of life is that it is to be lived and enjoyed as much and as long as possible. There is no mystery in that.

"Dad… what just happened? Why is Jack crying and why are you so angry?" Sean was confused as I urged him out of the pool.

I couldn't answer him because I was so personally shocked at my outburst against Jack. Was this how I was going to react to every teenaged attempt at independence? Perhaps I was too young to be the parent of these boys after all and I'd just been kidding myself.

As we entered the shower room, Jack was already dressed and he looked back at me with such a sorrowful countenance that it broke my heart. We didn't exchange a single word as he left.

As we entered under separate shower-heads, I said to Sean, "We'll talk about it later, little man. I have to check on some things very urgently. You can find something to do… maybe practice your song? Is that OK Sean?"

"Sure Dad that's OK."

He sounded so sad as he said it that I felt I was suddenly failing at a task I'd been so happy with. I knew where I had to go for my answers.

***

I'd tracked him down quickly and we were now seated in the library with drinks in hand. I'd told him openly about the incident and he looked at me intently.

He ran his index finger around the rim of his tumbler and typically, he absently pushed his glasses back up from the tip of his nose. "Well Eric, do I need to tell you that was a total over reaction? Frankly, if I didn't know you so well I'd consider it bi-polar."

"Let's think about the situation."

"First, you have been raising these two boys rather liberally and the rules have been ephemeral at best. That, of course, is mostly because you've been so much a consistent part of their lives. You've constantly been there to say what was and what wasn't all right. You've denied them nothing and, while you haven't been overindulgent by your standards, they are leading very comfortable lives."

"Jack is sixteen and you've never denied him anything. How can you be angry over the fact that he just assumed inviting a young lady to spend the night was within the parameters of permission? You've never laid down a set of rules so how can you be angry with him for breaking a tenet he wasn't even aware of?"

"To further compound that by telling him you could never trust him again… Eric, think about that. Could you have said anything more devastating to a boy at such a fragile point in life?"

"Furthermore, you imply that by using Daniel to set up the liaison… which is exactly what you'd have done had Jack come to you with the request… he will be responsible for the man losing his job. My Lord Eric! That's a big kettle of fish to dump on a wonderful sixteen-year-old boy who's never done a bad thing in his life! Don't you agree?"

"Yes Doc. I think I knew it as it was happening but I just couldn't stop. I couldn't take a breath and pause to think. It just came out. So, what do I do now?"

"If I were you, I'd go to him and I'd apologize for everything I'd said, especially about the trust issues. I'd explain that I was under a great deal of stress… which you are certainly under… and that you were taken aback by the fact that he'd made his arrangements without consulting you. You might even explain that you're pretty new at being a parent and you'll make many mistakes but hopefully never again one as hurtful as this."

"Jack's a sweet boy and all he wants is for you to love him, Eric. If you act quickly, there will be little or no harm done."

"Later, you need to meet with Daniel who most certainly acted based upon the liberal way you treat the boys and just assumed your permission had been obtained. You need to firmly but politely explain the rules of permission to him so he'll never again inadvertently do something like this without your knowledge."

"Daniel is a true professional Eric, but he also needs more substantial parameters to work within. He's trying to anticipate and to make your life less complicated but he needs some ground rules to work with."

"What do I do about Sean Doc? He was there and witnessed the whole thing. I know he's upset and confused."

"Frankly, Eric, if you can, I'd have him there when you talk to Jack. He's not a baby, he's a very bright boy. A shared conversation might be a tonic for the three of you."

***

I found Sean in his room playing a lovely melody on his new guitar. "Hi Champ, how long ago did Jack leave?"

He looked up at me puzzled for a moment and then said, "Oh, he didn't go anywhere, Dad. He's in his room." I nodded my head and said, "Could you come with my please Sean?"

He looked at me with apprehension and his eyes were watery. "Dad, you're not gonna kick Jack out are you?"

I smiled what I knew was a sad smile. "No Sean. You'll see. Would you come with me please?"

He got off the bed and just like when I'd first brought him home, he reached out and took my hand and we walked across the hall together.

Jack's door was ajar but I knocked anyway. He was sitting at his desk typing at his computer. He turned at my knock and his eyes were glassy and his cheeks tear-stained.

"I-I'm just trying to write an email to the guys on the ship telling them I won't be back after all and I'm trying to word it so they won't be ashamed of me. I really want to be a named participant on this voyage."

"Don't write anything Jack. Come sit with Sean and me."

He got up from his chair and the three of us sat side by side on the edge of his bed.

"Jack, first off, I'm speaking to you about what happened in the pool today, but I'm really speaking to both of you. Try to listen and understand."

"When I was a boy, there were certain rules and guidelines for what was OK and not OK to do. I was raised with those rules and for the most part, I obeyed them. Those rules are still so ingrained in my head that I forgot they are not a part of your upbringing and therefore, you can't be expected to be constrained by them."

"Jack, I got unreasonably angry at you for something you didn't even understand was wrong. I'll offer up as an explanation that I'm under a lot of stress right now and I hope you realize that I'm awful young to be the parent of a teenager and a soon-to-be teenaged boy."

"Up until now, neither of you has done anything without talking to me first. Jack, this was the first time you did something like that and my initial reaction was that you were going behind my back and that made me feel betrayed and very angry."

"I now realize that, based upon your experience here with me, you had every right to assume it would be OK. The failure… the shortcoming… was in my not establishing guidelines for both of you. We'll do that the day you return from your voyage Jack."

His eyes were wide opened and he almost smiled. "So you're really going to let me finish the voyage before you send me back to the nest?"

"Who said anything about sending you back to the nest? You two have to get over that crap. You're my sons and you live HERE."

"I'm going to put down a list of basic and simple rules that will be easy to understand and not very strict so nothing like this should ever happen again."

"I seriously over-reacted Jack but that was because I felt you'd violated a rule that you didn't know existed. This ugly incident was my entire fault, not yours."

"I will, of course, be speaking to Daniel and he'll have his own set of new rules so nothing like this can ever happen again, even accidentally."

"Finally Jack, I hope you can forget and forgive everything I said about trust issues. What I said was ugly and completely unjustified. You've never done anything to violate my trust and I believe you never will. I was stupidly angry but I've happily come to my senses and I hope you can forgive me."

"I love you Jack and I'm very sorry for what I said downstairs."

He was wrapping his arms around me and crying. "I was so sad. I couldn't figure out what I'd done so wrong to make you so mad. I've tried so hard to be what you wanted me to be. I love you so much, Dad… thanks for being so honest with me… us."

As I wiped my eyes, I suddenly realized that Jack shouldn't be here. "I thought you were supposed to be picking up Amanda Jack."

"I called her and told her I was sick. It was OK with her since she didn't know most of the people anyway."

I looked at my Rolex. "Still two and a half hours before the ceremony guys. What about a nap in my bed?" They greeted that suggestion with enthusiasm.

As we stripped down, I proclaimed, "Underpants stay on. We're napping not playing."

"Dad, you're becoming a grouch." Sean was grinning as he said it.

Jack just beamed as we formed a pile of arms and legs. I remembered to set the alarm on the bedside table.

***

I woke up long before the alarm sounded and gently nudged my two sleeping tiger cubs. They looked up me a bit groggy-eyed but I urged them out of bed and into the shower. They complied leaving a short trail of underpants behind them. I contributed my own to the little line.

As we were under the spray of the multiple shower-heads, I ran my hand down Jack's cheek. It was smooth and I smiled at him. "Good job shaving this morning Jack. You don't need to do a touch-up." Thinking quickly, I ran my hand down Sean's cheek and said, "Neither do you, little man." He giggled but I knew he was happy to be included in this ritual.

After we'd toweled off, I send them to their rooms to get dressed.

Before he left, Jack turned and hugged me. "Dad, thank you so much. You're the best person I know in this whole world. I want to be just like you."

I rubbed my hand down his strong young back and withheld a sob. "Jack, you're as fine a son as a man could ask for. I only wish we'd all been a family long ago. I hope and wish that you'll grow into a much better man than me. I love you Jack. Always know that."

He kissed me and smiled and then he was out the door.

***

I stood before the full-length mirror frankly admiring myself. Since Sean came into my life, I'd gotten myself back into shape and, I had no qualms admitting that I looked damned good. I tweaked my bow tie and turned at the sound of someone entering the room.

Tall, tanned and glowing with youthful beauty, Jack was magnificent in his formal attire. I signaled him over to me and adjusted his bow tie. Even clip-ons can get askew.

"Wow Jack, you look wonderful."

"Oh yeah? Well so do you Dad. You're incredible."

"Get outta here… I bet you say that to all the almost thirty year old guys who've adopted you." He scrunched his nose and looked at me confused. Neither of my boys fully understood my weird sense of humor yet. "Never mind Jack that was just a stupid joke."

"Dad I need you to help me with this stupid cucumber!" Sean had stormed into my room.

"What Sean?"

"This cucumber. I don't unnerstand it an' I don't know what it's for an' I don't know how to put it on."

I smiled when I saw he was waving the formal waist sash. I reached out and took it from him. I noted happily that he seemed to have managed all of the shirt studs by himself. I took it from him smiling. Sometimes, despite my need to correct him, I loved 'Seanisms'.

"First off, little man, it's a cummerbund not a cucumber. Way back in the nineteenth century when the British army was in India, they adopted the local custom of wearing sashes around their waists on formal occasions. Those were called 'kamarbands'. Later, when tuxedos came into fashion, cummerbunds were used instead of vests. You put it around your waist with the pleats facing up which is why they're sometimes called 'crumb catchers'. They make a guy look slimmer and taller and just set things off when you are wearing formal attire. Take off your jacket and I'll fix you right up."

I wrapped the garment around his waist and fastened it. "Put your jacket back on Sean."

My heart did a flip flop as I looked at him. He was stunningly beautiful… not handsome… lots of boys were handsome… Sean was beautiful. I had a flash of a thought that I might cry but he took care of that when he made a pretend pistol with his hands and did his 'Sean Bond' bit again. I adjusted his tie and gestured to the door.

"OK guys, let's go get John married." I couldn't get over how wonderful they both looked.

***

John and I watched from the solarium as Sean and Jack escorted the guests to their seats. It wasn't a large wedding… mostly staff and a small grouping of friends. Except for John's parents, there was no family.

Sean escorted Tim and Alice to their prominent seat with a very formal look on his face. He took responsibilities very seriously.

Doc Swaim walked out, stood under the arbor, and nodded in our direction. "Time to pony up cowboy." I said as I guided John out into the garden.

The boys were already standing at the right side of the arbor and John and I walked out and stood beside them. At a nod from Doc, the stringed quartet began to play Pachelbel's Canon in D. Martha walked elegantly toward the arbor followed by the two other girls.

After a short space of time, Jenny… escorted by Uncle Phil… walked down between the chairs. She was beautiful in a simple white dress and a small veil. If I was straight, I know I'd have popped wood she was so stunning. Uncle Phil was beaming as if he'd been waiting to do this his entire life and Jenny was glowing with joy. There was no other way to describe it except 'glowing with joy'.

Doc Swaim was leaning down with a big toothy smile. "Who presents this man to be engaged in marriage?"

Tim stood up and, with his arm on Alice's shoulder, said, "His mother and I do."

Smile never fading Doc asked, "Who gives this woman to be engaged in marriage?"

Uncle Phil teary eyed responded, "I do as do all of us who love her." He kissed her and took a seat.

Doc Swaim smiled again and said, "This couple has chosen to light a unity candle. Two flames will become one signifying their own union. As they do this, they've asked Sean Tucker to perform the 'Wedding Song'.

Sean quickly moved aside and took up his guitar. His fingers ran amongst the strings and the arpeggio was magnificent… typical Sean.

John and Jenny took two lighted candles and together lit a large one placed on the table that served as the alter for this service

As Sean's youthful voice filled the air, I thought that I would weep.

He is now to be among us at the joining of your hearts.
Rest Assured this troubadour is acting out his part.
The union of your spirits here have caused him to remain.
Whenever two or more of you are gathered in his name…
There is love."

Doc Swaim then pulled the couple together and said, "John and Jenny, will you now profess your vows before all of these here assembled and exchange rings as a symbol of those vows."

That was my cue to produce John's ring for Jenny while Martha played her part on the other side.

I handed John the ring and he spoke the words that they had created together, "Jenny, I take you to be my wife, lover and friend. I swear to cherish you for as long as the rivers flow, as long as the grass still grows… for that long and one day longer."

Jenny smiled and replied, "John, I take you to be my husband, lover and friend. I swear to cherish you for as long as the rivers flow, as long as the grass still grows… for that long and one day longer."

Beaming a large toothy smile, Doc Swaim then said, "You've chosen to seal your vows by exchanging rings. Do so now."

My heart pumped wildly as he slipped the plain golden band onto Jenny's finger, and recited the ritual, "By this ring, I thee wed."

Jenny repeated the ceremony and then Doc Swaim proclaimed, "By the power invested in me by the state, I now pronounce you man and wife."

Everyone in attendance burst into a round of applause. The blushing but happy couple stepped down from the arbor. As everyone moved to the big lawn where the reception was being held, I walked over to Sean as he was putting his guitar into the case.

"That was so wonderful Sean. You brought tears to my eyes."

His smile warmed my heart as he beamed up at me. "Thanks Dad. I wanted it to be good for them."

"When you sing and play Sean, it's always good… it's better than good."

***

The reception party was wonderful although I didn't particularly enjoy the DJ, I noticed that most of the guests did and therefore he was doing his job properly. I remembered the very old slogan; different strokes for different folks

At some point during the celebration, I turned John's mother, "My Mother's name was Alice so I loved you at once."

She smiled at me warmly. "I've loved you ever since Johnny told me about you all those years ago Eric."

"Well, it's been a long road, Alice, but John's been there for me the whole way."

"He loves you so much Eric and you've been wonderful to him."

"No more than he has been to me, Alice."

After the fine meal, it was time for the couple to leave which of course meant the traditional tossing of the garter. As it flew through the air I thought to myself 'please no' but slick as snot, it landed in Jack's hand. "Well that's one tradition that isn't going to be fulfilled." I said to no one in particular.

Arlen had the limo waiting and I'd made certain there was Champagne for the newlyweds. It was almost an hour's drive to the big airport. Everyone was there to cheer them off.

The party continued but I pulled Daniel aside. "You and I will have a serious discussion tomorrow." He looked surprised but he acknowledged my command at once.

I hadn't kept track of Jack's beers but I sensed he was a bit loopy. I rounded up Sean and with my arm around Jack I said, "Time for bed boys" I guided them into the house and down the hall to the elevator.

Without even asking, they walked into my bedroom and began undressing.

"Get into bed and sleep guys. I'm going back down and make certain that the party winds down properly."

***

Tim and Alice were engaged in a conversation with Martha as I walked back into the party. They smiled as I approached.

"Eric, Johnny told us about the wonderful honeymoon you gave them. I'm so happy for them. We had a weekend at a Holiday Inn in Atlantic City, New Jersey."

"Well Tim, I hope you and Alice have considered my offer that you stay here for a while and treat it as a vacation. Arlen will be available to drive you anywhere you'd like or, if you prefer, I have many cars you can select if you choose to drive yourself. They're in great shape… I've got a first class mechanic." We all laughed together.

"Assuming that you're serious Eric, we'd like to stay a bit. Alice and I were talking last night and we've decided that now that John and I are back on track with each other, we'd like to be closer than a continent away. Marriage quite often leads to children and if we're going to be grandparents, we want to be familiar grandparents. Jenny's folks are sadly gone so we'd be the only 'Grans' the kids would have."

"If you seriously don't mind us mooching on you, we'd like to look around for a home. I've already had three offers to buy the Dew Drop Inn so, I think we could retire comfortably."

"What's the Dew Drop Inn Tim?"

"It's our restaurant/bar in Philadelphia. I've owned and managed it for twenty seven years. I used to think it would be Johnny's someday but as you know, he had other plans. The poolroom is very popular and very competitive. That's where John cut his teeth so to speak. It's very well thought of and relatively profitable but I'm ready for a change and I'm ready to be nearer to my son and new daughter-in-law. The income from the sale of the business and our house should allow us a comfortable retirement."

I quickly thought about the condominiums being built on the newly acquired property at the north of the estate. "You know Tim; I might be in a position to make you the proverbial offer you can't refuse. Let's get together tomorrow we can talk about this after breakfast… oh and as to 'mooching', John's parents are my parents please feel comfortable about staying as long as you like. It's not as if we don't have room."

Richard, Barry and Chris were standing together laughing over something. I approached them and it was obvious that they'd all had a bit to drink. They were all so intensely involved in their jobs that I was glad they were allowing themselves to get so loose. I was also happy that they'd accepted Chris into their inner circle. I supposed his heroics during the invasion of the estate had earned him credentials in the eyes of the trained Skuggor agents who were his neighbors.

"Well guys, did we get them properly hitched?"

"I'd say so Boss, you certainly throw a helluva party."

I smiled and replied, "Thanks Barry, I hope you don't wake up with a helluva headache."

I found Uncle Phil sitting in a corner away from the music. I sat down next to him and put my arm around his shoulder to comfort him just as he'd done for me so many times, as I grew up.

"You miss him don't you?"

He shrugged and spoke without looking at me, "He was my last tie to my past. We were two smart young kids fresh from the service though Walter had done shit I never knew about, I'd learned shit that Walt wouldn't have thought about. We met your father and together we forged an empire. We were gloriously paid for our efforts and we loved every minute of it. It was wonderful Eric. Now, I've got no one to share it with. Those wonderful young men you've moved in with me try very hard to make me a part of things but, I'm older and therefore less energetic. They don't understand the crazy and dangerous stuff we did with your father… Hell Eric, you don't know or understand that stuff"

"Your little speech giving Jenny away was pretty nice."

"She's a sweet girl and they deserve to be happy. I've always liked John."

He took a long pull on his drink and turned to me, "Chris can do this Eric. He can do this right now. He's smarter than me and quicker than me and has new ideas. You're in good hands kid."

He stood up and kissed me on the head and walked off.

After the DJ packed up and left, the party closed down, the bar was shut off and the incentive to stay was seriously inhibited.

I walked into the room and found them asleep but entwined. They'd obviously been engaged in more than getting comfortable. They loved each other and had been so close for most of their lives.

I realized that I'd had that same relationship with Kyle.

I undressed and lay down alongside of them and pulled the comforter over us all. Instinctively they moved and squirmed up against me. Suddenly I was in the middle of two boys who were totally asleep. What the hell could be better than that?

Chapter 6

Security is pretty much a superstition. It does not exist in the natural world. Instead of trying to make your life safe and perfect, you should give yourself the freedom to make it an adventure

I nudged my two tiger cubs awake. "Jack if you're serious about completing this voyage, you've got to hustle, son."

His head popped up from the bed like it was spring loaded. "Oh shit!"

Bleary eyed and red hair askew he pounced from the bed and into the bathroom. I glanced at his wonderful ass cheeks as he trounced through the door.

Sean was up in a flash and he threw himself into my arms. His naked, smooth body slid against mine and I wondered if I'd ever get used to the feel of him. "Quick shower boyo we've got to get Jack to the airport."

We entered the shower as Jack was getting out. "Hugs and kisses later boy."

Sean was giggling. "You're so silly Dad."

I hugged him and said, "Not so silly that I can't suck your Willy."

His eyes got big. "Right now?"

"You bet, hot stuff."

I dropped to my knees in front of him and took his suddenly raging little rod between my lips. As I was sucking him off it occurred to me that we'd never done it in this position before. I'd never been submissive with either of the boys.

Sean was typically quick and he exploded very soon and I gripped his wonderful little ass as he wobbled through his orgasm.

"Jeeze Dad, that's a helluva way to start the day. We should do that more often."

I smiled and smacked his ass. "Into the shower… we're a get clean machine this morning."

After we'd dried and dressed, we were all gathered at the table. Martha was gushing over Jack, "Oh Jack, another month at sea. What stories you'll have to tell when you come back. How wonderful it must be out on that ship. We'll miss you Jack… you know that's true." All the while she was shoveling scrambled eggs and slices of French toast onto our plates.

I finally realized that I, at least, couldn't eat another bite. I rose from the table and declared, It's time Jacamo. Give Mrs. Edwards a hug." The sweet young boy embraced her with a passion that gratified me to watch.

"Goodbye, Mrs. Edwards, I love you so much and I'll be back soon."

"Goodbye, sweet Jack, and have a great voyage and I'm looking forward to your homecoming."

I let Jack and Sean have a private goodbye. Their relationship was not typical and beyond explanation. Finally, I drew the red-headed young man against me.

"Jack, one more time, I'm so sorry for the angry things I said and I hope you forgive me. Have a wonderful month on your voyage and do good work Son. You make me proud every day.

He smiled at me and whisked his hair over his forehead, "Dad, I've never known what it was to love before you came into my life. You've changed everything. I don't know how to thank you.

I kissed him on the forehead and whispered, "Go and do good work Jack… try and change the world."

He smiled and got into the car next to Arlen. Sean and I stood and waved from the porch as they drove away. It occurred to me that I needed to pay more attention to Arlen. I didn't want to make the same mistake that I'd made with Terry.

Sean was up against me in a tight hug. "A month 'aint so long Dad. Jack'll be back before Summer really starts you know?"

I smiled and pulled him close. "Yep Champ I know. Baseball tryouts are this week remember?"

His little brow furrowed. "Dad, don't be upset if I don't do good. I never really played baseball just swimmin' soccer and tennis."

"Sean, I just want you to have fun. It's not about the trophies or medals, son. It's about the joy of doing something. I know at the nest you guys were driven to excel and, by god, you all certainly do but I don't think you were taught to enjoy your activities just for the sake of enjoyment. Nothing's worth doing if you don't enjoy it Sean."

"I sure enjoy bein' with you Dad. What are we gonna do today?"

"Well, I want to go out and look at the new condos being built at the north side of the property. I'm thinking of offering one of them to John's Dad and Mom but keep that under your hat."

He looked up at me perfectly baffled. "What?"

"That means it's a secret… don't tell anyone, Bozo."

He giggled. "I'm not no Bozzo. Come on, I'll drive. The Red Kitty hasn't been out for a spin in a long time."

I put my arm on his shoulder and pulled him into me. "You've got a deal Tadpole." He looked up at me with a wide grin as we walked to the car park.

***

I was walking through the compound with the supervisor. "So Dave, is there still time to make some changes here at the top level of this unit?"

"Sure, Eric, what do you have in mind?"

"Well, maybe something spectacular for a very special family. Can you give me a week and then make it a priority?"

"You know me boss man. You're wish is my command."

I slapped him on the shoulder. "Dave your bonus is looking better every day."

***

Sean was driving us back to the house. He'd become so competent. Learning to drive a car was going to be a snap for him and, I expected that learning to fly a plane was going to be just as easy. He was a gorgeous little genius and I supposed I needed to get used to that fact.

I ruffled his hair as he drove. "So Sean Michael Tucker, what would you say to a little adventure?"

He didn't miss a beat. "Well Eric Arthur Tucker, what did you have in mind?"

I tried not to laugh but it was hard. "Well, I was thinking salmon fishing in Alaska."

His eyes were wide as light-bulbs. "For truly Dad? He brought the red kitty to a complete stop.

"Yes for truly. I don't lie to you Sean."

"Wow Dad how cool would that be?"

"Pretty cool I think. We'll leave after baseball tryouts I've got some stuff I have to do with Daniel and John's Dad tomorrow. I'll make certain that all of the gear we need will be waiting for us."

"Jeeze Dad, every time I think you're the neatest guy in the world you just get neater."

I smiled. "That's my job son." A 'Sean smile' was my reward.

***

"So Tim and Alice, I propose that the entire top story of this section will be your new home. Nothing permanent has been installed so, you can get together with my architect and turn it into whatever you want it to be. Keep grand-kids in mind as you plan the layout. The entire top is yours so enjoy."

"What do you suspect will be the cost Eric?" Tim asked.

"Your continued love for your son and his new family. Watching you and John get back together was one of the greatest things I've ever seen. The idea of you living close and perhaps becoming my friends is all I'd ever want. My architect is expecting to meet with you tomorrow. Design the space to your desire. Dave will get on it at once. He knows that it's his new priority."

"Eric that's just not…"

"Grand-kids Tim. Save it all for the grand-kids."

He looked at me flushed and confused and then he settled down. I smiled. "I'm really rich Tim. This is no big deal. Friendship is way more important."

"Well, you're a good friend Eric."

"Not as good as I hope to be."

***

Daniel was certainly concerned.

"Pour yourself a drink Daniel and then please sit down."

As he settled his large mass onto the chair, I smiled. "Daniel, the almost incident with Jack and Amanda outraged me. I felt you and he had conspired behind my back and I felt betrayed and let down."

I watched as he drew a deep breath and was almost at the point of replying. I raised my hand to stop him and continued, "I realized that the actual fault was my own. I'm very liberal with my boys and that's the only guideline you've ever had."

"You acted properly based upon my shortcoming. So, from this point on, assume that nothing out of the ordinary is all right without my personal permission. If there is a doubt, it's not all right until I've said so. We're clear?"

"Yes Sir, Eric, I expected a harsher chastisement."

"Why Daniel? The fault was mine not yours."

He stood up tall and stiff. "You are an amazing man Eric."

***

The tryouts were typical; catch bat run and throw. Sean was actually magnificent in each category. He was the perfect athlete. He was so apprehensive I just had to hug him to me. "Sean, I guarantee you've made a team.

Team announcements were a week away so my boy and I were off to Alaska to catch some fish.

We were flying into Sitka, Alaska. Sean was ablaze with excitement. He didn't know that May was the height of the king salmon season. I kept my arm on his shoulders as we checked into the lodge. "Big day tomorrow little man. Let's go get dinner and then go to sleep."

OK Pops."

"Pops?"

"He grinned up at me. "Yeah, don't that sound cool?"

I frowned. "No not so very much."

"OK, I guess Dad is better huh?"

"Yep, a lot better."

"Kay… just tryin' stuff out is all."

"Nothing wrong with that short stuff. Let's go eat some of the fish we're going to catch tomorrow."

The salmon was exquisite and we both smiled as we devoured it.

"I bet Mrs. Edwards can cook this even better." Sean grinned as he said it.

"Well, hopefully we'll bring lots back with us and so we'll see."

***

He was standing naked at the end of the bed as I undressed. I couldn't help it as I spoke, "Little boy, could you possibly be more beautiful?"

He shrugged and shook his head. "Huh?'

"Sean you are the center of my universe. You're so perfect that it makes my heart ache. Come into my arms and let me love you."

He came to me and I put him down onto the bed. He lay down in his entire beautiful splendor and smiled up at me. "Now would be a good time for you to fuck me Dad."

"Stop trying to cheat. We have a deal… 14 remember?"

"Yeah but it drives me crazy and I don't unnerstand it. It's just a number."

"What's your rush, tiger cub? Jack already popped your cherry and I suspect you and Rico have been doing each other right?"

"Yeah, well really yeah but it's you I want Dad. Since that first day on the plane I asked you if you were gonna fuck me an you said probably. I've been waiting for it to happened but you keep tellin' me no."

"It's really that important to you Sean?"

"You have no idea. I love you so much Dad and it's the one thing we gotta share together."

"OK Sean but not until you're thirteen."

"DAD! That's just a cupalla weeks from now!"

I tweaked his cute little nose. "OK then here's the deal… fourteen is off the board; thirteen is the new limit. Tomorrow, if I catch more fish than you do, we wait until your birthday. If you catch more fish than me, we do it tomorrow night. Either way sport, it seems like thirteen is your lucky number. Now who gets to suck who first?"

With a large smile, he slid between my legs and his sweet young lips wrapped around my cock.

***

The sea was rough and slammed our backs into the boards that served as rest as the boat rose and tossed over the wild water.

"Another!" Sean was wild with excitement. "Boy, these ain't like the bass at Fish Camp Dad." "No they're not son. Fight him pull him in!" The little boy played his reel like a total professional and I gushed with joy as the mate netted the blue/silver prey.

The captain stepped forward and said, "We've got a storm warning so we'll be heading back in. Better safe than sorry."

"Amen to that captain." I popped open a beer and sat down and Sean sat down next to me.

"You know what that means right?"

"What? A storm warning?"

"No Dad, I caught ten salmon and you caught eight so…"

"Really Sean? It doesn't feel right."

"Oh yes it does. I've been wanting this as long as we've been together."

Our fish had been filleted and flash frozen

We'd showered and changed and were sitting together enjoying a cunningly prepared meal of lamb chops. "Boy Dad, Mrs. Edwards should get this recipe donncha think?"

"Yes it's pretty great, tiger."

I sipped my coffee and he ate his hot fudge sundae. He never took his eyes off of me.

"Ready to go upstairs Dad?"

"Shure Sean, let's go."

He extended his hand to me and I took it as he led me to the elevator.

"I love you so much you know. I can't wait to do this with you."

"Sean, I'm just not sure that we should…"

"Dad, we had a deal and I won. Please don't back out of it now. That's not like you."

"OK little man, you can trust me to keep our deal and I'll enjoy it. I promise. I hope you will too."

"It's you Dad. Of course I'll enjoy it."

Up in the room he was suddenly naked and glorious. He was twirling around the room giggling. "Fuck me Dad… come on and fuck me Dad"

"OK so, let's do this slow because I want to make love to you not fuck you. Do you understand the difference?"

He nodded his head.

I pulled the pillow out from behind his head I wanted him to be totally supine. I wet my lips and worked my mouth down his young torso spending a long time at his nipples before moving down to his navel.

I licked his cock just to tease him as I pulled up the tube of lube. I squeezed it out onto my fingers and my fingers found his hole. I softly lubed his little hole and he said, "Dad, Jack did it with me on my belly. With you I wanna be looking up so I can see you OK?"

"Yep. OK."

I took his legs into my hands and raised them above my shoulders my cock was rampant and needed no direction. With a single thrust I was into his boyhood… warm and welcoming.

"Oh Dad!"

"Oh Sean!"

We woke up late in the morning and spent at least an hour hugging and cuddling. "Well we leave tomorrow. Want to go fishing?"

"Heck no, I want you to fuck me again."

"Are you turning into a little slut?"

"No silly Dad, only your little slut"

"OK, I can handle that."

I raised him up onto his knees with his hips supported by the pillow and I slid into him slowly. He moaned as I moved in and out of him and he cried out as I came into his cavity. I kissed him and told him it was time to sleep.

***

We'd crossed a bridge that we both knew we would cross someday. I hugged him tightly as we walked to the plane.

"You know that I truly love you Sean."

"Dad you're silly! Of course I know that. You're the best person in my whole life."

"So, last night wasn't…"

"Dad, last night WAS the best thing ever. You showed me how much you love me more than you'll ever know."

"Thank you Sean."

"No, thank you Dad. You're the best.."

Chapter 7

Sometimes, we have to step outside of the mental fortress we've build around ourselves and breathe some clean fresh air.

It's important to remember that we cannot plan our lives.The world is just too filled with surprises for us to determine our ultimate direction.

As life's astonishments leap out at you, be they good or bad, don't ask; "What the hell?"… Ask; "What's next?"

Captain Lucas greeted us as we entered the jet. "Hello Eric, Hi Sean. Sorry I didn't get to fly you here but it was my daughter's first communion. Obviously, Billy Ruiz did a good job of getting you here and I'm going to get you home."

"So Sean, in just a few weeks you begin your pilot training are you still excited about that?"

"More than anything, Captain Lucas. Are you gonna' be my teacher?"

He frowned. "Sadly no, Sean for a number of reasons but mostly because I'm not a certified instructor. I've worked with your Dad though and we've found a great guy to be your instructor and I hope you like him because you can't solo fly until you're sixteen so you'll need an instructor or a qualified pilot at your side for the next three years."

"That's going to take a lot of patience from you I suspect. It's my hope that I can be sitting at your side for many of your flights though. Because, after all, I AM a qualified pilot"

He smiled and took Sean by the shoulder, "Come on up front and watch me and Billy do our pre-flight check list and then sit behind me while we take off. Then you can go back with your Dad and I'll get you back into the cockpit for landing OK?"

Sean's face was beaming.

"That OK with you Pops?… Ooops! That OK with you Dad?"

I tossed his thick mane of black hair. " Well Sean, 'Pops' isn't OK with me, but you being up front with Captain Lucas and co-pilot Ruiz certainly is. I'll see you after take-off."

The boy was as wired as a spring toy as he almost hopped after my pilot to the front of the craft.

I didn't know the blond woman who was serving as flight attendant but she smiled as she handed me a crystal tumbler of scotch. "I'm Danica, Mr. Tucker. Anything you need, please just ask."

I smiled up at her. "Thank you Danica, you've already anticipated my first need." I raised my glass so she understood. Her smile was dazzling.

It was about twenty minutes before we were racing down the small runway and then making our sudden leap up into the sky. Very soon after, the twinjets were making a less stained sound and we'd leveled off to what I assumed was going to be our cruising speed for our flight down the coast.

He came into the cabin glowing with pleasure and he sat down right next to me. He leaned over, wrapped his young arms around my neck, and squeezed me tight. "That was sooo neat. I love you so much. I can't believe I'm gonna learn to do that."

I brushed my fingers through his hair and replied, "Whoa, little man. You're going to learn to fly but it won't be in a jet. It will be in a single prop plane and you already know that you won't be able to do it alone until you're sixteen. You'll be a full grown man before you're ever qualified to fly a jet like this… it would take a lot of work. I suspect you'll be satisfied with a prop plane."

His head was against my chest. "Yeah, you're prollly right but Dad… I'd never have done none of this if it wasn't for you. I can't believe what I did to deserve you."

I brushed my fingers softly against his cheek and whispered, "You didn't do much baby boy, you only saved my life."

I knew he wouldn't understand that but I said it anyway.

He was tired. It had been a strenuous time out on the water and our sexual liaison had been quite a physical experience as well as emotionally draining.

I motioned Danica over and spoke softly, I'll have another drink and then… there's food on board I assume?"

She smiled. "I've got a couple of lovely t-bone steaks and lots of good stuff to go with them. When would you like them served?"

"In about an hour I think."

She returned with my drink and as I stroked Sean's soft cheek, I thought about his upcoming birthday.

Last year, I'd adopted him and also given him his own highly customized top of the line golf cart; the 'red kitty' that had brought him to emotional overload and I'd had to take him to bed as he sobbed almost out of control.

This year, was going to be something else again. I'd spent a lot of time with Captain Lucas and Will Fletcher who was the man I'd chosen to be Sean's flight instructor and I suspected his gift was going to floor him. That was still a few weeks away so I held his warm body against me stroking his cheeks which seemed to now have some soft downy fuzz to them… my little boy was growing up and, as Doc had warned me almost two years ago, I couldn't stop it.

My heart ached with love. My mind wandered to what we had done together yesterday and even more, the night before.

I felt like I should be horrified at my actions because he was still weeks away from being thirteen but, in my heart, I realized that it was something we both knew we would do and the timing was irrelevant. It happened and, though I was probably tricked into doing it, I'd done it and it was wonderful. I knew we'd do it again but I also knew that I needed to take some control over that.

All in all, I realized that the little boy snuggled against me was the dearest thing in my life. I'd never loved anything this intensely with the possible exception of my lost little brother Kyle. I hadn't felt this content and this comfortable in a very long time.

I nudged him awake as Danica had indicated our meals were ready. His head shot up in typical boy startlement at being driven from sleep. After he was back down on this planet, he grinned. "Guess I fell asleep huh?"

"Yep, but that's OK, I enjoyed the peace and quiet."

He scowled at me. "Dad!"

I grinned down at him. "Just kidding Sean but I DID enjoy the cuddling."

He looked at me with a serious face. "You're great to cuddle with Dad"

We lowered our tray tables and dove into the surprisingly delicious food. One of the advantages of having your own private jet is the quality of the meals.

We were sitting together sipping on our drinks (Sean's was decidedly soft) when Captain Lucas walked into the cabin. "Want to sit behind me as we land Sean?"

The boy looked quickly at me for permission.

I smiled. "Will he help you land us better Captain?"

"You never know do you?"

I waved them both off to the front and into the cockpit.

***

Arlen was waiting with the limo. Standing with the rear door opened. "Welcome back Sirs. Did you have a good trip?"

Sean grinned and said, "It was better than good Arlen. Most of that stuff being loaded into the trunk ain't our luggage, its frozen salmon we caught. Mrs. Edwards is gonna love this."

As I slid into the limo, I decided to do what I regretfully had never done with Terry. "So, Arlen, how have things been here while we were gone?"

"Actually, from what I can gather, things have been going quite well Mr. Tucker."

"Arlen, if you intend to remain in my employ and rise up in the ranks and be this closely exposed to me and my family, you need in private situations to call me Eric."

He actually sputtered. "Y-yes sir… I mean yes Mr. T… I mean yes Eric… thank you."

"Arlen, you are currently our utility man; the more or less the 'go to guy'. You'll be working closely with Daniel and later with John when he returns. Eventually, you'll sort of work your way into your own unique position in the household. Is that OK with you?"

"Yes Sir Mr. Tucker. I mean Eric. Yes Sir. Thank you very much."

Sean giggled and leaned over the seat patting Arlen on the back. "You're cool Arlen. We all like you."

I noticed his smile in the rear view mirror and I thought to myself that if I'd paid this attention to Terry perhaps the invasion and all those deaths might not have happened. At once, I thought of Walter and his heroics up on Hawkes Hill and I suppressed a sob.

Daniel and his staff were there to greet us. "Lot's of flash frozen fish Daniel but please have someone get our travel bags up to our rooms first."

As we walked down the hall, Sean was holding my hand like a little kid afraid of crossing the street. "So, can I sleep with you tonight?"

I looked down into those impossible eyes. "Sleep? Or do you mean something else?"

His face was serious and he half whispered, "You know…"

"Tonight, certainly, love bug but it isn't going to be a regular event. You have to learn to grow into your own world. I think you've begun that with Jack and with Rico too… am I right?"

He looked up with a twisted little grin. "Yeah, you already know that Jack an me fucked but he thinks of me different for some reason and the few times we've done it I've actually had to ask. I think he takes the brother thing differently than I do or maybe… and I think this is possible… he's really into girls."

"Rico and me… we do it a lot. He's so hot… I like him a whole lot and once Jack popped my cherry, I talked Rico into letting me pop his and now we do each other whenever we get together and its private. But… Dad… it's you I've always wanted and you gave that to me this trip and I can't tell you how important that was to me."

"Just so long as you know this isn't going to be an every day or night thing, Sean. We are not going to become a couple." I actually giggled as I said that it sounded so preposterous.

"Does that mean I can't sleep with you like I always have?"

"Of course not Sean but it means that most times we'll sleep together like we always have… cuddling and sleeping with the occasional sex stuff we've always shared and, I'm certain that now and again some fucking will be the new addition to the mix."

He grinned. "Tonight, though, we'll try out the new addition to the mix right?"

"You're a real rascal you know?"

***

He was sitting on a stool in the kitchen telling Martha about his Alaska adventure; obviously eliminating what was perhaps the most consequential event of the trip. Sean had always had a strong sense of discretion.

He told her about the large quantity of flash-frozen salmon currently in the process of being loaded into the freezer in the butler's pantry. Though he didn't ever lie, if you'd listened to his story and not been there, you might have gotten the impression that he'd landed every single one of those fish himself.

She smiled, "Well Sean, we'll make good use of those. I happen to know some wonderful ways to cook salmon and beside that, large king salmon filets on the grille with just some light herbs are wonderful. You'll soon see."

I excused myself to walk down to my study and check my voice-mail.

The fourth one in was from Chino Lopez, the baseball coach at Deer Run Club.

I wasn't surprised by the news but I delivered it as if it was hot off the press. He was still sitting with Martha eating some of her cookies as they chatted and giggled.

"Sean Michael Tucker… you are OFFICIALLY on one of the two 'triple A' teams being sponsored by Deer Run! Congratulations, Son. Not bad for your first try out huh?"

He was up from his seat in a flash and wiggling around in what I assumed was a 'happy dance' before he finally ran to me and hugged me around the waist.

He whispered into me, "Dad, I was so afraid that I'd let you down."

I pulled his little body against me in a tight hug. "Sean, none of this is for me. It's all for you. It's you and your happiness that matter to me. I admire watching you compete but that's all, son. Watching you compete. Of course, I love it when you win but ultimately, it's the joy of watching you play. Go into this season with that attitude."

"Even though you've never played baseball before, your skills and athletic ability have placed you in the top class of your age group. You're a fabulous athlete and I'm so proud of you."

His head was pressed against my chest and he murmured into me, "Can we go up now Dad and would you make love to me?"

I sighed. "Yes we can Sean."

He grinned up me. "Sometimes you're so serious Dad but I still love you."

He took my hand and we walked down the hall to the elevator.

The beauty of his naked body always brought me near to tears. He was growing and maturing… he was not the perfect little boy I'd brought home a year and a half ago. Puberty was changing him but despite those changes, he was perfection personified.

For some reason, my eyes were drawn to the small of his back and I cherished the sight of how his young ass grew from that point into two glorious round, healthy globes and extending into the beautiful young legs of a maturing boy. I actually had to fight the urge to cry as he undressed.

In my mind I uttered a mournful prayer, 'Don't run into manhood so swiftly son. Linger for a while in the spring. Slow down this mad rush to grow up. I love you just as you are.'

I didn't actually say these things. If I had, it might have actually frightened him but I thought them as I realized how short boyhood actually was. I realized that to him it was an eternity while to me it was almost ephemeral.

He lay down upon the bed once he was naked and his eyes locked with mine. "Please Dad… please."

I made him move as I placed a pillow under his sweet young butt and I leaned over him and kissed him on the lips with intense passion.

I couldn't help but recall the very first time I'd had him naked in my bed and I'd virtually bathed his body with my lips and tongue and I decided to do that again.

I wanted this to be slow, sensuous and lingering. I started with his strong young neck, which was stretched out because I'd removed the pillow from beneath his head. Nibbling and licking, I slowly worked my way down to his protruding collarbone, suckled, and worked my tongue along the two bony ridges.

Slowly, I slipped down to his tiny but pert nipples and I sucked the right one as I rolled the left; not very gently, between my thumb and forefinger.

He began to make little kitten-like noises and I lingered there basically splitting my attention from one nipple to the other before reluctantly moving down his torso and pausing to tongue bathe his navel which again drove him into a frenzy.

I paid only brief homage to his hard little nail. This was not supposed to be the center of my attention so, rather quickly, I moved onto his scrotum and then to his elevated perineum. At this point, the boy was writhing in ecstasy, but I wasn't going to let him off the hook yet. He'd asked for this and I'd decided that he was going to get it. I just loved him too much to shortchange him.

I placed my hands upon the globes of his butt and raised him further up in the air while at the same time spreading his cheeks with my thumbs and lowered my lips to his clean young crack. I slowly licked my tongue up and then down his inner sanctum.

I'd never done this with him before. His reaction was first surprise and then surprised pleasure… there is a distinction between the two.

As I firmly but gently rimed his little hole I was thinking to myself that this was certainly a significant week for Sean. Not much long after, I realized that it was a significant week for me as well. I'd been worried about the idea of finally doing with Sean one of the main things I'd originally brought him home for, but I now realized this was natural and purely love. This didn't jeopardize our relationship. It actually enhanced it.

Our family was assuredly unorthodox and wouldn't be approved by a large portion of society, but I was rich enough that I didn't give a shit what society would approve of.

I rose back up onto my knees and reached for the lube. I had a fleeting thought that I wished I could figure out how to make it not so initially cold but then, I smiled and realized it would warm up very soon.

I coated my very hard cock… this boy really turned me on… then, I gently worked some into his already damp little hole. "OK Sean?" I whispered to him.

"Oh yeah Dad!" he replied softly.

My entry was slow and gentle but once I was inside, I began a slow pumping motion. I wasn't aggressive but, the boy wanted to be fucked and I intended to comply.

He was moaning before I came and I reached down to the tip of his erect little boy cock and was surprised as he came all over my hand. That was all it took and I was almost instantly cuming as I stroked slowly inside him. I'm usually a much more aggressive top, but being slow, soft and gentle with Sean just seemed so right and proper as well as wonderful.

I moved the pillow and lay down pulling him against me and into a kiss.

"It's so sad Dad," he almost murmured. "Most people don't seem to know about love like we do in our family. I love you so much I sometimes get afraid it will end. Don't never stop lovin' me Dad, please."

"I've already told you Sean, not loving you is impossible."

***

The caramel morning light was flooding the room and a little boy was wiggling upon my stomach. Blue/green eyes blazing and his smile impossible to cope with, he leaned over and rubbed his nose against mine before planting a kiss upon my lips.

"Mornin' Daddy O!"

"Daddy O?" I scowled.

He flinched at my tone but he knew me well enough. "Not good huh?"

"Most definitely not, kiddo. I'd prefer 'Eric' to 'Daddy O' but remember, I told you from the start that you can call me anything but 'Sir'. That being said, I hope I might have a say in it. So far, I've enjoyed 'Dad'."

He demurred with a bit of a blush. "Kay Dad. I'm just trying different things… I don't even know why. Is that OK?"

I crinkled my brow. "I suppose just as long as I don't wind up being 'Pops' or 'Daddy O'. Heck baby boy… 'Daddy O' might be enough for me to break all of my promises and send you back to the nest."

I saw his face and thought to myself that I'd screwed up again and I quickly grabbed his shoulders. "That was a joke Sean! You're my son. You live here. You're a part of here. PLEASE learn to understand that. You are permanent… like Portland Cement."

He looked at me so confused that I simply pulled him down and kissed him.

"You'll never get used to my strange sense of humor but that's OK. Come on, my turn for the Shower Music Game."

As I stepped under the spray with him, the programmed delay I'd placed on the music expired and the shower was filled with the sound of an acoustic guitar being brightly finger picked. I'd decided to reach back to something I fondly remembered and I suspected that he probably had never heard this song let alone this recording.

The singer's pleasant voice came in over the guitar accompaniment,

'He was a pal and a friend always
We rambled round in the hard ol' days
He never cared if I had no dough
We rambled round in the rain and snow.'

Not even halfway through the verse, Sean's eyes shot up into mine. "That's Tom Paxton! I love Tom Paxton. I didn't know you had him in this system. I kinda learned to finger pick for fun by playing along with the recordings from the nest library. His songs are not just fun to listen to, they're fun to play. This is one of my favorites… 'Ramblin' Boy'. Good choice Dad but you still ain't stumped me… 'course, I ain't stumped you yet either."

I shook my head in amazement. I couldn't help thinking that if he couldn't have been raised by his parents, a boy like Sean certainly couldn't have been raised a whole lot better than he was by the nest. It seemed to be a thriving cultural stew and its resources were apparently extraordinary. I marveled at Sean's almost impossible knowledge of music and Jack's obvious advanced acumen in marine biology, not to mention both boys' extraordinary athletic ability.

I made a mental 'note to self' to fly Ricky and Mandy up to review progress at what I privately referred to as the 'New nest".

I wasn't certain how many verses had passed but I was very aware when Sean joined in singing the chorus;

"And here's to you, my ramblin' boy
May all your ramblin' bring you joy.
And here's to you, my ramblin' boy.
May all your ramblin' bring you joy."

My heart was filled with love and amazement as I tried to hide my emotions by shampooing his silky black hair and then soaping his gloriously sweet body.

As we were drying he was wiggling in the towel and asked in his usual expectant manner, "So, what are we gonna do today Eric Arthur Tucker?" A devilish grin illuminated his sweet face. For some reason, he was playing around with what he called me. I wondered to myself if the 'teens' were kicking in this early.

I arched an eyebrow and tried so hard to look stern but that was impossible against his sweet face. "Well, Sean Michael Tucker, now that you seem to be excelling in a third sport, I think the first thing we need to do is head down to Greenwolds and make certain you've got what you need. Then, lunch… your choice of course but… we haven't been to Deegans in a while you know though, I never turn down a good Alfredo's burrito. Then of course, if you can handle it, we might make a stop at Mirreli's for some serious ice cream."

"I thought this afternoon you and I could ask Doctor Swaim to join us at the gun shed. We haven't broken any clays in a while and then, perhaps you'd like to invite some friends to spend the night. Tomorrow is Friday and we could do whatever you'd like."

"Saturday is your first team practice though I suspect it will just be a 'get to know each other as well as the coaches' and receive your schedules."

"Sunday, we can just goof off because on Monday, we're both back to work. Doctor Swaim is liberal with your time off but he's not that liberal. He'll insist that you're back in the classroom."

"How come Jack gets to sail around on a ship for four months an Professor Swaim don't complain about that but you an me go up to Alaska for three days an I'm on barely excused leave?"

I smiled because I knew he already understood the answer and was just being an almost teenager. "Because, silly Sean, believe it or not, you and I were having fun and catching fish. Jack is actually working on a scientific research project that is advancing his education. You knew that though, didn't you?"

He tried to look serious but he couldn't control the grin. He looked at me a bit askance and acknowledged, "Yeah… but sometimes it's fun to complain anyhow."

He tried to hold his serious mode but that was beyond his nature and in moments he was giggling and I pulled him to me and hugged him as I ruffled my fingers through his very damp hair.

***

"In recognition of your newest adventure, I've invented a new breakfast this morning."

Martha was looking down at us very seriously. Sean was looking at her equally serious with his mouth wide open.

"Do exactly what I tell you now." She moved into the kitchen and returned with two plates; each essentially covered with a large fluffy waffle.

Smiling, she hurried back to the kitchen and returned with two new plates. She carefully slid an egg over each of our waffles and smiling explained, "These are two perfectly poached eggs. Break the yolks and let it drip over the waffle and then, here are syrup, butter and grits in this bowl here. Let me know what you think."

I pierced the yolk of the egg on my plate and the creamy yellow oozed across the waffle. Taking up my fork, I cut a piece of the mixture and tasted it. I was nothing short of heaven.

Sean was actually way ahead of me and he was dipping small pieces of waffle into a pile of grits grinning like a Cheshire Cat. "You gotta try it this way Dad!" He was so excited.

I decided to outdo him. I dipped a few sliced into the grits to coat them and then drizzled syrup over the concoction. When I raised my first forkful to my mouth, my eyes seemed to roll back in my head it was so very good.

Sean caught on quickly and our plates were soon clean enough to look like they'd been washed.

"Mrs. Edwards! That was the BEST thing ever!" Sean was out of his seat hugging Martha who of course was beet red and beaming.

"Well I guess I can plan on serving that again. I'm going to call it the Baseball Waffle because I got the idea last night after we heard that Sean had made the team."

"B-but we can have it even if it's not baseball season right Mrs. Edwards?" Sean's look was so serious as he asked this.

She hugged his head against her and smiled. "Of course sweet heart, I just wanted to give it a name. You can have it anytime you want."

"You're so great Mrs. Edwards! I love you so much." She smiled and blushed and guided him back to the table.

"Now, you haven't finished your juice or your milk and I still want you both to have some fruit." Somehow, bowls of melon and berries had been produced and we both enjoyed ample portions though honestly, Sean ate much more fruit while I enjoyed a second cup of coffee.

***

"So, before we go into town, can I invite Rico, Charlie and Spider to spend the night?" I couldn't help but smile at the way he'd emphasized 'Rico'.

"Of course Sean. Why don't you go do that now? If you need me to speak with any of their parents, I'll be right in my study."

I must be growing up because I immediately decided it was too early for a drink… less than a year ago that wouldn't have happened.

In twenty minutes, he was bouncing through the door. "They can all come though Spider's Mom wanted to know if we could get him home cause she's gotta bring her mother to the doctor. I said we could… was that alright?"

I grinned at my super kid. "You bet that was alright so… now that you're going to have guests, you'd better go tell Mrs. Edwards and plan what you want for dinner. I'm going to tell Arlen to have the limo ready so we can go to town."

He looked at me a bit puzzled. "We're not going to take the Red Cat?"

"Not today Sean, I want to spend some time with Arlen is that OK?"

"Sure Dad. I like Arlen a lot. He's not creepy like Terry was."

"What do you mean Sean?"

"Well, Dad it's kindda hard to explain but there was always somethin' kindda creepy about Terry… anyhow, I like Arlen a lot but I never liked Terry very much."

I nodded my head and suddenly it dawned upon me that I never liked Terry very much either but I liked Arlen.

***

As we were driving into town, Sean and I were discussing what we needed to check on. I always insisted in less than formal situations that the privacy panel be down.

"Sir… Eric, if I may risk my job by interrupting your conversation… I played for the University team from my sophomore to senior year. I was pretty good. Coach said that I had a good shot at the majors before I injured my Achilles tendon and never recovered. They'll give you a year and then write you off and that's what happened to me."

"My date with the game was over in a flash. I was a lost unhappy soul until Daniel offered me this job. This place is like a family and frankly Eric, your pay and benefits package is astonishing."

"The reason I've interrupted is to let you know that I can certainly help Mister Sean with his baseball if that's something that you might be interested in."

I was stunned because I had no idea. Sometimes you look at people who work for you and have no concept that once they were on the threshold of greatness only to be foiled by a cruel twist of fate. I was both impressed and mortified.

"That would be wonderful, Arlen. Of course, you'd be compensated for anything you did in that regard."

"No offense, Sir. I wasn't looking for anything like that. I was offering to help."

"I didn't mean to offend you, Arlen. That was just my very clumsy way of saying that I take care of my close staff."

It took a moment for that to register but I saw it happen on his face when it did.

"Thank you Eric."

"No Arlen. Thank you. Perhaps you'd come into Greenwolds with us when we get there?"

"Absolutely. I'd love to." I could see in the rear-view mirror that he was smiling.

***

Baseball shoes are apparently not nearly as sophisticated or divergent as soccer shoes… 'boots' Sean corrected me once again. We quickly selected two pair for my super stud. We chose four pair of baseball pants and, because Sean thought he'd like to wear them in the old-fashioned Knickerbocker style, we threw in two more and six pair of long socks; half in white and half in red (the latter being Sean's choice.)

We selected six essentially generic practice Jerseys to match the pants and likewise, six tee shirts all of which would look decent with his pants and socks.

"You need a cap, Sean." Arlen said. "I've never seen you wear a ball cap."

"That's cause I actually don't have one Arlen." (I was shocked as I realized that was, in fact, correct.)

"Anyhow, I'll get one with my team uniform."

"Oh no, Sean. You don't wear your game cap to practice or around town. It's part of your uniform and it's place is only for official occasions. You need an everyday cap for practice and around town."

"You're right, Arlen." I said. "Come over here Sean and pick out one." Greenwolds had a complete array of MLB caps. Sean was perplexed.

"Guys, I don't know much about any of these teams. I never paid much attention to baseball cause I never played it. Which is your favorite Dad?"

"Well Sean, I never actually had a favorite team. I usually don't get involved until after the All Star Game but Walter was crazy about the St. Louis Cardinals."

Arlen gave a bit of a start and said, "It was the Cards that were scouting me before I got hurt."

"I guess I'm gonna wear a Cards cap then, huh?"

We smiled as we selected one that fit him as I insisted on a fitted cap rather than one with an adjustable back strap.

I loved looking at him in the cap.

Arlen said, "Sean, when we get back home, I'll show you how to form that cap bill into the perfect curve. The cap will only be worn in by wearing it but you can get a head start by helping to curve the bill. Flat bills are for punks, nerds and posers."

I discussed gloves with Arlen but after he learned that I'd bought Sean a pretty good glove just a bit more than a year ago, he suggested that he look at it when we got home and then wait until we learned what positions Sean was likely to be playing.

"A new glove might not be in order right now Eric."

I was about to grab some bats and Arlen stopped me again. "Wait until he's been to his first practice Eric. Bats are best chosen on a height to weight ratio but first you need to know the league limitations. Many youth leagues have restrictions that don't conform to the official Little League regulations so let's wait until we know what the league specifications are then, I'll help you guys select some bats. Sadly, they'll probably be aluminum. I understand why but I sure like the crack of leather against wood."

We did add a dozen baseballs to our cart as we moved on.

"Arlen, you've turned out to be quite a surprise. Thank you."

"No Eric, Thank you. I'm beginning to feel like my life might actually may have some purpose. I was so despondent when my baseball career disappeared before it ever had the chance to begin. "

As we passed by the section Sean hated the most, I eyed Arlen. "Two at least and I'd suggest four. Boys often forget to clean them."

Sean rolled his eyes as four jock/cup combinations were into our cart.

We left Greenwolds with bags of stuff and Sean wearing a baseball cap grinning with delight.

"Well, which will it be… Alfredos or Deegans?"

"What do you think, Arlen?" Sean asked.

"I can't answer that. I've been to Deegans and I like it a lot but I've never been to Alfredos."

"Then you just gotta have a carne assada burrito!"

I took great pleasure watching Arlen enjoy his burrito and try to look dignified at the same time. I really liked this guy and meant to compliment Daniel upon hiring him but I was also realizing that Daniel was simply amazing at his job.

As we were driving back to the estate after burdening our bellies with Mirrellis ice cream a thought occurred to me. "Arlen, where are you living now?"

"I've got a little apartment right in town not too far from the estate."

"What if I needed you say… in the middle of the night?"

"Oh, I could be there in about thirty minutes."

"I'm going to want to talk with you and Daniel tomorrow. He'll let you know when OK?"

"Yes sir. Is everything alright?"

"Better than alright Arlen. It's just going to be a talk."

I thought to myself that the new north end condos just got the second resident but I didn't want to say anything.

***

Back at the estate, the three of us were in the kitchen because Arlen said he required a coffee mug.

"There's lots of ways to do this, Sean, but believe me, this is the preferred way."

He curled the brim of Sean's new cap equally inward and stuffed it into the cup.

Smiling he said, "It will be almost perfect by morning but to truly train it, wear the cap and do this at least four more days you'll look like an expert by your first practice."

The boy was beaming. "Thanks, Arlen!"

"My pleasure, Sean."

If you want to make changes in your life, you first need to make those changes in your heart.
They may be painful at first, but if they aren't painful, they probably won't change you.

"Pull!" his young voice commanded and the clay disk swept to his right. He swung his shotgun and the flying target exploded.

Doc Swaim pounded me on the back.

"By God, the boy certainly can shoot Eric! Pretty soon it will be him alongside me and Andy."

I smiled because I realized he was right. I was a more than good shotgunner, but Sean had already surpassed me. It was all about coordination and timing and he was an instinctive athlete. His eye to body communication was magnificent. By now, he rarely missed.

We'd been shooting for about two hours and I reminded him that he had guests coming over and that a well-showered host might be more acceptable than his present persona.

His smile dazzled my world.

"Dad I love this so much."

"Sean, there seems to be nothing that you don't love but right now, go clean your gun and then we need to get you into the shower before your friends get here." Andy always insisted upon cleaning my gun and I'd long since given up protesting that. He felt it was something he should do so I let him but I'd insisted from the very beginning that Sean and Jack must clean their own guns just as I'd had to do when I was young and Andy only cleaned my father's.

Sean graced me with a grin and scampered off into the gun shed. I had no doubt that he would do a thorough job cleaning his gun because it was his and because he knew it once was Kyle's. Sean had an emotional attachment to Kyle that was beyond understanding since they'd never met… at least in this universe.

I was chatting with Doc and Andy as Sean came out of the Gun Shed smiling.

"You guys can't have a shoot off without any witnesses."

"You are certainly correct Sean. Andy and I are actually discussing what we're going to have along with the steaks we're going to grille at Fish Camp tonight."

"Fries." Sean interjected at once. "You gotta have fries."

"Thank you Sean. We'd invite you but I understand that you are entertaining company this evening."

He grinned. "Yeah Dad said I could have some of the guys over. I just wish you could come tell a story Professor. "

"Sadly, not this night Sean, but there will be others."

I looked at the big man and he and Andy exchanged glances.

"On second thought Sean, Andy and I do have some business to discuss with your father so, perhaps a story might very well occur."

The delight on the boy's face was a wonder to behold. Could there possibly be anything on this earth more beautiful than a happy Sean?

***

I suppose that I shouldn't have been surprised to learn that we were having salmon tonight and I privately couldn't wait to hear how he enthralled his guests with the tale of how the very fish they were eating had battled him so fiercely in the wild arctic waters. I wasn't so distant from boyhood that I didn't understand.

I watched them all kicking a soccer ball around and they were a fine sight.

Rico and Sean seemed to be growing up in tandem though, as always Rico seemed to be a bit meatier than Sean. He'd always been a good-looking boy but since his parents had allowed him to let his hair grow a bit longer, he was stunning with his dark Latin eyes under sweeping black bangs and a quick devilish grin.

Little Charlie was finally growing. He wasn't as large as the others were yet but he no longer looked like a ten year old. I'd always liked this boy and admired his spunk. He never stopped and he never took any crap. I wondered to myself if he and Jack still had something going.

Spider was still a bit of an enigma to me. He was a good deal taller than the other boys were and I often thought he was very introspective but, just when I'd come to that conclusion he'd do something silly and outrageous and his laugh was quick and joyful. Sean and the other boys seemed to like him immensely. As I watched them, I realized I did too.

I called them into dinner. As they ambled up the lawn, I smiled and said;

"Pool time after you eat… if you want guys."

"Oh geeze Mr. T… I forgot my swim suit." It was Charlie and I reached out and slapped his little ass.

"Charlie, you were born in your swim suit." His grin was priceless.

He giggled and the other boys smiled. There was still something a bit naughty about swimming naked and they were at the age that they liked that a lot.

Martha had poached and then lightly baked the salmon and she served it with a crisp salad, thick cut fried potatoes and broiled asparagus. Her cooking was well known among the boys by now and there was no hesitation as they dug into the meal with youthful gusto.

"Wow Sean. You truly caught this?" It was Charlie asking.

"Yeah man it was wicked excitin' stuff!"

I smiled and decided I wouldn't say a word because if the truth were told, it WAS wicked exciting stuff. I'd had an exciting time so I could hardly imagine what it had been like for a twelve-year-old boy. However, I did wonder where Sean had picked up that slang from. Kids seemed to have this underground communication system.

I also wondered privately how many boys in this country nonchalantly gobbled up asparagus like these four at my table. Should it be kudos to Martha or just youthful exuberance?

Daniel had already prepared the solarium into the 'campground' and there were snacks and drinks in abundance.

After the apple pie and ice cream, the boys looked at me intently. I knew they were waiting for permission to get to the pool. I smiled and said;

"OK but no one gets into the water until I'm there." Just as I said that Daniel came into the room.

"Sir, there's a telephone call from Sir Lionel Richards that I suspect you should take."

It was a business deal we'd been working on for a long time, and it required my personal attention.

"How well can you swim Daniel?" He was startled but replied very quickly; "Very competently sir in fact in college I earned summer money as a life guard."

"Perfect! You will always surprise me Daniel. I'll take the phone call and you go down to the pool and lifeguard. If you truly like watching naked little boys, you're in for a treat.

Boys, Daniel will be your lifeguard while I do some business. I'll see you all shortly."

They were up in a shot and racing down to the pool.

"Go Daniel, they won't wait for you." I grinned and the big man headed after the thundering herd of boys.

***

The telephone conversation ended in a most satisfactory manner and I walked down to the pool in a great mood; a twenty-minute conversation had ended in a three billion dollar deal… not a bad hourly wage.

The whoops and hollers of boy glee echoed from the door as I entered. Daniel was in the pool and energetically tossing the boys one by one over his shoulders in into the water. Their howls of glee reverberated against the walls of the mostly tiled room.

As he saw me enter, he froze.

"I-I'm sorry Eric. I got carried away. They were having so much fun and they begged me to… look, I kept my shorts on and I didn't do anything…"

"Daniel stop. You didn't do anything improper and the boys love you. They've got half an hour more and then it's out of the pool, into the showers and down to the solarium. Can you handle that?"

He grinned.

"Yes Eric, I can handle them all… a lot in a half an hour."

I smiled and left so that I could meet Doc Swaim and Andy in the library.

***

They were actually waiting for me and Doc had made them each a drink. I walked to the bar, made one for myself, and sat down with them.

"So, what did you want to talk to me about guys?"

"Eric, Andy wants to discuss something with you but he's a bit hesitant and so I agreed I'd be here."

I arched an eyebrow.

"Sure Andy what's up?"

"Well Meester Sean. I think that mabee I'm getting' too long in the tooth t' be your groundskeeper. I been grooming young Kevin fer a long time and he's certainly the man f' the job if y' don't mind my sayin' so. I'll sure miss the gun range though but, I think it might be for the best if I stepped down."

Doc Swaim gave me a sharp look and it was like a telegraph. I understood at once.

"Well Andy, I can understand you wanting to slow down, but I can't lose you entirely. Would you be willing to stay on and still be in total charge of the gun shed while giving support to Kevin? He'll need your knowledge for a long while. He can do the heavy lifting while you guide him into his new position. We'll give him the title of 'Groundskeeper' and your new title will be… (I thought quickly)… 'Shooting Master and Grounds Consultant'.

That will require some shifting around of things though… Kevin will need to move into your cottage to be near the equipment so you'll need to move into one of the new condos I'm building at the north end of the property. It will have three bedrooms so your wonderful daughter can come and stay with you whenever she'd like. Your salary won't change Andy, you're too much of a treasure to me but I do agree that it's time you slowed down and enjoyed everything you've built here.

Why don't you bring Kevin here tomorrow and we'll talk this whole thing over?"

Doc was smiling at me and so, I knew that I'd done well.

"Thank y' Eric. Yer a very kind man."

"No, thank you Andy, you have no idea how precious you are to me and, I will NEVER be able to repay you for what you did up on the hill." I leaned in and we three clinked glasses.

I was misty eyed. Things were changing. I'd lost Walter and had replaced him with three people. Now I realized that I couldn't ever actually replace Andy who seemed to be slipping away from me as well. I was slowly losing my father's team and replacing them with my own.

I made us another round and silently thought that my new team wasn't that bad though. My father would probably approve.

***

Spider had not experienced Doc Swaim's story telling but the other boys had. They sat rapt on their sleeping bags as the big man gathered them into his verbal grasp and began the story of 'Ashantigo and the twelve goblins'. I settled against the wall just as thrilled as if I were a twelve-year-old boy. Doc was so good he was mesmerizing.

He slowly worked through the story drawing each of us into it and making it all seem so real. He wove the tale and I as an adult was completely hooked. I glanced at the four boys sitting with mouths open totally in his spell.

As he spread his arms abruptly indicating the story was done, I smiled as four little boys sucked in their breath and smiled as they sank down upon their sleeping bags.

Slowly I heard little voices murmur;

"Thanks Doctor Swaim." That was great Doctor Swaim". "It was sooo cool Doctor Swaim".

Spider looked at him wide-eyed; "Doctor Swaim, that was astonishing. Thank you so much."

I lowered the lights down to dim orange and Doc, Andy and I walked down the hall to the library.

I made us each another drink and as we sat there, I smiled.

"How do you do it Doc? You're the most fantastic story teller in the world I think."

He smiled as he sipped his drink.

"Actually, the secret is to let it happen in your head just a few seconds before you say the words. You have to see it before you say it. Make sense?"

I smiled.

"No, not really but it obviously does for you."

***

I walked them to the back door and then decided not to barge into the solarium. I knew there was probably some dirty little boy stuff taking place in there but I decided to let that be private among them tonight. The boys were growing up and certainly deserved their privacy and their dignity.

I walked back down to my study and on a whim; I picked up the phone and dialed his number.

"Chris? Think you might like to make some trouble tonight?" I could hear his smile over the phone.

"Be there in fifteen minutes Eric. Just gotta pack my toothbrush."

I was waiting in the car park as his cart pulled in. I embraced him and pulled him into a very passionate kiss… Chris was the GREATEST kisser. I had my hand on his luscious athletic ass as we walked down to the elevator.

I couldn't help but wonder if Sean was already doing the same thing we were about to do but then, as we entered the bedroom I forgot about that and concentrated on what was at hand.

Chris was a great and exciting bottom a perfect match to my usually active top. We quickly collapsed into a sexual frenzy not like anything I ever did with the boys.

***

"Mmmmph. Is that coffee I smell?" He raised his very tousled head from the pillow and grinned at me through sleepy eyes.

"Yes young man, but you've got to sit up to get it."

"You're a godam slave driver Eric. You know that don't you?"

"Yeah, but you love it Chris." I smiled back at him. He beamed at me as he took his first sip of morning coffee.

"We have to shower quickly because I've got four little boys downstairs and we've got to get them organized because they've got baseball practice at eleven and since John's not here, you're elected to help."

"Baseball? I LOVE baseball! I'll be happy to help Boss. Come on, I'll turn on the stuff in your fancy assed shower."

His wonderful butt disappeared through the door to the bathroom before I even had time to appreciate looking at it.

***

Breakfast with four pre-teenaged boys was like a feeding frenzy. Martha joyfully filled their plates with eggs, bacon and pancakes, that seemed to be inhaled as soon as they were delivered. Chris and I kind of caught what we could between the eager little arms reaching out for food as it was delivered. Martha finally just waded in and made certain we had food on our plates.

"It sure would be great if were all on the same team" Rico said through mouthfuls of food.

"Yeah that would be really great. I guess we'll find out soon huh?" Sean added.

"At least we're all four triple 'A'. That's a good thing right?" Charlie piped in.

Spider looked at them with the calm countenance of a Buddhist Monk.

"We'll all be on the same team. It only makes sense that they'll keep us together. You'll see." He smiled serenely.

"Get your stuff guys. Arlen is waiting out back with the van." I said.

"Coming Chris?"

""Sure" he smiled and rose from the table. We headed out the back door and waited for the boys to grab their duffle bags.

***

Coach Lopez was quick to the chase and to the delight of everyone; they were all four on the same team. It wasn't the seven samurai but it was the 'blue curtain' plus the Spider. It felt special and I thought it was a wise choice by the coach.

He laid down the rules quickly and made it clear that he wouldn't put up with any nonsense.

"Although league rules only require them for infielders, I insist that all my boys wear cups." I glanced at Sean and he looked at me and rolled his eyes. I knew he hated them. I just tried to suppress a giggle.

"I've got pizza over there on the table and I expect before you're done eating that you'll have met each of your teammates and begin to know each other."

I nodded in appreciation because that was a good move on the coach's part even though it had cost him out of his pocket. I thought that somehow I'd figure out how to make that up to him.

As I had anticipated, this was a 'meet and greet' gathering. The first real practice would begin on Monday.

There were high fives all around as we left and it occurred to me that Sean might like to invite the team for his birthday. I decided to ask him later as we drove Spider home. The kid was really clever and fun. I really was beginning to like him a lot. Truth be told though, I liked all of Sean's friends.

"See ya Monday," Sean said as the tall lanky boy exited the limo. He smiled and said "Yeah Sean, we gotta team don't we?"

Sean smiled back and said: "Yeah we do Spider."

Sean turned to me as we drove back to the estate and suddenly he was grasping my hand. His eyes were wet and glassy and suddenly large tears pooled over and down his cheeks.

"W-Walter sure loved baseball Dad. I bet he'd of loved this." He shook his head and sort of squeaked as he rubbed his eyes.

"I sure miss him Dad. I really like Daniel but I sure miss Walter."

I fought to hold back my own tears as I squeezed his little hand.

"We all miss him Sean but I believe he'll be watching you play baseball and enjoying every second of it." He gave me a moist-eyed smile as I dried his cheeks with a tissue. He leaned against me and whispered;

"Thanks Dad. I wanna email Jack an tell him we're all on the same team an then, after dinner, want to start a new game of chess?"

"That works for me little man, then, if you want, you can cuddle with me in my bed. Cuddling only though." I tickled his ribs. He giggle and squirmed and the looked back up at me;

"Kay."

***

Sunday morning after breakfast, I sent Sean off to work on some projects Doc Swaim had assigned to him while I moved down to the study to meet with Andy and Kevin. I was surprised as they walked in. Andy was just good old Andy but the youngish man with him was not at all what I'd been expecting.

About six feet [1.80 m] tall and built like an NFL Quarterback, Kevin moved with grace and confidence. His face was set in a determined fashion and I supposed that he knew something of importance was about to happen. If we'd ever met before, I didn't remember it though he most certainly would have I supposed. I was still terrible about all but my close-knit personal staff.

He was wearing a tan blazer and a nicely knotted blue and green necktie.

I motioned them to chairs and asked;

"It's early but would you like a drink?"

"Wouldn't mind a taste." Andy grinned.

"Certainly Mr. Tucker. Bourbon if you have some."

I grinned thinking of the game Doc and I played with each other.

"Bourbon or Kentucky whiskey?"

He grinned back.

"Well, truth be told, a bit of 'Jack and water' would be perfect."

I smiled and after building them their drinks, I settled into a chair across from them.

"Kevin, I'm sorry that you felt like you needed to dress for this meeting, it's intended to be informal."

He seemed startled by that and then realized what I was saying.

"Oh, no Mr. Tucker. No offense Sir, but after this meeting I'm picking up my fiancé and we're going to church."

For some reason, that statement made me glance at the drink in his hand and he gave me a devilish grin. He raised his glass and said;

"We're Lutherans so this is OK."

I smiled back at him.

"Well then Kevin, let's get down to the chase and get you off to church.

"I'm going to need Andy to be more and more available for me at the gun shed so I'm promoting him to a new position in order to take advantage of all of his special talents. That will leave a vacancy in the position of Head Groundskeeper and Andy assures me that you're the guy for the job.

"Andy's word is all I need as far as that goes so; we're meeting this morning so that he and I can offer this position to you.

"I know that you've sort of been training in this direction for a while therefore; I expect you can hit the ground running.

"I'm used to excellence on this estate while at the same time keeping so much of the property in a rather natural state. That's why having someone like you who is used to the property is a very advantageous thing because I suspect you can take right over.

"It will mean some changes in your life however. I'll expect you to move in and live on the property. Andy will be moving out of his cottage in about six months when his new condominium is finished. Now that I know that you're engaged, I'll have his cottage completely renovated so that it's like a new building and I'll expect you to move in there. I need my Head Groundskeeper to be in the heart of things. The cottage has only two bedrooms now, but we can certainly put on an addition since I suspect you and your lady are thinking about a family. One of the advantages of this Kevin is that I don't charge my key employees any rent. As one of my full-time employees, you already benefit from our excellent health care coverage so that won't change but what will change is your compensation."

I handed him the sheet that I'd prepared last night indicating his salary bonus and retirement package. He began reading it and his face turned white.

"A-are you serious Mr. Tucker?"

"Certainly I'm serious Kevin. I trust you with my estate. Don't you think you should be properly compensated for that?"

His eyes grew moist and I was afraid he might cry.

I stood up and slapped his shoulder.

"Kevin, face it you're up to this job and you've earned it. Andy believes in you and therefore so do I. Take that offer with you and discuss it with your lady after church let me know when the two of you make a decision. Bear in mind that Andy can't move for at least six months and then it will probably be another six months before the cottage is ready for you so you won't be moving onto the property for almost a year… that will be a lot of early commuting for you Kevin but in the end, I believe it will be worth it. However, I should tell you that if you do accept the job, I'll assume your current rent until we can bring you within the walls."

He stood up obviously shaken to the bone.

"Thank you Mr. Tucker. I'll talk to Grace and I'll get back to you tomorrow. I appreciate this offer Sir."

I grasped his firm hand.

"I forgot to tell you the other requirement of the Job Kevin. If you take it, you have to learn to call me Eric."

I was so afraid he was going to cry that I slapped him on the back and said;

"Go get your lady to Church Kevin." He smiled and stepped out the door and I realized that he was completely lost.

"Better help him out of here Andy." I said to the dear old Welshman.

"Aye. Love an success are a heady combination Meester Eric."

I thought to myself that that was well done. Based upon first impressions decided that Kevin was a good choice for the job.

I drained the dregs of my drink and considered that next week was Memorial Day. I'd better get to work planning the party for my key staff and a few friends.

The first thing I did was pick up the phone.

"Ricky? Eric here. I need to have you and Mandy fly up here because I have some things I want to discuss. I'll have a car pick you up on Thursday and we'll fly you up and plan on staying until Tuesday OK?" With that done, I called Daniel in and outlined what I wanted done.

"Consider it accomplished Eric." His smile as always was infectious.

I decided to go find my little boy. Both of us were finished working for today and we were going to have some fun.

***

I found him in his room busy over his computer. I walked up behind him and placed my hands on his slender shoulders. He turned his head and grinned up at me.

"I knew you were there."

I kissed the top of his head.

"Are you close to finishing?"

"Yeah, just a second actually." He frantically typed some stuff and I realized that I couldn't do that. Kids today were remarkable with electronic 'stuff' and I felt like a doofus.

He turned and smiled.

"Ready!"

He jumped up from his chair and hugged me and asked;

"What do you want to do?"

"Well, I remembered that there is a great running track around the pond in the park downtown. It's about a quarter of a mile [400 m] each lap. I thought you and I could run at least a mile [1600 m] and then, take a drive to the strawberry fields. They let you pick your own and I suspect Mrs. Edwards could make good use of some fresh strawberries while you and I probably could at the same time.

By then we'll probably be ready for the pool and then dinner and bed… cuddling only."

He gave me an almost wicked little grin and said;

"Dad…"

"Nope, I'm not kidding. Cuddling or you're in your own bed."

"Kay, you meanie." He hip bumped me.

"Let's get on our running shorts and hit the road."

He actually slapped my butt and exclaimed; "Off we go Daddy-O"

I just shook my head. Life was getting complicated.

Chapter 9

Life is actually all about change.

The trick is to not fight against the new stuff but to stop clinging on to the old.
If the new things don't challenge you, then they will never change you.
Life doesn't get better by accident.
Life gets better through change.

I'd forgotten to set up the meeting with Arlen and Daniel and so, I made that a priority in the morning.

We met in my study and we sipped coffee, as I got right down to business.

"Arlen, we need a trusted utility man on our staff and to tell you the truth, you've been actually doing the job. I need a man who can competently serve as Daniel's assistant and as John's assistant. You've certainly shown your ability behind the wheel and Daniel assures me that he feels that with some training, you could certainly become his back up in managing the household so I'd like to formally offer you that position.

"The actual title will be 'House Steward' and you'll work under Daniel except when John requires you. You'll answer to me and then Daniel and then John. Your duties will be diverse but not very strenuous. You'll be expected to be able to take up either John or Daniel's jobs in an emergency so you need to learn a lot especially from Daniel. I'll need you to live on the estate and so, when the north condos are ready in about six months, I want you to move into one.

"You will live rent free as long as you remain in my employ. Until then, I'll take over the rent on your apartment in town. Here is my proposed compensation package." I handed him the paper I'd prepared last night and as he read it, his eyes grew wide as saucers.

"Is-is this really serious?"

"Do I look like I'm kidding? I expect the best and I pay for the best. We think you're the best Arlen and we want you on board." Daniel clapped a hand on his shoulder and smiled at him as he literally shook in surprise.

"I had my eye on you from the beginning Arlen and I knew you were the guy for this job."

"Well, I'm certainly shocked but you both gotta know that I won't let you down."

I smiled. Two new promotions in two days and I was happy with both of them. I also thought to myself that I was populating the condos rather quickly.

"Hey, Arlen Sean's got baseball practice tomorrow you'll be driving but mostly watching OK?"

He grinned.

"OK Eric. Trust me on that."

As I was doing some paperwork, which of course wasn't 'paper' work but rather computer work, I sensed someone at the door to my study.

"Eric, Mr. Kevin wishes to see you."

"Certainly Daniel, please bring him in."

The good-looking young man entered accompanied by an equally good-looking young woman.

"Mr. Eric, this is Grace my fiancé and we both wanted to thank you for this wonderful opportunity and to tell you that I accept this offer and I promise you that I'll do whatever it takes to keep this property magnificent ."

"Thank you Kevin, I'm so pleased. Hello Grace, I'm happy to meet you. In about ten months, we'll have a nice home ready for you in fact; I want you to meet with the architect before we get started on the renovations. Therefore, you can have some input.

"Now I must tell you that next weekend I'm having a Memorial Day pool party and Barbeque and as key members of my staff you are invited. I hope you can be there so that I can officially introduce you and announce the changes we've discussed."

They smiled.

"Thanks Mr. Eric."

I grinned.

"That's an Andy thing Kevin. You have to lose the 'Mr." part OK?"

They left smiling arm in arm.

***

Chris really wanted to go to baseball practice however, there was some serious stuff going on and he couldn't leave. Uncle Phil was making him do all of the heavy lifting to prepare him for when he was in complete control. He wasn't here to play; ultimately, he was here to work.

Arlen and I watched from behind the fence.

"We gotta work on his swing." Arlen said as we watched Sean take batting practice. "He's too tight into his body and too open with his arms. He's not setting his feet right. I can fix all that quick."

As Sean played the various positions in the field, Arlen expressed his approval.

"Sean… man he can play any position out there. He's that quick and that good. We just gotta work on his batting and he'll be a star Eric."

I grinned and said; "On top of all of that Arlen, thanks to you, Sean has the best cap curl of any kid on the team. He grinned and we slapped a high five.

Coach gathered the team around him and they talked for about twenty minutes before a massive high five and they dispersed.

Sean walked up to us with a smile on his face.

"Coach says I'm a starter! I'll be playing first base and center field. Spider is going to pitch and play left field, Charlie is going to be shortstop and Rico is catcher and playing right field.

I could see Rico as a catcher. The boy was sturdy and determined. He would do well. Charlie as shortstop was a no brainer… his speed and aggressive agility would make him a threat to any grounders.

At the end of practice, Spider came up to me.

"Mr. T do you think you could give me a ride home? My Granma is very sick and my Mom's with her and sometimes she's late picking me up from stuff. If you could give me a ride, I could call her and tell her not to worry."

"Sure Spider. Call her right now and tell her to stay with your grandmother." I then had a thought."Spider call your Mom and let me talk to her."

After he'd spoken briefly with his mother, he handed me the phone.

"Hello Mrs. Williams I'm Eric Tucker and 'Spider' … excuse me Brian is on my son's team He's been to my home for an overnight already and I understand that you have a medical problem with your mother. I was wondering if it would help you if he stayed with us for a while. We most certainly have room and he'd be no burden and if that would help you I'd be happy for that."

She was crying as she explained that her mother was in hospice and dying and she wanted to be near her as much as she could. I told her that I understood and wished I'd been able to do that with my parents. She accepted my offer and so I gave the phone back to Spider and he talked with his mom and then smiled at me.

"Guess I'm coming home with you guys."

"Well first we're going by your house so you can pack up some clothes then there's your school schedule to figure out. As you know, Sean is Home Schooled by Professor Swaim. I have to see if you can transfer into that for the short time remaining of the school year. Either way, there's no school for you tomorrow Spider. He grinned and said; "Awww what a shame." I couldn't help it; I pulled him into a hug.

"If it works out young man, you've got class with Professor Swaim."

***

Doc, thanks to his credentials was able to set things up so that Spider could finish the school year under his tutelage and so the boy moved into Jack's room while his mother dealt with her own mother's terminal condition. I knew that Jack wouldn't mind and I wanted the kid to be nearby in case of any problem.

Somehow, it just seemed normal to have two hungry boys at the breakfast table and Martha was in her glory dishing out French toast as well as bowls of fruit.

"This is wonderful Mrs. Edwards." The tall boy exclaimed. "Thank you."

"You're very welcome Brian." Martha smiled down at him.

"Come on boys, I'll walk you down to the classroom." They gave Martha her hugs and we walked outside down the building to the North Wing. We parted at the first floor and I gave both boys hugs. Spider had somewhat just melded into our family traditions I suspected because he had no father, he craved male attention and there certainly was a lot of that in our house.

Barry was staffing the control monitor this morning and he smiled as I walked in.

"Morning Eric. The coffee is fresh I made it myself."

I nodded and moved over and poured myself a cup and sat down next to him.

"Anything going on that I need to know about?"

"Not unless you're planning on taking a trip to Eastern Europe or the Middle East Eric. That was just a joke by the way… you aren't… are you?"

I patted his shoulder.

"No, Barry at least not this year." He grinned up at me.

"I'm looking forward to the party Eric. Thanks for inviting me."

"I'm happy that you're coming Barry. I just wish I'd thought of doing this when Walter was alive."

"I believe he'll be there enjoying it with us Eric."

I gulped and nodded.

Back in my study, I had my weekly meeting with Uncle Phil and Chris. They complimented me on closing the UK deal and bringing three Billion dollars into the mix.

"Based on my calculations, that deal may be worth about fourteen million more than we'd originally anticipated." Chris said "Also, if we play our cards right, it's going to have an annual residual of about nine million beyond our original estimate. A pretty nice job Boss."

I smiled and stood up and said;

"See you both at the party Monday I hope."

***

I was waiting at the front entrance as Arlen pulled up with the limo. She got out first and she was as stunning as ever. If a woman could turn a gay man straight, Mandy was that woman.

She ran up to me and wrapped her arms around me while Ricky pulled his lanky frame out of the car.

"Welcome guys. I brought you up here because I want to discuss some things but also because I wanted you at my Memorial Day Party so think of this as a working vacation.

Mandy gave me an earth-stopping smile.

"Eric, you're the best boss in the world."

"Of course, you both know that Walter is gone. This is Daniel, he'll take you up to your room, and he'll see to your every need. The pool is opened the water is swimmable by now although the official opening isn't until Monday. I'll see you at lunch on the wildflower patio."

Mandy rewarded me with a sweet kiss before they then followed Daniel into the house.

That night, it was a wonderful diner in the big dining room. Martha had made osso buco; Veal shanks cooked in the Milanese style; braised with tomatoes, carrots and assorted other vegetables.

She served it with risotto and a great salad with her own special Italian dressing along with garlic bread.

I passed around the wonderful Bordeaux I'd opened. Sean declined but interestingly, Spider accepted a glass.

After dinner, we all moved to the parlor and Sean entertained us for about an hour with his guitar. I glowed with pride and pleasure. He and Mandy sang three duets that were obviously impromptu but sounded as if they'd been rehearsed extensively.

As everyone left, and he was putting his guitar into its case he said to me;

"Do you think me an Spider could sleep with you tonight?"

"Spider, Sean?"

"Yeah, Dad: He's scared about his Grandma and he's scared to be alone from his Mom… he sure could use some Dad time."

He smiled as he said that.

"Does he know we sleep naked?"

"Yeah I already told him."

"There will be no fooling around of any type?"

Sean gave me a serious look.

"Course not Dad. That's not what this is about."

"OK then, meet you upstairs."

***

They were waiting in my bedroom; Sean in his boxer briefs and Spider in his white briefs.

"So, jump into bed guys" I said trying to sound casual. Sean shucked off his unders and jumped onto the bed. I turned to Spider and said;

"If you'd be more comfortable keeping them on, then by all means do that. In this house no one does anything that makes them uncomfortable."

He gave me a nervous grin.

"It's only just I never have done it before even alone. I've never slept naked. I think though it might be fun." He smiled and pulled down his underpants and climbed into bed with Sean.

I turned down the lights and got undressed and got into bed.

After a short while, I realized that Spider was hugging on to me as much as Sean was. The boy was certainly starved for male attention.

I was in the middle of a bed of boys and that was fine with me. I gave into sleep quickly.

***

As the honey- colored morning light crept into the room, I awoke to the realization there was a boy sleeping on each side of me each with his head using my shoulder as a pillow, each with an arm across my chest and each with a leg thrown across my legs. Sean was breathing softly making his usual almost snoring noises and Spider was decidedly snoring… not loudly but snoring none-the-less.

I had to pee badly so I decided to risk waking them up by slowly extracting myself out from under them. As I moved carefully, Spider rolled onto his side. As he did so, he emitted a sharp audible little fart.

"Scuze me." He muttered still three quarters asleep. I smiled as I made my way to the foot of the bed and then stepped off onto the floor.

After I'd pissed, I made myself a small pot of coffee and tried to decide if I should shower by myself and let the boys sleep.

I made the decision to shave and see what happened and as I was working up the lather in my mug, Spider walked into the room.

He smiled a bit sheepishly.

"Good morning Mr. T. Can I use the toilet?"

"Of course. " I replied casually but when he walked over and sat down, I realized that he needed to USE the toilet. I've always maintained that shitting is the only time in a person's life that he requires (and should be granted) total privacy. It's a body function that shouldn't be shared with other people.

"I'll leave you alone Spider. Sean and I usually shower together and you're welcomed to join us or, if you choose, you can shower alone. There's a great shower in Jack's room where all your stuff is. Whatever you decide will be fine but, you certainly need some privacy right now."

He smiled and I left to drink my coffee and see when my favorite little lazybones might decide to stir.

It didn't take long and soon he was stretching and smiling at me while yawing at the same time. Those were some damned cute facial contortions.

"Morning Dad! Where's my kiss?" I quickly leaned over and presented the requested smooch.

"Where's Spider?"

"He had to use the toilet." Sean nodded understanding the required privacy for that activity.

"Can I try a sip of your coffee?"

I was shocked.

"Why Sean?"

"Cause I think I should be learning about drinkin' grown-up stuff."

I nodded because I couldn't find any fault in that logic.

"OK son but I don't think you'll like it the way I drink it. See, I drink it black and that's a taste you rather have to learn to enjoy. Here, take a sip." He accepted my cup, took a mouthful and his face crinkled up.

"Ewwww Dad! That's awful! How can you drink that?"

"I warned you Sport. Now, most people drink their coffee with milk or cream and some sugar. It tastes very different then. Want to try?"

"Yeah, OK."

I walked into the kitchenette and poured a mug about three quarters full of coffee stirred in two teaspoons of sugar and then filled the mug with milk.

"Try it this way."

He raised the mug to his lips, took a sip and smiled. He took a second sip and then a third.

"This is better Dad. This is good. It doesn't taste like nothin' I've ever had before, but I like it. It's nice. This is cool, from now on; we can begin our day enjoyin' our morning coffee together huh?"

He was so adorable that he made my heart hurt sometimes.

"Yep, I guess we can my little man."

He grinned and sipped from his mug. My boy was slowly but surely growing up on me.

The tall boy emerged from the bathroom. He seemed comfortable with his nakedness and so I decided that there should be no comment about it unless he decided to say something.

"Last night was so neat. I slept so well. Thanks."

I didn't know which of us he was talking to so I just smiled.

"Will it be OK if I shower with you guys?" He asked rather timidly.

"Course Spider, but I gotta pee first! Thanks for the coffee Dad!" He bounded into the bathroom.

"He's always so 'up' isn't he? That's what I like about Sean. I'm so glad that he's become my friend. I'm sad a lot. My Dad's dead just when I really need him the most, my Granma's dying and my Mom is so sad and so busy trying to do everything and I feel like a stupid kid not doing anything but playing games and making her life more complicated."

I hugged him to me oblivious of the fact that we were both naked. I rubbed my hand down his back as I held him close.

"I know what it's like to be sad Brian. I lost my entire family in one horrible car accident; my father, my mother and my wonderful kid brother who I loved so much. The pain and the sadness almost drove me crazy but I eventually found reasons to live and to enjoy life again.

"Your wonderful mother is doing what she needs to do. Death is a part of life Brian, you can't escape it and you can't run away from it but you know that don't you? Your Grandma is moving on to the next level whatever that is and your Mom needs to be with her to help her with that passage.

"Until that happens, you'll stay with us so your Mom can concentrate on the task.

"When it's over, you'll be standing by her side; her tall strong son to help her through her grief and she'll have it and she'll need you.

"You're not a stupid kid and you'll be there for her when she needs you the most. Trust me… I know this about you.

"Also trust me that when everything is over, you'll laugh again, you'll be happy again, and life will become a wonderful adventure again. There's always more sunshine than there is rain Brian honest."

He buried his face into my chest and cried. He cried. It was as if he was crying for the first time he'd cried in his life. His body shook and his chest heaved and he wailed.

Sean came hurrying out of the bathroom and I silently motioned him to go back in.

He finally slowed down to a few soft sobs and he pulled back from my chest.

"I'm sooo sorry Mr. Tucker. I-I j-just…"

"Don't be sorry and don't think you did anything wrong. I promise you that everything I said was true. By the way, you don't 'just play games', you are like Sean, you excel at them and don't you think that brings joy into your mother's life?"

"Yeah, I guess."

"Come on Brian, let's go shower and then have breakfast."

"Thanks Mr. T."

"I'm here anytime you need me Brian I truly mean that."

He was amazed as he stepped into the shower with us. It really was fantastic and I never took it for granted. He recovered from his morning shyness and we had some semi-erotic fun lathering each other up and then rinsing each other off.

***

At breakfast, I suggested that Spider might enjoy some time at the gun shed and he seemed enthusiastic about it. I called up to Andy and told him Sean and Spider were coming up later and asked if he could outfit the boy with a gun. He was almost as tall as Jack so I suspected one of the gun's Jack had used before I gave him his own should work. I asked him to work his 'Andy Magic' and that me, Chris and Doc Swaim would join them this afternoon for a clay-breaking festival.

Sean and Spider had taken off on a red kitty tour of the estate and I was looking over a report from Richard when there was a soft tap on the door. I looked up and it was Gary.

"Word has to the manor come that you're planning on slaughtering some clay Frisbees this afternoon. Might there be room for two more? Bobby and I have our own guns so it would certainly be fun."

I smiled.

"You bet Gary. The more the merrier and we could almost make this a tournament except with Doc, Andy and now Sean… the rest of us will look like pikers."

He grinned as he walked to the bar. He was comfortable here and I was glad of that. I remembered the terrified protective man he'd been when I'd first met him. He was now happy loose and exuded joy.

"Oh we'll ignore those divas and have our own private shoot out eh? How's your drink?"

I raised my almost empty tumbler and he took it and fixed it up. I really liked the fact that Gary drank what I drank which was becoming a rare thing in my inner circle.

He sat down and I could tell he wanted to talk about something. I smiled and said;

"Drop the other shoe Gary."

He nodded and said;

"Doctor Swaim has told Bobby and me that he could easily apply for early admission to the University next year. Call me selfish, but I want him with me as long as I can keep him. What do you think I should do?"

"Well Gary, Doc Swaim is the consummate educator and that's foremost in his mind especially with boys under his charge but, let's be realistic here. Whatever degree Bobby earns will just be for his own satisfaction. With your fortune, he'll never really have to work a day in his life. What he does with himself will hopefully be something useful to the world and unselfish.

I'd tell Bobby and Doc Swaim that you'd prefer that he enter the university with his proper age level frankly Gary, if you asked him… I think that's what Bobby would say.

Look at my family… the old wizard has Jack off on a four-month sea adventure. I can't be mad at him but like you, I really want my boys with me as long as they're boys."

He smiled and tipped his glass.

"You have no idea how wise you are Eric."

"I suspect that it's more instinctive Gary."

***

I had a rather intense late morning meeting with Ricky and Mandy. I explained the almost epiphany I'd had about the excellence of nest raised boys and stressed that I wanted to continue in that direction.

Ricky pointed out that the phenomenon was due to a large extent by the quality of the raw product. These were children plucked from very selective families with marvelous genes and DNA and then subjected to a disciplined highly effective education. They were almost guaranteed to succeed.

"Now that we're not whoring them out Eric, we can probably even improve the mix because the children won't have to also be selected for potential good looks as well.

In a few years, the campus may not be dominated with so many beautiful boys but it should be filled with even brighter boys.

The modified 'Special Training' will slowly be phased out while the new 'Special Training' will be phased in as the age of the boys shift.. We've got to deal with the boys that were involved in the 'Whore Boy" practice and nurture them into graduation and we're trying to do that by essentially letting them know that those things are over and there are now other things for them to do. We've decided to subtly encourage them to remain sexually active with each other because, that's what they were trained to do.

We've got many important programs for the younger kids as they move up including apprenticeships and lots of training in your Skuggor program though I don't fully understand what that is." He grinned because I know he most certainly knew all about the Skuggor.

"Doctor Scott and Taylor are invaluable to me as is Mandy by the way… though she's not officially employed.

"That's another reason that I wanted you guys up here. I realize what an error that is and want to correct it.

Mandy, I'm offering you the position as one of the 'Assistant Directors' here's what I had in mind for compensation." I offered her a paper I'd prepared for her.

She read it and whooped.

"Really? Eric… you crazy man!… I'd have done this for free but THIS… THIS… Whoo Hoo!"

I grinned and said; "So I take it that you accept the job?"

She jumped up and grabbed the back of my head.

"Give me a big kiss sweet boss man."

I'm not into women but it certainly was a dammed great kiss. Even my very gay soul realized that Mandy was a very sexy woman. Ricky was a very lucky man.

"So, when are you two going to do the deed? You're both financially stable enough now and your future looks terribly bright."

He smiled and took her hand.

"We talked about that as we were flying up here. She wants to be a 'December Bride' so; I guess we're going to work on early December."

"Have you told your parents yet?"

She looked a little sad as she said;

"All I've got is my Mom. Prostate cancer took Dad two years ago. Ricky's parents are thrilled we're getting married but we haven't set an exact date so we haven't said anything yet. It'll be a small ceremony though 'Ricky Catholic School' here wants it to be in a church. I'm ambivalent so, I guess I'll go along with what my Latino Hunk here wants."

I noticed Ricky was blushing but he was grinning as well.

"If we didn't get married by a Catholic Priest, my Mom would think we weren't really married and that we were living in sin. It's not a big thing and I actually think a church wedding would please Mandy's Mother as well."

"Keep me informed of your plans guys. I'd like to pay for the reception if you'd let me."

"Eric, we couldn't let you do that! You've done way too much for us already."

I gave her a sort of melancholy smile.

"I'd like to do it in your father's name and memory. I lost both my parents and I miss them dearly especially on special occasions. Your father would have done whatever was required to 'get you properly married' and I'd like to do that for him not you. He's been gypped out of walking you down the aisle."

She stood up and threw her arms around my neck.

"Eric, if I stay in this room with you for one more minute, I'm going to cry like a baby." She kissed me and ran out of the room.

I realized I was the one blushing now so I smiled sheepishly at Ricky.

"I suppose we're done for the moment. Go have fun."

***

The popping of shotguns pierced the air as Chris drove our cart into the Gun Shed lot. Andy was guiding Spider and his gun and whispering his magic into the boy's ear. Gary and Bobby were standing to the side and almost moments later, Doc's cart pulled in.

Andy smiled at me and patted Spider on the shoulder.

"The boy'll do fine Eric and Jack's old gun is joost fine fer him w' his long arms. He'll not be embarrassed this afternoon.

"Now, even w' me shooting, we don't have enough for two full stations of five so let's do two sets of four we'll start from station one and move til' each group is through each position. Master Sean, you go in the first group and I'll work the trap then I'll go in the second group and you work the switch. Is that alright?"

Sean grinned.

"Sounds fair to me Andy!"

We decided that Doc and Andy couldn't be in the same group so; we split up in such a way that I was in the group with Doc, Spider and Gary. Sean was with Andy, Chris and Bobby. Therefore, it turned out that we'd have Spider work the button for the second group.

We were first so, we took our positions on one and two and four and five. As we completed our rotation, we'd all take a shot from number three before the round was over.

I was in position one so I called 'pull' first. The target glided sleekly to my left and I swung my barrel and fired. It exploded. I smiled to myself as I'd really hit it clean.

Spider was next to me and he called 'pull' without hesitation. His bird came out flying to his right he swung and fired and my heart was delighted as I watched it vaporize.

"Way to go Brian!" I patted his shoulder and his smile of delight was priceless.

Doc was next and there was no surprise that his shot was clean and true.

Gary called for the target and nailed it before it was hardly out of the trap. I wondered if that was luck or skill but it certainly was impressive.

We moved to the right with Gary walking down to position one.

I nailed my second bird, Spider missed but not by much, Doc destroyed his and Gary missed.

This continued until we'd each fired from all five positions. In the end, I'd hit four out of five, Spider had a respectable three out of five, Doc of course had five and Gary, like me had four.

As the others took up their stations, I smiled as I realized Brian was loving this as much as Sean already did. I so wanted to bring some happiness into this boy's life. You can't save the whole world but you can save parts of it.

To my surprise, at the end of their rotation Sean had actually missed one. Andy had hit all five and Bobby had hit three out of five. These were respectable rounds.

We shot five more rotations and then I decided to call a halt. I was particularly conscious of what Spider's 'virgin' shoulder was going to feel like tonight.

"Let's go in and clean our guns guys."

"Nah. T'day I'm cleanin' everyone's gun b'cause I want the chance to examine them and make sure they're not needin' any maintenance."

"Well Bobby and I will certainly clean ours Andy," Gary said.

"Nah Mr. Gary. I think I know these things better than you do. Fact is, y' should begin leavin' your guns here so's I can help you look out f' them."

Gary looked at me and I smiled.

"You should do what he says Gary, he's the Lord of the Gun Shed."

Doc Swaim smiled and said;

"I'll stay here to assist because Andy claims he's going to cook me an outrageous gumbo for dinner. I just have to experience this. Can you imagine a Welshman cooking gumbo?"

I think Andy was almost smiling as he said;

"It's m' daughter's recipe. She taught it to me and it's pretty all right."

***

I suppose I wasn't surprised to find them both sitting on my bed when I came up that night. Sean was grinning and Spider looked very apprehensive. I decided to play it for humor.

"Oh no, not again! Do I have to share my gentle slumber with two stinky noisy boys?"

Spider got a stricken look on his face.

"Oh, Mr. T! I'm sorry. I know I farted in the bed this morning but I…"

I grinned at him and rubbed his arm.

"Yeah you did Brian. I wasn't sure if you were aware of that because you were more asleep than awake but, see… the 'stinky little boy' thing is a private joke between Sean and me it has nothing to do with farts. Everything that lives farts. Hell, if we didn't fart we'd all probably blow up at some point.

However, you both snore so if at some point you find yourselves kicked out of bed you'll know why."

Sean grinned and said;

"Dad… truth is told; you put on a concert sometimes too."

I tickled his ribs and said;

"Liar liar pants on fire!"

He giggled and twisted around.

"Na Uh!"

"Uh huh. Now boys, especially you Brian, take off your shirts so that I can see your shoulders. We did an awful lot of shooting today and I expect that you're both bruised."

As I suspected, they were both very colorful. I expected my shoulder was a sight to see as well but I was concerned about the boys.

I let out a whistle.

"Wow! You're both works of art. I'm going to fill the tub with hot water. I want you both to soak your selves and then I'll apply some cream before we sleep. By the way, in the bathroom, you might want to look at yourselves and enjoy your black and blue badges of honor."

They followed me into the bathroom and I started the tub adjusting the water to a rather hot temperature. I looked over my shoulder and they were both admiring their bruises in the mirror. Little boys always were proud of their cuts scars and bruises. I had to smile.

"OK in you go and slide down so that your shoulders are under water. I'm turning on the jets and I want you to soak for fifteen minutes. Then I'll apply cream to your shoulders and you should both be feeling fine by the morning."

I smiled to myself because Brian stripped down without hesitation this time and climbed into the big tub opposite Sean. I turned on the bubbles and both boys let themselves slip down until just their chins were above the surface. They soon both had large smiles on their faces.

"I'm going to make you some hot chocolate. In the meantime enjoy the bubbles."

As I was returning to the bathroom with two mugs in my hand I happened to overhear them talking before I was actually in the room.

"Dude, you're the luckiest guy in the world. I just wish I had a Dad but man… to have a Dad like yours… I'd give anything for that."

"Spider, Dad and me chose each other. It's a long and complicated story and I'll prolly tell it to you some time but I love him more than anything in the world and I think he loves me the same."

"Yeah he does Sean. It's so obvious. I'm so jealous. I like to think my Dad woulda loved me like that but I was only six when he died so… sometimes I think I remember him but I can't really be sure. It may just be my imagination you know. I was really little an' it was a long time ago. Mom and me we get along and I love her so much. She does everything for me and she works so hard. It makes me sad that she has to work so hard and now it looks like my Granma is dying. Mom is trying to hide that from me but I know what's going on and I wish I could help.

"Your Dad told me that I'll help later after Granma… after and then I'll be strong for Mom and I think your Dad's right. I will be strong and I'll help her then."

I decided to enter the bathroom.

"Beer for my horses and hot chocolate for my men!" I exclaimed announcing my entrance. They of course, didn't appreciate my skewed country music reference.

They sat up, each accepted a mug, and after a sip, I received two smiles of appreciation.

"Thanks Mr. Tucker."

"You are very welcome Brian."

"Dad, you're the best."

"You better know it champ."

Later, I had them side by side on the bed. Two spectacular naked examples of youth and I rubbed soothing lotion onto their bruised little shoulders.

"Things should feel better in the morning boys after a good night's sleep." I leaned over, kissed Sean, and began to leave the room.

"Uhhhm. Do you think I could get a goodnight kiss too?"

"Of course Brian I just wasn't sure what you were comfortable with."

I leaned down and kissed him and as I rose up, I noticed he was smiling.

"I'll be up in a couple of hours because I've got some stuff to do. You guys sleep well and leave some room in the bed for me."

They were giggling as I left the room.

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